GAPX The Band is described as a funky, rocking, and soulful mega band brought to life by some of the original musicians who played and toured with the legendary group The Gap Band that was put together by the band’s co-founder, Ronnie Wilson.
Stepping into the big shoes of lead vocals for the band is Singer/Songwriter Charles E. Salter Jr. also known as Max’C. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Max has a smooth four-octave tenor that grabs and holds onto audiences. He made a name for himself in Europe, where he became one of the most sought-after voices in the EDM, House, and Soul music genres.
Max’C has worked with such notables as Swedish House Music Godfather StoneBridge (“I Believe”), Axwell (“I Found U”), David Guetta (“Where Is The Love”), R3hab (“Sending My Love”), Fedde Le Grand (“Feel The Love”), and he has opened concerts in Europe for a number of stars including Whitney Houston, Snoop Dogg, Diddy, Macy Gray, Shaggy, and Joss Stone to name a few.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the multi-talented musician and artist to find out all about his amazing story of getting his start in the entertainment biz, how he got the blessing to sing lead from the founder of the legendary Gap Band, and so much more.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Charles Salter aka Max’C?
Charles E. Salter Jr.: I’m a multi-talented Singer/Songwriter, Producer, and Actor originally from Louisville, KY. I am now based in Helsinki, Finland, where I worked as a Hip-Hop Dancer, Teacher, and Entertainer for many years.
How did you discover your love for music?
My love for music started already in the womb. My mother, Mellcine, sang Gospel music, and my father, Charles, was an avid Soul, R&B, Blues, and Jazz enthusiast.
Who were some of your early music favorites and influences?
The first people I remember hearing that blew me away for one reason or another were Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, and James Brown, among others.
Did you dream of doing something else early on? When did you definitively decide that you wanted to pursue music professionally?
I coasted around when I was young, not focused on what I wanted to do or be. I was very good at athletic stuff like Baseball, Football, Running, and even Martial Arts and Gymnastics. Even though I loved music & singing, I didn’t get serious about it until I ended up in Finland in 1984. MTV was barely out, and I saw people from Europe with music videos who weren’t that good at singing or dancing, so I said to myself, “I’m way better.” “I can do this”.
Please tell us the story of how you connected with GapX The Band.
In 2010, I uploaded a video of myself singing Charlie Wilson’s 2000 hit Without You to YouTube. Since most people who had heard me sing say I sounded like him, I figured it could be a great way to bring attention to myself. Before I knew it, it had gone viral. The next thing I knew, I got an email from a guy named Kris in Atlanta, whose uncle used to be Charlie’s road manager, and he could connect me with him. Then I got another email from another guy named Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker from Chicago, who actually plays with the Gap Band. Baby Gap tells me they’re looking for someone to sing lead in the band since Charlie went solo. He told the band about me and then I got the blessing from the late great Ronnie Wilson himself, and it was off from there….
What can fans look forward to in your upcoming performance in Chicago?
As always, fans will get that classic Gap Band feeling and sound, but we will add a few new exciting twists.
Constantly working and touring can be wearing on your mind and body; how do you maintain your mental health and self-care?
I try to keep it pretty simple and stick to my basics: exercise, eating well, moving my body, and staying active with sports and martial arts.
What are your thoughts on the emergence of AI technology and how it will affect the entertainment business?
There was a message in “Frankenstein“: Humans should definitely watch what they create. As with all new technology, you have your ways it can be used for good and ways it can be used for bad. Let’s hope the good outweighs the bad by a lot.
What are three of your all-time favorite albums?
Songs In The Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway‘s Live album, and What’s Going On?, by Marvin Gaye.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
As I mentioned, I got my start in the biz teaching hip-hop dance and breaking in Finland. But what many don’t know is it was all by chance because I actually took the place of a friend who was supposed to do it but ended up not being able to go.
Best advice or words of wisdom for those aspiring to have a career in the music business?
Just keep working on your craft. Keep working at what you want to do. Stay determined and focused.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
What comes to mind is what my mom would always tell me: “Keep believing in the creator. Stay positive, and you’ll go far in life.”
What’s next for Max’C as well as Gap X The Band?
I’m actually working on a solo project called Full Circle, so look out for it soon. And the band? Well, we’re going to keep jamming. We’re going to keep playing shows. And above all else, we’ll keep the Gap Band legacy alive.
Catch GapX The Band on Sunday, September 3rd, at noon at 14312 Greenwood, Dolton, IL. The concert and parking are FREE!
The Thorton Township Event sponsors the event.
For more information on the group, please visit Facebook GapX The Band.
