Kevin Max 1.9.2009

Seek (live)

KEVIN MAX – 1.03.09 by Ron Solomon

PV: Kevin, thanks so much for spending time with POPVIEWS today! What's it been? About 8 years? So, what have you been up to?

KM: Well
as you know just put out Crashing Gates, it was a nice departure from
trying to compete with what is 'accepted' in the marketplace...as you
know, i enjoy creating music without boundaries; that said, i am back
in the studio soon to complete the project, with added songs and a full
length release with dpulse/universal.I have also been working on a
novel, it has sucked at my mental energy like nothing else, but it is a
dream come true to see through the process.

PV: Last time we spoke (in interview format) you were coming out like a 45, how has the response been among the gay community?

KM: Coming
out like a 45' was more of reference to the old way of making recording
available...i had a lot of people wondering if i meant the gun as well.
As far as the Gay audience is concerned, i think they enjoy my music as
much as the Hetero's.

PV: Did you see "MILK?"

KM: I have not had the pleasure of viewing Milk yet, but intend to.

PV:
You moved from Nashville to L.A., from L.A. to Vegas,and from (i think)
Vegas to east. Nashville... Did you get the partying out of your system?

KM:
To a degree, yes. The 'partying' aspect of my life kind of dwindled
around my late 30's. When you have kids, which i started at 39, the
brakes are put on the all night rambling, real fast. There is nothing
dodgier than a father changing diapers with a hangover.

PV: What bands/artists have been inspiring you lately?

KM: Lots
of bands and artists inspire me, but not alot of current artists. That
is the tragedy of growing old, you get a bit more cynical, and can
smell the bullshit from miles away. But there are always those who
appear above the refuse...Radiohead continue to make great albums, and
continue to change....U2 still holds the Heavyweight Music Championship
of the world, and i think The Killers are doing a killer job of trying
to stay alive. Lately, the bands that have turned my head are:
Fleet Foxes
TV On The Radio
Scott Weiland ( new solo project)
Firemen (Paul Macca side project)

Human Highway and

Melpo Mene

PV: Top 5 favorite British comedies (tv or film)?

KM: Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Extras, Ricky Gervais stand up and Eddie Izzard Standup- I'm kinda old school.

PV: Your wife is beautiful as are your kids, what activities would a Max family outing bring?

KM: Most likely going to the park, running after soccer balls, swinging on swings, chasing after the dog.

PV: What is (in 2009) the most commonly misunderstood notions that people seem to have about Kmax?

KM: That i am misunderstood.

PV: Are you planning any tours to support the recent release of "Crashing Gates?"

KM: Yes of course, there is talk of aligning some shows up in Europe in the early summer, not sure about the states.

PV: I know that you're a HOG enthusiast now, tell me what draws you to the motorcycle life?

KM:
I have been riding cycles since i was a kid. Growing upin rural
Michigan, my first bike was a Yamaha Z80, i terrorized the neighborhood
by setting up ramps in our field, and having people lay in a row,as i
jumped over them. As i grew up, street bikes became a fascination, and
i always enjoyed the look of the 40's American Bikes. That is why my
current bike, the "Cross Bones' is a mock of that. I recently rode the
105th from Nashville to Milwaukee and back in 2 days, it was amazing.

PV: Who'd win in a fight, you or Liam Gallagher?

KM: If we were both sober probably Liam, if there were lager involved, i could wipe the floor with him.

PV: Would you PLEASE consider covering "Who wants to live forever" by Queen? For me? Please?

KM: Yes, of course i will consider it. Although i wouldn't count it as my favorite Queen song, it would be good fun.

PV: Who are your top 5 favorite male vocalists?

KM: umm.
Elvis Presley
John Lennon
Bryan Ferry
Freddy Mercury
Morrissey

.. ......

PV: Ever meet a musician/actor and feel floored by their presence?

