Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jethro Easyfields

The guy that I am with today is a local legend of sorts. Having first met him at the Indianapolis hot spot for local and undiscovered talent, Locals Only, I knew immediately that he had talent that I had to share. Bringing a sound that Springsteen fans will fall in love with and a set of lyrics that come from nothing but real life experiences, he matches it all with a folk rock attitude. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Indianapolis based Jethro Easyfields.

So is Jethro Easyfields your real name?

If Jethro Easyfields was not my name I believe I couldn't answer these questions honestly.

How long have you been performing?

I have been performing since 1985-1988. These were my breakout years. I used to do mock live shows for my family using my Casio keyboard and sing songs like, "Why Don't You Stop Buggin' Me?" and "I Love Potatoes" then in 1988, I started performing at the Troubadour Lounge at St. Francis College singing songs like "Skate Like An Alien" and "Killer Bees Killed My Lover"...by 1990 I was playing in bars in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Where do you get inspiration to write a new song?

Writing a new song is like channel surfing or driving without a map and arriving at a place you never expected to be. Inspiration is something to catch. It's there for the taking and sometimes it happens so fast. I seem to be finishing a song minutes from the seed of creation.

Have you written with anyone else in the past?

In fact I have collaborated with folks for quite a long time. It might be 20% of my output but the different perspective from others can give songs a broader landscape and soundscape.

Tell me about your connections to Locals Only.

I knew the owners from the Hideaway on Hillside and they were to open Locals Only Art and Music Pub. I presented to host an Open Stage dedicated to original music. This will be our fifth year doing this public service.

Do you ever travel outside of Indianapolis for shows?

I have played all over Indiana and this region. Smaller towns and bigger cities from Culver to Bloomington to Evansville to Danville. Although while living in New Orleans and Phoenix I branched out to surrounding places as well.

What would you be doing if you were not playing music?

Usually when I'm not playing music I'm having sex.

Do you have a job other than music?

Usually when I'm not playing music I'm having sex.

You seem to be quite the storyteller in your lyrics. Tell me a story.

(Thinks) So much to tell so little time to type.

One recent story had me playing at Lazy Daze Coffeehouse in Irvington here in Indy. Nice small place to play an acoustic show. The night before I stabbed myself with a knife opening an avocado. I passed out from the pain, my head hit the sink and my girlfriend revived me. I was a bit weary to play the next night and my hand was stabbed, although I pressed to play.

The two hour show included the promoter / booking lady having to leave the show before it started because of her cat was dying, some of our uncles outside drinking beers and coming into the shop asking for price checks on the artwork. I played for about and hour or so and faithfully took a break. I was still dizzy from the night before stabbing. I had some fans show up late and I tended to play longer than I should so I threw out a few risky songs like, "Harely Davidison Ryder" and "Tribute to Herb" not knowing in the other room (out of view) there was a Pastor writing a sermon for Sunday. I was later told a few "daze" later (by the promoter with the heavenly cat) that the Pastor and a few others were mortified by some of my lyrics and that I would not be performing there again and that I was banned from the Coffeehouse! Only did I receive a nice email from the owner sating everything was fine and I could play anytime but no cursing. I'd rather be banned I replied and now I have a avocado slicer for safety.

What is the largest crowd that you have played for?

I believe 100,0 or more. There was a mosh pit and kids were playing "smashing musical chairs".

The smallest?

Every day in my kitchen with just my Bassett Hound Chelsea.

Describe your genre in one word.

WOOD.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, the Stones, Elvis Costello, the Velvet Underground, Charley Patton, Sun Ra, Woody Guthrie and Beck.

What was the last movie you saw?

The Onion Movie. The Onion Movie is a comedy film written by The Onion writers Robert D. Siegel and Todd Hanson along with the NY-based writing staff of the paper.

Did you like it?

It was similar to the Kentucky Fried Movie and Prime Time. They are odd enough to enjoy.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you be?

Huckleberry Hound by day and Woody Woodpecker by night.

