Features

Perspective: Max Glazer

Max Glazer
DJ
Federation Sound
NYC


Job history
First job? Lemonade stand (seasonal)... Currently, DJ'ing and producing. There were a couple of record stores, a liquor store, some writing gigs, and a few construction jobs in between.

What are you currently working on? Your day-to-day responsibilities?

My day to day responsibilities are really whatever I decide on that specific day. Some days it's going out and dj'ing a party, some days it's working in the studio, some days it's flying to Jamaica to voice artists. It's also more than just me. It's really the Federation Sound, me, Kenny Meez, Curly Locks, and Disco D.

Currently, I'm working on a dancehall riddim project with Disco D. it's called "gunclap" and we've already gotten tunes from Vybz Kartel, Cobra, Ward 21, and Lexxus, to name a few. Working on more original production as we wrap that up, and of course, I'm out in the streets traveling/promoting Max Glazer Presents Dancehall Classics, my mix album which is out now on Sequence records.

What inspires/motivates you?

Love of music is what inspires me most. Just being able to make a living doing something that I truly enjoy keeps me going most of the time. I've also got a crew with some highly motivated individuals around me who will always let me know when I start slipping.

What are your biggest challenges or the downsides of what you do?

It's tough keeping it creative sometimes. Being in the music business can sometimes ruin your ability to just sit back and listen for the sake of listening. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the crap out there and then just tune everything out. There are little downsides, like all the sleepless nights and 12 hour plane rides, but all that is nothing to sacrifice compared to everything I gain from this career.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Work as much as possible, and every once in a while just blackout in front of the couch for a couple of hours... Or days if it's getting' really stressful. Just turn off the phone and Sidekick, unwind, and then jump back into work.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

Right now, I'm most proud of the Dancehall Classics album. When I started doing this, I really never imagined that it could get to this level... Being able to go into the Virgin Megastore and see my album on the shelves. Overall I'm just proud, and thankful for the fact that I get to DJ and make music for a living. What could be better than that?

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn from the experience?

My biggest mistake has always been not being a big enough hustler. I've always just done my thing and let people get up on it at their own pace. It's not so much about how dope you are, but who you know and making sure you stay up in people's faces so they are forced to work you. I'm still learning from all of it, trying to adapt as I go.

Was there ever a time when you thought you might not succeed in what you're doing? Please explain.

I never set out at a young age with the conscious intention of Djing as a career. It just sort of slowly grew and built up until that's what it was, and once I got to that point, there was no question at all as to whether it was gonna work.

Guiding principles?

Hard work. Enjoy what you're working hard at, and stay focused.

Birthday? Where you grew up? Where you went to school?

My birthday is 8/22. I was born and raised in Woodstock NY. I graduated from Onteora High School.

For more info, visit Djmaxglazer.com

Click here to purchase Max Glazer Presents Dancehall Classics

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Ray Tamarra

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