Classical music, nice symphonies, harmonies, melodies & rock music… how comforting are all those things indeed. Well, the new The Enid album, “Invicta”, will offer you some great moments when you decided to listen to it. Just do it gently and you will be rewarded afterwards. The new member and talented singer, Joe Payne, was kind enough to throw some lights in some music mysteries of The Enid and not only… thus read below…
Hi Joe… It’s great talking to you. “Invicta” is a piece of art indeed! We’ve put it in Grande Rock’s “Gems” category… Bravo!
J: That’s great news, thanks! I think it’s wonderful that the album’s been so well received, considering some of our fans were quite cynical about me joining The Enid.
Since you’re the newest member of the band, tell us how did you experience the whole situation? It’s a totally new experience for you, right?
J: Well, I always knew that I loved The Enid’s music, but an invitation to join the band was completely unexpected. Especially because the band has – for the most part – always been an instrumental entity.
Despite this not being my first band, I’ve never had so much to prove. I mentioned before that some fans were not keen on the idea of a singer. People had been calling me “X Factor” and “not right for The Enid”. It was up to me to show everyone that I was not trying to fix something that wasn’t broken.
So for the first year of my involvement, I was balancing The Enid with my final year at University. Studying “Business Management”, I’m sure you can guess which of my two commitments I would rather be focusing on (laughs)! This desire to make The Enid my future, and my distant interest in my course at University inspired me to kill two birds with one stone. Why not use my Dissertation to learn more about how people perceive The Enid? What does “The Enid” represent to the individual?
Needless to say that the hard work paid off! I finally feel that I am on the same level as the majority of our fans, especially since the release of “Invicta”.
So, what are the new things that you brought to the band?
J: I spend most of my time in the office – someone has to do it – as we do almost everything ourselves. Running a record label, looking after the shop, having a recording studio and taking care of the Enidi (our fan club). It’s a full time job, but I love it, and there’s a lot of overtime!
But I think on a creative level, “Invicta” has been the first majorly collaborative Enid album since the Steve Stewart days. Robert and I worked incredibly close on the composition. I was determined that my first album with The Enid showed people that I am not a puppet.
How has The Enid’s sound changed after your arrival?
J: It’s perhaps more accessible, but that’s more to do with the way some people respond to lyrics and vocals. What is The Enid’s sound in the first place? Every album has been different to the last anyway. As long as the music is truly progressive and harmonically clever with a pinch of philosophy, it will always be “Enid”.
How did you come up with the title “Invicta”? What does it represent?
J: Robert thought that name up. He explained that the album needed to focus on the relationship between the individual and the collective. Being young and cynical, I pulled many topical influences from the media. With so much in the news about journalists tapping phones, murderers and rapists on the run and religious debates, there was plenty for me to sing about.
But then things changed in the summer when London hosted the Olympics. I was overwhelmed with admiration for all the athletes who were competing. They were out there winning medals for their country, and the entire country felt closer together than ever before as a result! That’s what inspired “One and the Many”. Together we are invincible.
In the cover artwork we see two levels… we have the Gods on the one and the “ancient” people on the other… I swear I can see the god Pan in the right corner of the artwork as well. What does it imply?
J: Well spotted! That could indeed be Pan, the Greek God of shepherds and flocks. We invited Max’s dad, Robert Read to design the front cover, and we all agree he did a fantastic job. In society we have shepherds, and we have sheep. Then we have the wolves, or individuals. They’re the important ones, because they stir things up and act as the catalysts for change. Now, can you spot the wolf in the drawing? (i.n.: Sure thing!)
Whoever listens to “One and the Many” gets confused with your vocals. I thought it was a woman in the beginning. I bet this was a challenging song for you, huh?
J: Yes it was challenging, but it was my idea to do it! I just wanted to shock people, and as I said before, I had so much to prove. Since I’ve had the chance to show everyone I can pull it off live, too. Every singer likes to show off their range, don’t they? (i.n.: Undeniably!)
Another challenging tune is the imposing & mysterious “The Whispering”. I read that it is featuring over 200 vocal layers in its choral arrangements! I’m sure this one will be a very hard to play live isn’t it so?
J: We got Dave, Jason and Nic to learn the harmonies, so along with Max and myself, we can do all 5 vocal parts live. I would love to do it with a big choir though. A dream I intend to make come true!
I feel that “Invicta” has the best production ever. What do you think? What has changed in the way both Max Read & RJG work?
J: Max and Robert have been producing records together for about 20 years. Normally I’d say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but I agree that the production is better. If you listen to each record the band has made since 2009, you can really notice how the production value has developed dramatically within a few years.
The challenge that The Enid’s music faces is the way people listen to music now. A lot of people use cheap quality speakers, and expect everything to be one dynamic level. However, we’ve managed to make a record which even sounds great through cheap speakers, without us having to compromise on dynamics. (i.n.: That’s so true… on the one hand we have the second-rate quality of the MP3s and on the other those cheap laptop speakers… God help us all!)
Do you have in mind to release a video in the next weeks?
J: We’re working on something, yes. But I think it may take longer than just a few weeks. Our plan is to make a full album music video or movie. We’re planning it now, but it’s still early days. It will be, without doubt, the best video The Enid have ever produced.
I know that you’re going to play at Y-Prog Festival on 16th March 2013 & HRH Prog Fest Rotherham on 6th April 2013. Are there any other tour plans?
J: It’s all a secret for the moment. We’ll be announcing the dates within the next couple of weeks I believe, so keep a close eye on our website for details! Both of these festivals are going to be fantastic, and we’ve decided to bring something really special to each of them.
Were you to give a hint about the music of The Enid what would you say? It’s really a wonderful blending of symphonic, theatrical, rock, progressive, melodic, atmospheric & classical music.
J: I always say “symphonic rock”, because then it’s perfectly clear to people what we are. When I say it, I put all the emphasis on the word “symphonic”, because The Enid’s music is arguably more classical music than rock.
You’re probably the first band that started releasing albums independently, if I’m right. How did that thing help the band? What do you say about the fact that more & more bands prefer to be independent nowadays?
J: I think other bands are wise to try being independent, but it’s easier said than done. You have to put a lot of hours in. It’s worth it though, because you get to be the artist you want to be. I think that independence goes hand in hand with identity.
Do you also prefer to have your musical/artistic independency instead of “working” for a label and do as they say? What are the advantages & disadvantages of such a thing?
J: I think being with a label can have its benefits. The problem facing most bands is a need for investment, and a need for publicity. When a label can give you both of those things, it’s incredibly valuable.
However, as we’ve found, the music business has its crooks. Your investors may feel they have ownership of you, as if everything you do and everything you are is on their terms. But business is business at the end of the day, so just don’t be naive about it if you want to be an artist.
I’ve written: “…Only when there’s inspiration, creativity and imagination can you come up with an album like “Invicta”. Surely, this album is among the top 3 releases of the band, if not the best so far, and time will tell if it is to become a classic or what…”. What’s your say?
J: Some people have said that this is the best Enid album since the 70s! I really thought people might reject it because “Invicta” is so vocal lead. So I’m very happy, and feel very lucky to be surrounded by such great fans.
People would like to know a few things about you so tell us… what were you doing before joining The Enid? What’s your previous involvement in music?
J: I was busy with another band called Tramp Etiquette. We were school friends, and did quite well on the London Indie circuit. Tom Robinson described us a “Pretty damn good” and we had a good run playing at showcases for Sony labels and such lark. We’re all still good mates, and we like to get together for a gig every now and again, but you know what it’s like. They all have their day jobs, and I’ve got my hands full with The Enid.
What are your major influences as a singer and as a musician in general?
J: Big voices! Anyone with a big voice has had a massive impact on me. Tom Jones, Freddy Mercury, Whitney Houston to name a few. As a writer I’m more influenced by opera these days, so I think the two things make quite a good combination, don’t you? (i.n.: I do!)
The fact that you sometimes bring the performances of Freddie Mercury on mind is flattering but I think you wanna go your own way and comparisons like that are not always good for an artist. People tend to think that someone is a copycat and you’re nowhere near that at all.
J: If I was to be likened to anybody, Freddy Mercury is obviously the biggest honour I could hope for. But you’re quite right, no one likes to be pigeon holed. As far as I’m concerned, there should be no limit to development. So I don’t just want to be as good as Freddy Mercury, I want to be better than Freddy Mercury. (i.n.: Ohh that’s the spirit dude…)
What must an artist do in order to avoid losing time and money… while dealing with that downloading generation that only sees an album as a file on their pc? Will these magic old days ever come back?
J: A lot of people still like to have a physical record as a souvenir, but I see what you’re getting at. I don’t approve of illegal downloads, but if having your music in any shape or form inspires an individual to come to your live show, that’s where the true value lies. After all, you can’t download an experience like a live concert. It’s special - each one is unique.
It’s time for our weird Questions now!!! Do you know why RJG named the band The Enid in the first place?
J: There are a lot of versions of this story. I believe Robert and his school friends used to use the word “Enid” as a word to pass their opinion on stuff. For example, “Dave slipped on the ice again. That’s so ‘Enid’”.
Which is the song you wish you had written and why?
J: “Sheets of Blue”, because it stayed in my head for a whole year after seeing the Enid only once. That was the song that really hooked me in.
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
J: I think I’d rather cross over into theatre to be honest, as I can’t quite see how I would “fit in” with any other band.
Which are those Stars that you’d like to travel to and why?
J: I’d travel to the region of the summer stars, of course.
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
J: If Francis Lickerish were to answer this, I imagine he’d go back a millennia and be King Arthur’s right hand man. I however would rather travel forward in time. That way, whatever I end up with will be a total surprise. Hopefully we will have made peaceful contact with aliens by then. I believe Virgin Trains will be the first to run a warp speed service across space and time.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
J: How about a Mahler Greatest Hits? I’m not all that sure what’s allowed to count as “evolved” these days. Maybe we should send them “Mahler: the Dubstep Remixes”.
What would you do if you were not afraid to fail?
J: If I was afraid of failure, I wouldn’t have joined The Enid. I’d rather take a few risks than become predictable. Besides, what have I really got to lose? Worst case scenario, I would have to move back in with my parents. It’s not ideal, but it’s not terrible either!
If music (or your music) could be described by using one color… why color would it be and why?
J: If I close my eyes and listen to an Enid album, the whole spectrum of colours appears. So I could never choose just one. However, I am quite fond of burgundy!
Imagine that your girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
J: I’m sorry, but no woman is worth that amount of trouble! Ha ha! I don’t have a girlfriend, nor do I have an album collection worth selling… I was a child of the 90s.
Thx very much for this wonderful interview Joe. Thx for the music as well. Wish you a Happy & Rockin’ New year… Take care!
J: Happy New Year! I hope you have an excellent 2013, and please stay in touch, Thanos.
J: That’s great news, thanks! I think it’s wonderful that the album’s been so well received, considering some of our fans were quite cynical about me joining The Enid.
Since you’re the newest member of the band, tell us how did you experience the whole situation? It’s a totally new experience for you, right?
J: Well, I always knew that I loved The Enid’s music, but an invitation to join the band was completely unexpected. Especially because the band has – for the most part – always been an instrumental entity.
Despite this not being my first band, I’ve never had so much to prove. I mentioned before that some fans were not keen on the idea of a singer. People had been calling me “X Factor” and “not right for The Enid”. It was up to me to show everyone that I was not trying to fix something that wasn’t broken.
So for the first year of my involvement, I was balancing The Enid with my final year at University. Studying “Business Management”, I’m sure you can guess which of my two commitments I would rather be focusing on (laughs)! This desire to make The Enid my future, and my distant interest in my course at University inspired me to kill two birds with one stone. Why not use my Dissertation to learn more about how people perceive The Enid? What does “The Enid” represent to the individual?
Needless to say that the hard work paid off! I finally feel that I am on the same level as the majority of our fans, especially since the release of “Invicta”.
So, what are the new things that you brought to the band?
J: I spend most of my time in the office – someone has to do it – as we do almost everything ourselves. Running a record label, looking after the shop, having a recording studio and taking care of the Enidi (our fan club). It’s a full time job, but I love it, and there’s a lot of overtime!
But I think on a creative level, “Invicta” has been the first majorly collaborative Enid album since the Steve Stewart days. Robert and I worked incredibly close on the composition. I was determined that my first album with The Enid showed people that I am not a puppet.
How has The Enid’s sound changed after your arrival?
J: It’s perhaps more accessible, but that’s more to do with the way some people respond to lyrics and vocals. What is The Enid’s sound in the first place? Every album has been different to the last anyway. As long as the music is truly progressive and harmonically clever with a pinch of philosophy, it will always be “Enid”.
How did you come up with the title “Invicta”? What does it represent?
J: Robert thought that name up. He explained that the album needed to focus on the relationship between the individual and the collective. Being young and cynical, I pulled many topical influences from the media. With so much in the news about journalists tapping phones, murderers and rapists on the run and religious debates, there was plenty for me to sing about.
But then things changed in the summer when London hosted the Olympics. I was overwhelmed with admiration for all the athletes who were competing. They were out there winning medals for their country, and the entire country felt closer together than ever before as a result! That’s what inspired “One and the Many”. Together we are invincible.
In the cover artwork we see two levels… we have the Gods on the one and the “ancient” people on the other… I swear I can see the god Pan in the right corner of the artwork as well. What does it imply?
J: Well spotted! That could indeed be Pan, the Greek God of shepherds and flocks. We invited Max’s dad, Robert Read to design the front cover, and we all agree he did a fantastic job. In society we have shepherds, and we have sheep. Then we have the wolves, or individuals. They’re the important ones, because they stir things up and act as the catalysts for change. Now, can you spot the wolf in the drawing? (i.n.: Sure thing!)
Whoever listens to “One and the Many” gets confused with your vocals. I thought it was a woman in the beginning. I bet this was a challenging song for you, huh?
J: Yes it was challenging, but it was my idea to do it! I just wanted to shock people, and as I said before, I had so much to prove. Since I’ve had the chance to show everyone I can pull it off live, too. Every singer likes to show off their range, don’t they? (i.n.: Undeniably!)
Another challenging tune is the imposing & mysterious “The Whispering”. I read that it is featuring over 200 vocal layers in its choral arrangements! I’m sure this one will be a very hard to play live isn’t it so?
J: We got Dave, Jason and Nic to learn the harmonies, so along with Max and myself, we can do all 5 vocal parts live. I would love to do it with a big choir though. A dream I intend to make come true!
I feel that “Invicta” has the best production ever. What do you think? What has changed in the way both Max Read & RJG work?
J: Max and Robert have been producing records together for about 20 years. Normally I’d say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but I agree that the production is better. If you listen to each record the band has made since 2009, you can really notice how the production value has developed dramatically within a few years.
The challenge that The Enid’s music faces is the way people listen to music now. A lot of people use cheap quality speakers, and expect everything to be one dynamic level. However, we’ve managed to make a record which even sounds great through cheap speakers, without us having to compromise on dynamics. (i.n.: That’s so true… on the one hand we have the second-rate quality of the MP3s and on the other those cheap laptop speakers… God help us all!)
Do you have in mind to release a video in the next weeks?
J: We’re working on something, yes. But I think it may take longer than just a few weeks. Our plan is to make a full album music video or movie. We’re planning it now, but it’s still early days. It will be, without doubt, the best video The Enid have ever produced.
I know that you’re going to play at Y-Prog Festival on 16th March 2013 & HRH Prog Fest Rotherham on 6th April 2013. Are there any other tour plans?
J: It’s all a secret for the moment. We’ll be announcing the dates within the next couple of weeks I believe, so keep a close eye on our website for details! Both of these festivals are going to be fantastic, and we’ve decided to bring something really special to each of them.
Were you to give a hint about the music of The Enid what would you say? It’s really a wonderful blending of symphonic, theatrical, rock, progressive, melodic, atmospheric & classical music.
J: I always say “symphonic rock”, because then it’s perfectly clear to people what we are. When I say it, I put all the emphasis on the word “symphonic”, because The Enid’s music is arguably more classical music than rock.
You’re probably the first band that started releasing albums independently, if I’m right. How did that thing help the band? What do you say about the fact that more & more bands prefer to be independent nowadays?
J: I think other bands are wise to try being independent, but it’s easier said than done. You have to put a lot of hours in. It’s worth it though, because you get to be the artist you want to be. I think that independence goes hand in hand with identity.
Do you also prefer to have your musical/artistic independency instead of “working” for a label and do as they say? What are the advantages & disadvantages of such a thing?
J: I think being with a label can have its benefits. The problem facing most bands is a need for investment, and a need for publicity. When a label can give you both of those things, it’s incredibly valuable.
However, as we’ve found, the music business has its crooks. Your investors may feel they have ownership of you, as if everything you do and everything you are is on their terms. But business is business at the end of the day, so just don’t be naive about it if you want to be an artist.
