First off we just want to say a huge thank you to Studio60 Records, Colby Wilson, I Spy Records and most of all; our amazing fans who have supported us every step of the way. Without you all nothing we have achieved would have been possible, so in the most sincere manner possible, thank you.

I can't describe to you all how humble and overwhelmed I am at seeing the success our band has achieved. We have all been on vacation for the past 2 weeks; Nate went back to Boston, Josh has been hanging in Hawaii and I have gone down south to Santa Fe. I had said to myself before leaving that I would leave all connections of the real world at home and enjoy my vacation without computers, cell phones, ipods etc. However my friend had told me that I should check out the album charts where I had a quick scoop only to see that we were sitting number 1. I refreshed the page a few times and got someone else to double check to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I've never felt so proud in my entire life and I am not afraid to admit that I welled up and grew a giant lump on my throat as a result.
It was one of the hardest decision we've ever had to make when we parted ways with Riley - he argued that we were taking our music in the wrong direction, and when we started the band me, Riley and Josh had all agreed that if we lost the spark or the will power and one of us left, we all leave together. We weren't a big fan of bands carrying on minus 2-3 members. I had pitched early demos of the second album to the band in early January and they were alot different to our previous material. We spent hours debating and discussing about what was next, when Riley informed us he was leaving because he didn't like the musical direction. It was understandable, why remain in a band when you aren't happy and we totally respected his decision. Then the real hard part came. Me and Josh sat down and had ultimately came to the conclusion that this was the end of Misery Loves Company. We hugged it out and began reminiscing some memories when we though 'why are we ending it?'. Why are we going to stop doing what we love?
So we brought the band back after its 10 minute extinction and began writing that very night. The ideas were flying out everywhere and we were really making progress. Afterwards we called Nate who was back in Boston at the time and played him the demo over the phone and he was just like 'Im in'. From there the album took off and we spent the next 3 months recording it to get it out for you guys before summer.

We got a lot of backlash from unhappy fans claiming we were sellouts for distancing ourselves from pop-punk. The feeling of disappointing fans hurt so much at times, but we kept challenging that disappointment into our music until we made ourselves believe that we were doing this for the best. So to be sat here writing to you guys now with a second number 1 album is just incredible for us all. I really can't put into words how much we owe you guys for sticking by us all this time. I've said it before; I don't care where you get our music from, how much you pay for it or who you give it to. We just want to say thank you for taking the time to listen to it and for coming out to our shows and singing the words back at us.

You often get asked when is the right time to move away from music or when is the right time to let a band go. Honestly I don't know the answer to that, but I know that when that time comes, ill know. That time isn't coming any time soon however. There had been a few internet rumors that we were ready to take a hiatus - not true. We have just taken a short break and are about to headline the Carnival of Sounds tour all Summer. We are super stoked to play this and play along with some incredible artists.
We're also a band that doesn't stop working, all tour long we'll be writing new material in our free time. We don't know how long this dream is going to last, so we're not going to waste any minute of it at all. Although writing is all it will be, expect no new music for quite some time yet. Again though, we wont rule out playing an unreleased or a new demo live for y'all during theses shows so keep on the ready!

On that note I would again like to thank everyone for their continued support. Everyone that comes to our shows, listens to our music, wears our merch or even talks about us.. you are the ones keeping us going, you are the ones that are helping us live our dream and we need you guys to help keep that dream alive. That can be done by continuing what you are doing.

Thank you all so much and we hope to see you at some date during the summer.
Much love,

Ryan, Nate and Josh.

brace yourselves folks, the journey has begun

We have never been the most secretive of guys. In-fact, keeping secrets is something we were never good at. Our previous album sounds more and more appropriately named every day. However some of the things that took place and went down during the CoS will remain a secret for a very long time. Maybe we'll release a DVD and include behind the scenes footage. Maybe.
Anyway as most of you have probably gathered from our very (un)cryptic tweets of late that we are bunked up in our favourite place in the world currently, the studio! Yes we're back and writing more songs for what will be album number three! It's crazy to say album number three, you never really expect to get an album number one out! Of course this time things will be a little different. We'll be releasing the record on North Hill records this time round, but we have received backing from them that we will have 100% control over the album. We've previously said that the one thing that lured us to the label was their support. Enough on labels. We'll be bringing back good friend Colby Wilson to produce the album. Colby is an incredible guy and it really helps when you have a close relationship with the producer, someone that knows the band and how we work. The album will be recorded in a small house in Baker Lake, Canada. The decision to record here didn't come lightly, it was actually decided after a long debate. We felt 'Secrets', which was recorded in Pheonix, had a very summery 'let go' feel to it. With this record coming out along winter times and the early signs of it being colder and darker, we thought we'd find a more appropriate place to record it. We scanned the area and found out that Colby's grandparents own a small cottage out there. So the 4 of us (MLC and Colby along with a few friends) will be staying in a 2 bedroom cottage during the winter in Baker Lake. At least it's quiet, huh? Really though we're stoked to be here and the place is gorgeous. We took a hike early yesterday morning and it felt really refreshing and inspiring.
I'm guessing you all probably want some more early signs of how the album will sound. Well, it's going to continue in the same direction, we spoke last year about how we thought we found MLC's real sound with 'Secrets' and we've found no reason to change that. One thing I will add is expect less warm acoustic fills. Last time out we had an acoustic playing in almost all songs in some way shape or form. We're looking to make this record more guitar driven but by covering the same areas. We've currently wrote about 16 songs. We'll start to record them later this month whilst we fish for more ideas too!
I'm a firm believe that a record should have at least 10 songs on it. It should be illegal to charge $9.99 for a record with less than 10 tracks. Although at the same time, im aware that having too many tracks, may make the sound vary. I hate when I listen to a record and then think, well, this would be a classic if they cut 1 or 2 tracks from it.
Release dates, release dates are always mentioned to us. Obviously it's way too early to set a date but we're looking at around Novemebr/December release. Obviously that can change but that's the goal! However, we've already recorded 3 songs that we're pretty stoked with, so there is a good chance that we could release a new single sometime at the end of this month or start of next month as a little teaser of the albums sound. Eye's peeled folks!

That's it for now, it's been way too long since we've gave you all a great update like this! It shall be our mission during the recording of the new record to upload a weekly studio update log for you all to feist your eyes on!

Take care and remember folks; the winter is cold and sad so keep a bottle of whiskey on you at all times!
Much Love,
Ryan, Nate and Josh

"Like, just listen to that. When you put on them headphones and listen, how does it sound? I don't know about you guys but when I listen to this.. I feel great. It sounds amazing. This should be on our next record."

MISERY LOVES COMPANY - THE MAKING OF ALBUM #3 [PART 2]

"I don't want to just repeat what we did on 'Secrets'. You know, I want to just raise the bar. Just put everything into it. If some corporate PR tells us it ain't good enough, fuck them. This is our record. These are our fans. We all want the same outcome."

SEPTEMBER 15TH 2012, SOMEWHERE NORTH OF BAKER ISLAND, CANADA, MISERY LOVES COMPANY ENTER THE STUDIO TO BEING WRITING AND RECORDING ALBUM NUMBER THREE.


This is the second part of a special series were we will shadow Misery Loves Company in and out of the studio whilst they attempt to complete their untitled 3rd record. The band are just off the back of a 3 month long enduring tour cycle which spanned across North America, South America and Europe. Fresh with ideas, the band have turned this old cottage - in the middle of nowhere - into a fully-functioning record studio, which will play host to the recording of their next record. The band took up a familiar approach on their past record 'Secrets' which was met with a positive critical reception, where they went down south to Arizona and locked themselves away in an old farmhouse until the album was complete. The only thing the band regret about that process was that they didn't let the fans in on what they were doing, it was very much a big secret. This time however, we have been given an access-all-areas pass to update you all on life in the studio.

---

It is 8am and we've just woken up and it's gotten a lot COLDER today. We've got a long day ahead of us, first port of call however is to hit the store back in Baker Lake. The boys came prepared with all music instruments and equipment that was needed, however they forgot the all important ingredient to the mixture, food. Nathan and Josh have decided to take a quick hike of the surrounding area, so Ryan has decided to come along with us to the store to pick up some essentials for the week.
After a 20-minute drive back they way we came, we finally reached the store. It was tiny. Although it must do us for the month. So we stocked up on unhealthy foods, booze and lots of coffee. Perfect combination.
On the way back we quizzed Ryan on his song-writing techniques, influences and the theme of the album.


(Ryan as we sat down outside the store)

PP: So Ryan, you were nominated for the 'Best Songwriter' award at the last Chaos Awards. How did it feel to have your song-writing ability appreciated like that?

Ryan: Oh man, really it was overwhelming. I know that as a band we've achieved many, many things. But it was the one time I was singled out and got an acknowledgement for something I take very seriously. I mean, I would spend months writing songs, in-fact I never really stop writing. All year round, i'd scribble down a little verse here and there. Then when i'd start writing for an album, id bring it all together. But yeah, it was really great to get the nod, even though I didn't win, it felt great to be shortlisted in the top five or six song writers.

PP: As you said, you love writing songs. What influences you whilst writing?

Ryan: It sounds stupid, but life does. I've been through so much, so young that ive got plenty of experiences of things in my life. But yeah, obviously a lot of Misery Loves Company's work is focused around heartbreak -in fact I seen our first album was listed as emo - and all of that comes from past experiences. To tell you the truth, I write most of my songs whilst drunk! Being drunk and writing is difficult for some people, but I feel it's the best time when your in-touch with your emotions, you feel everything that little bit more. Some girl broke your heart? Whilst drunk it will feel like she's ripped out your heart. It will feel like the end of days is coming and that your never going to find love. I just write the lyrics about what im going through, obviously im not the only one that has gone through something like this, it helps the audience relate to the lyrics.

PP: Who do you feel are the best song-writers about at the minute?

Ryan: That's easy. I love Ryan Ross Hernandez' work. I really do, that man is incredible. At first I didn't really get him, like a lot of the industry, I thought he was a cocky asshole. But over the years ive gotten to know him more and he is a nice guy. The way his lyrics flow and really hit you is something to behold. I can't praise that mans songwriting ability enough. I'm also a big fan of Katie Coyle and her writing. Katie has this ability to paint you a whole portrait of how she is feeling. She is singing from deep in the heart, her music really is beautiful. Uhh, yeah, Nadia Berry is another one. I've always said how much I love her writing, in-fact I believe I tell her everytime I see her! She is someone who also has really vivid lyrics. People like Amy Meyer are also incredible writers. Although I appreciate everyone's work, the likes of Isabel, Mandy Williams, James Urie etc. They're all fantastic song-writers in their own right.

PP: What is the general theme of the new album?

Ryan: I think we're sticking to what we do best, and that's create a really intimate sounding record. I love deep, emotional lyrics, it influences me so it only makes sense that my writing is very similar. However, I don't like being a one trick pony. I mean, if every song on an album was about some chick breaking up with you, it would suck! This new record though carries less hope. It's a really cold album, I know I say that alot, but it's the best description I can find. A way of describing it? Hmm, think about this. You're driving alone at night, on a clear open road, it's snowing down outside and the ground is covered in white. You're on your way back from your girlfriends house, you have gone to confront her about cheating on you, you fight. Your mind is all over the place. It's a really hopeless feeling. This album will be more intimate and real. I'm really happy with the writing on this one.

---

"Alright, that sounds pretty cool. How about during the bridge, you added like a slide guitar in there to accompany the acoustic? I mean so it's going like.. nuuurn, nuuurn, nuurn."

"Yeah, yeah. But does this sound too country?"