Are you actively pursuing a record deal?

The pursuit of happiness and active role I have in life can not be determined as deals and promises but I might change my mind in a minute.

Have you lived in Indianapolis your whole life?

I swore after having open chest surgery at Riley Hospital at 13 years old that I would never live here in Indy. Although I have a scar nipple to nipple and I have lived in Indy off and on from 1999-2009.

Let’s say that someone offers you a $250,000 record deal but it is someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

I have been writing and recording a rap album since 1989. The time is now to release the flow, give me the cash and I will put on the flash.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Ray Charles at Jazz Fest in New Orleans 1995 or maybe, Jerry Lee Lewis at Solder's Field in Chicago circa 1979.

Do you play any instruments besides the guitar?

Yeah, I play the piano, harmonica, mandolin, banjo and coffee can.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Shrimp, tomato and onion.

If you were to headline at Verizon Wireless Music Center who would be your opener?

I believe I did this before when it was Deer Creek and the opener was Cinderella.

PC or Mac?

OK, these questions are starting to get personal.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hanging out with Micheal J. Fox on some Delorean Hovercraft.

What do you want to be remembered for when his is all said and done?

My music sounds like "wood" and my voice sounds like a coyote in a chicken coop or maybe I should be remembered as that guy who stabs himself and gets torretts.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Only you can make a difference with a voice, a guitar, a canvas, a camera, a saute pan...light the fire and control the heat the best you can. You can get burned but you shall heal. Cheers! Jethro Easyfields and the Arrowheads new CD ELIXIR can be purchased at Luna Records and Indy CD and Vinyl in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Venue Interview: Steve Ruemmele

I am pretty heavily involved in the local music scene and I came to hear of a buddy of mine playing at this venue in Indianapolis called the Kessler House. I had never heard of this venue and was immediately intrigued. So I did a little Google research and came to find this man, Mr. Steve Ruemmele. He and his wife host concerts. But the strange, yet unbelievably cool part of this is that they are in their living room. The Kessler House is indeed a house. Sit with me today as I introduce you to the man behind the idea that got me wanting to see more house concerts.

Where exactly is the Kessler House?

We live on Kessler Blvd, just North of 38th Street.

What was your inspiration to host concerts in your living room?

Back in 2002 I wanted to go see the Smithereens at the Rib Fest, but couldn't make it. I went online to see if they were playing anywhere close and saw that their lead singer and songwriter, Pat Dinizio, were doing Living Room concerts. We thought that was interesting so I dropped him an email and got a call back in 15 minutes. Before I knew it, we had a House concert scheduled. It was really a great show and exciting for us because Pat spent the night, and we've become good friends since.

It was in the back of our minds to do it again, but with the kids in high school, it was difficult to pull off. Forward to 2008, the kids in college, we thought about hosing another when we saw Jim Bianco playing at Radio Radio here in town. We loved his music and he seemed perfect for a house concert, so we talked after the show and he agreed. He called when he was planning his tour and worked us in. That's when I got the idea for a series and came up with the name Kessler House. This time we are more organized, I created a web site and sell tickets online through Google Checkout.

The big plus for us is not just have great music to share with friends, but the "Rock and Roll Bed and Breakfast" aspect. We love musicians and really enjoyed getting to know them personally.

What does your wife think about it?

It is something we agreed to do together. We both seek out new artists and approach people we both like. I do most of the interfacing with the public, but Janey really enjoys coordinating the food and drink for guests and the artist. She is a phenomenal cook and I think the artists enjoy a home-cooked meal out on the road. She served Ari and his band a large, home-made chicken pot pie. She's amazing.

You have some local sponsors. Is that how you provide all the food and beverages?

It certainly helps. Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits give us a generous discount on beer and wine. (All readers, please visit and thank them for sponsoring the Kessler House Concert Series.) Party Time Rental discounts the chairs for us. (Ditto). Without their help, we couldn't do this.

Was it easy getting sponsors to get involved with this awesome concept?

