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Wednesday, 30 September 2009

The Enemy To Perform Charity Gig





The Enemy will be performing a gig as part of Youth Music Week at London's Phillips de Pury Gallery in London on Friday 13th November. The gigs are part of a project by top photographer Rankin for Youth Music, a charity for children.

Little Boots will be performing at the same venue on the 12th and tickets for the events can be bought HERE for £20 (plus 12.5% booking fee). Various musicians were asked by Rankin to customise a picture of themselves as part of the week long events and include REM's Michael Stripe, Blur's Alex James, Jarvis Cocker, Carl Baret and Kasabian.


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy In New Gaming Approach


The Guardian have an interesting Blog about The Enemy's latest release 'Be Somebody' in the promotion of FIFA 10 written by Jack Arnott and printed below:

Fans of football games and The Enemy (a band which I guess I'd be more aware of were I ten years younger or lived nearer to Shoreditch) will be pleased to hear that the band's new single, Be Somebody, will feature on Fifa 2010, released this coming Friday.

The band, it seems, like playing Fifa when they aren't strumming their guitars or growing their hair - you can see them playing the game in the video above.

'What's new?' I hear you shout. 'Who cares?' Well what makes this slightly different from Song 2 from Fifa 98 or that annoying song about Kennedy and King and something else from Pro Evo 09 is that both game and song are being released in the same week - cross-promotion on an scarily well-organised scale.

While the use of films to sell music is now a well established part of the Hollywood blockbuster system (cast rappers to be in soundtrack, or have a single released which has a film trailer as a music video), music and games is a relatively untapped marketing avenue.

If you think about how well you know the songs from your radio station of choice on GTA 4 for example (Fusion FM for me) it's easy to see how the real estate of your ears could be exploited.

Of course, the fact that early consoles couldn't manage CD quality audio is a large factor in this tactic taking a while to catch on, but if you consider how likely the average gamer is to be a music fan it's surprising we haven't seen more of this type of cross-promotion. Cynical it may be, but if in-game music gets better as a result the consumer stands to benefit greatly.

If EA succeed in getting both The Enemy and Fifa 2010 to the top of their respective charts next week, it's a practice we're bound to see much more of. What's to say that at this very moment Take That aren't writing a song with lyrics inspired by BioShock 2?


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

The Enemy Feature In New Coventry Exhibition

Tom Clarke, Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins of The Enemy will feature in a new exhibition celebrating Coventry's musical history. The display at Coventry's Herbert Art Gallery and Museum will demonstrate that the city has more on offer than just The Specials.

The Enemy have once again put Coventry on the musical map during their three years of constant touring and the lads have always been proud to promote Coventry (as seen in their latest video 'Be Somebody').

Martin Roberts, senior curator at the Herbert, said: “An exhibition celebrating the music of Coventry is long overdue. Artists from the city have had an amazing impact around the world and it’s astounding to see the successes and achievements that these artists have had.”

'More Than Two Tone' opens in Coventry on Saturday October 3 and will remain open to the public for free until Sunday 3rd January 2010.


*Read full story in Coventry Telegraph

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tom Clarke Backs Lily Allen


Tom Clarke from The Enemy has backed Lily Allen and a host of other singers and bands who want to be paid for music downloaded from the internet, reports Teletext.
"New music doesn't just appear on your radio. People go out and tour for years putting the graft in," he told Teletext.
"So it's right and important people don't rob pennies off bands who need it." Look after the pennies Tom, and the pounds will look after themselves.


The Enemy grafting

Shared via AddThis

The Enemy To Take World By Storm With Third Album


THE Enemy plan to continue flying the flag for lad rock says the Daily Star. Despite Music For The People not flogging as many copies as their No 1 debut they won’t be turning electro. Tom Clarke, 22, said: “We’ll stick to being a guitar band, and then take the world by storm with album three.”

The Enemy’s latest single features on the soundtrack for EA SPORTS FIFA 10, which is out on October 2.


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Monday, 28 September 2009

Tom Clarke Sunday Mail Interview

THE ENEMY are preparing for tour bus fall-outs when they hit the road in November - over a football video game, according to an interview in the Sunday Mail. The Scottish newspaper interviewed Tom Clarke about the new single, FIFA 10, touring and recording.




