July 9th, 2012 
Brian Leak 
To coincide with tomorrow’s release of their newest full-length, In Currents, we’re extremely pleased to bring you this exclusive interview with the newly reformed and always impressive rock outfit, The Early November!
UTG had the opportunity to speak with guitarist and keyboardist Joseph Marro about the band’s return, their newest album, and Ace Enders’ likeness to the lovably indie Michael Cera. Read through and get caught up with The Early November!
With so much anticipation built up from fans, did you feel extra pressure going in to work on this album?
I wouldn’t exactly call it pressure but we were very conscious that (some) people have been anticipating this record. We want to make them happy but we need to make ourselves happy first and I really think we did that. So far, it seems that people have really been enjoying the record, which makes me incredibly happy.
How do you feel In Currents measures up to your previous work?
I’m very proud of this record and think it reflects the band at this stage in our lives. It’s age-appropriate but still reminiscent of where we came from. I think it has something for everyone. It’s more focused than The Mother, The Mechanic… while still being adventurous and experimental. It’s more matured and thoughtful than The Room’s Too Cold while still being energetic and passionate.
What led to the decision to reform as The Early November?
We talked about it a few times over the past five years but it just never seemed to be the right time. We all missed it but we were all very involved with our individual lives at the time. Then, last summer it just all clicked. The show at the Electric Factory was booked which was a big success. A few months later another one and then everything just snowballed.
How permanent will the reformation be? Plans for further releases?
I’ll use the snowball analogy again. The snowball is very under control now but we’re letting it grow as big as it needs to. We’re down for anything but won’t force the situations. We haven’t started talking about new recordings yet but it’s very easy for us to do those sort of things now with Ace’s studio being so close. Anything’s possible.
How has the response been at your shows since your return?
Fantastic. That first reunion show was one of the most amazing nights of my life. It’s been very exciting and invigorating to play these songs again across the country. [The record release shows were] great. We got to play in familiar and fun places like Philly, Boston & Hoboken.
Are there any plans for more ICMAMLNB?
Yes, there is but when exactly, I don’t know. Ace is a song factory, so I’m sure it will be sooner than later.
What will be the status on all the side projects in regards to The Early November?
Everything will definitely take a back seat to all things TEN. I Can Make A Mess will release stuff. I know Jeff is working on some songs and I just started writing a few tunes for a little band with my wife. Nothing serious though; all free time goes to The Early November
Are you aware that November is always in the same spot each year? It’s not like Easter, which can actually be earlier or later.
Totally aware. I believe the name refers to the first 14 days of the month.
Are you at all surprised that your fanbase has stuck with you even after a lengthy hiatus?
Sure. Surprised a little, but more appreciative. I feel bands who never announced a hiatus have taken as long or longer between records and tours. I feel it used to be something you’d see more in the past. People have been saying stuff like “I love you guys in high school and now I’m about to be married” and that means a lot. I like to be a band that you can grow up and onward with.
Why did you decide to sign with Rise Records who predominantly sign heavier bands?
Genres never mattered much to me. Drive Thru Records was a big pop-punk (and even some ska) label in those days and we didn’t completely identify with those genres either. We’ve been friends with Matthew at Rise for years and when it came time to gauge interest, he was ecstatic. They are first and foremost fans of the band at Rise. Plus, the signings they’ve been making (Hot Water Music, Make Do And Mend, Transit, Man Overboard, Cheap Girls, etc.) we knew we’d be in good company and so far, everything has been awesome. A dream scenario, really.
What are your touring plans looking like for the remainder of the year?
Figuring that stuff out now. We’re down to do what needs to be done to support the record but at this stage in our lives, we can’t be taking every tour offered like we used to. Hopefully we’ll be hitting a bunch of overseas markets we haven’t been to in years or never had the chance to visit.
Has anyone ever mistaken Ace for Jesse Eisenberg or Michael Cera?
He gets Michael Cera all the time. In fact, he has a great story where he told a crowd at a solo show that he was his older brother and Michael was backstage and the crowd totally believed him.
Written and conducted by: Brian Lion
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