Interview: Tom Clarke Speaks About Hopes For 2012

Here is the very candid interview with The Enemy frontman Tom Clarke, speaking about the new album, life in Coventry and lessons he has learnt in life. Tom spoke to Fergal Kinney for Louder Than War, and is reproduced below. Please visit Louder Than War for a host of other interviews and media news.

A political band in apolitical musical times The Enemy took their fire and anger of the Jam and the Clash and married it with the band of their generation Oasis. In 2007, They were on top of the British music scene. A number one album, 3 top twenty singles, big venues sold out nightly up and down the country. By their own admission, after this point something went off the boil. Somewhere between the never ending soundchecks and the long haul flights, something in the Enemy was lost. Now, in 2012, The Enemy’s Tom Clarke speaks to Louder Than War about how they’ve reclaimed the original spark and have the British Music Charts next in their sights.........

So Tom, what your the agenda for the Enemy in 2012?

We intend to release our third album, play UK festivals and tour the UK. For now it’s all about getting the album finished on time. We want to release in March or April but there’s a lot still to be done. We’re also planning a special gig in the midlands too but I can’t say too much about that until it’s all confirmed. We’re working around the clock, harder than ever, to get the album sounding great, and the fans and press enthused.

In many ways your debut was of a very similar vein to 'Definitely Maybe' yet your second album jumped straight into 'Be Here Now' territory, what kind of sound are we to expect from album number three?

Album three has a sonic presence that is uncompromised. There’s echos of the first and second album in there. The songs are undeniable, catchy and instant, the sound is full on, guitar driven and to the point. It sounds like The Enemy always should of. Pop sense of the first album, sonic weight of the second. We genuinely believe it’s our best work yet and we know the implications of saying so. We wouldn’t dare say that unless we truly believed it.

How has recording with Joby J Ford from The Bronx impacted the record?

Working with Joby has been an eye opener. There are techniques for recording bands over in the states that are common place, that over in the UK producers and engineers simply don’t apply. Watching Joby work is an experience. He has a wall of guitars and we try every one to find the right sound, a plethora of amps, a multitude of different sounding rooms and a lot, and I mean a lot, of experience.

What has been influencing you with the writing of the new album?

Many years ago we wrote an album [We'll Live & Die In These Towns] which to us made perfect sense. We wrote about the dark cloud hanging above us all. The working class, and particularly the north of England and Scotland knew exactly what we were on about. The middle class and the Hoxton elite in London are only just starting to be affected by what was already tearing the heart out of working class towns all over the rest of the UK. The third album, touches on lots of things, but without being too political. I don’t think Enemy fans really want to get too political. It touches on the Coke culture that is plaguing our youth, it stabs fun a what in Coventry we affectionately refer to as “shit geezers”, “parrot heads” or "try hards". It touches on some bleak moments that every class of person will of experienced in these incredibly testing times. It’s got old school Enemy jest in there too, and anger, and spite, and all the things that made The Enemy great.

You’ve been quite vocal lately about the absence of guitar music in the UK and it is clear that there is a distinct lack of guitar music in the charts, particularly when compared to the boom of 2004-2007. What do you think is the cause of this and how do you think it can be helped? Which bands at the moment do you rate and do you find it reassuring that guitar groups such as the Courteeners and the Vaccines can still gain great success?

I think it is superb to see the Courteeners and the Vaccines going strong. Liam Fray was incredibly vocal about slagging me and my band off when he first came out. I assume it’s because by being at the top of the charts and all over the press and TV we were an easy target. Personally, I no longer view bands as targets. I think all real music, whether guitar driven or not has to come together to destroy the monopoly that the manufactured Cowell trowell dumps on our charts. The British Singles Chart belongs to the British Music Fan. NOT to Simon Cowell. It’s high time that all fans of all bands unite and make themselves heard.

With record sales at an all time low yet live music still experiencing something of a boom, how do you feel this will impact the future of the Enemy? For a band that broke Blur’s record of selling out consecutive nights at London Astoria, do you feel confident that the people will be on your side?

The Enemy has always been a live band. However this time I think we might of made a record to match. Everybody that’s seen us live knows the score. People who have heard us on record but not seen us live still have that experience to look forward to. This time though, the third album does the love show justice. It sounds amazing, the songs are sing along catchy anthems and the spirit of the band is captured. We are more excited about 2012 than we have ever been. We just want to spread that excitement and get the public ready for a superb album, and release it, and tour everywhere to say thanks to all The Enemy fans, and all the genuine music fans for their support.

Do you regret taking the length of time out that you did after the second album and his it shown you what could have been done differently between the first and second albums?

I do regret it. But we needed it. We were exhausted. We needed some space from each other and from the circus. It’s going to be tough to get back in. We wont just waltz into radio and be received with open arms. We have to make a special record, and that’s what we’re doing. Then we have to graft our balls off to make sure everybody knows about it.

You were quite young when you had success with your debut album, when did you first get into playing guitar and gigging?

The thing a lot of people forget is we are still one of the youngest bands out there. Everybody else is creeping closer to radio two age, we’re still trying to grow some stubble. I guess we all started around the age of 18, and we’re still learning our trade. You should never stop learning, especially from your own mistakes. The day you think you’re perfect is the day you’ve lost it. That’s my opinion anyway.

Most songwriters are influenced by where they came from, this was often the case in your work with “You're Not Alone” being written about the closure of Peugoet plant in Coventry. Does Coventry still inspire you to write today and how?

Coventry is always a massive inspiration. I grew up in Birmingham until I was 16. Coventry is much smaller and therefore all the stuff that happens is more focused. I genuinely love Cov. I really adore it.

The Enemy have always endeavoured to be a band with a political conscience and in the time between ‘Music For the People’ and now so much has happened, from the riots to the election of a Conservative led government, what worries you the most about Britain at the moment? And if there was an election tomorrow who would you vote for, and why?

What worries me most about British politics is that we don’t have any politics anymore. There is no choice. No left, no right. They’re all in bed with each other looking out for themselves, nobody cares about the common man in politics anymore. I wouldn’t vote for any of them at the moment.

When your first album shot to Number One and you gained a wider press attention, you could often be quite scathing in the press of people in other bands; what do you think of this now?

As I say, I think it’s a time to stick together. It’s much easier to slag a band off than it is to say something nice about somebody, but when musicians stick together they can achieve greatness. You only have to look at the collaborations in Dub Step and R&B to understand that. I am older and wiser and whilst I still have a fire in my belly I’ve learned to think before I speak. I will never with hold my opinion. If somebody wants to know, I’ll tell em. But there’s an art to getting your point across intelligently. I would hate to come across as unintelligent or arrogant as it is not the case. I take pride in my open mindedness and I care more about other people than anybody realises.

Quickfire Q+A (and where relevant, your reasons for)

Cameron or Clegg? Eton boy or a traitor? Neither give a shit about the common man, they can both rot.

Bitter, lager or cider? Lager. And a kebab. I hate conforming to a stereotype. dammit.

Morrissey or Marr? Tough one. Morrissey was a poet but Marr could make a guitar sing in a way I never will. Marr.

Radio 1 or Radio 2? Radio 1. I have faith that they will see the light.

Fender or Gibson? I’m all about Fender. My snot green tele is my favourite axe ever.

The Clash or the Jam? Very tough one. The Jam speak more to me though. Weller was and is a genius.

Singing or guitar? That’s like saying fish or chips.

Stage or studio? Stage.

Beady Eye or Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds? Love Beady Eye, been to see em loads. Really enjoyed it. Noel is the man when it comes to songs though and I’m a song man at heart. NGHFB album is my favourite album for a long long time.

John, Paul, George or Ringo? John was a legend. Macca drove a merc, I’m more of a Jag man.

*Source: Louder Than War

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The Enemy Return To UK

The Enemy have returned from their recording sessions in Los Angeles (as pictured above with Coventry photographer Kevin Donnelly). With just a few more studio recording sessions to go, The Enemy are beginning to see the formation of their third album. They told fans, "We are back from LA armed with another 4 finished tracks and 2 more very nearly there, back in the studio very soon and BANG ON target for release."

Pictures taken while The Enemy were in the USA by Kevin Donnelly can be seen on Tom Clarke's official blog and we'll post them here during the coming week.

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Liam Watts Joins Twitter

The Enemy drummer, Liam Watts has finally bowed to pressure and joined fellow band mates Tom Clarke and Andy Hopkins on Twitter. The lads have been tweeting during their recording sessions in Los Angeles and Liam had to take a bit of stick for being the only band member not to have a Twitter account.

