Silverstein @ Wiltern 10-24-2008
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Order Of Ennead Interview
1. How did all of you guys form and deicide on this project to create Order Of Ennead?
Our bass player, Scott Patrick, was jamming with Steve Asheim on a non-death metal project. When Deicide had some down time Steve was looking to fill up his time and Scott played him some of the material I was working on. I guess he liked it because we started jamming within the next couple of weeks. When our recording guitarist, John Li, was busy in college, we asked Jack Owen to join and tour with us.
2. Do you believe that your self-titled album is Order Of Ennead's defining moment?
Up to this point it is, but then again its our first album together. Ask me again in ten years and I'll be able to give you a better answer.
3. What was it like playing with Deicide, I know the drummer is of Deicide so was it like an honor, what was running through your mind?
Pretty surreal. I've been listening to Deicide since 1990, so to move to Florida and be able to play a show with them is great. I actually started playing guitar for them as well. We've done about half a dozen shows together now and there are a lot more to come.
4. What's it like having bleneded black metal and death metal together? What did you make this choice in picking this genre.
There was no real choice to the style of music I write. I've listened to death and black metal equally and that naturally comes out in the writing. I never exclude a good riff just because it doesn't fit into a particular genre. I belive that the two styles work very well together and compensate for each others monotony.
5. "As Long As I Have Myself I Am Not Alone," is an intersting title and the description deals with trust issues, how can you relate to this track?
Its not about trust issues. The underlining idea is "How can you trust someone when you can't trust yourself". Its about knowing yourself and not falling off the path that you have set out for yourself. These words are the words that I live by. Years of dedication to become who I am, temptations pass me by, not part of my intentions.
6. Musically where do you feel you're the strongest on this record?
As a band we feel every track is just as strong as the next. I look at it as an entire album and not individual songs. The label liked The Culling as the main song because they felt it had a little bit of everything we did in it. The performances we got on the album turned out very well. From solos, drums, bass and vocals. We are pleased with the way the album came out.
7. Could you explain the artwork and what does it mean?
The cover is a false door. These were used in many cultures and placed in tombs to speak with either the dead or their deities. Within the door there are 9 planetary bodies. These represent the Ennead. So in essence, its a doorway to the Ennead.
8. What made you want go play with Municipal Waste on just 1 of the 2 dates you plan to play in Florida.
We got offered the show on short notice and took it. OOE are also labelmates with Municial Waste so it made sense. We got the offer from the local promoter though and not from the band. It should be a killer show. We are also doing a show with Hate Eternal and we plan on booking some tours on EU and the U.S. very soon.
9. If you could create your own tour name, line-up and go anywhere what would you pick and why?
Order Of Ennead, Cradle Of Filth, Nevermore and Amon Amarth. It would be a worldwide tour, but there would be a day off after every show so we could hang out in the cities and see the sites. I'd bring my fiancee along and have access to the internet every night. The showers would be clean and fresh fruit at every venue. The tour would be called the "Paradise On Earth Tour" and it sounds like fiction to me.
10. What's the chemistry like having all you guys being from different bands.
The chemistry is fine. We all have our areas that we cover. I'll write the songs. Scott is the recruiter and talker. Steve helps arrange songs and talks with the label and John supplys the solo shredding. Jack Owen is there for comic relief. The guy is hilarious. Scott recently left Resurrection and Steve, Jack and myself also play in Deicde together so we work well together. When Deicide goes on the road we'll take Scott out also. So everyone gets along.
11. Why did you choose to work at the Audio Hammer Studios, and work with Mark Lewis?
That was Scotts doing. He knows Mark Lewis and they have recorded some good records over the last couple of years. We were going to use Morrissound, but it was booked up and it turned out for the best anyway. Mark did a real good job on the record and we look forward to working with him again. After hearing the work they did on the last Black Dahlia Murder it was an easy decision.
12. What does Ennead mean, why did you come up with the band name you choose?
Steve came across the name while reading. When we were discussing band names, that one came up and it stuck. The Ennead are the beings that created man and gave knowledge to man. We have taken this concept and applied it to the band. It fits into the lyrical ideas that we discuss on the album. Self awareness, the purpose of existence and the thirst for understanding.
