Max Maryott is still early in this, and he’s not pretending otherwise. The Southern California artist only started releasing music recently, after years of circling it and building the confidence to actually put things out. 

His sound pulls from dance, pop and R&B, but it’s less about genre and more about how it feels. There’s a focus on movement and rhythm, but also on getting something real across in the lyrics. That balance is still something he’s figuring out as he goes.

New single “Cold in California” leans into that. It plays on the idea that even somewhere associated with warmth can feel cold, depending on what’s going on internally. For him, the track isn’t just about a relationship, it’s tied to the ups and downs of pursuing music and the pressure that comes with it. There’s a late-night feel to the production, something a bit more reflective than direct. It’s less about a big statement and more about sitting in that in-between space where things aren’t fully working but haven’t completely fallen apart either.

For this 18 Questions, Maryott talks about starting later than expected, dealing with doubt, and trying to stay focused while everything around him is still taking shape.

1. What’s the first thing you reach for in the morning, your phone or a moment of quiet?

Hit the snooze button. No, in all seriousness I’ve gotten a lot better about waking up early and preparing myself for the day. Some days I still fight the urge to lie in bed and doomscroll, but most of the time I get up straight away and take a hot shower. I think people underestimate the shower as a creative space. It gives me a minute to clear my head and that’s usually when ideas start to come through.

2. What kind of energy or setting actually unlocks something in you creatively?

Somewhere that feels like home. I usually get the initial idea when I’m alone, but collaboration is just as important because it helps expand that original thought. I also need a clear head. If I’m overthinking it, nothing good comes out.

3. Do you trust your gut straight away, or do you tend to question everything first?

A mix of both. I like to plan my days so I stay on top of things, but life happens. The week of the “Cold In California” video shoot I bit too hard into a carrot and had to be up at 5am for an emergency dental appointment. Stuff like that reminds you not everything can be controlled.

4. What’s a habit you’ve had to build that didn’t come naturally to you?

Staying positive. It sounds simple but it’s not. This industry is competitive and there are a lot of ups and downs, so I’ve had to work on finding something good even when things don’t go my way. I wouldn’t say it’s automatic yet, but I’m getting there.

5. Are you more driven by obsession or discipline?

Probably a bit of both, but obsession is what pulls me in. Discipline is what keeps me showing up even when I’m not feeling it.

6. What’s your go-to way of pulling yourself out of a bad headspace?

Taking a break. I’ll watch something random, usually YouTube or stand-up, just to reset my brain. Sometimes that’s all I need to come back and finish something. Other times I have to step away from a song for a while and come back later.

7. What’s something you’ve let go of recently that you thought you needed?

Caring too much about what other people think. That held me back for a while. Letting that go has made it easier to focus on what I actually want to do.

8. When do you feel most like yourself?

When I’m with my family or close friends. I keep my circle tight and that’s what keeps me grounded.

9. You waited until recently to start releasing music, what held you back before that, if anything?

I needed time to figure out who I was as a person and what I wanted to say as an artist. I was finishing school and had more time to focus on music, and it just felt like the right moment to go for it.

10. Your music sits between vulnerability and something more physical and sensual, do you ever feel exposed putting that out there?

Yeah, for sure. It’s not always easy to open up, but the people I’ve worked with have made it feel comfortable. I think that’s what allows me to actually say something real in the music.

11. You grew up in Southern California, did that environment shape your sound in a noticeable way?

Definitely. There are so many creatives out here, and being around that energy has helped a lot. It’s also opened doors to working with different producers, dancers and coaches.

12. You’ve been drawn to performing since you were a kid, was there ever a point you almost walked away from it?

Yeah, when I got more into athletics growing up. I stepped away from music for a bit, partly because I cared too much about what people thought. But I never stopped singing, and that’s what brought me back.

13. “Cold in California” feels like something slipping through your hands, what was the starting point for it?

It’s really about my relationship with my artistry. I thought things would come together quickly when I started, and they didn’t. The song reflects those highs and lows and the reality of chasing something like this.

14. The idea that even California can feel cold is strong, is that more about the place or what’s going on internally?

It’s internal. I’ve had great and tough moments in different places, and it always comes down to what’s going on in your head, not the environment.

15. That line “it gets cold in California” really sticks, did it come early?

Yeah, that was the first idea. Once I had that, everything else built around it pretty naturally.

16. There’s a late-night, almost hypnotic feel to the track, was that intentional?

Very intentional. I pictured people driving down the coast at night. I wanted it to feel like that, but still carry the message that things aren’t always easy.

17. The track touches on ambition versus connection, how do you manage that balance yourself?

I try to manage my time and stay close to people who support what I’m doing. That makes it easier to balance both sides.

18. This release feels like a step forward, what are you building towards right now?

Just getting better. I’m focused on improving my voice, my performance, and staying consistent. There’s more music coming, another project not too far away, and I’m just trying to keep building from here.

“Cold in California” is out now, follow via @maxmaryott