Max C UK
Tracks
Great music knows no boundaries - be it geographic, cultural, genre specific or otherwise. That’s because great music just is! It penetrates straight to the heart where it grabs a hold of you and does not let go. It moves your spirit and lifts you. It makes you tap your feet, clap your hands, and sometimes even shake your booty. Whether were talking about gospel, soul, or R&B, Max C can transcend you to magical, mystical places with his smooth vocal styles. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, this U.S. native has crossed boundaries that artists only dream of. From Billboard hits, to topping the charts in over 12 European countries, to his humanitarian efforts in stopping racism, Max C is definitely the man to keep an eye on. Singer. Songwriter. Performer. Dancer. Choreographer. Teacher. And even Actor.
While many of us associate Kentucky with the good old Kentucky Derby, those that live there will say that the foundation of music and entertainment is its heart. Some even say that Louisville had a theater before it had a church. With bluegrass having its influence, so too does gospel, blues, and jazz! Living in such a Mecca of music, it’s no wonder that it has permeated through the lives of Max C’s entire family. His father is an enthusiast of blues and jazz, while his mother and siblings are gospel singers. Max C says, “I grew up in a home surrounded by music. All types of music, when my relatives would come over we would all sing together, everyone would sing their own parts.” It was these early experiences that ignited Max C’s passion for music. With his roots in gospel he found himself at a young age singing in school plays, choirs, and early into his teens with friends on the street corners. He enjoyed Soul Train and found himself glued to the television trying to learn all of the latest dance steps.
In the early 80s Max C formed a street Hip Hop dance group called X-Men. The group entered a city wide dance competition at the Louisville Belvedere and to no surprise won. Rolled into the prize was a cable television spot and commercial. A former jazz dancer, Ron Hayes, saw the commercial and signed on as the group’s manager. This led to a production at the Louisville Center for the Arts in 1983, and lots of other competitions throughout the country. Chicago, New York, and Tennessee were just a few of the stops where X-Men took home the win.
Soon after, an offer to teach Hip Hop and Break Dancing at the Helsinki Dance Academy in Finland, Europe materialized ~ giving him the honor of introducing this genre of dance to the nation. The experience led to a host of other opportunities and paved the way for his singing career. Today, Max C is still involved with the Helsinki Dance Academy and continues to teach there part time when he is not on tour, as well as, hosting a nationwide Break Dance competition annually.
While teaching dance had its many rewards, his spirit ached to sing. And it was not before long that he had taken the center stage living out his true passion. Starting off like most artists he found himself performing in every venue available. Open mic nights and various club gigs led him to his first recording deal with Fazer Music, Finland. Teaming up with Finnish songstress Stiina Tarvonen in 1986 their debut album landed them on the charts.
Once in the spotlight the opportunities continued to come his way. From 1988 thru1990 Max C, showcased all of his talents performing in a cabaret show. This allowed him to not only sing and dance, but as well introducing him to acting. Initially taking on roles in two mini-series ~ the first titled ‘Walker’ where he played a New York police detective and the second ‘Code 01 for Murder’, gave him the role of a CIA agent. This led to his first movie ‘To An Unknown God’, released in 1997 this time playing an FBI agent covering as a member in a Swing band. And most recently, he has received high acclaim and recognition for his role in ‘Kings of Jazz’ where he played an American sailor in the 1950s.
However, his biggest break came when he teamed up with James Black and Kari Kaivola to form the group 3rd Nation. Their debut album ‘One Nation’ was recorded with Mega Mania Records and did well in Finland landing them an international record deal with SweMix Records out of Sweden. Hit producer Stonebridge, most well known for the hit song ‘Show Me Love’ with Robin S., produced 3rd Nation’s second album ‘Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind’. Released in 1993, with the single ‘I Believe’ landing the group their first Billboard hit coming in at #8 on the Hot 100 Singles. The song received lots of attention with MTV Europe and America playing the video, a host of remixes recorded, and noted as a DJ club favorite. The second single ‘Real Love’ a cover of the Jody Watley song of the same name continued to bring the spotlight on the group.
In 1999, Max C decided that he wanted to focus his efforts on a solo career teaming up with Jaakko Salovaara a.k.a. JS16. Jaakko is an acclaimed artist, writer and producer, who is responsible for launching the careers of Bomfunk MCs, Darude and Dallas Superstars just to name a few. Not to mention his international work with Britney Spears and Ricky Martin. Jaakko continues to be one of the most sought after producers in Europe today owning his own label 16 Inch Records with a line up of top artists that dominate the European music circuit. Jaakko produced, Max C’s, solo album ‘Passin Tyme’, which launched in 2004. The singles ‘Caroline’ and ‘Time to Get it On’ have both received great attention and airplay making Max C a favored performer in the European market.
Max C has also leant his talents to a number of artists on a variety of tracks. Topping the charts in over 12 countries, Max C is credited with writing and performing the hook, for Bomfunk MCs track ‘Live Your Life’. He toured with the group to promote the song and later featured for artists such as Mighty 44, Blacknuss, and the Dallas Superstars.
Throughout the years Max C has continued to be actively involved in a number of humanitarian efforts. From annual Anti-Racism concerts in Europe to Children’s Aid funds – Max C lends his talents in order to help and benefit others wherever he can. When he is not performing, Max C can be found in the studio writing and recording for his upcoming album. His second solo album, scheduled to drop in 2006, will be his first solo effort to be launched state side. The U.S. market has not heard much from this talented artist since his days with 3rd Nation, but look out cause his new album is going to blow your mind.
