Judging from both fans' questions and Travis's answers, Days Of The New's music means a great deal to a lot of people. It's truly heartening to see an artist connecting with his fans in this way. If you didn't attend this chat, here's your chance re-live it...
shasty_mcnasty_2000: What made you want to get a whole new band after the first album?
launch_travis_meeks: We just sort of had a different idea about where we were wantin' to go, you know, creative differences. No one was mad, we just wanted to go different places. They just got signed with Maverick. They're doing good, everything's cool with them. The name of their band is Carbon 14, or C-14, if you're interested.
PsYcHoTiC_GiRL_2: What were your music influences growing up as a kid?
launch_travis_meeks: Well, really my favorite growing up was Guns N' Roses, and then Pantera. And then I found Metallica, and once I found them, that was it. Everything else sucked. Not literally, but you know how it is. As far as for right now, my favorite music besides my own is Dead Can Dance. I don't really listen to other people's music very much.
PsYcHoTiC_GiRL_2: How long did it take you to record the second album?
launch_travis_meeks: About a year and a half. As funny as that sounds, that's an awful, awful long time, but a year and a half.
fromjax: What did you write Bring Yourself about? I have a weird take on it, just want to see if I'm remotely following you.
launch_travis_meeks: Really, I don't mean to sound weird or anything, but it would take forever to describe most of the songs. Your best bet would be to go to the website and email me, and I'll have someone type the whole thing out. I don't mean to sound like I don't want to answer right now, but that would be the best way. It's really more about what YOU get from it than what I wrote about it. We're all different people, and it doesn't really matter what I get from it as long as you get something from it. It's kind of about growing past things. It's pretty straightforward as far as whoever's listening. The words can mean what you want it to mean.
nitterpitter: what was the roughest part of growing up
launch_travis_meeks: Growing up. Each day it seems like the world is different. It feels like you always have to prove stuff to people. When you're a kid no one wants to listen to you, even now, at 20 years old, I've accomplished a lot and people still don't want to listen.
luxxfan: Who do you think are up and coming bands with a lot of potential?
launch_travis_meeks: I don't know, I don't really listen to any new bands. Even when we're on tour, I don't even know some of the people we play with. I'm busy making music instead of listening to everyone else's music.
silverdotnchair: how old were you when you started playing your instruments? or guitar? ( i also wanted to say you all really mean a lot to me. love your music. ..getting a guitar soon!)thanks.
launch_travis_meeks: That's good. Kind of always. I've been writing songs since I was 11 years old, so I guess kind of forever. It's not like it just happened. It's a gift. It's what I do. It kind of decided for me to do it.
terry44fan: Travis, You seem to put all of yourself into your music and lyrics. It must be exhuasting. What do you do to relax?
launch_travis_meeks: I don't! LOL. I really don't, at all. I know you've heard things that I'm crazy, but if I'm not asleep I'm pretty much going 100 mph. I'm just high-strung, that's a good word for it.
mechanical_animal_420: what state are u in chatting right now
launch_travis_meeks: I'm in Kentucky, I'm supposed to be in Nashville right now. We're supposed to rehearsing 'cause we're leaving for the second leg of the tour tomorrow night, and I'm not there.
hammer_of_justice_crushes_you1: Were you happy with the end result of your new album?
launch_travis_meeks: Yeah, I mean, I guess. I'm really just ready for the next thing, 'cause I'm kind of tired of it. It takes so much to make it, and it takes so much out of me. Just like painters, or carpenters, or anything, you're always going to be your own worst critic. I'm as happy with it as I can be.
glassmo: I love the acoustic guitar.... what inspired you to go the acoustic route instead of electric?
launch_travis_meeks: Well, acoustic guitars are more musical. They're not all covered up by different sounds and distortions and stuff. Of course we put distortion on our guitars, but I like to go make campfires and sit out by the water, and you can't do that with an electric guitar. Each acoustic guitar has its own soul, it seems way more natural to play than electric.
trans311: in my eyes you're a genius, me being 19 i see you at 20 and say you're a prodigy. what do you think when people say that???
launch_travis_meeks: I don't know. I mean, I'm just doing what I do, you know. I appreciate that people say that, that's really awesome. I'm just following what's in my heart. As long as you do that, you'll always be successful, even if you're not in a rock band or have a lot of money. You'll always be successful if you're doing what you love, if that makes sense.
