BIOGRAPHY

Max van Loenen, better known as Maximus, is a talented DJ and producer, born and raised in Zoetermeer, Netherlands. In addition to being an artist behind the DJ booth, he is also a skilled producer, creating music both for himself and other artists. Under his Maximus persona, he focuses on the world of trance/techno, where he is recognized for his thoughtful and euphoric breaks, combined with powerful drops featuring the distinctive sounds of acid or stab elements.

His passion for music originated at a young age. As a toddler, Max was always taken to swimming lessons by his father, who was a big fan of Queen. Queen's music was regularly played in the car. Max's favorite Queen track on the CD was a live performance of the song 'Somebody to Love' with overwhelming fireworks and cheering crowds in the background. This left a deep impression, and as a young boy, Maximus dreamt of standing on stage surrounded by fireworks and a cheering audience.

Although there was a period when Max was less active in music, he rediscovered his passion in high school. A classmate introduced him to Dutch rap via YouTube, opening up a whole new world. Maximus felt the urge to delve into the Dutch rap scene and developed a love for the genre.

Around the age of twenty, Max was invited to a party where a melodic techno track played on repeat, immediately capturing his interest. He obtained a playlist of this music style and played it repeatedly during vacations. This was the moment he fell in love with dance music. He moved away from individual tracks and started listening to DJ sets from his favorite artists. He listened to the music everywhere – on public transport, at school, and at work. This exposure led him to various festivals, with Tomorrowland holding a special place in his heart.

Max and his friends had the opportunity to purchase camping tickets for Tomorrowland, but issues within the group caused discomfort during the festival. Maximus vividly recalls that when he wasn't near a stage, his thoughts drifted to the problems. However, once he stood by a stage, surrounded by dancing people, he lost himself completely in the music, with nothing else to worry about. The liberation from concerns and immersion in the music at the festival motivated Max to follow his own musical path. It became clear to him: "I want the intense sound and emotions of Queen, but in trance/techno, and to allow others to enjoy in good and bad times."

In 2019, Maximus had the opportunity to temporarily borrow a Pioneer DJ set from a friend who was deployed. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to numerous practice sessions in the living room during lockdown. Max reassessed his life situation and decided to take his passion seriously, dedicating himself entirely to his love for music. He invested in a professional Pioneer DJ set and wholeheartedly embarked on the journey to realize his dream.