The band's forthcoming single Be Somebody is the theme song for hit FIFA 10 game and they are getting their bus kitted out with an Xbox 360 so they can play.



But frontman Tom Clarke admits there will be arguments between himself and bandmates Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins over who gets to be their beloved Coventry City.



Tom said: "It's one of those things that's a bit of fun. Electronic Arts wanted to use one of our tracks on the game and Be Somebody immediately came to mind.



"The single is out the week before the game so it all just fell in to place really nicely.



"The best thing is it looks like they're going to sort us out with an Xbox so we can spend all those hours on the tour bus playing FIFA10...but there will be rows over who plays as Coventry."



He joked: "Not over who GETS to play as them but who HAS to!"





The Enemy play Glasgow's 02 Academy on November 11 as they wrap up last album, Music For The People, and prepare to start work on the next one.



The album marked a radical and risky departure from the raw, undiluted energy of their breakthrough CD, We'll Live And Die In These Towns. But Tom is confident they got away with it because the new songs worked well live.



Tom said: "That surprised us because we didn't think about that at all when we were making the record. It just happened."



However he admits they plan to return to their roots and the sound which first made them stars for their third album.



He said: "We're really happy with how Music For The People went but there was something missing, that raw, energetic sound that came from the three of us in a rehearsal room. I want that back on the next record.



"We finish the tour in November then we're going to take a month off for Christmas and get stuck into the album in the New Year."



The Enemy's Be Somebody features on the soundtrack for EA SPORTS FIFA 10, available from October 2. For more information go to www.easports.co.uk/fifa


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Andy Hopkins and Tom Clarke Interview




Sport.co.uk caught up with Andy Hopkins and Tom Clarke from Coventry rockers The Enemy, and challenged them to a game of FIFA 10, which is soundtracked by the band's new single 'Be Somebody'...



Are you guys experienced FIFA players?



AH: Yeah, I’ve got FIFA 09 at home. I tell you what, I think the controls are a lot better [on the new one]. It feels a lot easier to play. ‘Cause I was rubbish at 09, to be honest.



Well I’m going to challenge you to a game, if that’s alright.



Both: (General muttering indicating that the challenge is accepted)



Should we play Rangers vs Celtic? Because they’re the Auld Enemy. And you’re the new Enemy.



(Lets slightly lame suggestion hang in the air for a moment or two, before we end up choosing our respective clubs of choice: Everton and Coventry City.)



So, do you follow the Sky Blues closely?



AH: We used to.



TC: I only moved to Coventry when I was 16. I grew up in Birmingham. When we’re back, we try and get to games but it’s f***ing impossible to follow any sport when you’re never home and essentially living on a bus.



(I deviate from the real Everton’s regular 4-5-1 line up, pairing Saha and Yakubu up front in a sophisticated 4-2-2-2 formation. Joleon Lescott is of course removed from the starting XI, and the virtual Mikel Arteta is fit enough to take his place on the right of midfield. Andy leaves his Coventry side unchanged and plays the first half.)



TC: I like the fact that you’re serious about this.



I’m representing my club; of course I’ve got to take it seriously. Why is there only one player and one goalkeeper on the pitch?



AH: Oh, that’s just while it’s loading. You get to practise. They’ve thought about it.



Oh right. That’s a good feature. So are you not massive Coventry fans, then? I was hoping to natter about ‘Cookie’ Coleman and Clinton ‘Goal Machine’ Morrison…



TC: I tend to say I like to see Cov do well, which happens rarely.



Did you follow them during their Premier League years?



AH: Yep. That’s when I was a massive fan. But it’s hard to follow it when you’ve been away for three years and you’ve got other things on your mind. But I’ve got a Fantasy Football team this year so I’ll probably keep up with it a bit more.



We interviewed Steve Froggatt a while ago. He once scored a blinding goal against us live on Sky.



AH: I played a charity football match with him the other day. It was against loads of ex Cov players, like David Busst.



Nice to hear that Busst was involved. That was an horrific injury he suffered.



AH: He’s still limping. But he put in a good performance. Compared to us lot, anyway.



You had some memorable names at Highfield Road back in the day. Dion Dublin, Robbie Keane, Darren Huckerby, Peter Ndlovu, Roy Wegerle. Who’s the best you ever saw?



AH: Micky Quinn. Or Roy Wegerle, yeah.



Have you read Micky Quinn’s autobiography, ‘Who Ate All the Pies?’ ?



AH: No.



Do you recall the game on the last day of the 97/98 season where you very nearly sent us down?



AH: Earl Barrett?



Don’t think he played that day but, yes, it would have been roundabout the Era of Earl Barrett. What about that famous final day escape when you won 2-1 at Spurs? Any memories of that?



AH: Erm…who scored?



Can’t remember but I think Gordon Strachan was manager at the time. Did you used to go to the games at all?



AH: Yeah. I used to play for this football team who always took us to away games. But I never really used to go to Highfield Road.



This is a dreadful game so far. Please accept my apologies; I play quite an attritional game. (Trying desperately) Coventry have had one or two exciting results in the last few years though, haven’t they? Like winning 4-1 at Blackburn in the cup?



(Silence)



Er…so what are you up to with the band at the moment?



TC: Liam’s been on holiday for the last three weeks. We’ve had three weeks off, which is the longest we’ve had in three years. We’re doing a UK headline tour in November.



What festivals did you play this summer?



TC: We just did V, which was f***ing brilliant.



Did you ever used to go to any festivals?



TC: No, I could never afford it. Just look at how expensive Glastonbury is.



(Finally, some incident – I concede a sloppy penalty which Leon Best converts with aplomb to put Coventry 1-0 to the good.)



It’s nice that you can play as Championship teams on this now.



TC: They’ve had that for years.



Oh right. Sorry – I’m still playing off muscle memory from World Cup 98!



TC: That was the best!



These games have come a long way. I remember being amazed by Striker on the SNES. But it looks ridiculous now. When you scored, a clown would appear on the scoreboard and applaud you. (Realises during the ensuing silence that the SNES was quite possibly before their time and feels old.)



TC: (Assuming control for the second half) Sorry, it’s kind of sad that Cov are 1-0 up and I’m gonna take over half way through. Probably lose 3-1.



(One of my boys goes down in the box. I appeal for a penalty but it falls upon virtual ears.) Do you follow any other sports?



TC: I’d like to but it’s f***ing impossible.



AH: You do F1 a bit, don’t you?



TC: I’m bang into Formula 1 but I can’t follow it.





Roland Nilsson, eh? He was the man. What a player.



(Silence. A sublime through ball puts me one on one with Keiren Westwood but the ‘keeper comes out on top.)



So. What’s your favourite pizza topping?



TC: Andy’s just f***ing weird; he puts everything on pizzas.



AH: At the moment, I’m loving spicy chicken, pepperoni and jalapeno.



I’ve discovered that jalapenos and pineapple go brilliantly together on pizza. You should try it.



AH: Nah.



TC: You can’t put pineapple on pizzas. That’s out of order. It’s too sweet.



AH: I was served pineapple with a White Russian last night. Did you see that? Gave me a White Russian with a f***ing slice of pineapple in it. What the f*** is that about? It was f***ing horrible.



A lion versus a tiger, in a fight to the death, each beast covered in gravy in order to ensure optimum savagery. Who wins?



TC: Liam’s thought about this a lot. It’s a shame he’s not here. I’d say that a tiger’s probably gonna be more vicious. I don’t think they cohabit though, so it’s highly unlikely.



It’s hypothetical. Gorilla versus a grizzly?



AH: Grizzly.



TC: Yeah. Grizzly’s got claws, hasn’t he? One swipe and…I mean, gorilla’s got strength, but…



(Just then, the Yak, appropriately fed, breaks free and scores.) Oh, what a beauty!



TC: This is the beginning of the end, man. This is what happens to Cov.



(At that point, I’m informed that I have three minutes left. Time to go for the jugular.) So, out of all the bands and artists you’ve met, who have you disliked the most?



TC: To be quite honest with you, you meet c***s all the time. You’ve just got to f***ing ignore them, frankly. When you’re in this position, there’s always someone who wants to cut you down.



You must have met some amazing people too, though.



TC: We’ve toured with f***ing amazing bands. We’ve just done the Oasis tour…Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics…





TC: Probably Noel [Gallagher]. I know it’s an obvious one but…oh shit…(gets player sent off for a professional foul)



Off! Off! Off! (I make a total mess of the resulting free-kick.) Do you guys play football?



TC: Yeah. There’s always a football on tour.



What positions do you play?



