It has been a beautiful summer on my end so far, and I’d love to share a little of what has been happening in life and the music that surrounds it. After listening to an interview with Tom Misch on Tape Notes, I found myself reflecting on what music has become in my own life. Is it simply a career to chase or more an extension of everyday life? This newsletter is about finding this absolute sweet spot, camping, a park in my mind and the music that just happens.

On a warm summer day in Croatia, I read an article about Axel Hacke’s book ‘Über die Heiterkeit in schwierigen Zeiten’. Somehow, it quietly stayed with me and slowly turned into a question: what does serenity actually sound like in music? Over the last two years, that question became our new album ‘On Serenity’. This newsletter is a little glimpse into that journey: the story behind the album, our first ever vinyl, a special pre-listen and a few thoughts that slowly connected some dots for me along the way. Maybe for you too.

A new home, a new studio and new songs slowly finding their way into the world. Moving places made me think about the stories that remain in the walls of a room. But also the ones time quietly erases. This newsletter is a small reflection on the things we know, the things we forget and why caring might matter more than we think. Inside you’ll find a lingering book, a beautiful piano album about forgetting, the seabirds we try not to lose through our own label and a song that reminds me we may not need more. Only a world worth caring for.

Like in previous years, we’ve decided to keep following the call of excitement. Where there’s excitement, there’s energy. That’s what this newsletter is about: the power of that energy. And it turns out: excitement is contagious. We ride the wave of joy you’ve given us — with a new single (Somehow Someday), our label that supports birds (yes, really), and a shot at playing Gurtenfestival (again!). Plus: the happiest French birthday song we’ve ever heard. So buckle up, hit play, and if you haven’t voted yet… well, now’s the time!

Before the year ends, I want to share something close to my heart: a glimpse into the people behind our music. This newsletter is about the band, the creative chaos we embrace and our new album “On Serenity” we’re releasing in 2026. Plus, you can pre-listen to a song from this upcoming album. And of course, the video of the month with POMPLAMOOSE – our favourite go-to band to get into the right recording vibe. Enjoy the behind-the-scenes and get ready for what’s coming next!

New colours appear when we least expect them — in autumn leaves or or in someone else’s way of hearing a song. That’s what this newsletter is about: the colours of collaboration. How working with others adds shades we didn’t know we had. I’ve collected five little stories from past releases — featuring Bettina Hummler, Lily Claire, Sara di Caro, Eoghan Konstantin, and Leif Vein  — and the colours they brought to each song. Plus: a new song recommendation, a little reflection, and one question I’d love to ask you: What colours do you hear?

I hope you’re soaking up the summer and making time for whatever fills you with love. These past few weeks have been full of it for me. I’d like to share a little personal story and a new song — exclusively for newsletter subscribers. Both answer the question: What do I do with the time I have left?
I have answered the question for myself. Additionally I’ll have discovered a new city and a rehearsal that inspires me for my own music! Enjoy the read.

Sometimes, freedom shows up in quiet ways — the first rays of sunlight on the curtains, a summer swim after sunset, or a kind smile from someone you love. These are the moments that make you pause and think: “I don’t need more. This is all I really need.” I reflected on this feeling of freedom – in a new song without words and in this newsletter with words. And, I also have some other exciting news for you, such as our summer tour, new projects, and of course, the discovery of the month. Have fun!

It’s release time again – and I couldn’t be happier to have shared our first instrumental track with you two days ago: “Fishing at Little Bay”. A gentle dive into the world of folk-jazz, inspired by artists like Julian Lage, Jim Hall and Bill Frisell. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. And yet, as the release date approached, I found myself hesitating. It’s a question of time, somehow. Time is omnipresent and elusory. Seize it. Flow with it. Play with it. Disguise it.  But what is time in terms of releasing music? Let’s go fishing together and find out.

This time, the story starts — like so many great ones — with a sandwich and a simple question at a kiosk in St. Gallen. I write about taste: how it shapes what we love, how easily we doubt it, and how one kind voice in the crowd reminded me that our choices belong. There’s also a podcast that made me pause and a new song „Fishing at Little Bay“ swimming your way on May 9th. It’s gentle instrumental inspired by stillness, presence, and waiting for the right fish, wave, or feeling to come along. If you’ve ever wondered whether your taste belongs — this one’s for you. See you at the kiosk.

I am often asked: “What kind of music do you play?” The answer should be simple, but my mind races. Pop, folk, jazz, soul – so many styles, I love them all and they all influence me in some way, but where do I fit in? I could name similar artists, but what if I’m wrong? My music is a reflection of how I see the world, shaped by experiences and influences. So how do I explain it? And why does it matter? Birdwatching surprisingly helped me find my answer. How did that happen? And how did a song by Amistat inspire me. I tell you more about it in this newsletter. Enjoy the read!

Do you know that feeling? When you have it all planned out, everything seems under control and you think: “What could possibly go wrong?” Then, of course, life happens. And the plans can be used as scrap paper for the journey ahead. That’s how my 2025 started. In the end, it all worked out fine. But it got me thinking about how to do things in general. How to get serious about something without losing the joy of doing it. So let’s start my first newsletter with a quote that inspired me to find my own approach: “It’s all part of the adventure.”

Hi, I am Max. Here comes the part of this music adventure that is not very easy for me yet, but I would love to learn: Sharing more about me and my music. I will be writing regular pieces about things such as music (obviously),  birds I have observed, the “gherkin question” when making a sandwich, the reason I love surfing even though I am not good at it and whatever else comes to my mind. Like a little travel diary. Maybe I can give you some inspiration or even put a smile on your face. Subscribe and I hope you enjoy it.