Interview: The World Is Max Chapman's Oyster
Bursting onto the underground house scene in 2011, Max Chapman was just 23-years old when he released his first record...
Since then the Essex based DJ and producer has taken on a journey of energy, creativity and unconditional passion and even bagged himself an overall number one on Beatport. It’s this passion that has been the drive and motivation behind Max’s flawless production, extensive versatility and limitless capabilities. We caught up with the exciting producer on his recent Australian tour...
Hello Max! Thanks for taking a minute to chat with us today, how are you and where are you at the moment?
I’m great thank you and currently sat in San Francisco's International Terminal ready to head home after travelling the West side of the USA for two weeks.
We heard you used to live in Australia and it’s also where you first got into dance music! Can you tell us a little about where you lived and what drew you to the scene?
Yeah, I used to live on Hall Street in Bondi, I loved it so much there and it’s always exciting to get back over (minus the flight, of course). The friends I gained in Australia are the people I have to thank for getting me on the underground side of things, they took me to a party called Spice run by Murat Killic and since that day I've been addicted.
You’re going to be here for four shows, one in every major city and another in Queenstown to make your New Zealand debut. With about a week in-between gigs, have you made plans for your time off?
Yes, I'm going to stay with a couple of friends and I've also treated my brother to the flights so he gets a once in a lifetime trip out of it. It’s going to be fun, that’s for sure.
Well a congratulations is in order, your record ‘La Fiesta’ has been sitting at the overall #1 for three consecutive weeks! What’s been your biggest highlight since the track went skyward?
Thank you very much. It’s been a very proud month or so with the track at overall #1; I am overwhelmed with the support it has got and how much people love the record. Signing music to Hot Creations has been a dream of mine since day dot, and to see that dream unfold has given me a real confidence boost.
You recently announced your ‘Terrace Tales EP’, an upcoming release with Secondcity. Correct us if we’re wrong but this is your debut on Relief? Can you tell us a little about how it all came together?
Yes, this will be my debut release on the label and I'm buzzing to be collaborating with one of my close mates. Relief are one of the biggest-selling labels on Beatport at the moment so I'm super happy to have this opportunity!
Talk us through Resonance Records, what’s the label all about and what are your plans for the future?
It started off as a platform for up-and-coming talent and has slowly got stronger and stronger. Now I am in partnership with George Smeddles, we are in a position to make it much bigger and we want to reach out to a much wider demographic and have bigger artists releasing with us.
You’ve recently been doing some sweet back-to-backs, who’s someone you’d love to have a b2b with and where would you be playing?
Yeah I’ve been pretty lucky lately! My dream B2B has to be with the Martinez Brothers – anywhere would be fine!
The Martinez Brothers
Photo By Greg Swales
Something people may not know about Max Chapman is you’re a vegetarian and you have a huge interest in conservation and sustainability. At what point did you start taking notice about these issues and what was the turning point for you?
I’ve always loved animals and all the videos you see these days online that most people turn straight off made me realise that life is about love, not torturing animals to benefit our taste buds. We can harvest so many amazing foods that don't contain meat or harm the planet anywhere near as much... It's time we all made at least a little change.
What are a few things people can do to help save our planet?
1. Stop Eating Meat
2. Stop Using Dairy Products
3. Use Public Transport
4. Start Using Roll-On Deodorant.
The difference one person makes from just this is huge.
Finally, aside from protecting the world, what are your favourite hobbies and pass-times?
When I'm not making music I like to make music, and when I’m not DJing I like to DJ! And eat loads.