Interview with The Malheruex frontman Chris and guitarist Adrian

Nightmares is the new four song EP from southern California rockers The Malheruex. The CD is full of choruses and hooks so catchy you will be unable to get them out of your head long after the player has stopped. Combining great songwriting and a brilliant production with big mesmerizing hooks and even bigger guitars this is a must hear debut. The Malheruex’s sound can best be described as a solid Pop-indie Rock. Frontman Chris and guitarist Adrian both spoke with me about their new EP, the band and their plans for the near future.

Different groups have unique ways of writing their songs. How do you guys go about writing your music? Is it a collective effort or is it more the efforts of one particular member of the band?
Chris: Well I usually meet up with Adrian, I will show him my ideas and me and him will go from there. Then when we have a basic structure or something to go off of, we take it to the rest of the guys. I find it works better with just two of us in the beginning. But, every now and then, we all meet up and just jam and sometimes something good comes out of it. For example “Drowning In Numbers” was written when we were jamming out, and we ended up keeping the idea and putting it on the EP.

Even though the songs on your newest release Nightmares are packed to the gills with huge guitars, intricate rhythms, and complex arrangements, there are still strong songs at the core of it all. When you write do you start building from a simpler frame and then just stack up all of the individual parts and nuances?
Chris: Well I usually hear the song in its entirety from beginning to end in my head. Then I just figure it out with one guitar. Then I show it to Adrian and we add the second guitar. By that time we have a half structured song that we take to the other guys and add in the 3rd guitar and bass and drums. That is about the time we step back and take out the extra noise from all three guitars that should not be there.

You guys worked with producer Jim Wirt (Jacks Mannequin, Incubus, The Rocket Summer). How did you get in contact with him and what was it like working with him?
Chris: We met him through a mutual friend that showed him our last EP. Jim said he liked it and wanted to work with us and that is pretty much it. But, it was great being able to work with a person like Jim. His mind is packed with so many ideas, he is just an out there kind of guy. When we were recording, I would remember looking at him and trying to guess what he was thinking, cause he would have such a blank face. Then he would turn to us with a big smile and say “SOUNDS ROCKING MAN!”

What can fans expect when they pick up a copy of Nightmares?
Chris: Well I am sure it won’t be what they expect. I feel our EP has such a unique sound that anyone who listens to us for the first time feels that fresh relief.

How quick are you guys in the studio? Can you usually knock things out in a couple takes?
Chris: The drums are always the fastest! The guitars do not normally take too long cause we won’t go into the studio until we have the songs down. Our bass player is quick also. A couple takes here and there and we are done. The thing that usually takes the longest is finding great tones. Since we have three guitars, three different completely different tones are used.

What song from Nightmares is the most exciting for you to sing?
Chris: Well “Nightmares” for me is always exciting! That song really tests my vocal abilities. “Dust” is always the fun one to play.

The name of the band The Malheruex is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?
Adrian: Well, Malheureux means unfortunate or unhappy in French. We changed the lettering around and dropped a few so it brings more ease to the eye and is easier to pronounce. We do not see ourselves as an unfortunate group of guys, it is actually the opposite. We are lucky to be where we are and only see positive things happening to us in the future. You have to admit, The Malheruex is a pretty sick name once you know how to pronounce it correctly. So for all of you that do not know, its pronounced Mel-uh-roo.

Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?
Chris: Well I am personally influenced by Thrice and The Receiving end of Sirens. I love their deep music and effects. I am a sucker for deep music and effects.

What is the hardest part about being in a touring rock band and what is the biggest obstacle your band faces?
Adrian: The hardest thing about being a touring rock band is actually getting known and appreciated. It is not that easy getting on major shows and not being signed. The biggest obstacle right now is just getting out on tour. We have not been out of the state other than once or twice. So a tour that falls into place would be awesome!

How has MySpace and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?
Adrian: MySpace is the best source for us to get our music out! I mean, it’s free music, how could anyone complain? At our point, I think downloads would help us get our music out. We just want people to hear our music, love it and sing along with us at our shows!

What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Chris: Well there are always lessons to be learned it the studio and on stage. So it seems like once we thought we have learned as much as we can, then something else happens to teach us something! Like, never be mean to the sound guy!

What is next for The Malheruex?
Adrian: We are hoping to get our name and our music out there for all of you to listen to and love! That being said, we are looking into touring this summer and hopefully this spring as well! We are also planning on doing small tours, weekend tours. We will be going out to surrounding States for the weekend, play a couple shows, and come back home. But, until then, we will for sure be playing shows around southern California.  [ END ]