13. In the end where does Order Of Ennead stand as a unique entity?
The lyrical content is definitely different for black metal and death metal. There is no gore or satanic related material which is all over the scene. There is a lot of variety on the album. From the fast black metal of "Conferring With Demons" and "Dismantling An Empire" to the more death metal of "The Culling" to the grooves of "As Long As I Have Myself I Am Not Alone" and "A Cry To The Perilous Sun". There should be something for fans of all metal genres to feast upon.
http://www.myspace.com/orderofennead
APPEASE THE BEAST II
SCHEDULE: October 26th 2008 @ Knitting Factory - Hollywood,CA
Main Stage:
5:00-5:30 Infernal Damnation
6:00-7:30 Irritant
7:00-7:30 The Prodigal Son
8:00-8:30 Mictlantecuhtli
9:00-9:35 Sadistic Intent
10:00-10:35 Master
11:00-11:45 Hirax
12:15 Nifelheim
Front Stage:
4:30-5:00 Vesterian
5:30-6:00 Sanguis Imperem
6:30-7:00 Infinitum Obscure
7:30-8:00 Willow Wisp
8:30-9:00 Estuary
9:30-10:00 Manticore
10:30-11:00 Morbosidad
11:30-12:15 Macabre
Alterknit Lounge:
4:30-5:00 Intestinal Strangulation
5:30-6:00 The Cuaterized
6:30-7:00 Satriarch
7:30-8:00 Nuclear Winter
8:30-9:00 Lightning Swords of Death
9:30-10:00 Avenger of Blood
10:30-11:00 Mind Furnace
Appease The Beast II took place this passed weekend on October 26th 2008 at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood,CA and my oh my were they a lot of metalheads! The event began at 5PM lasting long into the night wrapping up completely around 1AM. Each band glamming out with spiked bracelets and wristbands, t-shirts displaying their idol band, fellow fans drinking and chanting or singing-along to the tunes they knew as each band tore up the stage one by one. Irritant through together a rough roaring set sending chills up my spine as the guitars broke out, into their creative riffs and killer solos, breaking all sound barriers possible. The vocals brought an out-standing growling effort bouncing off the guitars and drums keeping up with one another as their half hour set brought the heads spinning and mosh pit bleeding. The blood flow kept on coming when Satriarch took over frontwomen bassist Raquel Centeno growled into the microphone spilling her guts and soul into her performance as the rest of the band followed the roughness, backing her up. The drumming was done fast and energetic getting the crowd dancing to the beat by pushing each other into one another. Willow Wisp erupted the whole event in their blood drenched bodies and make-up plastered across their face, breaking into their heavy roaring tunes, smashing their fists into the ground, and drolling blood onto everyone's faces. Willow Wisp through together a set unlike any other, the drummer brought to the center of the floor a trashcan which he broke out into a mini solo then brought a hammer to it smashing it to pieces as fans surrounding him cheered and chanted as Willow Wisp wrapped up their set in a bloody ending it made you slip and slide onto the next act. Which was Mictlantecuhtli who brought out a singer with spikes going up and down his arms growling and spitting beer into the audience like he could care less. The guitars were fast driven keeping up with the drums as the vocalist entertained the crowd going right up to the fans shaking their fans as he growled his heart into the microphone. Avenger of Blood was left alone when their performance kicked off, thrashing their heads like they just didn't care, had the guitars whipping out amazing solos as the guitarist hopped into the crowd going into a solo as the drums and other guitarist broke into their solos building up the pace and energy taking their music to the next level getting the crowd up and running banging their heads to each tune played. Master which brings thrashers Slayer to mind, has frontmen bassist rocking and growling his lungs out as his guitarist and drummer follow through, creating a fast source of energy that never stops pulsing out. Each song performed being much more intense and brutal than the last one, wrapping everything up clean as the pit cleared away. Appease The Beast II was indeed a total beast just waiting to unleash itself, and unleash it did. Bringing together not only die hard fans, but killing everyone who witnessed the mayhem that had unfolded itself.
