Maxx Morando Biography: Age, Height, Career, Liily Drummer, Miley Cyrus Relationship, Why He Is Famous & Recent Works

Maxx Morando is a highly talented American drummer, songwriter, and fashion designer who rose to international prominence as a founding member of the indie rock bands The Regrettes and Liily. While he has been a respected fixture in the Los Angeles music scene for years, he gained widespread global recognition due to his creative partnership and romantic relationship with pop superstar Miley Cyrus.

Known for his eclectic fashion sense and technical precision behind the drum kit, Morando represents the new wave of versatile artists who blend visual aesthetics with sonic experimentation. This Maxx Morando biography explores his journey from a young student at the School of Rock to becoming a sought-after producer and a key figure in modern rock music.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Maxx Morando was born and raised in the heart of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles, California. Growing up in a creative environment, he was exposed to diverse musical genres from a very young age. His parents, Dan and Amy Morando, recognized his rhythmic inclination early on when he began tapping on household items. Unlike many children who view music as a hobby, Maxx approached the drums with a disciplined curiosity that would eventually define his professional career.

School Years

During his formative years, Maxx attended local schools in Los Angeles where he was known as the “quiet kid with the sticks.” He wasn’t particularly interested in traditional sports, choosing instead to spend his afternoons practicing rudiments. His parents supported this passion by enrolling him in specialized music programs that allowed him to collaborate with other young musicians, fostering a sense of community that is vital in the indie rock world.

University & Training

Maxx’s most significant musical education came from the School of Rock in Hollywood. This institution was pivotal for his development, as it was here that he met his future bandmates. Rather than pursuing a traditional four-year university degree, Morando opted for “on-the-job” training within the LA club circuit. By the age of 17, he was already performing at iconic venues like The Echo and The Troubadour, gaining more practical experience than any classroom could provide. It was during this period that he honed his signature “garage-punk” style, characterized by high energy and intricate fills.

Career Journey

Career Beginnings: The Regrettes Era

Maxx Morando’s professional career took off in 2015 when he became the drummer for the punk-rock band The Regrettes. Alongside lead singer Lydia Night, Morando helped craft a sound that was both nostalgic and fiercely modern. The band quickly signed with Warner Bros. Records, a massive feat for a group of teenagers.

During his time with The Regrettes, Morando contributed to their debut album, Feel Your Feelings Fool! (2017). His drumming provided the backbone for hit tracks like “Hey Now” and “Hot,” which garnered millions of streams. His style during this era was heavily influenced by 60s surf rock and 70s punk, earning him a reputation as one of the most promising young drummers in the indie scene. However, in 2018, Maxx decided to depart from the band to pursue a different sonic direction.

Transition to Liily

After leaving The Regrettes, Maxx joined forces with Dylan Nash, Sam De La Rosa, and Charlie Putch to form Liily. This move marked a significant shift in his career. While The Regrettes focused on “pop-punk” sensibilities, Liily delved into a darker, more aggressive, and experimental “vulture rock” sound.

As the drummer for Liily, Morando’s technical skills were put to the test. The band’s music features complex time signatures and frenetic energy. Their EP I Can Fool Anybody in This Town (2019) put them on the map, with the single “Sold” becoming a staple on alternative radio. By 2021, Liily released their full-length album TV or Not TV, showcasing Morando’s evolution into a more atmospheric and heavy-hitting drummer.

Evolution into Production and Recent Activity (2023–2026)

In recent years, Maxx Morando has expanded his repertoire beyond the drum kit. He has transitioned into music production and songwriting, most notably collaborating with Miley Cyrus. In 2023, he was a key collaborator on her critically acclaimed album Endless Summer Vacation. Morando co-wrote and produced the tracks “Handstand” and “Violet Chemistry,” which fans praised for their synth-heavy, experimental vibes.

His recent activity in 2024 and 2025 has seen him working behind the scenes with various emerging indie artists in Los Angeles, helping them define their sound through his unique “analog-meets-digital” production style. He remains the backbone of Liily, continuing to tour and record with the band while maintaining a high-profile presence in the fashion and music production worlds.

Career Stats & Discography

Net Worth & Earnings

As of 2026, Maxx Morando’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million. While this is modest compared to some pop icons, it is a significant achievement for an indie musician under the age of 30.

• Music Royalties: A large portion of his income comes from streaming royalties from Liily and The Regrettes, as well as songwriter credits on Miley Cyrus’s multi-platinum hits.
• Production Fees: As a producer for high-profile artists, Morando commands significant upfront fees and backend points on sales.
• Touring: Liily’s frequent tours across North America and Europe provide a steady stream of revenue through ticket sales and merchandise.
• Fashion Design: Morando has collaborated with designers (such as Shane Kastl) to create custom clothing pieces, including outfits worn by Miley Cyrus during her “New Year’s Eve Party” specials. These bespoke designs represent a growing secondary income stream.

Personal Life

Family Background

Maxx remains very close to his family. His father, Dan, has been a constant supporter of his musical endeavors, often seen at his shows in the early days. His mother, Amy, has been credited by Maxx in interviews as the one who encouraged his interest in visual arts and fashion. He has one sister with whom he maintains a private relationship.

Relationships & Dating History: The Miley Cyrus Connection

Maxx Morando’s most high-profile relationship is with Miley Cyrus. The pair were first linked in late 2021 after being spotted together at the Gucci “Love Parade” fashion show in Los Angeles.

Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual creative respect. Unlike Miley’s previous public relationships, her bond with Maxx has been characterized by privacy and low-key appearances. However, they made headlines at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where Miley publicly thanked Maxx during her acceptance speech for “Record of the Year” for Flowers, referring to him as “my Maxx.”

Friends of the couple describe them as “soulmates” who bonded over their shared love for rock music and eccentric fashion. They currently share a home in Los Angeles, where they have built a private recording studio.

Hobbies, Interests & Lifestyle

When he isn’t in the studio or on tour, Maxx is an avid illustrator. He often creates the artwork for his band’s posters and merchandise. His lifestyle is quintessentially “Silver Lake”—he enjoys vintage shopping, collecting rare vinyl records, and attending underground art gallery openings. Despite his fame, he is not a fan of the “paparazzi” lifestyle and prefers small, intimate gatherings over large Hollywood parties.

Awards & Achievements

• Grammy Recognition (2024): Contributed to the Grammy-winning era of Miley Cyrus’s Endless Summer Vacation.
• Variety’s “Musicians to Watch” (2022): Named as one of the top emerging instrumentalists in the alternative scene.
• Rock Sound Awards (2019): Nominated for Best International Breakthrough Band with Liily.
• Chart Success: Co-writer on “Violet Chemistry,” which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 bubbling under charts and gained massive viral success on TikTok.

Physical Statistics

Maxx Morando possesses a distinct aesthetic that blends 1970s rockstar vibes with modern “e-boy” elements.

• Height: 5’8” (173 cm)
• Weight: 143 lbs (65 kg)
• Build: Slim/Athletic
• Style: Known for his shaggy mullet haircut, vintage oversized blazers, and custom-painted boots.
• Tattoos: He has several minimalist tattoos on his arms and hands, most of which are abstract line art or musical symbols.

Quotes

“I’ve always felt that the drums are the heartbeat of the song. If the rhythm isn’t honest, the whole track feels like a lie.” — Modern Drummer Interview (2022)

“Collaborating with Miley [Cyrus] changed the way I look at production. She has an ear for melody that is unmatched, and it pushed me to be better.” — Rolling Stone (2023)

Favorites

• Food: Sushi and Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
• Color: Mustard Yellow and Deep Red
• Drummer Influence: Keith Moon and Charlie Watts
• Movie: The Holy Mountain (1973)
• Travel Destination: Tokyo, Japan
• Book: Just Kids by Patti Smith

Interesting Facts

• School of Rock Alum: He is one of the most successful graduates of the Hollywood School of Rock program.
• Fashion Creator: Maxx doesn’t just wear vintage; he often sews and modifies his own clothes.
• Animated Appearance: He appeared as a cartoon version of himself in a promotional clip for a band project.
• Multi-Instrumentalist: While famous for drums, he is also a proficient guitar and synthesizer player.
• Visual Artist: He co-designed the artwork for Liily’s TV or Not TV album.
• Blind Date: Sources suggest he and Miley Cyrus were originally set up on a blind date by mutual friends.
• Animal Lover: He is a frequent supporter of LA-based animal shelters.
• Analog Fan: He prefers recording on tape rather than digital formats to achieve a “warmer” sound.
• Low Social Media Presence: Unlike most Gen Z stars, Maxx rarely posts personal photos, focusing almost entirely on his work.
• Coffee Connoisseur: He is known to be obsessed with high-end espresso and local LA coffee roasters.

Did You Know?

• Did you know Maxx Morando once played a show with a broken wrist during his early days with The Regrettes?
• Did you know Maxx co-wrote “Handstand” with Miley Cyrus in just one afternoon at a home studio?
• Did you know he was featured in a Vogue spread specifically for his unique approach to gender-fluid fashion?
• Did you know Maxx’s first instrument wasn’t the drums, but actually the clarinet in a primary school band?

Social Media

Maxx maintains a curated presence on social media, focusing on his artistic output.

• Instagram: @maxnmorando (Verified)
• X (Twitter): He does not maintain an active public Twitter account.
• Band Website: Liilytheband.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How old is Maxx Morando?
Maxx Morando was born on November 16, 1998. As of 2026, he is 27 years 6 months old years old.

Q2: Is Maxx Morando still in a relationship with Miley Cyrus?
Yes, as of 2026, Maxx and Miley are still together. They have been dating since late 2021 and continue to collaborate on musical projects.

Q3: What band is Maxx Morando in?
He is currently the drummer for the Los Angeles-based indie rock band Liily. He was formerly a member of The Regrettes.

Q4: Did Maxx Morando produce Miley Cyrus’s song “Flowers”?
While Maxx did not produce “Flowers,” he produced and co-wrote other tracks on the same album (Endless Summer Vacation), including “Violet Chemistry” and “Handstand.”

Q5: What is Maxx Morando’s height?
Maxx stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.

CONCLUSION

Maxx Morando is far more than just a “celebrity boyfriend.” He is a multifaceted artist who has spent over a decade perfecting his craft in the gritty Los Angeles indie scene. From his early success with The Regrettes to his experimental work with Liily and his high-profile collaborations with Miley Cyrus, Morando has proven that he is a major force in the future of rock and pop music. As he continues to venture into production and fashion, his influence on the cultural landscape is only set to grow.

Source Data: Interviews from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Modern Drummer; Public Records; Official Band Biographies for Liily and The Regrettes.