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After learning to play guitar on a borrowed instrument and gaining a following on a beach pier, 24-year-old Max McNown has finally released the complete version of his second album, ‘Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)’ – a collection that is raw, sincere, and filled with emotion.
Before achieving sold-out shows worldwide and making his mark on Billboard charts, Max McNown was performing solo on the San Clemente Pier with a borrowed guitar, some original songs, and minimal expectations.
“That night I earned 93 bucks and received a free taco along with a girl's phone number tucked inside a $5 bill,” he remembers. “I lacked confidence, but a friend motivated me to give it a go – and that’s where it all began.”
This modest, ground-level start has influenced not only McNown's approach to performing but also his songwriting process, which is characterized by intention, clarity, and a vulnerability that resonates with listeners in unexpected ways. Now based in Nashville and originally from Oregon, the singer-songwriter has established his place in contemporary folk and country music with a sound that encompasses heartache and a sense of wanderlust. His new deluxe album, ‘Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up),’ marks a significant milestone – featuring 21 tracks that complete what he always envisioned as a single cohesive project.
“People see ‘deluxe edition’ and think it’s just extra tracks,” McNown states. “However, many songs in this new version were actually written prior to the release of the first half of ‘Night Diving.’ We chose to release it in parts to share something sooner, but for me, this has always been a single album.”
The outcome is a thoroughly developed collection of songs that capture the peaks and valleys of early adulthood – those moments when everything feels like it’s in flux, often all at once. Across both sections of the album, McNown contemplates growing up, experiencing love, and confronting the difficult emotions that typically go unexpressed. While there is joy in these songs, there is also sorrow, uncertainty, and resilience.
In the hopeful track “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” McNown embraces his romantic side. The song is not solely about love; it's also about time.
“Life is incredibly brief, and you only get one chance at it,” he remarks. “This song expresses the desire to make the most of every day with someone special. My partner is amazing, and I cherish the privilege of imagining a life with her until the very end. When you're in a connection like that, writing love songs feels naturally instinctive!”
That same spirit of authenticity is evident in the more sobering tracks as well – particularly in “The Cost of Growing Up,” a subtle standout that lends the album its full title. The lyrics resemble a personal reflection: “Diamonds come from coal, and steel becomes sharper the longer it's exposed to fire.”
For McNown, this song emerged from personal lessons and an increasing understanding that pain is part of life's journey.
“The song ‘The Cost of Growing Up,’ similar to nearly all my work, was directly inspired by my own experiences,” he shares. “As we navigate through life, we learn more about the human experience each day, which for me means valuing what we can appreciate and persevering through tough times. The song's inspiration can be summed up by Edward Fitz-Gerald's words: ‘This too shall pass.’”
His songwriting often balances the tension between pain and hope, which he's also had to navigate in his personal life. One of his most discussed songs, “It’s Not Your Fault,” originated from a conversation with a fan who had endured extreme trauma. Years later, after performing that same song in Europe, another fan approached him post-show and explained how hearing it had helped her through a dark time.
“I receive all sorts of stories from people,” he notes. “I do a lot of journaling as it assists me in processing the emotional weight. Honestly, I believe our minds aren't designed to handle so much sorrow – but I'll always remember that woman.”
This real-world connection is what gives McNown's music lasting impact. Despite his rapid ascent – which includes a Gold-certified hit (“A Lot More Free”), a debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and a fully booked headlining tour – he continues to approach each performance with the same mindset he had on the pier.
“Street performing was challenging. Some people didn't want you there. So you learn to show up, do your best, and fully commit. I carry that same mentality to this day. If I can leave the stage knowing I gave everything I had, I'm content – whether it's for 10 people or 10,000.”
On the updated version of “Night Diving,” McNown collaborates with fellow singer/songwriter Cameron Whitcomb, whose raw, gravelly vocals and candidness regarding addiction add depth to the song's message.
“The key quality
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After mastering the guitar on a borrowed instrument and gaining a following on a beach pier, 24-year-old Max McNown has released the complete version of his second album, ‘Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)’ – raw, sincere, and deeply emotive.