Maxwell Stern came up through a DIY punk community just like most musicians who are currently playing "guitar" rock. It was a time of showing up to basements and dreaming of eventually being able to play the songs that were blasting on the stage. Music is trial and error. There are a lot of mistakes made along the way. Stern admits he had to write a lot of "bad" songs before the "good" songs started to happen. A musician always has to find their voice and embrace the journey.

 

Now, Stern is in several bands and even has a solo project. He sticks to the old Tom Petty slogan of "Don't bore us, get to the chorus." Although, every so often he will get a little extra with his song writing process. Stern feels like he is now writing his best music yet. Signals Midwest just came out with a record labeled Dent earlier in the year. His other band, Timeshares, just released a single called "Siren Sound." The two bands are both touring again, including a Signals Midwest tour this month going into August.

 

When journalists and the media talk about Stern's projects the word "underrated" is often used. Stern spent most of his 20s trying to get booking agents and record labels involved with his bands. Now, Stern is just happy to be able to play shows and still have an audience for his music. Musicians go through a lot of trials to continue to get their music out to listeners. They have to work day jobs and bypass their other hobbies. But, it's all worth it when there is a filled up room at a show or people are reaching out about a new song or record.