AH: Right-wing.



TC: I’m not good enough to say I play any position.



(Proceedings degenerate into general swearing, grunts of frustration and the occasional “Oh no!” as the final whistle of an error-strewn game approaches, with the score still locked at 1-1.)



Let’s get vaguely topical. How would you celebrate if you scored a last-minute winner for Coventry against Villa? Bear in mind that the Villa fans have been giving you stick all game.



TC: [I’d celebrate] quietly. The Villa fans can be a bit nasty. Depends if we’re home or away.



You’re at the Ricoh Arena.



AH: I’d just do a Klinsmann or something. I can’t do backflips.



Who’s gonna win the World Cup?



AH: I actually do think it’ll be England. They’re mint at the moment. Last World Cup, I didn’t think they’d do it.



TC: I’m gonna throw it out there: I don’t think England will win.



Yes, generally. Any tips for good new bands?



TC: Twisted Wheel. They’re a Manchester band…(trails off into mumbling as I break through again…only to screw it up again. Further non-conversation ensues before the Yak strikes again to give me a last-ditch 2-1 lead. I emit a rather undignified roar in celebration.)



So how did ‘Be Somebody’ come to be used on the game? Did they just approach you and say, “We like the song. Can we use it?”



TC: Sort of, yeah. That was a foul, surely.



Ah, I think he made contact. With the ball, that is. Do you have a favourite football cliché?



TC: “Game of two halves” is a classic, innit? I like saying it about gigs: “it was a gig of two halves”.



(The whistle blows. Final score: Sport.co.uk 2-1 The Enemy)



TC: Congratulations. Convincing win.



The Enemy's latest single features on the soundtrack for EA SPORTS FIFA 10, available on all formats from October 2nd. For more information go to www.easports.co.uk/fifa


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy: Be Somebody - Out Now



'Be Somebody', the third single from The Enemy's critically acclaimed album 'Music For The People', is out now.


The track features on FIFA 10 and the video was funded by EA Games, Andy Hopkins wrote the song and the single was a fan's favourite in a poll earlier this year.

Go and download your copy now for only 50p from 7digital or for 79p from iTunes.



DOWNLOAD NOW »




* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Tom Clarke To Become A Dad

The Sun reports that Tom Clarke and his long-term partner Rachel are expecting their first child together............

TOM CLARKE from THE ENEMY is going to be a busy boy next summer.
If he has his way, the three piece will be singing the England footie team's World Cup anthem in 2010.

But he might not have enough free time to go to the games in South Africa as his missus, Rachel, is Keith Cheggers with his first child. Congrats to the wee rocker.

The pair were celebrating the good news with pals including JODY LATHAM, who plays Lip in Shameless, in a Dublin bar on Thursday.

The band played a storming set at the city's Arthur's Day celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Guinness.

A source said: "Tom sank a few jars of the black stuff to celebrate. He's over the moon."

Goodbye rock 'n' roll, hello rusks.

* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Wednesday, 23 September 2009

Tom Has A Dig At Keane

Tom Clarke was in the press today for his comments about Keane, as reported in The Sun.

OASIS may have departed, but at least we can rely on THE ENEMY to keep up the tradition of slagging off any other band in sight.
The Coventry three-piece - who supported NOEL and LIAMGALLAGHER on their final tour - have rammed the boot into KEANE after suffering the indignity of appearing before the balladeers at last month's V Festival.

Frontman TOM CLARKE blasted: "I like playing before bands that aren't as good as us. It gives you a bit of a buzz - especially after our storming performance at V.

"I was with a mate in a restaurant recently. When Keane came on he made the manager turn it off because it was affecting his digestion."

Tom then compared recent Keane hit Spiralling to a cheesy TV theme tune. He joked: "The first single off their last album sounded like the theme tune to Byker Grove. It's one of those thoughts you should keep to yourself." Ouch!

The Enemy's new single Be Somebody will feature on EA Sports' eagerly-awaited FIFA 10 game.

The video for the song - released September 28 - was created and funded by EA Sports from scratch in a first for the music and gaming industries.



* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

The Enemy Want England World Cup Song

Could The Enemy be in with a chance of recording the England World Cup song next year? According to The Sun, Tom Clarke wouldn't mind having a go.