Success Interview
If music took form of a human being there only be one suitor and that would be Success! Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 13th, this musical sensation has been taking shape expanding his mind and form since birth. Evolving into the everyday lifestyle he claims as his own today. Success has been rapping ever since his memory could recall coming out with such thunderous force at hand with powerful sound, the songs he'd come up with cannot be placed into proper words. Let alone duplicated or denied by anyone but himself. He is sure to set high standards and become one of the greatest known artists around, taking the ranks of Jay-Z to Kanye West, this inspiration of hope and glory shall rein above all others. Bringing fourth his true strength and courage from the streets to the jammed pack wall to wall crowds of the club scene. Success mentions a little about his lifestyle growing up and how music entered his life and never left: "I grew up with my family, mom/dad/sisters/brother etc having my mother along with 4 sisters and my father, it was hard being the only boy. I listened to pop; jazz and hip hop music while growing up. My sisters loved pop music but my father loved jazz music but being the only boy, I decided to go another route and listen to something totally different. Then hip-hop became my savior." Going onward Success discusses his music style while growing up into the man he's become: "I was surrounded by thugs, gangsters, drug dealers etc. I was young and as I was told young people’s brains pick up things like a sponge. I never gang banged or sold drugs or nothing like that but just seeing others with baggy clothes and du rags and scarfs made me want to dress and present my self like that. It became apart of my music. As I got older I started to get out more and see different things and my music and image changed. I look more presentable and my music is more presentable. I'm happy that I'm more mature then others." Success also recalls when his musical career started to take off and actually unfold: “It started off when I was in the 5th grade. I went from the lunch room tables to the studios of New York, my cousin Jason “Young Mula"Moore helped me find myself in music. He introduced me to the hip-hop world and way of life. I didn't have that much family support but I still kept my head up. A lot of people thought I would grow up to be nothing. But I’m happy now and they only thought that because they witnessed me grow." Going into Success's life even deeper I conducted an interview with the new and upcoming rapper going into a more in depth look of the hip-hop franchise.....
An interview with Success:
1. Do you have any fond memories of family vacations that you took as a kid?
Virginia was a good vacation as a kid and a great birthday present. I remember it like it was yesterday. I’d never been out of Brooklyn before so it was something totally new. I went to Bush Gardens & Water Country U.S.A. I don't know how to swim, but I love water. (Laughing) I was about 12 years old. That was the greatest day of my life and more to come.
2. How do you feel about being considered this iconic artist of this music scene you're apart of, with a lot of other artists copying one another possibly even you.
Well music is about building art and good sound setting trends is the main goal in music today. If someone was to copy me it would be like buying a "bootleg" DVD, unclear, unprofessional, and noncreative and it has no originality to it. Get the picture?
3. Does it ever cross your mind what people may be saying about you? Like for example "You're not going to be around in five years..." What do you think of someone saying that?
I always like to prove others wrong especially when it comes down to my career. I've been told a lot of negative things, from family to friends. It just pushes me to work harder. I haven't had much support and I've been doing this all by myself. Never had a manager a day in my life so I guess that I'm dominate enough to handle my career on my own.
4. Do you think that there are people that will never understand your type/style of music?
Of course. There’s people out here who either can't understand the happiness or struggle I've been threw because they probably never experienced it. That is exactly why I listen to what the people have to say so that i can relate. Making music is about the experience just like life.
5. Do you think being a musician ages you prematurely?
Not really. There's a lot of artist around my age group like bow wow, Chris Brown and other artist. They always kept me going because watching them succeed has been entertaining to me and made me want to push more.
6. What's the closest you've come to accomplishing what you set out to do with Success?
The summer of 2007, I was featured in Flaunt magazine as a Versace model. I think that's just a message saying that there's more to come and it’s only the beginning. I can't wait to have a better feeling.
7. Are you a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas film/franchise it’s caused.
Yes I am. That’s a dope movie. I watched it a lot when I was a kid. My favorite character is the old man in the wheel chair. That dude was a pimp lol but besides that I really enjoyed the movie. It’s a great film.
