Max Graham

{{about|the Canadian musician|the Australian footballer|Max Graham (footballer)|the American actor|T. Max Graham}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

{{Infobox musical artist

|name = Maximilian Graham

|image = MaxGraham.jpg

|caption = Graham in 2006

|background = non_vocal_instrumentalist

|birth_name = Max Graham

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1971|4|17}}

|birth_place = London, England

|origin = Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

|genre = Progressive house, house, techno, trance

|instrument = Turntables, keyboards, programming, piano, drums

|occupation = Disc jockey, Record producer, Remixer

|years_active = 1984–1985 (turntablist), 1993–present (DJ), 2000–present (Producer)

|label = Re*brand Records, Cycles

}}

Max Graham ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɡ|r|eɪ|ə|m}};{{citation|last=Wells|first=John C.|year=2008|title=Longman Pronunciation Dictionary|edition=3rd|publisher=Longman|page=350|isbn=9781405881180}} born April 17, 1971) is a British-Canadian DJ, composer, and producer of dance music. Known for fusing progressive house, trance, and techno, he is most famous for his open-to-close DJ Sets (where he typically plays 6 to 8 hours),{{cite web|url=https://iedm.com/blogs/onblast-edm-blog/max-graham-talks|title=Max Graham Talks The Evolution Of Trance And Compares EDM To Applesauc– iEDM|website=Iedm.com}} his Cycles CD series/radio show, and his remix of the classic song "Owner of a Lonely Heart" (by Yes) in 2005. He is also the founder of record labels Re*Brand and Cycles.{{cite web|last1=Hajderaj|first1=Ani|title=Max Graham Appreciates His Ties to Canadian Cities While Moving Forward|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/max-graham-appreciates-his-ties-to-canadian-cities-while-moving-forward/|website=Thump.vice.com|date=15 July 2014 |access-date=26 March 2018}}

Biography

Graham was born in London, England, and lived in Spain, New York City and Los Angeles before settling in Ottawa, Canada, in 1989. At age 15, in 1986, he began as a hip-hop DJ before discovering dance music in the 1990s.{{cite web|url=https://itm.junkee.com/max-graham-yes-but-faster/5276/amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930001014/https://itm.junkee.com/max-graham-yes-but-faster/5276/amp|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2019|title=Max Graham: Yes, but faster|website=Itm.junkee.com}} He was a resident DJ at the famed Atomic Nightclub in Ottawa from 1997–2001. He has been touring globally as a DJ and producing melodic dance music since 2000.

Career

= 1997–2001: Atomic Nightclub, Hope Recordings =

During his residency at Atomic Nightclub, Graham was discovered by label executives and signed to Hope Recordings;{{cite web|url=https://www.indoclubbing.com/magazine/443/dj-biography-max-graham-canada|title=Bio - DJ Biography - Max Graham (Canada)|website=Indoclubbing.com}} one of his first productions, “Airtight”, was noticed by Nick Warren and Paul Oakenfold in 2000. Oakenfold subsequently put two of Graham's tracks on his album Another World.{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Paul-Oakenfold-Perfecto-Presents-Another-World/release/549652|title=Paul Oakenfold - Perfecto Presents Another World|website=Discogs.com}} Tiesto also put “Airtight” on his In Search of Sunrise 2 album. That same year, “Airtight” was nominated for a Juno Award.{{cite web|url=https://junoawards.ca/nomination/2001-best-dance-recording-max-graham/|title=2001 | Best Dance Recording | Max Graham|website=Junoawards.ca}} He gained immediate acclaim and was voted #23 in the DJMag top 100 DJs for 2001{{cite web|url=http://www.electronicdancemusic.cz/awards/top-100-dj-s/320-dj-mag-top-100-dj-s-2001|title=DJ Mag TOP 100 DJ'S 2001|website=Electronicdancemusic.cz}} and was chosen to mix the famous Tranceport CD Series (Tranceport 4) that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Max-Graham-Transport-4/release/76318|title=Max Graham - Transport 4|website=Discogs.com}}

= 2002–2004: ShineMusic and the "sidechain" mixes =

Graham created the "Shine" concept in 2002, which included a mix CD,{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/news/4355|title=Max Graham looking to Shine with new Mix CD|website=Resident Advisor}} a label (Shinemusic),{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/label/24009-Shinemusic|title=Shinemusic|website=Discogs.com}} and club nights.