BRACE yourself for a deluge of World Cup songs now England are in the finals.
Obviously most of them will be dreadful, but here's one I wouldn't mind hearing even though I'm a proud Scot.

THE ENEMY told The Sun they want to record the official England track and feature some untapped rapping talent.

Frontman TOM CLARKE said: "I'd like to get PETER CROUCH to rap. We'd let him do his robot dance too.

"I reckon WAYNE ROONEY could be an angry rapper." Tom added: "We'd do it just so we could say, 'We've recorded the official England song'."

EMBRACE penned England's last tune in 2006 with World At Your Feet which lacked the impact of NEW ORDER's World In Motion and Three Lions by BADDIEL & SKINNER AND THE LIGHTNING SEEDS.

Tom reckons the quality of the track could determine England's success next June.

"If we brought out a good song England might win it."

Ally's Tartan Army from '78 will always shade it for me.

Speaking of footie, The Enemy's new single Be Somebody will feature on EA Sports' eagerly-awaited FIFA 10 game.

The video for the song - released September 28 - was created and funded by EA Sports from scratch in a first for the music and gaming industries.


* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Saturday, 19 September 2009

PRESS: The Enemy Enjoy X Factor Flops

As published by The Press Association, The Enemy share their views about ITV's X Factor programme.

The Enemy have confessed they enjoy watching The X Factor auditions to see "rubbish people".

Frontman Tom Clarke revealed: "I like watching the first bits where they have the rubbish people in - that's quite amusing, because they actually think they're good."

He added: "Well, there's some that think they're good - I'm pretty sure there's some that go on now to be the rubbish ones to take the p**s, it's a shame that that's started happening."

Bandmate Andy Hopkins agreed: "The other night some woman brought a dog on and she said it could sing and it just didn't do anything."

The Enemy's latest single Be Somebody is featured on EA's new Fifa '10 computer game.

Tom revealed: "It's such an inclusive song and it's proper inspiring.

"For young people, you need somebody to tell you that you can do whatever you want, whether it's music, or most lads are into footie. And it's just uplifting.

"Football and music are really similar in that it's something that young lads can just get into by just being good and practising and believing and it fits really well. The whole Be Somebody ethic with footie and the music, it ties in pretty well I think."

:: Be Somebody is released on September 28 and FIFA '10 is out on October 2.



* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Friday, 18 September 2009

Tom Clarke Wants Oasis To Return

As reported by The Press Association:

The Enemy's Tom Clarke is hoping Oasis will reunite to record a new album, but not before Noel Gallagher has released a solo record.

The Be Somebody singer - who toured with Oasis earlier this year with the group - confessed he is upset about the split of "the best band in the world" but is optimistic they will reunite.

Tom said: "I hope one day they get back together - but first I hope Noel comes out with a solo album because I reckon he's got an amazing solo album in him, so I'd like that first."


* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Got A Question For Tom Clarke?

Ever wanted to ask The Enemy's Tom Clarke a question but never had the opportunity? Well now is your chance to ask him virtually anything because Pepsi Maxcast will be putting YOUR questions to him on Monday (21/09/09) in an interview.

The Enemy fans can send a question direct to Pepsi Maxcast's Twitter page, but don't worry - if you do not have Twitter then send the question here: robmacca@theenemy.eu, and I'll forward all the questions to Pepsi Maxcast on Monday.

Get your thinking caps on..............

* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

Win Signed FIFA 10 Game In Pepsi Maxcast Competition


Fancy winning the latest FIFA 10 game signed by the one and only Tom Clarke (The Enemy)? Those generous folk at Pepsi Maxcast have FIVE signed copies to give away in their latest competition.

To enter the free competition, you just need to answer the very simple question on the Pepsi Maxcast website (click: HERE).

Click here to enter now! Promotion closes @ 11.59pm, Friday 25th September 2009.

* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Tom Clarke DJ's On XFM Radio - Final Part

Tom Clarke was back on XFM radio for the final part of his Sunday residency between 9pm and 10pm, kicking off with the brand new single 'It's Not OK'.

The Enemy frontman played a whole host of his favourite tunes on his iPod from The Specials to Morrissey - you can listen to the broadcast HERE.

Tom shared some stories behind his choices throughout the hour on Sunday evening on XFM, for one last time.

Visit XFM radio for some great tunes, interviews and competitions.



* Also visit: http://theenemy.eu



* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com