8. What instruments do you use when creating your music? I've known/seen hip-hop/rap to use DJ equipment, but ever think of using an electric guitar having a killer solo or anything in a few tunes?
The only equipment I use is the mic. I would like to start playing instruments. What do you think? Not a lot of hip hop know how to play instruments think you just gave me a idea. I'm going to show you what open minds create.
9. Why did you pick the name “Success" to consider yourself as?
It’s something I'm destined to be. It’s a journey. I live it everyday. Just waking every morning is a success and I've made that decision. I could of been out here in the real world doing something unprofessional with my life like some others who don't care about there’s breathing success and I live it to the fullest.
10. Lastly does the Success have any tips or advice to send out to his fans?
Yes I just wanted to let everyone know that i love them and i really appreciate the support. Never let someone bring you down. We are all human beings and we make mistakes but at the same time live from them. Stand strong and be yourself. Live life.
http://www.myspace.com/imdatdudesuccess
Deadlock Interview
An interview with Johannes Prem:
Please introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Deadlock, and how long the band has been together?
Hi, my name is Joe and I am responsible for the growls and screams in Deadlock. Tobias (drums), Sebastian (guitar) and me formed Deadlock 10 years ago. Pretty soon we recorded a 7" and started to play lots of shows, later on we found a label called Winter Recordings and recorded a MCD "I'll Wake You When Spring Awakes", a split CD with our friends from Six Reasons To Kill and a full length called "The Arrival" there. Since 2005 we are on Lifeforce Records and just signed another contract for the next 2 records after "Manifesto". We are really happy that we found a label that offers us the perfect mix of professional work, friendship and ideals.
Where is the band from and what is the metal scene like there?
We are a German vegan straight edge metal band and I think the scene in Germany is pretty good. You find lots of bands from the most different styles and there are concerts almost every weekend in the bigger cities. You find a big hardcore and also a big metal scene here and there are still interesting newcomer bands coming up which are worth listening to.
Is there any story or concept behind your next album "Manifesto"?
The new album is split up in two parts, in the first part of the CD we talk about the perversion and brutality we see in our everyday life and take a look at it from the perspective from the people that think this is normal. For example the song 'Martyr To Science' is about the pharmaceutical industry and how they wanna make us think that animal testing is important for assuring our health and that some animals are not worth living and should be proud that they get the chance to become part of something this important. Another song called 'Fire At Will' is about the hunters that are always searching for the adrenaline rush and in this story the hunter shots his own daughter because she was playing behind the trees and he was totally blinded by the will to bring home a trophy. The last two songs of the CD will show two scenaries how mankind and our world could come to their end finally. One good way by respecting all living things and strating to live a life concentrating on 'Altruism' and that is also the title of that song and one dead end road, where the extreme is put to the next level and mankind starts to search for the final execution to become godlike.
What do you know and think of Romania?
Well... Different question, to be honest I don't know too much about your country, the only thing I definitely know is that this country has not been "deadlocked" so far and this is something we should change in the year 2009! I promise I will tell you much more about my personal impressions of your country when we play our first shows there!
Who did the artwork on the new CD and how much input did you have on it?
The artwork and design for "Manifesto" was handled by Adam Wentworth at http://www.the663.com/. He already worked with great acts like Beyoncè, Coheed And Cambria or A Life Once Lost and we think he did an awesome job with that crazy masterpiece. In order to help him start with the work we told him how our personal feelings about the album are and what our new baby will deal with lyrical wise and how it would sound like.
Is MySpace the great Satan of the 21st Century?
Well, I don't think so, because Satan or God do not exist and MySpace definitely does, so maybe it is even more than that. But to be honest, I don't think that MySpace is a bad thing, it is a perfect way for young bands to promote their music in a cheap but for all that professional way. You can promote your music and also the message to such a huge audience all over the world, that's amazing. Of course it is not ok when the kids stop living a real life and just take care for their MySpace buddies, but for bands and people that have something important to say it is just an atomic tool. And I don't get money for that MySpace promotion!
What are your future plans for Deadlock?
