rock
Rock most often refers to:
* Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids
* Rock music, a genre of popular music
Rock or Rocks may also refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wales ...
band from
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
,
California
California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
. The band was formed in 2000 by
Max Bemis
Maxim Adam Bemis (born April 6, 1984) () is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, primary composer and primary lyricist of the band, Say Anything, before their hiatus in 2018. He sang alongside Chris Conley in the ...
and his friends, and within two years, self-released two EPs and a full-length album.
In 2003, the band signed with their first label,
Doghouse Records
Doghouse Records is an American record label currently based in New York City.Alan O'Connor, ''Punk Record Labels and the Struggle for Autonomy''. Lexington Books, 2008, p. 41Google Books/ref> The company was founded by Dirk Hemsath in late 1987 ...
. A year later, they released their second album, '' ...Is a Real Boy''. To support the album, they picked up new members and began touring; however, despite rapidly growing critical and fan acclaim, Bemis' health problems, including
bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood that last from days to weeks each. If the elevated mood is severe or associated with ...
and drug addictions, sidelined the band in 2005 as five band members left during the year.
Say Anything signed with
J Records
J Records was an American record label owned and operated by Bertelsmann Music Group until it was transferred to Sony Music Entertainment when they acquired all of BMG’s record labels in late 2008. It was distributed through the RCA Music Gro ...
in 2005 and, following Bemis' successful rehabilitation, re-released ''...Is a Real Boy'' with their new label. They went on co-headlining tours with
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
in 2006 and
Hellogoodbye
Hellogoodbye (sometimes styled as hellogoodbye) is an American pop rock band that was formed in Huntington Beach, California in 2001 by singer Forrest Kline. They were signed to Drive-Thru Records and released their first full-length album ''Zom ...
in 2007. In 2008, Say Anything went on a headlining tour across the US and UK and appeared on every date of
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour was a traveling rock tour that toured the United States plus three or four stops in Canada annually each summer from 1995 until 2019. It was the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the longest-running touring ...
.
Bemis announced the end of the band in 2018, months before the 2019 release of their eighth LP, ''Oliver Appropriate''.
On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, Bemis shared through Instagram that the band would be performing at the
When We Were Young Festival
When We Were Young is an annual music festival currently held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Winchester. The most recent event took place on October 23 and 29, 2022.
History
The first incarnation of the festival took place at The Obser ...
in 2023.
History
Early years (2000–2004)
The band was formed in 2000 by
Max Bemis
Maxim Adam Bemis (born April 6, 1984) () is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, primary composer and primary lyricist of the band, Say Anything, before their hiatus in 2018. He sang alongside Chris Conley in the ...
and four of his friends as Sayanything. Within two years, they self-released two EPs, ''
Junior Varsity
Junior varsity (often called "JV") players are the members of a team who are not the main players in a competition (such as any football, basketball, or baseball game), usually at the high school level–– and formerly at the collegiate level ...
'' and '' In Your Dreams'', and the full-length '' Baseball: An Album by Sayanything''.
In 2002, Sayanything added a space to their name to become Say Anything. In late 2002, Bemis and Linder recorded the ''
Menorah/Majora
The discography of Say Anything, an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Say Anything is composed of Max Bemis (lead vocals), Coby Linder (drums), Jake Turner (guitar, vocals), Jeff Turner (guitar, vocals), and Parker Case (keyboard, ...
'' EP and released the album online. By this point, Say Anything's releases had generated "a major bidding war".
Drive-Thru Records
Drive-Thru Records was a California-based independent record label owned by siblings Richard and Stefanie Reines. The label was partially responsible for popularizing the pop-punk/emo merger sound of the early to mid-2000s. After facing financia ...
pursued the band and called Max Bemis "the next
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture during a career sp ...
."
Brett Gurewitz
Brett W. Gurewitz (born May 12, 1962), nicknamed Mr. Brett, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of Bad Religion. He is also the owner of the music label Epitaph Records and a number of sister labels. He has produced albums f ...
of
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, most acts signed to the label were punk and pop punk acts, while there are many post-hardcore and emo bands ...
recorded "A Boston Peace," one of the dorm-room demos, with the band. In early 2003, Say Anything signed with
Doghouse Records
Doghouse Records is an American record label currently based in New York City.Alan O'Connor, ''Punk Record Labels and the Struggle for Autonomy''. Lexington Books, 2008, p. 41Google Books/ref> The company was founded by Dirk Hemsath in late 1987 ...
stating sarcastically that Doghouse "put out such obscure, borderline
D.I.Y.
"Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, wikt:modification, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individual ...
records as ''
The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects is an American rock band from Stillwater, Oklahoma, formed in 1999.
After signing with the label, Bemis began writing songs for his band's Doghouse debut. Bemis went into the studio with Florida producer
Paul Trust
Paul Trust is an American songwriter and record producer, who has worked with recording artists such as MNQN, Starset, Morgan Wallen, Say Anything (band), Say Anything, Diecast (band), Diecast, endo (band), Endo, List of Epic Records artists, Jess ...
. They recorded 3 songs that were not released although one of the songs entitled "Spider Song" would later appear on a Doghouse compilation. With tremendous self-created pressure, he threw himself into pushing the sonic boundaries of the band and maturing their sound, incorporating elements of math-rock, indie-pop and theatrical pomp. He and Linder also started the search for a producer. The two met several producers but eventually decided on Tim O'Heir and
Stephen Trask
Stephen Trask (born Stephen R. Schwartz; born August 29, 1966) is an American musician and composer who graduated from Wesleyan University.
He was the music director and house band member at the New York City club Squeezebox, where they performe ...
. Bemis struggled with different ideas for the record and decided the album should focus on "the artistic struggle, the fact that every creative person has this sick ambition to affect some sort of change in society with their art, to be more than just a guy in a band or a poet or a sculptor." Bemis originally intended the album to be a
rock opera
A rock opera is a collection of rock music songs with lyrics that relate to a common story. Rock operas are typically released as concept albums and are not scripted for acting, which distinguishes them from operas, although several have been ad ...
with a full script, narration, and a cast of characters. It was tentatively titled ''Zona! Zona!'' However, Bemis became overwhelmed by the entire process of writing and playing most of the instruments and had a breakdown.
"I literally lost my mind while we were recording," stated Bemis regarding the breakdown. The breakdown was precipitated by a
mockumentary
A mockumentary (a blend of ''mock'' and ''documentary''), fake documentary or docu-comedy is a type of film or television show depicting fictional events but presented as a documentary.
These productions are often used to analyze or comment on c ...
discussed by Bemis and O'Heir. Bemis' condition led him to believe he was being secretly filmed for the mockumentary; the situation culminated in him walking the streets of Brooklyn thinking he was being filmed while encountering friends (who were actually strangers). After recovering, Bemis decided to focus solely on the music and dropped the idea of a script. Around July 2003, the band began recording '' ...Is a Real Boy'', their first album with Doghouse Records. Bemis said the two people he wanted to "outdo with ''...Is a Real Boy'' were
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol (; born Andrew Warhola Jr.; August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987) was an American visual artist, film director, and producer who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. His works explore the relationsh ...
and
Jesus
Jesus, likely from he, יֵשׁוּעַ, translit=Yēšūaʿ, label=Hebrew/Aramaic ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious ...