"Wait, bring in the electric before it. Yeah, like that. Just as soon as the bridge starts, break the whole song down. Lower the drums, then just have building electric. Afterwards, throw in the slide as we build the drums back up. Then when you're going into the chorus just belt it out, like as soon as the final cymbal is struck just go straight into 'Don’t you leave me, please don’t say goodbye', I think that will sound awesome."

"Aw that's perfect. Should I like singer it really low or go into falsetto for the final aprt, you know the 'And there’s nothing more that should be said' part.

"Ahh, record both. We'll take two takes then decide afterwards."


(Colby in the studio, giving his thumb of approval to Ryan)

That my friends was the conversation between Ryan and producer Colby Wilson as they talked about improving a song that is set to be on the upcoming album. As of yet, we're not allowed to give away it's name or any more details, but in further issues, that may change.
The song they jammed was an acoustic based rock song, it gives them a real arena feel. It builds up from acoustic to the chorus, but still contains soft drums the whole way through.

---

So that's the first day in the studio over. It was fantastic to get an early ear for how these new songs are going to sound. They jammed through three songs today and they really do sound brilliant. It is great to see the progression from Misery Loves Company. Who knows with this album, it may not sell as much copies this year, but there is a real chance that it could be Album Of The Year material. Perhaps it's a little too early to be thinking of things like that. We'll just take this one day at a time and enjoy our time here. We'll be back soon to give you more previews of the upcoming album, I can't wait to hear what the band will come up with next.

---

PART THREE - COMING SOON!

"Like, just listen to that. When you put on them headphones and listen, how does it sound? I don't know about you guys but when I listen to this.. I feel great. It sounds amazing. This should be on our next record."

MISERY LOVES COMPANY - THE MAKING OF ALBUM #3 [PART 4]

"I don't want to just repeat what we did on 'Secrets'. You know, I want to just raise the bar. Just put everything into it. If some corporate PR tells us it ain't good enough, fuck them. This is our record. These are our fans. We all want the same outcome."

SEPTEMBER 15TH 2012, SOMEWHERE NORTH OF BAKER ISLAND, CANADA, MISERY LOVES COMPANY ENTER THE STUDIO TO BEING WRITING AND RECORDING ALBUM NUMBER THREE.


This is the fourth part of a special series were we will shadow Misery Loves Company in and out of the studio whilst they attempt to complete their untitled 3rd record. The band are just off the back of a 3 month long enduring tour cycle which spanned across North America, South America and Europe. Fresh with ideas, the band have turned this old cottage - in the middle of nowhere - into a fully-functioning record studio, which will play host to the recording of their next record. The band took up a familiar approach on their past record 'Secrets' which was met with a positive critical reception, where they went down south to Arizona and locked themselves away in an old farmhouse until the album was complete. The only thing the band regret about that process was that they didn't let the fans in on what they were doing, it was very much a big secret. This time however, we have been given an access-all-areas pass to update you all on life in the studio.

---

We've now been in the studio with Misery Loves Company for three weeks and the amount of progress we have made is alarming. The band had thought we would struggle to get it nailed in four weeks, however it is almost complete now and we have had the privilege of hearing the almost complete version of every track recorded. Trust us, there is some large songs!
The past two days, Colby has been mixing and producing the record and today the band will also hear back all the songs recorded in order to choose the final ten to appear on the record. Our previous talks with Ryan suggested that the band were going to drop the folk songs they recorded, but that still leaves 13-14 tracks that need dwindled down. The band also kindly granted us access to hear the tracks and be in with them whilst they decide on what to choose. We can't however, out of decency for the band, share song titles or 'too' much information. We will provide you with a few teasers of three tracks.

The first song to come up was one that the band were immediately excited to hear. Nate was talking to us yesterday and saying how much the opening track meant to the band, in his words it "set the tone" for the rest of the album. It was the most important, maybe not the best, but most important. It opens with one of the catchiest guitar riffs known to man, it is a fantastic opener before Williams' vocals come in.


