Max Schmitz
Graduation Year: 2014
Location: Athens, Ohio
Type of Creative: Musician
What They Do: Max is a bass player in the rock group The Burning Brain Band (formerly known as Druid). He is also a solo musician, recording artist, and founder of Magnetic Service Records.
Their Journey: Since graduating from Wellington in 2014, Max Schmitz has carved out a name for himself in the music industry. He co-founded the rock group Druid during his first semester at Ohio University in the fall of 2014. The band, now known as The Burning Brain Band, has released five studio albums and is set to release its sixth album in the coming months. Their music blends psychedelic, progressive, and heavy rock, creating a unique sound that has garnered a dedicated following. Max and his band have toured the Midwest and nationally, performing at notable venues and festivals.
In addition to his work with The Burning Brain Band, Max has pursued a solo career, recording an EP of rockabilly music last year and a full album in 2024 in the same style called Charlie & the Mark-Ups Volume I. His solo projects showcase his versatility as a musician and his ability to explore different genres and take creative risks. Max is also in the process of establishing his own recording studio and record label, Magnetic Service Records, which is still in the early stages of development but has already been trademarked. He envisions creating a space for artists to collaborate and produce innovative music.
The Wellington Impact: Max credits Wellington's music department for providing the foundation crucial to his success. "I think what helped me the most is the quality of instruction I had from the music department, both in strings and the jazz ensemble, and I owe my sincerest thanks to both Mrs. Karen Butler and Mr. James Becker. Without their teachings, I certainly wouldn't have progressed as much as a player or had as much versatility. I'm also very glad I had the opportunity to have begun playing the bass at an early point in my time at Wellington, having started with strings class in 4th grade and playing bass up until I graduated."