In 2004, Graham signed two singles to Sander Kleinenberg's Little Mountain label, entitled "Does She Know Yet?" and "Automatic Weapon".{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/3069|title=Review: Max Graham - Automatic Weapon / Does She Know Yet|website=Resident Advisor}} His remixes at the time went by the name "Max Graham's Sidechain Mix", named after the bass-pad sound that was heavily sidechained in his tracks. Included in these remixes was Guy Gerber's “Stoppage Time”, released on John Digweed's Bedrock Label.{{cite web|url=https://www.deezer.com/en/track/6145464|title=Guy Gerber - Stoppage Time (Max Graham Sidechain Mix) - Listen on Deezer|website=Deezer.com}}

= 2005–2006: "Owner of a Lonely Heart", ''Essential Mix'' =

Graham produced a bootleg remix of Yes track "Owner of a Lonely Heart", which was played on BBC Radio 1 and signed by Ministry of Sound and released globally. It reached #9 in the UK, giving Graham his first Top-10 UK Hit.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20050522/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company|website=Officialcharts.com}} During this same period, Graham was signed to the Bullitt agency and released music on Deep Dish's Yoshitoshi Recordings, including the single "Crank".{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/3708|title=Review: Max Graham – Crank|website=Resident Advisor}} 2006 saw him invited for his first Essential Mix.{{cite web|url=https://www.djtracklists.com/tracklists/view/essential_mix_-_2006-07-16/|title=Essential Mix - 2006-07-16 by Tracklist and Cuesheet - DJTracklists.com|website=Djtracklists.com}}

= 2008–2010: Armada, ''Cycles'' and ''Radio'' (Artist album) =

In 2008, Graham shifted to a more melodic sound and signed with Armada Music. He began his CD series Cycles, which featured 8 compilations throughout the series, including a selection of progressive and trance songs.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/artist/max-graham/33927012|title=Max Graham on Apple Music|website=Apple Music}}

In 2010, he release his first artist album, Radio,{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Max-Graham-Radio/release/2343686|title=Max Graham - Radio|website=Discogs.com}} which included collaborations with Jessica Riddle, Neev Kennedy, Ana Criado and Protoculture.

= 2011–2014: open-to-close sets, trance, and "The Evil ID" =

From 2008 to 2017, Graham released a new Cycles CD almost every year as a self-proclaimed "snapshot" of his current DJ sound.{{cite web|url=https://www.beatport.com/release/max-graham-presents-cycles-6/1442031|title=Max Graham presents Cycles 6 from Armada Music Bundles on Beatport|website=Beatport.com}} He also began touring exclusively playing open-to-close shows, where he focused on a wide variety of genres and a true journey of music.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/max-graham-appreciates-his-ties-to-canadian-cities-while-moving-forward/|title=Max Graham Appreciates His Ties to Canadian Cities While Moving Forward|first=Ani|last=Hajderaj|website=Vice.com|date=July 15, 2014}} Producing under his own name, he made singles "Sun In The Winter",{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HVdT3D820Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/4HVdT3D820Y |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham feat. Neev Kennedy - Sun In The Winter (Official Music Video) [High Quality |publisher=YouTube |date=2010-03-08 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} "Nothing Else Matters",{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vjm3KPGab5o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Vjm3KPGab5o |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham ft. Ana Criado - Nothing Else Matters (Official Music Video) |publisher=YouTube |date=2010-09-30 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} and the hit "The Evil ID",{{cite web|url=https://www.1001tracklists.com/track/2m0h81t5/max-graham-the-evil-id/index.html|title=Max Graham - The Evil ID [RE*BRAND]|website=1001Tracklists.com}} which was championed by Armin Van Buuren at Tomorrowland.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtVvsGaBYjw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/wtVvsGaBYjw |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Armin van Buuren @ Tomorrowland 2013 (The Evil Id & Humming the Lights) |publisher=YouTube |date=2013-10-24 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} Graham also performed regularly at A State Of Trance shows.{{cite web|url=https://www.mixcloud.com/edmtunes/max-graham-live-a-state-of-trance-asot-650-utrecht-netherlands-15022014/?play=fb|title=Max Graham – Live @ A State of Trance, ASOT 650 (Utrecht, Netherlands) – 15.02.2014|website=Mixcloud.com}} During that period, Graham teamed up with Protoculture to release a string of singles and remixes, including a remake of Grace’s "Not Over Yet".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6RIT9mRfUM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/P6RIT9mRfUM |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Grace - Not Over Yet (Max Graham vs Protoculture Remix) |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-10-28 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}}

= 2015–2017: Leaving Armada, moving away from trance, changing sound =

In 2015, Graham began to move away from trance (due to the changing sound that no longer appealed to him) and left Armada, closing down his Rebrand label in the process.{{cite web|url=https://www.youredm.com/2015/05/21/max-graham-announces-departure-from-rebrand-records-to-start-cycles-label/|title=Max Graham Announces Departure from Rebrand Records to Start Cycles Label|first=Syd|last=Vicious|website=Youredm.com|date=May 21, 2015}} His sound changed, and he started the label Cycles with Black Hole Recordings.{{cite web|url=https://www.blackholerecordings.com/artists/max-graham/|title=Max Graham|website=Blackholerecordings.com}} This period saw more underground releases, like "Redemption"{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fMH-Z0gNWQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/9fMH-Z0gNWQ |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham - Redemption [Cycles |publisher=YouTube |date=2015-06-01 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} and "One Hundred",{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij9vu9wmHxM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Ij9vu9wmHxM |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham - One Hundred (Raw Mix) [Cycles |publisher=YouTube |date=2015-11-09 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} and showcased deeper sounds such as the tracks "Argentina" {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DintzaZxTtY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/DintzaZxTtY |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham - Argentina [Cycles |publisher=YouTube |date=2015-09-29 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} and "Sunrise in Flight".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=din3FcTQUME |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/din3FcTQUME |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham - Sunrise In Flight [Cycles |publisher=YouTube |date=2015-09-29 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}} He also collaborated with Estiva on the track "Generation".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPm7hcctL7o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/YPm7hcctL7o |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Max Graham & Estiva - Generation (Club Mix) [Cycles |publisher=YouTube |date=2017-02-06 |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}}

=2017: The End of ''Cycles''=

In late 2017, Graham announced via Facebook that he was ending the weekly Cycles Radio episodes and taking an extended break from touring and making music.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/djmaxgraham/posts/10155298079324075?__xts__0=68.ARBfEHJl-pztR3c6ogBvz76nGy8603jc-OZpnqObFINTARINlxLAYcjffgOYMdvFvlsVhX3ne_RdOjt4hEv0yalBFhEdkTkWaZYvrwqLuxYjtmeyseCVb9lruXaaEEFTf5vBoNpaOLsvDdBiAkx1axk9f25-PSp13unwlOZ8GMPiblsNZe8yr63uiBvcBkX3mxu1jI4CjQYnAjxYDzvnmQooJvAXdobVqUS5jui61vcaLGn-4b0g4jiKT3yUCHijaiJoCq8xAkKfpX3NZ5Ftbwjqcx2hRMHXtyOEYdi293LvqGUeYvuIKRQLTfHlxj0iWifopvVn_3Y&__tn__=-R |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/6779214074/10155298079324075 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Max Graham - Hey Everyone. As you know from a previous... |website=Facebook.com |date= |accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}}

