Interviews: Know Your Enemy

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Metal/Hard Rock band, Know Your Enemy, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Before we had a name, we’d discuss band names and listen to each other's suggestions. After a few weeks we decided on “Know Your Enemy” from the Rage Against the Machine song title. We believe it’s a good homage to a band that inspired thought through a realistic, in-your-face kinda way.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We’d say the genre found our music. We love Metal, Rock, HipHop, Jazz and all kinds of music. Our taste in music, individually and as a group is very diverse but they also overlap heavily. We never really chose a genre. We just play and write from that raw feeling and mold it into a song. New Jersey is diverse enough that the scene here, in most cases, is accepting of mixed genre, heavy bands like us. That gave us the opportunity to develop our sound and not conform to anything specific.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, mostly. Jason Kent and Fonz Rodriguez have played music together in a local band prior to Know Your Enemy. Steven Bishop was a long time friend of the band and helped us out a lot with gear and logistics. He was our substitute bassist while our original bassist became a first time father. Byron Lapola joined as our drummer in 2019 after the original drummer left to pursue higher academic goals. Byron was a great fit for the band and we’re lucky that we actually have a good friendship all around.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Jason Kent: Metallica

Byron Lapola: Deftones

Steven Bishop: Silversun Pickups

Fonz Rodriguez: He Is Legend

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

There’s so much chaos in the world around us right now that it’s hard not to have some kind of inspiration constantly. It comes from the negativity, the positivity and the interaction between them.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was on Long Island (New York) at Mr. Beery’s. March, 9th, 2020, just before the shutdown. It was a great show and a great night with our good friends from “Craving Strange”, “Something Heavy” and “Revel 9”. We’ll be releasing our live EP from that night in September 2020. Live streamers that follow us will get a notification.

7. Where would you like to perform?

At this point with the pandemic going on, we’d like to perform just about anywhere, outdoors. But if you mean like goals and dreams, we’d love to play the main summer stage right here in New Jersey at the legendary, Stone Pony in Asbury Park.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

We’ve settled on a dream lineup that we’d all be happy with. Rage Against the Machine, Deftones, He is Legend and Thrice.

9. Whom not?

Nickelback!

10. Any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes, but it only lasts for a minute. Once you get past that minute, you begin to connect with the crowd and it just fades off. Pretend that you’re at practice. Power through it and have fun. Eventually, you’ll get used to it and enjoy it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Rage Against the Machine, Sevendust, Deftones and Tool.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

We had a fan ask if he could introduce us at a show. We said yes and he did a great job.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are great! They’re friendly and supportive. They speak their minds and like to talk about the songs and how they relate.

14. What do you think of our site?

The layout is great and the content, even better. Anyone that spreads the word about artists doing their work is a wonderful thing.

15. Something to add?

We have a new track “Same”, available on all streaming platforms. You can find links and more information about Know Your Enemy on our website https://www.knowyourenemymusic.com/