University of New Haven Music Industry Students Team Up for New Single "Summer With You"

Pop-country singer-songwriter Max Russo ’27 released his second single, featuring Abigail Martin ’27, ’28 MBA as the track’s lead vocalist ahead of his debut EP, Interstellar, which he created as part of his Music Industry capstone project.

Independent pop-country artist and University of New Haven student Max Russo ’27 has released his second single, “Summer With You.” Featuring fellow University of New Haven student Abigail Martin ’27, ’28 MBA as the song’s primary vocalist, the track brings together two student musicians for a collaboration centered on summer romance, meaningful relationships, and memories made with someone special. The single follows Russo’s first release, “I Wouldn’t Lie,” and leads into his debut EP, Interstellar, scheduled for release on November 20.

The upcoming EP is the centerpiece of Russo’s Music Industry capstone project at the University of New Haven. Through the project, Russo has taken an active role in developing and releasing original music while gaining hands-on experience in recording, production, marketing, promotion, and artist development. Beyond fulfilling an academic requirement, Russo is approaching the release as an opportunity to build his identity as an independent artist and introduce his music to a wider audience.

Blending country and folk influences with modern pop production, Russo draws inspiration from artists such as Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, and The Red Clay Strays. Known for his raspy vocal tone, guitar-driven sound, and personal songwriting, Russo explores relationships and personal experiences through his music. With “Summer With You,” he takes a romantic and nostalgic approach, capturing the excitement of being with someone you love and wishing those moments could last a little longer.

‘A major milestone in my life’

Martin serves as the song’s lead vocalist and co-writer, bringing her voice and creative perspective to the collaboration. Her involvement gives the track a distinct identity within Russo’s developing catalog while highlighting the creative opportunities available to student musicians working together on original music.

“I'm so excited and proud of this song coming out,” says Martin. “What started out as part of a school project has become a major milestone in my life, and watching the song grow into something bigger than what we thought it could be has been nothing short of incredible.”

The song focuses on spending time with someone who makes ordinary moments feel special. From memories made during long summer days to the desire to hold on to a meaningful relationship, “Summer With You” reflects the excitement and nostalgia that can come with falling in love. Its romantic focus offers a different perspective from Russo’s first single, “I Wouldn’t Lie,” which explores the challenges of maintaining a relationship while navigating personal struggles.

Released October 16, “I Wouldn’t Lie” introduced listeners to Russo’s personal approach to songwriting and the emotional themes behind his upcoming project. With “Summer With You,” Russo expands on those themes through a collaboration that places Martin’s lead vocals at the forefront, giving listeners another side of his developing sound.

‘Put the skills I’ve learned to the test’

The recording and production process has provided valuable experience for the students involved. University of New Haven student Mattingly Creter ’26, ’27 MBA served as the project’s main engineer, helping to bring the music to life while applying the skills he has developed through the University’s Music & Sound Recording program.

“This was such a fun project to record and mix,” says Creter. “Taking part in my first full length audio engineering release, I really got to put the skills I’ve learned here in the Music & Sound Recording program to the test.”

Michael Ciras ’25, ’26 MS, who contributed electric guitar and additional engineering to the project, also enjoyed being part of the recording process.

“Playing electric guitar for Max was truly a pleasure,” says Ciras. “I’m looking forward to hearing it on release day.”

Brady Gingell ’27, who plays drums on the project, also shares a personal connection to the music. Many of the songs on Interstellar were written while Gingell and Russo were living together in Nashville as part of the University’s Study Away program in the Music City, making the EP a reflection of their shared experiences and growth as musicians.

“Working on this project was very fulfilling because most of the songs on the EP were written while Max and I were living together in Nashville,” says Gingell. “Getting back to main campus and seeing these song ideas come to life was very cool.”

‘Something special’

For Russo, the EP represents months of songwriting and creative development, including time spent in Nashville working on the material. The project brings together songs shaped by love, personal experiences, and personal growth. By releasing individual tracks ahead of the full project, Russo aims to introduce audiences to different aspects of his sound while building anticipation for Interstellar.

“This EP is gonna be something special” says Ruso. “I spent a lot of my time in Nashville on it, and I'm excited for what it'll become. I've put a lot into these songs, and I'm looking forward to finally sharing them with people.”

As students at the University of New Haven, Russo, Martin, Creter, Ciras, and Gingell are developing their musical work while gaining practical experience in the creative and technical sides of the music industry. Through original songwriting, collaboration, recording, and independent promotion, the project demonstrates how a capstone experience can extend beyond the classroom and create opportunities for students to release original music to real audiences.

“Summer With You” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and other major streaming platforms. Russo’s debut EP, Interstellar, is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.

Find his socials and music through his linktree:

https://linktr.ee/maxrussomusic