It’s very reassuring to hear about up and coming generations of singer/songwriters that are still influenced by the greats of the past, and Max Gomez is no exception. Raised in southwest, this troubadour is making a name for himself in songwriting circles among some of the craft’s bests such as Miller, Lauderdale and Griffin.
Currently on tour supporting his recently released five-track EP Me & Joe, we caught up with Gomez to learn more about what makes this talented young man tick. Check out our Q&A below:
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did growing up in Taos, New Mexico influence you as a musician?
MG: I’m a vagabond, working class musician. I was always just a kid from Taos who played music. Nowadays… its gotten a little out of hand. Rolling Stone just reviewed the new record. I’m late everywhere I go. It seems as though I tricked everyone into taking me seriously.
CN: As a young child – and the youngest of five – you were attracted to the music of Johnny Cash, specifically his songs from the 1950’s. What was it that connected you to these songs? Was it Cash’s songwriting style, vocals, musicianship? You were also influenced by Big Bill Broonzy – what drew you to the blues?
MG: I was drawn to Cash for the simplicity in his music and in his voice. I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. To me he spoke instead of sang. His words would cut through like a knife. Straight past all of the hypocrisy and political nonsense and right into your heart. His talking-like style of singing helped give me confidence to sing. My older brother Zach and I were always fans of the blues. We we’re obsessed with a few records that led us to the roots stuff like Big Bill and Robert Johnson. Once you get there, that’s it. There’s nowhere else to go.
CN: Given that you are somewhat of an ‘old soul,’ are there any current artists – country, folk or not – that inspire you?
MG: My pal Jed Zimmerman always inspires me. We write a lot together and are constantly thinking of songs. There’s that new Michael Kiwanuka record that really sounds big. The one he made with Danger Mouse? Thats the best “new” record I’ve heard in a long time.
CN: Songwriters tend to write from personal experiences, experiences of those around them, and/or sometimes situations that they may not have any connection to. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
MG: I write about three or four types of songs. Story songs about real life, fictional songs about real life, and songs out of thin air. The ones out of thin air are my favorite and tend to be most personal. That’s the kind of song that can just come out of nowhere and wake you up. The kind of songs that make you write em. Usually I’ll finish one like that pretty quick. But sometimes it takes a few weeks. Just depends how busy you are and how bad a hold the song’s got on you..
CN: Your debut album Rule the World in 2013 was well received. Did that add any pressure in producing your newest album Me & Joe? Did the production of the two albums vary?
MG: The two projects are very different. We recorded Rule the World over a period of about 3 months. Me & Joe we recorded in about 3 days. I don’t regard one way to be better than the other but if I had to choose I’d take the fast road. I’m proud of both.
CN: Going back to your previous record, what was it like to have Kiefer Sutherland direct the music video for your single “Run From you?” How did that opportunity come about?
MG: Kiefer was always a friend of a friend and we’d see each other around LA some. We found common ground in our love for music. When the record got up and running and we had a song on the radio the label wanted to make a music video so we called Kiefer. It seemed like a no-brainer and was a cool experience.
CN: This year you helped organize the Third Annual Red River Folk Festival. How important was it for you to be involved with a festival that has such a deep connection to the history of the local folk music scene? What role did you play in organizing the event?
MG: It is important for someone to maintain some of the music history in Red River, New Mexico. The history there is rich. The festival is not only an effort to have a great event but also to sort of carry the torch and bring light to the great music that has been drawn to that area for so many years. My friend Steve and I pretty much knuckle down and put the whole thing together. Check us out. www.RedRiverFolk.com
CN: For someone who is still only in their twenties, you have already been in the company with so many notables, including Shawn Mullins, Buddy Miller, Jim Lauderdale, and Patty Griffin. Is there a dream collaboration you would love to see happen? Perhaps one for songwriting and another for performance?
MG: I would love the chance to write a song for a movie. Something that wraps a whole story in a 3 minute guitar tale. I’ve always felt I had a knack for that and hope somehow I’ll get the chance to use it. Performance wise, I’d love to play more with a band. I recently played with a great band at the Red River Folk Fest. It was largely the guys that played on Me & Joe. It was so cool. If I could have those guys playing every night with me… Well, maybe just more often. Those are the guys. Taras and Christy. Colin Brooks.
For more information on Max Gomez, including upcoming tour dates, visit his website www.maxgomezmusic.com