." In addition to working with O'Heir and Trask, Say Anything worked with
Forrest Kline
Forrest Scott Kline (born November 7, 1983, in Ashland, Oregon) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is the lead vocalist of the power pop band Hellogoodbye.
Early life
He is of German descent and spent most of his ...
(of power pop band
Hellogoodbye
Hellogoodbye (sometimes styled as hellogoodbye) is an American pop rock band that was formed in Huntington Beach, California in 2001 by singer Forrest Kline. They were signed to Drive-Thru Records and released their first full-length album ''Zom ...
) to record the '' For Sale...'' EP, released in 2004. The band also worked with ECA Records to record a promotional album that was never released.
''...Is a Real Boy'' was released August 3, 2004. The album featured Linder on drums and Bemis on vocals, guitar, bass guitar, and
keyboard
Keyboard may refer to:
Text input
* Keyboard, part of a typewriter
* Computer keyboard
** Keyboard layout, the software control of computer keyboards and their mapping
** Keyboard technology, computer keyboard hardware and firmware
Music
* Musi ...
. ''...Is a Real Boy'' received positive reviews, including a 99% from AbsolutePunk.net and four and a half stars (out of five) from
AllMusic
AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...
. When the band began touring in support of ''...Is a Real Boy'', they picked up Dan DeLauro, Casper Adams, and Kevin Seaton.
Say Anything signed with
J Records
J Records was an American record label owned and operated by Bertelsmann Music Group until it was transferred to Sony Music Entertainment when they acquired all of BMG’s record labels in late 2008. It was distributed through the RCA Music Gro ...
in 2005, owned by
Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Sony BMG Music Entertainment was an American record company owned as a 50–50 joint venture between Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann. The venture's successor, the revived Sony Music, is wholly owned by Sony, following their buyout o ...
, one of the "big four" record labels. When asked why he signed with a major label, Bemis stated, "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 'In_Defense_of_the_Genre''.html" ;"title="In_Defense_of_the_Genre.html" ;"title="'In Defense of the Genre">'In Defense of the Genre''">In_Defense_of_the_Genre.html" ;"title="'In Defense of the Genre">'In Defense of the Genre''" In June 2005, Say Anything was forced to cancel a six-week headlining tour with Circa Survive and Emanuel (band), Emanuel on the third day of the tour due to health problems with Bemis, including "full-on paranoid delusions" in Austin, Texas. At this point, Bemis' bipolar disorder and drug addictions were wreaking havoc on the band. Bassists DeLauro and Seaton had already parted ways with the band. Andy Jackson left in September after only a few months of touring with Say Anything. Casper Adams, who was clashing personally with Bemis despite a close friendship, was fired after a show.
On October 3, 2005, Bemis had another breakdown; this time, it involved depressive behaviour, spitting in food at an outdoor cafe, spending a "half-hour pouring a bowl of soup onto the floor, one spoonful at a time," engaging in a street fight and finally being admitted to a mental hospital by an off-duty policeman. This incident forced Say Anything to cancel another tour, this time with Bemis' personal idols
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
, along with
Senses Fail
Senses Fail is an American rock band formed in Ridgewood, New Jersey, in 2001. Founded by vocalist James "Buddy" Nielsen, drummer Dan Trapp, guitarists Garrett Zablocki and Dave Miller, and bassist James Gill (replaced by Mike Glita shortly afte ...
and
The Early November
The Early November is an American rock band from New Jersey, United States. The group formed in 2001 and signed with Drive-Thru Records in 2002. , they have released two EPs: ''For All of This'' (2002) and '' The Acoustic EP'' (2005). They have ...
. The band was replaced by Emanuel. After returning from his stay in the hospital, Bemis' mother and the remaining members of the band selected the
Menninger clinic
The Menninger Foundation was founded in 1919 by the Menninger family in Topeka, Kansas. The Menninger Foundation, known locally as Menninger's, consists of a clinic, a sanatorium, and a school of psychiatry, all of which bear the Menninger name. ...
in
Houston, Texas
Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 in ...
, to rehab Bemis. Eventually, Bemis approved of their decision, admitted himself to the Menninger clinic, and has reportedly not had a relapse since.
''...Is a Real Boy'' (2005–2007)
Under
J Records
J Records was an American record label owned and operated by Bertelsmann Music Group until it was transferred to Sony Music Entertainment when they acquired all of BMG’s record labels in late 2008. It was distributed through the RCA Music Gro ...
, Say Anything re-released '' ...Is a Real Boy'' with a bonus CD entitled '' ...Was a Real Boy'' on February 28, 2006 (although the album was originally slated for release on October 18, 2005 and later January 17, 2006). However, copies were leaked before the release by
Tower Records
Tower Records is an international retail franchise and online music store that was formerly based in Sacramento, California, United States. From 1960 until 2006, Tower operated retail stores in the United States, which closed when Tower Records ...
and
His Master's Voice
His Master's Voice (HMV) was the name of a major British record label created in 1901 by The Gramophone Co. Ltd. The phrase was coined in the late 1890s from the title of a painting by English artist Francis Barraud, which depicted a Jack Russ ...
, with some copies selling on
eBay
eBay Inc. ( ) is an American multinational e-commerce company based in San Jose, California, that facilitates consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer sales through its website. eBay was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995 and became a ...
at inflated prices. According to the album's liner notes, ''...Was a Real Boy'' was originally intended as charity record and recorded in Kevin Seaton's garage. Bemis said that "it was J Records' idea to reissue ''...Is a Real Boy''. They believe it has a mainstream appeal that wasn't really reached when Doghouse released the record." Around this time, the band also released " Alive with the Glory of Love" as a single.
Alex Kent joined the band to play bass guitar after the band met him while touring with Lance's Hero.
Jake
Jake may refer to:
Name
* Jake (given name), including a list of persons and fictional characters with the name
* Katrin Jäke (born c. 1975), German swimmer
* Jake (gamer), American ''Overwatch'' player and coach
Animals
* Jake (rescue dog), a ...
and Jeff Turner joined to play guitar and help with backup vocals after Adams and Jackson left. Parker Case completed the sextet when he joined to play guitar and
keyboard
Keyboard may refer to:
Text input
* Keyboard, part of a typewriter
* Computer keyboard
** Keyboard layout, the software control of computer keyboards and their mapping
** Keyboard technology, computer keyboard hardware and firmware
Music
* Musi ...
after his previous band
JamisonParker
JamisonParker were an American emo duo in the early to mid-2000s, consisting of singer/guitarist Jamison Covington and guitarist/bassist/drummer Parker Case. While active, they released an EP titled ''Notes & Photographs'' (2003) and an album ti ...
broke up. At the time, JamisonParker and Say Anything shared the same manager, Randy Nichols; the band met Case while at a train station on the way to Nichols' wedding.
In summer 2006, Say Anything toured with
Dashboard Confessional
Dashboard Confessional is an American rock band from Boca Raton, Florida, led by singer Chris Carrabba. The name of the band is derived from the songThe Sharp Hint of New Tears off their debut album, ''The Swiss Army Romance''.
History
Early h ...
;
Ben Lee
Benjamin Michael Lee (born 11 September 1978) is an Australian musician and actor. Lee began his career as a musician at the age of 14 with the Sydney band Noise Addict, but he focused on his solo career when the band broke up in 1995. He appe ...
was with the tour in the US, while John Ralston joined the tour in Canada. The band was asked to be a part of the
Warped Tour 2006
The Vans Warped Tour
The Warped Tour was a traveling rock tour that toured the United States plus three or four stops in Canada annually each summer from 1995 until 2019. It was the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the l ...
