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.
Once Again
Days of the New Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know what I like
I give this part of me for you
It's on my time
I give you all my pain
I give you everything
I give this part of me for you
It's on my time
Know what to say, it's hard to say
Know what to say, it's hard to say
Once again
Once again
Once again
Once again
Take this with stride
You know what I like
I give this part of me for you
It's on my time
I give you all my pain
I give you ill
Give you what you say
I give this part of me for you
It's on my time
The lyrics to Days of the New's song "Once Again" can be interpreted in various ways, but it seems to be about someone wanting to dedicate themselves entirely to someone they care about. The singer is telling this person to take what they're about to say with stride because it's difficult for them to express their feelings. They go on to say that they're giving a part of themselves to this person, including their pain and everything they have, and it's on their time. The repeated phrase "Once again" could signify the fear or uncertainty of opening up and giving so much, but the singer is willing to take that risk.
The line "I give you all my pain" could be seen as a symbol of trust and vulnerability. By opening up to someone and showing them your pain, you're inviting them to comfort you and be there for you. It takes a lot of trust to show that side of yourself to someone else. Additionally, the line "It's on my time" could mean that the singer is in control of the pace they're going at, and this person should respect that.
Overall, the song is a testament to the power of giving yourself to someone else, even if it's scary and uncertain. It takes courage to open up to someone and show them your true self, but sometimes it's worth the risk.
Line by Line Meaning
Take this with stride
Accept this calmly and confidently
You know what I like
You understand my preferences and desires
I give this part of me for you
I am willing to sacrifice a part of myself for your benefit
It's on my time
This sacrifice is being made at my own discretion
I give you all my pain
I am sharing my emotional burden with you
I give you everything
I am providing you with all that I have to offer
Know what to say, it's hard to say
I am struggling to express myself despite knowing what I want to say
Once again
This is a repeated experience or feeling
Once again
This is a repeated experience or feeling
Know what to say, it's hard to say
I am struggling to express myself despite knowing what I want to say
Take this with stride
Accept this calmly and confidently
You know what I like
You understand my preferences and desires
I give this part of me for you
I am willing to sacrifice a part of myself for your benefit
It's on my time
This sacrifice is being made at my own discretion
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRAVIS SHANE MEEKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cameron Demarco
One of the most underrated/ under appreciated talented/ artistic music of all time. But i guess thats what part of makes DOTN SO damn special. big fan from day one. Still am. RESPECT ✊
Baby Jessica's Cheekbones
All 3 albums are still in my regular rotation. Saw them twice. Travis Meeks is THEE biggest wasted talent in rock. If drugs hadn't derailed him, they would speak of him among the all-time greats.
Bubby Lee
Cameron Demarco You said it best! I’m from the ILL-State and Days of the New were always one of my favorite bands ever!
Bleached Out
Just ordered the red album! Can’t wait to listen to it
Honus Wagner
Travis is one of the top artists of his generation, change my mind!
Austin B. Willis
I disagree. I'd say all time.
Dustin Martin
Thank you Mr peters. Same story. One of the greatest albums ever. And the fact he writes all the chord structures, rhythm, and all the lyrics makes it better. Somebody please reach out to him to make another album
Clarkké Peterson
when this first came outi wore it out learned every song front to back on guitar very underated album..who the hell in their right mind would give this song a thumbs down?!?!
Clarkké Peterson
@LiveToPlayGuitar I have some vhs that i havnt converted of old shows i played with one of the cover bands i was in did this and Days of or lives..i can play and sing it yes the verses are tricky to play and sing
ROOTS OF TRUTH
Can you sing and play the verses I can play it and sing it but not on the verses at the same time.