LA-based Max Hershenow is known as half of duo MS MR

The solo project of LA-based singer, songwriter, producer and composer Max Hershenow, best known for his work as half of acclaimed alt pop duo MS MR with singer Lizzy Plapinger. After several years focused on writing and producing for other artists, he’s introducing a new era of his alexmaax project.

Hershenow first found success with MS MR’s brooding hit single “Hurricane,” which launched the band to stardom in 2013. They released two albums on Columbia Records and played sold-out headline tours and festival slots around the world, including the main stage at Coachella. As part of the band, Hershenow has performed on late night shows, appeared in Vogue, Interview and V Magazine, and had his music used extensively in movies and TV. In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of their debut album, MS MR released a final single, “Saturn Return,” in 2023.

On stage, Hershenow became known for his flamboyant dance moves, which were deeply influenced by modern dance training at Vassar and the Martha Graham School. In an era when few indie musicians were openly gay, Hershenow pushed boundaries, proudly performing his queerness on stages around the globe.

As a producer and songwriter, Hershenow has created songs with forward-thinking pop and alternative artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Charli XCX, Miya Folick, Messer, Ella Vos, Alaska Reid, Francisca Valenzuela, Ryn Weaver and many more. He also has a side project with Alex Winston, Post Precious, and has scored short films and dance pieces.

As alexmaax, Hershenow has released one EP, 2021’s Constant Touch, which was released with a triptych of self-directed music videos. The EP’s lead single “Bets Off” was used in the remake of Gossip Girl. He also makes ambient music, posted weekly.

alexmaax “100 Nights” lyrics:

So much time

All this space

Watching the water flow

I’m stuck in place

Lost my mind

Lost my way

And down where the heavy goes

I can’t escape

Been a hundred empty nights, and a hundred days

Been trying to hold on in so many ways

Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahh

Out at night

The wind blows

And I’m ready to move on

To let shit go

Been a hundred endless nights, and a hundred days

Been trying to hold on in so many ways

Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahh