Your Favorite Enemies
Encyclopedia
Your Favorite Enemies is an Alternative rock
/Progressive rock
/Indie rock
band formed in 2006 by Alex Foster (vocals), Jeff Beaulieu (guitar), Sef (guitar), Ben Lemelin (bass), Miss Isabel (vocals and keyboard) and Charles “Moose” Allicy (drums).
Known for their commitment towards human rights, based on Foster’s role as a fervent spokesperson for Amnesty International
and a passionate youth speaker, the band found not only their “people oriented” reputation, but also a unique identity of being independent. This allowed them to manage every single aspect of the band's career based on their community values and their DIY attitude.“Rarely has a music group generated as much buzz before having even one album under their belt, as it is the case with Quebec band Your Favorite Enemies, who experience an international success, for the most part thanks to the magic of the Internet.”, says Le Journal de Montréal. The band also adapted popular social networking websites and media such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in different languages to further connect with their fans on an international level.
Your Favorite Enemies have been mentioned as one of the top 5 bands to watch out for in 2008 by the Billboard Magazine after the incredible success they ended up having in the same year that included their first successful Japanese tour; as well as the release of their second album “Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye”. The band has become one of the first international artists to write theme songs for the sound track of the globally successful video game franchise,Dissidia: Final Fantasy
, in which it reached number 1 on the Japanese charts. The year has also seen the creation of the Hopeful Tragedy Records' multi-media branch; development of new community web initiatives, as well as the production of different shows on the YFE-TV Channel; such as the independent broadcasting of live streaming of the bands concerts.
"And If I Was To Die In the Morning… Would I Still Be Sleeping With You”. In which it was then released the following June for the cost of CA $10, shipping fees included.
Despite the substantial financial risks associated with such an initiative and regardless of the inexperienced staff; the 6 band members kept their vision of honouring fans’ faithfulness by releasing the EP against all odds. Yet, that bold decision became a major breaking point for the band’s young career; as 2007 ended up with more than 30 thousand units of their EP sold, a first European promotional headlining tour and massive coverage by major international media, turning Your Favorite Enemies into one of the most exciting and new "Do It Yourself" bands to rise from the non-traditional music model, as stated by Billboard Magazine.
and The Clash
as influences. Joe Strummer
has been cited by Alex Foster as an influence on Your Favorite Enemies, the National Post
points out. Other musicians and bands such as Ramones
, Pixies, Nirvana
, Placebo, U2
and Radiohead
, have in turn influenced the work of Your Favorite Enemies.
Referred as China's most kick-ass band ever, Your Favorite Enemies is the first International band to hit almost all of China's major cities."Knowing we'd go all over the country is the only reason why we accepted that tour, since we believe music has the power to communicate something greater than all of us, and this, despite social and language barriers...", said Alex on national television right before hitting the main stage of Beijing’s Funhill Music Festival, in China, on August 27.
After an extensive tour around China in May 2011, Your Favorite Enemies returned again in late August to Beijing's Funhill Music Festival, sharing a live performance well representative of the band's desire to "break down walls" through music. "Although direct interaction with the crowd was verboten, Canada’s Your Favorite Enemies lead singer Alex Foster pushed his luck, holding his hand just out of reach of fans. This act of rock’n’ roll defiance resulted in a festival highlight and a security team deployment", says the Global Times
With the desire to share how much of a vivid and unique experience this very particular YFE concert was, Your Favorite Enemies decided to offer the live version of the song "I Might Be Wrong", through the release of "This Is A Call Up", a free package including 1 high quality MP3 and HD video of the song, along with 3 exclusive wallpapers.
As Alex Foster often sings, “there is no distance between you and I and everybody else around."
Your Favorite Enemies visited Japan in support of the Hope Project, the bands own initiative to support survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, while many foreign musicians canceled their shows. They visited a shelter in Minami-Sanriku
and performed three concerts in Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto; 3 years after they first performed in Japan. Driven by its strong spirit of community, the members of Your Favorite Enemies wanted to do something meaningful in the wake of the devastation, therefore performing in limited capacity venues and becoming one of the first bands to perform in a temple.“ It’s not like we came to Japan to have a party,” says Alex Foster, vocalist and leader of the band's Japanese networking sites (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Mixi
), in an interview with the Majirox News. “We came to be with people. There is not much we can do. But if people need someone to talk, cry, and scream with, I wanted to say, ‘Hey, we’re here with you.’” Also while being in Japan, the band was interviewed by the Yomiuri
, one of the five national newspapers in Japan, and received multitude of press coverage (Billboard, La Presse, CANOE
, Hollywood PQ, La Seigneurie).
This independent tour gives a great overview on Your Favorite Enemies' outreach towards Japan, as the band is planning to establish the Japanese branch of its self released label (Hopeful Tragedy Records), by the end of 2011.
In April and May 2011, Your Favorite Enemies toured across the country of China, playing the biggest and most renowned festivals (MIDI
, ZEBRA), as well as performing in clubs and venues in the cities; becoming one of the first North American acts to perform such an impressive tour in the country. In line with its DIY ethic, YFE turned down some major European festivals and put off their long awaited third release until this autumn, in order to expand their China club tour, despite advice about turning a profit. "Instead of being that new toy, that people will throw away overnight, we really want to give the people what they want," mentions Alex Foster, in interview with the Billboard Magazine, as the band was featured as the "Artist of the Week".
Known for their active support for such organizations as AIDS charity (RED) and long-time spokespersons for Amnesty International
, Your Favorite Enemies became the "talk of the town", receiving multiple local ( The Beijinger, China.Org.Cn, Shanghai247, This is Touring, CNNGO, Shanghai Daily
, Shanghai Global Times, GoChengdoo) and international (Billboard, ORANGE, La Presse) press coverage, following their China tour success.
Your Favorite Enemies performed on the SuperSoulmate Show on Indosiar
, which is amongst the most popular TV programs of Indonesia and with more than 25 million viewers. While touring in Indonesia, as the support act for Story Of The Year
, the band got press coverage from various sources, introducing their music and personality to a growing fan base of the country.
, Nagoya in 2008 as the opening act for Simple Plan
. While performing in fine venues, the band was also reviewed in popular media including InRock Magazine, Grindhouse Magazine. and WeROCKCity By now well known for their devotion towards their fans, the band held exclusive events and performed an intimate concert at Kick Back Café in support of suicide prevention. The group also performed an improvised concert in downtown Nagoya, while distributing free promotional goods to fans in attendance.
radio (UK) and the Rock One Mag (France).
The Secret Family Cult Club offers 2 ways to register, which are the OLD SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP: "The Overflowing Ocean" and the NEW SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP: "The Digital Sea".
"I feel like the real positive chaos we've been dreaming about for so long is already in motion...so if you're into living the moment for what the moment is about, well, gear up and join now."- Alex Foster
Your Favorite Enemies supports: Amnesty International
, (RED), Rock N' Rights, War Child
Your Favorite Enemies collaborates with the present: Schecter Guitars, Duesenberg Guitars
, Guitares Boucher, D'Addario
, TC Electronic
, Orange Music Electronic Company, S. Walker Electric Guitars, VOX
, Mack, Soul Power Instruments, Eden Electronics, Tech 21
, Mapex Drums
, Sabian, EVANS, Vater Percussion
to arrange, write lyrics for, and perform three songs on the soundtrack for Dissidia: Final Fantasy
, including the theme song. After its release; it soon reached the 50 best-sellers charts on I-Tunes in Japan. Your Favorite Enemies has been interviewed on the music channel Musique Plus and received multiple press coverage (La Presse, Journal de Montréal, La Relève, Cyberpresse, Showbizz.net), following their international success.
Committed to their fans, Your Favorite Enemies turned the making of its first music video, for the single Open Your Eyes, into an opportunity for fans from all around the world to gather for the occasion and also be featured in the music videos. A contest was launched in collaboration with the popular French music magazine, Rock One Mag; inviting one reader to participate in the filming of the video with the magazine covering the making of and publishing it in a day to day journal, available on Rock One Mag's website.
This three days event was also in popular Montreal newspaper (Journal de Montréal, La Presse) and after a few days of its release on Musique Plus; the videoclip "Open Your Eyes" reached the highest charts as a winner of "Ultime Combat des clips". It was also featured in the "Top 5 Anglo", for several weeks in a row. The success of the clip granted it a star on the wall of fame of the Montreal based music station. Your Favorite Enemies also participated in interviews and live TV shows held on the station (Musique Plus en demande, Mr Net.).
International Battle of the Bands, Talksport
Radio, UK (2007): Your Favorite Enemies – 1st place winner
" during the Vans Warped Tour (2007).
"Taking back ownership of the moment" is a reason for which the members of Your Favorite Enemies completed this work. "It's all about the music, sharing...getting back to the basics", says the band in agreement, through the series of videos produced for the purpose of the release of this "Deluxe and Remastered re-issue version" of the album.
Motivated with this urge to share their passion for music, the members of Your Favorite Enemies remained true to themselves and their faithfulness towards their fans, while producing a series of videos explaining the context behind the album. This is without mentioning that various contests, blogs, free downloads and video chat sessions held with the band members throughout the hosting of this project.
On March 11, 2011, the Northeast coast of Japan was hit by one of the most destructive earthquakes and tsunamis ever registered in the country's modern history. Following this news, Your Favorite Enemies instinctively responded to those strikes through the launching of The Hope Project. The Montreal sextet invites everyone to unite their voice as one and send messages of support, empathy and encouragement, that will be delivered to survivors as personal postcards, in partnership with the Red Cross and numerous schools worldwide.
At this stage, hundreds of messages from all across the world have quickly reached the Montreal sextet; extending the translation needs in more than 6 languages. The international press, for example Billboard and USA Today
, are supporting this initiative as well, while sharing the news through the traditional press as well as through their various networks on the web. The Hope Project will be revealed on May 25, 2011, through the hosting of a free benefit concert, in collaboration with the Red Cross, in Tokyo.
