In 1996 Los Angeles, perpetual enemies Benny Chadwick and Tim McNair decided to settle the long dispute over who could more realistically smoke a pack of fake bubblegum cigarettes. With the matter put to rest (the winner known only to them), they befriended and joined forces toward one goal: scare their parents. They weren’t into sports, school, or school sports but they shared common ground with music and thought they might make a living of it. Their moms’ worst fears were realized, which made this teen duo even more interested in pursing that dream. Deciding to form a group together, they officially became “New MaximumDonkey” that year (with the support of famed ex-convict-turned-millionaire Matt Ponze on bass). After a few line-up changes throughout the years, but never losing the Benny (guitar/lead singer) and Tim (drums) core, the trio’s popularity was on the rise.

At the turn of the century, the band’s constant live shows caught the eye of recent LA transplant Jeremy Keeler (from Pennsylvania via Boston; a boy from Amish country who didn’t shun “cahs” and took one to LA where he “pahked” it permanently). Attending almost every show of the band’s for over a year as a fan, he was able to step in as a third member of the then trio when their bassist at the time left (they heard he went on to co-create “Google” and still think he made the wrong choice). Jeremy had come to LA with a film degree, but he promised himself he’d leave this sure-fire career behind for the success and millions that come with being in an indie rock act.

In 2005, posing the simple question, “Did you guys ever think of adding another guitar?” Dylan Hay-Chapman found himself immediately thrust into the mix. His shared love of the Beatles and harmonies and noodle-y guitar parts made him the best final piece to The Donks’ puzzle. Dylan loved the catchy songs and live stage antics that have made NMD Los Angeles’ must-see live act. The quartet never looked back.

The band has been around for over ten years, in its current line-up for three; they’ve released five albums, gone on five tours, and consumed 103,426 Coca-Cola products (dear Coke: “freebies” may be sent to 7721 Ciro Street, Downey, CA 90240). They achieve longevity by actually being friends (they often choose “hanging out and blowing stuff up” over “practicing”), not “changing” with every passing fad but evolving together as a band, and being able to stand each other’s peculiar smells in the long hauls on the road.

Common questions associated with the band name: “What happened to ‘Old Minimum Ass.’” We don’t know; don’t ask. “Does it refer to the particular endowments of band members?” Maybe, we recommend investigating. “What the heck?!” Exactly – most band names that try too hard to mean something and come off laughable anyway, so why not just start there. We play good music that’s alternately serious and fun and we enjoy both; the name is just a part of the fun we get from playing music to those who enjoy listening. It’s not a “joke” necessarily, but it certainly isn’t not one either. Those who want to add respectability to the moniker call us “NMD.” Friends know us affectionately as, “The Donks.”

Though their fan favorite single, “Cherry,” is currently receiving some attention (winning them the “URLabel.net” 2008 competition in November and making an “appearance” on radio this year), it is from New MaximumDonkey’s last album, “Spirit of the Donks.” The same spirit that went into that song can be found on their newest release too (available in April 2009): “The Square Root of All Evil.” This recent endeavor was co-produced by Ben Vaughn (responsible for recordings with “Ween” and for composing songs for “That 70’s Show” ) and is the best representation of the versatility and variety of songs the band brings to all of their creations. From the upbeat “Rock While the Radio is On” to the heart-felt ballad, “Sting,” there is something for everyone on “Square Root of All Evil.” But with the love “Cherry” has been receiving, this is still a live-show staple and is still available to download and/or own. Last year it was also the “wedding song” for two couples.

Benjamin Chadwick – Singer/Lead Guitar
Tim McNair – Drums/Vocals
Jeremy Keeler – Bass/Vocals
Dylan Hay-Chapman – Guitar/Vocals