Liam has been tweeting via The Enemy twitter page, but is normally quite shy - so fans ought not to expect too many tweets from the 23 year old! Keep up to date with Tom, Andy and now Liam on Twitter and hear the latest news from The Enemy on their official accounts :

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The Enemy Reveal Album Tracks

The Enemy are currently in LA recording tracks for the anticipated third album and Tom Clarke took time out from the studio to talk about the new tracks. Tom said, "We've hardly seen outside the studio in all the time we've been here, we've worked faster and harder than we ever have before." The band are working with The Bronx's Joby J Ford, who is helping to create the sound for the new album.

Fans will be delighted to know the Coventry trio are returning to their roots with new songs such as 'Saturday' and 'Turn It On Two' - guitar led up tempo songs written at the start of their career. Tom described them as, "simple hooky melodies over rock guitar and power drums. They remind us of tracks like 'Had Enough' and 'Be Somebody'."

New song 'This Is Real' has been available to fans from The Enemy's Facebook page, but the song has been transformed with more drum playing from Liam Watts, a violin and a Grammy Award winning Hispanic vocal trio - Tom thinks the song has a 'You're Not Alone' feel to it!

Some tracks have not been finalised yet, 'Make A Man' is still being worked on but promises to have great drums and that very British sound. The lads continue to produce songs about everyday life and '1234' will be a punk sounding track about youth culture in the UK.

If you enjoyed album tracks like 'Pressure' then you should enjoy 'Bigger Cages Longer Chains', a track that promises lots of guitar action. Another song that could be making it to the third album is 'Gimmie The Sign',  Tom described it as "a step forward in the right direction, keeping the classic Enemy sentiments but with a more anthemic vibe."

The Enemy can not wait to return with the new album and a UK tour - Tom, Andy and Liam are enjoying the learning experience of working in an LA studio with the crew. The band want to get this album just right, so that fans can be proud. Tom said, "we're still young and on the cusp of discovering what you can really do with music, we're all stupidly excited about this record, we've made huge strides without forgetting where we come from and belong."

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Andy Hopkins Wants YOU!

If you have been missing The Enemy over the past few months, then miss no more because the Coventry band are back in the studio (currently in Los Angeles). Andy Hopkins has been updating his followers on Twitter (the picture can also be seen on Andy's Twitter page).

Get the most up to the minute gossip straight from the horses mouth (so to speak..... I'm not calling Andy a horse or anything!).  Follow Andy Hopkins on Twitter @andyhopkins26 and fellow band mate Tom Clarke @tomclarke_enemy , sadly no-one has managed to persuade drummer Liam Watts to set up an official Twitter account yet!

Andy, Tom and Liam regularly update their official Facebook page with news of the third album developments as 2012 promises to be a great year for The Enemy.

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Tom Clarke Praises Fans

Tom Clarke has praised fans in his latest official blog update during The Enemy's second day in Los Angeles. He spoke about the bands plans for 2012 and the hard work that lies ahead, Tom went on to say,

"We can bring the music, and a bucket load of passion and dedication, but if we're going to take it to them, we need everyone of you, fighting with us to make music great again, telling people about the record, spreading the word, creating a movement from the working men's clubs, university bars and small venues up."

 Tom is passionate about the state of the music industry, and wants to see more guitar bands back in the charts and on the radio. The Enemy are currently listening to all the bands that posted a Sound Cloud on their Facebook page with the view of giving a support slot at a gig or two later in the year.

Tom concluded his blog by saying, "Every band that breaks through the monopoly of the charts will pave the way for more, it's a time for bands to stick together, for music fans to unite, and to count every small victory against the rich TV pop kingmakers. We can do it, but we can't do it without you."

The Enemy are currently recording some tracks for their third album with Joby J Ford (The Bronx) in Los Angeles and will be touring the UK later in 2012.

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Tom Clarke Launches Blog

Tom Clarke has launched his official blog with the aim of keeping fans updated about the progress of the third album. Tom has been tweeting over the past few months but told fans, "sometimes 140 characters just isn't enough to get across what I want to." He plans to use his official blog as an "opportunity to elaborate on things that can easily be misunderstood." The Enemy lead singer likened Twitter to the early days on MySpace, when the band would interact with fans.