We hope that we will have the chance to go on a bigger tour with our new album on board and play lots of festivals in summer 2009. You will definitely hear lot of things about Deadlock in 2009. And if there is a chance for sure we would love to play some shows in Romania!
What do you think of this year's presidential election? Do you like any of the candidates?
In which country? In Germany? Romania? America? Well to tell the truth I am not into politics too much because they always tell you the same somehow. When the next election is near every party is telling you that they will take care for your rights and take care of the taxes and oil prices for example and when the election is over nobody remembers what was said in the beginning. There is only one chance for total freedom and peace: Deadlock for president!
Would you ever want to do an all acoustic death metal show? You definitely can apply acoustic instruments on your songs!
I don't think that my growls and screams would sound so good in an acoustic version, but for the rest of the band I could imagine that it could be a good idea, because clean guitars and Sabine's voice are like made for each other. So why not, would be a cool concert for me, just sitting around and let the others do the work, we really should think about that! Haha!
What would you compare your music to, out of the variety of bands out there?
I guess there is no real comparison, we are a band of a very unique style. Just think of "Manifesto" there is a techno intro, it's most of the time brutal metal combined with amazing melodies and an angellike female voice, then there is a rap part, we have saxophone solo and lots of samples and so on. The band I compare Deadlock with would have to be called WuTangScooterInFlamesBorgir or something like that.
What bands have you toured with? Are there any that you would definitely want to tour with?
In the last 10 years we had concerts with so many different bands, let me just give you some of the names like Heaven Shall Burn, Caliban, Neaera, Fear My Thoughts. There are lots of bands we would love to tour with like for me personally In Flames, Soilwork, Lacuna Coil or Dimmu Borgir. But I think it is not about the bands you are on the road with, it's all about the feeling to be in the van, drive from location to location, meet lots of new people - some of them become friends - and hang out with your band mates and make bullshit 24/7.
Describe your music to an elderly church lady.
I guess I would tell her something of the following: "Deadlock for you is like falling into a time machine and fucking all day long with the boy you fell in love with for the first time". And if this would be not ok for her or if she simply should not like our music I would tell her that Deadlock is heavensent and she will have to listen to "Manifesto" all day long while hanging around in the purgatory...
When you look back on when Deadlock first started out, what do you think of you guys now?
When I look back to the early days I think that many things changed, Deadlock has become much more professional and much more like a company, we have shows all over the world and sell our CDs and merchandise products worldwide, but there are some things that still are the same, we love hanging out with each other, we love to play shows and we just have fun with Deadlock! And that's all about. When there would come a day where we would just do it for money or prestige, this would be the end of Deadlock for me I guess.
Any final words of wisdom, thoughts or comments?
Thanks for your time and interest in Deadlock, thank you girls and boys for reading this and hopefully we will meet in Romania in 2009 or later on! Check out our new baby "Manifesto" and fall in love with it like we do! See you! Take care! Veganize!
http://www.lifeforcerecords.com/
http://www.xdeadlockx.com/
Decadence Interview
An interview with Kitty Saric:
What concept came to mind when you recorded "3rd Stage Of Decay"?
The concept of "3rd Stage Of Decay" was there long before we started recording the album. The album title has an indirect connection to the fact that it is the 3rd line-up of Decadence which finally brought us together as a band. Also, when you glance through the lyrics of the album you will see connections to the title and other hidden meanings everywhere. "3rd Stage Of Decay" is definitely our most stable album where we've found ourselves, our music and what we stand for.
Please tell me more about the production of "3rd Stage Of Decay".
The drums and vocals were recorded in a studio in Stockholm and the guitars and bass were recorded in our own private studio. Kenneth Lantz (1st guitar) in Decadence is our studio tech and he produces and mixes all our work. The sound turned out almost exactly the way we hoped. The mix and smaller details can always be improved and that's what we strive for when working with new albums, but the sound itself on "3rd Stage Of Decay" is what we sought to have. All photos in the booklet were originally taken by Motts, a talented photographer working for http://www.opacity.us/, but I have modified them to fit the theme of this album. The original photos can be seen if you visit our official website: http://www.decadence.se/, music section. The modified versions can only be seen in the booklet of "3rd Stage Of Decay" and each photo has a connection to the lyrics of the song on that particular page.
