Maxton Hunter

“A tranquil soundscape that is sure to elevate the headspace around you.” ~Aquarium Drunkard Raised on a secluded ranch north of Goleta, Maxton Hunter's imagination ran free, ultimately leading him to music at a very young age. Rather than identify with a single instrument, his truest voice was soon found in the studio blending psychedelic rock, folk and ambient soundscapes. Released on Holi, "Dhara Country" arrives as a two-part companion to the 2024 sitar piece "Dhara / Jaya." This western-reimagination nows features stunning pedal steel textures from Joe Harvey-Whyte (Liam Gallagher, Billy Bragg, Big Star’s Jody Stephens, The Hanging Stars) and gently expressive tabla from Robin Sukhadia (disciple of Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri). Following this release on the Pink Moon, studio outtake "Endless Ocean" drifts into a breezy, unguarded psych-folk jam. Soaring above the track’s acoustic roots, Nathaniel Alpin (Soulnate) is featured on the Ghibili-tinged Expressive E Osmose Synthesizer. Forthcoming EP produced with Ryan Pollie, Strange & Beautiful, is a 4-track suite on love, impermanence and inner stillness that blends mystic Americana, ‘60s revivalism and Indian-influenced textures. Beyond these solo pursuits, Hunter is a member of the soul-blues quartet East Valley Road, ambient ensemble Academy of Light, as well as the drummer for singer-songwriter Evan Blix's live band. Photography by Roberto Johnson