Growing up and building each other up, together and separately. Chance encounters and the search for meaning.
Optimists often talk of chance or fate as if everything in life is some sort of fairytale—and more Disney than Brothers Grimm. This talk of destiny rarely imparts the importance of choice and resolve when writing the story of a life. When a series of fateful circumstances come together, what you do afterward is what defines you.
Texas group Messer’s inception sounds like a Hollywood script, with each chance encounter adding another brick to the band’s foundation—their initial meeting places include concert venues, a hair salon, and a tattoo shop—but the result is far from a cheesy popcorn flick. The members bonded over a shared love of passionate, soulful music and a desire to be a positive source of inspiration, and their self-titled debut album—out April 20 via Maddpants Records—was born.
Messer take their name from two of the members’ last names, and the shared musical and thematic vision makes this project feel like a true family affair. Bassist Maddox Messer notes that, like in any family, establishing shared rules while allowing for individualism has helped the band grow together.
“We are a family, but we have had our moments!” he says. “It’s been a long, hard road to get here. This album really stretched us as musicians, and we grew as men. It took a while for everyone to get on the same page, but we were always committed to allowing everyone to get there on their own terms. We have had to endure personal relationship adversities, as well as band issues. We stayed true to the project always, knowing that if we made this album the very best we could, at some point, it would be blatantly obvious to everyone around us that we were doing what the universe intended.”
One of the biggest rules, Messer notes, is that the members have to respect their differences, as long as everyone is focused and united in creating the most honest music possible.
He elaborates, “Our musical taste runs the gamut of musical styles and a variety of genres. Part of this process, for us, was to be pushed outside of our own comfort zones. It forced us to reach higher and dig deeper than any of us thought we could. We studied a lot of singer-songwriter type performances from greats like Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Sia, and even Adele.”
“We were also inspired and have several ‘tip of the hat’ moments to bands like Pink Floyd, New Romantics, The Eagles, Nine Inch Nails, and Bruce Springsteen,” he continues. “We wanted to have a groove like Pantera and vocals that were soulful, almost R&B-styled, with explosive choruses that were unforgettable. Our playlist is very eclectic. Some may find it odd that we are into Toto, particularly the song ‘Africa.’ We always do singalongs when we are on the road when that song comes up on the playlist. Maybe we should record a cover version?”
Another shared value is that the music has to be honest yet positive.
“We knew that we wanted an overall positive message and lyrical tone,” Messer states, “but our lives basically dictated what our songs became about. It was important that the messages were clear—and memorable too. For us, the most important aspect of a great song is the message. If we can tell a story that everyone can relate to in a memorable way, then the song would stand a better chance to impact someone in a positive manner. We really wanted to change lives with our music. That is our number-one goal.”
With Messer, the band’s members aim to touch as many lives as possible, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that the group’s eponymous debut is stacked with songs as meaningful as they are memorable. Messer’s formula feels old-fashioned: good music from good people hoping to spark positive change. With such creative vigor and charged music, Messer are clearly succeeding. These Texans are definitely a band to watch.
