I've recently changed my name from Max Bittisnich to Max Aurora.
Max Aurora was born and grew up in a bushy suburb of Canberra, where their first exposure to music was from Crowded House filled car trips. They then proceeded to steal some of their sibling’s taste in music with bands like My Chemical Romance and Avril Lavigne – though they had an extra hankering for pop artists like The Veronicas and endless cheesy 80s hits. Max had drum lessons in primary school and then caught the theatre bug turning them to singing. Feeling locked singing behind the drum kit, Max began learning power chords on guitar to Green Day songs and learnt piano by tinkering on the Yamaha at home.
Hopping down the Hume Highway in 2013, Max moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Music Performance in Vocals at Melbourne Polytechnic – currently they are preparing to study for Masters of Music Therapy at Melbourne University.
Through stage sweats and endless journals, Max has made it to releasing their first concept album ‘Somewhere Near’ this September 2020, with many more in the works. Taken by the energy of punk and pop, the sombre honesty of emo and folk and the imagery of movies and books, Max writes music and lyrics searching for empathy and little epiphanies.
'Somewhere Near' - 2020
Date: 04/09/2022
'Somewhere Near' CD Now Available on Bandcamp
My debut 'Somewhere Near' came out nearly 2 years ago in September 2020. To celebrate a CD version is available to buy on Bandcamp here:
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Date: 04/09/2022
Max Aurora Solo
Hi! Although I have added 'The Southern Lights', I will still be playing solo under Max Aurora focusing on my acoustic and folky side. Stay tuned for announcements as I have solo gigs and solo releases in the works.
Date: 28/06/2022
Max Aurora (solo) w/ Morrigan & Wilding and Ally Row
Wed July 13 / Workers Club Fitzroy / 7pm / $20
Max Aurora (solo) is joined by folk-fusion duo Morrigan & Wilding and indie-folk pop duo Ally Row for a folky moment on a cosy winter night.
$20
Doors at 7pm
7:30 - Ally Row (insta - @allyrow)
8:30 - Morrigan and Wilding (insta - @morriganandwilding)
9:30 - Max Aurora (solo)
Date: 7/10/2021
Max Bittisnich to Max Aurora
I’m non-binary / gender fluid and my pro-nouns are they / them and I’m changing my stage name to Max Aurora.
Some days I feel more fem and other days more masc, I don’t think I’ve explored the fem side enough thus far and this change feels like a blossoming; musically and in everyday life.
I’m also vaccinated!
Date: 14/8/2021
Vibe Union presents: The Dusty Sessions Livestream
Date: 3/9/2020
Vibe Union presents 'The Dusty Sessions', a live-stream version of the collective gig showcasing upcoming, vibrant artists. Starting at 7:30pm.
Set times:
7:30pm - Crypticolour
8pm - Max Bittisnich
8:30pm - Libby Ingles
Stream link: https://www.youtube.com/c/vibeunion
Date: 24/5/2021
Somewhere Near: a retrospective album launch
May 26, 7:30pm at The Old Bar (CANCELLED)
Sadly for the 2nd time, this gig has been cancelled due to the snap lockdown, but stay tuned for a reschedule when the world allows it, third times the charm!
Date: 30/9/2020
The Day After Valentine's Lyric Book Video out now
Art by Jessica Wilson (insta: @jess.dubblu)
Date: 02/9/2020
Livestream launch - Somewhere Near, 7pm Thursday 17th
Date: 08/8/2020
Max Bittisnich to release debut concept album ‘Somewhere Near’: a cinematic, emo-folk-rock journey that’s the first piece in a puzzle.
Somewhere Near is a 7-track, emo-flavoured folk and rock debut release from Max Bittisnich that uncovers the first piece in the puzzle of their fascination with concept albums.
Somewhere Near is set to be released on September 17th 2020.
Naarm/Melbourne-based musician Max Bittisnich has crafted a concept album that tells a story of self-acceptance while navigating anxiety and desires within an increasingly isolated society and how nostalgia and escapism can be painful and relieving all at once. In the works since 2014, Max’s dynamic crooning is combined with assertive yet vulnerable lyrics that evoke specific times and places.
Somewhere Near sways between punk-laced songs like Golden Age and Putty in our Hands, to a blend of styles likened to Phoebe Bridgers and Josh Pyke in cinematic songs like The Day After Valentine’s and Somewhere Near Broome.
Max grew up in Canberra, moving to Melbourne in 2013, and ever since has been polishing their musical skills under the radar, ready to relinquish Somewhere Near to the airwaves. They have not let lockdowns stop their momentum, with plenty of time for writing, pondering, and tea.
Somewhere Near is available to buy or stream on September 17th.