Max Sullivan

Max Sullivan - slide show

 

I think in this way, as well as his attitude that he was going to do whatever he wanted, whether it was a folk album or grungy rock, he is who I relate to the most. I also feel the same way about Jimmy Page. He loved blues but also explored other areas, and everything he wrote was fantastic. I know a lot of bands "branch out" as they say, but it often sounds forced or phony.

I would like to play all types of music, but would never attempt anything I felt would be forced. But if I could, or if I am able to, I would explore music a lot like Jimmy Page did. That is one thing I really respect about the musicians who can pull that off.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Max: Yes. I think it's even "cool" to say you like local music, and among those people who think this way, indie musicians have some advantage. However, at the end of the day, I would guess even the indie musicians themselves would go home and put on the Rolling Stones or Nirvana. I mean, isn't that what we all want to be? I think the struggle is to prove to others that we are the indie artists that matter.

At the same time, I think that a lot of music today is over processed on the radio, and that leaves a lot of music lovers wanting more original music. They go searching for indie music, even if many who look get bored and walk away. I think that a heavy portion of listeners get their music by word of mouth nowadays. It’s a just not black and white. But yes, I do think indie music gets the respect it deserves. It is just figuring out which indie artists really matter.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business?

Max: Make it easier!!! That everyone could make millions writing songs in their basement. Hmmmm... Now there's a thought... Maybe I'll be the next YouTube sensation!

Isaac: What has been one of your biggest setbacks and how did you overcome it? What lesson did you learn about yourself?

Max: I've been fortunate, in that I have a lot of support and I have been getting paid to perform since I was 18. I think the only set back is the expense of recording my EP. It took a long time because I used a studio. I think in the music business there are constant small setbacks, like cancelled gigs, or unforeseen expenses. Connections that you think will lead to a break that doesn’t pan out. But then something amazing happens and you take a few steps forward again.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Max: Some really great stuff. One review site wrote that my song, "I Would've Never Gone", resembled Dylan in his prime. WHOA. Save that letter, huh? But I think people really like my material. I played a gig at Spike Hill in Brooklyn last month, and they really liked me there. It was a great first experience in a place where they say it’s the toughest. I was expecting a dead room with one guy in the corner yawning, cricket noises between songs, etc. Instead, it was a blast.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Max: Yes. I love music. I don't see why I would stop. It is too much fun.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Max: Ignore it. If someone doesn't like your song, you just say "well, obviously they aren't my target audience, are they?"

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Max: They are so supportive. My mother helps me get gigs! I've played in bands when I was much younger, and people in the groups would say "are you sure your mother is ok with you being out so late?" Most of the time she would be there watching me like a hawk. She expects me to become a rock star but we'll see how that plays out. She is hoping to have a small but comfortable house on a beach somewhere. So is my father. Oh, the pressure!

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Max: I have a web site maxsullivan.com/ and a Sonicbids EPK at www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=255201 which is pretty great. A lot of people say it’s a rip off but I've had really good response and got a lot of gigs. I just discovered Jango, so I'm on that now too.

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words & wisdom of thoughts...

Max: I hear tell that we musicians need to "never stop seeking our dreams" and "just keep at it." So I guess that's what I'll do. I admit, if I go nowhere by fifty, I may stop trying. But I have plenty of time till then.

Now will you all buy my cd please and click like on my Facebook page? Much appreciated!