To start, can you please introduce yourself and describe your newest project Ace Enders and A Million Different People?
Yeah, my name is Ace Enders and you know, my band is Ace Enders and a Million Different People. We’re pretty intense, pretty hardcore. (laughs) Pretty rough around the edges. In the band is myself, a drummer named Jason Howie, guitar player Will Gilree, and bass player Sergio Amelo.
Your new album, When I Hit The Ground, just came out last week. Overall, how do you feel about this album?
I’m really pretty pleased with it. There are a couple minor things I think I would of done differently but for the most part, I’m pretty happy with it. I like how it turned out and I’m really excited about it.
How is this new album different than stuff from The Early November or I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business?
It’s a little different than The Early November as far as like it’s more “grown up.” I don’t want to sound like The Early November was immature but as we get older we definately go through different stages and it’s just what you would expect going through life. I didn’t try and force it to be anything. I kept it natural like The Early November always was and I took all those things I really appreciated about the band and put it into this album.
What would you say are your favorite songs off of the new album and why?
Off the new album..”The Only Thing I Have” is probably my favorite song because it captures the whole story, the whole feeling of what I’ve been going through in the past couple of years and um, it’s probably my favorite one. But another one I really enjoy is “Where Do We Go From Here”..it’s very fun to play. I like all of them and I’m really happy with how all the songs turned out. We just shot a video for “The Only Thing I Have” and I’m really happy with how it turned out. There is a little kid who plays me along time ago and I’m happy with it.
I remember reading somewhere that you recorded all of the instruments on the new album..the guitar, drums, bass, everything. Did you enjoy making an album like this? Was that always the plan for this new album?
I didn’t record the drums, the producer Chris played the drums on the album but pretty much everything else was me. He did some piano but we both sat there and did whatever to get the project done you know? Yeah I really enjoyed making an album like this. It’s the most fun for me. I like when I can just do whatever and just create what I want to do. I think it was my plan then it wasn’t and then it just happened.
You are currently on tour with Craig Owens of Chiodos, The Color Fred, The Gay Blades, and VersaEmerge. How has the tour been so far? What is the response from the kids coming to the shows..do they know the lyrics, are they into it?
The tour has been great. The Color Fred actually jumps on in a couple of days. I’m sure it’ll be much better with him though. He’s a great dude. I’ve actually been having a ton of fun, all the bands are great. I really can’t complain. Yeah they kids are into it and we are having a great time. It’s been great and I’ve been really suprised.
Do you have any other touring plans following this current tour?
Right after this, we are doing an All-American Rejects tour and then in summer we are headlining. We are thinking about bringing VersaEmerge but they straighten their hair too much. [Drummer from VersaEmerge walks by and starts talking to Ace]
I heard that you built your own recording studio to track some demos for the upcoming album. Why did you decide to do this? How much time did you spend working on that project? Now that the album is finished, what are you going to be using it for?
It took me, planning and all, about 2 months. I built it all myself with the help of my little cousin and my grandfather. We just wanted to make everything how it would work best for me. It isn’t the best stuff ever but I get around. I recorded most of my stuff there like The Secret Wars, “Reaction” off of the new album was recorded there. I do a lot of production with bands so I’ve been working with them in the studio. I’m really excited about a couple of things like a band from around here called Echo Screen.
What made you want to do a cover of The Verve’s song “Bittersweet Symphony”? How has the response been to the cover?
The response has been great. It’s one of my favorite songs ever and it’s one of the songs for me that can change my mood. So it’s like I wanted to share that with people. We contacted Save The Music and all the proceeds go to that charity. They were really open to it and loved it. They are really excited about it and it’s doing great.
Do you have any plans to start up any side projects in the future?
[laughs] I have too much of that. I think I’m just gonna stick with this for a while. The reason why I have so many projects is because I like to keep writing music so what I’ll probably end up doing is put out one album every year and a half and put out little things every once in a while like EP’s or something.
How did you get started playing music?
My stepdad I guess was always in bar bands and I picked up one of his guitars one day and that’s how it started. He showed me a few chords and from there I was on my own.
What would you say are some major musical influences in your life?
Jimmy Eat World, Pearl Jam..as weird as that may sound. I really respect them for what they do. Jets To Brazil and all those old school bands have had a big influence on me and I’ve always wanted to have that same impact on kids as they did on me.
I know you probably get this question a lot, but people have been asking me to ask you. Is there any possibility of an Early November reunion?
No. Yeah I mean, I’ll always play those songs like acoustic and have fun with people. Do little sing-a-longs and what not. But as far as the band getting back together, I can’t see it happening any time soon. Maybe we will play a few shows one day but that’s it.
Any last words for our readers at Driven Far Off?
Just thank you for everyone who has been supporting me for so long, I really appreciate it. You know, I don’t want anyone to think I don’t appreciate them or dont care, I really do.
Thank you Ace for taking the time to answer these questions and to Gary Strack for setting up this interview.
Good questions Ben.