Say Anything

STATS

Coby rockin' on drums - Bamboozle 2005

Who: Say Anything

What: Say Anything...Is A Real Boy

Where: Los Angeles, CA/New York, NY

Peeps: Vocals/Guitar - Max Bemis
            Drums - Coby Linder
            Guitar -   Casper Adams
            Bass -     Alex Kent

Label: Doghouse

My Favorite Song on the Record: Yellow Cat/Red Cat

Have a listen: "Alive with the Glory of Love"

Site: www.sayanythingmusic.com

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sayanything

When I first heard Say Anything's ...Is A Real Boy, I really didn't know what to think. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. I decided to listen again and again and again. I became so enthralled by this punk rock musical that I didn't listen to anything else for weeks. It became my punk rock anthem and personally still is. Max Bemis has a way of putting words together, that really, not many people I've encountered in my life have such a talent. Here was this kid who at 19 could express himself better than most of my college professors. I was hooked and could not wait to witness this band live.

Their live performance was just as amazing as the recorded material itself. It was as if that album came alive. Their performance was high energy and very passionate, not whiney or sullen at all. I was pleased all around. I finally got an interview together with the guys and here are the results. If you have not checked this band out, you my friend, are an idiot. Refreshing comes to mind. This band is on it's way to a long and successful future. Say Anything is not currently touring, but are ready to write some new material. Check their website for current updates. (All comments in yellow are my own)

1. Do you realize your album ...is a Real Boy sounds like a musical or very well could be? And if so was it intentional?

It was definitely intentional. We were originally planning on recording the album as a full on rock opera but as we went on we realized it would be more subtle without real interludes and a blatant story etc.

2. I see there are some new members playing with you guys are they a permanent feature to Say Anything?

We have a new permanent bass player (Alex) and Casper has been playing guitar with us for a while.

3. What's the most memorable show you've played and why?

Main stage at the Bamboozle because I had never been to a big east coast punk rock festival but always fantasized about going, let alone playing, let alone playing on the main stage to 3000 kids. It was overwhelming to see so many kids come out to see us since we were the first band playing that day. The stage was huge! (I was there...incredible show...the kids were AMPED)

4. When do you plan on putting out another incredible record?

Next year, my dear. (Thank GOD!)

5. Do you wish to discuss the subject matter of ...Is A Real Boy?

Is A Real Boy is essentially about coming into your own and finding the confidence to accept life the way it is for better or worse and not be depressed about how fucked up it is.

6. Since this album was your first touring album how do you sum up the experience of touring to date?

Incredibly difficult but incredibly inspiring. Getting out there and sharing in the emotions you put forth in your music with the people who listen to it is one of the most cathartic experiences you can have as a musician but sometimes its hard to put so much of yourself out there every night and not be able to see your loved ones and sleep in a comfy bed. I toss and turn and can't share a bed so I end up sleeping on the floor of the hotel or in the van, where you wake up covered in gross sweat!

7. Is Molly Connelly a Real Girl?

She is a combination of a few girls.

8. What is the one album you cannot live without?

"Through Being Cool" by Saves the Day (Very cool album and very cool band)

9. Since the album has been released do feel that you have more fans with each show or do you feel that the number of fans is more dependent on location?

I'd say it's both. Usually there are more people every time we come back to a city, but there are definitely cities where that is more

10. What's in your pockets right now?

Lint. (For a man who writes songs so eloquently I was hoping for more)

11. Max, how does your song writing process wield itself? Does anyone else write songs in the band?

I write music when an idea or a melody pops into my head and then write around that, so it usually starts with one small part and evolves into a real song. I write all the lyrics and the basic song and then Coby helps me turn into a full fledged rocker.

12. Are any of you schooled musicians and when did you realize you were a musician?

I have taken lessons but technically I'm not "schooled". I know jack shit about theory. I think it was when I was 14 when I wrote my first song.

13. Favorite cuss word?

Fuck, by far. (We do have something in common!)

14. Something not many people know about you?

I was an extra in the movie Face/Off and you can see me standing next to that 16 year old choirgirl who's ass gets grabbed by Nick Cage. (I admit I rented the movie just to see.)

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