Nashville-based, Oregon-raised singer-songwriter Max McNown returns with Night Diving, his stunning sophomore album co-released via Fugitive Recordings, The Orchard, and Columbia Records on January 24, 2025. A remarkable fusion of folk, country, and pop, Night Diving affirms McNown’s position as one of Nashville’s most promising new voices, building upon the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Wandering (2024). Produced by Jamie Kenney (Colbie Caillat, Laci Kaye Booth), the album explores bold new sonic landscapes while maintaining McNown’s signature ability to soothe the mind and uplift the soul.
The album’s title track, "Night Diving," serves as a haunting meditation on cycles of addiction. Co-written with Kenney and singer-songwriter Erin McCarley, the song encapsulates the struggle of confronting personal demons. “We stepped into the writing room and Erin asked, ‘What’s something in your life that you keep fighting and can’t seem to overcome?’” McNown recalls. The result is an ethereal, immersive experience layered with moody guitar tones and evocative rhythms, solidifying it as one of the album’s emotional high points.
Beyond the mesmerizing title track, Night Diving is filled with introspective storytelling and lush instrumentation. "Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)" offers a heartfelt reflection on self-improvement in the face of love, while the single, "Roses and Wolves," featuring country star Hailey Whitters, blends stunning harmonies with evocative lyricism. "Hotel Bible" provides a warm, reassuring counterpoint to themes of self-doubt, and the album's closing track, "Freezing in November (Revisited)," revisits McNown’s earlier work with a newfound emotional depth.
Working with Kenney, McNown embraced a variety of experimental production techniques to create the album’s rich sonic tapestry. Elements like percussive beats constructed from train tracks and the sound of chains against the floor add unique textures to tracks like "Won’t Let Me Go." These subtle yet effective details elevate the album’s atmosphere, making it a truly immersive listen.
At just 23, McNown has already carved an impressive path in the industry. Named Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month and featured as CMT’s Next Up Now artist, his breakthrough single A Lot More Free has garnered RIAA Gold certification, topped multiple charts, and earned him a devoted following. With over 2 million TikTok followers, McNown’s grassroots rise—from busking on piers in Southern California to topping streaming charts—stands as a testament to his authenticity and dedication.
Night Diving is a deeply introspective and sonically adventurous album that showcases McNown’s evolution as an artist. With its masterful storytelling, haunting melodies, and rich production, the album cements him as one of country-folk’s most exciting new talents. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, Night Diving is an essential listen that proves McNown is here to stay.