A Dirty Dozen with MAX FRYE from LOST HEARTS – March 2023

According to a recent press release: “Today rock four-piece Lost Hearts release their single “Hate Yourself.” The track, produced by Johnny K (3 Doors Down, Plain White T’s, Disturbed), is overflowing with sing-along-ready hooks, swaggering rock n roll attitude, and palatable pop-rock energy. Vocalist Max Frye croons about a toxic relationship and the love-hate of a past lover amidst a backdrop of heavy guitars and unrelenting energy from JT Shea on guitar and bass, Victor Adriel on guitar and bass, and Mitch Arnholt on drums. This release marks the beginning of a monumental year for Lost Hearts with more singles lined up in 2023.” We get singer Max to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our latest release is our debut single “Hate Yourself.” I sat down with an acoustic guitar with the intent to try to come up with something simpler than the other songs I had written, I started playing the opening chord progression and the melody and words came almost instantly. When we polished the idea a bit more, we brought it to our producer, Johnny K. When it was recorded in the studio with real drums and amps it really took on a life of its own! One thing people might not realize is that the chord progression stays the same throughout the entire song, which is something we never intended.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I always felt drawn to music! Both of my parents raised me on a strict diet of Guns N’ Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, Led Zeppelin, INXS, Mötley Crüe, etc. My dad also plays guitar and I always wanted to learn to play, I just didn’t have the patience. When I was 12 a family friend invited us to an open mic where I saw a blues band playing, and I was hooked! That’s when I decided to actually sit down and learn to play!

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

The first live show I ever saw was KISS when I was 7, that show had a profound impact on me and definitely made me interested in music. KISS is my favorite band to this day! Another event was watching American Idol with my mom and seeing Steven Tyler play and sing “Dream On” on the piano.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I think if I could collaborate with anybody it would be Jack White, because he isn’t afraid to do things differently, and he does it in a unique way that still sounds authentic.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I love to relax and listen to vinyl, and also play pinball! There’s a place in Nashville called The Game Terminal, they have every rock bands pinball machine. It’s fun to go hang out, listen to music, and play pinball.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I feel like we’re definitely still figuring our sound and who we want to be as a band, but the best description of our sound I’ve heard thus far is that we are punk-rock attitude with a pop-rock chorus. One thing I am never crazy about is if people describe us as “classic rock” or compare us to a certain era. We all love classic rock! It is what made me want to start in music, but I’d like to think we can do something different as a band and breakthrough to the modern age.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

None of us cook very much! Many of us live on a strict Taco Bell diet. Victor is the one who breaks out the drinks, and me and JT usually start jamming!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I wouldn’t say starstruck is the right word, but one experience I had that meant a lot to me was getting to meet Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe was a huge influence on me, and they’re one of my favorite bands. I had the opportunity to play guitar for a band opening for him, and we were able to say hello and talk, which was very cool!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

One of the best parts of being a musician besides making and performing music, is the community surrounding music. I love being able to meet and hang out with people who are as passionate about music as I am. A lot of people don’t realize that Nashville has a great rock scene!

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

One question that would be good, is to ask what someone’s or top five favorite albums are. Mine are: 1. Raw Power – The Stooges 2. Alive! – KISS 3. Starboy – The Weeknd 4. Live Baby Live – INXS 5. The 1975 – The 1975. One question I think a lot of people get tired of is “What does your band name mean.”

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

There are always little things I would like to change, but for the most part I feel like most of everything that has happened to me, has been meant to happen.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would love to see Led Zeppelin IV being recorded. Even if I couldn’t be a part of it, just to witness the way that band recorded music would be amazing to me!

LOST HEARTS LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews