Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Max Ehrich

For over a decade, Max Ehrich has captivated audiences with performances in hit television shows like The Young and the Restless, Under the Dome, and The Path, earning himself four Emmy nominations. This year, he made the leap from the screen to the studio, releasing his debut single, “Afraid“. We caught up with Max to chat about this exciting milestone.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Max: I was drawn to the piano when I was four years old. My earliest memory is playing the piano.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Max: My parents—they have supported my artistic growth my entire life.

PC: In addition to being a musician, you’re also an actor. How has music made you a stronger actor and vice versa? Is it ever challenging to balance the different facets of your career?
Max: Music definitely inspires my acting and vice versa. I use music to set the tone of scenes I’m in and have entire playlists dedicated to the characters I play.

It can be challenging with the logistics of scheduling, but having both keeps me constantly in a creative zone.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Afraid”. What’s the inspiration behind it?
Max: The inspiration is my personal life experience: being at the start of a relationship and having the fear of getting my heartbroken.

PC: This is your debut single. What was the process like deciding what would be your musical introduction?
Max: It was a gut and heart thing. I knew the moment I recorded “Afraid” that it was such a special song to me. It goes back to my roots on the piano and expresses my hopeful romanticism.

PC: “Afraid” comes off your upcoming EP. Is there anything you can tease about what fans can expect from the release?
Max: It’s a roller coaster.

PC: If you had to select one song off of the EP that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
Max: It’s a song called “Thank U”. I wrote it with a friend (Ava Suppelsa) in Nashville and it talks about portraying characters in TV/film that fall in love and wanting to experience the real deal in real life. It’s where I’m at right now.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Max: XXXTentacion.

PC: First album you bought?
Max: Probably the Backstreet Boys. [laughs]

PC: First concert you attended?
Max: Backstreet Boys. [laughs]

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Max: John Mayer’s Continuum—it’s just so honest and the music/lyrics are impeccable.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Max: Staples Center.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Max: Lots of Mountain Valley Spring Water.

To keep up with Max, follow him on Instagram. Pick up or stream “Afraid” today.