These two were great to work with. We have tried food sponsors with no luck.

How many can you fit for any given show?

At first it was 60, then 65. The Cracker show had 70. Lots of interest, but I don't want it so crowded that intimate becomes uncomfortable.

What is the most anticipated show you have had?

Cracker. Sold out in 4 days

Give me a list of some of the acts you have had.

Jim Bianco. If you don't know him, check him out, he's great. Pat Dinizio came back in May of 2008. Ari Hest played in August, the back again for two nights last weekend. David Lowery and Johnny Hickman of Cracker played in February.

How long have you need doing this, by the way?

Besides the 2002 show, we started the series in 2008.

I noticed some dogs walking around. Do they have to pay for entrance?

Only if they bring their bitches.

Have you ever had any issues with strangers coming into your home?

Not at all.

Who cleans the bathroom after these shows?

Clean up is pretty easy, never even had wine split.

What inspires your selection process?

We go after bands we like. We want artists who have a national reputation so we don't have to work so hard promoting the shows. A lot of our ticket buyers find us through the artist's website.

Who gets to pick? You or your wife?

The criteria is we both have to like them. We'd like to get a woman artist next, if it works out.

How many shows do you do a year?

3 or 4 is the most we want to do.

Where can I learn more about the shows you have coming up?

We have nothing planned right now, working on a few things. I send to the mailing list with news. Go to www.kesslerhouseconcerts.com to sign up and get info on upcoming and past shows.

What would your dream concert be?

Elvis Costello. For Janey, Ingrid Michaelson.

Do you go to shows outside of your living room?

We go to a lot of shows in and out of town. I get a little tired of people talking so much in clubs. I don't understand why they pay to get in and then talk over the music. The musicians deserve better. I think that's why they enjoy playing here, the audience REALLY listens.


Have you had very much media coverage for this concept?

It's been pretty good, better than I ever would have thought. NUVO did a story on House concerts in general and featured us. There was a good article in the Star last weekend.

Any plans for expanding to a larger venue?

Not unless we buy a bigger house. I suppose we could move it into the yard if we can convince U2 to come over.

Perhaps a remodel on your house?

Hmm...don't think I could sell that one to the boss.

Your house seems to have been built for acoustics. Do you ever use a PA?

We usually use a PA, but for the last show, Ari decided not to use it. He is wise, the acoustics are perfect. If the architect were still alive, I would thank him.

How long do you think you will continue to host shows like this?

As long as we can get the artists we want we'll keep going. We won't have shows just to have shows, they have to be special for us.

Anything else I need to know about the Kessler House?

We are fortunate we are able to do this and have the support of music fans and people like you who are fanning the flames of independent music. I wish we could get broadcast radio to support it, but we'll do our best to keep it alive.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Carl Harper

I was selling TV’s when I heard the name Carl Harper. I was talking with some relatives of his and they were speaking of some talent in their family that lived over seas. They said that I should listen to his tunes and see what I thought. Well, I did, and I found nothing but incredible lyrics, pure talent in the guitar strings, and a true sense of the word music. This guy understands what it takes to make his heart speak straight to you and he does so in a melodic sense. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Carl Harper.



Where are you from originally?

I was born and currently live in Liverpool, England.

What is it like living in Liverpool?

I really love it here. Every time I enter the city center it looks better then the last time.

How is the music scene over there?

The music is amazing, I always try and get out to see some unsigned bands as often as possible and I am never surprised how good they are.

How often do you visit the states?

Sadly not as often as I would like. I only get over there every few years if that.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I think my first memory of the guitar was seeing my dad playing one and I remember thinking I want one.

When did you decide to make music a career choice?

I’ve always loved music and when I wrote my first song and people actually liked it, it made me think I could do this as a career. I am now currently studying music technology in college and will be joining University this September.

Are you working anywhere or is music it?

I am currently working part-time delivering furniture for my dad's furniture business whilst in college, but music is definitely the future for me.

Any good beers over there I should know about?

