Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Max Winds

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I remember being a little kid and my mom always playing music in the house. She would listen to all types of music from Lauryn Hill, Outlast to Foo Fighters and Lenny Kravitz. 

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I was rapping a Mac Miller song at the skatepark when I was 13 and one of my older bros told me I should start writing music and ever seen then I been writing everyday. 

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I started working on this project in 2024 when I was seeing a lot of growth in my career, I started getting booked to do shows for a lot of rappers and I was getting a lot of recognition in my city but it also came with a lot of hate and jealousy from the people around me. I titled the album Love Me Before They All Do as a message and a reminder that I know where I’m headed so either love me now before the world sees my potential or keep your distance cause I don’t want any fake love around me. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

The best way I can describe my music is if you put Nipsey Hussle, Mac Miller and A$AP Rocky into a blender you would get Max Winds. 

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

If it feels right then it is right, sometimes as artists we over complicate things for ourselves with lyrics, beats, mixes, etc… I learned to let go of that need to control everything and if the song and vibe feels right then don’t change anything. 

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

I just need my laptop, microphone and pro tools and I can record anywhere in the world. 

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Fergie Baby and King Beamo lately. 

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

My personal experiences influence everything about my music and artistic vision. A lot of my music comes from ambition, relationships, pressure, and trying to turn real life emotions into something cinematic. Coming from Winnipeg, I always felt like I had to think bigger and create my own lane, so my music and visuals reflect that mix of hunger, emotion, and luxury.

I like making music that feels real but still elevated, whether it’s heartbreak records, motivational songs, or melodic rap tracks. A lot of the emotion in my music comes from things I’ve actually lived through, and I think that’s why people connect with it. 

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

That anything you put your mind to is possible, I’ve been doubted and told my whole life that I couldn’t do this or I wasn’t smart enough to do that and I proved everyone wrong. I made a promise to myself that I will do what I love for the rest of my life even when times get hard you have to push through those emotions so you can reach the next level. 

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

You gotta have patience, nothing happens over night and nothing is handed to you, you have to work hard for everything you want and sometimes when you’re turned down or things don’t go your way it’ll always work out for the best. 

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

My dream festival would be Coachella or Rolling Loud, I’ve always wanted to be on stage for a big event like those. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I alway looked up to Nipsey Hussle, he was my biggest inspiration as a kid and I always dreamed of doing music with him. I feel like if we ever worked together it would have an anthem. 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?(Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/22P5S1nD5ICS2CUSBhF3rA?si=vjOSxOruSC6Bh2G-AoCB8w

Website: https://www.maxwinds.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwindsls?igsh=MXZud2RuazVsNTFrcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

Just to keep growing, more collaborations, more tours, more music. I want to be able to go anywhere in the world and people know my music. 

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

Don’t judge a book by its cover, I’ve been releasing music for 7 years and I feel like people still don’t know my whole story, I might give you a little something here and there but there’s more then what meets the eye.