Tom was full of praise for the fans saying, "I'd like to thank the thousands of Enemy fans who are always there. We appreciate you lot like no other band appreciates their fans. You guys make our band what it is, and we are eternally grateful for your support. We shall continue to graft our balls off to deliver you better and better albums by way of thanks."

The Enemy are currently in Los Angeles working on the third album but fans can keep up to date on the bands official Facebook/Twitter (see links below.) Tom Clarke's official blog can been seen at:

http://tomclarkeofficial.blogspot.com/

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The Enemy Offer Support Slots To New Bands

Tom Clarke from The Enemy is offering up and coming bands the chance to play support slots when the Coventry band hit the road in 2012. The lead singer is passionate about the state of the UK music scene and wants to see more guitar bands getting radio play and exposure.

Following recent media stories, Tom has personally set the record straight on the bands Facebook page, while at the same time being positive in asking any aspiring bands to post Sound Cloud links of their demos onto The Enemy Facebook page at : http://www.facebook.com/theenemy 

The Enemy will then pick the band they like the most, and use that band for some supports next year. Tom said he wanted The Enemy to, "do our little bit" in his quest to 'save music'.

Tom told followers, "I hope that next year is a great year for us and that we get to continue doing this, which ultimately is in our hands. I also hope many other guitar bands return with a reinvigorated sense of purpose, and new ones break through. Rubbish as it might sound to you, I do want to save music and I want other bands to too."

Read Tom's full response on The Enemy's Facebook page: 

http://www.facebook.com/theenemy/posts/206661702756263

*PIC: Shirlaine Forrest - The Enemy (Manchester gig) 

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Tom Clarke Sets The Record Straight

Tom Clarke has set the record straight after several media sources took his twitter comments out of context, when he wrote about the plight of the UK music scene at the moment. Here is what Tom first wrote on December 23rd,

"Radio and music in general is fucking appalling at the moment, half these so called artist can't come back with a second single let alone an album of substance. It's all cool for five minutes then on to the next.... there are no career musicians in the charts at the moment."

"The closest thing is Coldplay, and although I do like their latest song, they have been churning out tired middle of the road impressions of themselves for a decade now."

"Why is nobody brave enough to make a great album. A record that can define a time? That can say what we're all thinking? Seriously? I got mildly excited when I heard the first Vaccines song, then they followed it up with a song about scuba diving equipment."

"People are so out of touch it pains me. I've still got the kitchen and bathroom to decorate but looks like we'll have to save music again ;) (the last tweet was half in jest. Only half mind."

Here are the press reports following those comments:
NME wrote: The Enemy's Tom Clarke has said that music is "fucking appalling at the moment" and believes it's up to him and his band to save it.

The singer posted a series of messages on his Twitter account earlier this week (December 23) criticising his peers for failing to be "brave" and making a "great album" to encapsulate the times.

Clarke, who is working on a third album with The Enemy that will be released in 2012, wrote: "Radio and music in general is fucking appalling at the moment.

"Why is nobody brave enough to make a great album? A record that can define a time? That can say what we're all thinking? Seriously?"

He later added:
People are so out of touch it pains me. I've still got the kitchen and bathroom to decorate but looks like we'll have to save music again.
Clarke, who later said he his messages had been "half in jest", told NME earlier this year that the follow-up to 2009's 'Music For The People' would see The Enemy return to the more direct sound of their 2007 debut 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns'.

The frontman also admitted that the LP would be make or break for the Coventry trio, adding: "This album will be the one that defines where that goes – whether it doesn't work and we go 'That's it' or we find the sound that drives us forward."

The Sun wrote: TOM CLARKE is so disgusted with the music in today's charts that he reckons his band need to save the industry.

The Enemy frontman said: "Radio and music in general is fucking appalling at the moment.

"Why is nobody brave enough to make a great album?

"People are so out of touch it pains me.

"I've still got the kitchen and bathroom to decorate but it looks like we'll have to save music again."

Tom later said his messages had been in "half in jest".

What the press failed to report were Tom Clarke's following comments, where he said:

"My 'save music' comment was completely tongue in cheek. Out of context - looks horrendous. I didn't take it out of context, other people did. However, I genuinely think the British music charts are a disgrace. They don't showcase British guitar music, and there is too much talent for radio to ignore. Somebody needs to do something to address it."

