Q&A: Max Drazen Talks Recent Singles, Influences, Visuals & More

Q&AMusic

Oct 24

☆ BY Amethyst Cody ☆

MAX DRAZEN IS THE NEWEST FACE OF POP ON THE BLOCK — Easing into the music scene with a comforting pop-centered sound, the Connecticut native is a talent to watch out for. Gaining over a million views in just a day on TikTok for a video on his second single, “Caffeine,” there is no doubt that he is headed for the stars.

Initially moving toward a soccer career, Drazen’s gears turned when he decided to lean into his love for music and songwriting. Already gracing the world with three electric and relatable tracks, it’s hard not to beg for more. The first of the three, “Let Me Down Slow,” is an emotionally charged debut exploring holding on to a love that has ended. “Caffeine,” the second single, is another song that gives evidence to the singer's noteworthy vocals. An instant mood booster, this upbeat, percussion-based track gives back energy lost during the day. “Blurry Pictures,” released earlier this month, conveys the instant attachment and fantastical longing of a relationship with someone at first glance. Just under two minutes long, the clever lyricism paired with intuitive yet playful melodies make this song an all-day listen.

Dazen seemed to pop out of nowhere, and despite the immediate response to his first three singles, the singer-songwriter is certainly not a trend seeker. Keeping authenticity his priority, Drazen promises that what you see is what you’ll get. During his talk with Euphoria Magazine, he ensured that fame is not what he is aiming for: “I never want to make music because I think it’s what everyone will like… My goal is to make music that is personal to me that I love. The only way I care about an artist is if it feels authentic.” This refreshing, grounded talent is exactly what the pop scene needs.

Read below to learn what the singer-songwriter has been up to lately and what he has in store for future projects.

LUNA: How is this fall season treating you so far?

DRAZEN: I love the fall. I’m a Northeast boy at heart so I miss the seasons when I’m in LA. I feel like it’s harder to place memories here when I don’t have seasons to tie them to. I also own way too many sweaters that, for a lot of the year, are unusable in LA so I’m very happy it’s getting a little chillier and they can make an appearance.

LUNA: It only takes one listen of “Blurry Pictures” for it to get stuck in your head, in the best of ways. Can you share a favorite moment/memory from the creative process for this one?

DRAZEN: I wrote it with two of my close friends so there are so many fun stories from the day we wrote it. I think the most fun we have while creating is coming up with melodies. We usually freestyle with joke words or stupid voices, and it always makes me feel like a little kid in the best way possible.

LUNA: Which line or set of lyrics from “Blurry Pictures” are you most proud of?

DRAZEN: I would say I'm less proud of one individual lyric or phrase of lyrics but more so of the actual concept itself. I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to, including me!

LUNA: Your sound finds a mix of R&B, pop, and rap. Outside of musical influences, what shapes the feel of your music the most?

DRAZEN: Don’t get me wrong, I love a good ballad and I have a couple myself that I plan to release, but I much prefer sitting in the studio writing something that makes me smile and move rather than something that makes me want to cry. With that being said, sometimes I’m very down for a good cry — just has to be the appropriate occasion. Long story short, I like having fun when I create — that’s what shapes the feel.

LUNA: How would you compare the music that you’re working on now to your recent releases?

DRAZEN: I’m so excited about the stuff I’ve been making. I would say that it’s more mature, not only in the concepts and lyrics but in the production and stylistic choices. I would say it has more R&B inspiration so it’s less down-the-center pop, but I think it’s more exciting, fresh, and unique.

LUNA: I really dig the visual aesthetic you have going on, especially your style! Outside of the music itself, what creative element do you like exploring the most, whether it be the visuals, fashion, etc.?

DRAZEN: Thank you, I’m blushing! I’ve always loved fashion so that aspect is really cool. I love going thrifting and finding things that other people don’t have. I also love exploring visuals. When I write I sometimes try to imagine what the music video of the song would look like. Some of my best lyrics come from describing that image I have in my head. It's kind of all really cool and fun. I’m just excited to keep building this world of mine.

LUNA: On the live end of things, what can fans expect when they plan to see Max Drazen live in concert some day?

DRAZEN: They can expect my voice to sound the same as it does on the records, they can expect a band, a lot of energy and ups and downs. You’ll probably laugh, then cry, then refocus, then laugh, then perhaps cry again. I can’t tell you everything though — you’ll just have to experience it yourself.

LUNA: What are you dressing up as for Halloween this year?

DRAZEN: Woody from Toy Story! When I was very young I used to carry a Woody doll with me wherever I went. I don’t know why I was so obsessed with Woody and not Buzz but here we are. I still have a Woody doll in my room to this day.

LUNA: Broad one, so take it how you like: What intentions do you have for the rest of the year?

DRAZEN: My intentions are to have more fun. I think as artists now we are so focused on how to market our music that we forget that marketing our music should also be fun. I think I plan to just be freer in everything I do. Whether that’s creating content, creating music, going out with friends, etc. I think a lot of the time I put too much pressure on myself to hit deadlines I set for myself rather than just living life.

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We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