The New Enemy is Toronto based punk rock band. They formed in 2008 but during this short time span menaged to release 2 EPs, appear on countless compilations, tour Canada and USA sharing a stage with likes of Agnostic Front or SNFU. They have just released Shakedown Ep that you can actually download on their Myspace for free!
The New Enemy is Toronto based punk rock band. They formed in 2008 but during this short time span menaged to release 2 EPs, appear on countless compilations, tour Canada and USA sharing a stage with likes of Agnostic Front or SNFU. They have just released Shakedown Ep that you can actually download on their Myspace for free!
Let’s start with your recently released EP. The Shakedown is finally out and it definitely lives up to the fans expectations. What are your feelings when you listen to it now and are you happy with the response it’s been getting so far?
I think its the best EP we've done yet....This one was more collaborative as far as the song writing goes, and I think that shows in the tracks. People want you to fit easily into one genre, but we find that kind of restrictive as a band since we like so many styles of music. The response has been pretty good, getting good reviews...I find it takes time for that to translate to an audience..
You guys worked with Simon Head and Nick Zampiello on this one. How was it recording your new EP with these guys? How do you guys work through the process?
Those guys have been great. It's amazing to have guys on board who have been around the block and are willing to share their ideas on how the music should sound.
Could you give us a quick rundown on the lyrics for the new album? Are they important part of New Enemy?
Lyrics range from political, to personal, to short stories in the form of a song. They are definitely important because they express the message you are trying to convey in the first place.
In the age of mp3 downloading it seems reasonable that you guys just put a download link on your website so kids can have these songs legally and for free. Since the EP is also available in physical format, do you think it damaged or rather helped the sales?
Not many bands are selling too many records these days as everyone knows. We thought it would be a better idea to get the music out there to as many people as possible especially since we're a fairly new band. We're not about making money anyway so we really don't care about any damaged physical sales.
How was it sharing a stage with legendary bands like Agnostic Front or SNFU like?
It was pretty amazing actually, especially with a band like Agnostic where they weren't above approaching us after the set and said they liked what we were doing up there. Definitely a compliment coming from a legendary band.
Formed just in 2008 and already with two well received EPs behind your belt. It seems you guys like to work at the fast pace. What is your secret to a balance between playing in a band and living a regular life?
I don't know if there's a secret, but it can definitely be a balancing act. I guess you just have to work hard at everything in life, including bands, music, and personal relationships. So I guess just work hard and don't get discouraged. The results are worth it.
As a Canadian band, what was the toughest struggle? What's the biggest wall to get over?
Canada is not a huge country population wise, so very few bands are able to eke out a living playing music. I guess the biggest wall to get over is general acceptance, especially by the music industry, which tends to be close-minded about something until it breaks huge, and then everyone's like "oh yeah, I've liked that band for AGES.'
So what’s next for The New Enemy? What are your plans for 2010 and beyond?
We are writing and in preproduction for our next release. Trying to decide on doing a full length or an EP...I guess the number of good songs will determine that. We want to be back in the studio by the summer at the absolute latest. Beyond that we're just gigging and doing interviews, spreading the word slowly but surely. The main thing to always remember is that music is supposed to be FUN.
Thanks for the interview. Anything else you got to add?
Thank you! Support your local scene. Decide you like music because YOU like it...don't ever care what anyone else thinks. Cheers.
The New Enemy at Myspace
