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| Hint: Have a band you'd like to see interviewed? Tell us. | Inside AP.net
| Say Anything (Max Bemis) - 06.19.07 | A special thanks to Max from Say Anything and their manager Mr. Randy Nichols for setting this up.
How would you respond to the fans that think that you are "selling out" by making a video and releasing a “tongue-in-cheek” representation of your band with "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too", a video and song that seems to pander to the Fall Out Boy demographic?
Say Anything has not only always had somewhat of a tongue in cheek feel to a lot of our material, but that song becoming popular (I believe) is the only reason some people find the need to diss us for writing it. I mean, when it first came out it was one of every Say Anything fan’s favorite songs but the fact that it’s gotten some airplay and younger kids know it and put it on their myspace has turned people off to it. We wrote that song before I had ever really heard of Fall Out Boy and such and I went into it wanting to write a darkly funny hip-hop/R&B type song due to the subject matter being awkwardly sexual. It’s just as goofy and dark as say, “The Futile”.
How did you manage to get The Fonz (Happy Days) to appear in a cameo in the video?
Henry’s son Max is one of my best friends. We grew up together in Los Angeles.
What are your thoughts on Cartel's recent stint in their Dr. Pepper bubble? Would your band ever participate in this kind of promotion?
I wouldn’t do “the band in a dr.pepper bubble,” but the last thing this band is, is closed minded. We like to make fun of flagrant self-promotion and still be a part of it; so who knows what will happen in the future.
When is the last time you played a song off of Baseball live, and do you think you ever will again?
The last time I played anything off of Baseball was in high school. I actually sat down and played a couple of songs off Baseball acoustic by myself the other day and was surprised by the fact that I kind of liked it. Which means, yes, I will play them again at some point in some capacity. As for songs I wish I could retire, nothing that I’ve written since I was like 16 or 17 because you never know; a song can become exciting again once you take a break. This also means that you can get sick of playing pretty much any song no matter how fun or good it is if you have to play it every night.
How do you feel about the current music scene in general – the pop-punk bands, the fashion, and everything associated with it (even AP.net to be honest)?
The current “scene” is so diverse that to pigeonhole it as crappy or amazing would be ignorant. There are sweet ass indie bands and shitty pretentious ones. There are generic, cookie cutter bullshit pop punk bands and pop punk bands making groundbreaking awesome records. Same with everything associated with it; it’s great to have a community of kids trading, listening to, and caring about music, and at the same time it breeds message board alienation and popularity contests via myspace and livejournals. There are two sides to every coin. I can’t complain because I’m fucking alive and I get to make the music I want to make. It’s worth the good and the bad and I think it’s a very exciting time as well as a monumentally sad time.
Do you regret not going to college? Do you think it is something that you will pursue in the future? What would be your best advice to kids who want to follow in your footsteps? Would you recommend the way you did things to them?
I think that it’s waste of time and money to go to college if you really want to try touring and you’ve put in the work for years playing local shows. You can always take a year or two off and come back. But the value of education is priceless. You should always be doing something to stimulate your mind whether it be reading, writing, or just surrounding yourself with intelligent people and knowing what’s going on around you. I think it really depends on the person whether you should go to college or not but it isn’t a must. However, I would advise knowing that you’re very ready to pursue music as a career before you do take time off of going to school i.e. honing your instrument, maybe even recording something and starting to think about putting out a record or a demo.
How does it feel to be the face of Say Anything? Everyone sort of interprets it as “Max Bemis’s band” is that image ever an issue within the band?
Not particularly. Nobody really minds that I am the “face” of the band because that’s the case with a lot of singer/songwriters. The only time issues come up is how that affects the decision making process, the financial situation, and the dynamic between everyone. Everything has to be dealt with very sensitively but sometimes I am the guy who has to be a dick, which sucks. I wouldn’t have it any other way though, because as much as I want the other guys to be happy, I am a control freak.
What made you guys want to sign with J Records?
We were looking to expand our fan base as well as have more money to tour comfortably. I also wanted enough money to work with an awesome producer for our second record. We have never, nor will ever, be concerned with being accused of selling out; it is by far the most inane misused term ever. Therefore, we were looking for a powerful label that really believed in us. We were the first “indie punk” band on J which meant that everyone was really excited about working the record. They have done an amazing job for us and have barely asked us to make any artistic compromises. That is what selling out REALLY is; when you change something you NEED to be the way it is, not when you do something the label asks you to do that you AGREE with or can be convinced to do relatively easily.
How did Parker join the band? And why was he a good candidate?
