Big addition to this one… 👀
We’re buzzing to announce Max Helyer (You Me At Six) is joining us at the Ryan Lawrie Songwriting Retreat at La Sierra Casa 🇪🇸
A huge part of the sound behind one of the UK’s most successful rock bands of the last 15+ years, Max brings serious pedigree — from massive chart records and world tours to shaping songs that have defined a generation.
But what makes this special…
Max isn’t just a performer — he’s a top-tier songwriter & producer, with a deep understanding of how to take an idea from a rough demo to something release-ready. Whether it’s arrangement, tone, structure, or that final 10% that makes a track hit, he’s got it covered.
At the retreat, you’ll get: – The chance to write with Max – Insight into real-world songwriting & production at the highest level – Honest feedback and guidance from someone who’s lived it
– A proper look behind the curtain of how records actually come together
Paired with Ryan Lawrie, this is shaping up to be one of our strongest retreats yet.
As always — everything included except flights ✈️
Luxury accommodation, all meals, drinks, studio sessions, guest writers, mentoring, activities… the lot.
📅 Limited spaces — and this one will move fast.
Hit the link in bio or drop us a message to register your interest.
My name is Max Helyer, and for 20 years I have been on what can only be described as the most incredible journey that’s has taken me round the world multiple times, made lots of new friends & have have the best brothers I could of ever asked for in @youmeatsixofficial
As I write this down now that it has all has come to an end, I want thank my brothers Josh, Dan, Chris & Matt for everything we have achieved together. Never in our wildest dreams did I think any of us could see what we would have embarked on all those years ago from those early stages of the band. We have been on such a wild ride that has had many highs and lows, but we stuck it out together and we did it our way. It’s been a real honour to share the stage & studio together with you all.
I want to thank my fiancé, family, friends and everyone we work with, without your continuous love & support over the years I don’t know how we would have been able to do this. You have always been there to listen, advise, guide and take a lot of the brunt of what we’ve had to go through and for this I love you all dearly.
I want to take this moment and thank all the fans for the fantastic memories I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life. We know as a band, you are nothing without your fans & let me tell you this, you have been the best Sixers we could have ever asked for. You picked us as your band & forever in debt to you all. Our music will always be there for you and I hope it will always bring you great memories and you can still party along to, cry to, or just be there when we can’t be now it’s all over.
Believe in your dreams, believe in yourself and put your heart and soul into what you love doing, trust me…. And with that being said I’ll end on this quote.
“Which is more important” asked big panda “The journey or the destination?”
“The company” said tiny dragon
Nashville, it’s been great to be back after 10 years away. Fond memories of recording the album Night People here, now grateful to have new memories of this amazing city.
Japan honeymoon trip in cherry blossom season, we had a blast and got to travel, eat and shop our way through this beautiful country. Arigatō 🇯🇵 thanks for the memories of a life time.
2025, what can I say? You have been one hell of a year, with lots of incredible moments. Got married to my best friend in the world, and had the best day ever that we will never forget @rosiefrances1 you are the best and I love you.
To my brothers in @youmeatsixofficial mad to think we did something for 20 years and finished it the way we wanted to, proud of all those moments we made and thank you to for the fans for being the best in the world.
Thank you to all the artists and song writers that I have collaborated this year, it’s been a year where I’ve chucked myself more into writing and getting involved on production, getting my own space thanks to the help of @jordan_timms & @itsmaxsmith
Had some of the best moments at friends weddings, stags, holidays, gigs, golf & all the in between. Ready to take on 2026 with new adventures, challenges and keep progressing more in life.
Introducing Max Helyer, a British musician, songwriter & producer best known as the guitarist for @youmeatsixofficial . His unique playing & melodic touch have been central to the band’s sound.
Over two decades YMAS have achieved 2 UK No.1 albums, 7 Top 10 albums, multiple @bbcradio1 playlists, & sold out arenas including @theo2london , while topping festival bills such as @slamdunkmusic & @2000trees_festival . Max has also worked with acclaimed producers including Garth Richardson, Neal Avron, Jacquire King & Dan Austin.
Outside of YMAS, he has collaborated with artists like @mouthculture , @venusgrrrls , @theharaband & @vcpines , and has written with Iain Archer, Eg White, Joel Pott, Carey Willets and Nick Hodgson.
Recognised for his versatility across genres, Max continues to write, produce and perform with a hands-on approach that defines his creative journey.