(Drummer Josh Heyler recording drums)

Another song that played out was a classic Misery Loves Company track. It sounded like a song that got lost from 'Secrets'. It has the helpless feeling and a beautiful tone to Williams' vocals. Yet again, the band focus on the guitar work which is beautiful but the real glowing moment of this song comes at the end in the shape of a key change and shift of vocal style from Williams, who belts out the final chorus as if his life depended on it. Certainly single material here.

Now, the final song we're allowed to comment on is one that has hit written all over it. Starting in classic MLC style, the songs begins with an acoustic guitar with the occasional hit from a piano as Williams' harsh vocals pour out over the song. It slowly builds throughout as we get low drums before coming into a slide guitar and moderate drum solo over the bridge. The band went to the next level instrumentally on this album, finally guitarist Nate Barker will get some credit for his fantastic work. Here's something cool too, drummer Josh Heyler has informed us a bit of sneaky info that this song could well be the first single from the album. We hope it is, it's brilliant!

On a brief summery of the rest of the tracks that have been selected as part of the final ten, expect some glorious guitar riffs, beautiful vocals and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics. Misery Loves Company are onto something with this album, it is unique and has a real raw power. It's killing us to only being able to hear brief clips of the songs, we want them on a CD now! Perhaps we won't have to wait too long until you hear the first song if Mr Heyler is anything to go by. Wait.. that's meant to be a secret!

---

Now that we're almost done recording and working with Misery Loves Company, we sat down with frontman Ryan Williams to discuss what he really want to achieve with this album and what his ideal plans would be for the band.

PP: Ryan, recording is virtually complete now and two weeks early. How is that?

Ryan: Honestly, im as surprised as you! No to be honest, I think that it was really down to the fact that we all had a clear idea of what we wanted to achieve with this album. We knew what we wanted to write, record and how it should sound. I think that was really key to how quick this whole process has gone. Colby was a really big part of that too. Usually it takes us a week or two to really get a connection with a producer, to let him know how we want it to go and for him to really see which way we want it to go. I've loved working with Colby, seriously, can't recommend him enough to people. But like you said, not everything on the album is complete. There is still some tweaking to do for a few songs, but it shouldn't take any longer than a week.

PP: The bond you guys had with Colby was visible. Would it be too much to work with him for a third time, possibly?

Ryan: I don't think it would be necessarily too much. We love Colby. Although we have created two records with him now, two that we're extremely proud of. We wouldn't want to repeat an album though, I don't want the same song recycled then released on a new record. That would be my only hazard. However, saying that, we've seen Colby's flexibility over the past two records, which has made us think, why not? Why not make another record with a man who we regard as one of the best? Although that thought is a long way off, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.


(Ryan Williams in the recording booth)

PP: What has it been like living and recording in the same place for 3 weeks now?

Ryan: It has seriously been an incredible experience. Being able to share this space with my three best friends has been a joy. A little hectic at times and lonely, because we were so cut off from the outside world. Although I think that worked on our benefit. It's a really lonely record, that doesn't portray a lot of hope. I think the surroundings and the place where we recorded helped get that across on the album. So, on that front, I guess we can say mission accomplished. We feel it worked when we went to Arizona last record, thus far, I have no reason to believe in different about coming to Canada for album number three. Man, it sounds weird saying album number three, makes me feel old!

PP: I can imagine how that feels. You're all still relatively young aswell! How many more albums can Misery Loves Company produce?

Ryan: I hope forever. I see no reason for the band to go our separate ways. Sure, we've had our troubles and sometimes I have thought 'hey, this is the end' but in general, I love these and hope that we can make music together for as long as our noble hearts let us. Misery does love company. Terrible joke, I apologize.

PP: When can we expect a release? Or even a single from the album?

Ryan: Well the initial plan was to get the record out before christmas, that still stands. I think aiming for a release around Mid-November or late-November. Early-December at the very latest! We haven't got much more work to do, just gotta finish recording a few minor things, let Colby mix it then send it to our label to hear their views on it. We expect them to be fully supportive of it and then get it out there as soon as possible. On the single front, possibly at the end of this month. Actually yeah, let's make that announcement. New Misery Loves Company single out October 25th. