Rising Superstar DJ & Music Producer
We were delighted to talk to Max Tyler (Sy 14-21). Max joined Bloxham aged 11 and enjoyed a broad variety of subjects, music lessons and pursuing his interests outside the classroom. He explains how his experiences at Bloxham, the inspiration from his Housemaster in his formative teenage years, coupled with his natural confidence, ambition and self-belief, have led to his success as an up-and-coming DJ and music producer.
Max’s first track You Only Want Me was released in July 2020 and reached Number Two on the iTunes chart and Number 3 on the UK Dance Charts. He has played in Europe, at major UK festivals and international sporting events such as Silverstone and The Ryder Cup. He has had a two-year residency at ‘The View from The Shard’ in London, and is managed by former BBC Radio One DJ, Chris Moyles.
How was your passion for music born?
I have always loved music; I had piano lessons from a young age and really enjoyed singing too, reaching Grade 8, and I sung with the school choir. Performing at school music concerts and singing in front of an audience from quite a young age built up my confidence for what I have gone on to do. For my 16th birthday, I got a set of decks and taught myself how to DJ through trial and error, I didn’t want to learn through YouTube. As I learnt how to use my set of decks, I went between dorm rooms at school playing for friends and that’s how I learnt to mix. At the same time, I shadowed a local DJ a couple of times, watching what he did and asking a load of questions. It has all spiralled from there.
What did you study at A Level?
Surprisingly, not music! I love music but I didn’t want to study the classical and historical side although music at GCSE was brilliant and relevant to what I am doing today. In Sixth Form, I studied drama, business studies and hospitality. Performing and being on stage in drama helped prepare me for being in front of thousands of people. Hospitality was practical and fun: it gave me real-life experience of how events are put together and all the elements involved. I chose the subjects which I enjoyed the most and, though I didn’t know it at the time, all have been useful to me as they taught me how to learn and put things into action in the real world.
How did your career in DJing start?
From playing in the dorm rooms, I was then at home in lockdown and started a Friday night DJ set on Instagram Live. This really built and each week I had more and more listeners. One of these was Chris Moyles.
Editor’s note: Chris Moyles gave Max a shout out, saying: “He’s young but he’s very good. Check him out.”
These sessions helped get my music and my name out there. I left Bloxham with a two-year DJ residency at The Shard; I played gigs from the rooftop bar at top of The Shard, the highest venue in London. It was an amazing experience and a real rollercoaster ride straight out of school. It was also really nice for me to show people that it wasn’t all about grades and success could be shown in other ways.
What has been your most exciting achievement so far?
There has been so much in a short space of time, but I think the highlight so far was playing at Silverstone last summer on the main stage to about 65,000 people. The day was a whirlwind and back-to-back excitement, the buzz was incredible! Funnily enough, I wasn’t really nervous, it has become second nature, and it is all about the energy and seeing the effect my music has on people, and the crowd singing back the words to music I had written – it was just a really special moment.
Today the music industry isn’t solely about what’s in the ‘Top Ten’, although it was great to have three tracks, I released all within the Top Ten. It is more about social media: the number of streams on Spotify, how many views and shares your track has.
How do you keep yourself positive/resilient and how do you keep passionate?
The music industry is very up and down, with a lot of rejection and it’s so hard to break in to – so many people never make it. For me it’s about proving to myself and others that I can, and will, do it. In summary: talent, passion and drive, that is what is most important.
What advice would you give to students pursuing a career in music?
Be consistent and resilient. So many people don’t make it as they get knock backs and so give up, or they get bored. Get your head down, make connections and take time to learn and perfect your art before getting in front of people as, yes, while it is great to get a foot in the door and an introduction, it’s your skills and talent which will make you successful. Take the time to learn your craft. Also, don’t go seeking money and recognition, you need to do it because you love it. Material success will follow.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If you want a career that requires certain qualifications and are academic, the university route is an obvious path but there are other routes too. There are so many creative industries and non-academic options, and a degree isn’t essential for a successful, fulfilling life. Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone belittle your aspirations. Try not to listen to negative comments, you have to get your head down and just go for it. Always try your hardest in everything, be prepared and I think most importantly, be passionate about your ambition and be persistent.
Who has been an inspirational figure to you?
I was really lucky to have teachers who just understood me, and how I learnt, especially during my A Levels with Mr Brassington and Mr Harvey. The standout figure for me though was my Housemaster, Mr Bull. He really inspired me and helped me to learn that my success wasn’t defined in the classroom. At the start of Seymour, I didn’t always see eye-to-eye with him, but through my time in the boarding house this changed. He always knew how to go about giving me constructive criticism which really helped me.
What is your fondest memory of Bloxham?
The School holds so many special memories and my brother and sister are still there, so I am back regularly, sometimes to play sport. I’ve also been approached to DJ at a few House Dances which I enjoy as it’s really great to be able to give something back. My fondest memory is summer term evenings on Main Field. Finishing prep, the sun still shining and seeing everyone from all the other Houses and just playing on the field. Looking back, encouraging everyone outside after a day’s studying was really important for our health and well-being, just mixing together and having a laugh with friends.
Today, where are you happiest?
Without a doubt, I get a great buzz and a massive sense of fulfilment every single time I am on the stage. I feel a sense of belonging and it is my happy place.
What are your hopes and aims for the future?
Right now, I am focusing on writing house, dance and pop music for myself and other artists. I am building up my catalogue and I am speaking to different record labels. It’s all crazy! I want to continue to do this, play piano ballads, sing and be one of the biggest and best artists and DJs in the world.
Follow Max’s progress on Instagram.
Back to all stories