Interviews: Close Enemies

We had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Close Enemies from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. How did Close Enemies come together, and what has it been like collaborating with such a diverse and experienced lineup?

Tom: My bass tech, Trace Foster happens to be a great guitar player and songwriter. He invited me to join when the Aerosmith tour got canceled and I had time on my hands. I listened to all the songs they had written and demoed and was knocked out. I flew down to Peter Stroud’s house in Atlanta where we all met up. We started jamming and by the end of the day, we had a track that eventually became a song called Wink and a Feather. The next day I played everybody a rough demo of a song I was working on and by the end of that day, we had a track that eventually became a song called More Than I Could Ever Need. It was a fun, inspiring time and I was hooked.

2. Despite being called "Close Enemies," you’ve described yourselves as close friends. What inspired the name, and how does it reflect the band's identity? 

Tom: We had been going nuts trying to come up with a name for the band that hadn’t been used already. One day Peter and his wife, Lynn were watching The Godfather and heard the line: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Bang! We had a name!

3. You mentioned being excited about working with TLG/Virgin. What specific aspects of this partnership make it a perfect fit for Close Enemies?

Tom: The main thing that got us excited about working with them was the enthusiasm Denny Sanders had for the songs. We had come close to working with others who were intent on impressing us with how hard it would be to break a band like us. Denny heard the songs and knew we had something special. 4. How has your experience with Aerosmith influenced your approach to creating music with Close Enemies? All my years of being in Aerosmith have taught me to dig deep and pay attention to details. It’s taught me how to be song-oriented and keep digging until you know you have the best you can do.

5. You referred to both Close Enemies and TLG/Virgin as supergroups. How does this synergy shape the band's aspirations and goals?

Tony: Both TLG/ work well together as a well-oiled machine!! Together they are a Supergroup! They can achieve the ultimate success for us, everything a band such as “Close Enemies” needs!! All of Close Enemies members are extremely successful in their own right. Together we have a magic/chemistry that is undeniable! That makes us both Supergroups!!!

6. How does your drumming style contribute to the unique sound of Close Enemies, especially in "Sound Of A Train" 

Tony: I have been lucky enough to have played drums/sung/written and produced music for THE BABYS-Rod Stewart(for 12 years)-Eddie Money-Kieth Urban and played live with Jeff Beck-Tina Turner and countless seasons. For all of those projects and wonderful bands, I have put a drum sound similar to John Bonham's, of course not the same and I’m not comparing myself to the wonderful Mr, Bonham, but my version of it. Most of how I like to play is very musical with passion for the song. It’s what you leave out, not what you put in. It’s an English upbringing. I think my big drum sound with an English back beat contributes immensely tothe  Sound Of A Train. And to Close Enemies music. I’m extremely proud to be part of the band, it’s one of the most exciting bands I’ve ever been involved with!!! Tony Brock.

7. You spent a year writing and recording this record. Can you share some insights into the creative process and any challenges you faced?

Trace: The creative process is just that. We are all really good songwriters and it shows, that we have zero ego which is really important when you try to write with other people because it allows you to let something that someone else brings to the table actually be listened to. I've written with great songwriters who refused to even think about changing anything and that is really sad because you lose the input from others. The challenge is getting your song worked on. Like I said we are all great writers with lots of songs so it takes time for it to get back around to you.

8. How do you and Peter Stroud collaborate to create the guitar dynamics in the band’s music?

Trace: Believe it or not we haven't said much of anything to each other. We play so differently that it just seems to fit effortlessly without a lot of thought. I know that sounds strange but it just does work out without much thought. We have never said to each other your part doesn't work or You solo Or This is my solo, we just do it... True story

9. Having started your career at a young age, how have your previous experiences influenced your vocal style and approach in Close Enemies?