"In the mist of desperation, the quietest whisper of hope can be enough of a sound to make life bloom out of despair and a voice can make a difference." – Alex Foster, lead singer of Your Favorite Enemies
Actively supporting Amnesty International
for more than a decade, the members of the rock band Your Favorite Enemies have crafted an empowering and mobilizing video", for The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day, held on December 10. Produced in English, French and Japanese, the video’s strong and engaging message is already spreading over the planet: "Your voice really makes a difference, expose yourself!, supporting Amnesty International's efforts for the "Write for Rights" campaign through arts.
Former social worker, Alex Foster has been involved as an official Amnesty International spokesperson, for more than a decade now. He acts as a conference speaker in Canada and hosted the Annual Youth Congress of Amnesty International a several times. All the members of the group Your Favorite Enemies joined are socially involved; extending their activities at various events. The band participated in the "Amnesty International 30th anniversary" (2007), the 35th anniversary of "Give Peace A Chance", Imagine (2004), "Marche des femmes vers l’an 2000", and the concert on behalf of the 51st anniversary of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
Your Favorite Enemies actively supports various social issues, in the making of promotional videos or communication tools of all kinds, such as for International Women's Day
(2007, 2009).
Recorded and filmed on August 27, 2011, during an epic performance held in Beijing and broadcasted on national TV all over China, Your Favorite Enemies decided to share such defining moment by offering the song "I Might Be Wrong", a true empowering glimpse that perfectly represents how much of a vivid and unique experience this very particular YFE concert has been about. "Funhill Music Festival’s most insane band! They showed what authentic rock and roll is about as their screams reached to the heart of the audience!", states 南南在路上, 网聚房山
Having a reputation where everything can happen at every moment,Your Favorite Enemies took their world wide fans by surprise by offering the special project “This Is A Call-Up”, in a live interview on the set of the Bla Bla Bla: The Live Show. It was important for the band members to share this special moment with its fans. "Sharing what's most precious is for us the extension of our deep hearted relationship!" says, Alex Foster, singer of the band. This package includes 1 high quality MP3. 1 HD video and 3 exclusive wallpapers, now available on the band's web site.
Your Favorite Enemies released their second official Bootleg, called "Running Through The Rain Of Estrangement... Catching Pure Drops Of Diamond Bliss". Recorded and filmed on May 29, 2011, during a very special acoustic performance taking place in their "Arisen From Despairs, A Morning Of All Hope" Japanese Tour, which was part of their Hope Project initiated to support the people afflicted by the tragedy caused by the tsunami in Tohoku. Your Favorite Enemies had the honor not only to be the first band to ever play in the historic Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple of Kyoto, but to capture one of the most intimate and stunning moments ever recorded by the band.
This package includes a 50 minutes concert movie accompanied by 4 exclusive Wallpapers and somewhere "From The City to The Ocean", they gave birth to the unique "Running Through The Rain Of Estrangement... Catching Pure Drops Of Diamond Bliss"
Desiring to bring you into the crowd, bring you on stage and make you feel what's it's like to be with Your Favorite Enemies; the band decided to release their first official bootleg. As stated in the media, "A Moment Of Screams And Whispers, As We're Turning Fog Into Daydreams" is the result of a spontaneous desire from the members of YFE to bring awareness and support their community of fans in Japan after the tragic events that occurred on March 11, 2011. In fact, the members of Your Favorite Enemies instantly dedicated its performance to Japan, while broadcasting excerpts of the concert live, turning their participation at the biggest music festival of Canada (CMW Festival), into a lifetime memory shared throughout the globe.
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
/Progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
/Indie rock
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
band formed in 2006 by Alex Foster (vocals), Jeff Beaulieu (guitar), Sef (guitar), Ben Lemelin (bass), Miss Isabel (vocals and keyboard) and Charles “Moose” Allicy (drums).
Known for their commitment towards human rights, based on Foster’s role as a fervent spokesperson for Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
and a passionate youth speaker, the band found not only their “people oriented” reputation, but also a unique identity of being independent. This allowed them to manage every single aspect of the band's career based on their community values and their DIY attitude.“Rarely has a music group generated as much buzz before having even one album under their belt, as it is the case with Quebec band Your Favorite Enemies, who experience an international success, for the most part thanks to the magic of the Internet.”, says Le Journal de Montréal. The band also adapted popular social networking websites and media such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in different languages to further connect with their fans on an international level.
Your Favorite Enemies have been mentioned as one of the top 5 bands to watch out for in 2008 by the Billboard Magazine after the incredible success they ended up having in the same year that included their first successful Japanese tour; as well as the release of their second album “Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye”. The band has become one of the first international artists to write theme songs for the sound track of the globally successful video game franchise,Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Dissidia: Final Fantasy
is an action RPG/fighting game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable as part of the campaign of the Final Fantasy series 20th anniversary. Information on the game was first released during the "Square Enix Party" event of May 2008...
, in which it reached number 1 on the Japanese charts. The year has also seen the creation of the Hopeful Tragedy Records' multi-media branch; development of new community web initiatives, as well as the production of different shows on the YFE-TV Channel; such as the independent broadcasting of live streaming of the bands concerts.