, but instead opted for the Dashboard tour. Bemis later made statements implying he did not feel he was emotionally ready for a Warped Tour.
Say Anything completed one of their first headlining tours in fall 2006, when they toured with
Piebald
A piebald or pied animal is one that has a pattern of unpigmented spots (white) on a pigmented background of hair, feathers or scales. Thus a piebald black and white dog is a black dog with white spots. The animal's skin under the white backgro ...
and
mewithoutYou
MewithoutYou, usually styled as mewithoutYou, was an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consisted of Aaron Weiss (vocals), Michael Weiss and Brandon Beaver (guitars), Greg Jehanian (bass guitar), and Rickie Mazzotta ( ...
.
Days Away
Days Away was an American indie rock band based in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, formed in 1998.
Biography
Days Away formed in 1998 in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. When first formed, the group consisted of Keith Goodwin (vocals/guitar), Matt Austin (guit ...
,
Brazil
Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
and
Forgive Durden
Forgive Durden was an American indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, United States. They got their name from the novel ''Fight Club''. They were signed to Fueled by Ramen. Fueled by Ramen released Forgive Durden's first full-length album, ''W ...
opened for the band on select dates. In February 2007, Say Anything performed on ''
Last Call with Carson Daly
''Last Call with Carson Daly'' is an American late-night television series that was broadcast by NBC from 2002 to 2019. Hosted by former MTV personality Carson Daly, the series was initially formatted as a late-night talk show in line with ''Th ...
''. The band also released their second single, " Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too," which was from the ''...Was a Real Boy'' bonus disc. Also in that month, the band announced a co-headlining tour with
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
and
The Almost
The Almost is an American rock band from Clearwater, Florida, fronted by Underoath drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie. Formed in 2005 as a solo project by Gillespie, the band currently includes guitarist Jay Vilardi, bassist Jon Thompson, and d ...
The Dear Hunter
The Dear Hunter is an American progressive rock band originating in Providence, Rhode Island. It began as a side project of Casey Crescenzo when he was a member of the Receiving End of Sirens, before becoming his main band in 2006. The band's s ...
, and
Manchester Orchestra
Manchester Orchestra is an American indie rock band from Atlanta formed in 2004. The group is composed of rhythm guitarist-singer-songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, bassist Andy Prince and drummer Tim Very. Former drummer Jer ...
as openers on select dates. The band completed the tour successfully during April and May of that year. In August, Say Anything announced a co-headlining tour with
Hellogoodbye
Hellogoodbye (sometimes styled as hellogoodbye) is an American pop rock band that was formed in Huntington Beach, California in 2001 by singer Forrest Kline. They were signed to Drive-Thru Records and released their first full-length album ''Zom ...
sponsored by MySpace. The tour took place during fall of the same year with shows in the US and Europe.
''In Defense of the Genre'' (2007–2008)
In the weeks before the release of their third album, Say Anything released several songs from the album on MySpace. They also announced pre-ordered copies could be ordered with a signed CD booklet. The band released their first single from the new album, " Baby Girl, I'm a Blur", on October 2, 2007. '' In Defense of the Genre'' was released on October 23, 2007. It was released in a dual-disc format complete with 27 songs and contained many guest vocals. When asked about the name of the record, Bemis said, "Whatever 'genre' (or music) one loves needs a defense, because half the world is too ignorant to really understand something before they dismiss it." Before recording the record, Bemis stated, "I hope that 'In Defense''will be more inspiring and uplifting. I want he recordto be ''
The Joshua Tree
''The Joshua Tree'' is the fifth studio album by Irish rock band U2. It was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and was released on 9 March 1987 on Island Records. In contrast to the ambient experimentation of their 1984 release, ''T ...
'' with balls on laughing gas."
Andy Jackson, a former member of the band and close friend of Bemis, along with Liam Ortmeier was responsible for recording many of the cameo appearances. He recorded some cameos while at the
Warped Tour 2007
The Vans Warped Tour
The Warped Tour was a traveling rock tour that toured the United States plus three or four stops in Canada annually each summer from 1995 until 2019. It was the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the ...
with
Hot Rod Circuit
Hot Rod Circuit (HRC) is an American emo band from Auburn, Alabama, established in 1997.
History
Early years
The band was originally known as ''Antidote'' under which they released the album ''Mr. Glenboski'', which won the group the award of ...
and others in his home studio. Jackson recorded vocals from several musicians, such as
Gerard Way
Gerard Arthur Way (born April 9, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and comic book writer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the rock band My Chemical Romance. He released his debut solo album, ''Hesitant Alien'', i ...
,
Adam Lazzara
Adam Burbank Lazzara (born September 22, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is the lead vocalist of the rock band Taking Back Sunday. Along with singing lead vocals, Lazzara plays guitar and occasionally the harmonica.
...
,
Anthony Raneri
Anthony Raneri (born August 9, 1982) is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, who is the founder and lead vocalist of the American alternative rock band, Bayside.
Early life
Raneri grew up in Glen Oaks Village, Queens, New York for wh ...
Hayley Williams
Hayley Nichole Williams (born December 27, 1988) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and businesswoman who is best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and keyboardist of the rock band Paramore.
Born and raised in Missi ...
,
Aaron Gillespie
Aaron Roderick Gillespie (born July 18, 1983) is an American musician, best known for being the original and current drummer and clean vocalist for the metalcore band Underoath and the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock ...
,
Jordan Pundik
Jordan Izaak Pundik (born October 12, 1979) is an American musician and songwriter. He is a founding member and the frontman of Floridian rock music, rock band New Found Glory, for whom he sings lead vocals and contributes lyrics. He was also the ...
, and
Chad Gilbert
Chad Everett Gilbert (born March 9, 1981) is an American musician and record producer. He is best known as a founding member of the rock band New Found Glory, for whom he plays lead guitar, sings backing vocals, and composes music. He was also ...
.
Chris Conley
Christopher Lane Conley (born February 29, 1980) is an American musician who is the lead-singer/rhythm guitarist of the rock band Saves the Day. He was the only remaining original member as well as major artistic contributor throughout their car ...
and several others also provided guest vocals. ''
Alternative Press
Alternative press may refer to:
Individual publications
* ''Alternative Press'' (magazine), an American music magazine
Alternative journalism
* Alternative media
** Alternative media (U.S. political left)
** Alternative media (U.S. political ri ...
'' called the record "a truly magnificent sophomore effort" and gave it a 4.5/5, while ''
Spin
Spin or spinning most often refers to:
* Spinning (textiles), the creation of yarn or thread by twisting fibers together, traditionally by hand spinning
* Spin, the rotation of an object around a central axis
* Spin (propaganda), an intentionally b ...
'' gave the album four stars and Corey Schmidt of PastePunk said, "There are a few really great songs here."
In January 2008, Say Anything announced a US headlining tour with
Manchester Orchestra
Manchester Orchestra is an American indie rock band from Atlanta formed in 2004. The group is composed of rhythm guitarist-singer-songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, bassist Andy Prince and drummer Tim Very. Former drummer Jer ...
,
Biffy Clyro
Biffy Clyro are a Scottish rock band that formed in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, composed of Simon Neil (guitar, lead vocals), James Johnston (bass, vocals), and Ben Johnston (drums, vocals). Currently signed to 14th Floor Records, they have r ...
and
Weatherbox
Weatherbox is an American indie rock band from San Diego, California, United States, led by singer/songwriter Brian Warren and currently composed of Warren and varied touring members.
