Pop – in its raw, most essential form, is synonymous with colour. And MAX brings a Technicolour payload of sounds to the forefront.

After an absolutlely victorious 2019 during which he released a string of chart-blasting singles, the New York-born singer, actor and dancer is due to perform in Singapore next year. Ahead of the momentous day, he speaks to us about his journey in the interview below.

How has 2019 been for you?

2019 has been incredible. I'm finally dropping music for my second album and truly having one of the best years of my life. But I'm even more stoked for 2020 and to be in Singapore for the first time!
 
What are you most looking forward to about performing in Singapore?

I'm looking forward to finally bring as much energy as possible to one of the coolest places in the world. Singapore has been top of my list for a long time to visit and perform in.

Congrats on your latest hit ‘Love Me Less (feat. Quinn XCII)’. What’s the story behind it?

Well, I wrote the song as a continuation to the story of another song of mine, 'Lights Down Low', which I wrote for my now-wife and proposed to her with. 'Love Me Less' is about when my ex-girlfriend called me one day threatening to get my British wife deported from the USA. I knew that it wasn’t a real threat but it really scared my wife and the song is basically about hoping she wouldn’t love me less for my past and the baggage I brought to our relationship. Quinn is the best. He's such an amazing artist and just as amazing as a human being.

Your latest single ‘Checklist’ sounds really infectious. What is the message you’re trying to convey in this song?

You have to treat the people you love the way they deserve to be treated. Everyone has their own love language and that’s basically what 'Checklist' is about. Give me that checklist of how want to be loved and I’ll make it happen. 

Speaking of exuberance, I feel like that is the overarching similarity in your recent releases, tying in with the bright yellow that has featured in your recent visuals. What influenced this decision and what are you trying to convey?

I couldn’t speak for four months. I was trapped in my head a long time. Yellow was a symbol for hope. I wear it every day. It’s involved in every aspect of my new album. It just reminds me that things will always get better and to be positive even in the lowest moments through colour. 

You talked about the importance of “being true to who you are, wearing what you want to wear, loving who you want to love, and being accepting”. How does this influence your music?

It influences my music in every way. I try to bring that message to the stories of every song and show it with the characters I showcase in the videos. Wear the outfits in the album art and live. I just try to practice what I preach in all aspects of the music. 

What can you share with us about your upcoming sophomore album? What are you looking forward to in 2020?

I think it’s the best and most special stuff I’ve put together thus far. The most raw of emotions, the most hype of songs and stories, the most exciting album to date. I just hope the people that care and my incredible fans love it as much as I do!

The Intimate AF Tour Singapore is set to take place at Retro Gate on 18 January 2020, at 8pm. Tickets are priced at $60 and can be found here.