The New Division

Hey The New Division, thanks for doing this interview. How are you guys?
- "We are doing great! Currently we're stocking up on some new gear for the holidays, live shows, etc... and we're getting ready to start writing new material for a "post-Shadows" release. We are very very excited to get back into the studio."

You just made a deal with Swedish label Progress Productions, how did you get in touch?
- "Our manager was able to get in touch with someone from their label. We are extremely proud and excited to be working with them. They've worked with so many great artists."

Now that you are represented by a Swedish label, it's time to test out your Swedish
knowledge, what do you guys now about Sweden?
- "Well, besides the obvious fact that there are a lot of beautiful women and that you are the home to ABBA, Sweden is the third largest music exporter in the world, and your vikings were pretty crazy back in the day. We know that Stockholm is your capitol, and we are jealous of your country's economic, and educational standards."

While listening to your upcoming album 'Shadows' I hear lots of influences but two
of them are New Order and Joy Division. Has this influenced your band name?
- "Definitely. Our name is an exact ripoff (for those who haven't noticed) of New Order + Joy Division. We don't pride ourselves in always being the most original guys, but we sure try to have a good time, regardless."

Who would you say your influences are? Not only music wise, because the music is the
reflection of experiences and feelings?
- "I guess musically just about anything that's reminiscent of the 80s, or most styles of synth-music. I say most because there are a few ones we can't stand (like dubstep!). Not music wise, we're influeced a lot by our surrounding, and that may involve the studio where we're recording, the weather outside, etc. Typically for me (John), it's my physical surroundings that really inspire me to write. I don't typically write based on experiences, but rather whatever vague feeling I have towards something."

Your upcoming album 'Shadows', could you tell us a bit more about it?
- "As Janzie said in an interview once, and I think he said it quite perfectly, "It touches on a lot of serious subjects, in a non serios way." I think that sums up the whole album. Shadows is about that person who really has little to no conection with the subject matters at hands, yet he decides to talk about them. The whole album reflects on mainly dark themes, with the exception of a few that are in a softer tone. The album was written over the course of about a year and half. It wasn't really written as an album actually, since it was never intended to be a full-length. The project began as a simple selection of songs for an EP that eventually ended up being a LP, since we couldn't decide what songs to take out. We basically had to choose from a batch of about 40 songs to make the final LP. That wasn't the most exciting process, but at least its out there and people seem to be enjoying it."

What are your chances that you will come over to Europe and perform within a
resonable timespan?
- "It's difficult to say. We've always wanted to come to Sweden, because even in our early days we always had people from there writing us, telling us how much they loved our music, so it's always had a soft place in our hearts. Unfortunately, we all work full time jobs, and can't support a tour at this point in time. Maybe when things pick up a little bit more we'll be able to make it out. Without a doubt, Europe is top priority on our touring list."

How did you guys get together as a band?
- "It just sort of happened. It started out with just me, and then Janzie was added to the roster, followed by Brock, and Mark. We didn't really know each other or anything when we started, we weren't brothers, no cute story like that. We just all wanted to play music together, and we became great friends."

Best album/albums of 2011 accourding to you guys?
- "We've really enjoyed Keep Shelly in Athens new EP, "Our Own Dream," Small Black's
new mixtape, "Moon Killer," M83s new album."

Any last words to our readers?
- "We want our fans to know how much we appreciate them for always sticking with us. Follow our updates on Twitter @thenewdivision or http://facebook.com/thenewdivision. Send us a shout,
we love you. Bye."