Max McNown Dives Deeper with “The Cost of Growing Up” and Expanded ‘Night Diving’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Max McNown, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose charmingly warm vocals first captivated audiences while busking on Southern California beaches, is set to release a profoundly expanded edition of his sophomore album. Titled Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), this ambitious project, slated for a July 18 release, features a stunning 11 new tracks, including the recently unveiled single, “The Cost of Growing Up.” This new offering solidifies McNown’s refined sound, characterized by rootsy yet ethereal instrumentation and deeply introspective lyricism.
A Melancholy Meditation on Life’s Inevitabilities
“The Cost of Growing Up” serves as a perfect introduction to McNown’s evolved artistry. Luminous steel guitar, lush mandolin, and soulful organ weave together to create a gorgeously textured soundscape that is both clear-eyed and melancholy. The song explores the unavoidable truth of pain and loss in life, a sentiment McNown articulates with poignant clarity: “To me, the cost of growing up is an acceptance that difficult things are going to happen—from minor inconveniences to devastating loss, it’s all a part of life.” Yet, amidst this acknowledgment of hardship, he finds beauty. “But there’s also beauty in that because, without those hard moments, you wouldn’t be able to truly love,” he adds, highlighting a maturity beyond his 23 years.
A Complete Artistic Vision Unveiled
The decision to expand Night Diving into Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) stems from McNown’s desire to present a complete artistic vision. “Even though Night Diving was the length of a full album, in my heart it never felt complete to me,” McNown reveals. The 11 new songs, all written during the same creative period as the original Night Diving tracks, showcase a recent evolution in his mesmerizing sound, deeply rooted in the earthy tonality informed by his Pacific Northwest upbringing. This expansion isn’t merely an addendum; it’s the fulfillment of a long-held intention to unite these songs into one cohesive body of work.
Produced by the acclaimed Jamie Kenney (Colbie Caillat, Laci Kaye Booth) and featuring an A-list lineup of session players, Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) provides an extraordinary vessel for McNown’s profoundly moving and soul-baring storytelling.
From Busking to Billboard: A Meteoric Rise
Max McNown’s journey to becoming one of Nashville’s brightest new stars is nothing short of remarkable. At just 23, he’s already navigated a storied musical path marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to his artistic integrity. Motivated by personal challenges and the brave fight of his brother against cancer, McNown made the bold decision to leave remote Oregon for Southern California. It was there, busking on a pier, that his raw talent and authentic presence began to captivate online audiences, leading to a massive following on TikTok (currently at 2.3M followers).
Despite attracting interest from major TV talent shows, McNown chose to walk his own path, gracefully turning down opportunities that didn’t align with his artistic vision. Within a year of teaching himself guitar, his career skyrocketed, fueled by the breakout single “A Lot More Free.” This RIAA Gold-certified track soared to #1 on the iTunes singles chart and earned him the #1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart.
Following the success of his widely lauded debut album Wandering, the Willfully Blind EP, and his acclaimed sophomore album Night Diving, McNown has continued his ascent. This year alone, he made his TV performance debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show and sold out his first-ever headline tour in a matter of hours. Recognized as a 2025 Artist To Watch by Amazon Music, Holler, and Country Now, McNown is now poised to embark on a thrilling new chapter with Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)—a 21-song powerhouse that truly showcases the complete depth of his artistry. His impressive streak of selling out every stop on his debut headline tour, after opening for established acts like Wynonna Judd, Wyatt Flores, and Trampled by Turtles, underscores his undeniable appeal and burgeoning stardom.
With the resounding success of the current “A Lot More Free Tour,” McNown has announced a handful of additional shows in Knoxville, Orlando, Richmond, and more, marking a triumphant conclusion to this chapter.
Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) Track List:
- Forever Ain’t Long Enough
- Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)
- St. Helens Alpenglow
- The Cost of Growing Up
- Same Questions
- Call Me If You Miss Me
- This Side of Heaven
- Marley
- Wherever I’m Going
- Where to Start
- Night Diving (New Feature Version)
- It’s Not Your Fault
- Take This Plane
- Hotel Bible
- Roses and Wolves (feat. Hailey Whitters)
- Won’t Let Me Go
- Azalea Place
- Love I Couldn’t Mend
- Freezing in November (Revisited)
- Night Diving
- Hindsight & Photographs
Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) promises to be a landmark release for Max McNown, offering fans a deeper, more complete understanding of his artistic journey and the profound storytelling that has quickly established him as a significant voice in contemporary music.