Check out our interview with talented musician, actor and producer Max Bartos who recently released his new single “Unspoken,” and is about to release his new rock opera EP entitled “Such is Life.”
A self-taught musician, he plays six instruments including both acoustic and electric guitar as well as piano, drums, bass, banjo, and mandolin. Max has also been in films such as Uncut Gems with Adam Sandler, The Most Dangerous Man with Paul Logan and Young Shane in Shane Dawson’s film The Lottery.
Recently, Max is the co-host of the horror film podcast Clowns “R” Us with actor and friend Connor Dean. Clowns “R” Us is one of the fastest growing Film Review podcasts on Apple Podcasts and includes deep dives into horror films from all decades.
Follow Max @max_bartos
Hi Max, please tell us a little about you?
Yeah! So I’m a Musician and Actor based in Manhattan, NY. I originated the role of Darren in “Sing Street” the musical back in 2020, and ever since then music has been my everything!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
I’d say: Haunting Melancholic Nostalgia
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’m big into the pop punk/alt rock scene from the early 00’s, and my favorite band is MCR, so Gerard Way is a HUGE influence as to why I started making music! I decided to make music because I needed a healthy way to express what I was feeling, and being surrounded by so many talented people in Sing Street, they all encouraged me to do it!
Do you play any instrument?
I actually play 7! Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Banjo, and Mandolin
Do you ever get nervous?
Oh yeah, every time I go onstage! But I try to tune it out.
Tell us about your new single “Unspoken?”
“Unspoken” is one of my singles from “Memento Mori” which is my upcoming EP. It was released back in June and has since reached over 75k streams!
What’s the story behind the song?
“Unspoken” chronicles the story and emotions of a relationship on its last legs, and how you can sense the end before it’s spoken.
And about your upcoming “EP Memento Mori?”
“Memento Mori” (dropping 10/13/23) is an Alternative Rock Opera about a ghost’s last day on earth before he fades away forever and how he just wants to see the love of his life one last time.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of what I do is definitely being able to have a connection with people through the universal medium of music!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Well, I’m not really an entrepreneur, but I think one book any artist should read is definitely “The Artist’s Way”.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I’d tell him that everything happens for a reason, and even though things are hard right now for him, it all gets better in the future!
How would your best friend describe you?
Probably a Spooky, Hopelessly Romantic, Diet Coke consumer!
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I’ve actually thought about this a lot! My autobiography name would definitely be “One More Diet Coke Please!” It’s a running joke amongst my friends that I’m a diet coke addict!
What’s next for Max Bartos in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
I’m actually pretty busy!! I’m going to Italy for a bit to do a play over there until the end of October. Then in November I start my national tour with my band to celebrate the release of the album, and that goes until January. Then I’m doing a big show in NYC in April, so rehearsals for that will start in March!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Over the past year, I’ve actually lost 100lbs, so I’ve definitely found my favorite healthy foods! I’m a big chicken guy, so any rotisserie chicken is my jam! I also love popcorn!
And your favorite cheat food?
Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough!
How would you explain your fashion style?
Probably Punk Rock Vampire!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is making other people happy.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Definitely Gerard Way!!! He’s my biggest idol!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Definitely Transylvania! I’m dying to go with my friend Bryn.
Best advice ever given?
Definitely “Don’t change yourself or hide yourself for anyone”
Do you support any charity?
I do! I am a proud supporter of the Anti-Defamation League! I’m Jewish, and have faced a lot of Anti-Semitism, so I find it really important to support them.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself doing the same things I’m doing now but on a larger scale!
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Welcome To The Black Parade!!
What do you think of Social Media?
I think when used correctly it can help connect people and promote things, but it’s also deeply insidious and malignant and I hope people won’t continue to let it take over.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @max_bartos
Spotify: Max Bartos
Book: Fav Book is def Dracula by Bram Stoker
Quote: My favorite quote is probably the “We Don’t Read And Write Poetry” monologue from DPS!
Movie: Fav movie is the Rocky Horror Picture Show
Tv Series: Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Favorite Food: Soft Pretzels
Travel Destination: Iceland!
Sports Team: EAGLES!!! GO BIRDS!
Cover Photo Credit: Meghan Marshall @meghan.marshall
Performance Photo Credit: Lyndon Baldry @lbaldry_
