Maxwell Getz, known by his artistic moniker, Dead Motel, is capturing hearts and minds with his emotionally charged blend of ambience, nostalgia, and melodic hooks. As a producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, Dead Motel has turned to music as a means of self-expression and personal healing, creating a unique brand of dance/electronic music that resonates with authenticity.
From a young age, Max has been deeply connected to music, tracing his love for it back to his earliest memories. However, his journey has not been without challenges. The loss of his father at a young age led Max down a path of substance abuse during his teenage years, which continued as he toured as a guitar player in a metal band. Recognizing the need for change, Max sought help to overcome his addiction and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and inward healing.
Using Dead Motel as a vehicle for catharsis, Max has crafted deeply personal songs that aim to foster connection and inspire others. His latest single, “Flowers in the Corner,” is a haunting reflection on grief and the complexities of loss. Inspired by a visit to his father’s grave after many years, Max unintentionally broke Jewish customs by bringing flowers instead of stones. This simple mistake in the face of grief and loss became the foundation for the poignant lyrics of the song, where the flowers serve as a metaphor for unacknowledged grief, always present but often cast aside.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, Max continuously hones his craft and seeks a deeper understanding of himself through his art. With 16 singles and an EP already released under the Dead Motel moniker, Max is currently working on his debut full-length album while collaborating with other artists as a producer.
Max’s connection to electronic music began at the age of 14 when he discovered the power of computer-based music production with Fruity Loops. This fascination with creating beats and dance tracks gradually became his main focus, leading him to incorporate electronic elements into the songs of his former metal band, One Year Later, during their successful three-year tenure signed to indie label CI Records.
Dead Motel’s signature sound emerges from Max’s experimentation with warping, stretching, and sampling his own voice. By combining these ethereal elements with vintage synths, guitars, samples, and software, Max achieves the nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that defines Dead Motel’s music. He thrives on the excitement of creating sounds that exist in their own unique world, pushing the boundaries of conventional categorization.
In addition to his work as an artist, Max is an accomplished mixing engineer, skillfully blending various elements to create cohesive and immersive sonic experiences. The challenge of weaving separate components together into a harmonious whole excites him and fuels his passion for music production.
For Max, healing and mental health are integral to the Dead Motel project and his journey as an artist. Through rehab and years of therapy, he has come to understand that mental health should take priority above all else. Music has become a sanctuary where Max can be fiercely honest, vulnerable, and confront the darkest parts of himself. It allows him to live his truth and express himself authentically, aligning his spirit with his art.
As Dead Motel continues to captivate audiences with its emotionally charged dance/electronic music, Max’s story serves as an inspiration to others. His journey of self-discovery, healing, and unwavering commitment to authenticity resonates deeply, reminding us all of the transformative power of music.
Learn more about Dead Motel by following him on Instagram. You can also check out his music on Spotify.