Our manager, Randy, managed Jamisonparker. After the first time we hung out with Parker (they had already broken up) we knew he was perfect on both a personal and musical level. He is a quick learner and one of the most fun people we know.
How do you cope with anxiety while on tour and how did you cope with it this time around in the recording and writing process of the upcoming record?
Anxiety is hard no matter how you cut it. Live, it’s just a matter of experience; the more you play the less nervous you get unless there are extenuating circumstances. In the studio, if you’re working with the right people under the right conditions, you settle into a groove and then you feel like you’re just in your room messing around and it’s so, so fun.
Do you ever feel like the record label has exploited your bipolar disorder into a marketing ploy?
There’s a fine line between exploitation and the truth. I think we sometimes straddle that line but never cross it. My bipolar disorder is an important part of the story of this band and how we function, as well as who I am, and it deserves to be mentioned if people don’t know about it. I mean if I had a physical disability and was still able to do what I do, would one not write about it? Basically I’ve overcome something that would normally inhibit someone to the point where they can’t do what I do for a living. I had to cancel tours, almost screwed up the record, and now I grapple with it functionally. If you’re sick of hearing how crazy I am, don’t buy our next record. It has a lot to do with the story of me finding my way through it, because I wrote the last record before I knew anything about having bipolar disorder.
It seems that a great deal of your work has stemmed from problems you have had in the past with your “mental condition.” Looking back, do you think ...is a Real Boy would have been as good if you had absolutely no “issues” whatsoever?
My disease it part of my genetic code. It’s woven into who I am and thus if I wasn’t bipolar who knows if I would have amassed the experiences that inspired me to be a musician. I wouldn’t take it away for anything because my life so far has been an amazing ride (and ljk is sweet).
Are we ever going to see any of the alleged video footage from the recording of ...Is a Real Boy?
That didn’t really happen, people! I was crazy. I THOUGHT I was being videotaped. If you want to know you can ask the two headed circus midget that follows me.
"Admit It!!" is a brilliantly scathing anthem aimed directly at this new "indie movement": were there any specific events or incidents that inspired you to pen the lyrics, or were you more motivated over the general feeling of the "scene".
I grew up in L.a, which at the time (turn of the century) had this scene revolving around certain bands made of people who were so afraid to be sincere that they were almost mean, and boy did they prosper. I moved away from them to go to school at Sarah Lawrence College in New York because I thought there would be more integrity on the opposite coast and it was there that I learned shame and pretension wasn’t constricted to any group of people; we are all guilty of it. The song isn’t about “fall out boy fans” or “hipsters”. It’s about anyone who judges other people because they’re “normal.” It’s about you and I because everyone does it sometimes. The only thing you can do is fight that ego and be proud of the things in your life that are true.
Does AP.net fit into the “scene” described by “Admit It”?
Yes and no, like anything. I love AP.net but the time some kids spent quarreling about how dumb “newbies” are, or making fun of people’s weights or haircuts is a ridiculous and embarrassing pastime. Most of these people are just sad that they aren’t creating something that’s getting attention on it’s own so they feel the need to bash other people’s work. But then again, we all deserve the right to be assholes; if it weren’t for the assholes then the cool, critical but fair kids wouldn’t have anyone to fight against. Kids should always say what they want even if it’s totally shitty and stupid.
What made you feel like you had to respond to the post about Kinsella’s tirade that was featured in Alt Press magazine? Was there ever any response from him to you?
That dude probably doesn’t even know what absolutepunk.net is. I haven’t received any reply from him, nor do I care about receiving one - although I am interested in what he might have to say. My letter was more so intended for the kids and fans of music that he degraded and insulted, and hopefully it made a dent in undoing the colossal embarrassment that him and his kind keep making of themselves. Music fans look up to musicians. This guy is terrible because he’s so talented yet he felt the only way to affect change was to try be a mean, pathetic little bully. Fuck him.
How has the Internet impacted your band? When the new album is finished and it (inevitably) leaks on the Internet – how do you think you’ll feel? Thoughts on downloading in general?
I encourage downloading to a certain degree. I download tons of shit and once and while I’ll buy something off iTunes. If I REALLY love the band I might buy the CD in stores. I am more concerned with kids liking the music enough to keep coming to Say Anything shows, as that’s where we have the most visceral exchange between us and our fans, and the fact that a lot of people come see us and sing along and bring their friends in a very ritualistic way is how we afford to keep doing this for a living. The internet and music trading has pretty much MADE this band so I could never diss it.
What genre needs a defense, and why?