=2019: The Return=

In 2019, Graham returned to the scene and announced via social media in August that he was in the studio working on his second artist album as well as relaunching Cycles Radio with a new monthly format.{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/maxgraham/sets/cycles-radio-2019|title=Max Graham - Cycles Radio 2019|website=SoundCloud.com}}[https://www.instagram.com/p/B2IO4ZppQsy/]{{dead link|date=April 2020}} In March 2021, however, Graham announced that he would be taking another indefinite hiatus.{{Citation|title=Cycles / Streaming Hiatus Message|url=https://soundcloud.com/maxgraham/cycles-streaming-hiatus-message|language=en|access-date=2022-01-28}}

= DJing =

Graham is known mostly these days as a DJ for his open-to-close sets, where he typically plays 6–8 hours. He has performed on Above and Beyond's Group Therapy Radio (multiple times),{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/aboveandbeyond/abgt217|title=Group Therapy 217 with Above & Beyond and Max Graham|website=Soundcloud.com}} Pete Tong's Essential Mix, John Digweed's Transitions,{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/maxgraham/kiss-100-john-digweed-max-graham-guest-mix|title=2002 - Kiss 100 John Digweed - Max Graham Guest mix|website=Soundcloud.com}} and Armin van Buuren's A State of Trance.{{cite web|url=http://www.astateoftrance.com/a-state-of-trance-600/mexico-city/|title=Mexico City « A State of Trance|website=Astateoftrance.com}} He has toured to over 75 countries and performed at such festivals as Ultra,{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/news/4583|title=Ultra Music Festival announces amazing line-up|website=Resident Advisor}} Tomorrowland{{cite web |url=http://fluxbpmonline.blogspot.com/2014/08/interview-video-interview-with.html |title=INTERVIEW: Video Interview with Protoculture & Max Graham at Tomorrowland 2014 - Flux BPM Online |website=fluxbpmonline.blogspot.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122150722/http://fluxbpmonline.blogspot.com/2014/08/interview-video-interview-with.html |archive-date=22 November 2015 |url-status=dead}} and Dance Valley{{cite web|url=http://beatfactor.net/news/83/dance-valley-2004-lineup.html|title=Beatfactor: Dance Valley 2004 lineup|website=Beatfactor.net}} as well as performed at some of the most famed venues in the world, including Pacha, Ibiza; Ushuaia, Ibiza;{{cite news|url=https://www.ibizabynight.net/2014/08/14/today-daytime-ushuaia-ibiza-presents-armin-van-buuren-and-friends/|title=Today, Daytime, Ushuaia Ibiza presents: Armin Van Buuren and friends!|newspaper=Ibiza by Night|author1=Ibizabynight}} Twilo, New York; Space Terrace, Miami;{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/events/3432|title=Winter Oasis|website=Resident Advisor}} and open-to-close sets at Cielo, New York,{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/events/1027950|title=Max Graham: Open to Close Set|website=Resident Advisor}} and Output, New York.{{cite web|url=https://nightout.com/events/a/max-graham-open-to-close-cycles-8-tour|title=Max Graham Open to Close Cycles 8 Tour - Tickets - OUTPUT, Brooklyn, NY - April 14, 2017 2:00am - NIGHTOUT|website=Nightout.com}}

= Production =

Graham's production varies in genre and has been at times hard to classify.{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1648883/going-places-dj-max-graham-globetrotting-mix-master|title=Going places: DJ Max Graham, the globetrotting mix master|date=November 26, 2014|newspaper=South China Morning Post}} Under his name, he makes predominantly progressive house and progressive trance, while he also makes techno under the alias Shelter.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSG1qx_-Q1M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/tSG1qx_-Q1M |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Shelter (Max Graham) - Absolution (2015) |publisher=YouTube |date= 13 July 2019|accessdate=2020-04-06}}{{cbignore}}

