Into The Deep End with Max McGill

Into The Deep End with Max McGill

Based out of the legendary Long Island music scene, The Deep End is the solo project of Max McGill – and the new EP Icarus is sure to send the band into stratospheric heights with its vibrant lyrics and soaring sonic intensity.  The six songs contained within the Icarus auditory journey will surely leave an indelible impression on all who give a good listen in these pandemic days and beyond.  Highwire Daze recently check in with Max McGill to find out more about The Deep End,  the creation of the Icarus EP, releasing music in the times of COVID, purple sprinkley donuts, and other high flying topics of depth and intrigue.  Read on…

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in The Deep End, and how long the project has been together.
I’m Max. I sing, write, and produce for THE DEEP END. The project started in 2017.

Where are you based out of and what is the local music scene like there?
I’m from Long Island, NY. The music scene over here has always been solid (before COVID hit) a lot of great bands have come out of LI.

Is there any overall story or concept behind the Icarus title?
I would say the overall concept is about rebirth and reinvention. The band used to be a three piece, and “Icarus” is my first release as a solo project. So a lot of the songs turned into conversations with myself, trying to make it through this odd stage of the band, while doing what TDE originally set out to do – evolve with each release and keep listeners guessing.

Select two songs from Icarus and what inspired the lyrics.
When I’m Long Gone: This song is a conversation between someone struggling with substance abuse, and a friend of that person. And I guess the chorus is me sorta talking to myself.

It’s Only Just Begun: I wouldn’t call myself a particularly confident person by any means, but this was another song where, in retrospect, I was talking to myself. I think I needed to write that song when I wrote it, because I think subconsciously it kept my head in the game, and encouraged me to keep moving.

What has it been like to release a new album right in the middle of a pandemic? Have you had any shows or tours cancelled because of it?
We did have tours canceled because of COVID, those which would’ve been our first tours – so that was a bummer. On the bright side, there’s plenty of time to work on music from home. So, the pandemic allowed me to just hack away at the EP. Maybe there would’ve been a longer gap in-between EP’s if we were touring this year. Who knows.

What has been the best and most difficult part of basically recording Icarus on your own? Were there any guests on the EP?
The best part is just the accessibility. Being able to record whenever I feel inspired without having to drive out to a studio is a plus. But it’s definitely difficult being completely alone. I was recording this when COVID was just blowing up and becoming a real problem in the US, and I wasn’t able to have anyone come record with me in the studio. I kind of felt like I was going insane by the end, and the problem I found is that all the songs just blurred together to me, and I stopped being able to listen to them like a listener. They just became puzzle pieces to me. So that was definitely a big struggle. Having another band member or producer in the room definitely helps.

There were guests on the EP. My good friend, Zach Farris (Kyphosis), featured on the 2nd single, “Haunting,” and if you ask me – that song would fall completely flat if he wasn’t on there. He’s one of the most talented and driven guys I’ve met in music so far. And the guitar solo in “Wasted Time,” was recorded by Joey Maggi (Seller, TDE). I am not a great guitarist, but this guy is for sure the best guitarist I know. I’m honored and excited that he’s going to be joining TDE as an official member for our next release (along side guitarist Nick Marano (Paradigm), and drummer Casey Getzler (Punches Pilot).

What could one expect from a live The Deep End show?
Instruments. That are loud.

If The Deep End could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Biffy Clyro. Because I wouldn’t have started this band if they didn’t exist.

If the music of The Deep End was a donut, what kind would it be and why?
Purple sprinkled donut with chocolate filling. Sprinkley production, purple aesthetic, but dark on the inside!

Are you involved with any other bands or projects outside of The Deep End?
TDE and only TDE.

What’s up next for The Deep End?
We’re already writing new music with the hopes of releasing singles in a few months, and we’re currently working on a live stream concert production. Keep an eye out for that.

Any final words of wisdom?
Just be kind to each other, and please VOTE.

(Interview by Ken Morton)

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