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.
The Sun
Days of the New Lyrics
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It doesn't seem so guaranteed.
It seems for once we're finally happy,
And blessed with everything we need.
So take the highway west again
Follow the Sundown
Try to hold on while we can
It could be better in the end.
Follow the Sundown
But we're saving every second of today.
Let's follow the sundown.
Chances come and chances leave you
Stranded on the beaten path
I'm not looking for what's to good to be true.
I'd sure love to see you laugh.
So take the highway west again
Follow the Sundown
Try to hold on while we can
Follow the Sundown
It could be better in the end.
Follow the Sundown
But we're saving every second of today.
Let's follow the sundown.
You can't stop running, no you can't stop running. No you can't stop running now.
So take the highway west again
Follow the Sundown
Try to hold on while we can
Follow the Sundown
It could be better in the end.
Follow the Sundown
But we're saving every second of today.
Let's follow the sundown.
The lyrics of Days of the New's "The Sun" are a contemplation of the fleeting nature of life and the struggles to hold onto the moment while it lasts. The lyrics speak to a sense of uncertainty about the future, acknowledging that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and yet despite this, the singer finds contentment in the present moment. The chorus of the song encourages the listener to embrace the beauty and magic of life's fleeting moments by following the sunset, holding onto those moments as tightly as possible.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of taking risks in life, and the fear that comes with making choices that could potentially lead to disappointment or failure. The lyrics suggest that despite the risks of chasing life's fleeting moments, it is worth it to try, to pursue happiness, and embrace the moment, even if it is for just a moment.
The sense of urgency and desperation in the lyrics is driven home by the repetition of the phrase, "You can't stop running." It reinforces the idea that time waits for no one and that life is constantly moving forward.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Sun" are a poignant reflection on the beauty and fragility of life, urging us to embrace every opportunity, memory, and moment that comes our way.
Line by Line Meaning
I know tomorrow is a maybe.
There's no certainty about how tomorrow will unfold.
It doesn't seem so guaranteed.
The future is uncertain, and we can't take anything for granted.
It seems for once we're finally happy,
We are content with our present circumstances and feel a sense of joy.
And blessed with everything we need.
We have all that we require to live a fulfilling life.
So take the highway west again
We should embark on a journey towards the west.
Follow the Sundown
We need to chase the sun as it sets in the west.
Try to hold on while we can
We must make the most of our time while we still have it.
It could be better in the end.
Maybe our journey will have a fruitful outcome eventually.
But we're saving every second of today.
We are not wasting our time and are making the most of every moment.
Let's follow the sundown.
Let's continue our journey and enjoy the moments as they unfold.
Chances come and chances leave you
Opportunities arise and disappear without warning.
Stranded on the beaten path
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck on a predetermined course with no clear direction in sight.
I'm not looking for what's to good to be true.
I am not searching for something that is unrealistic or unattainable.
I'd sure love to see you laugh.
It would bring me immense joy to see you smile and be happy.
You can't stop running, no you can't stop running. No you can't stop running now.
We need to keep moving forward and not get complacent.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRETT ADAM HESTLA, CLINT EDWARD LOWERY, COREY FRENCH LOWERY, WILLIAM MCLAWHORN, WILLIAM AMOS HUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@donaldderby8594
This song got me through all of middle school, and all of high school, when shit was tough, and it seemed as though light was no more, this got me through it. We thank you Travis for the music you’ve given us listeners, the few and the gifted. The lyrics hit different when you got your own relatable situation goin on. Thank you Travis. 🙏
@27419917
Travis Meeks ........ the most talented musician of the last years
@alburnett75
I swear Travis and Layne were in a league of their own. The talent that came out of these 2 artists is mind blowing
@jmac88022
We love ya Travis.
God loves you more
@stevej4904
DOFTN is a corner in my world none can understand. Cept the few.
@tonywoehler1320
One of my favorite b-sides by them.. Some of the unrealeased stuff Meeks has is some of his best too.
@Str8OutOfLine
Why isnt this band the most popular thing since the beatles? they are insanely good.
@austinb.willis5978
Because Travis isn't a commodity.
@frugalfitness2896
@@austinb.willis5978ain't that the truth
@JamilAlexandre1
oh man thanks so much. I haven't been able to get my hands on this song for years!! your a true fan!!