MAX McNOWN SURPRISES FANS WITH NEW ‘BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE’ EP

Fans expecting a new single from Max McNown got more than they wished for as the acclaimed singer-songwriter surprise-released his new five-song Both Sides of the Blade EP, out now via Fugitive Recordings.

Originally teased as a standalone track, Both Sides of the Blade arrives as a stripped-back collection that finds Max returning to his acoustic roots. Written and recorded during the Willfully Blind era, these songs complete that chapter of Max’s discography while still remaining meaningful to him today.

Speaking on the single, Max shares: “’Both Sides of the Blade’ begins with a cold conversation over coffee in the morning between a couple who’s lost their spark. The song follows a romance gone numb, and its desperate desire to feel something… anything… once again.”

Both Sides of the Blade EP offers a window into an earlier chapter of Max’s artistry—lyrically vulnerable, musically authentic, and steeped in the Pacific Northwest-inspired melodies that first defined his sound. Across five raw and heartfelt songs, Max reflects on the push and pull of love, loss, and growing up—touching on stagnant relationships, heartbreak, and a moving tribute to his late grandfather.

Last week, Max announced his Spring 2026 headline run, The Cost of Growing Up Tour. Kicking off on March 20 in Charlotte, NC, the 20+ date run includes Max’s debut at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium — which includes two SOLD OUT nights — and his debut performance at Stagecoach Festival in April. Also woven into the tour schedule are three special shows in Florida where Max will support Parker McCollum. Tickets are available now at https://www.maxmcnown.com/tour.

At just 24 years old, Max is riding high on a whirlwind 2025 full of incredible feats. His breakout 2023 single “A Lot More Free” was recently certified Platinum, and the lead single from his extended sophomore album Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)  “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” is certified Gold. Together, the songs have notched over 500 Million worldwide streams to date and have earned Max his first Top 10 single at Adult POP radio and ongoing momentum at Country (Top 20) and Top 40 radio. This year he debuted at Lollapalooza following appearances at CMA Fest, Boston Calling, C2C, and other major festivals, while also delivering his first TV performances on The Kelly Clarkson Show and The TODAY Show.

Both Sides of the Blade Track List 
DISC 1

1. Both Sides of the Blade
2. Dream Run Dry
3. 97
4. Window In The Wall
5. From Me To You

1. Fishing Line
2. Willfully Blind
3. Snowman
4. MacBeth
5. Running On Empty