Former Nickelodeon star Max Schneider felt the overwhelming love of Filipino fans during his recent visit to the Philippines in early April 2024.
From April 5 to 7, Max had the pleasure of meeting his Filipino admirers at various mall shows across the country as part of his promo tour for his new album, Love In Stereo.
Before taking the stage at UP Town Center on April 5, Max took the opportunity to interact with members of the press, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), sharing insights into the inspiration behind his latest album.
During the presscon, Max revealed that his new album is a reflection of the different forms of love, offering insights into his personal journey and reflections on the theme.
He told the press, "So, Love In Stereo... I think I realized between the birth of my first daughter, I just had my eight-year anniversary this week, and just feeling love from the beginning and love how it evolves.
"And really staying loyal to someone and true to someone.
"All of those pictures of love, I think that’s what the album was really inspired by.
"How that’s made me evolve as a person, and how that’s just makes anybody change but stay true to who they are."
Max hopes that his music will enlighten listeners about the importance of genuine and vulnerable love, encouraging individuals to wholeheartedly embrace and express love in its truest form.
"I want people to, you know, life is short, and I feel like people deserve to be loved themselves, and love the people that they love, authentically and vulnerably in the best way they can.
"I just want my fans to thrive. I want anybody that listen to my music to thrive and be the best versions of themselves."
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MAX SCHNEIDER: BACK IN MANILA
Max also reminisced about his prior trip to the Philippines. It has been eight years since his last visit to the country.
His previous trip in 2016 saw him flying to the country alongside popular YouTubers Leroy Sanchez, Sam Tsui, and more for the Own It! Concert at the Araneta Coliseum.
Max's last visit left a lasting impression, particularly due to a memorable incident involving a fan who "broke in" to his hotel room.
He recalled, "The last time I was in the Philippines, a fan broke into my hotel room, that’s only time that’s ever happened.
"But it was memorable, it was actually positive.
"Like, I walked in my room, there was... on my mirror, it said, 'Hey Max, if you want to see how we party in the Philippines, come to the fourth floor lobby. First drink on us.'
"And I was, like, 'Oh my God, am I going to die?’ But I didn’t... obviously, they were very sweet.
"I found out that it was someone who worked in the hotel, they were a great fan.
"And the manager actually said that they should... that it was a cool thing to do. So, it’s really more on the manager who think that was totally cool."
Fortunately, Max didn't view the experience negatively; in fact, he took it in stride and remained a good sport about it.
"It was memorable experience, and honestly, I knew it came from a good place.
"It just shows the Filipino fans are passionate, and I love that passion.
"I appreciate it, I’m glad I’m not dead."
MAX SCHNEIDER: GETTING INTO K-POP
Max was also asked about his introduction to K-pop, considering his latest single from his album, "Stupid In Love," features K-pop star Huh Yunjin of Le Sserafim.
The 31-year-old singer disclosed that his gateway into K-Pop was actually sparked by Jungkook of BTS.
He recalled, "Jungkook from BTS was the gateway.
"He sang a song of mine called 'One More Weekend' that I was really passionate about.
"I just really wanted the label at that time to be, like, into it more, and Jungkook sang it on a live [stream], and I was, like, ‘So many likes... thing song, this is amazing!'
"And I was, like, ‘Who is this guy? His voice is amazing.’
"And honestly, that was the gateway. I just went straight in. So, shoutout to Jungkook."
However, Max revealed that he has yet to meet Jungkook in person and express his gratitude to him directly.
"I still haven’t met Jungkook, which is crazy.
"He’s been somebody who has influenced my life in such a huge way, so much love to him.
"I hope to meet him soon, and it’s changed my life in an amazing way.
"I love the artists I get to work with in K-pop, and now I go to Korea from time to time."
Any other K-Pop stars on his music radar?
Max answered, "Besides Le Sserafim and all the obvious, I’d say ZEROBASEONE is a group that I love, they’re awesome right now.
"I love the new 'Magnetic' ILLIT song, of course, I know [it's] popping off.
"I just met the producer for that the other day and he was so nice, and I was, like, ‘Congrats, this is so cool’, so we’ll start there.
"I could keep going on and on, but I’m going to say those two for now."
Towards the end of the press conference, Max left a message to his Filipino fans.
He said, "I love you. Salamat, thank you so much for listening. And, I can’t wait to give everybody a hug, if I can’t while I’m here, it’s going to be really fun to meet up with you guys."
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