"Now what I was saying, is we're going to work our bollocks to try, and I'm sure there are many bands who are going to as well, and who are more than capable of doing so, and who I hope will! We're all in the same game, the same boat - bands can either stick together now and make a difference, and make the charts a more interesting place or they can bicker and divide fans."

"Personally, I wish every band the best of luck next year, because there is room for lots of them. Ultimately, people need to lighten up. It's not that I shouldn't be saying it, it's that every band should, and we should all be saying that together, we're all going to save music from the X Factor infested dribble that bothers the charts now days."

"We are working very hard, to try to make a difference. And I adore my fans, and ALL fans of proper music, whether they like The Enemy or not. Because really, at the end of the day, only they have the power to decide what is massive. Not radio, not the press - certainly not me. All I do, is try to do my job to the best of my ability, and listen to my fans, and my critics, because I care what people think."

"I hope that next year is a great year for us and that many other guitar bands return, and new ones break through. I want to save music and I want other bands to too. We all do! Then we can turn on the radio and dance our heads off all year long!"

Tom went on to say,

"If I knew NME would run a piece on it, I would've been much more careful with my words. I'm not an idiot, I know how it looks out of context. All guitar bands need to step up and save music this year -the UK is full of great bands. I don't think the NME twisted anything. I think the piece was bang on. The mistake was my lack of clarity on what I meant. For the first time in a long time, there are some genuinely good people who love music working at NME."

"Kasabian are the only light in a desolate wasteland of half hearted pish, Kasabian are real." Speaking about The Vaccines 'Wet Suit', Tom said: "Put a wet suit on go on go on....Why??? I live in Coventry? Are we goin' to the swimming baths? Speedos will suffice if so."

"The Subways are another example of a proper band. They put the hard graft in. Amazing to see them doing well. Big love for em."

"I should make clear I'm not having a pop at The Vaccines. It's good to at least hear some guitars on radio, and I haven't heard the album so I'm basing my entire opinion on one song, which is probably not fair. But still... Wet Suit? Really? It's been taken too seriously, when it was intended to be read with a pinch of salt."

"OK, I'm going to release a single about a snorkel. I'm not having a pop at em (The Vaccines), can't wait to sit down and listen to the album, just saying, Wet Suit is weak - and anyway, in context I was making the point that there's nothing on radio that says anything to me. Don't get me wrong, they're better than 99% of stuff on radio, just the Wet Suit thing went over my head. My comment was tongue in cheek."

"The Vaccines are one of the most exciting bands to break through in a long time. Got proper enthused , early (The) Doors when I saw them on Jools Holland. There is no question that they are better than 99% of the drivel out at the moment. The point I made earlier, was that after the ballsy guitar heavy early singles, Wet Suit left me a bit wanting. Now that's just my personal opinion, I meant no offence to the band, I think they're doing a great job in a difficult market and I look forward to having a proper listen to the album.

"I should have known by now that in the public domain people will jump on something you've said and apply unintended gravitas to a personal opinion. In general, I hope they (The Vaccines) do really well! Hope no offence was taken. From what I hear, the album is superb! Lots of Enemy fans think so!"

"Thank fuck for Kerrang Radio - without them I'd of thrown the car radio out the window long ago. Love XFM, just don't get it up here in Cov. I won't (be) apologising for saying I hope, and want to get more guitars in the charts and on mainstream radio."
"There's no denying there are plenty of great young bands about. The crime is that they're not on the radio and a load of shit is. (I've) seen Beady Eye loads now, love their energy, and Noel's stuff proves he's an epic songwriter. Would love another Oasis album."

"I don't want to offend people who are working hard and trying to get guitars bigger. What I've learnt over the years, is to try to avoid offending people with my mouth, and let the music talk. My plan is to work my bollocks off, record a guitar heavy album that is absolutely the best I can make, and hope (The) Enemy fans love it., and that some people who aren't Enemy fans are converted too. I think it's possible to do that, without talking trash and needlessly alienating people. Because ultimately, I care about people - without Enemy fans, we'd be three lads in a room who never got to make a record."

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Merry Christmas From The Enemy

 Enjoy a drink or two over the holidays!

