Max Rae: Staying Power

2024 was most definitely a pivotal year for electrifying Dance / R&B-Pop chanteuse Max Rae, who hails from 'The 505,' dropping her impressive six-song EP, Live & Learn, also teaming up with resident Las Vegas nightclub - Hakkasan & Omnia - DJ, Jeff Retro, for a dazzling cover of Janet Jackson's "If," as well as joining English boy band, Blue, on their sold-out 'Greatest Hits Tour.'

Now Rae is back with a brand new offering, "How We Do It," a re-energized rendering of singer-songwriter-record producer-pastor Montell Jordan's 7x Platinum '95 masterpiece, "This Is How We Do It," also featuring Jordan himself, and arriving just in time for the classic's 30th anniversary.

“Max Rae is a beast! She’s a solid vocalist, songwriter, and creative entertainer with a personality so infectious you’ll immediately fall in love with her (like I did!). She’s bigger than her songs; her artistry will be her staying power. Glad to partner with her on this collaboration celebrating 30 years of my iconic song, ‘This Is How We Do It.’ Max is showing the world how she does it.” -- Montell Jordan

Let’s hop right into this latest single "How We Do It," a funky flip of the Montell Jordan classic "This Is How We Do It" — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?

I was writing 10 songs in 10 days in London. This was my last song, and I decided before I went to the studio I wanted to flip an iconic '90’s R&B song. It was a Friday night, and as I was listening through some tracks it just made sense to flip this song as I heard Montell sing, “It’s Friday night...” Felt almost serendipitous. Once I wrote and recorded the track, my publicist heard it and funnily enough knew Montell, played it for him and he loved it and wanted to hop on the track with me! I’m so honored to have him on this song.

Aside from the obvious, how then does "How We Do It" either differ and / or compare to previous Max Rae entries?

I wanted to blend all my worlds that I have ventured down; Pop, R&B and Dance. This song brings us back to feel-good music, and I’ve been missing that.

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?

From everywhere. A conversation with a friend, an experience I’ve personally had, a TV show or movie I watched. I take inspiration from everywhere, and write it down in the notes app on my phone to store for later.

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for you, Max?

I come from a musical family. My mom is a beautiful singer, my dad a producer and songwriter. He would put me in front of a mic at the age of two. It was just a natural progression.

Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I’m from Albuquerque, New Mexico. There wasn't a lot of inspiration I drew from there when I lived there. My strongest musical influences are Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and P!nk.

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?

I’ve always said if you could mix Bruno Mars and P!nk into an Artist, that’s me. It’s Pop, R&B, and Dance. I’m a positive person who wants to sing about what matters like P!nk, but also get down and just have some fun with an R&B flare like Bruno.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want to make people feel something. Take them from where they are now, and leave them better than before they found me. I want to be able to speak to them at an emotional level, and relate to them giving comfort to both them and myself knowing we’re not alone in all of this.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Bruno Mars, for sure! His talent and charisma is unmatched. I’ve admired his work since the very beginning, and would be honored to work with and learn from him.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I used to say Madison Square Garden, but truly Allegiant Stadium. I saw P!nk play there, and was in awe.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

Yes and no. I feel there’s a shift, and a lot of noise. It feels more formulated and yet there’s a break out of new creativity at the same time, if that makes sense.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Staying authentic to me, evolving as I grow, never selling out, and, number one, being so grateful and loyal to my fans. Just gotta stay persistent.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I might love to write a book someday. I’m also currently getting my music production degree at Berklee, and would love to add producer to everything else I’m doing!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

I played three sold out shows at the London Palladium, and that was unreal. Also, this collaboration is huge! I’m so grateful for these big milestones.

What’s an average day like for you?

Always different. Normally I wake up, Bible study, go to the gym, and then after that it depends. I work on school work, or head into a writing session, or film content all day. It always varies, which definitely doesn’t make life boring!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...

I do my best to respond to every comment and DM I get. They are the reason I get to do this, and I want to make them proud and feel a connection to them!

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Creating something from nothing. Being able to express myself and help people through music is my favorite because that’s what it’s all about. The back end of things on the business side and the overall grind to be seen is definitely my least favorite part. It gets taxing and a bit depressing at times if I’m being honest.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Be prepared for the long run. It’s not a simple, quick and easy path or steady in any way. The reward can definitely make it all worth it, but be prepared to give it everything you have or it won’t work.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

That makes me laugh because honestly I have no clue. I used to be such a planner and every time I predict where I’ll be, I’m always wrong...so who knows? Hopefully, I’m still doing this; making music and touring!

As for the immediate, what's next for Max Rae?

I’m performing in Miami at the end of March, and planning a big press and performance tour with Montell to promote the track!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

No, this was wonderful!

Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and learn a bit more about me. I hope through my story and my music you feel a sense of hope and peace and identity.

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