THIS year’s young musician of the year awards were held on Wednesday night, with 17-year-old Max Jones taking home the coveted trophy as well as the people’s choice award on the night.
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Mr Jones said he was thrilled with his win.
“It’s good to be recognised by other musicians and I am so humbled and proud to have been awarded this,” he said.
“Music is the most passionate aspect of my life and I do work hard at it.”
Mr Jones said playing music when you’re genuinely passionate about what you’re doing gives a feeling like no other.
“Knowing people are enjoying what I’m playing, that’s the best feeling in the world,” he said. “I always enjoy listening to and performing music, it’s my whole life. Whether it is listening to an old Beatles song, or music on the radio now or even a song I don’t like I love the chance to reinterpret music and make it my own.”
Mr Jones said while the award was something he had worked really hard for, he didn’t consider playing music work because it was something he enjoyed so much.
Mr Jones said his parents’ support had been an important aspect of his musical career. “Dad got me to where I am today,” he said. “I’ve been singing since I was very young and my father has been my main mentor through my career. My parents were pretty proud when I got the award and I am pretty appreciative of where they have gotten me.”
This is the ninth year the awards have been held and Mr Jones impressed the judges with an acoustic version of Al Green’s Let’s Stick Together.
“It’s a really beautiful soul song from the late `60s,” he said. “It’s from Pulp Fiction, but I have always loved the sound of Al Green’s voice and thought I would do an acoustic version and luckily enough people enjoyed it.”
Despite his age, Mr Jones is already a versatile artist playing the ukulele, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums as well as singing.
He said said while the recognition was fantastic for his future career, he was taking things one step at a time. “This is a really good stepping stone and while I would love to one day be a rock star right now I’m focused on playing gigs around Griffith and and letting people enjoy my music.”