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!
