Q&A with multifaceted producer, Oddbox, about his music made with brother Pat Burgener
We sat down with Oddbox (aka Max Burgener), who recently released the latest track with his brother Pat Burgener, ‘Free’. Written by the Burgener brothers and produced by Oddbox, the track was shared with the world on August 30, 2024, via Oversey Records. Oddbox is a London-based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with over 81K Spotify listeners. While all his songs are crafted around interesting and odd soundscapes, they all retain a definite pop edge with catchy melodies and hooks all around. Pat, who has 18 million streams and has toured with acts like Sons of the East, is working on a collaborative album and has performed at major festivals including Paleo and Montreux Jazz. Their music blends soulful indie folk, appealing to fans of Ben Howard and The Lumineers.
Stream ‘Free’ while you read our interview with Max below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Music is the soundtrack of human’s life and there’s no greater beauty than leaving a mark through this medium.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Usually the sound. Some chords or textures that inspire me and then give the starting point for the entire track. Sometimes it could also be the concept of the lyrics, but 99% of the time it is the music that comes first.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Tons of collaborations. My entire project is based around collaborations since I’m a producer/artist. I’m planning to do some solo songs in the future because I’m also a singer but I really enjoy working with people so that’ll always be a big part of what I do.
What’s on your current playlist?
The last songs I’ve added to my playlist and I keep listening on repeat are: ‘Orange Juice’ by Alfie Jukes, ‘Georgia On My Mind’ by Allen Stone and ‘Starts with a Text’ by Bawo.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
Since I started focusing on my own project in 2022, I still haven’t had the chance to perform for this project yet. However, I’ve performed loads with my brother Pat in his band in the past (I was his musical director) and I always found that one of Pat’s biggest strengths is his chemistry with the fans. He has this ability to break this invisible barrier that most artists create unconsciously with their audience by being very open and revealing about his journey’s struggles and success as an artist/olympic athlete.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I don’t really use a technique but I’d say that what gives my sound is the fact that I never use references when I create my music. I just look for sounds and focus on what feels right instead of trying to copy a certain genre or artist. The result ends up being quite interesting since the sound that comes out is a weird hybrid that doesn’t resemble anything that is out yet and is quite unique.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I always try to work out and meditate before starting my day as I really see the benefits these practices bring to the creative process. I then go to the studio and wait for the artist to arrive if it’s a writing session. Otherwise I’ll just open my session and work on the song I need to finish next. I usually just experiment with sounds and follow my gut feeling. That’s why it is so important for me to feel good and be at ease inside otherwise it is literally impossible to tune in to this feeling that guides me.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
I get this feeling literally every time I reach the point when a song starts to sound great and exciting.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Water, guitar picks and setlist haha.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Yes, a few that I’m working with. Bawo, Mac Amish, Jamilah Barry and Lana Lubany.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Being present.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
That’s a dangerous question to ask a producer, hahaha.
I think the most obvious is my recording software Logic Pro. I really love synthesisers as well, I’ve got a prophet Rev2, a Judo Super 6, Model D and MS20 to name just a few. I started my music journey as a guitarist as well so I have a few very beautiful guitars like an original Gibson ES340 from 1972 or a custom shop telecaster that plays like a dream. I also just recently got a OP1 from teenage engineering, which is a portable synthesiser that is quite handy if you’re travelling a lot.
Any side projects you’re working on?
My own record label Oversey Records and also a clothing brand that has the same name.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I try to experiment with new gear and switch up my creative process with limitations. I listen to up and coming artists that have a really interesting sound and try to get some inspiration from them. It’s a constant journey and also very important when you’re building a career that’ll last a lifetime.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
This year I’m really gearing up for next year. I have one song with the French rapper Mac Amish that’ll still come out this November. However, next year I have a full EP with James Hersey, a couple of songs with my brother with some big features on our collaborative EP and a big song with Mac Amish featuring Bawo. I’m really excited to put all these songs out because I think they have a huge potential.
The most important thing is to enjoy the journey and be grateful for all the milestones you’ve already achieved.
Follow Pat Burgener:
Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
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