What's Happening?
Nathan Williams of Wavves has announced plans to rerecord the collaborative album 'Cherry Soda', originally made with Max Bemis of Say Anything. This decision comes in the wake of allegations against Bemis concerning inappropriate behavior, specifically
sending flirtatious messages to two teenage fans. The accusations surfaced last month on the Say Anything subreddit, leading to Bemis canceling a series of acoustic performances. Williams publicly distanced himself from Bemis, stating on his Patreon, “I don’t want to be associated with the guy,” and later on Instagram, “Not sure what to say but f*** Max. F*** Say Anything.” Williams indicated that he spent 11 months on the record, while Bemis spent only four days. Despite 10,000 copies of the original album already being pressed and available for pre-order, Williams plans to re-enter the studio to complete the project as a proper Wavves album.
Why It's Important?
This development highlights the music industry's increasing sensitivity to allegations of misconduct against artists and the subsequent impact on collaborative projects and releases. The decision by Nathan Williams to rerecord the album underscores a growing trend where artists are compelled to disassociate from collaborators facing serious accusations, even if it means significant financial and creative repercussions. For fans, this situation creates uncertainty regarding the release of anticipated music and raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of artists and labels. The move also reflects a broader societal shift where public allegations, particularly those involving minors, can swiftly lead to professional consequences, affecting album distribution, artist reputations, and potential earnings for all parties involved. The financial implications of rerecording an album after 10,000 copies have already been pressed are substantial, indicating a strong stance against the alleged actions.
What's Next?
Nathan Williams is scheduled to return to the studio to rerecord the 'Cherry Soda' album, transforming it into a Wavves-only project. Further announcements regarding the album's new direction and release schedule are expected from Williams. Max Bemis has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations or Williams' decision to rerecord the album. The status of the 10,000 already-pressed records remains unclear, as they are still available for pre-order at various online retailers. It is likely that these copies will either be pulled from sale or become collector's items, depending on the labels' and distributors' decisions. The music community will be watching for Bemis's response and the reception of the rerecorded album, which could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
Beyond the Headlines
The incident brings to light the complex ethical dilemmas faced by artists when their collaborators are accused of serious misconduct. It raises questions about artistic integrity versus moral responsibility, especially when a significant amount of work and financial investment has already been made. The public nature of the allegations, amplified through social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram, demonstrates the power of fan communities in holding artists accountable. This situation could lead to more stringent vetting processes for collaborations in the music industry and potentially influence contract clauses related to artist conduct. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for a 'cancel culture' effect, where allegations, even without formal legal proceedings, can lead to immediate and severe professional consequences, forcing artists to make difficult choices to protect their own reputations and careers.
