Early years
Days of the New began as an experimental rock/metal trio called Dead Reckoning, with Meeks, Matt Taul, and Jesse Vest. When they turned to an acoustic sound, they changed the name of the band, as well as added guitarist Todd Whitener.
A demo version of the song "Freak" appeared on the Harvest Showcase Volume 3, a compilation of Louisville area artists. This recording features a solo performance by Travis Meeks but is credited to Days of the New. Jesse Vest and Matt Taul are listed as band members in the liner notes; although, they do not appear on this recording.
Producer Scott Litt signed the band after their third live show.
1996-1998
The band recorded their debut album in October and November 1996. The first Days of the New release, an eponymous album frequently called "Orange" or "Yellow" after the color of the disc and liner notes, was released in 1997, selling 1.5 million copies worldwide. Three songs from this album were hits: "Touch, Peel and Stand," "The Down Town," and "Shelf in the Room." The former was #1 on Billboard's Rock Chart for 17 weeks; "The Down Town" and "Shelf in the Room" were each top 40 hits.
Internal problems of the band were evident early on. Shortly after releasing their debut album, Days of the New began touring for small shows. MTV reported that, after missing a Florida concert in April, the band members appeared physically black-eyed and beaten the following day after what sources claimed to be a band brawl. They then toured with Metallica and Jerry Cantrell starting in West Palm Beach, Florida on June 24, 1998. Meeks later criticized this billing, stating that, due to their acoustic sound, Days of the New should have toured with a group like Dave Matthews Band.
Just before starting this summer tour, however, Meeks had already told interviewers that all of his fellow band members were holding him back and, consequently, were being released from the group. He also said that they were disappointed by this decision but that he thought they would remain friends. An Outpost spokesperson, however, claimed that "Travis just talks" and that nothing was official. Before they could fulfill club touring duties with Finger 11 and Flight 16 in December, without citing reason, Meeks canceled in early November. Various explanations were given by band members and a label spokesperson including poor tour scheduling, band fighting, and even Meeks being physically ill. It was finally confirmed in February 1999 that the band indeed split up. Todd Whitener, Matt Taul, and Jesse Vest would go on to form C14, soon renamed Tantric, while Meeks formed a new band under the Days of the New name.
Over the years, two somewhat contradictory versions of the original Days of the New breakup have developed. It was widely reported in 1998 and still believed that Travis Meeks fired his fellow musicians, aided largely by his personal comments; however, he has since said that this is not true and that they left out of jealousy due to the fact that he wrote virtually all of the songs and received all royalty checks. When Meeks first announced their departure months prior to its conceiving, and without label confirmation, he gave a less than positive remark, stating "It's like a journey in the wilderness - you know with like the struggle and stuff. I made it through, I survived, but the other guys didn't." Meeks also posted comments on a fan message board: "It wasn't truly a band format. It is my fault for leading you on and setting you up to get attached to the prior members." However, the following year during a live online chat, he seemed quite comfortable with the circumstance and treated it as though it were more mutual between them. Meeks has since said to have empathy toward their supposed choice to leave and claims to understand their viewpoint.
1999-2001
Just one year after the original band's breakup, Meeks had assembled a new Days of the New and recorded a second album. Titled Days of the New, and often referred to as "Green." The album was released August 31, 1999 and introduced a variety of different styles. Many of the album's songs contained intros and codas to seamlessly carry into the next song. Meeks debuted his new band on September 4, 1999 at the Ear Xtacy store in Louisville.
Critics were fairly enthusiastic of "Green," but the album sold poorly compared to the first, selling around 450,000 copies. The lead single, "Enemy," was a major hit while its follow up single, "Weapon and the Wound" met with marginal success. After touring to support the album, Meeks contributed to the Doors tribute album Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors as lead vocalist on a cover of "The End" and "L.A. Woman."
In February 2000, Meeks returned to the studio with a new band and was finished by July. Still using the Days of the New name, the third album incorporated aspects of the previous two - much of the energy from the first album had returned, combined with orchestral interludes similar to the second album. In keeping with the previous albums' names, the third album is also called Days of the New, or "Red."
The first single "Hang On to This" charted fairly and was the most added song on rock radio the week it was released. However, the album was released two weeks after the 9/11 attacks and, with very little promotion, only sold 90,000 copies. The band maintained a profile touring with the likes of Creed and 3 Doors Down.
2002-present
After touring for "Red," the band went through a period of inactivity, when they parted ways with Interscope. In the later half of 2003, Travis Meeks embarked on a solo tour performing at small venues. He continued to suffer from drug addiction and, in early 2005, appeared on A&E's Intervention, where his family and friends convinced him to enter rehab and battle his addiction to methamphetamine.
