Welcome to the second part of the “Behind the scenes of the underground music scene” series, where we take a look at the people and important parts of the underground music scene that help bring things together, from putting on shows, to making show fliers, shirts, and album art for bands, along with much more.
This week, we were able to chat with Louisville, Kentucky film-maker Max Moore, the man behind Max Moore Films.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Max Moore. I am a filmmaker from Louisville, Kentucky. I do a lot of freelance video work as well direct narrative short films. Apart from all that, I am also a full-time film student at Western Kentucky University.
2. You played in the band Mountain Asleep. What did you do in the band and how was that experience?
I played bass for Mountain Asleep a few years ago. We were a punk band from Louisville that was heavily involved with the DIY punk scene, most notably in the Midwest region. Looking back, that for sure was a fun time in my life, one that I have many fond memories of. Being in the band and having the opportunity to tour the U.S. allowed me to meet a lot of cool people and other bands. So, in a lot of ways, it helped me gain many of my contacts and friends related to my video work today.
3. Where you in any other bands, or did you do anything else music related?
Before Mountain Asleep, I was in several other bands. An indie instrumental band in high school and two pop-punk bands later, as well. Since Mountain Asleep broke up in 2010 though, I've only stayed connected through music by doing video work for bands and what not.
Whips / Chains from Max Moore on Vimeo.
.4. When did you become interested in film?
Ever since I was young, I've always had a love for making movies. I remember using my dad's old VHS recorder and making videos when I was 8 or 9. Pretty much from then on I continued shooting and editing video. Today, it's cool because I've finally found an amazing way to blend my love for filmmaking and music together - music videos. I don't feel the need to strictly pick one or the other, music or video, I can simply do them both now. It's great.
5. What was your first official film/video and how did that turn out?
My first "official" music video done under Max Moore Films was in December of 2009 for XERXES' 7" "Twins." Since then I've completed 16 other official music videos, multiple short films, documentaries, and other freelance videos.
6. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
As far as inspiration goes for music videos, I mostly use the band's artwork as a visual reference. Allowing that to kind of guide me visually has seemed to work out better than drawing inspiration from a certain film or other directors I've seen.
The Red Box from Max Moore on Vimeo.
.7. Your latest music video for Converge's song "Aimless Arrow" was featured on Pitchfork.tv. How did that opportunity come up and what was the filming process for that like?
I was introduced to Converge through a friend of mine not too long ago. I just kind of pitched the idea for a video and they agreed. Essentially after that we just started working on conceptualizing the content and aesthetics of the video for a few weeks. I took about two week to shoot and about two to edit. Overall, it was a really fun project to work on, especially because of how professional and easy Converge was to work with. Great band.
8. You've also done work for bands like Code Orange Kids, Xerxes, and more. How did you meet them and what's it been like working with them over the years?
Well, first off, my twin brother plays guitar in XERXES, so naturally that is what lead to working with them. I met Code Orange Kids, in part, through XERXES and their record label at the time, Mayfly. So again, just a friend of friend kind of deal. I think both bands are extremely good at the music that they make and the art they put out. Working with both of them has been a really cool experience over the years. There is nothing like making art to help out your friends.
CODE ORANGE KIDS "V (My Body is a Well)" from Max Moore on Vimeo.
9. Your role in the underground music scene is a bit different than, say, a band, venue, or flier-maker's type of work. How do you feel about your contributions to the music scene and what do you think makes our scene so special today?
I think my contribution to the hardcore scene is unique when speaking broadly. That is, there are a lot more bands than there are music video directors. So in that sense, I'm unique. But more so than that, I think with today's trend of out of control social networking and an overload of digital visual culture, it's very exciting to provide a service like filmmaking and know that it's only going up and expanding. As 2013 approaches, I've never seen so many band's wanting music videos, something to visually spread online, and I'd say that's a good trend for someone like me to be surrounded by.
LAY DOWN AND DIE - Deconstructor from Max Moore on Vimeo.
.10. You've also worked on quite a bit of narrative films. Do you tackle those as any differently than music videos? If so, how?
My narrative films are taken on in a completely different manner from my music video work. First off, my narrative filmmaking is all about telling my story, a story I first envisioned and created. In that way, the root and core of the process starts almost completely different from music videos. With music videos, I take on someone else's story, song, or lyrics. They come to me, and I make visual sense of it. Narrative filmmaking for me is a lot more personal and open for what I want to convey through its core content. I love both though; they are just very different.
11. What projects are you working on and what can we expect from Max Moore Films in the future?
Currently, I am working on several music videos. I just finished up a video for Into It. Over It. a few days ago and will start shooting a new Code Orange Kids video in a few weeks. Beyond that, I have two bigger videos in the works that I'm super excited about. Keep an eye out for all of those.
XERXES 7" Trailer from Max Moore on Vimeo.
.Stay updated on all of Max's work by visiting his website.
Be sure to like the Max Moore Films facebook page for sneak-peaks of his work and more.
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