The Heroic Enthusiasts is a band with a prominent new wave/post-punk sound, showing their influences on their latest single release. They’ve produced two covers of classic new wave songs, also adding their own twist on each track. Take a listen below this interview to see what you think!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Tears Run Rings. What can you tell us about the song?
It’s a cover of a song first released in November 1981 on Soft Cell’s debut album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which was actually recently re-issued and re-released on vinyl and 6CD box set.
Ahh, so it’s a cover of the Marc Almond/Soft Cell track. Why did you decide to cover the song?
We were invited to participate in a Marc Almond tribute album by Coitus Interruptus Records. It was always a favorite song of James’, and it aligns perfectly, both lyrically and melodically, with our songwriting style. The opportunity to rework and update the song from the ground up (production/programming) was exciting for us.
How has the reception to Tears Run Rings been so far, and where can it be purchased?
We released the single early in October 2023, and it’s garnered over 30 critically acclaimed reviews in over 10 countries. We’ve been quite flattered by all the kind reviews. To date, it is our most streamed song yet. You can hear it at all major streaming platforms.
You also released a cover of the song It’s A Sin, alongside Tears Run Rings. It sounds great! Why did you decide to cover that track? Are you a big Pet Shop Boys fan?
Well, yes, we are big PSB fans. We decided to cover It’s a Sin for a live tour we did in 2017. We loved the song and felt we could make it ours. Working on it with Stephen Hague (our collaborator and producer) who produced the original track for Pet Shop Boys, was a unique and wonderful experience.
Do you have any more singles planned for release?
Yes, we’ll be releasing singles soon from a new 10 song album we just finished recording. Can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on.
Are there any plans for an EP or album anytime soon?
We’ve been working on this new album for about a year with our producer Stephen Hague (New Order, Peter Gabriel, Pet Shop Boys), and we believe it will turn some heads and make a lot of people happy.
Your music has a new wave/post-punk sound. What/who are you most influenced by as a musician?
The shared influences of 80’s art and music – post-punk, new romantic and new wave left an indelible impression on us. Many early and mid-80s bands and many of the bands that Stephen produced early in his career definitely influenced us. You will hear shades of Echo and the Bunnymen and U2 on our early releases, Depeche Mode and New Order on our more recent EPs, and I expect you will hear more influences like OMD, NIN and maybe even Underworld on our upcoming tracks.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
Yes, we’ll be performing live more this year, in support of the new singles and record. New music videos are coming too. Additionally, we’ve recently done a double remix for a label mate and are producing a very promising new solo artist.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not yet, but we hope to play the UK for sure. We love our UK fans!
Any last words for the fans?
Spread the Heroic word to all your friends who appreciate our music.