Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Hageman.
Hi Max, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was about 5 or 6 years old when I started playing guitar. My music journey all started when I would watch my dad (Mike Hageman) jam some Metallica riffs. It wasn’t anything super crazy, but it really caught my eye when I was young. I would also see my Grandpa Scott playing on his guitar when we would go to my grandparent’s house. There is something about the sound of a guitar that made me interested. Something about moving your fingers around and making different notes. My Grandpa Scott bought me my first guitar from a local music store in Moorhead, MN. I still have it! It’s a black and white Fender Squire Stratocaster.
The first song I ever learned was Pipeline by The Ventures. My Grandpa Scott showed me how to play the main riff. I’m sure it didn’t sound great… but it was my first start! My dad also helped me a ton along the way.
My dad then took me and my twin brother (Jake Hageman) to AC/DC in 2008. Seeing Angus Young do his thing really inspired me. I learned every AC/DC riff I could after that.
I started playing in bands at age 15. In and out of bars, restaurants, breweries, private events, etc. I am always networking and meeting new people. It’s all who you know… You can be the best bedroom guitar player there is, but if you don’t get out there and meet people, it doesn’t mean anything. Just depends on your goal I suppose. For me, I don’t want to just play guitar in my bedroom!
After a few years of playing in bands, I decided to try and make a solo act. In 2018, I created “Relax With Max.” It’s my solo show which contains 60s music to today, surf guitar, reggae, and lots of other genre’s. It’s all instrumental background music. It’s fun!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to playing music is not easy. I know plenty of musicians who are playing for free. It’s a job like anything else. You pay an electrician to provide your house with electricity… You pay a plumber for your toilet to work… you should also pay musicians for providing music to guests/customers! Haha.
Booking gigs are hard. Live music is a dying art in my opinion. It seems that the radio or a DJ can entertain people just as much as a band can… It’s hard! I send countless emails and give endless phone calls to different venues for trying to book music gigs.
Anyways, the road isn’t easy. I am only 25 years old currently, and I have been working at this for 10 years now. It’s honestly a patience game. I have lots of hours in my room by myself trying to learn songs. No one sees the work and effort I put in. That is one big thing that frustrates me. When people say things like “Oh, wow! You are talented!” Talented is not the word. I wasn’t born as a good guitarist. I don’t even think I’m that good honestly. I know tons of people better than me…. but it’s not “talent”… it’s hard-work and effort. It’s hours and hours of practicing. That’s what people do not see or mention.
I also never stop learning things. There is always going to be someone out there that will outwork you. I definitely have to keep my chops up at all times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have had some jobs in my 25 years of life, but nothing comes close to being a professional musician. Ever since starting to play solo gigs, I have had a stable enough income to focus just on that. I still live at home which helps a lot with this economy. My parents and family are very supportive. My last job was a payroll position at a local business in Rush City, MN. I currently help at a garden center now in Pine City, MN. I’m a big plant person! I love them. It’s fun to watch things grow.
I would like to pursue music full time though on a bigger level. It all comes back to networking and meeting people!
I think what separates me from others is my diverse love for all music. I used to have tunnel vision when it comes to music. 80s rock was the only music to me… I quickly learned everyone doesn’t like just “one style of music.” That’s when I started listening to all types of music… trying to find something interesting about each type of genre. For example:
Country = cool guitar licks
Oldies = interesting chords
heavy metal = wild and fast solos
Rap = cool melodies
I cant find something fun in all types of music.
I think I am known as the “guitar guy” around my local area. Living in a small town, there isn’t a lot of people out and about playing gigs. I am mostly known for my Relax With Max gig… however, I am much more of a rocker at heart!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The only thing that matters when it comes to playing music is connecting with people. I’ll never forget the time I played a 60s tune and an older man came up to me.. He threw 20 dollars in my tip bucket and said “I haven’t heard that song since I was 15, thank you.”
It’s little things like that that makes it worth it. I think that’s why I also enjoy playing all types of music at my gigs. There’s something for everyone! My goal is to make at least half the people in the room turn their heads and think “wow, I wasn’t expecting him to play this!”
It’s nice because I use music as a tool to bridge the gap between myself and a person of any age. There is always something that is memorable to a person regarding music. Everyone has a favorite song or band… even favorite genre.
Pricing:
- standard local solo gig $300 (3 hours)
- The Chase & Max Experience (country/rock duo) $650 (3-4 hours)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://relaxwithmaxmn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max_hageman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelaxWithMaxHageman/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maxhageman
