How do you deal with fans that say they liked TEN better than your solo songs? Do you actually give a shit, because it seems that the songs you are writing now are songs you want to write for yourself because you feel like it, not for a mass public?
Yeah you’re right I don’t really care. If people say that, I don’t take it personally, I just say thanks for liking that band. I know that TEN holds a special place for some people because they grew up with those songs, but a lot of people who might even say that are still really into the new stuff and over time I’ve seen more and more fans who are finding that these songs have a special place now, just at a different time and place in their lives.
You seem to straddle the indie and pop-rock genres with your music. I feel like I could hear you recording a Daytrotter session and playing Warped Tour, but fan bases are so niche that I feel like you have to lean toward one genre or another. Do you want to become more of an indie artist? And if so, why do you tour with bands like Hellogoodbye, Cute Is What We Aim For, and All-American Rejects? Is it hard to break out of the mold that you are currently in?
I don’t want to be in any genre or be held into anything. I don’t want to be looked at as a trendy band or have anything to do with whatever happens to be the new or cool thing going on in music right now. I just want to do this because it’s what I love to do. As for tours, I’m open to touring with anyone. The point of it for me is to not hold yourself in a certain place, but try to reach all kinds of people.
As a producer, you have your choice of projects to record. Is there any one particular band or artist that you have worked with that shows promise in an industry that is oversaturated with bands that are following trends?
I worked with a band called Echo Screen from New Jersey. I liked them a lot because they weren’t into sticking to just one thing or type of music. They’re all about making what feels right and what they’re into and what’s going to be best for the songs. I like when bands have an open mind and aren’t worried about trends. The songs came out really great. Everyone should check them out when they come out.
Ace Enders will be performing at this year’s Bamboozle Festival on Saturday, May 2. When I Hit The Ground is available now. For more info, visit aceenders.com and thebamboozle.com
