Isabel Baldinger
Ever since Max Gomez released his EP Me & Joe last September, we’ve been hooked on his music. This guy is the REAL deal and is changing the meaning of what country music actually is!
From growing up in the in the Wild West of Taos, New Mexico to moving to Los Angeles when he was 18, Gomez has remained true to his roots and his unique sound with Me & Joe. His music has a country root with a modern and soothing twist on it that we cannot get enough of. Being that its so unique to the genre, we believe Gomez’s extended play will pick up more traction this year and present him with many amazing opportunities.
CS Country sat down with the singer/songwriter last October to talk about Me & Joe, his super unique sound, who inspires his music, and plans for this year. Take a read at the full Q&A below and keep up with Gomez on Instagram by following him at @maxgomezmusic.
Celeb Secrets Country: You released your EP, Me & Joe, last September. What has been the most positive feedback you have received on it thus far?
Max Gomez: “Rolling Stone gave us a nice review. Buddy Miller was one of the first guys to hear the record and he seemed excited. That means a lot to me.”
Celeb Secrets Country: How would you describe your sound for someone who hasn’t heard you yet?
Max Gomez: “Well, I write my songs on an acoustic guitar. I grew up playing country music and singing old blues songs. I fell in love with the craft of the modern singer/songwriter when I tried my hand at writing. I think my music falls somewhere in the middle of all that.”
Celeb Secrets Country: Who are your biggest musical influences that are reflected in your music?
Max Gomez: “I’m lucky to call many of my influences friends of mine. Keith Sykes and Michael Martin Murphey have been influences of mine and good friends as well. John Prine has and always will be an influence. The old stuff, like Hank and Robert Johnson will always be the unreachable bar.”
Celeb Secrets Country: What was the filming process like for “Make It Me?”
Max Gomez: “We filmed in and around my hometown, Taos, New Mexico. It was wonderful to stay out of the city for a change and do something that typically only happens there. I remember it was freezing cold. We wanted real snow and we got what we asked for.”
Celeb Secrets Country: What makes that song so special to you?
Max Gomez: “That song embodies a style that I’ve studied half my life. Songs that stick with you and help you out. It came out fully grown that way and it’s just the way it is. I wrote it with Keith and it means a lot to me.”
Celeb Secrets Country: How has your sound developed and transformed since your debut release of Rule The World in 2013?
Max Gomez: “Since then I’ve started to play and write more in an old fashioned folk style. Without setting limits on style but taking direction from the freedom that the old records had. It feels great even to just say that. But really, I don’t know if I’ve transformed as much as I’ve just begun to find myself.”
Celeb Secrets Country: What is your favorite song of yours to perform live, and why?
Max Gomez: “The “Antique Store Song”. It has this great story and is a true song. It always gets the crowd, and I feel a little better up there once I’ve done that.”
Celeb Secrets Country: What would you say is your biggest accomplishment as an artist?
Max Gomez: “I can think of a time I was playing a show in a nice theater with Patty Griffin. Of course I was opening the show… I think we were in Montana at a big theater. I had this silly little goal that someday I could stand up a whole theater with just my acoustic guitar.. That night, I must’ve played pretty good cause I got em all on their feet. At the end of the show the whole crowd stood up. It’s that sort of check off on a personal list of things that make you feel good. Things to make your folks proud…”
Celeb Secrets Country: What can we expect to see from you in the upcoming year?
Max Gomez: “Me & Joe is starting to make some noise. I’m hoping to stay busy on the road and get back in the studio late next year. To keep the stories going.”
