Who Is Maxx Morando? Musician, Producer, and Miley Cyrus’ Fiancé
Maxx Morando is a Los Angeles musician, drummer, songwriter, and producer best known for playing in the rock band Liily, formerly drumming for The Regrettes, and collaborating with Miley Cyrus. Born in 1998, he began playing drums at age 8 and has built a career that moves between energetic alternative rock and polished pop production.
His work with Cyrus includes credits on Endless Summer Vacation (2023), including “Handstand” and “Violet Chemistry,” as well as several songs on her 2025 album Something Beautiful. The couple met on a blind date in 2021 and became engaged in late 2025.
Morando has largely kept a low public profile despite the attention around his relationship. That balance – between indie-band roots, studio work, fashion interests, and major-pop collaborations – is what makes his story worth following.
Guest Posts takes a closer look at the musician behind the drum kit and the headlines.
Simple guide to maxx morando:
The Musical Evolution and Early Career of Maxx Morando
Long before he became known in mainstream pop circles, Morando was refining his chops across the sweaty stages and practice rooms of the Southern California underground. His early entry into the industry shaped a musician who prioritizes raw energy, tactile instrumentation, and artistic autonomy. He has continuously favored authentic musicianship, a trait evident across his work with C & C Drums USA and other rhythm-focused communities.
Who Is Maxx Morando? Fast Facts and Background
Born Maximilian Richard Morando on November 16, 1998, in Los Angeles, he discovered rhythm at eight years old. Growing up in a culturally vibrant environment, Morando immersed himself in early music education through the School of Rock in Hollywood, where he honed his fundamentals alongside fellow young players who would later become long-term creative partners and bandmates. This comprehensive training gave him an intuitive command of time signatures, syncopated polyrhythms, and live ensemble dynamics.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, Morando developed into a true multi-instrumentalist. While the drum kit remains his home base and primary voice, he frequently experiments with analog rhythm guitars, vintage synthesizers, modular sequencers, and studio percussion, building rich sonic layers that defy traditional genre boundaries.
From The Regrettes to Liily and Beyond
Between 2015 and 2018, Morando served as the powerhouse drummer for the punk-pop outfit The Regrettes. During his tenure, the group released their breakout 2015 EP Hey! followed by their celebrated 2017 debut full-length album Feel Your Feelings Fool!. The band recorded live straight to tape in single-room sessions, teaching Morando precision, punchy dynamics, and the enduring value of unfiltered sound capture without heavy digital correction.
Following his time with The Regrettes, Morando co-founded the alternative rock group Liily alongside childhood friends Dylan Nash, Sam De La Torre, and Charlie Anastasis. Liily quickly earned a reputation for their angular, post-punk revival sound, taking festival stages by storm at Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees, and Bonnaroo with energetic, cathartic live performances.
After releasing their 2019 EP and their critically praised 2021 debut LP TV or Not TV, Liily released a hard-hitting self-titled EP in 2024. Rather than relying on commercial label producers, the band produced this record independently alongside close friends, cementing their commitment to creative control and raw sonic exploration. Morando has also lent his drumming talent and studio chops to side projects and regional bands including DAISY, Salmon, Daylight Echo, Peaceful Antalopus, and The Bonnie Situation.
| Era / Band | Years Active | Core Genre | Signature Sound Profile | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Regrettes | 2015–2018 | Garage Punk / Riot Grrrl | Punchy, live-to-tape snare beats, driving garage rhythms | Feel Your Feelings Fool!, Hey! EP |
| Liily | 2016–Present | Post-Punk / Alt-Rock | Angular post-punk grooves, aggressive fills, experimental tempos | TV or Not TV, Liily (Self-Titled EP) |
| DAISY & Side Projects | Intermittent | Indie Pop / Psychedelic Rock | Loose, jazzy pockets, syncopated breaks, lo-fi percussion | S.O.M.E. EP, various singles |
| Pop & Studio Production | 2021–Present | Electro-Pop / Synth-Pop | Hybrid acoustic drums, modular synths, analog warmth | Endless Summer Vacation, Something Beautiful |
Chart-Topping Production and Collaborations with Miley Cyrus
Transitioning from indie rock basements to mainstream pop charts is no small feat, yet Morando navigated this leap effortlessly. Rather than adopting cookie-cutter modern pop tropes or relying strictly on digital samples, he brought his grit, vintage drum tones, and post-punk sensibilities to high-profile sessions. His growing production portfolio is supported by his representation with Pulse Music Group, positioning him as a distinct crossover producer in modern pop and rock.
