What was it like playing your first show together again at the The Electric Factory in Philadelphia? Without question, the absolute best show of my life. We've played that venue before supporting other bands and we've even played to bigger crowds but nothing can compare to that night. At times, it was very hard to even play. My hands were shaking and I felt nauseous, but not out of nerves or anxiety. It was just incredibly emotional.
You recently signed to Rise Records, can you guys tell us why you wanted to sign with them, and how it's been so far? We've known Matthew from Rise for a while now. Ace remained pretty close with him over the years. At first, we just kinda threw it out to them like "if we we're to make a new record, would you be interested?". They were so enthusiastic and genuinely believed in the band because they truly are fans. From the beginning, we have been on the same page and it really feels like a nice partnership as opposed to a "you're lucky to have us" or "we're lucky to have you" vibe.
Can you tell us about your new material? Maybe a bit about how it is sounding or just the general direction of the music? We're still in the early stages but so far I can gather that is very much an Early November record. We are focusing a lot on the overall tone of the record - the sounds that are being captured, the ambiance and atmosphere. Without giving too much away, I'll say that there will be some loud rock stuff, some pretty twinkly stuff, some moody dark stuff.
One of your own Ace Enders is producing the new album at his recording studio (The Living Room),how come Ace wanted to produce the album instead of another producer doing it, and how exciting or interesting has this process been so far? Ace has pretty much produced or co-produced everything we've done since day one. That's his "day job" producing and engineering. He's built himself a really nice studio in a comfortable space and there's no one better to guide the band and the songs than him.
In a kind of reference to the last question, what has it been like to write and record as a band together again? Really nice and familiar. We more or less grew up together and it's interesting to see how after years of not being around one another everyday, we still have the same sense of humor and jokes. The writing process is still mostly the same as it was years ago. Basically, Ace writes a song and shows it to the band and from there we all say what we think would be cool to add or tweak.
How would you say the alternative music scene has changed (or stayed the same) since you guys first started out? There seems to be much more bands, labels & booking agencies, which is a really cool thing. When we first started, I feel there was a "what band will break into the mainstream next?" vibe. I know that's still around obviously, but with major labels and radio meaning less and less, bands can define and find their own success. In a lot of ways, it reminds me more of when I was growing up and the late 90's punk/indie/DIY scene. More and more kids are going to start putting out records and booking bands from their bedrooms which makes me very happy. Sure, there will may be some over-saturation and people trying to take advantage of other people but hard work and integrity will always allow the right ones to win out.
What do you want 2012 to do for The Early November? First and foremost, make a killer record that we can all put on, as guys in our late 20's, and be proud of. I have no interest in trying to re-capture our youth. It was fun but that's not who we are now. I want to make an honest record that represents us and The Early November's name. I want to go to more places the band never got the chance to; Europe, Australia, SE Asia, Russia, etc. I want to be there for the kids who liked us when we started who are now nearing 30 and I want the kids now to not think we're too old.