History
- 2011: Release of "Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye" – "Deluxe and Remastered re-issue version"
- 2011: Your Favorite Enemies have been featured in Billboard Pro as Artist of the Week
- 2011: Launch of "The Hope Project", in partnership with the Red Cross, to support victims of the March 11 earthquake in Japan
- 2011: Your Favorite Enemies stands out in Billboard Magazine with a notable debut on the "Uncharted territory" charts
- 2010: Awarded as best International Rock Band by the Sound of Excellence Music Awards
- 2010: Recording of a third album and development of an independent film
- 2009: Acquisition of a recording studio
- 2008: Named as one of the top 5 bands to watch out for by Billboard Magazine
- 2008: Became the first international band to write songs for the video game Final Fantasy.
- 2008: Launch of second album "Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye"
- 2007: Launch of first EP "And If I Was To Die In the Morning...Would I Still Be Sleeping With You" sold 30 000 copies
- 2007: Creation of the label : Hopeful Tragedy Records
- 2006: Your Favorite Enemies formed
Discography
- Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye – Deluxe and Remastered re-issue version (June 28, 2011)
- Love Is a Promise Whispering GoodbyeLove Is a Promise Whispering GoodbyeLove Is a Promise Whispering Goodbye is the second EP of Canadian alternative rock-emo band Your Favorite Enemies, which was released on June 17, 2008. The album was produced from Canadian label Hopeful Tragedy Records, which the band founded in April 2008 for releasing their debut album, And If I...
(June 17, 2008)
- And If I Was to Die in the Morning... Would I Still Be Sleeping with You (June 1, 2007)
Label
Inspired by astounding support and requests for where the “nowhere to be found” music of Your Favorite Enemies; the 6 musicians decided to create the label Hopeful Tragedy Records in 2007, in order to offer the self-produced 5 songs hard-copy EPExtended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
"And If I Was To Die In the Morning… Would I Still Be Sleeping With You”. In which it was then released the following June for the cost of CA $10, shipping fees included.
Despite the substantial financial risks associated with such an initiative and regardless of the inexperienced staff; the 6 band members kept their vision of honouring fans’ faithfulness by releasing the EP against all odds. Yet, that bold decision became a major breaking point for the band’s young career; as 2007 ended up with more than 30 thousand units of their EP sold, a first European promotional headlining tour and massive coverage by major international media, turning Your Favorite Enemies into one of the most exciting and new "Do It Yourself" bands to rise from the non-traditional music model, as stated by Billboard Magazine.
Origins of the name
Your Favorite Enemies is about growth, evolution, change and geniality through time. "There is everything and anything in this name", says Alex Foster, the singer of the band, on the "Q&A" show. "The beauty with Your Favorite Enemies is that it's personal to everyone."Influences
The band cites The CureThe Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
and The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
as influences. Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer
John Graham Mellor , best remembered by his stage name Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the British punk rock band The Clash. His musical experience included his membership in The 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, The Mescaleros and The Pogues, in...
has been cited by Alex Foster as an influence on Your Favorite Enemies, the National Post
National Post
The National Post is a Canadian English-language national newspaper based in Don Mills, a district of Toronto. The paper is owned by Postmedia Network Inc. and is published Mondays through Saturdays...
points out. Other musicians and bands such as Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
, Pixies, Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, Placebo, U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
and Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
, have in turn influenced the work of Your Favorite Enemies.
Studio
Your Favorite Enemies recently acquired a former Church that includes 2 professional recording studios, facilities for live streams over the web, a full TV plateau, the offices of their label and non-profit organization promoting human rights and helping kids through music has been set up. The band is currently preparing for the release of their third album, an independent film, the release of a DVD project and the launch of a new community website.Live performances
Delivering a blend of explosive and introspective concerts, Your Favorite Enemies demonstrate excellent musicianship and seem to possess the rare ability to transcend the stage in such a way that every person in the audience is able to have a significant emotional experience. In describing one show, Chart Attack commented, "Your Favorite Enemies' ability to break up songs by incorporating soft melodies and ambience shows the true calibre of their songwriting. Careful thought is put into the construction of their songs and sets in order to draw attention to various aspects from the lyrical content to the eeriness of the icy parts."Funhill Music Festival
China (August 2011)Referred as China's most kick-ass band ever, Your Favorite Enemies is the first International band to hit almost all of China's major cities."Knowing we'd go all over the country is the only reason why we accepted that tour, since we believe music has the power to communicate something greater than all of us, and this, despite social and language barriers...", said Alex on national television right before hitting the main stage of Beijing’s Funhill Music Festival, in China, on August 27.
After an extensive tour around China in May 2011, Your Favorite Enemies returned again in late August to Beijing's Funhill Music Festival, sharing a live performance well representative of the band's desire to "break down walls" through music. "Although direct interaction with the crowd was verboten, Canada’s Your Favorite Enemies lead singer Alex Foster pushed his luck, holding his hand just out of reach of fans. This act of rock’n’ roll defiance resulted in a festival highlight and a security team deployment", says the Global Times
With the desire to share how much of a vivid and unique experience this very particular YFE concert was, Your Favorite Enemies decided to offer the live version of the song "I Might Be Wrong", through the release of "This Is A Call Up", a free package including 1 high quality MP3 and HD video of the song, along with 3 exclusive wallpapers.
As Alex Foster often sings, “there is no distance between you and I and everybody else around."