I’m not sure if you have got it over there but I occasionally drink Carling but I usually drink brandy and coke or JD.

Where do you get inspiration to write a new song?

I try and write songs with a story people can relate to, mostly I’ll try and think of a subject and work from that. I am inspired by everyday life.

I hear you are about to be a father. Congratulations. Are you ready for that? (Laughs)

(Laughs) I don’t think anyone is ready at first, but I can’t wait I’ve never been so excited about anything.

How do you think raising a family will affect your music?

I know having a child will give me many more ideas for new songs.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The major influence’s for me are the Beatles, Paul McCartney, Eagles, The Who more recently Coldplay and Kings of Leon. These are just a few I can think of I’m sure there are many more.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

I was asked to do a couple of songs at a local festival; I think there were a few hundred people there.

The smallest?

Apart from family and friends I had a cover gig in a social club there were about 20 people there, if that.

Is there a band behind you or is it just you?

I play solo except from at college gigs when I play as part of our college band.

If you could tour with anyone in the industry right now who would it be?

(Thinks) There are a lot of people out there I would love to tour with, but I think Coldplay would be my first choice at the moment.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is a great way to get your songs out there to the public and I have made many fans through having a MySpace page.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

If given a choice of anywhere I would move to America but I’m not sure where about, but I have got family in Indianapolis and I love it there when I visit.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

The thing that sticks out in my mind is forgetting the words on one of my songs and everyone noticed so I had to start the song again.

Pepsi or Coke?

Pepsi.

Any word on an album any time this year?

Because of college and a new addition to the family I have very limited time, but hopefully I will have another album completed later on in the year.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water, I may occasionally have one beer. I try not to drink at all, so I am performing at my best and not slurring my words.

How has the Internet helped you in connecting to fans in the States?

The Internet has helped me tremendously because I can communicate with fans all over the world at any time.

PC or Mac?

Mac. I have purchased a Mac Book and Logic Pro to record my songs and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to using a PC to record.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years I see myself as a well known artist / songwriter, writing for myself and other established artists within the music industry.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Wow what a question. I would like to be remembered as a great songwriter / artist.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

If I have the last word I will have to say keep checking my MySpace page for new songs and upcoming gigs and thanks for the interview.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Saul Ashby

The first time I saw this man’s album cover I knew that it was something I wanted to listen to. Ignore the stereotypical answer that you cannot judge a book by its cover. When I opened this album and began to listen to the pure genius it held I was very impressed. Matching a distinct voice with honest lyrics and a dash of piano and guitar overtones, you have a complete package. He provides an image to fit his music perfectly. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Saul Ashby.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad's old Levin acoustic. He got it when he was a kid from one of his friends' sisters in the 60s. He gave it to me when I was 13. It's worn to pieces, cracked and falling apart, but it's probably the only thing I treasure.

How long have you been playing?

I used to sing along to records when I was little. I started playing drums when I was around 9, which I loved, but a few years later I really wanted to write songs. That's when my dad gave me that guitar.

When did you know that you wanted to take a run at this thing they call music?

I'm not sure. I can't remember ever wanting to do anything else.

Where are you originally from?

I was Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but I grew up in London. My parents were flat broke, and I think my dad owed some guys a lot of money. We came to London with two suitcases. As kids, he'd tell my brother and I the story of how he went back to pay off his debts with a bag full of cash, a pistol in his pocket and one in his sock. I imagined him being like Clint Eastwood. I loved that story.

Is Saul Ashby your real name?

It's what most people call me.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

I've recently started to co-write a little, but up until a couple of months ago I hadn't written with anybody else. Writing lyrics for me is a very special thing. It's when I feel at peace with myself, like I'm listening to what I have to say.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I carry around a little notebook that I'm always writing in. Observations, bits of conversations...anything really, though it's usually something that's happened or the way I'm feeling that walks me over to wherever my guitar is lying around.

You seem to be a storyteller in those lyrics. Tell me a story.

