MxPx started as three 15-year-old kids calling themselves Magnified Plaid pounding out music inspired by and similar to The Descendents and other Southern California punk rock bands. They didn’t really love their band name, however, which was a tribute to the original guitarist’s penchant for wearing one particularly loud plaid shirt. Consequently, the name was abbreviated to M.P., but in Yuri’s handwriting, periods become “X“‘s and since he made up the show posters for the band, the four-letter moniker stuck.
Andy Husted, the former guitarist, left the band in 1995 to continue college.
Andy was replaced by Tom to solidify the line-up that would take the band into their post-teen years. Maybe Tom’s background as a drummer made up for his relative inexperience playing guitar (he had only played for a year at the time). He and Yuri lock into backbreakingly fast rhythms that rank with vintage Minor Threat for speed and percussive attack. Mike then adds to the mix his signature sing-along melodies that call to mind SoCal punk bands from the early ’80s.
Bremerton had been a town most famous for its naval shipyards until MxPx caught the attention of Tooth & Nail Records when they played a “showcase” for the T&N label in 1993 in Herrera’s parents’ garage. Mike Herrera had practiced so much before the first show, he lost his voice.
MxPx released three albums with Tooth & Nail Records: Pokinatcha in 1994, Teenage Politics in 1995, and Life in General in 1996. After a falling out with Tooth & Nail, MxPx left the label and signed with A&M Records.
In July 2010 drummer Yuri Ruley announced he would be retiring from the band to focus on his family. Ruley played his last show with the band in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 18, 2010. In a recent video message from Mike, he stated that Tom and Yuri have both finished touring full time, but will continue to play one-off shows with the band.
The Next Big Thing
MxPx Lyrics
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You like what you're told
And if you know what's good then you'll agree
It's someone to tell ya who you are
Someone to tell you who to be
Someone to show you what you see
You go to the store and
It's the same bands stacked on each other
You've heard it before but now
It's better than it's cover
How low can you go?
How low will you go?
To be the next big thing?
The lyrics of MxPx's "Next Big Thing" reflect the music industry and the pressure to conform to the mainstream's definition of what is popular. The first verse highlights the current state of music, stating that it is not the way it is supposed to be. The next lines indicate that people will only like what they're told, and that agreeing with what is deemed "good" is what is expected. The next verse is where the pressure to conform is most evident. The lines "someone to show you what you see" and "someone to tell you who to be" suggest that individuality is not valued, and that to be successful in the industry, one must fit into a prescribed box. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "the next big thing" which serves as both a statement on the industry's obsession with trends and a call to action for the listener to consider how far they are willing to go to be "the next big thing." The final lines of the song "how low can you go, how low will you go?" further emphasize the desperation to conform and the sacrifices one must make to succeed in the music industry.
Overall, "Next Big Thing" is a commentary on the music industry and the pressure to fit into a predetermined mold. The song suggests that individuality is not valued and that conformity is the key to success. It highlights the struggle of artists who want to be unique, but must make sacrifices to appeal to the mainstream.
Line by Line Meaning
Music today isn't the way it's supposed to be
The state of modern music doesn't meet expectations.
You like what you're told
People accept and enjoy what they're instructed to like.
And if you know what's good then you'll agree
If you understand quality music, you're likely to concur.
It's someone to tell ya who you are
People need guidance to recognize their identity.
Someone to tell you who to be
People accept guidance on who they should become.
Someone to show you what you see
People need guidance on interpreting what they perceive.
It's the next big thing
The latest popular trend is all that matters.
You go to the store and
Visiting a music retailer.
It's the same bands stacked on each other
The same popular acts in a small selection.
You've heard it before but now
Familiarity with the common band selection.
It's better than it's cover
Despite similar trends, these artists appear improved.
How low can you go?
How far will you sink?
How low will you go?
How much will you sacrifice?
To be the next big thing?
To become the next trendy artist.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MICHAEL HERRERA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind