We recently connected with Max Bergmanis and have shared our conversation below.
Max , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I do wonder about a regular job at times, though I find it interesting that music is categorized separately from a normal 9-5 gig. However, I actually have found a bit of career consistency playing piano for wedding bands. It doesn’t hit the same sweet spot as writing and performing my own songs, but it does fund the hobby.
I do also imagine myself in a cubicle, crunching numbers and performing tasks in a more systematic manner. And if I’m being honest, it feels like there is overlap between creative and analytic work. Both are skills that one can pick up if they are willing. Some are probably more inclined to one style or the other depending on inherent traits, but I don’t think either side of the brain is off-limits to any human. I also believe there’s a lot of open-mindedness that one must maintain in order be successful in either genre (if I can borrow that term). For example, I always like keep a sense of wonder while writing. I like to examine each feeling and thought that comes up for potential use in a song. And in the same vein, I’d imagine somebody would have to maintain an open ear to new ideas in (for example) a coding context or an architectural discussion if they were to do the job to it’s fullest.
I don’t know, I think this answer has sort of become simply an endorsement for trying new things. I wouldn’t ever rule something out until I’ve tried it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a pianist and music artist mainly, though I’d say I’m more heavily involved with the latter. I have spent a large part of my life doing various musical gigs (at least since my teenage years). During this time, I have been fortunate enough to play several name-drop worthy shows and experience my fair share of spotlight moments. However, I think the most validating one came a few years ago when a touring friend of mine Max Bernstein connected me with an artist named Peter McPoland. Since then, Peter has been kind enough to have me on several headlining North American tours as well as an arena run opening for Twenty One Pilots. And this year maintains the upward trajectory, as we will be doing five shows in October as direct support for Imagine Dragons on their Loom World Tour. I continue to be lucky enough to live far beyond my imagination’s means.
In terms of creative work, I’ve been bit with the songwriting bug this past year. I have spent a good amount of time examining my heart’s twists and turns (from the biggest breaks to the smallest pangs) and hopefully turning them into something digestable for the musical ear. I consider it both therapy as well as honest day’s work. I am dedicated to the craft of songwriting and am determined to find a way to create honest and appealing music. I released my first single to all streaming platforms last month and am set to drop my second on August 16, 2024.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I tend to be a more submissive personality. By this, I mean I have a somewhat firm rule that I will let others speak first, move first, love first, choose first… you get the idea. I try not to impose my own desires when they might affect how you feel. I like to think I’m being considerate and polite, helping situations run smoother and avoiding conflict. And I might even say I have accepted this role and am okay with this mission in life.
But while I do believe in thoughtfulness and accommodation of a fellow human, I have at times stretched this belief to extreme lengths, even to the breaking point of my own freedom and happiness. I might spend whole conversations determined not to interrupt, whole days determined not to lose a smile, or whole months holding onto imaginary romantic possibilities (while doing nothing to attain them in the land of the living).
So it’s with stinging resentment that I’ve realized I must speak up for my own needs. I must risk interruption if I’ve got something to say. And I must risk rejection if I’d like to know the status of a romantic prospect. A lesson that must continually be learned.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission definitely charts its own path in the day to day, but there are a few main recurring stops I should mention. One of my main goals is to be a storyteller. To be honest with the lyrics I write and to relay what is going on with me. I’d hate to avoid certain thoughts or feelings out of some sort of fear (ie. that they’d make loved ones think differently or because they could negatively impact my career). I believe the more specific I can be, the more a listener will see the world of the song and connect with it. And it’s through connection that walls are broken and differences can be set aside.
I also want to, simply put, improve in the craft of songwriting. The aforementioned honesty does not seem to get through a thick human brain if not injected with a shot of melody and rhythm first. The right number of syllables changes a statement into a slogan and a good message into an anthem. So while I’d hate the truth to fall second in priority to mass appeal, I believe the right balance needs to be struck. It’s this juggling act that has my attention and continually drives me to write and produce more art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maxbergmanis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxbergmanis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/maxbergmanis
- Other: tiktok: @maxbergmanis
Image Credits
Hanna Sint
Ryan Falcoa