In September 2005, Meeks declared sobriety, and resumed writing for a fourth Days of the New record, with the tentative color being Purple. After relocating to New York to reunite with Ray Rizzo, they began touring. In October 2007, the band entered a studio in New York to begin work on Purple. It has been hinted that the record may be recorded and released independently, giving the band artistic freedom and less pressure to be commercially successful. The record is said to have a theatrical sound, with the incorporation of upright bass, koto, hammered dulcimer and cello. Some of the songs tracked for the record include "Superhero," "Touch of Anger," and "Where It Ends." The album will be financed through fan pre-orders and donations via Paypal.
On March 4, 2008, Days of the New released their first compilation disc, Days of the New: The Definitive Collection.
In an interview with LEO Weekly, an alternative magazine out of Louisville, Kentucky, Travis stated that the upcoming record will be called Days of the New Presents Tree Colors.
August 2011. Days of New has cancelled their current tour and according to their manager Travis Meeks has entered rehab for an extended period of time.
Champagne
Days of the New Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothing more to make
When you cross the line
I got you something to drink, so open wide
No matter how hard you try
I want to know
How it goes
Wait, this is your time
The bottle tips your lips
And vicious time
(this is your time, this is your place)
This toast is mine
Occasion wasted life
Drink it so
Cold and old
Choked on bones
Watch as it over-flows
That's why we're taking away your champagne
Just when you think it ends
Your battle just begins
And you're waiting for more
I'm waiting for the war
And you think that it ends
Your battle just begins
And you're waiting for more
I'm waiting for the war
The song "Champagne" by Days of the New is a poignant and meaningful representation of the dangers of addiction and substance abuse. The lyrics explore the physical and mental effects of drinking and how it can slowly spiral out of control. The song starts with a warning that once you cross the line, there is nothing more to make, indicating that once you enter addiction, there is no going back.
The chorus speaks directly to the consequences of drinking and the dangers involved, and the lyrics "That's why we're taking away your champagne" bring the message home about the song’s primary theme. The lyrics are relatable, and the chorus plays an essential role in showcasing the risks of addiction while it is still a controllable issue. The chorus then reminds the listener that there are dangers associated with indulging and, at some point, one has to take responsibility and cut back.
The bridge of the song is perhaps the most impactful, as it highlights the never-ending cycle of addiction. The lyrics “Just when you think it ends, your battle just begins, and you're waiting for more, I'm waiting for the war” illustrate how addiction is like an ongoing battle that never really ends. No matter how much one wants to stop, the cycle of addiction always begins anew. The song’s purpose is to serve as a warning, a stark reminder of what happens when we fall into the vicious cycle of addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
Wait, it takes some time
Patience is needed before proceeding
There's nothing more to make
There is no more to create in this situation
When you cross the line
When you act outside of what is acceptable
I got you something to drink, so open wide
Here is a drink for you to consume
No matter how hard you try
Even with great effort
I want to know
I seek understanding
How it goes
What happens next
That's why we're taking away your champagne
This is the reason you no longer have access to alcohol
Wait, this is your time
This is the moment for you
The bottle tips your lips
The drink is consumed
And vicious time
Time can be cruel
(this is your time, this is your place)
This is your moment and location
This toast is mine
This drink is for me
Occasion wasted life
A moment of celebration but life is being wasted
Drink it so
Consume it
Cold and old
The drink is chilly and aged
Choked on bones
Difficult to swallow
Watch as it over-flows
Observe the spilling over of the drink
Just when you think it ends
When it seems like it's over
Your battle just begins
A fight has just begun
And you're waiting for more
Expecting additional challenges
I'm waiting for the war
I am prepared for a greater battle
And you think that it ends
Assuming the end of a struggle
Your battle just begins
A new fight is beginning
And you're waiting for more
Ready for further challenges
I'm waiting for the war
I am anticipating a greater war
Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@slackjawstudio
When you think that it ends. the battle just begins. Couldnt be more real in the terms of early recovery from addiction. Although I am still an alcoholic, I relate from previous drug addictions but I still struggle. Thank you travis for these masterpieces
@leetant2316
Me 2 my friend. Me 2. Alcohol Addiction is a beast. been battling it since 2001. I'm currently 40. Music helps me cope alot with everything, unfortunately it's not enough so I feel ur pain.
@Magneira
Beautiful song, and the ''second part'' at 04:40 is just transcendent....
@thewhitehermit
mr meeks,once again you prove yourself to be a genius! love your music,keep the tunes coming! fan for life!
@spankster2129
man i love all of these b side songs!!!! lol all of them are amazing. thanks for the add
@vaitefoderotario
such a beautiful song from such a beautiful being.
@Ktonrider
How have I NEVER heard this!?
@lostpossum
this shit is badass
@WumboWarrior
This might be my new favorite DOTN song...
@CreatureCore7
@kerwoodbug Yes it was. I bought the Red album when it was released and it had a bonus disc with this track and another, "Two Faces" on it.