Chasen: To be honest I’m still pinching myself. Being on a TV show that early in life & with the kind of talent we later know became some of the biggest pop performers of our generation, There was so much talent in one room you had to find your place to fit in and stand out. I seemed to always find my lane filled with a little more edge. I was kinda the one rock guy in that entire cast and later in my pop group The Party, recording my very first single in Steve Vai’s house. Not only did I listen to and love rock music but grew up finding the soul and storytelling in bands like Grand Funk Railroad and Bad Co. I later started my own rock band as my musical education continued and even worked for The Black Crowes manager Peter Angeles for a period just to be close to it and learn. I literally worked for free tickets and backstage hangs. More importantly and what I’m most proud of is becoming a mentor and teacher helping hundreds of young musicians in their journey. Some of those kids are now in huge bands winning awards and traveling the world, it’s really the gift that keeps on giving. Something happens when you teach where you subconsciously relearn and affirm your own experiences and style. Teaching kids to play Rush, The Stones, Iron Maiden, and yes even Aerosmith sharpens your OWN iron. Being selfless and giving my experiences to others opened the biggest doors for me. Including this very band.

10. You mentioned TLG/Virgin as proven visionaries. How do you see this partnership enhancing the band’s reach and artistic vision?

Chasen: I’ve learned in life you are better off investing in the person, not just the organization. In TLGs case, we got both! Dennis Sanders from The Label Group wanted this band. I think we all felt his excitement, passion, vision, and work ethic and knew we found a home. And who can deny Virgins track record as a brand with huge artists from Sex Pistols to Bowie, Kravitz, and The Stones. I find Branson's story fascinating and inspirational being the innovator he has become. A BIG dreamer is what the world needs.

11. With your extensive industry experience, what unique insights do you bring to Close Enemies that help the band navigate the music industry?

Peter: It seems like just about every bit of industry experience or knowledge I might’ve accumulated has now been entirely thrown out the window. I was fortunate to jump in right at the tail end of the days of big record company budgets for promoting artists' bands and their albums, back in the mid-90s. With the current world of streaming, those days are long gone. I  can’t really say we’re learning all over again, but more so, creating our own way of getting our music out there and making ourselves known. First and foremost, this is a creative passion project for all of us. No rules, and no expectations, other than creating exactly what we want and what is exciting for us to perform. And then just get out there and play.

12. What is the dynamic like between you and Trace Foster in shaping the band's guitar-driven sound?

Peter: Ha! I’d say our personalities are clearly reflected in our guitar sounds and styles. It’s great because you know when it’s Trace soloing or me. Or a Trace rhythm part vs mine. I couldn’t be happier with that relationship. Trace is a high-energy guy, I might be a little more laid back. He leans towards Tele’s, and I lean toward Gibsons w P-90. You’ll hear it.

13. Can you share the moment you decided to sign Close Enemies? What about their music stood out to you the most?

Denny: I had heard about the band from a mutual friend of Traces, Andy Gallagher from the UK band Overhaul. I'll compare this to another recent signing of mine, Billy Morrison, in which we went on to have a number-one rock single with Ozzy and the song "Crack Cocaine". Just like with Billy, it was the music that sold me on the band, not who was in the band. As you might imagine I've heard more than just the first single "Sound Of A Train". The entire album blows me away and the band are all amazing players. I'm also a huge fan of Aerosmith and The Baby's so that's a plus.

14. What are the immediate plans for promoting Close Enemies and their debut single?

Denny: Our team, along with Virgin will work the track to the usual outlets for rock radio. Virgin Music Group will be promoting the track to the streaming platforms We will be dropping a lyric video around the release of the song, with plans to do a proper video with the full band when schedules permit.

15. Debut Single "Sound Of A Train": What can fans expect from this single, both musically and lyrically? How does it set the tone for what’s to come?

Tom: It’s a powerful rock song that has a lot of melody built into it. It has a lonely vibe that gets me every time. There’s no reason any Aerosmith fan shouldn’t like it.

16. What can fans look forward to in your upcoming shows? Are there any special surprises or elements you’re particularly excited to share?

Tom: They can expect to see a group of people who love rocking out and know how to do it.

17. Where do you see Close Enemies in the next few years, and what are your aspirations for the band’s future?

Tom: As the expression goes, The Future is a Mystery. I see us continuing to write and record and show the world what being in a great rock band looks and sounds like.