Travis Meeks of Days of the New will launch a fall solo acoustic tour on September 23rd in Roseville, Michigan, his first extended outing since he spent time in a drug rehab clinic this spring.
"I'm excited about getting out on the road," Meeks says. "I think it is good for my spirit. I'm learning how to deal with both the home thing and the road thing, with a balance and happy medium. Hopefully I'll be able to sneak a few new songs in there."
When not touring this fall, Meeks will work on a new album at his home studio in Louisville, Kentucky, and he hopes to record with Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Producer Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, Powerman 5000) is slated to mix the album.
"I'm excited to work with Travis," says Shivy, who will join the singer at RadioStar Studios in Northern California. "It's the perfect environment for Travis to get back to basics and make a deep roots record."
Three months removed from his rehab stay for treatment of a methamphetamine addiction, Meeks relishes his improved health. "No pain, no gain," he says. "I'm working hard, enjoying myself, preparing for the shows and all that stuff. I am just laying back. I've learned how to relax more. I'm just hanging with my friends, having a good time, keeping stuff together, being responsible, taking care of financial stuff. It is a part of growing up. Real simple."
Travis Meeks tour dates:
9/23: Roseville, MI, Roseville Theater
9/24: Flint, MI, The Machine Shop
9/25: Traverse City, MI, Shimmers Nightclub
9/26: Grand Rapids, MI, Intersection Lounge
9/27: Charlestown, IN, Clark County 4-H Fair Grounds
10/4-5: Houston, Sidecar Pub
10/8-9: Austin, TX, University of Texas
10/11: Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University
10/12: Slidell, LA, Exodus
10/16: Pittsburgh, Fat Cat's
10/30: Perrysburg, OH, DC Ranch
10/31: Cleveland, The Rhythm Room
11/2: Battle Creek, MI, Planet Rock
11/8: Raleigh, NC, WBFM Radio Show
11/14: Orlando, FL, TBA
11/15: Tampa, FL, Ybor City
11/17: Ft. Myers, FL, WJBX Radio Show
12/19: Oshkosh, WI, The Algloma Club
COLIN DEVENISH
(September 18, 2003)