In a game of contrast with his own title, Max Max decides to break the gloom and light up the stage with his debut album “A Media Luz”, a project that officially presents him as a soloist and shows him without filters in his most complete version. Far from remaining tenuous, the Cuban singer-songwriter, producer and arranger is committed to a proposal that illuminates his musical identity with total clarity: Cuban roots, bolero and contemporary sounds that coexist in the same emotional space.
Paradoxically, A Media Luz does not remain diffuse: it is revealed clearly. Each song opens a window to stories of love, nostalgia and personal experiences, with the single “Fue a Primera Vista” as the focus track, capturing that moment when everything suddenly lights up. With a career built between Cuba, the Caribbean and Europe alongside renowned groups, Max Max takes this step as a soloist to make something clear: now there are no shadows, only music told from the truth. Below, the artist shares the process behind this long-awaited debut, his inspirations and the message he wants to leave with his work.
Max, your debut album “A Media Luz” explores love and nostalgia. What inspired you to create this project at this point in your career?
Well, I would say that A Media Luz is a project that I have always wanted to do my whole life. I always wanted to make songs, especially songs that come from the heart, that have a positive message and where there are stories in which people feel immersed. I think that’s what we tried to achieve with A Media Luz. I was inspired by personal experiences and also known experiences, because, as I say, we write about what we live.
Each song reflects your integral artistic vision. What was the process like writing, producing and arranging each track yourself?
Well, it was a very, very nice challenge. I enjoyed it very much. It was quite cumbersome because I had the responsibility not only of writing, but also of producing alongside great musicians from my country who were immersed in this production. Making arrangements that had coordination, like a common thread, a story, was a challenge, but it was something very special, very beautiful.
Always in the studio, musicians give you ideas, and when you are creating things may arise that you had not thought of and that may even be better. They are things of the study process, but it was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed it to the fullest.
The single “Fue a Primera Vista” celebrates instant love. Is there a personal story behind this song?
Well, I think almost all of us have fallen in love at first sight. Love at first sight is there. The theme Was at First Sight is related to stories lived and also told by friends and acquaintances.
One day I wanted to make a bachata like this, because it is a mix between bachata with a more pop touch, with influences from Cuban music as well. I wanted to achieve that sound. I sat down to write and it was one of those songs that just comes to you, as if you already knew it. It was something very curious and interesting. I am very fond of this topic.
Your music fuses Cuban sounds with contemporary sounds. How do you manage to maintain that balance between classic and modern?
You always have to have a method of concentration, because they are two different worlds: the classic and the popular. But in the end it is music.
Classical is the basis for the formation of many things, and I always liked the idea of mixing those two worlds. I have been gradually incorporating them, and it has been a wonderful experience trying to unite them.
You were part of iconic groups such as Pupy and Los Que Son Son and Jossie Esteban y la Patrulla Quince. What learnings from those years influenced your time as a soloist?
All those orchestras and experiences contributed a lot to me. Above all, experience and confidence when facing the stage, although I always get a little nervous because of the responsibility it implies. But when I enter the stage it is like entering my musical country. Each stage gave me wisdom, maturity and learning. There is always something new to learn, and I am very grateful for everything.
Now that you are releasing your debut album, what message do you want listeners to take away from listening to “A Media Luz”?
I would like them to always take away a positive message. Let them understand that when loves end or relationships end, new opportunities always come.
May we never lose faith, may we maintain hope, energy and joy. In my songs I always try to express as much feeling as possible so that people can identify with each lyric.