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The Enemy - Last Christmas

Time to get festive with The Enemy as they perform 'Last Christmas' on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge back in 2007. Tom Clarke provides vocals for the track that combines the classic Wham track with Leona Lewis 'Bleeding Love' and Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'.

Happy holidays!

The Enemy - Last Christmas

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The Enemy Heading To America

Liam Watts gets his passport ready!

The Enemy will be jetting off to Los Angeles in the USA early in the New Year for some serious recording with new album producer Joby Ford (The Bronx). The band are in positive mood leading into Christmas, saying that recording of the first new tunes had gone well. The Enemy are returning to their roots musically, while taking on board the experience of Joby Ford. The lads were at Kore Studios in West London earlier this month putting some new tracks on test. The studios can boast the likes of Kasabian, Manic Street Preachers and Noah And The Whale as clients - with a £350 half day fee, it makes true the saying 'time is money'!

John Dawkins - the man who discovered the Coventry trio, has listened to the new tracks and has tweeted very encouragingng comments about the sound of the new album. John has been working hard behind the scenes making sure the return of The Enemy is just what the fans ordered. (He is also involved with the more mundane tasks, like ferrying Liam Watts around Peterborough for his new passport .... as seen in the picture above!)

Speaking on their Facebook page, The Enemy confirmed the third album is expected to be out around May/June 2012.

*PIC: Liam Watts by John Dawkins

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The Enemy Are Back For 2012

VIDEO: This Is Real
The Enemy are back and 2012 looks set to be their biggest year so far - with a new album and tour. Fans can expect Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts back at the top of their game with some stomping new tunes.

The lads are in regular contact with fans via Facebook and Twitter, click the links below and find out what The Enemy are up to now......

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Record Label Confirm The Enemy Album Release

It might be one of the worst kept secrets in the music world, but The Enemy's new record label have finally confirmed the news ......

Cooking Vinyl has signed Coventry-based three-piece The Enemy, ahead of the release of the band’s third album in the Spring.

Previously signed to Warners, the band first came to attention with their Platinum-selling debut album ‘We’ll Live and Die In These Towns’ in 2007, and the Top three Gold-selling follow-up ‘Music For The People’ from 2009. They join Cooking Vinyl on a royalty deal for the world release of their third album, scheduled for May 2012.

The band, lead by Tom Clarke, begin work on their third album this month at Kore studios in Acton with The Bronx’s Joby J. Ford in the producer’s chair. A hugely popular live act, they supported Oasis on their final UK dates and will be announcing live dates to coincide with the album’s release.

The Enemy are managed by Nick Ember and David Bianchi for Various Artists Management, whose roster includes Reverend & The Makers, Carl Barat, The Libertines, Charli XCX and Killing Joke.

Tom Clarke, Lead Singer/ Guitarist The Enemy was outspoken about the signing; “My experience of record labels is as follows: the big ones have got big lawyers who want to pull your pants down and fuck you for fun while telling you they’re doing you a favour. And they are all about one thing – money.

“The smaller ones are about two things – people and music. Success is possible because, when a small team of enthusiastic people care, they are capable of creating something that no big label or their lawyers can buy, passion. You can’t take 25% of net passion.

“Cooking Vinyl have got bags of passion, and look where it’s got them; The Prodigy put out some of their finest work on Cooking Vinyl, The Subways tugging at the Radio One A list, that’s a guitar band on the A list in 2011. That is where passion gets you, and right now it’s gotten us into the studio, excited, enthused and passionate about being a band again. Something which our previous label miserably failed to achieve.

“Long live Cooking Vinyl and all the proud people who make it what it is.”


Commented David Bianchi, Various Artists Management “The Enemy have always been an independently minded band with ambition and I think Cooking Vinyl mirror this as a label. Watching Martin’s (Goldchmidt) success over the last few years with the label it seemed obvious that when the band’s deal with WEA was completed, this should be our next move.

“Cooking Vinyl are allowing us to put together our own bespoke marketing and A&R team which was exactly how we started on the band’s first album. John Dawkins, who A&R’d “We’ll Live and Die in These Towns”, has been brought back in for album three.”

