Max Chapman has been part of house music’s evolution long enough to witness the shift from vibe-driven bookings to algorithm-driven visibility. Breaking through before social media became mandatory meant building a reputation in clubs rather than online feeds. Today, the pressure to remain constantly present can make even established artists question their place in the scene.
In this conversation, Chapman speaks openly about how fatherhood reshaped his priorities and reframed his relationship with career ambition. Touring for fifteen years gave him perspective, but stepping back to build a family changed how he measures success. He reflects on grief that still fuels his drive more than a decade later, navigating ADHD alongside creative highs and burnout cycles, and no longer feeling fully aligned with parts of the current house ecosystem.
What emerges is a grounded look at longevity.
For Chapman, fulfillment now lives in independence, creative control, and family life rather than chasing trends. His advice for DJs who love the craft but feel disconnected from the surrounding industry is direct: build your own label, release your own music, and trust your instincts over the noise.
Interview With Max Chapman
Have you ever had a moment where you questioned whether you still belong in the scene?
Yes, most days actually. back when I started things were very different, I broke through before instagram was a must have and for that I’m really grateful because I was booked for the vibe I created not for my reach.
Now, we live in a time where if you’re not marketing yourself and posting daily then you’re forgotten about which naturally makes you ask your self that question day in day out.
What signs told you it might be time to shift, pause, or walk away from certain spaces?
The moment I had children I realised how insignificant everything is, it makes everything feel so trivial and so that has made me look at my career differently, I want to enjoy it I want it to be my hobby that pays, not a back breaking job that I have to do. Having that mindset has made me the happiest I have ever been.
Do you think people romanticize “the scene” too much—and if so, what’s the downside?
Yes I think so, the scene used to be about letting the all the stress from a weeks work leave your body and being in the moment.
How do you navigate grief, burnout, or disillusionment while staying creative?
That’s a good question, I have no idea how I have done it,you just do.
I still grieve 12 years on but it gives me strength to smash goals and breakdown barriers that are in my way. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and so that comes with plenty of burnouts and creative blocks but the flow as equality when I’m on a roll.
Have you ever found more fulfillment outside the club than in it?
Yes I love making music and creating happiness through my music, and I’m fulfilled every day with the love of my family.
What helped you find your way back—or forward—after stepping away?
Stepping away was something I feel I’ve needed to do, I toured for 15 years and I wanted some time to build a family. I don’t feel at home in the current scene but the world keeps on turning and times keep on changing.
The House music scene is just a constant rotation of sub genres and when a sound I love comes back around and is the new ( technically old) big thing then I’ll be making a lot more music.
What advice would you give to someone who loves DJing but doesn’t love the ecosystem around it?
Start your own label, release your own music, make edits for bandcamp and listen to yourself not everybody else.
The post Max Chapman on Fatherhood, Burnout, and Questioning His Place in House Music appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.