Toronto-based rising star Max Parker is making his mark in both music and acting. Known for his dynamic talent and signature sound, Max effortlessly blends anthemic pop-rock with soulful intimacy. His achievements include a Top 10 Mainstream AC Radio hit and his single “Good Time” becoming the #1 Most Added Track across formats, as well as the highest-charting independent release on the AC Radio Charts. His debut album 17, produced by industry heavyweights like John Nathaniel (OneRepublic), further solidified his breakout status.
Expanding into acting, Max is set to star in the highly anticipated feature film Juliet & Romeo, alongside Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Rupert Everett, and Rupert Graves. With his undeniable talent and versatility, Max Parker is a name to watch in both music and film.
Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us! Can you tell us about your journey growing up in Toronto and how your passion for both music and acting first began?
My journey in the arts really began when I picked up my first guitar. Growing up in Toronto’s west end, I was lucky to be surrounded by music shops and creative spaces. I’ve been a performer for as long as I can remember, always the one trying to steal the spotlight at family gatherings! After a few years of playing guitar, singing, and performing in school plays and showcases, I decided to audition for an arts-based high school. Out of all the disciplines, theatre felt like the best fit. That decision set everything in motion. Now, alongside being a musician, I have years of theatre training with a disciplined background in theatre and cultural arts studies from university.
Who have been your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your unique sound that blends pop-rock and soulful intimacy?
Love this question! Lately, some of my biggest musical influences have been INXS, Coldplay, Jon Bellion, and Twenty One Pilots. What draws me to all of these musical influences is how deeply intentional their music is. They each have a strong sense of vision behind their work. Whether it’s rooted in lived stories, or just carries that “larger than life” energy that gives you chills, their work has really inspired me to develop a sound of my own that tells a deeper story too. I’ve been doing a lot of creative exploration as I mature, and that’s where the rock influence has started to shine through lately. Producing some of these tracks myself has been such an exciting process, and I’m hoping to announce a new release very soon!
As you transition into acting, have there been any mentors or industry figures who have guided or inspired you in this part of your career?
My first real mentor was my high school drama teacher, Mr. McGrade. I won’t even hesitate to name-drop him because he was the first person who truly gave me the confidence to express myself on stage, specifically for theatre and acting.
My agent, Jessica Martins, has been incredible. She advocates for me every day and has landed me some cool auditions. Mostly, she listens intently, knows me pretty well and has seen my growth and somehow uses all that to support me fully in both my acting and music aspirations.
And last but certainly not least, Timothy Bogart, for trusting me with the role of Benvolio in this new film and for being an all-around great person. He has a way of bringing out the most human side of everyone in his projects, and I’m so grateful to be part of that.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young artist navigating both the music and film industries, and how have you overcome them?
One big challenge was shifting my focus to Juliet & Romeo and temporarily stepping away from music while filming in Italy. I still wrote songs while there, but I wanted to make sure most of my energy went into showing up fully on screen.
Balancing different creative passions can be tricky, especially when both pull me in different directions. Lately, acting hasn’t just been keeping me busy, it’s also felt like a sign for something to come for both music and film, I hope. It’s reminding me not to underestimate what I’m learning now in the moment, and to keep following the opportunities. All of it, music and acting, can merge together and I’m certainly feeling that now.
Your debut album 17 was a huge milestone, with collaborations from award-winning producers. How did that experience shape you as an artist?
Yes! I had the chance to work with so many incredible producers on my debut album, including John Nathaniel, who’s worked with huge bands like OneRepublic.
Honestly, working with A-list producers has been where I’ve learned the most about music. I’m the kind of artist who will sit right next to my producers while comping vocals or tweaking a recorded track; I just love and learn from the whole process. Being in the room with people like John, Derek Hoffman, Conor Seidel, and Joel Stouffer has not only helped me understand how to produce music on my own, but it has also cemented my own creative artistry. These sessions felt like masterclasses, teaching me how to express myself and refine my sound in ways I never could have on my own. And now, I can and do create and refine my sound on my own. The production knowledge, for me, has been a huge plus out of the pandemic when, at one point, I was coached by John Nathaniel on how to set up my own studio, comp my own vocals, etc.
