Artist of the Week
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Artist: Max Wright
Artform: Drummer and Composer What do you do and what are your main focuses? I am a drummer and composer. I enjoy playing all forms of music but focus mainly on jazz and contemporary music. I'm a member of my co-led trio 2alike, which explore the sonic possibilities of jazz improvisation around folk and rock based music. I also run by own band, The Max Wright Quintet, which I compose and arrange for. My music has influences ranging from samba to electronic music, and modern jazz to classical. I am currently working on releasing my quintets first EP in February consisting entirely of original music! |
Where have you studied?
I'm currently in my final year at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama doing a BMus Jazz Hons Degree.
Tell us about 2alike's video
This is my band 2alike's first music video! It's a tune of ours called "In Conversation", we filmed the video at the RWCMD with the help of some friends - you can find the studio version of this track on our EP which is out now on band camp for free.
I'm currently in my final year at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama doing a BMus Jazz Hons Degree.
Tell us about 2alike's video
This is my band 2alike's first music video! It's a tune of ours called "In Conversation", we filmed the video at the RWCMD with the help of some friends - you can find the studio version of this track on our EP which is out now on band camp for free.
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Why do you drum?
I play the drums because they’re so cool! To me, they’re the most fun instrument to play and are so versatile - it’s the feeling of the energy between the drums and the rest of a band I enjoy the most. Playing in a great band where you can all bounce off each others playing is amazing, and drums allow you to do that the most in my opinion. I would say I compose to feed a passion for playing the drums and playing music I want to play. I love being a side man and playing in other peoples bands or projects, but I enjoy hearing something I’ve written coming together the most. |
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What are you influenced by?
I’m influenced by a load of guys who are dead, and a few more who are alive! When I first started listening to jazz I listened to all the greats and got inspired by them. I loved listening to Buddy Rich and Elvin Jones the most - both jazz drummers. Now I’m inspired by them and a range of musicians around now, in particular Mark Guiliana. He’s a drummer leading his own band playing his own compositions which to me is very inspiring.
What is the most exciting thing you have done to date?
The most exciting thing I’ve done to date has got to have been my first gig I did with my quintet. It was the first time I did a public gig as a band leader and had my music played. It was pretty scary as I didn’t know how it was going to go, but it all went well and was an amazing evening.
I’m influenced by a load of guys who are dead, and a few more who are alive! When I first started listening to jazz I listened to all the greats and got inspired by them. I loved listening to Buddy Rich and Elvin Jones the most - both jazz drummers. Now I’m inspired by them and a range of musicians around now, in particular Mark Guiliana. He’s a drummer leading his own band playing his own compositions which to me is very inspiring.
What is the most exciting thing you have done to date?
The most exciting thing I’ve done to date has got to have been my first gig I did with my quintet. It was the first time I did a public gig as a band leader and had my music played. It was pretty scary as I didn’t know how it was going to go, but it all went well and was an amazing evening.
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What is more important, talent or hard work?
It’s always going to be hard work for me! I think it doesn’t matter how talented you are, if you don’t work hard you’ll never really achieve everything you know you could. What excites you about the artistic world today? I get really excited by how the music industry has changed. I love the fact that without any label or backing you can get your music out there with the chance for anyone in the world to hear it. |
Why do you like contemporary art and why do you think it is important?
I like it because it’s new and something I haven’t seen or heard before. There’s so much done it’s hard to know everything that’s already out there, but as a jazz musician I see the whole point of art/music is to constantly develop and grow, and that’s exactly what contemporary art/music is to me.
Further links:
www.maxwrightmusic.com
www.facebook.com/maxwrightmusic
www.instagram.com/maxwrightmusic
www.twitter.com/maxwrightmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwPx-1-k55qQ4NFV3plGUBw
I like it because it’s new and something I haven’t seen or heard before. There’s so much done it’s hard to know everything that’s already out there, but as a jazz musician I see the whole point of art/music is to constantly develop and grow, and that’s exactly what contemporary art/music is to me.
Further links:
www.maxwrightmusic.com
www.facebook.com/maxwrightmusic
www.instagram.com/maxwrightmusic
www.twitter.com/maxwrightmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwPx-1-k55qQ4NFV3plGUBw
