Max Bartos & The Misfit Toys
Max Bartos & The Misfit Toys are a New York–based folk rock band built on storytelling, harmonies, and a relentless DIY work ethic. Blending acoustic-driven melodies with electric grit, their songs move fluidly between love, loss, humor, and the stubborn hope that brings people together. The result is music that feels equal parts campfire confessional and full-room sing-along.
At the frontlines is Max Bartos ( lead vocals, lead guitar, drums), a songwriter whose work has drawn comparisons to the poeticism of Marcus Mumford and Noah Kahan, the grit of Springsteen, the dry wit of John Prine, and the emotional punch of modern folk-rock revivalists. Bartos’ voice and writing carry a distinct New York edge — reflective without sentimentality, vulnerable without self-pity — grounding the band’s sound in stories that feel deeply personal and unmistakably universal.
Backing Bartos are Jake Kitchin (mandolin), Kieran Cullen (bass), and Sean Pallatroni (piano), whose dynamic arrangements elevate the songs from stripped-down folk to full-bodied, high-energy live performances. Together, the band has become known for shows that blur the line between audience and performer — crowded rooms, and shouted harmonies that have earned them the unofficial moniker “New York’s Motherfolkers.”
Over the past several years, Max Bartos & The Misfit Toys have built momentum the hard way: relentless gigging, word-of-mouth growth, and a steady presence across New York’s indie and folk scenes. The band has performed at clubs, listening rooms, and DIY spaces throughout the Northeast, Midwest, PNW, and the West Coast, sharing bills with regional and touring acts while cultivating a loyal grassroots following. Their live shows have become a staple, frequently converting first-time listeners into repeat attendees.
In support of Bartos’ latest album, Waiting At The Crossroads, the band completed a 30-date U.S. tour, bringing their songs to rooms across the country. The record explores heartbreak, doubt, and the devils we all carry on our shoulders. Following the tour, Bartos signed with Jason Spiewak and Eric Davis at Noble Steed Music for management, marking a new chapter in the project’s growth.
Max is deep in the writing process for album number four, with a planned late-2026 release supported by another national tour. As the band continues to expand its audience, the mission remains the same: honest songs, lively rooms, and music that works best when sung together.