There's a spider that lives in a hole next to the bathtub in my flat. The spider is huge and has only been sighted a couple of times. I imagine him to be a sweet talking Frenchman, who plays guitar like Django, tempting passersby into his lair with his silky voice and seductive gypsy jazz.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

I'm quite happy in London for now. I recently moved back from New York. I loved it there, but I always felt like I was an outsider, just visiting. I'd like to spend some more time in France, but I'd drive myself mad there.

What are you drinking on stage?

Scotch.

How did you get hooked up with Disc Makers?

Hooked up implies that they gave me something. I appreciate the free publicity, but I'm not in the pocket with them.

If you could tour with anyone in the market today whom would it be?

Someone I really respect like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Tracy Chapman; anyone who could teach me a few good life lessons.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

A couple hundred people. I haven't played any enormous shows yet.

The smallest?

I'm happy to play to 3 people if they're listening. I'd rather do that than play to a packed room who aren't.

What is your favorite venue to play?

At the moment, it's the Bedford in Balham, South London. There's always a great crowd who love music and come just to hear new acts. The same goes for the Living Room in NYC.

Who designed your album cover?

It was designed by my very talented friends Alex Merto, and Chad Cheverier, who shot the picture.

Where can I get a copy of that album?

You can't, I'm afraid. I sold them all, and it's not getting re-printed. It's still available for download all over the net though, including iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.

Staying single while out there on the road?

There's someone I love, but I think I'm too late and I've messed up too bad.

I love your MySpace design. Who is responsible for that?

A company called Parallel designed it.

Any thoughts on a tour this year?

It would be great, but not just yet. I need to work on my new some some more first.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I worked in a second-hand record store, but I got fired.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you choose?

Probably Bender from Futurama.

Let’s say that you are offered a record contract but it is someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

I've always wanted to be a hype man on a hip-hop track, just shouting: "Yeeeahhh. What!! What!!" or something like that. But me as a rapper? Don't think I could pull off the swagger.

PC or Mac?

I just got an iPhone, and it's really impressive. I'm not very good with technology though.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is great, but I can't really be bothered with all that. I use Twitter a lot, (@saulashby). It better suits my attention span.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you'd asked me this question five years ago, my response would look nothing like where I am now. So let's just wait and see.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Making honest music, and hopefully making a few people feel better. Or at least not alone.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Annabella

Where did you guys all meet?

Terri and I met in 1996 at a rock show my band was playing.

Where did the name come from?

We kind of modeled the name after Mazzy Star, we wanted a pretty girl name that described the mood of the music.

How long have you all been playing?

(Tim) I have been playing since I was a young teenager. (Terri) For about ten years.

Who is the ringleader of the band?

Tim is definitely the ringleader. Terri is definitely the talent!

Who writes all the lyrics?

(Tim) Terri used to let me write some lyrics. Now, Terri writes all the lyrics.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Depends.

Where are you all originally from?

We are all from Texas.

You guys are currently unsigned. Any leads on a label any time soon?

Although we aren't signed we do have a couple of labels that help us out: Popsicle distributes us in Scandinavia, and Six Gun Lover records distributes us in the U.S.

What is the largest crowd that you have played for?

One to two million.

The smallest?

We played a show in Jackson, Mississippi to the opening band. So, two people.

Ever been booed off stage?

Nope.

Do you ever forget the words to your own songs?

Terri for many years had all of the lyrics written and taped to her Fender Rhodes piano. She still takes notes and lyric sheets, just in case, to shows.

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be?

We are already cartoon characters.

What super power would you hold if you could only have one?

Telepathy would be fantastic. You would always say the right thing and you would always know what the other person / people were thinking.


Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Pixies, The Sundays, Innocence Mission.

Where can I get a copy of your latest album?

Lots of places. To name a few: CD baby, Apple iTunes, Amazon, emusic, Independisc, Popsicle.

What was it like being featured in a Disc Makers catalog?

The best promotion a band could get. We have had a lot of people come to our shows because of that catalog. It definitely didn't hurt our career!

