WHAT’S THE STORY?

Rather than identify with a single instrument, Maxton Hunter's creative weapon of choice is the studio itself.

Growing up on a secluded ranch just north of Goleta, California, the imagination ran free with no limitations, ultimately leading him to music at a very young age. Dressed to the nines while doing his best Angus Young impersonation, a 9-year-old Hunter would self-host weekly concerts in his family’s living room. After discovering the classic ‘60s records Rubber Soul, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and My Generation, the idea of writing originals immediately piqued his interest.

Since the late 2010s, Hunter’s discography has spanned psychedelia, folk-rock, ambient soundscapes and now Indian-fusion with his debut sitar singles "Dhara / Jaya." Due in the fall, the forthcoming EP with producer Ryan Pollie – Strange & Beautiful – further blends their shared eastern admiration with western Americana and indie rock.

Behind his sparkling Ludwig, you’ll hear Hunter performing and writing alongside the coastal blues quartet East Valley Road. Beginning this April, after a year of recording with producer and engineer Noah Bruskin at Alan Parsons’ tranquil ParSonics Studio, the band will be releasing a new single and b-side every month. Further supporting the studio, Hunter balances his time overseeing the archives, branding and social media presence.

Notable collaborations include performing and/or recording with Academy of Light, Al Bert, Bandit Royale, Brandi Rose, The Caverns, Cecilia James, Dante Elephante Podcast, Evan Blix, In The Mix Studios, India Cunningham, Jacob Cole, LA International Music & Arts Academy, Lost Coast Records, Lucy Branch, Maxim Adams, Neuro Verge, The Shorelines, Swaye and Third Ward.

Previously working for the artist advocacy company Ari’s Take during his Los Angeles years, he notably shepherded marketing efforts for the #1 bestseller How to Make It in the New Music Business (Third Edition) and co-produced the Webby Award-winning New Music Business Podcast which earned high praise from Spotify and Variety as one of the best music industry podcasts. For the team’s debut SXSW showcase, he was also a stagehand and drum tech for acts such as Zella Day, Victoria Canal, Indigo de Souza and Annabel Lee.

Photography by Roberto Johnson