New York-based pop singer MAX, known legally as Max Schneider, will be performing Wednesday night in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

For Schneider, music has been a love and passion from an early age. With his emotional and energetic style, Schneider hopes his music will encourage people to “let their guards down and truly enjoy who they are.”

While his career has taken off, MAX still remembers where that love of music began.

“Well, I started singing and dancing at around four by reenacting Broadway shows I’d see on my living room table in my underwear,” Schneider said. “Basically now I’m doing the same thing with more clothes on most of the time.”

To Schneider, everyday is a surprise. While it may have always been his dream, he is still “constantly blown away” by the reach of his music to different countries.

“Being able to tour all over our home country and then to be able to have people show up in different countries for shows is extremely humbling,” Schneider said.

MAX has learned a lot on his musical journey, but one skill will always remain the same.

“I’d say the main one is to really trust my gut. I didn’t always utilize that skill in the beginning of my career but the moments I did were the ones I was always the most proud of. Now I only trust and listen to my gut for all decisions,” Schneider said.

While performing is always a highlight for Schneider, it’s the people that make touring so special for him.

“I’d say my favorite part is meeting people that the music really connects with,” Schneider said. “No matter the country or place we go, when it truly translates and I meet a fan who I feel like I’ve known my whole life because they are so honest and passionate, that never gets old.”

One of the most beneficial experiences in Schneider’s career is him “being open with [his] mariage.” One of Schneider’s favorite memories is writing “Lights Down Low” to propose to his wife, a moment that will stick with him forever.

“A lot of people told me if I revealed I was married it would be career suicide, but taking the dive to be honest with our fans resulted in people being even more connected with us,” Schneider said.

“People started using ‘Lights Down Low’ as their wedding songs, and now it stands for love no matter their sexuality,” Schneider said. “For us, fighting for the things we believe and utilizing the music to spread the message has been the greatest lesson I’ve learned.”

In the future, Schneider is looking forward to connecting with fans throughout the world, making stories along the way.

“I only hope to keep making truthful music and connecting to people with it,” Schneider said. “Bigger shows and traveling to more and more places would be wonderful….It’s really just the fans and the excitement of creating new stories and energies with the music.”

For those who are lovers of music, Schneider implores them to never give up.

“Fight for who you are and what you believe in. You will have to fight for it and prove your beliefs every day no matter the success that comes,” Schneider said. “There will be more times you are in the trenches than times you are basking in the sun and glory. Soak up every moment and keep believing no matter what.”

Schneider’s most recent album “Hell’s Kitchen Angel” was released in May of 2016 on DCD2 Records, which was founded by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz.

Chicago native John Splithoff will open the show.

The show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 to the general public and $15 with a student ID. Ticket’s be purchased at the M-Shop box office or online via midwestix.com.