How did you guys get that connection?

They helped us with our first record, too. When I sent them our new record, Say Goodnight, they asked us if they could use the artwork for their new catalog. Lauri (Combest) Johnston has done all of our artwork stuff. She is awesome!

Do you have any thoughts on a tour this year?

We already toured for the new record. Just playing a few shows while we complete our new record.

Who does all of your graphic design?

Lauri Johnston.

Is there any song that you play in ever set?

Sun is King.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Sundays, The Pixies, the ocean, the mountains, red wine.

Do you guys all have jobs outside of music?

I am a professor at Austin Community College and UT. I teach audio engineering. We also own and operate a recording studio. Terri recently started working full-time again. Indie rock bands don't pay the bills!

Is there meaning behind “terri+tim+andy= 3x-4”?

Wouldn't you like to know.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?

Still writing, playing, putting out records.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is said and done?

For putting out some consistently fine, mellow, and beautiful music.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Annabella is about good relaxing vibes and friends. Terri and I are married, our guitarist was our best man, and our bass player is one of our best friends, too. Speaking of, Anderson Bracht plays guitar live with us and Joshua Zarbo often plays bass.
Finally, CHEERS!

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Michael Luginbill

I am sitting today with a guy that I am happy to have met and to befriend in my time in the industry. He is a talent that is hard to find and matches a perfect image with an incredible voice, polished instrumentals, and lyrics straight from the heart. Taking on a new adventure in a 10 piece act called Straight No Chaser he is his slowly making his way to right where he belongs; the top. His voice can send chills down your back and you can find something to relate to in nearly every song. Sit with me today as it is my utmost pleasure to introduce you to Michael Luginbill.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up and spent most of my life in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I got a guitar for Christmas in high school but never played it much. I started to really pick up the guitar during my stint working for Celebrity Cruises. We would have a lot of downtime on the ship so I started playing more and more.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Inspiration for a new song can come from anywhere, anything, and/or anyone. I find the best songs that I feel I've written have come out of nowhere and just kind of write themselves.

Your solo career has taken a bit of a halt. Tell me about your current endeavor with Straight No Chaser.

Yea, I kind of put the solo stuff on hold to see through this journey with Straight No Chaser. While I was living in Los Angeles, I got a call in January 2008 to come be a part of this new project with Straight No Chaser and Atlantic Records. We put together a Christmas album that was released October 2008 then toured in support of that album throughout December 2008. We are currently in New York recording our follow up album with a tentative spring release date.

How do you know Ryan Ahlwardt?

I've known Ryan Ahlwardt for quite a while. We met in junior high school but really didn't start vibing musically until our later high school years. We were/are in Straight No Chaser together and have collaborated musically on a number of projects. Our first batch of songs that we recorded were done at Airtime Studio in Bloomington, Indiana with Dave Weber. We called ourselves Small Town City, after a James Taylor lyric. Later we formed Mitchell Street Band together along with a great keyboardist/writer Nick Jaenicke. Ryan and I still collaborate to this day.

Dreaming in Blue is my favorite song that you will ever write. What is the meaning behind that track?

Thank you. I really like that track also. It’s kind of a funny story because this song came really fast and really late in the recording process. I had most of the tracks for the album recorded but I felt like I had something else to say but I wasn't sure what it was. I knew I had it in me; I just needed to find a way to get it out. The track has a kind of reckless abandon feeling in a way, losing yourself in something.

Describe your genre in one word.

Fresh.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

As a solo artist or with Mitchell Street Band, we played some big private events for upwards of 1,500 people. With Straight No Chaser it would have to be the National Anthem at the Brickyard 400.

The smallest?

I was doing a solo gig in Fullerton, California for five people. Yes, five.

What is your favorite venue to play?

There was this place in Toronto called The Diesel Playhouse. I was there with Straight No Chaser last December. Our show was the last show at the Diesel Playhouse. They were tearing it down the next day. Very cool venue.

