Pennsylvania-based producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Maxwell Getz, known as Dead Motel, has emerged as a rising force in the music industry, blending ambience, nostalgia, and melodic hooks into a captivating brand of emotional dance/electronic music. Rooted in his personal journey, which involved overcoming addiction and navigating the loss of his father at an early age, Dead Motel’s music serves as a vessel for catharsis and connection.
In his latest single, “Flowers in the Corner,” Dead Motel shares a poignant experience of grief through a haunting refrain. The song recounts Max’s visit to his father’s grave after many years, where he inadvertently placed flowers instead of stones, in a misalignment with Jewish customs. The weight of this simple mistake amidst the backdrop of grief and loss inspired the poignant lyrics of the song. Max visualizes the flowers as a metaphor for the unacknowledged presence of grief, symbolically discarded to the corner of a room. Through his music, Max opens up about vulnerability and invites listeners to confront their own emotions and experiences.
Drawing from a diverse pool of influences, Max constantly explores and creates music to deepen his craft and gain a deeper understanding of himself. With an impressive discography of 16 singles and one EP already released as Dead Motel, Max is currently writing his debut full-length album and collaborating with other artists as a producer. His journey into music began at the age of 14 when he discovered Fruity Loops and became captivated by the endless possibilities of computer-based music production. Max’s profound connection to electronic music led him to incorporate electronic elements into the songs of his former metal band, One Year Later, which garnered success through a three-year touring period and a record deal with indie label CI Records.
Max’s signature sound emerges from his ability to warp, stretch, and sample his own voice, creating sounds that exist in their own captivating world. He effortlessly blends different eras of popular music, draws inspiration from modern producers he admires, and infuses elements from his everyday life. Max’s passion for music-making stems from the excitement that comes with accidental discoveries, allowing the universe to guide his creative process.
Utilizing an eclectic array of instruments, including vintage synths, guitars, samples, and software, Dead Motel achieves a nostalgic and dreamy sonic landscape. Max embraces the serendipitous nature of music production, finding excitement in letting go and allowing the universe to shape his artistic journey.
In addition to his work as a musician, Max is an accomplished mixing engineer, adept at harmonizing various elements to create cohesive and captivating soundscapes. The intricate process of mixing and producing fuels his artistic curiosity and presents an exhilarating challenge.
For Max, healing and mental health are integral aspects of Dead Motel’s identity. Through his personal experiences with rehabilitation and therapy, he has come to understand the paramount importance of prioritizing mental well-being. Music serves as a safe space for Max to be unabashedly honest, vulnerably exposed, and confront the darker parts of himself, ultimately facilitating his own healing. Authenticity lies at the core of his artistry, enabling Max to live his truth and express himself in a way that resonates deeply with his spirit.
As listeners engage with Dead Motel’s music, they are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-reflection and emotional exploration. Max Getz’s Dead Motel project stands as a testament to the profound impact of music on mental health, offering solace, motivation, and a reminder of the power of vulnerability.
Learn more about Dead Motel by following him on Instagram. You can also check out his music on Spotify.
