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Max Impact releases new original song and video, "American Airman"

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan
Washington, D.C. --  The U.S. Air Force Band's Max Impact has made unique contributions to our Airman culture, writing career field-specific songs for the Honor Guard ("Stand") and Air Force Special Operations ("Send Me"). However, for their next project, the members of the band wanted to broaden the scope of their message. The result of this desire for force-wide inclusivity is the song "American Airman," which was premiered at the Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet at this year's Air Force Association convention.

The song was written by Technical Sgt. Nalani Quintello and Senior Master Sgt. Matt Ascione, both members of Max Impact. They were inspired to write the song, Quintello said, by the desire to "incorporate (into a song) every aspect of being an American Airman ... we all raised our right hand and swore to defend our country with our lives. We're all fighting for the same thing on the same team, and that's what brings us so close together." She continued, "We're one big family. One of my favorite lines in the song is, 'We stand together on freedom's ride/Brothers and sisters you can never divide.'" Said Ascione, "Once the tune started coming together, I knew I wanted to premiere it at AFA. Our commander (Col. Larry Lang) had previously requested that we write a sort of 'fight song' for the Air Force, and we hope this song fits the bill perfectly." As for writing the song with newest Max Impact member Quintello, Ascione said, "She's a fantastic collaborator. It's great to have someone who has just come from the edge of the popular music scene (American Idol) to bounce ideas off and to have fresh ideas."

Quintello offered her thoughts on the process as well. "It's always a pleasure to write with Master Sgt. Ascione ... we just fed off of each other and created our interpretation of what it means to be an American Airman." The song also includes some Air Force history, referencing Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, the only 5-star Air Force general, and Gen. Billy Mitchell, an early advocate of the worth of air power.

The intended audience for the song isn't the only thing that sets "American Airman" apart from Max Impact's previous offerings. Where "Stand" and "Send Me" take their musical cues from hard rock and metal, "American Airman" is firmly in the vein of New Nashville Country, and Ascione says this is a good thing. "I feel that the musical style is more accessible to a wider range of listeners, and Nalani's voice is a perfect match for the tune." There is also a "shout" chorus at the end, which is a perfect spot for an audience or listener to join in.

The world premiere for "American Airman" and the accompanying music video took place on Monday evening at the yearly AFA Convention, during the Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards banquet. This annual event is regularly attended by the highest ranking members of the Air Force, along with other distinguished visitors from government and industry. But, for Quintello, there was more excitement than nerves. "I never would have thought I'd be co-writing a song specifically for the Air Force and premiering it in front of our leaders, including the Chief of Staff, Gen. Welsh. It's such an honor to be able to write and sing for something much bigger than myself."

Max Impact filmed the music video using the flight line at Joint Base Andrews as their backdrop. The U.S. Air Force Band's producer, Chief Master Sgt. Jebodiah Eaton, supervised the project, which brought together professionals from Air Force Television and the 11th Wing public affairs team to shoot and edit the music video. "The synergy on the project was a testament to the professionalism of all of those involved," said Eaton. Aircraft were supplied by the 811 Operations Group, 459 Air Refueling Wing and 113 Fighter Wing. Eaton explained, "This project came together rather quickly and represents the flexibility and seamless integration of active, guard and reserve components of the Air Force."