DAYS OF THE NEW RISES AGAIN
By Jeremy FeatherstoneDays of the New live in Jacksonville NC. I must be hallucinating again. That’s the thoughts that ran through my mind as I hung up the phone with my brother in late March. I have wanted to see Travis Meeks for so very long and based on the last info I had on him, I didn’t think that would ever be possible. So here is my story of “Return of a King”.
Days of the New is currently on the road playing mainly on the east coast. Travis did a small tour back in the fall playing only a few selected venues up north. I read it was a good turn out for Travis and there would possibly be more to come in the future
As many of you know Travis was in bad shape there for a while. He was happy to say he has been sober for eleven months and is planning to release his fourth and long awaited “Purple” album in late ’07 or early ’08. I was very excited to hear since I have been a fan of DOTN since ’97 when the first “Orange” album was released.
I had the pleasure of seeing Travis at Hooligans in Jacksonville NC. The stage was set with four of Travis’ Taylor guitars, a drum set, and a bass rig. Travis took the stage with Malcolm Gold and Paul Culligan who sat in on drums in place of Ray Rizzo. Travis opened the night with ‘Flight Response” and ripped through greats like “Shelf in the Room”, “Touch Peel Stand”, and “The Downtown” for the radio drones to sing to. Then he went on to play (in my opinion) the best songs he has written. Tunes like “Dirty Road”, “Die Born”, and my favorite “Dancing with the wind”. I was blown away by how great everything sounded and how well Travis performed. Wow, what a show.
VI- I have seen the new artwork on the DOTN myspace is purple. Is that going to be the artwork for the new Purple album?
Travis- That is the basis for it, but nothing is set in stone yet.
VI- When should we look for this very long awaited purple album?
Travis- It should definitely be late ’07 or early ‘08
VI- Has song writing always been an easy thing for you or is it sometimes tough to find?
Travis- Well, I am a crazy man. I was and still am going out of my mind. I have been a rebel as far back as I can remember. I never listened to anyone. I always discovered things for myself instead. I felt separation from everything at an early age. Feeling the connection to energy and feeling so spiritual even at 14. God was in everything. So know it has never been tough to write anything.
VI- I remember in ’99 when VH1 had The Doors reunion put together. They had a guest singer stand in Jim’s place for different songs. I remember watching you play “The End”, which was (in my opinion) The Doors most dark and mysterious song. How did it make you feel knowing of all the people to play such a song, you were chosen for that role?
Travis- I felt a lot of pressure, because at first The Doors said they didn’t want to do it. They said that song died with Jim. I still played it strong even with all the pressure.
VI- I used to sit with my brother and some friends in 1999. Often wondering where you were, when you said “Feels so good outside I think I’ll stay here” on the song “ I Think” off of the Green album.
Travis- I can’t quite recall the place, but I had a friend who died of a heart attack while I was working in the studio. He loved that song so much so that’s all I think of when I play or hear that song. I dedicated the album to him.
VI-Where does the song “Weapon and the Wound” come from?
Travis- It comes from my first child who was taken away from me at a very young age. She has just recently come to know me as her father. Crazy Jerry Springer shit man.
VI- Are the new songs on the DOTN myspace page going to be on the new album?
Travis- No, those are for you guys. Something to hold you over until it arrives.
VI- What is the new album about?
Travis- It’s about self conflict, personal struggles, or self realization. That’s it self realization. The new life I have.
VI- How did you decide on naming the ’97 album “Orange”?
Travis- It was originally going to be called “whimsical” one of the titled tracks on the album. In the beginning of that song I say “I can see the orange sky in front of me”. I just thought it was better.
VI- I see that you are label shopping. Who will be your next label and how do you feel about the industry.
Travis- I’m not sure who the label is going to be at this time. I am holding my cards for the right one to come along. The industry is a dirty place. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. They put out a really strong message in the industry. There is also a lot of power in the industry and very little value. I will definitely make the right decision in that aspect for my new album.