= Label Ownership =

He has owned three record labels: ShineMusic, Rebrand Records and Cycles Music. In total, he hosted Cycles Radio for 337 episodes from {{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/maxgraham/sets/max-graham-presents-cycles|title=@CyclesRadio|website=SoundCloud.com}}

Discography

=Studio albums=

=Mix albums=

  • 1996: A Delicate Sound of Many – Unknown
  • 2000: Cream CD2 – Yul Records
  • 2001: Transport 4 – Kinetic Records
  • 2004: Shine – System Recordings
  • 2005: Mixmag Live – DMC
  • 2007: Bal En Blanc – Bal En Blanc
  • 2008: Re*Brand, The Story so FarArmada Music
  • 2008: Max Graham Presents CyclesArmada Music
  • 2010: Max Graham Presents Cycles2Armada Music
  • 2011: Max Graham Presents Cycles3Armada Music
  • 2013: Max Graham Presents Cycles4Armada Music
  • 2014: Max Graham Presents Cycles5Armada Music
  • 2015: Cycles6 Mixed by Max GrahamArmada Music
  • 2016: Cycles7 Mixed by Max GrahamBlack Hole Recordings
  • 2017: Cycles8 Mixed by Max GrahamBlack Hole Recordings

=Singles=

=Remixes=

  • 2000: Bullitt – Cried to Dream – Virgin Music
  • 2000: Starecase – Lost 22 – Hope Recordings
  • 2000: Subgod – Velodrome TV – Polyester
  • 2000: Vicious Cycles – Vicious Cycles – Platipus Records
  • 2001: Uberzone – Bounce – Astralwerks
  • 2001: Conjure One – Redemption – Nettwerk
  • 2001: globe – Can't Stop Fallin' In Love – Avex Trax
  • 2002: Conjure One – Sleep – Nettwerk
  • 2002: Cultivate – Broken Pieces – Lost Language
  • 2002: Barakka – Song to the Siren – Lost Language
  • 2003: Strawberry Fields – Release Records
  • 2004: Madoka – Afterburner – Private Reality
  • 2004: Mack Vibe feat. Jaqueline - Can't Let you Go - Curvve
  • 2004: Jase From Outta Space – Do What You Want – Shine Music
  • 2004: Tilt – Twelve – Lost Language
  • 2004: DT8 Project – Winter – Data Records
  • 2005: Sam Perez – Across the Ocean – Yoshitoshi
  • 2005: Leah – Contact High – Wooden Records
  • 2006: Filterheadz – Endless Summer – Love Distortion
  • 2007: Purple Code – The Rising – Re*Brand Records
  • 2008: Marcus Schossow – Swedish Beatballs – Coldharbour
  • 2008: Jerome Isma – Vila Nova – Electric
  • 2010: tyDi Feat. Tanya Zygar – Half Light – AVA Recordings
  • 2010: Filo & Peri ft. Audrey Gallagher – This Night – VANDIT
  • 2011: Grace – Not Over Yet w/ Protoculture – Perfecto
  • 2011: Protoculture – Topaz – Re*Brand Records w/ Armada Music
  • 2012: Solarstone & Scott Bond – 3rd Earth – Captivating Sounds w/ Armada Music
  • 2013: Gabriel & Dresden ft. Neil Ormandy – Tomorrow Comes w/ Protoculture – Organized Nature w/ Armada Music
  • 2015: Solid Stone ft. Jennifer Rene – Not Enough – Re*Brand Records w/ Armada Music
  • 2017: Forerunners – Relic – Cycles w/ Black Hole Recordings
  • 2019: Michael & Levan with Stiven Rivic – Stardust – Kunai Music

=DJ Magazine Top 100 rankings=

  • 2001: No. 23 (Debut)
  • 2002: No. 83
  • 2003: No. 56
  • 2004: No. 64
  • 2005: No. 96

References