Few DJs have made names for themselves by spinning extended sets and fewer can do so by moving through different styles of electronic music. Max Graham is one successor. He can play techno, progressive and trance seamlessly like no other. His weekly radio show, Cycles, has caught the attention of dance music lovers across the globe making an addictive and also interactive listening experience.The Re*Brand label boss sat down with THUMP to discuss his humble and passionate approach to the dance music scene.THUMP: Tell us about your tour in Argentina, it seems like you had a ton of fun.
Max Graham: It's always a great time there. Dance music is in their blood.2013 was a big year for you, "Evil ID" was played by everyone, then you had your Cycles 150 tour; what's the next big thing for you?
Focusing on my open to close shows so I can really showcase all the amazing music I love and play on my podcast, Cycles Radio.The track "Purple" just came out on your record label Re*Brand. What are your goals for the label?
Well, the label has been around since 2006 so the goals have pretty much been met. The main thing was to build a family of artists that create music for the love of it. We have a great group of guys and the label has been getting a ton of support from people.Max Graham vs. Protoculture at Tomorrowland. You seem like you're good buddies with Protoculture, can you tell us more about that?
I contacted him about the music he was making back in 2010 and we hit it off and have been friends ever since. We're both really looking forward to Tomorrowland!You recently moved to Amsterdam from Montreal, how has that transition been?
I love Montreal and it's my home but I needed a change. Nowadays producers only really need an airport and an Internet connection, so we can move anywhere but Amsterdam and The Netherlands has always been somewhere I wanted to spend some time. I love it here and travel is very easy from this airport.You have some deep roots in Canada, more specifically Ottawa and Montreal. How has the connection to those cities shaped up your career? How often do you look back on the early days of your career?
Both have been a big part of my education as a DJ and growth as an artist. Between 1997 to 2000, Atomic nightclub in Ottawa was my residency that taught me how to play extended sets. Montreal for me is one of the most creative cities in the world. I look forward more than back but will always have fond memories of those times.What's the most valuable lesson that you've learned as a musician and DJ throughout the years?
To never make music with success in mind. Anytime I've done that, it's fallen flat. When I make music for me and not the charts, it does better in the charts.Ani advocates electronic music and loves soda water. Follow him on twitter @AniHajderaj
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Max Graham: It's always a great time there. Dance music is in their blood.2013 was a big year for you, "Evil ID" was played by everyone, then you had your Cycles 150 tour; what's the next big thing for you?
Focusing on my open to close shows so I can really showcase all the amazing music I love and play on my podcast, Cycles Radio.The track "Purple" just came out on your record label Re*Brand. What are your goals for the label?
Well, the label has been around since 2006 so the goals have pretty much been met. The main thing was to build a family of artists that create music for the love of it. We have a great group of guys and the label has been getting a ton of support from people.Max Graham vs. Protoculture at Tomorrowland. You seem like you're good buddies with Protoculture, can you tell us more about that?
I contacted him about the music he was making back in 2010 and we hit it off and have been friends ever since. We're both really looking forward to Tomorrowland!You recently moved to Amsterdam from Montreal, how has that transition been?
I love Montreal and it's my home but I needed a change. Nowadays producers only really need an airport and an Internet connection, so we can move anywhere but Amsterdam and The Netherlands has always been somewhere I wanted to spend some time. I love it here and travel is very easy from this airport.You have some deep roots in Canada, more specifically Ottawa and Montreal. How has the connection to those cities shaped up your career? How often do you look back on the early days of your career?
Both have been a big part of my education as a DJ and growth as an artist. Between 1997 to 2000, Atomic nightclub in Ottawa was my residency that taught me how to play extended sets. Montreal for me is one of the most creative cities in the world. I look forward more than back but will always have fond memories of those times.What's the most valuable lesson that you've learned as a musician and DJ throughout the years?
To never make music with success in mind. Anytime I've done that, it's fallen flat. When I make music for me and not the charts, it does better in the charts.Ani advocates electronic music and loves soda water. Follow him on twitter @AniHajderaj