Sparkliest: what inspires you and keeps the sound fresh ?
launch_travis_meeks: That's the kind of question that could have 50 different answers. Not listening to everyone else's stuff, just concentrating on what's in my mind. Not getting cluttered with whatever the world has to offer. The few influences I pick are things that change all the time, like my music. That's why we're called Days Of The New--it's always going to be new, never the same stuff.
darlin68_99: I read an article in Rolling Stone I believe where you were talking about converting your old whiskey warehouse into your own personal commune type situation. What is the theory behind that and what is it your trying to accomplish artistically with that type of arrangement?
launch_travis_meeks: It's not really like that, you may have misunderstood. Our sound studio is in an old distillery. It was already converted, there are other offices in there. It's not really like I wanna have a commune, I just want people to have something they can believe in. And know my music is always going to be progressing and changing. I don't think I want to have a bunch of people living with me though, I can tell you that.
lil_rave_99: My dream is to become a rock singer I play guitar and what would you give me as advice on how to start a band
launch_travis_meeks: I guess if you're already a singer and a songwriter, then you already are a band. A band to me is friends who can help each other be creative. And as far as advice, if that's what you want to do, there's really no good advice, except just do it, and don't let people keep you down, 'cause they'll try to do that.
withhart: Travis, I'm learning acoustic right now (2 years into it). What advice would you give me as far as frustration in trying to improve my skill? Your music has been such an inspiration for me
launch_travis_meeks: Well, just keep playing. It is hard, but anything that's worth doing is gonna be hard. Trust me, those little frustrating days, you won't even notice them eventually. They'll become the easiest days.
reign077: were you grown up with a religious background? because your lyrics kind of seem to be religious even though u don't believe in that stuff
launch_travis_meeks: I don't know why they sound religious. I guess the whole South is colored with religion, but I don't really think our album is very religious. You really get what you want out of it. Once again, it's just someone's ideas.
Sparkliest: What do you want to say now to the kids that made fun of you in school ? (if anyone did)
launch_travis_meeks: Lots of people did. I don't really have anything to say to them. I don't want to use my energy to be negative, I want to use it to create something, and I think my music has said everything it needs to say. All those people, they know they shouldn't have been doing what they did. It didn't help them being a jerk to me.
doser567: What made you decide to put backup singers in on the second album?
launch_travis_meeks: Layers. Make it more musical--the more music you have the better it's going to be.
reign077: i'v heard that travis doesn't like "enemy" why not?
launch_travis_meeks: If I didn't like it, it wouldn't be a single! We had some different ideas about the mixes, me and the record company, everybody has slight differences of opinion and everything. It wasn't even a big deal.
silverdotnchair: do you ever get sick of people calling you hot and fine, or sick of all the attention?..(i know i would....people should realize your human like everyone else.)
launch_travis_meeks: Yeah, actually, it is kind of stupid. 'Cause people always bug you. I hate talking about myself like this. It's kind of dumb; people are just people. Pretty much, everybody's beautiful.
PsYcHoTiC_GiRL_2: What made you choose the name "Days of the New" for your band?
launch_travis_meeks: 'Cause that's what it is, it's always going to be new. Every day is new, you know what I mean?
tickle22407: Have you ever had any other job than making music
launch_travis_meeks: I worked at a music store. At Mom's music in Louisville.
nitterpitter: what is the worst part of performing live
launch_travis_meeks: Performing live. Being on the stage and knowing people are judging you instead of listening to your music. b> Most people don't really give a sh-t about the music, they just want to comment on your hair and stuff, instead of just giving in to the vibe. People for the most part act shallow.
ulke.rm: Are u in charge of your official website? Who made it?
launch_travis_meeks:. Yes, absolutely. I'm always in charge of everything about me. I have a family of people around me who are creative and help me out. My friend Jeral Tidwell does all the artwork, and is pretty much in charge of interpreting my vision. I do the songs and he does the pictures. We worked together on the video. We're best friends, and we're a team.
blindsix: When you write a song, is a spur of the moment thing or do you just sit and think?
launch_travis_meeks: If you do enough thinking in a day's time, then sometimes those thoughts come out in a spur of the moment thing. But most of the time little parts are spur of the moment, and from there, I create whole songs from that. We should always be thinking.
luxxfan: Do you support taping of your live performances?
launch_travis_meeks: I guess it's okay, I mean I'm doing it for the people to hear. For the most part I don't like it much 'cause if people are there to record they're there for something like a business trip or something. I just think people should be listening instead of worrying about trying to record.
