Meek, Not Quiet: Max Edmonson Delivers Stunning New Music

By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photo Provided 

Growing up, Louisville native Max Edmonson was influenced by bands like Green Day, Rage Against the Machine, and System of A Down. Although he is no stranger to the music scene here, only recently has Edmonson been piquing people’s interest with a new group of his own called Meekest. Having just emerged from the recording studio, this eclectic ensemble will showcase its latest material in an intimate performance slated for Jan. 10 at Portal. Edmonson told the VOICE-TRIBUNE that Minneapolis-based acts Linus and Berzica are also on the bill that night. Ahead of this highly anticipated event, we caught up with the multi-instrumentalist to discuss his musical roots and branches, and what it is that makes Meekest so special. 

VOICE-TRIBUNE: What were your formative years in music like? 

Max Edmonson: “I picked up bass around the age of 13, and guitar shortly thereafter. I had initially tried to learn when I was about 8 years old, but failed miserably after being forced to play ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ repeatedly by my teacher. Still, I would daydream about playing music and going on tour as a kid, which eventually got me to pick up the bass again and learn, ‘Seven Nation Army.’ I participated in Louisville School of Rock, and even got to play Headliners Music Hall [through that program] when I was 14 years old.

Throughout high school and college, I would jam with various people, but nothing ever came to fruition. Only in the past few years have I found enough likeminded musicians to write and perform original music [with]. My dad [who also plays guitar] has always encouraged me to keep playing, though, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance.” 

VT: When and how did Meekest come together? What is the dynamic like within the group? 

ME: “Meekest formed about a year ago, as a secondary project for Liam Scott [who handles bass duties in Meekest] and I. At the time, I was actually playing bass in a band called Crop Rot, and Liam was in a band called Pravus Warlord. Liam and I have known each other for more than a decade, and he is one of my best friends. We have jammed and attempted to write music together before, but this specific project was the first time things really clicked for us. Once we realized it was working, we roped in an incredible drummer named Dom Kieffer [who also plays in Deep Above] and kept the momentum going. The resulting songs are special to us because they represent our individual styles and skills perfectly, in a way that we thought might not end up being coherent. They all came together effortlessly, and that’s always a good sign in my book. I’m especially proud because these are some of the best riffs I have ever written.” 

VT: Your sound fits in with, but also stands out from, much of the scene here in Louisville. How would you describe what you do, stylistically, to the uninitiated? 

ME: “I would say we are a weird mix of shoegaze, math rock, and post-hardcore. All of us pull from a variety of different influences, from death metal to ambient. We utilize a lot of dynamic tension, time changes and effects to achieve our own soundscape. It has been very freeing to approach playing music without any stylistic constraints.” 

VT: Does being based in Louisville, Kentucky impact your art at all? 

ME: “Absolutely. The scene here is incredible. Everyone is supportive and really adheres to the ‘DIY’ mentality, which is a core tenant for all of us as musicians. Additionally, our city has a legendary musical legacy. Bands like Slint, Rodan, Endpoint, and Crain all have had an incredible impact on their respective genres and scenes. To be able to work in such a talented and loving community means the world to us. We would be nothing without everyone who helps support this scene.” 

VT: The music business seems stranger than ever. How does one navigate it in this day and age? 

ME: “Frankly, I have zero clue. All we care about is making music. If people enjoy it, wonderful! If they don’t, that’s fine too.” 

For more information about the Jan. 10 concert, visit portal-louisville.com.