MxPx - Life in General
At fifteen, when most teens are just beginning to think about what life is about, including various aspects of high school or future plans, MxPx was out doing it. Now at 19, with two successful albums to their credit, they are preparing for their third release, Life in General. And, as the project reflects, they continue to talk about every day life as teenagers; but, unlike most teens, they have had the opportunity to experience an aspect of life that is anything but ordinary. MxPx's popularity and rapid rise has given them notoriety as a strong band in the 90's. Let's take a look at just how life is these days for this threesome.
Like many bands, MxPx has experienced first hand the effects that popularity has had on their lifestyles, and show us what it's like to live life at large. With their extensive touring experience and overwhelming response to their first two projects, Pokinatcha and Teenage Politics, one wonders how the band handles life in the midst of their acclaimed position in the punk rawk arena. "For us, dealing with the popularity is pretty normal. It's not too weird. It's not like we have to run around in sunglasses and wigs," laughs Mike Herrera. Overall, MxPx members feel like their audiences have responded approvingly to their prominent status. "Most people, like our fans, think it's cool that we're so young, yet so popular," adds Herrera. .
When MxPx started as a band, they didn't sit down with a list of goals. "Things started happening for us, and 90% of the things were always good. We continued to be nice to people, and put God first in our lives," they express. Herrera's mom, Michelle, acts as the business manager, and takes care of finances, correspondence, and arranging interviews for the band. The guys view her role as beneficial to the band.
"She's not really a typical manager," says Mike. "She does all of our mail order, taxes, accounting, things like that, but she also books our local shows. We have an agent who books all our tours, and Tooth & Nail does publicity, helps out with shows, and works with other industry people." Herrera can't recall anything that's ever caused a conflict as a result of Michelle working with the band. "Nothing has ever come up. She is totally cool, and whatever my decision is -- or our decision is -- she'll let me do it, and supports it. Really, it's a pretty laid back relationship. She takes care of things and asks us what we want to do. So, her acting as manager is pretty much all positive," he adds," however, eventually we will have to get an actual manager, to go one step further."
From Mrs. Herrera's perspective, the exposure and popularity of MxPx has proven to be successful in a number of ways. "I'm really glad to see them succeed at what they love to do. Every level of success has not been what we expected. Each has been a big surprise. Our families are just starting to see that they are really good," says Michelle. "It's great to see that they have remained regular guys in the midst of their popularity, and have not let it go to their heads," she adds.
One negative aspect of their popularity is "that people think they own us -- like we are to do whatever they want us to do," says Herrera. "And if we do something they don't want us to do, they may have something to say, because they feel it could hurt them in some way." MxPx stated that a specific example would be something like writing lyrics. "People say we should write about this or that, which is what they consider spiritual and righteous; and you should only write about things like that. I feel like everything is equal as far as subject matter. As Christians, we are supposed to write about Christian things, but what's a 'Christian thing?' God created this world and everything in it," states Herrera.
While they love writing and playing music, they realize there are more important things in life. "MxPx is just a band which plays music, and music really isn't all that important in life, when it comes down to it. What is important is the decisions you make. It is important to be informed about things and know why you believe in something, or why you don't believe it. Don't just take someone else's word for it, like your friends' or even your pastor. Be inquisitive and think for yourself. We're not here to do it for you, just because we play music," affirms Herrera.
Extensive touring is another factor that has contributed to MxPx's popularity. They have completed five national tours, which have given them exposure in a variety of places. As a result, they have included several songs about touring on their latest release, like "Move to Bremerton" and "South Bound." In addition, MxPx took the time to give us some insight about what it's really like to be on the road. "We have played in the South a lot, and in the Midwest -- like South Dakota and Iowa. Those shows were cool, because we felt like people really appreciated us," they express ."If you play in places where they have a lot of concerts, they don't appreciate you or care as much, because they see big name bands all the time."
MxPx shared a few experiences from the road. "When you tour so extensively, it does present some challenges. For example, when you're sick. It's terrible to play when you're sick, because everyone expects you to be nice, when you really don't feel like talking," says Herrera. "Or when you're touring on the road with five guys, it tends to get a little stressful, but I think we are getting better at that," he adds.
Touring has numerous benefits as well. "It's a great opportunity to travel throughout the country," adds guitarist Tom Wisniewski. "A lot of my friends have never been out of the West Coast area, so it gives us a chance to experience more of the country."
"I'm glad we are touring so young, and not thinking about being married or settling down," adds drummer Yuri Ruley. "It's a lot of fun." "It's also nice to be with your best friends, and we will have a number of memories to look back on," concludes Herrera.
One notable trip was when they travelled to Japan, under endorsement from Japanese label Jimco Records. MxPx was licensed to Jimco under their Thrasher division, which is associated with Thrasher Magazine, and their ads for Jimco appeared in the American issue of Thrasher. The band, along with Brandon Ebel of Tooth & Nail Records, traveled for six days, spending three days in Tokyo, which included a live show at a Tokyo club.
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Comments
My name is stephen and this is pretty much the only band I lisen to!!!! they are the narlyest punk band ever!
