Max
Guitar

Max began teaching lessons nearly 20 years ago, and continues today at Hamlin Music Academy.

As a performer, Max is best known for his down-to-earth sound that transcends across cultures, styles, and perspectives. His original music embraces current issues of our daily struggles faced in society. He looks to further his positive, fulfilling music through his message-driven approach to empower listeners across the globe.

Originally from Ohio, and now a Duluth, Minnesota citizen Max Dakota is considered one of the top contemporary folk and reggae acts to hail from the Midwest.

Max grew up in a household where his musical foundation was established at an early age. He eventually delved into music history, where he found inspiration in his African American heritage. While Dakota appreciates all kinds of music and admires bluegrass players, he still takes lessons from his heritage. "I've tried to integrate that into everything I do and to understand that it's all music," says Dakota. "But when it comes to African American music, there's been so much of it that's been appropriated, and so many of us, those who came before me, have been so unfortunate not to make money from that."

Reggae, according to Dakota, "is a statement," but unlike other genres such as rock, reggae, "as much as you hear it in certain commercials and soundtracks, it's still not considered mainstream music."

Max and his group, Modern Life, transfer the powers of their faith into a cultural sonic delight.