withhart: What I love the most about your second album is that it is a whole--one huge piece of art. What other albums do you consider as pure works of art? For me, Ottmar Liebert's "Opium" is incredible flamenco guitar songwriting at its most artistic. Yours?
launch_travis_meeks: Most of Dead Can Dance stuff. I consider their whole career to be one big piece of art. It's like asking someone what they're favorite kind of candy is, though--whatever you're feeling right then is going to be your answer.
trans311: are you friendly with your fans?? i'm going to be at the nov, 21st show in columbus, is there anyway i could or would be able to meet you???
launch_travis_meeks: Usually I'm not all that open after shows or before shows, 'cause I'm getting ready, and things never go right in new places. But I'm usually pretty accessible to my fans, but now that I know you're going to be in Columbus, I'll have to accessible, or I'd be lying! LOL.
ulke.rm: What guitars are u using?
launch_travis_meeks: Taylor. That's pretty much it. We use Tacomas as well, mainly Taylors, just because I like the sound. They have a really rich, beautiful sound.
mechanical_animal_420: where did u make ur enemy video at
launch_travis_meeks: In Louisville, mainly at The Palace theater. The outside stuff was shot down by the Ohio River, across the river in Indiana.
terry44fan: Travis, My uncle is Paul Bieckert who lives in Louisville, tells me that he used to jam with you about 5 years ago. Do you remember him?
launch_travis_meeks: I played with a lot of people, and I really don't like to talk about other people unless I know it's cool with him, I hope you understand.
jonwaynemaples: what will be the next single?
launch_travis_meeks: "Weapon & The Wound." It should be out real soon, too.
wounded_one_99: Jeral Tidwell is amazing! Are we going to see more of his work on t-shirts, and in new albums?
launch_travis_meeks: Yeah. Like I said, we're a team. We're best friends, we're like soulmates kind of. Absolutely, yes, always. Jeral says thanks, too. I'm sure he'd be very happy to hear that! Jeral has his own website that's linked to our website, it's **www.humantree.com**.
dirk0921: Will you keep expanding and exploring new areas of music or do you feel that you have found what you are looking for? Travis, Where can I find a recording of the song Special Guide?
launch_travis_meeks: No. I will never stop searching. You can't ever stop searching. The truth is something you just can't find, it's like a journey that never really ends. As far as "Special Guide," it was on a CD single we did last year. You can go to Jeral's website, he has some. You can email him. And if he charges you for it, I'll kick his ass!
dotnrox: is it true that there is going to be an EP of electric music (heavy?) before the next full album?
launch_travis_meeks: There will be one, I just don't know when. There definitely will be one.
kool16_83: do u like going on here and talking to us?
launch_travis_meeks: Yeah, as long as I don't have to type! 'Cause it would take me all night if I had to type! LOL
guitarfreak919: i normally get pretty firey and pissed off when a good band goes and puts techno in their songs when they haven't before, but "enemy" really seems to work....was it difficult for you to write?
launch_travis_meeks: It was an experiment. It was something that I wanted to try. Just like putting red in a painting instead of using more blue, just trying something different. Life is a big experiment really, if you think about it.
kso_loco: Do you believe that music is the window to ones innermost feelings?
launch_travis_meeks: Well, yeah, it's a good way of expression. If you're musical, yes. If you're a painter, it would be a painting.
ethancdog: Travis, do you ever get nervous up on stage?..and if so how do you overcome it??
launch_travis_meeks: Yes. I do, and I know that people are there to see me, and I have to do it. I just tell myself to go out there and do my sh-t and everything will be okay.
dr_mcfa: Have you ever thought of pursing other interests such as acting?
launch_travis_meeks: Well, I plan on making a movie. I don't know really how much acting I'll do, but I enjoy it, it's fun. Making videos is fun.
spaz_53: whats the first song you ever wrote?
launch_travis_meeks: It was a heavy metal song, you wouldn't know it. I was around 11 or 12.
launch_travis_meeks: I just want to tell all of you that I really completely appreciate everything everyone does for me. Just 'cause I make music doesn't make me special. I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me. That's so incredibly important to me that you care enough to do this.
launch_host: Travis has left the building. Thanks for chatting with us. Be sure to go to www.launch.com to see the director's cut of "Enemy" and enter our Days Of The New Giveaway, where you can win a custom-illustrated Tacoma guitar signed by Travis Meeks! Thanks!
