Ace Enders
Ace Enders is multi-talented. Besides being the lead singer and guitarist of the band The Early November, and being the lead musician/ songwriter/ co-producer of his two side projects ‘I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business’ and ‘Ace Enders and a Million Different People,’ he is the owner and operator of The Living Room Recording Studios (a 2500 square foot facility in downtown Hammonton, NJ).
In February 2001, Enders along with Jim Sacco (guitarist), Sergio Anello (bassist) and Jeff Kummer (drummer) formed The Early November. After the release of their first two EPs ‘For All Of This’ and ‘The Acoustic’ EP, the band released their debut full length album ‘The Room’s Too Cold’ in 2003.
Ace Enders started his solo project ‘I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business’ in 2004 and released the self-titled album that October; the second studio album, “The World We Know,” was released in 2010.
Recording of the third Early November album began in February 2005. The album, “The Mother, The Mechanic, and The Path”, was a triple disc concept album with a plot of a torn family, from the perspective of a growing child.
In March of 2007, The Early November posted that they “will be taking an indefinite hiatus” which followed their last headlining tour with The Rocket Summer, Mêlée and two farewell shows in April.
The Early November have since reunited and have been signed to Ruse Records (on November 28th, 2011); they have also released their newest album, “In Currents” last July. Since their return The Early November have played with acts such as The Wonder Years, Cartel, All Time Low, Young Statues, The Swellers, Seahaven, Man Overboard, Into It. Over It., Hit The Lights and more.
Photography provided by himself
How did you know you wanted to make the transfer from being a musician to also being a producer/engineer?
I actually started as a producer. Not sure you could really call me that back then, but when I was 18 I went way far over my head in debt buying recording equipment. I made a studio in my basement and started recording bands. I didn’t really know how to do anything but it is how I met half of T.E.N. so recording has always been a big part of my life when not touring.
When did the idea of opening up The Living Room Recording come into play?
Right after T.E.N. went on hiatus in 2007. That’s when I started taking it more seriously.
Back when you were working on your solo effort, Gold Rush, you spoke up about the troubles you were having in your life and being able to sustain being a musician and releasing new music. Now that you can reflect back on that period of your life, how are you feeling about things? Did this reflect on the newest TEN album “In Currents”?
Maybe it did a little. Sustaining is the hardest thing as an artist, it can make you crazy. You never want to let go and you never have to but sometimes you just need to loosen up a little… it’s a difficult lesson to learn.
What’s the writing process like (solo/ and for T.E.N)? Was the writing process the same for In Currents as other TEN albums? If so, how is that usually done?
I will usually make a demo with what I’m feeling the song should be like. Then I’ll show the dudes and they make the necessary changes.
The lyrics on In Currents are very emotion and personal like on ‘Call Off The Bells’. What emotional spot where you in when you wrote them?
To be honest most of the lyrics I write are about learning how to let go of what I dreamt about since I was a kid. That sounds sad but it’s not, just growing up. I think that’s more or less the vibe of In Currents.
Even though the lyrics are personal, they are still very relatable, did you focus a lot of time of this aspect or did it just naturally happen?
It was very natural for me.
How do you think social media helps or breaks the music industry now compared to a decade ago?
I think it will always hurt it as much as it helps it. It’s hard for me to get into this topic because I usually sound like an angry old man and I’m usually wrong.
I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business utilized Kickstarter to fund the Gold Rush pressing project. What’s your take on Kickstarter and the way bands use it?
I think it’s awesome. I’m still trying to finish up rewards from mine. I had no idea at the time how hard it would be, or that I would of had so many generous supporters. On that note I don’t think I’m allowed to have a take.
These past few years, a lot of great alternative bands have come out of the east coast. How do you see the east coast scene nowadays compared to when TEN started?
I don’t really know. There doesn’t seem to be much of a scene, but I’m only comparing it to the early 2000’s pop punk, emo, hardcore scene, which was fantastic!
You have said the way you work best for making a new album is to just be buried in it and that your best environment is when you can’t get out of the environment, because taking a break is the stuff that distracts you. I’m sure that’s emotionally tiring, what do you do to make sure that you don’t wear yourself out while in the creative process?
Good question, I actually don’t take breaks or eat or drink, it’s weird. I’m not sure why but when I break the flow I tend to lose the feel for the song. I always feel that when you’re in the moment of that original spark of creativity it’s the best and it’s hard to recreate sometimes.
Since you produced and also did musical parts for In Currents, what kind of mindset do you have to put yourself into to focus on which one you doing at the moment? What were the pros and cons to knowing how both work?
It’s honestly the same mindset I always put myself in. I’m usually a quiet person but when it comes to songs something happens to me. That sounds so lame, but I don’t know how else to explain it. The process of recording In Currents was fantastic and I loved every minute of it. I can honestly say there were no cons.
Does it make you appreciate the album more because you did both aspects of it?
Maybe, I’m just really proud to be a part of T.E.N. again.
What song off of In Currents holds the most meaning to you? Why?
I would say “The Smell Of This Place”. I wrote it on the Where’s The Band Tour in my head driving to Dallas, TX. I got to the venue and played it for sound check and opened my set with it that night.
What else do you want fans to know about In Currents?
I guess that it’s probably my most sincere album. I definitely put it all out there and on the line while making it and it really means the world to me hearing all the positive feedback from everyone.
What’s next for your solo stuff and The Early November? Any talk about more tours? Maybe another album?
I’ve got a bunch of stuff in the works, some solo tunes, a few tours and maybe another T.E.N. album!
Lastly since this interview is for Decorated Youth Magazine what is one thing that, figuratively, decorates you that people, more than likely, don’t know about?
My family. Every decision I make every day is made with my wife and kids in mind and it’s made me a better more productive person.
