Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Aman
Hi Max, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music and creativity have always been a big part of my life. As a kid, I was constantly singing along with the radio or humming a song in my head. In fourth grade, I saw School of Rock starring Jack Black and watched Marc Solomon, owner of Zounds Sounds School of Music, perform at a school talent show. That inspired me to start taking lessons.
I took lessons regularly with Marc until high school, when basketball became my main focus. I played for Lake Highlands High School and helped run Zounds’ summer band camps, but my time with music was limited. In college at Texas State, I played occasionally in my room but never seriously.
When COVID hit, I wanted to use the time productively. I had an old Martin guitar that was willed to me by a family friend when I was 10, but it needed repairs. I reached out to family friend and local guitarist Sam Swank, who fixed it up, and I started taking lessons again.
With my Martin fully restored, my passion for music reignited. I became obsessed, practicing 4–6 hours a day. Eventually, I started writing my own songs and posting them on Instagram (@maxamanmusic). One of those songs, Grandson—a tribute to my grandfather, Jack Unruh, an Illustrator’s Hall of Fame inductee—caught the attention of his friend, Johnny Hooper. He reached out and offered to work with me.
Together, we refined a list of songs for an album, but I couldn’t afford full production. So, I launched a crowdfunding campaign, and with those funds and my own savings, I was able to produce my debut EP, On Fire, featuring prominent musicians Milo Deering, Rich Stanmyre, and Drew Hunter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In all honesty, the road so far has almost felt predetermined. Opportunities have presented themselves in the most surprising ways, yet each one has led to something better, building on the last every time.
I have had my own mental health struggles along the way, but I think that may just be part of the process—balancing a stable life while trying to create something meaningful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer-songwriter and musician, blending storytelling with soulful melodies to create music that resonates on a deep, personal level. My work is rooted in authenticity, drawing inspiration from real experiences, emotions, and the people who have shaped my life. I specialize in crafting songs that feel both intimate and universally relatable, often weaving elements of folk, blues, and country into my sound.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my debut EP, On Fire. It was a passion project brought to life through hard work, persistence, and community support. The journey—from writing songs alone in my room to collaborating with incredibly talented musicians like Johnny Hooper, Milo Deering, Rich Stanmyre, and Drew Hunter—was a defining moment for me. Seeing my music evolve from an idea to a fully produced record was an incredibly rewarding process, one which I am hoping to participate in more of as a result.
What sets me apart is my focus on storytelling and emotional honesty. My songs aren’t just about catchy melodies; they’re about capturing moments, struggles, and reflections in a way that feels real and lived-in. I strive to create music that people don’t just hear but feel—something that lingers long after the song ends.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that, if you have something you are passionate about, do not stop working on it. Even if it is just for 5 minutes of your day, the accumulated growth you get from pursuing something every day will fill your life with meaning and purpose. The process is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Maxamanmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxamanmusic?igsh=b3d6Z3p4b3MxeW5v&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18qcEGr4sJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@maxamanmusic?si=SXKE9iRHUYQBN9ti
Image Credits
Jack Unruh – album art
Chris Hill – graphic design for album
Russell Aman – photos