Added Rob Collins, Director, Cooking Vinyl “It’s a pleasure to be working with a band who are so full of passion, commitment and enthusiasm. And knowing they are about to deliver their best record to date is icing on the cake”

*Source: Cooking Vinyl

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The Enemy Set To Release New Album In May 2012

Music Week have been eager to share the good news that The Enemy will be releasing their third album in May 2012, alongside a UK tour. Read Tim Ingham's story below and pop over to Music Week for lots more news from the music industry......

Cooking Vinyl has scored a coup by signing Coventry-based three-piece The Enemy, with a new album set for release in May next year.

They join the UK indie label on a royalty deal for the world release of the LP, which they begin work on at Kore studios in Acton this month - with The Bronx’s Joby J. Ford in the producer’s chair. They will be announcing live dates to coincide with the album’s release.

The Enemy were previously signed to Warner for Platinum-selling debut album We’ll Live and Die In These Towns (No.1, 2007), and Gold-selling follow-up Music For The People (No.2, 2009).

Lead singer Tom Clarke was outspoken about the signing - and his former label: “My experience of record labels is as follows: the big ones have got big lawyers who want to pull your pants down and fuck you for fun while telling you they're doing you a favour. And they are all about one thing – money.

“The smaller ones are about two things – people and music. Success is possible because, when a small team of enthusiastic people care, they are capable of creating something that no big label or their lawyers can buy, passion. You can't take 25% of net passion.

“Cooking Vinyl have got bags of passion, and look where it’s got them; The Prodigy put out some of their finest work on Cooking Vinyl, The Subways tugging at the Radio One A list, that's a guitar band on the A list in 2011. That is where passion gets you, and right now it's gotten us into the studio, excited, enthused and passionate about being a band again. Something which our previous label miserably failed to achieve.

“Long live Cooking Vinyl and all the proud people who make it what it is.”

The Enemy are managed by Nick Ember and David Bianchi for Various Artists Management, whose roster includes Reverend & The Makers, The Libertines, Carl Barat, Charli Xcx and Killing Joke.

*Source: Music Week / Tim Ingham

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

Interview - Tom Clarke Wants 2012 To Be The Enemy's Biggest Yet

The Enemy’s Tom Clarke answers Andy Parker from Electric Banana's '10 Questions for Tom Clarke' Q&A during a hectic spell for the frontman and the band! The Coventry lads have recently hit the studio to write and record their “superb” third album with a genius producer – which is going “to put The Enemy back on the map” and make 2012 their biggest year to date. Electric Banana is a Coventry based music website offering the latest UK indie music reviews, news and entertainment. The following interview was posted on their website:

1) The Enemy are currently working on your 3rd album, what’s it sounding like?
It sounds very guitar orientated. It’s comparable to the first Enemy album, but with a distinct maturity to it and it’s a great stand alone record in its own right. We’ve gone to great pains to make sure the writing and recording process has been thorough and intense.

2) What music has been on your stereo most during 2011?
The Bronx. An American band, who have the biggest guitar sound ever. We drafted in Joby J Ford from the Bronx to produce Enemy 3.

3) Would you support The Stone Roses for the reunion shows?
I would cut off my big toe to do so. And I will if necessary.

4) X Factor. Do you hate it or see it as harmless family entertainment like Noel Gallagher?
Good TV. Shit music. That’s my view.

5) What is your fave TV show at the minute?
I love Educating Essex. Not to be confused with that appalling show The Only Way Is Essex. The only way to what? Contract chlamydia and buy a BMW M3 with outstanding finance. No ta. Educating Essex is an entirely different programme, showing brilliant teachers who care about kids educations.

6) What was the last DVD you bought?
Senna!!! Watch it!

7) You’re known as a big fan of cars, what is parked in your driveway at the minute?
Well I’ve still got the Jaguar E-Type. Enzo Ferrari said it was the most beautiful car ever made, makes me proud to be from Coventry when I drive about in it. I’ve had lots of Jags and a TVR, there’s currently a Porsche in the garage but my day to day drive is an old diesel Alfa Romeo which refuses to die! Perfect for ferrying the god daughter about in and trips to B&Q!

8) Have you got a top secret celeb crush?
Yes thanks.

9) If your friends and family are struggling to think of an Xmas gift for you, what can you suggest that they can get you?
A remote control helicopter, or if they’re feeling flush a real one.

