(Editor’s Note: Indie-folk singer-songwriter Max McNown released his anticipated new album, Night Diving, on January 24. Only 23 years old, McNown is a bit of a social media sensation, his energetic and passionate songs having already garnered millions of streams, fans, and listeners. To celebrate Night Diving, he has curated a Mixtape for BGS that pays tribute to the beautiful natural locales of his Oregon and Pacific Northwest homelands. Enjoy a playlist adventure into the Northwestern Woods with Max McNown.)
These are the songs that inspired me to go on late night drives to the Oregon coast with the windows down, feeling the breeze funnel across my face while I sing every word at the top of my lungs. – Max McNown
“The Stable Song” – Gregory Alan Isakov
I first heard this in the movie The Peanut Butter Falcon. The song, coupled with the adventurous feel to the movie, makes it one of my favorite camping songs.
“By and By” – Caamp
Due to similar vocal tone, this song is one I feel confident belting with the volume high on a late night drive.
“Vagabond” – Caamp
The folky nature of this song fits perfectly with the Mount Hood National Forest scenery.
“Flowers In Your Hair” – The Lumineers
When I discovered this song, I had just found a path I could drive down to reach the coast, directly onto the sand. This song will forever remind me of the sunset that evening.
“Big Black Car” – Gregory Alan Isakov
I play this song on repeat when hiking on the Columbia River Gorge.
“Angela” – The Lumineers
This is one of the first songs I’ve ever tired learning on the guitar & will always remind me of my parents’ place in Oregon.
“Amsterdam” – Gregory Alan Isakov
One of the many songs by Gregory Alan Isakov that makes me feel like I’m in the Northwestern woods when I feel homesick.
“Late to the Fire” – Sam Burchfield
Sam Burchfield, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated artists on the scene. There aren’t many other songs filled with as much nostalgia for my younger years than this one.
“Forever” – Noah Kahan
“Forever” is the most influential song in my songwriting journey. Noah’s folkiness and Northeastern upbringing fits the theme well.
“Northern Attitude” – Noah Kahan
I’ve experienced the northern attitude on the other side of the country, and found this song to be very relatable to me and inspirational.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Edwards
