Max Power


This was a commissioned article for the theatre programme of Manchester Opera House’s production of & Juliet (September–October 2019).



Since 1999, Max Martin has written or co-written no fewer than 22 American number-one hits and stands only third to John Lennon and Paul McCartney when it comes to topping the US charts.

So, how did this unassuming and interview-shy producer and songwriter become the go-to guy for the world’s biggest artists looking for a bombastic banger or brilliant ballad? Born Max Karl Sandberg in Stockholm in 1971, he changed his surname to White and by the 1990s was fronting the rock band It’s Alive. The group landed a record deal with fellow Swede Denniz PoP’s Cheiron record label before they disbanded in 1995. However, PoP had noticed Max’s songwriting nous and became his mentor, rechristening him Max Martin.

Max and Denniz were then contacted by label Jive about working with their new American boy band, the Backstreet Boys. Initially finding success in Europe, the group eventually broke through in their home country, with ‘Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)’ their and Max’s first US hit in 1997. Work followed with *NSYNC, 5ive and Robyn, but tragedy struck in 1998 when Denniz died of cancer.

Max took over the helm at Cheiron Studios, teaming up with producer Rami. The duo worked on the debut album of new teen singer Britney Spears, …Baby One More Time, the title track of which gave Max his first US number one hit and the best-selling single in the UK in 1999. His worldwide success with Spears led to work with established artists like Celine Dion, Bryan Adams and Bon Jovi, showing that he could operate outside the world of teen pop.

Artists looking to reinvent themselves found a kindred spirit in Max, including Kelly Clarkson, who roared into the US top 10 with his pop-rock anthem ‘Since U Been Gone’ in early 2005. By then, Max was operating from his Maratone Studios in Stockholm, and he began to redefine pop with a team of co-writers and producers, including Dr Luke and Swedish protégé Shellback, constantly updating his song craft with the latest R&B and EDM pop styles. Between 2008 and 2016, he clocked up number ones for the likes of P!nk, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the woman who gave him his first chart topper, Britney Spears.

As well as being recognised by the American Society of Composer, Authors and Publishers and the Grammys, Max Martin picked up the Polar Music Prize in 2016 for his contributions to popular music - a recognition of two decades of success and innovation. And in 2019, he is as successful as ever, with two of his collaborations with Ed Sheeran, ‘Beautiful People’ and ‘I Don’t Care’, both topping the UK charts.

Power to the Max.

© John Good

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