Arisen From Despairs – A Morning Of All Hope
Japan Tour (2011)Your Favorite Enemies visited Japan in support of the Hope Project, the bands own initiative to support survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, while many foreign musicians canceled their shows. They visited a shelter in Minami-Sanriku
Minamisanriku, Miyagi
, also spelled Minami Sanriku, is a resort town on a coastline of wooded islands and mountainous inlets. The town is in Motoyoshi District, Miyagi, Japan. It has an area of , and as of October 1, 2004 the population of the area was 19,170...
and performed three concerts in Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto; 3 years after they first performed in Japan. Driven by its strong spirit of community, the members of Your Favorite Enemies wanted to do something meaningful in the wake of the devastation, therefore performing in limited capacity venues and becoming one of the first bands to perform in a temple.“ It’s not like we came to Japan to have a party,” says Alex Foster, vocalist and leader of the band's Japanese networking sites (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Mixi
Mixi
mixi, Inc. is one of several social networking websites in Japan, founded in 2004. As of May 2008, mixi had over 21.6 million users and an 80% share of the social networking market in Japan...
), in an interview with the Majirox News. “We came to be with people. There is not much we can do. But if people need someone to talk, cry, and scream with, I wanted to say, ‘Hey, we’re here with you.’” Also while being in Japan, the band was interviewed by the Yomiuri
Yomiuri Shimbun
The is a Japanese newspaper published in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other major Japanese cities. It is one of the five national newspapers in Japan; the other four are the Asahi Shimbun, the Mainichi Shimbun, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, and the Sankei Shimbun...
, one of the five national newspapers in Japan, and received multitude of press coverage (Billboard, La Presse, CANOE
Canoe
A canoe or Canadian canoe is a small narrow boat, typically human-powered, though it may also be powered by sails or small electric or gas motors. Canoes are usually pointed at both bow and stern and are normally open on top, but can be decked over A canoe (North American English) or Canadian...
, Hollywood PQ, La Seigneurie).
This independent tour gives a great overview on Your Favorite Enemies' outreach towards Japan, as the band is planning to establish the Japanese branch of its self released label (Hopeful Tragedy Records), by the end of 2011.
The Rising Youth Of The Dragon's Land
China Tour (2011)In April and May 2011, Your Favorite Enemies toured across the country of China, playing the biggest and most renowned festivals (MIDI
Midi Modern Music Festival
Midi Modern Music Festival is China's largest rock music festival. Since its inauguration in 1997 it has been held each year in Beijing during the May holiday , with some breaks in 2003, 2004 and 2008...
, ZEBRA), as well as performing in clubs and venues in the cities; becoming one of the first North American acts to perform such an impressive tour in the country. In line with its DIY ethic, YFE turned down some major European festivals and put off their long awaited third release until this autumn, in order to expand their China club tour, despite advice about turning a profit. "Instead of being that new toy, that people will throw away overnight, we really want to give the people what they want," mentions Alex Foster, in interview with the Billboard Magazine, as the band was featured as the "Artist of the Week".
Known for their active support for such organizations as AIDS charity (RED) and long-time spokespersons for Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
, Your Favorite Enemies became the "talk of the town", receiving multiple local ( The Beijinger, China.Org.Cn, Shanghai247, This is Touring, CNNGO, Shanghai Daily
Shanghai Daily
Shanghai Daily is an English-language newspaper in China started in October 1999 and owned by Wenhui-xinmin United Press Group. Its primary audience is visiting foreigners, mainly overseas investors and tourists to Shanghai, though many Chinese students read it to improve their English...
, Shanghai Global Times, GoChengdoo) and international (Billboard, ORANGE, La Presse) press coverage, following their China tour success.
Indonesia (2008)
(Jakarta)Your Favorite Enemies performed on the SuperSoulmate Show on Indosiar
Indosiar
Indosiar is a publicly owned national television station in Indonesia, and has been operating from West Jakarta since 1994. It was listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange in 2004. Citibank Singapore has an 8.5 percent shareholding...
, which is amongst the most popular TV programs of Indonesia and with more than 25 million viewers. While touring in Indonesia, as the support act for Story Of The Year
Story of the Year
Story of the Year is an American rock band formed in St. Louis, Missouri in 2000. The band was initially named 67 North but was then changed to Big Blue Monkey...
, the band got press coverage from various sources, introducing their music and personality to a growing fan base of the country.
Japanese Tour (2008)
Your Favorite Enemies toured in Japan, playing concerts in Tokyo, OsakaOsaka
is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
, Nagoya in 2008 as the opening act for Simple Plan
Simple Plan
Simple Plan is a Canadian pop punk band from Montréal, Québec. The band has had no line up changes since its inception in 1999. Members are Pierre Bouvier , Jeff Stinco , Sébastien Lefebvre , David Desrosiers and Chuck Comeau...
. While performing in fine venues, the band was also reviewed in popular media including InRock Magazine, Grindhouse Magazine. and WeROCKCity By now well known for their devotion towards their fans, the band held exclusive events and performed an intimate concert at Kick Back Café in support of suicide prevention. The group also performed an improvised concert in downtown Nagoya, while distributing free promotional goods to fans in attendance.