What do you think of your current album, compared to your previous works?
Our musical direction evolved over time until we found Decadence's own sound. We started off as a melodic death metal band just playing death metal with harmonies. This was the time when our self-titled album "Decadence" was created. Our second album "The Creature" was more experimental and removed the "melodic death-limits" that we had on "Decadence". It is a mixture of death and thrash and more aggressive. When the time was due for "3rd Stage Of Decay" we found ourselves in the genre that we call melodic thrash metal. A fan once told me his explanation that "The Creature" shows the aftermath of violence and the inner side of rage and passion as it gradually goes from aggressive to the melancholic side of our lives, while "3rd Stage Of Decay" manifests our consolidation with the band, showing traces of the stronger part of us - and I think that's a great description!
Who writes the lyrics, what are they about? Is there any concept in them?
I write all the lyrics for Decadence. There is a general theme evolving around the lyrics. Most of them are about decadence itself and how it can be interpreted and they mostly reflect this by subjects like personal struggles, suffering, depression and anger as well as through different kinds of analogies. When you glance through the lyrics I write for Decadence you see signs of all of these connections everywhere.
Are the lyrics an important aspect of the band or are they just there to guide the music?
I think they are an important aspect of the band. They are indeed a part of the music but we like to see all the elements in our work fulfilling a special purpose.
Do you have to be depressed to write a sad song? Or do you write such songs?
Not at all, an inspiration can but doesn't at all have to be depression. The words are inspired by various happenings and even dreams and nightmares. Sometimes the lyrics can even be inspired by quotes from writers. The lyrics and general themes could work as a guide and as a way to view the world, oneself and various situations through different perspectives.
Is the song better if its an incident that really happened to you?
I guess it can be but to make an example, you don't necessarily have to live through a war to know that it's terrible. That's why I like writing in a more cryptic way, so to speak, so that everyone can relate to the words in their own way. Sometimes fans e-mail me their interpretations of some of my lyrics and I can say that every single one I got was different from the other! The song 'Labyrinth' found on our second album "The Creature" has probably had more than 10 interpretations and I really enjoy seeing how people can relate to the words in their own way from their own experiences.
How did you come up with the band name, what does it mean for you?
The name Decadence was inspired from a band I first intended to work with that was called Dekapitera. When that project never got going I decided to jump off. Then I found a nameless band, came to audition, joined them and later named it Decadence. That is the band that has evolved to what we are now!
How's life at Massacre Records?
So far I can definitely say that it feels like Massacre Records was the right choice for us. When we were in the middle of the negotiations with them they showed to be a really good cooperation partner and we look forwards to good continuous work with them.
What are some of your influences and do they take part in any of the albums you've released?
To mention some of the bands that have been inspiring to me I could say: Metallica, Death, Kreator, Testament, Megadeth, Vader, Cannibal Corpse, Children Of Bodom, Annihilator, Tankard, Sodom, Slayer, Pantera, Exodus and so on. As you can see, the list mostly consists of various thrash metal bands with some exceptions. I constantly want to develop my vocals and I wanted to hear as many different styles of metal vocals as possible to create my own voice. I still experiment today to come up with different pitches or styles and I really enjoy that and discovering new, inspiring bands. Listening to all these bands and more I can definitely say that they had an influence on the music that I write for Decadence.
What do you love about music?
Or more specifically, what do I love about metal? Well, I don't only see metal as music, it's a lifestyle and a passion. Metal is my life and everything evolve around it. It's the music I listen to, the clothes I wear, the long hair I've saved, the opinions I express, the decisions I make, the band I have, the dreams I have, the goals that I want to reach and the person I am!
What made you want to do melodic death metal?