Staying single out there on the road?

I am in a relationship right now, so yea, I guess I am staying single on the road. The road is work and there is hardly any time for anything else.

Any plans for a new solo album?

I am always writing, trying to beef up the catalog for when the time comes to do that. No plans as of now though.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Pepperoni and green peppers.

What is pumping through your iPod right now?

I am really digging this Irish band right now called The Script. They are amazing. Do yourself a favor and buy their album. SNC is actually covering one of their songs on our upcoming album.

Ever get nervous before a show?

All the time. The minute the nervousness stops is the minute I feel like I should quit.

Where can I get a copy of you latest solo album?

The album is on iTunes, www.cdbaby. com, etc.

What are you drinking on stage?

Whiskey with a splash of apple juice. Sounds strange, I know.

Have you ever written songs with anyone else?

Definitely. I feel like some of the best songs I've written have been collaborations. I really love writing with Joe Filipow, an Indy based jazz guitarist. He was also the guitar player in Mitchell Street Band for a while. Great musician; plays with a killer groove.

Where do you practice?

Anywhere I can.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Lewis Taylor, D'Angelo, Chris Martin, Steely Dan, John Legend, and Robin Thicke.

How tall are you?

6'2.

Let’s say you are about to headline at Madison Square Garden. Who is your opener?

That is a tough question. With any act that I mention, I think I'd feel like I should be opening for them! If I had to choose though, I'd have to say Prince, solo on guitar.

Any rituals before you play a gig?

I like to have a little whiskey before the show and I always try to go for a run the afternoon before.

PC or Mac?

Mac!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I don't think about the future like that. I have enough trouble living day to day.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

That I did things the right way. That I treated the music with respect. That I listened.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

I'd just like to thank you, Ricky, for giving me the opportunity to talk with you a little bit. I'll always consider Indy my home and I hope to be around much more in the next year. Keep it tight.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Your Favorite Enemies

I have the tendency to branch out and try to find new music. I get excited when I hear a new band or find music that no one has heard of yet. And that is exactly what I have done with the guys that I am speaking with today. And I will consider this band a bonus because they are packed with incredible talent. Hailing from the Canadian tundra of Montreal, Quebec. Producing a polished and professional image mixed with incredible vocals and skilled instrumentals Your Favorite Enemy is sitting with me today.

How did you guys all meet?

I actually met Alex at church, one day that my father forced me to get up of my bed and "to do something with my life”. It was almost 10 years ago and it was before I got out of drugs and depression. I met Alex in a small undenominational church and I was surprised to see a young guy looking "rock" in a church! That's how we became friends and then, I eventually met the rest of the band.

How long have you all been together?

The band started 12 years ago. The latest that joined us was Charles, our drummer. But most of all are there from the start.

What came first? The music or the image?

I would say the music for sure. The purpose that we have.; the desire that we have to impact the world with meaningful and inspirational music.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

In Japan Tokyo at the Studio Coast for 2,700 people.

The smallest?

A few people in our living room! All of us signing all in one voice. Family times as we could call them! These are best times ever!

Who has the most tattoos?

Alex and I. We both have our full sleeve but actually, I have more because I also have a sacred heart on the other arm and an Egyptian eye on the chest.

What are you guys drinking on stage?

Actually, it's all about water and energy drinks of course. We fought our old dependencies and try to live our lives free from any unhealthy substances. So yeah, of course, we drink the "light'" energy drinks. (Laughs)

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Pepperoni and cheese! The classic!

Who does your graphic design?

Sophie and Chuck, two friends from high school that decided to believe in the band and invest time, talent and lots and lots and I mean lots of energy in the daily talks that it represents!

What’s the music scene up there in Canada?

Well, mostly rock. Somehow, we feel like it's always going to remain that way! But, as resident of the province of Quebec, we are exposed to a lot of Francophone music. A lot of folkloric bands as well.

Anyone speak French?

All of us; it's our first language! You want to learn? "How are you?" "Comment ca va?” (Laughs)

It’s cold there, right?

