![[Q & A] Max Styler talks his favorite NYC memories, the inspiration behind Nu Moda, and what to expect during his 4-hour Brooklyn Storehouse headline show this Saturday](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05132803/MaxStylerRegencyBallroom-1024x698.jpg)
Max Styler is having a massive moment right now.
Recently crowned the #1 artist on 1001Tracklists’ data-driven ‘Top 101 Producers’ list for 2025 and named Beatportal’s ‘Artist of the Month’ for January 2026, the California-born DJ and producer shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Fresh off launching his own label and events brand, Nu Moda, Styler just dropped an official remix of his hit single “One More (ft. Ad-Apt)” reimagined by legendary DJ Solomun.
Now, he’s bringing his forward-thinking indie dance and electro-laced tech house sound back to New York City for his biggest headline show yet at Brooklyn Storehouse this Saturday, May 9th.
Ahead of his massive 4-hour set, we caught up with Max Styler to talk about the inspiration behind Nu Moda, his musical evolution, and his favorite spots in the Big Apple.
Building a ‘new style’ with Nu Moda and Solomun
SNYC: What was the inspiration behind starting Nu Moda, and how did you come up with the name?
MS: I would say it was less about inspiration for starting a label and more about something I’ve just wanted to do for a long time. The name translates to New Style which is my mark on the scene and a place to push boundaries for myself and other producers who inspire me. Always looking forward and innovating sonically.
SNYC: The artistic direction for Nu Moda is very distinct. How does the visual side—logos, album covers, and visualizers—tie into the music itself?
MS: When it comes to art I’ve always been very into raw textures and colors/typography inspired from the rave culture of the 90s. There’s a lot of posters from that era that I love the look of. I’m also inspired by sports and racing culture. I love the idea of a team and that’s where our logo, the Nu Moda crest, was born. Nu Moda is a family / team and the art needs to portray that.
SNYC: You’ve started throwing Nu Moda showcases in Miami. How do these events fit into the vision of the label, and will NYC ever get its own showcase?
MS: There’s a lot that goes into it and my team does an amazing job when it comes to programming the lineup and helping bring design ideas of mine to life. We are still in the earlier stages of our events brand but it’s really an exciting time for me to dive into that world. The events will showcase artists that are either on the label already or artists that I will want involved closely with the brand as it grows. There will definitely be a Nu Moda event in New York.
SNYC: You’ve recently collaborated with dance music legends like Solomun and Vintage Culture. What lessons have you learned from working with such veteran artists?
MS: First of all it’s an honor to already have Solomun and Vintage Culture involved with Nu Moda. I think my biggest takeaway or lesson from working closer with both of them in particular is their strong vision for their artist and label brands as well as their humble personalities. Watching how they navigate their project for years and years and the steps they take to maintain the highest level is something that I am really inspired by. I was talking with Solomun about knowing when to take breaks and what to say no to which is paramount for maintaining and operating your best. They’ve taught me indirectly this is a marathon and not a sprint.
Shifting sounds, the NEXUS series, and becoming #1
SNYC: With the second iteration of your NEXUS EP series out now, what goes into putting these compilations together and selecting the artists?
MS: Honestly the process is quite simple. I listen to demos and music daily. I find music that speaks to me and I test it out in my sets. I’ll know after a few times of playing a demo if it’s something I’m interested in for the label. Nexus was started and meant to showcase artists that I want people to be familiar with when they think of Nu Moda. We are just getting started and I’m treating these compilations to show our range and what Nu Moda is.
SNYC: Your sound has shifted from tech-house to more of an indie dance and techno vibe over the years. What records or influences helped push this new direction?
MS: I feel like I’ve always had specific taste for what I like and don’t like but really only locked in on what my sound is around 2021 to 2022. There’s been a few tracks of mine that stand out when defining my sound…I’d say ‘Resist’, ‘Hypnotic’ and ‘You & Me’. You get a bit of everything, from tech house to indie dance to some melodic elements. I want the music to make you move but feel fresh at the same time.
SNYC: Congratulations on being crowned the #1 producer in the world last year! When did your journey as a producer really kick into full gear?
MS: Thank you so much. That was a surprise last year. I’ve been in full gear since I started when I was around 15. I was a bit nerdy and skipped out on a lot just because I was so in love with making music in my bedroom. It’s been a long road and it’s funny because I still think there are technically many producers out there that run circles around me in the studio. That being said though I am confident in my ability to discern whether a song feels special and is going to work on the dance floor. I trust my ears and intuition a lot.
SNYC: Are there any rising producers or DJs actively inspiring you right now that we should keep an eye on?
MS: There are many. To name some: Luch, Welker, Rem Siman, Blaktone, Greggio, Notre Dame, Yulia Niko, Supernova, Deer Jade, Kimonos, Gabss, Josh Gigante, Dub.format, Borey, Ugo Banchi, Airrica, Jonathan, Kryptogram, JØRD, Chinonegro, Andrew Meller, DOX, Bontan, Nala, Darco, Whitesquare, Broken Hill, Tom Zeta, Amour Propre, Deomid, Philou, ALADAG, Yet More, Rafael, Mishell and so many more.
Conquering Brooklyn Storehouse & NYC favorites
SNYC: You’ve climbed the ladder of NYC venues over the years, and now you are playing Brooklyn Storehouse. What are the emotions heading into your biggest NYC show ever?
MS: So much excitement really. I know I’m ready for it now which is crazy to think about, but it’s just general excitement for the show. I’ve actually never been to Storehouse so I’ll be seeing it for my first time this weekend when I play. NYC means so much to me because of how much support the city has shown me for years. I also want to deliver my best there and care deeply about giving them a special show.
SNYC: Do you remember your first gig in NYC? What would the Max Styler of today tell the Max Styler of back then?
MS: Yeah, I played an opening slot at Electric Zoo back in like 2017. I would say holy shit. I think I’ve always been delusional that this DJing thing would work for myself but I never thought it would get close to this point where I am today.
SNYC: You’re slated for a 4-hour set this weekend. What can fans expect? Will you be testing out any new Nu Moda IDs?
MS: Longer sets are really the best and suit my style of DJing. It really is about the journey and ups and downs that the music will take you on. Always some new music from myself and some Nu Moda demos to test.
SNYC: What’s your all-time favorite memory of performing in New York?
MS: It had to be last year at KDC. That was a ride and a tough one. The entire 4 hours the AC was broken as I’m sure you remember. The people stayed with me though and endured even though we all were losing pounds of water weight. That show was a test on the body for all of us but an incredible night.
SNYC: We’re Secret NYC, so we have to ask: what are your must-visit spots when you’re in town?
MS: Taverna Di Bacco. Lower east side close to Katz Deli. Some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had.
🎟️ Tickets for Max Styler’s Brooklyn Storehouse debut are still available for this weekend here!
