Jeremy McKinnon, the dynamic frontman of A Day To Remember, dives into an engaging conversation about their new album 'You're Welcome' and the tumultuous journey of creating it amidst the pandemic. He reveals the insights behind their lawsuit against Victory Records, offering a raw look at the industry's challenges. Listeners get a taste of the emotional songwriting process, collaborations, and the significance of fan connection. McKinnon also shares personal reflections on family and the exhilarating return to the stage after a long hiatus.
Jeremy McKinnon reflects on the invaluable family time gained during the pandemic, highlighting its importance despite touring commitments.
The collaborative songwriting experiences broadened McKinnon's creative skills and enabled him to explore new musical genres and influences.
A Day to Remember's legal battles with Victory Records underscored their resilience in pursuing fair treatment and better opportunities for their music.
Deep dives
The Importance of Family Time
Spending time with family has become an invaluable experience for many during challenging periods, as discussed by Jeremy McKinnon. He reflects on the unforeseen benefits of having ample time off from touring, particularly the opportunity to bond with his daughter during her formative years. Although the pandemic posed significant hurdles, it also allowed him to cherish moments with family that would otherwise be lost to touring commitments. McKinnon emphasizes that such personal time can outweigh the negative aspects of any challenging circumstances.
Embracing Collaborations and New Styles
Exploring collaboration has offered new creative avenues for Jeremy McKinnon, who discussed the challenges and rewards of co-writing outside of his typical musical sphere. His experiences in writing sessions with various musicians broadened his songwriting skills and pushed him to delve into different musical genres. McKinnon describes how his first experience working with strangers involved initial insecurity, leading to breakthroughs in creativity and inspiring songs like 'Mind Reader'. This collaborative approach has invigorated his own songwriting process, combining different influences to create unique and diverse tracks.
Navigating Fan Expectations
Jeremy McKinnon addressed the challenges of catering to a diverse fanbase while striving to maintain the band's authentic sound. Balancing expectations from longtime fans, who often prefer heavier tracks, with newcomers drawn to pop-oriented songs can be a delicate task. McKinnon expressed that while fluctuating sentiments on new music can be stressful, he aims to remain true to the band's roots while exploring varied styles. This ongoing struggle to find common ground exemplifies the tension that many artists face in an evolving music landscape.
The Journey Through Major Label Challenges
The transition away from Victory Records marked a significant turning point for A Day to Remember, with Jeremy McKinnon sharing insights into their arduous legal battles with the label. The band's pursuit of fair treatment in their contractual obligations involved extensive struggles that ultimately motivated them to take action against the oppressive circumstances created by Tony Brummel. They faced daunting fears of potential career-ending consequences throughout the process, yet persevered and triumphed. This saga stands as a testament to their resilience and conviction in seeking justice and better opportunities for their music.
Innovating Live Performances and New Releases
With the release of their latest album, 'You're Welcome', A Day to Remember is eager to return to the stage and connect with fans through live performances. McKinnon hinted at an upcoming tour with a beloved band, amplifying excitement among their loyal followers. The diverse tracks on 'You're Welcome' present a blend of styles, showcasing the band's evolution while retaining their distinctive sound. As they prepare to embrace live audiences once again, the anticipation underscores the significance of sharing their new material in a concert setting.
Episode 279 - A DAY TO REMEMBER frontman Jeremy McKinnon joins the show! After many requests, he's finally here, and this episode does NOT disappoint! We discuss the polarizing new album "You're Welcome", how the pandemic derailed their plans, and Jeremy finally goes into details about their lawsuit against former record label Victory Records. You DO NOT want to miss this one.
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