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 2016, Hunter’s discography has spanned neo-psychedelia, folk-rock, ambient soundscapes and even Indian-fusion as heard on his debut recent singles "Dhara / Jaya” and “Dhara Country.” On August 22nd, these songs alongside many other unreleased instrumentals saw their live debut at Soka Performing Arts Center for the 8th annual Festival Of Tabla. This new ensemble featured keyboardist Nathaniel Alpin (a.k.a. Soulnate), harpist Ginger Rose and tabla-percussionist Miles Shrewsbery.
Forthcoming EP, Strange & Beautiful, is a 4-track suite on love, impermanence and inner stillness that blends mystic Americana, ‘60s revivalism and eastern-influenced textures. The EP was recorded and produced with Eagle Rock’s Ryan Pollie, and will be released this spring without singles so listeners can experience its full arc as intended.
“A tranquil soundscape that is sure to elevate the headspace around you.”
Behind his sparkling Ludwig, you’ll hear Hunter writing and actively performing with coastal blues-rock quartet East Valley Road. In 2024, the band found sanctuary at Alan Parsons' tranquil ParSonics Studio, where producer and house engineer Noah Alexander helped shape their evolving sound inspired by Memphis soul, Delta blues and classic Americana. Further supporting the studio, Hunter balances his time overseeing Parsons’ archives, branding and social media presence.
Notable collaborations include performing and/or recording with Academy of Light, Al Bert, Cecilia James, Dante Elephante Podcast, Evan Blix, Hunter Hawkins, India Cunningham, Jacob Edward Cole, Maxim Adams, Neuro Verge, The Shorelines and Third Ward. This year, Positively State Street was introduced with long-time collaborator Roberto Johnson. After the success of their debut Bob Dylan tribute night featuring over 20 guest musicians, the local revue will return to SOhO Music Club on November 7th to celebrate Joni Mitchell and the music of Laurel Canyon.
“For an artist who’s always recreating himself in every note, I have to think that Dylan would tip his hat to this tour de force of young artists proving that no matter our age, we’re always “busy being born.”
Previously working for the artist advocacy company Ari’s Take, 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