European Tour (2007)
In 2007, Your Favorite Enemies traveled to Europe, headlining their tour in Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands. Well known for its social involvement, the band extended its collaboration with Amnesty International and various other actions groups, while traveling, while inviting volunteers to promote their ongoing campaign. Your Favorite Enemies had interviews and reviews in Amnesty International's French and Dutch publications, as well as radio interviews on TalksportTalkSPORT
Talksport , owned by UTV radio, is one of the United Kingdom's three terrestrial analogue Independent National Radio broadcasters, offering a sports and talk radio service broadcast from London to the United Kingdom....
radio (UK) and the Rock One Mag (France).
Other concerts & events
- Funhill Festival (Beijing), China (August 2011)
- MIDIMidi Modern Music FestivalMidi Modern Music Festival is China's largest rock music festival. Since its inauguration in 1997 it has been held each year in Beijing during the May holiday , with some breaks in 2003, 2004 and 2008...
Festival (Shanghai), China (May 2011) - Zebra Music Festival, China (April 2011)
- CMWCanadian Music WeekCanadian Music Week is an industry conference and music festival held over four days in various venues throughout Toronto, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
(2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), - Tailgate Party, Montreal Canadiens (2009)
- Heavy Montreal(2008),
- SXSW (2008) with M for MontrealM for MontrealM for Montreal was launched in 2006 and found by Montreal's Sebastian Nasra and U.K legendary concert programmer Martin Elbourne .M for Montreal is a scouting service and a networking platform held annually in November in...
, - Festival Arcadia (2007),
- Vans Warped Tour (2007),
- EmergenzaEmergenzais an international music festival for up-and-coming bands, with concerts in more than 150 cities around the world.- History :The first Emergenza Festival was the result of an idea of a group of musician friends in 1991. In 1992, the first ever Emergenza Festival in Rome was held to 245 people....
(2004), - Rogers Cup (tennis) (2003),
- Face To Face Tour (2002)
Media
A podcast offered on the web;YFE-TV is an insight on the eclectic dimensions of Your Favorite Enemies as a unique intimate portrait of the six artists constituting YFE, but also behind the scenes look for close to 3 years from concert clips, to their work as active Human Rights advocates, to interviews (Q&A, BlaBlaBla,The live show") and studio sessions and tour diaries (Sounds & Noises, YFE TV On The Road).Secret Family Cult Club
Based on their community values and their desire to bridge people from every nation, culture, language, social class, generation and life's background; through the empowering relationship of MUSIC, ART and LIFE, Your Favorite Enemies created the SECRET FAMILY CULT CLUB"http://www.yourfavoriteenemies.com/sfcc" (also known as the SFCC) in order to provide that genuine "living the moment".The Secret Family Cult Club offers 2 ways to register, which are the OLD SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP: "The Overflowing Ocean" and the NEW SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP: "The Digital Sea".
"I feel like the real positive chaos we've been dreaming about for so long is already in motion...so if you're into living the moment for what the moment is about, well, gear up and join now."- Alex Foster
Sponsors
Your Favorite Enemies have always been very careful as to whom they associate themselves with. As YFE is well known for its "Do it yourself"; it takes "singular" individuals, "outside the box" thinkers and entrepreneurs to get along with Your Favorite Enemies' strange birds. "I'm not in the business of selling out to get myself a ticket for the coolest spots in town. The band's partners are friends sharing the same passion for music and social justice", says Alex Foster, the front man of the formation.Your Favorite Enemies supports: Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
, (RED), Rock N' Rights, War Child
War Child (charity)
War Child is a non-governmental organisation founded in the UK 1993, which focuses on providing assistance to children in areas of conflict and post-conflict. They use their film and entertainment background to raise money for aid agencies operating in former Yugoslavia...
Your Favorite Enemies collaborates with the present: Schecter Guitars, Duesenberg Guitars
Duesenberg Guitars
Duesenberg Guitars is a German company producing high-end electric guitars and basses with a distinctive Art Deco design since 1986. The company's name alludes to the legendary car company Duesenberg....
, Guitares Boucher, D'Addario
D'Addario
D'Addario is a manufacturer of musical instrument strings, primarily guitar strings, currently headquartered in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York...
, TC Electronic
TC Electronic
TC Electronic is a Danish audio equipment manufacturer.Its current product ranges include guitar effects, bass amplification, computer audio interfaces, audio plug-in software, live sound equalisers, studio and post production equipment, studio effect processors and broadcast loudness processors...
, Orange Music Electronic Company, S. Walker Electric Guitars, VOX
Vox (musical equipment)
Vox is a musical equipment manufacturer which is most famous for making the Vox AC30 guitar amplifier, the Vox Continental electric organ, and a series of innovative but commercially unsuccessful electric guitars and bass guitars...
, Mack, Soul Power Instruments, Eden Electronics, Tech 21
Tech 21
Tech 21 is a New York based manufacturer of guitar and bass effect pedals, amps, and DI boxes which allow the user to emulate the tone of many popular guitar amps and record those sounds directly into a mixer....
, Mapex Drums
Mapex Drums
Mapex Drums is a drum brand manufactured by KHS Musical Instruments Company of Taiwan. Mapex has been in the drum making industry for over 18 years.-Products:...
