Wavves to Rerecord Say Anything Album After Bemis Allegations

Wavves, the surf-rock band led by Nathan Williams, has announced plans to rerecord an album that was intended to feature Say Anything frontman Max Bemis. This decision comes in response to allegations that have surfaced against Bemis. Williams stated in an interview with Pitchfork on May 23, 2024, that he no longer wishes to be associated with Bemis, leading to the immediate halt of any further collaboration on the project. The album, which was reportedly nearing completion, will now be re-recorded without Bemis's contributions.

Williams expressed his disappointment and discomfort with the situation, emphasizing that the allegations against Bemis are serious enough to warrant a complete separation from the collaborative work. He indicated that the original recordings featuring Bemis would not be released. The decision to rerecord the album signifies a significant pivot for Wavves, as they now face the task of re-envisioning and re-recording material that was previously developed with a specific collaborator in mind. This move highlights the impact of personal conduct allegations on creative partnerships within the music industry, forcing artists to re-evaluate their associations and the integrity of their artistic output. The specific nature of the allegations against Max Bemis has not been detailed in the reporting, but the severity has prompted Wavves to take decisive action.

Say Anything, the band fronted by Max Bemis, has been a prominent act in the emo and alternative rock scenes since its formation in 2000. Bemis himself has been a prolific songwriter and performer, known for his distinctive lyrical style and energetic stage presence. The planned collaboration with Wavves, a band known for its laid-back, sun-drenched sound, represented an interesting stylistic crossover. Wavves, formed in 2008, has released several critically acclaimed albums, including "King of the Beach" (2010) and "Vamanos" (2015), and has cultivated a dedicated fanbase. The unreleased album was expected to blend the distinct musical identities of both artists. However, the allegations have rendered this fusion untenable for Wavves. The band's commitment to rerecording the album underscores a broader trend in the entertainment industry where artists and companies are increasingly scrutinizing the personal lives and past actions of collaborators to align with public values and maintain brand integrity. This situation presents a considerable logistical and creative challenge for Wavves, requiring them to revisit and potentially reimagine the sonic direction and lyrical themes of the project without their intended guest artist. The timeline for the rerecording process and the eventual release of the revised album remains uncertain.