What drew you to the role of Benvolio in Juliet & Romeo, and how did you prepare for such a pivotal part in this bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic?
The role of Benvolio truly captures that inner turmoil we all experience – the feeling when you just know something isn’t right. Your gut, heart, and mind are all screaming at you, but there’s nothing you can do to change it because it’s all out of your control, and all you truly want is peace amongst everyone but as you know there is a huge conflict between the two houses of the Montagues and Capulets… This constant inner struggle is evident in Benvolio, and I felt like I was able to pour a lot of myself into the role.
There were moments when I’d sit in the trailer with emotional tears streaming down my face, and they weren’t even necessarily mine. I journaled a lot, sometimes from Benvolio’s perspective, and at some point, I was so deep into it that a piece of his world started to live in mine, truly! It was an exhilarating experience to feel that connected to the character.
The film features a modern pop soundtrack. How did your musical background influence your performance, and did you contribute vocally to the soundtrack?
My musical background played a huge role in landing this part. I felt really confident going into the singing portion of the audition for the film. When I first heard the songs, they hit me hard, right in the chest. I brought in the pop vocal style I’ve developed over the years, working with pop producers, and it all felt natural in the recording sessions.
Which means, yes, I did contribute to the songs! I’m on a handful of them, including one track that’s a real emotional turning point in the movie. Can’t wait for you to hear it!
How do you balance your dual passions for music and acting, and do you find that one influences the other creatively?
The balance between music and acting is never truly equal, nor can it be. Take these past few weeks, for example. Auditions have been nonstop, which means I’ve had to focus in short, intense bursts. Music, on the other hand, is a slow build. Crafting a song is completely different from crafting a self-tape – it’s not something you can knock out in a short period of time. For me, the music process takes time, energy, and a whole different kind of creative process from creating lyrics, compositions, producing, mixing, to final mastering.
That said, I was lucky to make a lot of music during times when acting was on the lay low, take the SAG strike for example. So, I have songs ready to go and now it’s just about finding the right moments between auditions to start releasing them, uploading tracks, setting up shows, and reconnecting with my fans. I’m especially excited to play NXNE in Toronto this June – can’t wait!
Beyond your career, you’re passionate about fitness, sports, and creative hobbies like journaling and voiceover soundscapes. How do these interests help you stay grounded and inspired?
Fitness keeps me motivated and sane. If I go more than three or four days without hitting the gym, my body practically begs me to get back in; it’s that much a part of my routine. Meditation and journaling are also huge for me, especially in the mornings. Getting my thoughts out of my head and onto paper helps clear my mind and set the tone for the day.
When I need a break from songwriting, I’ll sometimes switch things up by writing poetry or self-written monologues and recording them over a self-produced instrumental. I’ve done this a few times for dream soundscapes, my first one was actually for a school assignment, so that’s where I got the idea for it! It’s been an incredibly cathartic process.
Outside the gym, I’ve always been an athletic guy. I’ve played on teams for volleyball, swimming, soccer, cross-country (I’m a huge runner!) and even made the OFSAA championships in tennis with my high school buddy. I love getting back out on the field for a game of soccer with friends nowadays – it’s a great way to step away from work, reset, and just enjoy the moment.
For fans who want to follow your journey, where can they find more about your latest projects, music releases, and upcoming performances?
You can follow me on all my socials and main streaming platforms down below!
Instagram: @maxparkerofficial
Facebook: @maxparkerofficial
Tiktok: @maxparkerofficial
YouTube: MaxParkerMusic
My Spotify Artist Page
Thanks so much Occhi! This was a lot of fun!
Photos by Felice Trinidad
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