Whatever “genre” (or music) one loves needs a defense, because half the world is too ignorant to really understand something before they dismiss it.
Should people expect an album that is ...Is a Real Boy part two?
Pretty much. The record picks up in my life where the last one left off because it is very autobiographical, even more so than the last record. Musically, it’s different, more mature and somewhat more cohesive and poppy, but darker in a whole different way. I would compare it to the difference between the first Foo Fighters record and the second one, or maybe between Saves the Day’s Through Being Cool and Stay What You Are.
How long does it generally take you to write the lyrics and what sort of process do you go through for it?
It really depends. Some songs are a yearlong work in progress; others come frightfully and weirdly fast, as if somebody is feeding me the words.
What sort of lyrical themes will we see in the new album?
The album is the story of my life between the years of 20 and like 22 or 23. It’s the first time since our earlier stuff where I tell a ‘love story’, except this time it’s an actual love story instead of the ramblings of a hormonal teenager. It has a lot to do with growing up and personal responsibility instead of the like “I don’t give a fuck” attitude of being a late teenager explored in …is a Real Boy.
Please sell me on the new album - what do you have prepped for it?
It’s going to be good? A lot of our friends are singing on it … my voice has improved a lot since the last record. There are 26 songs currently slated for the record. It’s much more rock n’roll and sounds better (or maybe just different, bigger.) It’s catchier, funnier, and much much much more personal There is more range in subject matter and the feel of the songs whereas every song on Is a Real Boy was about sexual frustration or anger. A lot of it is very literal so if you’re interested in relating to the songwriter very personally you’ll be into it.
Do you have a vision for the new album or are you letting it unfold in the studio?
I always have somewhat of a vision before I go into the studio. However, this time I had the song arranged in the order in which they will appear because they specifically tell a story, as opposed to the last record which was much more loosely based on it’s story and reality.
You’ve said there will be a lot of songs – double album?
We’ll see, player.
Why so many tracks?
Because the songs are shorter and it took this many songs to complete the story I wanted to tell. I like them all, too.
Do you ever feel that too much could be a bad thing for a culture bred on 3-minute pop-songs?
There are a lot of 3-minute pop songs on the record. Very little “filler” I’d like to think (i.e. no 8 minute musical shoe gaze jam sessions.) It’s packed with lyrics and (hopefully you’ll agree) hooks.
Do you feel any pressure with the new album? Knowing it’s so highly anticipated?
Oh, yes. Sometimes I really worry about disappointing our fans, more than anything. I don’t really need us to get any bigger then we are if people love this record as much or more than the last record. More than anything I want to be able to listen to it after we’re done and be proud of it and be able to rock out to it.
How has having a full band affected the songwriting process, if any at all?
The only addition to the songwriting process was that Alex is now the bass player on the record as well as live; I still play all the guitars, keyboards and do most of the singing. However, this was a big change because Alex rages on the bass. He also helped write the music for a couple of the songs and steered every one of them in interesting directions.
How will the label support be on the upcoming album? Is a label like “J” behind your music?
I’d like to think so; I think we just need to deliver a great record.
Do you expect to go “mainstream”? Do you even want to go mainstream?
I think we’ve always been a mainstream band. Being “punk rock” or making “alternative” music hasn’t meant staying underground for a very long time; maybe it should never have. Therefore I promise NO SAY ANYTHING FAN that if a fair opportunity for more people to appreciate and enjoy our music comes along that we won’t take it. I just promise that we will always have integrity. I’m too proud of what I do to be a fucking tool.
How does the album differ stylistically from your last and how is it similar?
The lyrics are still darkly funny at times … we still play loud, poppy music but it’s much more diverse, experimental and refined. I think I’ve learned how to control my voice in a way that I’m not constantly growling like on the last record. This may scare some people but I’m less afraid of being “emotional” on this record. On the last record I felt I had something to prove to break us out of the emo-box, but on this record I was kind of like, "everyone thinks I’m like this dude who sits in his room all day listening to E.L.O and Elliot Smith and Guided by Voices but fuck it Jimmy Eat World and Saves the Day are my two favorite bands, so if you don’t roll with my shit then don’t listen to it."
What will the new album do that sets you apart from other similar artists?
I think we tend to be more intelligent then a lot of the music I hear nowadays and less pretentious: more willing to explore grand, silly emotions and take things over the top without losing this really personal thing. That’s our strength and our weakness. We’ll never be as cool as like, Bjork or Radiohead because we are essentially approachable despite the fact that we are kind of gross and off putting lyrically. Being enlightened to me means not being afraid to be corny and by doing that you end up being less corny because in this day and age bands that try too hard to be hip are a dime a dozen.
