Festival

Max Tischler –Splendour’s Enviro & Sustainability Manager

Max seems to be one of those people who went you know what, I really like doing this, this and this and so I’m just going to go do them all. He’s the Tour and Environmental Road Manager of many international acts including Jack Johnson, which lead him to his work as the Enviro & Sustainability Manager at Splendour. He’s the director, Chief Ecologist and Expedition Leader for Australian Desert Expeditions a non-profit organisation that uses traditionally outfitted pack camels to explore the remote central deserts He is also the Director of the Byron Bay Surf Festival just to top it off. A director of camels, music and surfing. What a combo. We chatted to Max about how he’s rolled all his passions into a full time gig.

What does a normal day look like to you?

I seem to find myself in unusual places doing not particularly normal things most of the time, but no matter where it is I always try and stop to acknowledge the two certainties of sunrise and sunset.

How do you think music and sustainability are linked?

Sustainability is so much about shifting the way individuals and societies behave, often inherent within flawed cultural paradigms. Music has always had the ability to transcend these systemic layers. As such, it’s a potent vehicle for behavioural change, a beautiful messenger, so to speak.

Outside of camels, music and surfing what else do you like to do?

Just spending time with my two boys, seeing the world through their eyes. It is a constant source of wonder and optimism - two things I think the world needs a little more of. And I love to read.

What advice would you give to someone that might want to do any of the many jobs you do?

There’s a particularly profound story behind mythologist Joseph Campbell’s saying ‘Follow Your Bliss’ - it’s something that resonates with me daily, and would be a great place to start for anyone seeking vocational inspiration.

What’s the wildest story you have?

It is a never-ending search for the next one, right?

What’s the last song you played?

Spanish Harlem Incident (Dylan Cover) - Chris Whitely