Creative, ambitious, and possessing skills beyond his years, Max Chapman is a serious force to be reckoned with. Since catapulting onto the underground house scene in 2011, his talents have lead him to release music with the industry’s top notch labels, start up his successful imprint Resonance Records, and impress the likes of the biggest names in the business, like Adam Beyer, Riva Starr, Steve Lawler, Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed, Hot Since 82, Loco Dice, and Pete Tong, just to name a few. This past summer, he made a splash on the white isle of Ibiza as a resident at Cuckoo Land and Do Not Sleep, with other shows at Elrow and Kaluki. Then came the big moment — his tech house single “La Fiesta” scored the overall #1 spot on Beatport, a.k.a boasting as the best dance record in the world, where it’s still sitting pretty since the first week of its release. This Essex-based DJ and producer holds a roster that is undeniably impressive, but given his exquisite production capabilities and hard knack for firing up the dance floor, we can only imagine what’s to come out of him next. Now that the sunny season is slowing down, we were able to catch up with Max Chapman to learn more about his massive summer, his latest Hot Creation’s hit, and where in the world his touring schedule is taking him to next.
It’s safe to say you’ve had a massive summer. What’s been the best part so far?
Max Chapman: It definitely has! Where to start? The best part has to be getting my number one on Hot Creations – it’s a label that I have been trying to release on for nearly 6 years now and after many “no” replies, I now have a big “yes.” It felt like a lifetime waiting or the release date to come around and as of writing, it has been the overall Beatport #1 for a week so as I’m sure you can imagine, I’m pretty chuffed about that.
Can you tell us a little bit about what went into making of your #1 Beatport hit “La Fiesta,” and how you teamed up with Luca Cazel and Todd Terry on the remixes?
Max Chapman: Some tracks just write themselves during a studio session, but the inspiration for this one was quite specific – I was in Amnesia in Ibiza at Marco Carola’s ‘Music On’ closing party and I heard a track with a Latin vocal in it, it sounded unbelievable with the sun coming up. I went straight home and searched until I found the vocal I used and the rest of the track pretty much wrote itself. I think that once I had the vocal cut up, I wrote the rest in about 3 hours. To have Todd Terry and Luca Cazel on the remix is pretty surreal – Todd Terry remixing Max Chapman still sounds a bit mad when I read it. It’s a solid package though and I’m just glad it hit the right spot.
For many of us, partying in Ibiza is still a far-fetched dream. What’s it been like being able to spend your summer on the white isle, playing both Cuckoo Land and Do Not Sleep?
Max Chapman: It’s had its ups and come downs that’s for sure! But it’s been unreal and I couldn’t have asked for a better season really. The majority of my shows were for the Do Not Sleep crew and they are all very good friends so it’s just been such a laugh every time. I must say though that I am very much looking forward to getting stuck back in the studio and chilling through the weekdays in winter!
What’s been your go-to track in your sets this summer?
Max Chapman: One of my definite go-to tracks has to be Shaf Huse’s “Mavado.” I’ve literally played it every set all summer.
Since you’re now a vet to Ibiza, any advice for newbies traveling over there next year?
Max Chapman: Yes, take money. Lots and lots of money!
Where is your touring schedule taking you next?
Max Chapman: I have lots coming up, but a main focus is a five day tour in Australia and New Zealand. There’s also shows in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, San Diego, LA and loads more. Then of course, it’s the Autumn clubbing season in the UK so there’s plenty of warehouse parties being added to the diary – I think I’m busy every weekend now up until 2018!
Is there any city your particularly excited to stop in?
Max Chapman: I’m very excited to stop in every part of Australia, it’s my favorite place in the world, and I also lived there for a long time too. It’s actually the place where I fell in love with dance music, so going back to play is always a special occasion and I have never been to New Zealand either so I am buzzing for that!
Do you have new music in the works that you might test out on tour?
Max Chapman: Yes 100% – I have written about 10 new tracks in the last month so they will all be getting tested! In terms of confirmed releases, I have a remix on George Smeddles’ new EP on Resonance Records, and a collab EP next month with Secondcity called Terrace Tales.
Now that this season is winding down, what do you have lined up for the fall?
Max Chapman: This is what my October currently looks like: Kaluki in Cardiff > Portsmouth > Swing (my own event in Colchester) > Adelaide > Perth > Melbourne > Sydney > New Zealand > Hallowgreen in Brazil > Buenos Aires…No winding down for me!
Damn. Any last words…?
Max Chapman: Thanks for all the support, and keep an ear open for my next releases on Relief and Kaluki this year!
Can’t wait! Thanks so much, Max!
Connect with Max Chapman:
https://www.facebook.com/chapman.max
https://www.twitter.com/djmaxchapman
https://www.soundcloud.com/max-chapman
https://www.instagram.com/dj_maxchapman
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