Can you explain the “concept” behind the new album?
It’s the story of being alone and losing my mind and then overcoming that event by learning to trust and let go of that anger and fall in love for the first time. It’s also about losing that love and the confusion that entails after, and the nature of first love; discovering what you really want whether it be to give yourself totally to someone or explore the endless abyss and risk losing your mind again and that love.
Have you written any songs expressly to be “singles”?
I have always loved the beauty of a really catchy song and sometimes I’m like, “how can I take this song over the edge and have it hit home real hard, like a great Beatles song, or Nirvana, or Weezer.” There’s something awesome in being able to limit a song to like three or four minutes and have it have the impact of an opera, so maybe the answer is yes.
Any guest appearances/vocals on the album?
A bunch hopefully. So far, we’ve only had three people guest on the record but we just started tracking vocals.
Anything off the wall in this recording?
What do you think? (:
Why did you decide to work with a different producer this time around?
I am a huge fan of Brad (Wood)’s work and I wanted this record to have somewhat of a bigger and more mature sound than our last record. Tim is amazing at both of those things but by working with someone new there weren’t any restrictions based on a previously forged relationship… you get a fresh take on things.
What expectations do you have for the new album?
I expect most people who hear it and really understand what we’re about will see how it’s a logical and awesome step from …Is A Real Boy. But it’s called In Defense of the Genre, which means I’m ready for the haters to step up. They can’t slow us down because as long as this record means something to even one person who hears it, I’ve already won. |
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Displaying posts 1 - 15 of 140. |
10:01 PM on 06/19/07 | .and the family telephone good interview
I'm tierd of the whole selling out aspect in music. Its like its some prize to keep your music underground.
Its' every musicians/artists goal to make their art heard or seen, so why is it such a big deal when their material gets exposure?
Something I don't think i'll ever understand | | |
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10:09 PM on 06/19/07 | I'll let you in something secret fantastic interview, but I have to say this is probably my favorite question/response of any interview I've read on here:
Quote: Are we ever going to see any of the alleged video footage from the recording of ...Is a Real Boy?
That didn’t really happen, people! I was crazy. I THOUGHT I was being videotaped. If you want to know you can ask the two headed circus midget that follows me. |
I laughed so loud my dad called from the next room to see what I was on about. | | |
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10:12 PM on 06/19/07 | nice interview. Say anything is a great band. | | |
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10:13 PM on 06/19/07 |  Do you ever feel like the record label has exploited your bipolar disorder into a marketing ploy?
There’s a fine line between exploitation and the truth. I think we sometimes straddle that line but never cross it. My bipolar disorder is an important part of the story of this band and how we function, as well as who I am, and it deserves to be mentioned if people don’t know about it. I mean if I had a physical disability and was still able to do what I do, would one not write about it? Basically I’ve overcome something that would normally inhibit someone to the point where they can’t do what I do for a living. I had to cancel tours, almost screwed up the record, and now I grapple with it functionally. If you’re sick of hearing how crazy I am, don’t buy our next record. It has a lot to do with the story of me finding my way through it, because I wrote the last record before I knew anything about having bipolar disorder.
Good question but I feel like he dodged it a bit. He didn't really address how the label has handled it to push Say Anything, but just more said it's OK to use to a certain point in general. Not really a total dodge, but just a little strange. | | |
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10:20 PM on 06/19/07 | Great interview Jason, I enjoyed it a lot and can't wait for the new album. | | |
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10:23 PM on 06/19/07 | Good read.
26 songs? Even if the songs are short, that's a ton of music. | | |
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10:24 PM on 06/19/07 | loved every word. great stuff. | | |
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10:25 PM on 06/19/07 | AP's Resident Wes Anderson Fan amazing guy, he's so smart with his words, love his saves the day reference | | |
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10:25 PM on 06/19/07 | "everyone thinks I’m like this dude who sits in his room all day listening to E.L.O and Elliot Smith and Guided by Voices but fuck it Jimmy Eat World and Saves the Day are my two favorite bands, so if you don’t roll with my shit then don’t listen to it."
out of that whole great interview, this quote got me excited as fuck about hte new album.
btw, say anything are one of my absolute fav bands and they pwn n00bs for realz. | | |
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10:26 PM on 06/19/07 | Going to be an incredible record. | | |
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10:26 PM on 06/19/07 | die young & save yourself fabulous interview. i love max. | | |
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10:26 PM on 06/19/07 | quite the bad ass interview... i'm stoked. | | |
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