PlaqueBoyMax sees rapping as surprisingly similar to going live on Twitch, and his online community has shaped his approach to concerts.
In a recent interview with Billboard News, Max reflected on his experiences performing as a rapper after completing four live shows, revealing he views each performance as an extension of his streaming world.
"I've done four shows. First of all, the thing with doing the show, I always, like, I tell my chat, this was chat," Max explained. "This was, like, you know, the Twitch stream, you know what I'm saying? Have them on the side. They're the ones typing when the stream is live."
For Max, the transition from streaming on Twitch to performing in front of real-life crowds felt natural.
"It's like doing a stream, like shows, live performances, concerts, it's just like the Twitch streams," he continued. "So when I get on and did my 1st show, I'm like, oh, this, like, the audience is just my chat in real life. You know what I'm saying?"
The rapper described the experience as exhilarating, noting how different, yet familiar, it feels to share that energy in person.
"So it's like being able to experience it altogether, it's just, it's like a thrill. It's just, there's nothing like it," Max said.
As he continues developing his stage presence, Max has been studying some of the most iconic live performers across genres for inspiration.
"And every show, like, I watch a bunch of concerts," he said. "Live performers. Travis [Scott], I've been watching some Metallica, you know, just different, amazing live performances. I was watching DMX performances, just trying to learn because I'm like, wow, this is crazy like to have that energy on stage."
Max added that studying those artists motivates him to push himself as a performer: "I want to be the best performer I could be."
