Max Power
This was a co mmissioned 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 suc...