Max Charles Davies studied at the Royal College of Music as a Foundation Scholar. After gaining a distinction in his MMus from Cardiff University he continued his studies there and is currently working on his PhD under the supervision of Anthony Powers, Judith Weir and Arlene Sierra. He was also an SPNM shortlisted composer from 2006-2009.

His music combines an ever-evolving harmonic language with economy of means. Other characteristics include a strong sense of narrative (often autobiographical in nature); exploration of behaviour, comedy, the natural world and ritual, and a love of instrumental and textural colour.

Recent works include The Mysterious Kiss – a concerto for orchestra commissioned and premiered by the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra as a result of winning the 2009/10 APO Young Composers Award. His early orchestral work Exultet (2004) was premiered in January 2010 by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Jac van Steen at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. The flash-opera A Bit of a Nightmare Scenario was premiered at the 2009 Rosemary Branch Festival by the Warehouse Ensemble and later included in the 2010 Têtê à têtê Opera Festival. Wild with Blue for alto saxophone and piano was premiered at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival by Amy Dickson and Martin Cousin. Cells and Sanctuaries for orchestra was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under André de Ridder at Maida Vale Studios in November 2007. A Book of Firsts for soprano saxophone and string quartet was commissioned by Sound Affairs and premiered by Gemini at the 2007 York Late Festival.

Ongoing projects include a Violin Concerto for Rhys Watkins and the Cardiff Sinfonietta and the Chamber Opera Brunch for Charles Court Opera.