Maxeen

ByLets Go Punk
Long Beach trio Maxeen mixed pop rock and post punk

Maxeen was a three-piece rock band based in Long Beach, California. They came up in the early 2000s, leaned into classic pop rock and post punk touchstones, and built a reputation through touring, label moves, and songs that landed on major video game soundtracks.

Where Maxeen Came From

The band’s name was a tribute to a woman who helped them get started and pushed them to take their music seriously. As a band, they pointed to influences like early U2, The Police, Joe Jackson, The Replacements, and The Jam, along with other staples of classic pop rock.

First Label Deal And The Debut Album

In 2003, Maxeen signed with SideOneDummy Records and released their self-titled debut, Maxeen. The release came as an enhanced CD that included a photo slideshow, featuring images by Leah Klinge and Jay Matsueda.

Warner Bros., Hello Echo, And The Split

In 2004, the band signed with Warner Bros. Records and recorded their next album, Hello Echo. The record never got a standard label rollout. Instead, it was sold on tour and through online stores like iTunes. Conflicts around releasing Hello Echo eventually led Maxeen to end their deal with Warner Bros. in early 2007.

Tours And The Road Years

Maxeen toured with Relient K and The Rocket Summer on the Matt Hoopes Birthday Tour in February 2006. They also shared bills with Jonezetta, Action Action, and We Are the Fury. Sugarcult invited them out multiple times as well, putting Maxeen in front of crowds that lined up with their melodic, guitar-forward approach.

Video Game Soundtracks And Wider Exposure

Several Maxeen tracks found a second life through video game soundtracks. “Please” appeared in Burnout 3: Takedown and MVP Baseball 2004. “Block Out the World” showed up in Burnout Dominator and Burnout Paradise. “Loud as War” was featured in MLB 07: The Show.

Lineup Changes And The Band Ending

In its final form, Maxeen was Tom Bailey on vocals and bass, Robb Torres on guitar, and Jay Skowronek on drums. Shannon McMurray, the original guitarist and a founding member, left in 2006 to pursue other career goals. On March 13, 2008, Skowronek announced he was leaving the band via a MySpace bulletin. Not long after that, Maxeen ended.

Members

  • Tom Bailey, vocals and bass
  • Robb Torres, guitar
  • Jay Skowronek, drums
  • Shannon McMurray, guitar

Discography

  • Save Your Life (live EP) (2003)
  • Maxeen (2003)
  • Hello Echo (Tour Edition) (2006)
  • Life in the Gears (digital EP) (2007)

Similar Posts