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Exclusive Interview: Label Owner Max Kessler Talks KESS Records

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Max Kessler
Max Kessler
is no stranger to the music business world, his experience and drive have taken him to new heights with each project he embarks upon; known for his passion for music, and his eagerness and vision that takes every artist that comes his way really far, it’s no surprise his record label KESS Records portrays the values and characteristics he’s known for; powerful and increasingly popular releases from the hottest names in the Dance music world like VAVO, TWINSICK, and LZRD, that have already amassed millions of streams on digital platforms and reached the top slots on the most important Electronic music charts like the Billboard Dance charts or the Beatport Top 25, the successful journey of KESS Records as a prominent label in the Dance music world with Max Kessler at the head shows this is just the beginning.

1 — Hello Max, how are you?

I am doing very well, thank you. Glad to be chatting!

2 — Can you walk us through your first steps in the music industry? How did you start?

Absolutely! I would say it really dates back to when I was a student at Tulane University. During my sophomore year, I became very into DJing and my passion for electronic music grew. One day my roommate tells me about this new class called “Intro To The Music Business” and I immediately knew I needed to take it. Of course, the class was already full, so I sent the professor a huge email (people who know me well, know these emails can really be huge) explaining why I would love to be in his class to which he responded by saying I can join the class. He did also say I would need to sit on the floor because there isn’t enough room. Excited by his response, I joined and made sure I arrived early so I didn’t have to sit on the floor.

Following that class, I was still DJing and explored making my own music. One day I came across a music production summer class that would admit about 4-5 kids at a time, was interviewed by phone, and later admitted. In that class, I learned everything about producing, but during the last week, the producer’s manager came in and something clicked. I realized I would rather work with artists and help them achieve their dreams.

Fast forward another year, going into my senior year, I meet some very talented artists at my university and ask them if I could help. I became their “manager” and we just started making things happen. We were going to studio sessions, releasing music on Soundcloud, doing PR pitches, etc. At the same time, I sought out a job working with a promotions company in New Orleans that was putting on EDM events because I figured that would be a great experience as well. This became my every day so when graduation came around it was only natural that I wanted to continue what I was building toward. I graduated school without a “real job,” took the risk of becoming an artist manager, and worked 24/7.

KESS Records Label Owner Max Kessler
3 — When did you realize you wanted to create your own music label?

After a few years of working with VAVO, I felt like there was an opportunity to really level them up. I had a few meetings with some of the more well-known labels, but based on our conversations, I felt like what we needed was something different. We needed a label that was focused on development. Plus, who would be more patient and understanding than the artist’s own manager? So, I proposed the idea to the guys, and they gave me their full trust. A couple of months later, we end up releasing our first single and it found its way to the Billboard Dance charts. It was truly an unbelievable moment and proved we were on the right path.

4 — What would you say it’s the most important thing when managing a label?

Personally, I believe the most important thing is knowing what the artist’s goals are and working closely with them to achieve them. As someone who is a manager and as a manager first, I started KESS Records to be a partner to the artists. Whether that is to aid in their development, help them achieve chart-topping releases or execute some unique thorough release campaign, we are here for them. We will always fight to do what’s in the artist’s best interests and will always be looking to create opportunities.

5 — What do you look for when releasing new music with KESS Records?

When it comes to releasing new music, I look at several factors, but the most important is the music itself. I don’t necessarily care if an artist is just starting out or doesn’t have a massive following. If they present a song that I feel is very strong, I will happily support them. Having said that, we have become known for being a label focused on songs that lean into the Dance House and Dance Pop/Electronic Pop Lane, but I take an open approach with everything I do.

6 — And, what do you look for when signing new artists to the label?

It starts with the music of course, but removing that from the equation and it would be synergy. Synergy is key. Synergy, drive, vision, and morals. KESS is the first four letters of my last name, which makes this label very personal to me. When signing new artists, I not only look for great music but also great people who are driven and motivated. These artists are also passionate about their craft and most importantly are good kindhearted people. I hope that the artists we work with are people that can be role models to the next generation of aspiring artists. Those kinds of artists are artists I will always go to bat for and are artists I am proud to either represent or support however best I can.

On a side note, music-wise, we look for artists we can grow long-term with.

7 — Which advice did you receive when you started your career as a label boss that you still carry with you?

I honestly didn’t really get much advice when starting. I didn’t begin my career well connected or have real guidance. Were there people who gave me opportunities early on? Absolutely! And, I remain very close with them to this day. Having said that, I would say I received a lot of advice indirectly through being a student of the business. The legends that have made such a positive impact are people I pick from. I learned everything along the way. I studied what the greats did and put my own flare on it.

8 — Whose input is the most important to you before making a new move with the label?

This is dependent on what moves we’re talking about. I typically have a grasp on the moves I want to make, but I always value the input from people on my team. I also like to get input from my fiancé. She’s incredibly smart and always has good insight.

9 — What are you currently working on with KESS Records?

I’m honestly working on a ton of exciting projects for KESS Records right now. We have amazing new releases on the way that will easily be the biggest and best releases yet. We also have a lot of new concepts and ideas we’re developing. These will be focused on the fan experience and the relationship between artist, label, and fan. For those interested in that, connect with us on social media because that’s where we share most of the updates.

10 — What would you like to achieve with the label in the near future?

That’s a tough one because there is so much, I’d like to achieve in the near future. For one, I’d love for one of our artists to win their first Grammy. I feel very strongly about the quality of music we’re releasing, so I don’t think it’s too crazy to hope for that. I’d also love to build out a strong roster of incredibly talented artists I can champion. KESS was built on a family-oriented mindset. I hope to have a group of artists that are not only connected with the label, but also with each other.

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Hi, my name is Erick Ycaza. I have a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. This blog is to provide you with daily music news and share my personal style.

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