KM:
Musician- Sting, it was a very strange encounter. We were at a banquet
for a pre-Grammy award thing at the MET in NYC. I was making a salad
and a bumped into him. I didn't realize it was him until after we
shuffled further down the line. He is a tall mother. Simon Le Bon,
another strange encounter. He bought me and a female friend drinks at
the bar inside the Sunset Marquis hotel, he was quite lit, and very
funny. I have also spent time with Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams,
backstage and on planes, although i was not floored by either
experience, it was good fun. The only actor i was ever 'floored' by
would have been meeting Gary Oldman at The Belmont, while in LA.

PV: Describe last nights NEW YEARS EVE activities in 10words or less:

KM: Home, Sushi, Sake, Wife, Friends, Wii, Kids, Couch,Cigar.

PV: Do you find that most Christians support you unconditionally or judge you under a microscope view?

KM:
Most Christians tend to jump to conclusions about me before they either
know, or have 'real knowledge.' There are a great many Christians that
i know however, that are wonderful examples of unconditional love.

PV: What would your dream concert be (to play) and who would share the bill?

KM:
Probably fronting either Led Zepp, or Queen. But it seems both are
being taken. An Alternative would be a co-bill tour with Morrissey, i
probably know more Smiths lyrics than he.

PV: What advice, if any, would you give to young fans who want to be a professional musician?

KM: Get out, or Blow Them All Away...no other options.

PV: What is the atmosphere usually like in the studio?

KM:
This project is different from every other... they are all interesting.
I love the studio atmosphere, the atmosphere of creating on the spot. I
am not a big fan of rehearsing demo material over and over again.With
'Crashing Gates', we were in a converted garage, literally. It was
amazing how much fun we had though.

PV: What are some things that you can ALWAYS count on to inspire you?

KM: Words, Melody, Life Experience, travel, kids, my wife, a good Cigar, a motorcyle ride, God's grace.

PV: It’s 3am, you’re on the road, where is Erik Cole and what is he doing?

KM: In his bed sleeping, he get's grumpy without good sleep.

PV: Do you think there will be record labels in 5 year’s time?

KM: I hope not, but i wonder at the Alternative. I think its good to have structure when it comes to business.

PV: When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

KM: Watching the Tom Cruise scene in Tropic Thunder with my wife.

PV: What do YOU think about ME?

KM:
I don't think about you that much Ron. (haha) But if i were to take my
time and consider you, i would say, you are a funny, witty and self
deprecating individual...who seems quite talented and into good music.
We have appreciated your friendship through these years.

PV: What bands/artists would you be happy to see sent into space and never returned?

KM:
well, haha....my choice would be those who walk the middle ground, or
as it is termed 'mainstream' or 'popular'....they hold music back from
becoming awe inspiring and challenging. They produce a type of sonic
malaise that effects the general curve of music. Not to name names, but
an example would be-
Nickleback
3 Doors Down
Hootie and the Blowfish
Big and Rich
Kenny Chesney
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz
Linkin Park
Staind
Puff Daddy
Brittany Spears
Justin Timberlake
etc etc...

PV: Are you as psyched about our president elect as I am?

KM:
Yes i think so. I don't know how psyched you are, but i can only guess.
He seems to be a great leader, and someone that has a grasp on where to
go. This country is in need of some major P.R. and healing from the
inside.

PV: Top 3 celebrity crushes?

KM: umm yeah my wife and i talk about this alot...haha, how surface is that?
1. Monica Belucci
2. Giada
3. Kelly Wearstle

PV: When Kevin Max is no more, what would you like your legacy to be?

KM: A singer that knew how to write. A father who knew how to love. And a husband that knew how to shut-up.

Thank you Kevin, for spending time with us today. We'll stay tuned to myspace.com/kevinmax for info on new releases/tours/books and anything else you're involved in. Cheers.

(it's ok to leave comments on this interview blog, but any rude, offensive, or otherwise dickhead-ish comments will be deleted)