10) Finally, what will be the New Years resolutions for The Enemy for 2012?
Take the musical world by storm and deliver the fans the Enemy album they dream of. I’m so focused right now it’s all I can think of. We want 2012 to be our biggest year to date. We’ve got a superb album, a genius producer, an Oasis sized gap in the market and very little competition. Time to put The Enemy back on the map.

*Source:  Andy Parker for Electric Banana

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

Interview: The Enemy Open Up To Grace

Here is the latest interview with Tom Clarke from The Enemy, as featured on thejitty.com - a website for young people in Leicestershire (with great taste in music!). The interview below is featured on their website, check them out for other great interviews......
Along with bands like Kasabian, midland rock outfit "The Enemy" (or if you're American, "The Enemy UK") have proven themselves capable of packing out venues such as Coventry's Ricoh Arena two nights in a row. They've supported legends The Rolling Stones, as well as Oasis and the Kaiser Chiefs, and there's a good chance that even if you haven't purchased any albums by The Enemy, you're likely to know some of their epic songs already, such as "Be Somebody". Grace, being a resourceful Jitty editor, and fan of The Enemy, tracks down Tom and asks him what the band have been up to lately:

You've been away for a while, what's been happening with The Enemy?

We took a little time out at the end of the last tour. We were all burned out after five years of touring and we needed some time to do normal stuff again.

We got back in the rehearsal room after about nine months and started writing for Album three. Since then we've written a lot of songs, narrowed it down to about thirty and we're now in the process of narrowing it down further to fifteen, which we will record and select the best ten/eleven for the album. Recording started this week and is sounding brilliant.

So in the press you've said to expect big things from The Enemy next year, what can we expect?

There will be a massive press tour in the early part of 2012 when we explain what the intricate plans are, but for now it's safe to say we'll be releasing singles in early 2012 and an album will follow shortly afterwards, within the first half of the year. There will be a massive open air gig in the midlands, and lots of festival appearances throughout the UK. We're looking to play in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as the open air show, and we want to pay particular attention to London as I feel most areas of London are ignored by big bands. Then after the festivals, there will be an all out Enemy UK Tour. There will doubtless be shows in Europe, Japan and the states too towards the end of the year, but for now that's all I can really say.

You're working on a third album, what makes it different from 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns' and 'Music For The People?' Have you gone about writing and recording it in a different way from the previous two albums?

We've spent an unprecedented time writing. That's meant we've got a huge wealth of songs to choose from. We've never been in such a good position on album one or two where that's concerned. We're also working with a guy called Joby J Ford, who's from the American band "The Bronx" they're a proper guitar band, and the fusion of our uber Britishness and Joby's passion for big loud guitars and well recorded drums is a winning combination.

Obviously the enemy have been around for quite a while now, and you've said in an interview with the Coventry telegraph that it's really good that there's a new rehearsal studio opened in Coventry, what was it like when you were first starting out as a band? Where would you go to first start rehearsing?

When we first started we rehearsed in Leamington, under a railway bridge. A local Coventry band "Russian Girlfriend" owned a little rehearsal space there. It was £8 an hour, which we scraped together every Tuesday and spent all night there. Was brilliant fun. That said, there is a huge lack of rehearsal spaces, and creative forums in general for young people to express themselves. The new rehearsal rooms in Coventry marks the beginning of a council committed to caring for the creative people in our society. I think it's absolutely brilliant.

Do yourself, Liam or Andy have any side projects going on along side the band?

No not really...our focus has been Enemy Album Three. We want this album to be huge, we're working very hard to try and make an album that all the fans will love, that radio will play, and that will translate live since that's what the enemy is all about.

Finally being a local band yourselves and having a lot of experience, what tips would you give to bands that are just starting out, and if you could change anything about what you did while starting out what would it be?

Never give up. Lots of people will tell you it's impossible. We're proof that it's not. You get out what you put in, it's like any career, work hard and you will prosper. Take any opportunity, we played some right dives, because we were grateful for a gig... You have to have the right attitude, if you act like Bono before you've even sold a CD you're not going to go very far. We've sold a lot of CD's now! And I'm still grateful for every offer we get. Stay grounded, be nice.

To find out more about The Enemy you can visit their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/theenemy

Source: Interview by Grace, as seen on thejitty.com

Twitter: TheJitty

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