Days Of The New
Biography
By the late '90s, a whole new generation had missed out on experiencing the likes of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana first-hand (with some perhaps not even knowing of their existence at all), so a new crop of similarly styled bands picked up the slack, including Days of the New. Originally hailing from Charlestown, IN, before relocating to Louisville, KY, the group's leader from the get-go was singer/guitarist/songwriter Travis Meeks, who recruited friends Jesse Vest (bass), Matt Taul (drums), and Todd Whitener (guitar), who along with Meeks, were still teenagers at the time. The group's largely acoustic-based sound instantly brought to mind Alice in Chains' more tranquil releases (Sap, Jar of Flies, Unplugged), as Meeks' vocal delivery and lyrics were quite comparable to both Layne Staley and Jim Morrison. The quartet caught the ear of former R.E.M. producer Scott Litt, who signed the group to his newly formed label, Outpost, and oversaw the group's self-titled 1997 release. The album was an immediate hit with the MTV crowd on the strength of such singles as "Touch, Peel and Stand" and "The Down Town," and the group spent the summer of 1998 opening up for another one of their musical heroes, Metallica.
But during the tour, tempers between the bandmembers began to flair and rumors of an impending breakup circulated. The rumors proved to be true shortly after the tour's completion, as Meeks fired everyone in the band (save for Taul). 1999 saw the release of Days of the New's sophomore release, again self-titled, which despite Meeks' attempts at creating a sprawling masterpiece (complete with choir, orchestra, and bombastic arrangements), failed to sell as well as its predecessor. 2000 saw Meeks cover the Doors classic "The End" with the surviving Doors members for a taping of VH1's Storytellers series (as well as recording a studio version that appeared on the Doors tribute disc Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors), as he continued writing for the third Days of the New album. The band's third album, again self-titled, saw the light of day in 2001, with their leader now letting elements of prog rock seep into the music. With Meeks the only original bandmember still in attendance by that point, it confirmed what many knew all along, that Days of the New is basically a Meeks solo project. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
hmm..Tantric huh? They kinda got the same direction as Days of New. No wonder. I kinda like Days of New now, and Tantric before.
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simply awful. always thought the song was just a weak alice in chains release until i saw it on here.
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one of my favorite bands. travis has some pipes!!...as good a singer as staley.
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Travis has some real demonds. He was abused and picked on as a kid. He's the only orginal band meber of his band so it's pretty much a solo project. Sure he might have other people come and play with him but that's about it. The rest of the band formed Tantric.
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days of the new fckn rock!!Travis u fckn rock!! love this stuff!
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I never heard of them until just a few minutes ago when there song came on, and I really liked them really great band so far from what i have heard.
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Few people ever really "understand" a TRUE artist- which Meeks is the epitome of-- his music captures pure, raw emotions- & yes, throughout history, TRUE artists were tortured souls because they "feel" more than others-- we should be grateful that he chose to share his experience-- s o don't point the finger unless you've walked in his shoes......
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One of my favorite bands of ALL TIME--saw them live 13 years ago & they were so inspirationa l - - Travis was a TOTAL sweetheart & signed my white pants!!!-LOL ! ! (still have them)- He is truly a unique talent- he writes & sings from his heart & his experience.. . . i ' t s absolutely BEAUTIFUL-an y o n e who doesn't get that is just ignorant (or jealous!)- whenever I'm down, I listen..& I am soothed & renewed- his contribution will never be forgotten... .
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i saw these guys a few months back at edgefest, really pathetic, they almost cleared out the entire show, whoever didnt leave however, they almost put to sleep.
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Totally agree. I've listened to this band since high school and have always resonated with the vocals melodies, driving rhythm and syncopation, and the raw emotion that they can emit. Not the MOST interesting band, not the MOST technically complex, but good solid rock.
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I for one, welcome drugs back into rock and roll. What did all this sobriety give us? You know the answer: junk.
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I give alot of credit to Meeks he has a sh@t load of talent voice is also really good on cd or live will always love Days of the New
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Ooooh! Sorry to hear about your lame experience, linzi!
As one who has experienced the past-healthy buzz...oops! 'Twas not intended to offend! |
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well you know what...I am totally disappointed with DOTN!!! I went to a show Saturday and Travis was so f*kd up that he could hardly perform and they only played like 5 songs!!! WTF
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Thats cool that they thought Metallica were heroes(Which they are) and they sounded really good with their first album.
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wow Meeks followed right in the steps of all the other rock stand-outs. He's a drug dependent wreck.
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first album was easily their best, with a few great songs coming from the following ones. wish they could have kept the original band; they sounded so damn good together.
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So I guess Travis kicked his Meth addiction? I was surprised to see comments that DOTN are actually performing. DOTN II is by far my favorite cd....love the vibe of the cd....the use of orchestral instruments is pure genius...esp e c i a l l y the use of the oboe.....hop e Travis got his act together and there is a new cd on it's way!!!
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DOTN have been the main source of the music my 17,19 and 21 yr old sons and i
have listened to together since the first cd.i am a recoverind addict and their music has helped me quiet the beast that rages in my head |
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they have an album its an import it will blow ur mind when i remember what it is ill post it it has a red lookin tribal tree stump on the cover
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Nice Raven where did your info come from?Always enjoy facts Hey you guys sure its Not Chains but come on give em props.
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I'm not exactly what you could call a "fan" of theirs... But their songs are fun to play, and i like most of their music.
I do tend to get a little bored sometimes. But hey. Just my opinion. ;) |
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Suggesting that DOTN is as simple as a post-grunge outfit is pretty misleading. Travis Meeks' songwriting really transcends that genre and reaches way back, into genres like classical, psychedelic, and prog. For those who don't know, he has Asperger's Syndrome, which has caused him to fixate heavily on music and composition. It doesn't take a very close listen to his music and lyrics to find evidence of this. Those who don't understand it are missing out on a clearer, richer view of reality.
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I thought I'd never have to ever hear these guys again...unfo r t u n a t e l y , I was wrong...
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I love these guys. I saw them in Tallahassee a few months ago and was quite impressed. Travis said he had some new stuff coming out!
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Hey they are still playing shows and I have heard talk of another album
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Yeah these guys could have gone far in my opinion. That first album had tons of potential in it. Sad.
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