The Enemy are back in Coventry and rehearsing for the new album, the Coventry Telegraph printed this story:
COVENTRY band The Enemy have given their backing to a rehearsal space in the city which hopes to inspire a new generation of musicians.
Tom Clarke, Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins, all aged 25, were at Taylor John’s Music Venue, in the Canal Basin, along with Roddy Byers from The Specials.
As well as hosting regular live performances the venue has expanded into additional units to provide rehearsal space for up-and-coming artists.
It is part of a joint project between Taylor John’s, the city council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, UK Music, and the Music Industry Association.
The Enemy’s Tom Clarke said: “A place like this can really raise the profile of Coventry but in my view more still needs to be done. This is the beginning.
“Coventry is way behind when it comes to providing world class rehearsal space. Manchester has them and there’s no reason why Coventry shouldn’t. It’s a much more central city.
"I just hope people don’t take it for granted and don’t wreck it. I want them to appreciate the chance they’ve got because it’s something we didn’t have.”
Bassist Andy said: “When we started out we had to go and rent a space in Leamington because there was nowhere suitable or affordable here. It would have been amazing to have somewhere like this. When we started out the biggest factor was cost.
“A lot of people just can’t get started and not everyone’s mums and dads are up for having drums played for hours in their homes.”
The band is about to go into the studio to record their third album after spending a year writing.
They are working with Californian producer Joby and said they were “ridiculously excited” about releasing the record, hopefully as soon as early next year.
Roddy Byers said he was pleased to see something positive to encourage more creativity and music for people in the city. “When I first started we used to push the gear from place to place in a wheelbarrow.
"This is a great way of getting the kids off the streets. Drumming is a great way of taking out the aggression, that’s what I used to do!” he said.
Councillor Tony Skipper, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “These music rehearsal spaces provide access to a larger selection of instruments and equipment and mean Coventry people will have an opportunity to use affordable city centre facilities that I’m sure will prove to be very popular.
"We’re committed to providing quality facilities for young people to develop their passion and experience in creative industries.”
*Source: Coventry Telegraph
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com
