Nashville-based singer-songwriter Max McNown has released his latest single, “The Cost of Growing Up,” alongside the announcement of an expanded edition of his acclaimed sophomore album. Titled ‘Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up),' the new version will feature 11 additional tracks and is set for release on July 18 via Fugitive Recordings in partnership with The Orchard and Columbia Records. Pre-orders right here.
The emotionally resonant new track serves as a centrepiece for the expanded album, showcasing McNown’s evolving sound and lyrical depth. Blending earthy instrumentation with ethereal elements like steel guitar, mandolin, and organ, ‘The Cost of Growing Up' reflects on the unavoidable struggles that come with maturity. McNown describes the song as a meditation on the acceptance of pain and loss as part of life’s journey. “There’s beauty in that because, without those hard moments, you wouldn’t be able to truly love,” he says.
The expanded album includes never-before-heard songs written during the same creative period as the original ‘Night Diving' release, offering a more complete vision of McNown’s artistic intent. “Even though ‘Night Diving' was the length of a full album, in my heart it never felt complete,” McNown explains. “These songs were always meant to be one body of work.”
The new edition marks a significant milestone in McNown’s artistic journey, shaped by his roots in the Pacific Northwest and years of refining his voice—literally and figuratively—starting with beachside busking in Southern California. Produced by Jamie Kenney (known for work with Colbie Caillat and Laci Kaye Booth), the project features top Nashville session musicians and highlights McNown’s blend of heartfelt storytelling with polished, organic production.
Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) Track List:
- Forever Ain't Long Enough
- Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)
- St. Helens Alpenglow
- The Cost of Growing Up
- Same Questions
- Call Me If You Miss Me
- This Side of Heaven
- Marley
- Wherever I'm Going
- Where to Start
- Night Diving (New Feature Version)
- It's Not Your Fault
- Take This Plane
- Hotel Bible
- Roses and Wolves (feat. Hailey Whitters)
- Won't Let Me Go
- Azalea Place
- Love I Couldn't Mend
- Freezing in November (Revisited)
- Night Diving
- Hindsight & Photographs
‘Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)' will be available in several exclusive physical editions, including a signed D2C exclusive clear black ice-coloured vinyl, Amazon-exclusive opaque maroon vinyl, indie-exclusive opaque bone vinyl, opaque tangerine vinyl, and standard CD. Pre-orders are available now.
