Meet Max Miller

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Max Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

MAX, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

It’s all a matter of perspective, and it starts with gratitude. Finding ways to be thankful instead of upset at the world. The world unfortunately isn’t giving out participation trophies. You have to find the silver lining in it all, and carry yourself with a smile, because in an instant it can all change. It’s not easy all the time, and it can be tiring, but it’s important to always see both sides of the coin.

You’re busy? It’s a blessing to have so many things to do, and so many people who depend on you. You’re anxious? It’s a blessing that something can make us feel so alive. You’re tired? It’s a blessing that we even woke up today.

Optimism is an activity. It takes conscious effort. For me I give many thanks everyday for the loved ones and support system I have. For the memories and milestones I’ve been able to accomplish in this life. It’s been one of the best ways I’ve been able to quell my overthinking and own personal adversities.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Max, a lover of all things music, anime, fashion, sports, travel and so much more.

In a way, I get to live a “dual” lifestyle. Whether it’s marketing and brand strategy by day (I work in the design agency space), or my musical pursuits and dreams, there is never a dull moment.

Professionally, I play guitar in two bands: Harmless Habit and A Place i Know. Both bands have some similarities and creative differences, but share space in a similar genre.

It’s funny looking at it now. Being a professional musician was never on my radar growing up. Sure, like every musician we kind of picture it, but I brushed it off quickly growing up. I actively avoided being in a band, mainly due to fear of turning my favorite hobby into a “job”, thus sucking the life and enjoyment out of it. I also struggled with the idea of joining a band if my heart wasn’t in the music. It wasn’t until I was 25 (nearly 26) that i joined a band.

I started playing instruments when I was 10. I started out on drums, and quickly took to them. It was a natural click, something that just felt right. When we were just kids, my band mate and long time friend, Jon Suh and I crossed paths for the first time. I knew he played guitar, and I mentioned that I play drums. Next thing I know, we started jamming and hanging from there. But we both went our separate ways over time, and he started various musical projects and endeavors while I focused more on sports and such.

I switched my primary focus from drumming to guitar when I was 13, because I began to plateau as a drummer. When I first started, my goals were to learn my favorite Metallica, Lamb of God, and Sevendust songs. The issue is, that day came quicker than I expected, and I didn’t really know what to do after that.

My brother is a guitar player, and a killer one at that. I’ve been watching this guy write songs and create music ever since I was a kid. I remember sitting in his apartment, and watching him write an entire song. He was an early adopter of the bedroom recording studio, using Garageband and logic on his Macbook as far back as 2008 I believe.

One night that stuck with me was an evening where he set out to write a song as fast as possible. He tracked the guitars, bass, and digitized the drums in 2 hours tops. And the song was GOOD! From that day, I realized I didn’t want to be a drummer, I wanted to be a songwriter.

After playing guitar for 11 years, sure enough I crossed paths with my old pal Jon again. We had always stayed in touch and jammed from time to time over the years, but this time Harmless Habit had an opening, and he needed someone he could trust to fill-in. So I agreed to join Harmless Habit and play a few shows for them in a pinch, but I quickly fell in love with it, and it became a permanent role and an important focus in my life.

A few years later, some close friends and I started newer project called A Place I Know. Each member is formerly of other bands and projects, so in a way it was like forming a local band supergroup 😂…

I owe a lot to Jon. He’s introduced me to so many musicians, and the path with Harmless Habit opened up the ability for me to make many strong friendships. start another project (A Place I Know) and pursue something I never thought I would.

Btw, Harmless Habit release a new single called Traffic, so you should totally check that out.

A Place I Know is currently working on an EP, with 5 tracks that are unreleased. and something special to follow that too!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Optimism & Gratitude, Determination & Confidence.

I’ve had A LOT of support over the years and I couldn’t have made it anywhere without that. That gave me confidence and belief in myself, because others believed in me first.

Again, I can’t emphasize how important it is to find gratitude every day. It level sets me and helps me realize that the little thing that I was letting ruin my day, doesn’t even matter in the end because I have bigger things to be appreciative of. Staying optimistic has helped me see past alot of the BS that this life will throw your way. It’s about where you invest your time, and how. Some things are out of your control, and it’s easier said than done to let go and live, but it’s the only option we really have in the end anyway. Stay determined in who you are, stay optimistic in whats to come, stay confident in your judgment and your character, and give thanks for the blessings you have no matter what they are.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

For me, I try to connect and talk it out with someone. With my loved ones, my friends, my colleagues. Sometimes I need another perspective, or to vent, or to get my mind off of it.

My advice comes from something my late grandmother always said – don’t borrow trouble.

Worrying never did anything for anyone. I’m not saying I don’t worry in life, but I try to remember that much of what I’ve been overwhelmed and worried by, all tend to pass and equate to nothing big in the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harmlesshabit.net/
• Instagram: maxmiller614
• Twitter: maxmeezy
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MAm29Hb9CDR0GTcc2j5Yn?si=2KqPcTUYS76dsVQ8BG97vQ

Image Credits

Zizi Friesen,

Nick Fancher,

Gabriel Goulding

Chandler Moyer