Especially tonight! Winters are killing here in Montreal. It's terrible for the drivers, terrible when you have to walk outside. It lasts forever. (Laughs) But, I like it! I can't help it, I love snow. I think it's beautiful!

Tell me a little bit about YFE TV.

It's a project that we started by our own, three years ago, wanting to keep our friends as much updated as possible with what's going on with the band. But it's also a way for us to pass some messages, serious topics, comic ones, serious ways to talk about life, more comic ones. It's a way for us to share about life and let the people be a part of our world as well!

Any plans for a United States tour?

As soon as our album will be done (should be in spring time) we want to be back on tour. And of course, that includes the US!

Are the boys nice to you Isabel?

Always, some people think I am courageous to face daily life with man all around me (laughs) but these guys are the most respectful ones ever. I am respected here, loved and treated as for who I am, no discrimination.

Who writes all your lyrics?

Alex, our signer. He is very introspective. Very deep in his vision of life and he has this talent with words.

PC or Mac?

Mac all the way. You should have seen us all throwing our old PC' to the garbage and running to the store for a Mac! (Laughs)

Let’s say you are about to headline at the Madison Square Garden. Who is your opener?

Hmm; a local band I would say. A band that the people will enjoy seeing and that they will feel proud to see rising up. We're no rock stars you know. We want to connect with the fans and make them have fun. It goes beyond the show and the performance. It's all about their needs.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

U2, that's for sure. For their heart, their passion that we can feel through everything they do, their guts, their authenticity, their evolution through time, their social implication and so on and on and on.

Is Sef similar to Seal? Cher?

Sef is Sef! Impossible to compare!

How many studio alums do you guys have?

One EP "And If I Was to Die in the Morning, Would I Still be Sleeping With You", "Love is a Promise, Whispering Goodbye" and now, a third one is in the studio!

Where can I get one of those?

They're actually only available through the web for now. On iTunes or mail, at this link: www. yourfavoriteenemies.com.

Any reason why you are wearing a dress on your MySpace header?

Actually, it was a New Year party. Costumes should I say. (Laughs) Because we love to costume ourselves, just for fun, and, that's how my friend just randomly said to me and the other guys there that we should dress like girls, and, no need to say that even before we answered, she had already chosen us an outfit. (Laughs) Then, Miss Isabel and our graphist Sophie came and had the funniest time doing our makeup! Why is it in our header? Cause we liked that evening. It was funny, it was simple and we like to share our best moments with our fans because we know that they are not only fan of the music but of whom we are; because we are real! We are happy and we want the world to see that it's possible for them too!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Changing the world with our music. Impacting the world with our passion, our dedication and, being an inspiration to the whole world. To turn compassion into action!

What do you want to be remembered for when it’s all said and done?

"Rise and shine, it's all possible"! I say that all the time, and my life is based on that belief. Go for it and reach to your dreams. Nothing can stop you.

If you could meet anyone alive or dead who would it be and why?

Joey Ramones. Wow, the Ramones are one of my most inspirational bands. I want to know how it felt to revolutionize rock!

Let’s say you are offered a $250,000 record contract. But you have to sing someone else’s lyrics and it’s a country album. Do you do it?

Absolutely not. No matter the money offered of the career opportunity who we are comes first? We our heart, our passion, our values. Nothing will never keep us from being who we are. (Sorry guys, we're not done wearing our old clothes and eating cheap pastas.)

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Well, to be called an artist is a huge privilege. I will try to be as real and honest as possible because then, you'll be able to read through me and take want you want, grasp what you like and be inspired by it. That's what YFE is all about. We want to be a light in the most of our generation's sorrows and it's not about being cheesy preaching about love. It's more about being strong and faces our ugly world in saying: stop to all the lies and problems that are pushing us down every day. Depression has had a way too big place for a way too long time. Drugs, violence, abuses, rejection, indifference, individualism and it’s time for our generation to rise and shine!