Written by Noah Daniel
Oftentimes, people don’t look beneath the hood. Luckily, Max Alan does. With the release of his new single “Beneath the Hood,” we get a view into what feels like an authentic and gritty version of Max we haven’t heard before. I would hope you know who Max is, but if you don’t, let me introduce you.
First thing to know: “Sky Blue” (Her Favorite Color). Max released his song “Sky Blue” on February 28, 2025. The track brought elements of both folk and country while delivering heartfelt lyrics that felt just right for Valentine’s Day.
Second thing to know: “Lucy Dear.” Max followed “Sky Blue” with his upbeat and catchy single “Lucy Dear.” From the moment you press play, you’ll want to run it back. It opens with a twangy dobro that sounds like you’re running shine out of a holler, and the chorus won’t leave your head for a week. “Lucy Dear” is a max-volume song all the way through.
But all you really need to know is this: mustache, acid-washed jeans, tucked-in t-shirt, and a hat.
Before Max sings a word in “Beneath the Hood,” you can feel the authenticity and emotion it carries. You’re greeted with the warm embrace of a rubber bridge guitar that provides a raw and simple feeling of peace. Not long after, Max’s powerful but calm voice makes its appearance, delivering somber and truthful lyrics.
When Max first played me this song, he said, “This is what feels like the authentic version of my music,” and I couldn’t agree more.
From the warm rubber bridge guitar that feels like home, to the piano that lifts Max’s voice perfectly, combined with the song’s raw authenticity, this one is truly for the books. I’ve known Max now for a couple of years, so it’s not uncommon for us to end up on a random phone call here and there. But this call wasn’t random. I started by asking him a simple question: “What is this song about?”
Max said, “I wrote this song with Brian Baker Stanley and David Pugh. I had written down some things about how uncertain life is, and how it’s taken a lot of looking in the mirror to know who I am.”
He went on to explain, “I wrote this song to reflect on my own guilts, the way I look at myself, and how I’ve grown as a person. I wanted it to talk about hopeless times but sit on a hopeful feeling of perseverance, and knowing each day is just another step in the right direction.”
In the song, Max sings, “Took the long road to learning who I was.” What I thought was a corny question turned out to be one Max actually liked, so I asked him: “Who are you?”
Max answered, “I’d like to think I am a very caring person, but I’m very hard on myself. I’m quick to give others grace, but I’m very slow or hesitant to give myself that same grace.”
He wrapped things up with, “I’d like to think of myself as a humble artist excited to share his art with other people.”
Being friends with Max these past couple of years has been nothing short of a privilege. Watching him grow into the authentic artist he has become has been a sight to see. And if there’s one thing I know for certain, once you listen to “Beneath the Hood,” you won’t want to stop.
You can watch his live rendition of "Beneath the Hood" produced by The Sticks Music here: