Interview with Max Flansburg from The New Daze

The New Daze     

Syracuse, NY

Max Flansburg - Guitar/Vocals

Jamie Knittel    -  Bass/Vocals

Angelo Pavone - Drums/Vocals

I guess we'll start with the easy questions. How and when did the band form? Who are the members? Are these the original members or were there changes along the way?

The New Daze started in the fall of 2008. We had an extra guitar player Dan, and a singer Josh, and a different bass player, Matt. Dan and Josh left the band fairly quickly and for a while it was Angelo(drums), Matt, and I. We played together for about two years but Matt has since left the band, so Angelo and I asked Jamie to play bass for us and that's when everything clicked.

From the several times I've heard you guys play, I've noticed some hints of Sublime and maybe some Weezer in your songs. Who are your main influences?

We love Sublime and Weezer. I'd say our biggest influences are probably Phish, Sublime, Grateful Dead, Hendrix, etc. 

I hate when people ask me this question, so I'm going to ask you: How would you describe the genre of music that you play?

Rock/Jam/Reggae/Funk

Tell me about your songwriting process. Where do you find inspiration?

I think that we find inspiration in everything we see, touch, feel, and hear. I'm not sure if I can speak for Jamie or Angelo, but I find inspiration in everyday experiences with friends, love, religion, and sex.

What sort of topics do you cover in your lyrics?

Everything from love to a man with fingers like a sloth.

You have a surprisingly deep and mature voice for being as young as you are. When did you hit puberty?

When I was 3 years old.

I notice you just released a new album. Tell us about that. How is this album different from the previous albums? Where can we listen to or purchase this album?

Yea, "Lose Your Culture" was released last month. It is our first album we are all real proud of it. You can get it from one of us or at SoundGarden  in Syracuse, New York.

What is your favorite New Daze song and why?

Probably "Bag". It just is a really meaningful song to me. 

What is your favorite part about being in the band? Recording, songwriting, playing, practicing or all of the above?

The best part of being in a band is when I am on stage and we are all just locked into a really tight jam and the music and my guitar takes me into a different place and everybody watches and together we all take a moment to forget all of our worries and just live in the moment.

 Do you guys do anything as a band that is not music related? (Hang out, play sports, etc...)

Yea we mad tight. I luhhhh dem fools.

If you could pick any band to play or tour with, who would it be and why?

Phish. Cause they kill it.

You just graduated high school. What are your plans for the future in terms of yourself and the band? How is this going to affect The New Daze? 

Next year we are going to promote and sell the album when we are at school and book shows on our breaks. We are planning to make our next album next summer.

Do you have any words of wisdom that you've learned on the road or in the practice room that you can give to other bands who are just forming?

Just remember what you are in it for.

Are you playing any shows or planning any tours in the near future?

We have a few small shows but the biggest one is June 28th @ Funk N' Waffles. We are playing with Steep and Lee Terrace. We love those bands and are super excited for this show. It's gonna be a great time.

 Are you excited for Rebecca Blacks new album?

Yes.

 Final question. This might be a tough one. Rebecca Black, Jonah Hill and Christopher Walken. Who would you marry, who would you kill and who would you have sex with? Go. (You can also explain why if you feel it necessary)


I'd fuck and then kill Rebecca Black and then marry Jonah Hill because I love him with all my heart.