Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Kusin
Hi Max, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started playing guitar when I was 4. I fell in love with all kinds of music, thanks to Rock Band on Wii and my parents. I had a one-on-one guitar teacher for two years, self-taught from age 6-8, then joined School of Rock and got really serious about music. Through School of Rock, I got to play with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth when I was 11, went on a two-week-long tour across America when I was 13, and most importantly, I met Nick Tittle and Nolan Robertson, who were both teaching at the school. I left School of Rock when I was 15, and with the help of Nick and Nolan, was accepted into the Fort Worth music scene where I have been able to make a name for myself.
I am currently the lead vocalist/ lead guitarist/ main songwriter in my band The Grae, I play lead guitar in Tiny Giants, guitar and vocals in Guttersluts (Alice in Chains cover band), and guitar and back up vocals in The Nancy’s.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it has been pretty smooth for me. Covid was definitely a hardship because just I was finally starting to get gigs and figure out my “groove”, it all came to a screeching halt… but it was much harder on many other musicians who depended on gigs for their livelihood. The only other problem I have encountered is my age. I am only 19 years old and have been homeschooled almost my entire life. My main social circle lies within this music scene but I’m several years younger than almost everyone I perform with, meaning I can’t get into certain venues to play or support my friends. This has made it harder to prove myself in the music scene.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It’s hard to answer this without coming across as pretentious, but I’m going to try my best. I am mainly a performer and I feel like that’s what most people would think of when they see me. I always try to put on a crazy show and just have fun with it. While I am usually pretty happy with my performances, I am most proud of my songwriting and how far that’s come. I try really really hard to write melodically interesting and unpredictable songs that make my band stand out, while trying to keep the music enjoyable for most audiences. That way, I satisfy my need to write overly complicated music (that sucks the life and energy out of my bandmates that have to learn and perform it) and still keep it fun for the listeners.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a super happy kid. I was always very interested in music and like every other boy my age, I loved videogames (and still play daily). I wish I had more to give about my childhood antics but I was just a nerdy, music-loving, homeschooled only child.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxkusin.music/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegraetx/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1dYeHHZINI
Image Credits
Brooks Burris, Palomedia (Chloe Barney), Madsradflicks,