Discography
Weatherbox was originally signed to Doghouse Reco ...
. The tour took place in March and April of that year. After finishing this tour, Say Anything announced a headlining tour in the UK that took place in June. The tour was in support of ''In Defense of the Genre'', which was released in the UK on June 23, 2008.
Say Anything released the video for "
Shiksa (Girlfriend)
''Shiksa'' ( yi, שיקסע, translit=shikse) is an often disparaging, although not always, term for a Gentile woman or girl. The word, which is of Yiddish origin, has moved into English usage and some Hebrew usage (as well as Polish and Germa ...
" on April 9, 2008. On April 25, Say Anything performed on ''
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' is an American late-night talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien. NBC aired 2,725 episodes from September 13, 1993, to February 20, 2009. The show featured varied comedic material, celebrity interviews, and music ...
''. During summer 2008, Say Anything joined the
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour was a traveling rock tour that toured the United States plus three or four stops in Canada annually each summer from 1995 until 2019. It was the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the longest-running touring ...
for the first time, appearing on all dates. On August 1, 2008, Say Anything announced the Max Bemis Song Shop, through which users could pay for Max Bemis to write a song based on a short writing by the customer. However, by the end of the night, the item was no longer available with the following text displayed on the item listing: "We're sorry but Max can't write songs as fast as you are requesting them. As soon as he catches up we will start again. Thank you so much for believing in our crazy idea." The Song Shop has reopened semi-annually since its initial launch, and taken down after about a week each time. This aforementioned message has been displayed each time the Song Shop was discontinued.
''Say Anything'' (2008–2009)
In an
online chat
Online chat may refer to any kind of communication over the Internet that offers a real-time text, real-time transmission of text-based, text messages from sender to receiver. Chat messages are generally short in order to enable other participa ...
with fans on March 14, 2008, Max Bemis stated that the band has plans to record a new record called ''This Is Forever''. He said it will be "about God and how we relate to Him."AbsolutePunk.net reported on August 1, 2008, that
J Records
J Records was an American record label owned and operated by Bertelsmann Music Group until it was transferred to Sony Music Entertainment when they acquired all of BMG’s record labels in late 2008. It was distributed through the RCA Music Gro ...
"picked up the option for Say Anything's next release." On November 10, Bemis announced that the focus of the fourth album changed and the new record will be self-titled. He noted that the album, which will be released in 2009, will ask "what the point of all of it was."
Though Max has explained that he was very proud of '' In Defense of the Genre'', he described it as being more of an "homage to sort of a lot of the bands that we liked and, like, a style that we respected." He then explained that the new album would be "more concise and would be a bit more original, I want to say, and sort of pop out like
Is a Real Boy
''...Is a Real Boy'' is the second studio album release by American rock band Say Anything.
Recording
On January 27, 2003, the band announced they had signed to Doghouse Records; shortly after, they recorded demos for their next album, which was ...
did." He also explained that this CD has both the catchiest and most mature songs they've ever recorded and called it a "step forward."
During a concert at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York on April 25, 2009, Max Bemis proclaimed to the crowd that the newest album titled "Say Anything" is complete, and will be released "early summer," after stating that he was married three weeks prior to the event on April 4, 2009.
According to Say Anything's In Studio website, on May 21, 2009, Max posted a blog stating, "I just wanted to let you guys know we’re done recording our new record, entitled "Say Anything", and we’re moving into the mixing phase. It should be out this fall. This record is kind of a new start, or at least a new phase in the Say Anything story."
Max posted a blog on Myspace.com saying that the new album will be released October 13, 2009, and will be titled
Say Anything Say Anything may refer to:
Film and television
* '' Say Anything...'', a 1989 American film by Cameron Crowe
* "Say Anything" (''BoJack Horseman''), a television episode
Music
* Say Anything (band), an American rock band
** ''Say Anything'' (alb ...
. The self-titled album will be released by
RCA Records
RCA Records is an American record label currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. It is one of Sony Music's four flagship labels, alongside RCA's former long-time rival Columbia Records; also A ...
and will have 13 tracks, including " Hate Everyone", the album's first single. "Hate Everyone" was officially released on August 25, 2009, after WBRU FM in Providence, RI became the first radio station to debut the single on the 17th. Lead singer Max Bemis also premiered the song "Crush'd," performing the song acoustic in WBRU's studio. The corresponding video for Hate Everyone was released on MySpace Music on September 1, 2009. The new album's release date had been delayed by three weeks and was officially released on November 3, 2009, after being posted to the band's Myspace page on October 28.
On August 19, 2010, it was confirmed that Say Anything and
RCA Records
RCA Records is an American record label currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. It is one of Sony Music's four flagship labels, alongside RCA's former long-time rival Columbia Records; also A ...
had parted ways. Max Bemis also announced via his Twitter account that big changes were to be announced during the following week.
On September 29, 2010, it was announced via Say Anything's official website that Alex Kent would be leaving the band, and that
Kenny Vasoli
Kenneth Robert "Kenny" Vasoli is an American singer and musician from Pennsylvania. Vasoli is currently the lead singer and songwriter of The Starting Line, Person L, and Vacationer.
Biography
Kenneth "Kenny" Robert Vasoli was born May 20, 198 ...
of
The Starting Line
The Starting Line is an American pop punk band based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that formed in 1999.
History
Early years (1999–2001)
In 1999, the band that would become The Starting Line was initiated in Churchville, Pennsylvania via an e ...
would be temporarily taking over as bassist for their upcoming tour. On October 24, 2011, it was announced that Adam Siska was officially joining Say Anything.
Max Bemis
Maxim Adam Bemis (born April 6, 1984) () is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, primary composer and primary lyricist of the band, Say Anything, before their hiatus in 2018. He sang alongside Chris Conley in the ...
and
Coby Linder
Coby or Koby is a male and female given name, and a surname.
Notable people with the name "Coby" include
A
*Koby Abberton (born 1979), Australian surfer
*Koby Altman (born 1982), American basketball executive
* Koby Arthur (born 1996), Ghanaian ...
worked with
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
's
Chris Conley
Christopher Lane Conley (born February 29, 1980) is an American musician who is the lead-singer/rhythm guitarist of the rock band Saves the Day. He was the only remaining original member as well as major artistic contributor throughout their car ...
and David Soloway on a side project named
Two Tongues
Two Tongues is an American indie rock side project/supergroup, consisting of members of Say Anything (Max Bemis and Coby Linder) and Saves the Day (Chris Conley), along with David Soloway, a former guitarist with Saves the Day.
History
Before for ...
. The group features Bemis and Conley sharing lead vocals and guitar duties with Soloway on bass guitar and Linder on drums. Thirteen songs were recorded in Electric Ladybug Studio, Conley's home studio in
Chico, California
Chico ( ; Spanish for "little") is the most populous city in Butte County, California. Located in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California, the city had a population of 101,475 in the 2020 census, reflecting an increase from 86,18 ...
. Bemis, Conley, and Linder previously collaborated on a cover song of
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture during a career sp ...
's "
The Man In Me
"The Man in Me" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan and released as the 10th track on his 1970 album ''New Morning''.
Reception and legacy
''Rolling Stone'' placed the song 84th on a list of the "100 Greatest Bob Dylan Songs ...
" for the compilation album ''Paupers, Peasants, Princes & Kings: The Songs of Bob Dylan'' released by
Doghouse Records
Doghouse Records is an American record label currently based in New York City.Alan O'Connor, ''Punk Record Labels and the Struggle for Autonomy''. Lexington Books, 2008, p. 41Google Books/ref> The company was founded by Dirk Hemsath in late 1987 ...
in 2006. The group's self-titled debut was released on February 3, 2009.
Say Anything band members Jake and Jeff Turner self-released their six-track EP ''Some Day'' in February 2009 under the name XO. They recorded it with Matt Malpass in Atlanta in January 2008 at Monsters and Marigolds Studio. The album features both brothers on vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboard, with Jeff also playing drums. Around the same time, Parker Case embarked on a solo project named I and the Universe, while Alex Kent started a record label, Gnome Records and began work on his own solo effort under the name Alexander T. Kent. Alex also has a side project with members o Japandi an Witt called Qwermicide.
In 2008, Say Anything featured on the
Punk Goes Crunk
''Punk Goes Crunk'' is the seventh compilation album in the '' Punk Goes...'' series released by Fearless Records. The album is composed of popular hip hop songs performed by various post-hardcore, metalcore and pop punk bands. This is the firs ...
album covering
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004), better known by his stage name Ol' Dirty Bastard (often abbreviated as ODB), was an American rapper. He was one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, a rap group primarily fr ...
's "
Got Your Money
"Got Your Money" is a single by American rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard in his final appearance, from his second studio album, ''Nigga Please''. The song's chorus is sung by American R&B singer Kelis, who makes her first appearance on record. Both the ...
".
In 2009, Max and his wife,
Sherri DuPree
Sherri DuPree-Bemis (born December 3, 1983) is a musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist from Texas. She is one of the primary vocalists and songwriters for the band Eisley. Dupree-Bemis is also a guest vocalist for many other projects, as w ...
(From the band
Eisley
Eisley is an American rock band from Tyler, Texas, originally consisting of siblings Sherri DuPree, Chauntelle DuPree, Stacy DuPree and Weston DuPree. Remaining recording/touring members are their sister Sherri DuPree-Bemis and their cousin Gar ...
) formed a small side project named "Perma" and were selling the demo during the 2009 tour.
In early 2010, the band announced that they will be opening for
Angels and Airwaves
In various theistic religious traditions an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God.
Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God (or Heaven) and humanity. Other roles include ...
on their LOVE tour which kicked off on April 5.
In August 2010, Max announced that he will be releasing a "lo-fi" post-punk album in Fall 2010 under the name "Max Bemis and The Painful Splits."
Say Anything also toured with the bands
Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack is an American rock band that formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1997. The band's line-up consists of vocalist and guitarist Justin Courtney Pierre, lead guitarist Joshua Cain, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew ...
and
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
in the fall of 2010. Bemis commented on it on his Twitter, claiming that Say Anything's fans might want to come up with their favorite
Two Tongues
Two Tongues is an American indie rock side project/supergroup, consisting of members of Say Anything (Max Bemis and Coby Linder) and Saves the Day (Chris Conley), along with David Soloway, a former guitarist with Saves the Day.
History
Before for ...
songs, insinuating that the group will play a few songs on the tour.
''Anarchy, My Dear'' (2011–2013)
On 13 July 2011, Max Bemis posted a video on the band's website announcing that the band has officially signed with
Equal Vision Records
Equal Vision Records is an independent record label based in Albany, New York. It was founded in the early 1990s by Ray Cappo, singer for the punk bands Youth of Today, Shelter, and Better Than a Thousand.
The label originally existed solely to ...
, he also stated that Tim O'Heir, who produced their second record '' ...Is a Real Boy'' would be producing Say Anything's fifth studio record. Additionally, Bemis stated Equal Vision had acquired the rights to Say Anything's past releases, as he cited the proposed re-release of ''Baseball''. Bemis announced via an October 6 interview with AltPress.com that the name of the new record was ''
Anarchy, My Dear
''Anarchy, My Dear'' is the fifth studio album by American alternative rock band Say Anything. It was released on March 13, 2012 through Equal Vision Records. It is their last album with drummer Coby Linder, who left the band in December 2012.
...
'', and this was later confirmed by Bemis and the rest of the band via Twitter.
Anarchy, My Dear
''Anarchy, My Dear'' is the fifth studio album by American alternative rock band Say Anything. It was released on March 13, 2012 through Equal Vision Records. It is their last album with drummer Coby Linder, who left the band in December 2012.
...
was released on March 13, 2012. On April 20, 2012, the music video for the song "Say Anything" premiered on mtvU.
On November 9, 2012, Equal Vision announced a statement that confirms the release of the re-release of the Say Anything record ''
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each, taking turns batting and fielding. The game occurs over the course of several plays, with each play generally beginning when a player on the fielding tea ...
'', the Menora/Mejora EP, the "Dormroom Demos", Junior Varsity, and other various rarities in a triple-CD box set that are limited to 5000 physical copies. A citation and more information can be found at Equal Vision's website.
On December 28, 2012, it was announced via Say Anything's Facebook page that Coby had left the band on good terms. Max Bemis stated the following in regards to seeking a new drummer "Say Anything will continue on without Coby but we will not be seeking a replacement drummer to play on the records we put out, as Coby and his style of drumming is, in many senses, irreplaceable; rather we plan on having a multitude of drummers play on our material. Say Anything on record will now be identified in the same way Nine Inch Nails is, in that it’s pretty much me and whoever I choose to play with at the time. Live shows will continue to have their own identity including Jake, Jeff, Parker, Adam, and whoever plays drums for us live. The band couldn’t be further from breaking up, and as I’ve said recently, we plan on releasing music as Say Anything forever, and already have a lot in the works."
''All My Friends Are Enemies: Early Rarities'' (2013–2014)
On January 22, 2013, Say Anything released ''All My Friends Are Enemies: Early Rarities'', a three-disc compilation consisting of all of the material recorded by Say Anything prior to the release of ''...Is a Real Boy''. Disc one of this compilation is a copy of ''Baseball: An Album by Sayanything''; disc two is ''Menorah/Majora'' EP and the ''Dormroom Demos''; and disc three is titled ''Junior Varsity'' and includes all the songs from the first ''Junior Varsity (in Your Dreams)'' EP, in addition to other tracks. Overall, the album contains 45 remastered B-side tracks from the early days of Say Anything.
The band toured from June 6, 2013 to late summer to promote this album.
''Hebrews'' (2014–2015)
On January 13, 2014, wife of Max Bemis, Sherri DuPree-Bemis published an Instagram photo stating that the new Say Anything album is almost mixed. The band's record, ''
Hebrews
The terms ''Hebrews'' (Hebrew: / , Modern: ' / ', Tiberian: ' / '; ISO 259-3: ' / ') and ''Hebrew people'' are mostly considered synonymous with the Semitic-speaking Israelites, especially in the pre-monarchic period when they were still no ...
'', was released June 10, 2014 on Equal Vision Records. The album was the first album that was self-produced by front-man
Max Bemis
Maxim Adam Bemis (born April 6, 1984) () is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, primary composer and primary lyricist of the band, Say Anything, before their hiatus in 2018. He sang alongside Chris Conley in the ...
. Bemis worked in the studio with audio engineer
Garron DuPree
Garron DuPree (born December 4, 1989) is a bass guitarist and recording engineer from Texas. DuPree began his career as a professional musician in 2005 at the age of 15 as the bassist for the group Eisley, and became the bassist for Say Anything in ...
for many months while recording the album at Bemis and Dupree's own studio in Tyler, TX. The album was mixed by mix engineer Brad Wood, and mastered by Emily Lazar. It returned to the collaborative nature of the band's earlier material, with guest vocals including Jon Simmons of
Balance and Composure
Balance and Composure was an American alternative rock band from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. They formed in the winter of 2007, after the breakup of two local Doylestown bands.
The band's music was often suggested having similarities to Title Fig ...
Blink 182
Blink-182 (stylized as blink-182) is an American rock band formed in Poway, California in 1992. Their current lineup consists of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Though their sound has ...
and
Angels and Airwaves
In various theistic religious traditions an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God.
Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God (or Heaven) and humanity. Other roles include ...
,
Andy Hull
John Andrew Hull (born November 7, 1986) is an American singer, musician and songwriter. He serves as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Manchester Orchestra. He also has a side project, Right Away ...
of
Manchester Orchestra
Manchester Orchestra is an American indie rock band from Atlanta formed in 2004. The group is composed of rhythm guitarist-singer-songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, bassist Andy Prince and drummer Tim Very. Former drummer Jer ...
,
Brian Sella
The Front Bottoms are an American rock band from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Mat Uychich.
History
The group formed in 2006 in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. In August 2007, after ...
of
The Front Bottoms
The Front Bottoms are an American rock band from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Mat Uychich.
History
The group formed in 2006 in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. In August 2007, after ...
and
Jeremy Bolm
Jeremy Bolm is an American vocalist, record label owner, music producer and writer. In his music career, he is most known for being the full-time vocalist of the post-hardcore band Touché Amoré. He has also performed with the part-time bands Thr ...
of Touche Amore. The album was met with positive reception by fans and critics upon its release, and the group embarked on a successful headlining tour in support of the album in the summer of 2014.
''I Don't Think It Is'' (2016–2017)
At about midnight EST on February 4, 2016, Say Anything released ''
I Don't Think It Is
''I Don't Think It Is'' is the seventh full-length studio album by American rock band Say Anything (band), Say Anything.
Release
On February 2, 2016, frontman Max Bemis sent out a message stating "You know what? We're gonna stream our whole new r ...
'' without any prior announcement besides several teaser posts the day before. The album was co-produced by Bemis and Darren King of
Mutemath
Mutemath (sometimes styled as MuteMath or MUTEMATH) is an American alternative rock project founded by American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer Paul Meany. Originally co-founded as a band with Darren King in 2002, Me ...
, who also played drums and percussion, as well as Liam Ortmeier, who briefly appeared in previous works on guitar. The record was mixed by
Will Yip
Will may refer to:
Common meanings
* Will and testament, instructions for the disposition of one's property after death
* Will (philosophy), or willpower
* Will (sociology)
* Will, volition (psychology)
* Will, a modal verb - see Shall and will
...
and featured contributions by members of
The Hotelier
The Hotelier is an American indie rock band from Worcester, Massachusetts, currently signed with Dreams of Field Recordings. The band's second album, '' Home, Like Noplace Is There'', has been featured on Spin's "The 101 Best Albums of the 2010s ...
,
Tiny Moving Parts
Tiny Moving Parts is an American rock band from Benson, Minnesota. Formed by brothers William and Matthew Chevalier, and their cousin Dylan Mattheisen, the band has released eight studio albums since their 2008 formation in junior high. Their epo ...
,
Eisley
Eisley is an American rock band from Tyler, Texas, originally consisting of siblings Sherri DuPree, Chauntelle DuPree, Stacy DuPree and Weston DuPree. Remaining recording/touring members are their sister Sherri DuPree-Bemis and their cousin Gar ...
,
Japanese Breakfast
Japanese Breakfast is an indie pop band headed by Korean-American musician Michelle Zauner.
Zauner started the band as a side project in 2013, when she was leading the Philadelphia-based emo group Little Big League. She has said that she named ...
and others.
In 2017 it was announced drummer Reed Murray would be leaving the band. He was then replaced by Remington DuPree of
Eisley
Eisley is an American rock band from Tyler, Texas, originally consisting of siblings Sherri DuPree, Chauntelle DuPree, Stacy DuPree and Weston DuPree. Remaining recording/touring members are their sister Sherri DuPree-Bemis and their cousin Gar ...
for the band's '' In Defense of the Genre'' tenth anniversary tour.
The band announced their signing to
Dine Alone Records
Dine Alone Records is a Canadian and American independent record label, founded in St. Catharines and Toronto by Joel Carriere. The label is now based in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles.
History
Dine Alone was born out of founder Joel Ca ...
at
South by Southwest
South by Southwest, abbreviated as SXSW and colloquially referred to as South By, is an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and Convention (meeting), conferences organized jointly that take place in m ...
2018 and revealed the existence of a forthcoming LP produced by
Will Yip
Will may refer to:
Common meanings
* Will and testament, instructions for the disposition of one's property after death
* Will (philosophy), or willpower
* Will (sociology)
* Will, volition (psychology)
* Will, a modal verb - see Shall and will
...
.
''Oliver Appropriate'' and hiatus (2018)
On August 16, 2018, Bemis released a nine-page letter to fans detailing the band's forthcoming record, his future plans for Say Anything, and struggles with his own sexuality and drug use. Say Anything's final LP for the time being, ''
Oliver Appropriate
''Oliver Appropriate'' is the eighth studio album by American rock band Say Anything released on January 25, 2019 via Dine Alone Records. The album is a concept album and purported sequel to the band's second full-length album, '' ...Is a Real B ...
'', was released on January 25, 2019, via Dine Alone Records. The album is a purported sequel to '' ...Is a Real Boy'', featuring an adult version of the narrator fictionalized on that record who struggles with his own sexuality, leading to a violent conclusion. Bemis stated his intention to "sort of, kind of end" the band, but that the project would also likely return in the future to record and perform again. As for now, Bemis is finished with "the traditional music thing" and there will be no tour in support of the new album, nor any scheduled live performances in the near future. However, he went on a solo tour in 2019 where he played acoustic versions of Say Anything and Perma songs. During the tour, he confirmed that Say Anything would eventually return.
On October 11th, 2022, Max Bemis announced via instagram that Say Anything would be reuniting in 2023 at the When We Were Young Festival.
Style
Themes and influences
Say Anything's music falls into the
indie rock
Indie rock is a Music subgenre, subgenre of rock music that originated in the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand from the 1970s to the 1980s. Originally used to describe independent record labels, the term became associated with the mu ...
,
emo
Emo is a rock music genre characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics. It emerged as a style of and hardcore punk from the Washington D.C. hardcore punk scene, where it was known as emotional hardcore or emocore and pioneered b ...
and
pop punk
Pop punk (or punk pop) is a rock music genre that combines elements of punk rock with power pop or pop. It is defined for its emphasis on classic pop songcraft, as well as adolescent and anti-suburbia themes, and is distinguished from other pu ...
genres. They can most easily be identified by their sardonic, literary sense of humor balanced out with a sense of intense catharsis. The band, as well as certain artists within the indie/punk scene such as
Cursive
Cursive (also known as script, among other names) is any style of penmanship in which characters are written joined in a flowing manner, generally for the purpose of making writing faster, in contrast to block letters. It varies in functionalit ...
,
MewithoutYou
MewithoutYou, usually styled as mewithoutYou, was an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consisted of Aaron Weiss (vocals), Michael Weiss and Brandon Beaver (guitars), Greg Jehanian (bass guitar), and Rickie Mazzotta ( ...
Manchester Orchestra
Manchester Orchestra is an American indie rock band from Atlanta formed in 2004. The group is composed of rhythm guitarist-singer-songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, bassist Andy Prince and drummer Tim Very. Former drummer Jer ...
tend to straddle the line between older fans and a youth oriented audience. Their style incorporates pieces of
hardcore
Hardcore, hard core or hard-core may refer to:
Arts and media Film
* ''Hardcore'' (1977 film), a British comedy film
* ''Hardcore'' (1979 film), an American crime drama film starring George C Scott
* ''Hardcore'' (2001 film), a British documen ...
, bombastic
arena rock
Arena rock (also known as AOR, melodic rock, stadium rock, anthem rock, pomp rock, corporate rock and dad rock; ; ) is a style of rock music that originated in the mid-1970s. As hard rock bands and those playing a softer yet strident kind of po ...
and
post-punk
Post-punk (originally called new musick) is a broad genre of punk music that emerged in the late 1970s as musicians departed from punk's traditional elements and raw simplicity, instead adopting a variety of avant-garde sensibilities and non-roc ...
. Bemis, the primary songwriter of Say Anything, stated, "I believe that an artist should let his art be appreciated by anyone who's interested and not 'play favourites'." He also said that lyrics are "based on experience." However, due to Bemis'
bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood that last from days to weeks each. If the elevated mood is severe or associated with ...
and his resulting mentality, the themes of the songs are often surreal, bleak, irreverent, personal, and autobiographical. Other themes include distaste with
snob
''Snob'' is a pejorative term for a person who believes there is a correlation between social status (including physical appearance) and human worth.De Botton, A. (2004), ''Status Anxiety''. London: Hamish Hamilton ''Snob'' also refers to a per ...
bery and
hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another or the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. In moral psychology, it is the ...
. Drugs and mankind's relationship with drugs are also a popular subject in Say Anything's songs, especially on ''
Is a Real Boy
''...Is a Real Boy'' is the second studio album release by American rock band Say Anything.
Recording
On January 27, 2003, the band announced they had signed to Doghouse Records; shortly after, they recorded demos for their next album, which was ...
'', which was written and recorded after Bemis' several drug-fueled breakdowns. Specifically, "Admit It!!!", "Yellow Cat (Slash) Red Cat", "Try To Remember, Forget", "The Writhing South", and "Sorry, Dudes, My Bad" include references to Bemis' drug usage. In general, Say Anything tends to draw inspiration from alienation from a flawed society but confers a sense of hope.
Max Bemis was raised "in a strong
Jewish
Jews ( he, יְהוּדִים, , ) or Jewish people are an ethnoreligious group and nation originating from the Israelites Israelite origins and kingdom: "The first act in the long drama of Jewish history is the age of the Israelites""The ...
environment." Many of Bemis' lyrics borrow from his Jewish roots, and contain elements of
Jewish humor
The tradition of humor in Judaism dates back to the Torah and the Midrash from the ancient Middle East, but generally refers to the more recent stream of verbal and often anecdotal humor of Ashkenazi Jews which took root in the United States ove ...
. While most of band's earlier songs are free of any such inspiration, the songs of '' ...Is a Real Boy'' and ''In Defense of the Genre'' include references to Jewish heritage. " Alive with the Glory of Love," Say Anything's first single, has a main subject of a relationship affected by
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
and
the Holocaust
The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe; a ...
, based on Bemis's grandparents, while " Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too" includes mentions of "the old shul" and a rabbi's teachings. A strong example from ''In Defense'' comes from the lyrics of "Died a Jew". The song includes several references to the Jewish people and its history along with mentions of "the murder of God" and Bemis' departures from
kosher
(also or , ) is a set of dietary laws dealing with the foods that Jewish people are permitted to eat and how those foods must be prepared according to Jewish law. Food that may be consumed is deemed kosher ( in English, yi, כּשר), fro ...
. References to religion come again in "Fed to Death" on ''Say Anything'', referring to a 'man from Nazareth' who would one day 'spring to life to smile and clear your name' but until then 'nail yourself upon the cross and hang your head in shame.'
In regards to writing songs for ''...Is a Real Boy'', Bemis stated, "The songs were jam packed with fairly blatant nods to bands I dig (
Queen
Queen or QUEEN may refer to:
Monarchy
* Queen regnant, a female monarch of a Kingdom
** List of queens regnant
* Queen consort, the wife of a reigning king
* Queen dowager, the widow of a king
* Queen mother, a queen dowager who is the mother ...
,
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before settling on the current name in July 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man. Bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist/r ...
,
Fugazi
Fugazi (; ) is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Washington, D.C., in 1986. The band consists of guitarists and vocalists Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally, and drummer Brendan Canty. They are noted for their style-tr ...
, etc)." These can be considered some of Say Anything's influences. Other influences at some point cited by the band include Botch,
Weezer
Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. Since 2001, the band has consisted of Rivers Cuomo (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Patrick Wilson (drums, backing vocals), Scott Shriner (bass guitar, keyboards, backing v ...
,
The Stooges
The Stooges, originally billed as the Psychedelic Stooges, also known as Iggy and the Stooges, was an American rock band formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1967 by singer Iggy Pop, guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bassist Dave ...
,
Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American band formed in Ruston, Louisiana, by musician Jeff Mangum. They were active from 1989 to 1998, and again from 2013 to 2015. The band's music featured a deliberately low-quality sound, influenced by indie rock ...
,
Sunny Day Real Estate
Sunny Day Real Estate is an American emo/indie rock band from Seattle, formed in 1992. The band currently consists of founding members Jeremy Enigk (vocals, guitar), Dan Hoerner (guitar) and William Goldsmith (drums), alongside Greg Suran (gui ...
,
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup changed frequently dur ...
, and the
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters are an American rock band formed in Seattle in 1994. Foo Fighters was initially formed as a one-man project by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. Following the success of the eponymous debut album, Grohl (lead vocals, guitar) re ...
. Also of note, the band has covered songs by
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004), better known by his stage name Ol' Dirty Bastard (often abbreviated as ODB), was an American rapper. He was one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, a rap group primarily fr ...
("
Got Your Money
"Got Your Money" is a single by American rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard in his final appearance, from his second studio album, ''Nigga Please''. The song's chorus is sung by American R&B singer Kelis, who makes her first appearance on record. Both the ...
"),
Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper. Rooted in East Coast hip hop and particularly gangsta ...
("No Soul" contains the same hook as the sample in " Juicy" although it adheres more closely to the original song "Juicy Fruit" from which the sample for the Notorious B.I.G. song was taken),
The Four Tops
''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
("Sure, Baby...Hold Back" features a chorus lifted from " Sugar Pie Honey Bunch"), Safety in Numbers ("Dealer"),
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
("Jessie and My Whetstone"), and
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture during a career sp ...
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The Man in Me
"The Man in Me" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan and released as the 10th track on his 1970 album ''New Morning''.
Reception and legacy
''Rolling Stone'' placed the song 84th on a list of the "100 Greatest Bob Dylan Songs ...
").
Max Bemis expounded upon the story of ''In Defense of the Genre'' as well as the differences between that album and ''...Is a Real Boy'' i an interview with AbsolutePunk.net on June 19, 2007.
Live shows
During live shows, some members of the group (other than Bemis) sing backing vocals. Bemis often sings parts he wrote, but which were sung by guest vocalists on studio recordings. In recent years, Bemis has switched up the lineup of performing musicians, using some permanent members of the groups, while rotating other musicians in and out of the live lineup. Beginning on the "All My Friends Are Enemies – Rarities Tour," Bemis added drummer Reed Murray, and bassist
Garron DuPree
Garron DuPree (born December 4, 1989) is a bass guitarist and recording engineer from Texas. DuPree began his career as a professional musician in 2005 at the age of 15 as the bassist for the group Eisley, and became the bassist for Say Anything in ...
. In summer of 2014 on the
Hebrews
The terms ''Hebrews'' (Hebrew: / , Modern: ' / ', Tiberian: ' / '; ISO 259-3: ' / ') and ''Hebrew people'' are mostly considered synonymous with the Semitic-speaking Israelites, especially in the pre-monarchic period when they were still no ...
tour, Bemis recruited ex-Taking Back Sunday member
Fred Mascherino
Frederick Paul Mascherino (born July 27, 1974) is an American musician best known for his work as lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist in alternative rock band Taking Back Sunday. He is currently active with the band The Color Fred, and also know ...
,
Moneen
Moneen (sometimes stylised as .moneen.) is a Canadian indie rock band from Brampton, Ontario.
History
Moneen formed in 1999 after the dissolution of another band, called Perfectly Normal. The founding members were singer/guitarist Kenny Bridges ...
guitarist Kenny Bridges, and Moving Mountains vocalist Greg Dunn to replace Jake and Jeff Turner and Parker Case, who were at the time performing with their band XO.
In the midst of the "Me Too" movement and accusations of sexual harassment against numerous prominent musicians, Bemis announced that the band would no longer perform "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too" during live shows in 2017. His Twitter post stated that the song portrayed a "sarcastic caricature of someone I’ve never been at all and is no longer appropriate during this crisis."
On September 8, 2020, frontman Max Bemis performed an online acoustic performance of the bands debut album, "...Is a Real Boy" in its entirety on an online livestream. During the livestream, Bemis stated that if the turnout for the livestream went well, the remaining Say Anything albums may also be performed online by livestream.
Remixes
Georgia emcee Kyle Lucas remixed "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too" on his mixtape, ''Kyle Lucas Is Still My Favorite''.
Members
Former members
;Final lineup
*
Max Bemis
Maxim Adam Bemis (born April 6, 1984) () is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, primary composer and primary lyricist of the band, Say Anything, before their hiatus in 2018. He sang alongside Chris Conley in the ...
– vocals, occasional guitar and keyboards (2000–2018)
*
Parker Case
Parker Case is an American musician and drummer, mostly known from his involvement in the bands JamisonParker
JamisonParker were an American emo duo in the early to mid-2000s, consisting of singer/guitarist Jamison Covington and guitarist/ba ...
– keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2005–2018)
*
Garron DuPree
Garron DuPree (born December 4, 1989) is a bass guitarist and recording engineer from Texas. DuPree began his career as a professional musician in 2005 at the age of 15 as the bassist for the group Eisley, and became the bassist for Say Anything in ...
Hot Rod Circuit
Hot Rod Circuit (HRC) is an American emo band from Auburn, Alabama, established in 1997.
History
Early years
The band was originally known as ''Antidote'' under which they released the album ''Mr. Glenboski'', which won the group the award of ...
,
Terrible Things
Terrible Things is an alternative rock band initially formed in 2009 by Fred Mascherino, formerly of Taking Back Sunday, Andy Jackson of Hot Rod Circuit, and Josh Eppard, from Coheed and Cambria.Biography Allmusic The group released a self-ti ...
) – guitar (2005)
*
Kenny Vasoli
Kenneth Robert "Kenny" Vasoli is an American singer and musician from Pennsylvania. Vasoli is currently the lead singer and songwriter of The Starting Line, Person L, and Vacationer.
Biography
Kenneth "Kenny" Robert Vasoli was born May 20, 198 ...
(
The Starting Line
The Starting Line is an American pop punk band based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that formed in 1999.
History
Early years (1999–2001)
In 1999, the band that would become The Starting Line was initiated in Churchville, Pennsylvania via an e ...
,
Person L
Person L is an American rock band fronted by Kenny Vasoli, of the pop punk band The Starting Line. Vasoli is the band's lead singer and guitarist and formed Person L in winter 2006 as an outlet to explore other musical styles. The group also cons ...
Fred Mascherino
Frederick Paul Mascherino (born July 27, 1974) is an American musician best known for his work as lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist in alternative rock band Taking Back Sunday. He is currently active with the band The Color Fred, and also know ...
(
Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday is an American rock band from Long Island, New York. The band was formed by guitarist Eddie Reyes and bassist Jesse Lacey in 1999. The band's members currently are Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), John Nolan (lead guitar, keybo ...
,
The Color Fred
The Color Fred is a band headed by former Taking Back Sunday guitarist and singer Fred Mascherino. The band got their name by a poll taken on the internet and ''The Color Fred'' was declared as the fans' favorite name.
History
The band was star ...
Chris Conley
Christopher Lane Conley (born February 29, 1980) is an American musician who is the lead-singer/rhythm guitarist of the rock band Saves the Day. He was the only remaining original member as well as major artistic contributor throughout their car ...
(
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American Rock music, rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1997. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, and bassist Rodrigo Palma.
After forming under the nam ...
,
Two Tongues
Two Tongues is an American indie rock side project/supergroup, consisting of members of Say Anything (Max Bemis and Coby Linder) and Saves the Day (Chris Conley), along with David Soloway, a former guitarist with Saves the Day.
History
Before for ...
Say Anything Say Anything may refer to:
Film and television
* '' Say Anything...'', a 1989 American film by Cameron Crowe
* "Say Anything" (''BoJack Horseman''), a television episode
Music
* Say Anything (band), an American rock band
** ''Say Anything'' (alb ...
'' (2009)
* ''
Anarchy, My Dear
''Anarchy, My Dear'' is the fifth studio album by American alternative rock band Say Anything. It was released on March 13, 2012 through Equal Vision Records. It is their last album with drummer Coby Linder, who left the band in December 2012.
...
'' (2012)
* ''
Hebrews
The terms ''Hebrews'' (Hebrew: / , Modern: ' / ', Tiberian: ' / '; ISO 259-3: ' / ') and ''Hebrew people'' are mostly considered synonymous with the Semitic-speaking Israelites, especially in the pre-monarchic period when they were still no ...
'' (2014)
* ''
I Don't Think It Is
''I Don't Think It Is'' is the seventh full-length studio album by American rock band Say Anything (band), Say Anything.
Release
On February 2, 2016, frontman Max Bemis sent out a message stating "You know what? We're gonna stream our whole new r ...
'' (2016)
* ''
Oliver Appropriate
''Oliver Appropriate'' is the eighth studio album by American rock band Say Anything released on January 25, 2019 via Dine Alone Records. The album is a concept album and purported sequel to the band's second full-length album, '' ...Is a Real B ...