Operating out of a customized mobile Airstream studio, Morando cultivates an intimate recording vibe that allows artists to take creative risks without traditional studio pressure. This setup allows him to blend spontaneous organic ideas with modern pop architecture.
Behind the Scenes: How Maxx Morando and Miley Cyrus Collaborate
Morando and Cyrus first crossed paths in 2021 on a blind date—or, as Cyrus has humorously recounted, a blind date for her and a semi-blind date for him. The creative spark between them was immediate. In late-night garage sessions, the pair began translating their chemistry into musical tracks, exploring both stripped-down rock ideas and glossy dance-floor grooves.
Their professional creative output includes:
- “Handstand” (2023): Co-written and produced by Morando for Cyrus’s Grammy-nominated album Endless Summer Vacation, turning experimental jam textures and psychedelic spoken-word sections into a hypnotic pop opener.
- “Violet Chemistry” (2023): Co-produced by Morando, this track earned widespread praise and was named one of the top songs of 2023 by Variety for its seamless blend of synth melodies and dance-pop drive.
- “Psycho Killer” (2024): High-energy collaborative contribution exploring Cyrus’s rock roots and dynamic vocal range.
- “Something Beautiful” (2025): Morando co-wrote and produced the title track alongside multiple cuts for Cyrus’s ninth studio album, highlighting his maturing production signature.
For a full look into his professional film, television, and visual credits, his IMDb profile documents his growing portfolio across the entertainment industry.
Visual Storytelling and Music Video Credits
Beyond audio engineering, Morando has played a key role in Cyrus’s visual projects. In 2025, he served as composer for Miley Cyrus: Interlude 1 and acted as producer on cinematic music videos such as Miley Cyrus: End of the World and Miley Cyrus ft. Naomi Campbell: Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved. His work in this realm showcases an ability to unite edgy music with high-fashion aesthetics and narrative vision.
Style, Engagement, and Creative Endeavors
Morando’s artistic palette extends well into visual styling and sustainable fashion. He notably collaborated with designer Shane Kastl to construct a bespoke, upcycled festival look worn by Cyrus during a major performance, earning praise across fashion outlets for its bold, eco-conscious aesthetic.
Despite being thrust into the spotlight, Morando maintains a refreshingly grounded posture. He avoids social media drama and protects his personal life, preferring to focus on instrumentation and studio craft rather than online fame.
In late 2025, the couple officially announced their engagement following a private romantic getaway. Morando proposed during a quiet walk through a secluded garden in Kyoto, Japan. Cyrus’s engagement ring features an exquisite 14-karat yellow gold east-west cushion-cut diamond of approximately 4 carats, designed by jeweler Jacquie Aiche.
Key Artistic Disciplines of Maxx Morando
- Percussion & Drum Composition: Dynamic live drumming spanning punk, rock, and hybrid studio percussion.
- Songwriting & Studio Production: Co-writing and tracking multi-platinum pop anthems with vintage analog textures.
- Film & Visual Composing: Producing scores and visual accompaniment for conceptual short films and music videos.
- Sustainable Fashion Design: Creating custom stage pieces and wearable art through upcycling and mixed materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Maxx Morando meet Miley Cyrus?
The pair were introduced on a blind date in 2021 through mutual industry friends. They made their first public appearance backstage at Cyrus’s NBC New Year’s Eve Party in December 2021 and were later spotted together at the Gucci Love Parade.
What instruments does he play?
Morando is primarily a drummer, but he also plays rhythm guitar, bass, and analog synthesizers, frequently utilizing drum programming and modular keyboards during studio sessions.
What are his biggest musical achievements?
Morando contributed as a songwriter and producer on Miley Cyrus’s Grammy-nominated album Endless Summer Vacation, received critical praise from Variety for the track “Violet Chemistry,” and has performed on main stages at major music festivals including Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.
Conclusion
Maxx Morando represents a new generation of versatile musicians who refuse to be confined to a single lane. By balancing the raw energy of underground post-punk with refined pop production and a strong design sensibility, he has established himself as an influential force in modern entertainment. As he continues creating from his studio and evolving his sound, his journey illustrates how uncompromising artistic integrity can thrive on global stages.
Whether exploring behind-the-scenes music production, regional sports, or curated red-carpet style and festival fit checks, we at Saratoga Living remain dedicated to spotlighting the distinct cultural forces, creative visionaries, and style icons shaping contemporary lifestyle and entertainment.