, Sabian, EVANS, Vater Percussion
Final Fantasy (Dissidia)
In 2008, Your Favorite Enemies worked with Japanese video game composer Takeharu IshimotoTakeharu Ishimoto
is a Japanese video game composer, synthesizer programmer, and musician currently working at Square Enix. He joined Square Enix in 1999 as a synthesizer programmer on Legend of Mana, and worked for them on several games. In 2002 he moved to become a composer, beginning with World Fantastista...
to arrange, write lyrics for, and perform three songs on the soundtrack for Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Dissidia: Final Fantasy
is an action RPG/fighting game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable as part of the campaign of the Final Fantasy series 20th anniversary. Information on the game was first released during the "Square Enix Party" event of May 2008...
, including the theme song. After its release; it soon reached the 50 best-sellers charts on I-Tunes in Japan. Your Favorite Enemies has been interviewed on the music channel Musique Plus and received multiple press coverage (La Presse, Journal de Montréal, La Relève, Cyberpresse, Showbizz.net), following their international success.
Open Your Eyes project (2008)
Shooting of the music video "Open Your Eyes", by NuFilmsCommitted to their fans, Your Favorite Enemies turned the making of its first music video, for the single Open Your Eyes, into an opportunity for fans from all around the world to gather for the occasion and also be featured in the music videos. A contest was launched in collaboration with the popular French music magazine, Rock One Mag; inviting one reader to participate in the filming of the video with the magazine covering the making of and publishing it in a day to day journal, available on Rock One Mag's website.
This three days event was also in popular Montreal newspaper (Journal de Montréal, La Presse) and after a few days of its release on Musique Plus; the videoclip "Open Your Eyes" reached the highest charts as a winner of "Ultime Combat des clips". It was also featured in the "Top 5 Anglo", for several weeks in a row. The success of the clip granted it a star on the wall of fame of the Montreal based music station. Your Favorite Enemies also participated in interviews and live TV shows held on the station (Musique Plus en demande, Mr Net.).
Contests
Your Favorite Enemies received an award for best International Rock Band by the Sound of Excellence Music Awards. Members of the band flew to London to accept their special award at the ceremony held at Scala, Kings Cross on Friday October 8, 2010.International Battle of the Bands, Talksport
TalkSPORT
Talksport , owned by UTV radio, is one of the United Kingdom's three terrestrial analogue Independent National Radio broadcasters, offering a sports and talk radio service broadcast from London to the United Kingdom....
Radio, UK (2007): Your Favorite Enemies – 1st place winner
They've been taking over Britain! I've had an amazing response for this band, I've been playing them off and on for the last 3 or 4 weeks… they must have the most enormous fan base in the world, because my mail box is being full for three weeks! – Mike MendozaMike MendozaMichael David Mendoza is a British radio presenter and politician best known for the overnight shows he presented on talkSPORT between 2004 and 2008, initially on weeknights before being moved to weekends in 2006...
, Talksport Radio
They’ve done really well…Our whole system was totally clogged up by the votes that came in for them...So please, if you’re a fan of Your Favorite Enemies, stop sending in your votes because the competition has finished! Thank you! – Mike MendozaMike MendozaMichael David Mendoza is a British radio presenter and politician best known for the overnight shows he presented on talkSPORT between 2004 and 2008, initially on weeknights before being moved to weekends in 2006...
, Talksport Radio
Last week we had Nelson Brag in the studio, Nelson is Bryan Wilson's drummer, the Beach Boys…he was knocked out by their music…he thought they're absolutely fabulous…he really went mad for them! – David CourtneyDavid CourtneyDavid Courtney is a British singer-songwriter and record producer. Courtney's first big break was as a songwriter with Adam Faith and Leo Sayer; Courtney co-wrote several hit songs with them and he co-produced Faith's 1974 album, I Survive...
Other projects
The members of Your Favorite Enemies have been involved in a number of side projects that sometimes included some of their band mates. This included Alex Foster having worked on the documentaries such as "Digital Hate" (2002), "Gravitation des cœurs" (2003), "Conversions" (2005), "Voyage à la mer" (2010), as a co-writer and actor and later he was invited to join the judging committee for Battle of the bands in Ireland (2004). The band also did an exclusive interview with the American band "Anti-FlagAnti-Flag
Anti-Flag is a punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States, formed in 1988. The band is well known for its outspoken political views. Much of the band's lyrics have focused on fervent anti-war activism, criticism of United States foreign policy, corporatism, U.S. wealth...
" during the Vans Warped Tour (2007).
"Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye" – "Deluxe and Remastered re-issue version" (2011)
This is the story of an album that wasn't planned to be released in the first place. "We're lucky it didn't turned out into a total nightmare", mentions Alex Foster, the singer of the formation. Three years after the first full length album, a legal battle, a career suicide announcement and the almost dissolution of the band; the story of the making of "Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye" is one that redefined the nature of the expression "Do It Yourself" and inspired a legion of artists to take ownership of their dreams and destiny. "It truly was the end of innocence for us... on every aspects of the band...""Taking back ownership of the moment" is a reason for which the members of Your Favorite Enemies completed this work. "It's all about the music, sharing...getting back to the basics", says the band in agreement, through the series of videos produced for the purpose of the release of this "Deluxe and Remastered re-issue version" of the album.
Motivated with this urge to share their passion for music, the members of Your Favorite Enemies remained true to themselves and their faithfulness towards their fans, while producing a series of videos explaining the context behind the album. This is without mentioning that various contests, blogs, free downloads and video chat sessions held with the band members throughout the hosting of this project.
The Hope Project (2011)
- Project For Japan Relief -On March 11, 2011, the Northeast coast of Japan was hit by one of the most destructive earthquakes and tsunamis ever registered in the country's modern history. Following this news, Your Favorite Enemies instinctively responded to those strikes through the launching of The Hope Project. The Montreal sextet invites everyone to unite their voice as one and send messages of support, empathy and encouragement, that will be delivered to survivors as personal postcards, in partnership with the Red Cross and numerous schools worldwide.
At this stage, hundreds of messages from all across the world have quickly reached the Montreal sextet; extending the translation needs in more than 6 languages. The international press, for example Billboard and USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
, are supporting this initiative as well, while sharing the news through the traditional press as well as through their various networks on the web. The Hope Project will be revealed on May 25, 2011, through the hosting of a free benefit concert, in collaboration with the Red Cross, in Tokyo.
"In the mist of desperation, the quietest whisper of hope can be enough of a sound to make life bloom out of despair and a voice can make a difference." – Alex Foster, lead singer of Your Favorite Enemies
Write For Rights
(December 10, 2010 : The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day)Actively supporting Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
for more than a decade, the members of the rock band Your Favorite Enemies have crafted an empowering and mobilizing video", for The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day, held on December 10. Produced in English, French and Japanese, the video’s strong and engaging message is already spreading over the planet: "Your voice really makes a difference, expose yourself!, supporting Amnesty International's efforts for the "Write for Rights" campaign through arts.
Former social worker, Alex Foster has been involved as an official Amnesty International spokesperson, for more than a decade now. He acts as a conference speaker in Canada and hosted the Annual Youth Congress of Amnesty International a several times. All the members of the group Your Favorite Enemies joined are socially involved; extending their activities at various events. The band participated in the "Amnesty International 30th anniversary" (2007), the 35th anniversary of "Give Peace A Chance", Imagine (2004), "Marche des femmes vers l’an 2000", and the concert on behalf of the 51st anniversary of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
Your Favorite Enemies actively supports various social issues, in the making of promotional videos or communication tools of all kinds, such as for International Women's Day
International Women's Day
International Women's Day , originally called International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and...
(2007, 2009).
"This Is A Call-Up"
Bootleg released on September 18, 2011Recorded and filmed on August 27, 2011, during an epic performance held in Beijing and broadcasted on national TV all over China, Your Favorite Enemies decided to share such defining moment by offering the song "I Might Be Wrong", a true empowering glimpse that perfectly represents how much of a vivid and unique experience this very particular YFE concert has been about. "Funhill Music Festival’s most insane band! They showed what authentic rock and roll is about as their screams reached to the heart of the audience!", states 南南在路上, 网聚房山
Having a reputation where everything can happen at every moment,Your Favorite Enemies took their world wide fans by surprise by offering the special project “This Is A Call-Up”, in a live interview on the set of the Bla Bla Bla: The Live Show. It was important for the band members to share this special moment with its fans. "Sharing what's most precious is for us the extension of our deep hearted relationship!" says, Alex Foster, singer of the band. This package includes 1 high quality MP3. 1 HD video and 3 exclusive wallpapers, now available on the band's web site.
"Running Through The Rain Of Estrangement... Catching Pure Drops Of Diamond Bliss"
Bootleg released on June 26, 2011Your Favorite Enemies released their second official Bootleg, called "Running Through The Rain Of Estrangement... Catching Pure Drops Of Diamond Bliss". Recorded and filmed on May 29, 2011, during a very special acoustic performance taking place in their "Arisen From Despairs, A Morning Of All Hope" Japanese Tour, which was part of their Hope Project initiated to support the people afflicted by the tragedy caused by the tsunami in Tohoku. Your Favorite Enemies had the honor not only to be the first band to ever play in the historic Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple of Kyoto, but to capture one of the most intimate and stunning moments ever recorded by the band.
This package includes a 50 minutes concert movie accompanied by 4 exclusive Wallpapers and somewhere "From The City to The Ocean", they gave birth to the unique "Running Through The Rain Of Estrangement... Catching Pure Drops Of Diamond Bliss"
"A Moment Of Screams And Whispers, As We're Turning Fog Into Daydreams"
Bootleg released on April 17, 2011Desiring to bring you into the crowd, bring you on stage and make you feel what's it's like to be with Your Favorite Enemies; the band decided to release their first official bootleg. As stated in the media, "A Moment Of Screams And Whispers, As We're Turning Fog Into Daydreams" is the result of a spontaneous desire from the members of YFE to bring awareness and support their community of fans in Japan after the tragic events that occurred on March 11, 2011. In fact, the members of Your Favorite Enemies instantly dedicated its performance to Japan, while broadcasting excerpts of the concert live, turning their participation at the biggest music festival of Canada (CMW Festival), into a lifetime memory shared throughout the globe.