Actually, I don't really consider myself doing melodic death metal. When we in Decadence describe our music we refer to what we call melodic thrash metal. We describe this genre as thrash metal with the heaviness of melodic death metal without keyboards. In addition, extreme aggressive female vocals and growl techniques as well as thrash metal screams are added to the mix. The combination of these effects along with the new touch of thrash metal gives a specific sound which is what defines Decadence. My love for thrash metal with the roots of the pure old 80's bay area is what has always inspired me, and still is.
Is MySpace the great Satan of the 21st Century?
Satan? Well, it depends on who you are asking with the Satan thing, haha! But for me MySpace is a great thing and is the 21st Century's cassette tape (you know, our generation's way of trading music!). I think the Internet itself is an excellent resource. For us, it has been a huge help to reach out to more people, find contacts all over and simply spreading the word.
What do you think and know of Romania?
I don't know enough about Romania, that's for sure! But it feels great to reach out to the fans over there now through this interview and I hope we can make a stop there sometime soon for a show!
It's been awesome talking with you guys any other thoughts or comments?
Thank you and the readers as well for sharing this interview with me. I can end it by saying something that I say quite often to myself: If there's a will, there's a way!
http://www.massacre-records.com/
http://www.decadence.se/
Junior Achiever Interview
An interview with Dave Fritz:
Please introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Junior Achiever, and how long the band has been together?
I'm Dave, I play guitar and sing back up vocals. I also recorded our album and co-produced it with Gene who writes and sings all the songs. We've been a band for about five years.
Where is the band from and what is the scene like there?
We're from Toronto, Canada. A lot of great international acts come through town and get great audience support. Unfortunately, local acts often get ignored until they make it big somewhere else. It's probably easier for a Canadian band to do well outside of Canada. We have a pretty strong following in Japan but struggle to get people here to pay attention to us.
Who did the artwork on the new CD and how much input did you have on it?
Gene and our friend Gordon Hawkins did the artwork. Gord took all of the photographs http://www.gordonhawkins.com/. The cover photo is of his father's dog. Gene stumbled across it while looking at Gord's portfolio and thought it fit the mood of the record.
Do you have to be depressed to write sad song?
I think it probably helps, besides when you're happy you'd rather be doing something else besides writing a song! Songs go through several stages while you're creating them, so while you might not be depressed during every part of the writing process, I think the initial inspiration is rooted in sadness.
Do you have to be in love to write a love song?
I don't know if we have any love songs, most of our songs are about having been in love and it not working out. I think you have to have been in love before in order to write about it, to really know what it feels like to be in it and how it feels when it's taken away.
Is the song better if it really happened to you?
I don't know how you can write about something with sincerity unless it's actually happened to you. You have to live it to understand it. So I would say yes.
Where did you get ideas and inspirations for some of the lyrics on "All The Little Letdowns"?
The world seems so exciting when you're young but things don't always work out the way you planned. You end up being just another fish in a very big pond with the same problems as everyone else. Struggling to pay the rent, living in cookie cutter houses, having your heart broken and longing for something more. Life isn't a big letdown, it's just a series of little ones. That's what the record is about.
What made you choice the music genre you choose?
I don't know if we chose our genre, we're just a sum of our influences. We love The Beatles and The Kinks, Gene and I were into The Ramones, Buzzcocks and stuff like that when we were kids. Jeremy (drums), Steve (bass) and I were fans of Gene's old band The Killjoys. He played drums with them, they were quite famous in Canada in the 90's. They sounded like Big Star and Teenage Fanclub. At the end of the day we're just fans of pop music, so I guess our genre chose us.
What are your future plans for Junior Achiever?
Keep playing, go back to Japan next year and start work on our next record.
What do you think of this year's presidential election? Do you like any of the candidates?
It's funny that you ask that question because we're not a political band. In fact, one review of our record criticized us for not having anything important to say because most of our songs are about relationships. That's the music we like though, all of our favourite bands sing about love and heartache. I relate to that subject matter more than I do anything else. All I have to say about US politics is that whenever there is a Republican in the White House it's scary being their neighbour.
What do you know and think of Romania?
I know of Dracula, Silva beer and mititei.
Any final words of wisdom, thoughts or comments?
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think!
http://www.engineerrecords.com/
http://www.juniorachiever.com/