Max McNown, a rising country-folk singer-songwriter, found unexpected success with his deeply personal song “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” inspired by his girlfriend of nearly two years. Released in November 2024, the track quickly gained popularity and became McNown’s first entry on both Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and the Billboard Hot 100. Initially hesitant to share such a vulnerable song, McNown now sees its success as motivation to continue writing honest music about his life.
The song came to life during a collaborative writing session in May 2024 with Trent Dabbs, Ava Suppelsa, and Jamie Kenney at a Nashville-area studio. McNown brought a simple melody and the phrase “I didn’t know you’d have brown eyes,” which soon became the heart of the chorus. Encouraged by his collaborators, especially Ava Suppelsa who asked about what he loved about his girlfriend, McNown shaped the song around the desire to be a better person for someone special.
Before “Better Me For You,” McNown had gained momentum with his 2023 ballad “A Lot More Free,” which climbed into the top 30 on the Hot Country Songs chart and crossed over into pop and alternative radio formats. This prior success gave his team confidence to time the release of his follow-up single perfectly. They teased “Better Me For You” on social media in October 2024, focusing on its catchy chorus line about brown eyes, which fans quickly adopted, leading to the phrase being added to the song title.
McNown’s rise has been supported by a strong promotional strategy and savvy use of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. His uncle and manager Brandon Ebel, president of Tooth & Nail Records and Solid State Records, emphasized their focus on online marketing campaigns that helped propel the song’s popularity. McNown’s journey began in Oregon and California, where he learned guitar from his father’s old instrument and built an online following by posting covers of artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers.
In 2023, after self-releasing several songs, McNown caught the attention of industry professionals and was flown to Nashville for songwriting sessions. He signed with Fugitive Recordings and partnered with The Orchard before releasing his debut EP. Although he advanced on American Idol in 2023, he chose not to proceed further, preferring to develop his own music career independently.
Since moving to Nashville in 2024, McNown has released two albums: Wandering and Night Diving. His growing presence on country radio has helped “Better Me For You” remain on charts steadily since February 2025. The song debuted on the Hot 100 in June at No. 98 and has maintained its position for several weeks. Looking forward, McNown plans to release an extended version of Night Diving titled Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) and is preparing for major festival performances including CMA Fest, Boston Calling, Lollapalooza, as well as a 30-show headlining tour.
Brandon Ebel reflects on Max’s talent as a songwriter, lyricist, and performer. He recalls a pivotal moment when Max decided just before going onstage to play harmonica live for the first time during an opening set, impressing everyone with his performance. That moment marked a clear sign that Max McNown is destined for greater success. The personal stories behind songs like “Better Me For You” show how genuine encouragement can come through heartfelt music that connects deeply with listeners.
