IN CONVERSATION WITH MAX RAE
interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by KREATURE THINGS PRODUCTIONS
Rising pop sensation Max Rae is closing out 2025 in spectacular fashion. Following her Billboard-charting hit ‘Tattoo’ and viral collaboration ‘How We Do It’ with Montell Jordan, Max is back with a powerful one-two punch of emotion and energy. Her latest single, ‘Christmas Fever’, is the first of her two holiday tracks, turning up the festive cheer. The second one, ‘Auld Lang Bye’, is releasing on 21st November, offering a playful, empowering soundtrack for the season.
After something as emotional as ‘Karma’, you pivoted to holiday tracks ‘Christmas Fever’ and ‘Auld Lang Bye’. What inspired that shift in tone?
I felt that it was important to end the year on a positive high note. ‘Karma’ was and is my most vulnerable soul baring song to date, and I had such a therapeutic experience through that song. The holidays mean a lot to me and after ‘Karma’, it just felt right to end the year with a festive bang.
‘Christmas Fever’ has such a playful energy. What was your vision when creating that track?
My mom and I love watching Hallmark Christmas movies this time of year and as I watch them, there are all these playful cheery songs, and I thought to myself why not make my own. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I wanted to create a radio ready universal song all ages can enjoy.
‘Auld Lang Bye’ flips a classic New Year’s song into something bold and cheeky. How did that concept come about?
While I was in the studio writing for the holidays, I shared with one of my producers Simon that I broke up with my boyfriend on New Year’s Eve, and he had this brilliant idea to play off the lyrics of the iconic song to “Should old boyfriends be forgot and never brought to mind”. My eyes lit up and I immediately went to writing around it. It came so easily.
What message are you sending to fans as they head into the new year with ‘Auld Lang Bye’?
We dive in on how the New Year brings a clean slate and celebrate the beauty of letting the past go. When they listen to this song, I want people to remember and know their worth. That letting go can be scary, but so rewarding, and to celebrate their successes and the unknown the New Year brings.
Do you have any special holiday traditions or memories that influenced your festive music?
Hallmark Christmas movie marathons with my mom, baking traditional New Mexican biscochitos, decorating the house, toasting to being together, and the warm and cozy feeling this time of year brings.
You’ve been praised for blending pop, R&B, and dance elements seamlessly. How would you describe your sound today compared to when you first started?
Wow. First, thank you! Second, I think it’s so beautiful when I look back on the journey and growth I’ve had since I’ve started. I used to think I couldn’t do it all and I had to “pick a lane,” but I’ve found now that it’s possible to blend genres in a way that has become my finger print.
Your songs often center around empowerment and resilience. How do you keep that positive mindset in an industry that can be tough?
To be honest, it’s very difficult, but I know I was called to do this. This is my purpose, and I feel it’s so important, now more than ever, to be a positive influence in such a dark industry.
‘Tattoo’ and ‘How We Do It’ were big milestones for you. How did their success influence your creative direction for these new releases?
I’m so grateful for the success and opportunities of these two songs. I just wanted to keep this momentum going and celebrate finally getting a foot in the door.
You’ve said you want to be a “light” through your music. What does that mean to you personally?
Life is hard. It can feel dark and negative and there is a lot of that, especially in this industry. Some artists emphasize and harp on the pain, but I want to be the opposite. I want to honor all the feelings that we have in our human experience, but I always want to find the silver lining. To look at the world and the circumstances we find ourselves in and make it a positive thing. When people listen to my music or watch my videos, I want them to feel lighter, happier. I want to leave people better than before they knew or heard me. That gives me purpose and fuels my passion for music.
After the holiday season, what can you share with us about your upcoming projects?
Oh man, this new era is not one you want to miss. As I touched on a bit earlier, I broke up with my boyfriend of over three years last New Year’s Eve. This was the first time I could write authentic and honest break up songs and also the confidence and strength of how I’ve been feeling since. I’ve made it my mission to get even more raw and vulnerable and celebrate this thing called life. I’m in my prime and I’m gonna live it to the fullest.