I’ve written: “…Only when there’s inspiration, creativity and imagination can you come up with an album like “Invicta”. Surely, this album is among the top 3 releases of the band, if not the best so far, and time will tell if it is to become a classic or what…”. What’s your say?
J: Some people have said that this is the best Enid album since the 70s! I really thought people might reject it because “Invicta” is so vocal lead. So I’m very happy, and feel very lucky to be surrounded by such great fans.
People would like to know a few things about you so tell us… what were you doing before joining The Enid? What’s your previous involvement in music?
J: I was busy with another band called Tramp Etiquette. We were school friends, and did quite well on the London Indie circuit. Tom Robinson described us a “Pretty damn good” and we had a good run playing at showcases for Sony labels and such lark. We’re all still good mates, and we like to get together for a gig every now and again, but you know what it’s like. They all have their day jobs, and I’ve got my hands full with The Enid.
What are your major influences as a singer and as a musician in general?
J: Big voices! Anyone with a big voice has had a massive impact on me. Tom Jones, Freddy Mercury, Whitney Houston to name a few. As a writer I’m more influenced by opera these days, so I think the two things make quite a good combination, don’t you? (i.n.: I do!)
The fact that you sometimes bring the performances of Freddie Mercury on mind is flattering but I think you wanna go your own way and comparisons like that are not always good for an artist. People tend to think that someone is a copycat and you’re nowhere near that at all.
J: If I was to be likened to anybody, Freddy Mercury is obviously the biggest honour I could hope for. But you’re quite right, no one likes to be pigeon holed. As far as I’m concerned, there should be no limit to development. So I don’t just want to be as good as Freddy Mercury, I want to be better than Freddy Mercury. (i.n.: Ohh that’s the spirit dude…)
What must an artist do in order to avoid losing time and money… while dealing with that downloading generation that only sees an album as a file on their pc? Will these magic old days ever come back?
J: A lot of people still like to have a physical record as a souvenir, but I see what you’re getting at. I don’t approve of illegal downloads, but if having your music in any shape or form inspires an individual to come to your live show, that’s where the true value lies. After all, you can’t download an experience like a live concert. It’s special - each one is unique.
It’s time for our weird Questions now!!! Do you know why RJG named the band The Enid in the first place?
J: There are a lot of versions of this story. I believe Robert and his school friends used to use the word “Enid” as a word to pass their opinion on stuff. For example, “Dave slipped on the ice again. That’s so ‘Enid’”.
Which is the song you wish you had written and why?
J: “Sheets of Blue”, because it stayed in my head for a whole year after seeing the Enid only once. That was the song that really hooked me in.
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
J: I think I’d rather cross over into theatre to be honest, as I can’t quite see how I would “fit in” with any other band.
Which are those Stars that you’d like to travel to and why?
J: I’d travel to the region of the summer stars, of course.
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
J: If Francis Lickerish were to answer this, I imagine he’d go back a millennia and be King Arthur’s right hand man. I however would rather travel forward in time. That way, whatever I end up with will be a total surprise. Hopefully we will have made peaceful contact with aliens by then. I believe Virgin Trains will be the first to run a warp speed service across space and time.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
J: How about a Mahler Greatest Hits? I’m not all that sure what’s allowed to count as “evolved” these days. Maybe we should send them “Mahler: the Dubstep Remixes”.
What would you do if you were not afraid to fail?
J: If I was afraid of failure, I wouldn’t have joined The Enid. I’d rather take a few risks than become predictable. Besides, what have I really got to lose? Worst case scenario, I would have to move back in with my parents. It’s not ideal, but it’s not terrible either!
If music (or your music) could be described by using one color… why color would it be and why?
J: If I close my eyes and listen to an Enid album, the whole spectrum of colours appears. So I could never choose just one. However, I am quite fond of burgundy!
Imagine that your girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
J: I’m sorry, but no woman is worth that amount of trouble! Ha ha! I don’t have a girlfriend, nor do I have an album collection worth selling… I was a child of the 90s.
Thx very much for this wonderful interview Joe. Thx for the music as well. Wish you a Happy & Rockin’ New year… Take care!
J: Happy New Year! I hope you have an excellent 2013, and please stay in touch, Thanos.