In this interview spotlight, I chat with Max about his animated series, Max and Patrick.

We discuss the origins, challenges and how Max supports the local and independent Hip Hop community with the show.

Full Q&A along with links and episodes below.

What up, Max?! We’ve been friends and rocked stages together for a while now… What led you to starting a cartoon?

Between learning how to edit videos along with the experience I gained networking as a touring emcee, radio host, voice actor and booking agent… the idea of combining some amazing music with an animated show ran through my mind for quite a while.

Was your plan from the conception of Max & Patrick to feature and spotlight indie Hip Hop artists?

Yep! I wanted to find a different way to get music out there and it seems to be working. I love receiving feedback from viewers mentioning they really like the music, and asking where to find more songs from the artist played on my show. I spent close to a year learning how to use Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, and made a ton of videos with some cool special effects. After a while, I wanted to give animation a try so I downloaded a free 2D animation program called scratch. After learning a few basics, I spiced it up a bit with the Adobe programs and made a few short clips of characters that looked similar to what Max and Patrick look like now, then made another ten minute video that was more like what I’m making now but had a few minor differences. After showing it to Jayson Hawkins from The 5ive XL, he was interested in airing the show on his Roku channel which was Global Reach at the time, but now is The 5ive XL so the show is currently on Roku, and YouTube as well as most social media platforms.

What has been the biggest challenge so far? If I understand correctly, you do everything yourself?

Yes, that’s correct. I do everything myself, but I do reach out for help on certain episodes. It might sound funny but I seem to have the biggest challenge recording the parts for my own character since it’s my own voice. I have a habit of treating it like one of my voice over projects and will go over some of my parts over and over again.

How many hours goes into a 15 minute episode?

About 1-2 weeks with little sleep. LOL

Max and Patrick reminds me of watching Adult Swim. Is that intentional?

I was definitely going for some Adult Swim vibes. Max and Patrick has been compared to shows on other networks as well, such as South Park and Beavis and Butthead. That wasn’t intentional but since I’m a fan of those shows, I dig the feedback.

What’s your favorite episode so far?

Probably the Halloween episode I’m currently working on. It’s going to be an hour long, so I’ve been putting in lots of work for close to two months now, and can’t wait to get the final product on the air. The Halloween special is going to feature a ton of comedic references to the classics!

Where is the best place to keep up with the latest episodes and be notified of the new ones? You’re on Roku right?

Correct, the 5ive XL TV on Roku and Max and Patrick Cartoon on YouTube. YouTube has all the episodes with new episodes going up every Sunday at noon PST.

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off? 

Thanks for your time! It’s much appreciated, but also wanna thank you for your help as well. Your music compliments the show very well and I can’t wait to air the episodes with your sons guest spots 🙂

If you haven’t seen the show but you love cartoons, and hip hop, please check out “Max and Patrick Cartoon” on YouTube, Tik Tok, Twitter, FB, and IG. Recently released episodes are also on the 5ive XL TV on Roku. 

Thank you to everyone who’s supported me or worked with me on this project! This couldn’t have happened without all of you!

The Halloween episode will be up on YouTube on Thursday, October 28th. Lots of time, energy and love has went into this episode, just like all the other episodes but this is the first holiday themed and long episode I’ve put together so this is definitely special to me.

Thanks again for everything!