CD Burners 9: ...Is A Real Boy by Say Anything with Max Bemis
May 21, 2024
Max Bemis, the lead singer and songwriter of Say Anything, shares insights about his iconic album '...Is A Real Boy', written at just 19. He reflects on the album's lasting impact on the emo scene and how it intermingles humor with deep introspection. Max discusses his personal journey, the emotional weight of his lyrics, and the nostalgia surrounding the decline of CDs. He candidly addresses the challenges artists face in the industry, including mental health struggles and navigating fame, while cherishing the connections music creates.
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Humor and Emotion in Emo
- "Is A Real Boy" is both humorous and deeply emotional, mixing irony with sincerity, uncommon in emo music at its time.
- Max Bemis created a work showcasing a complex range of feelings including humor, sadness, and self-reflection.
Cultural Impact of Album
- Rolling Stone recognized "Is A Real Boy" as one of the top emo albums, highlighting its cultural impact.
- The album's independent success and Billboard placement show how distinctive and influential it was in its genre.
DJ Saves the Show
- At a Say Anything show, the band didn't play "Alive with the Glory of Love," leading the podcast hosts to DJ it themselves.
- The crowd loved it, showing fans' strong connection to the song even without the band playing it live.
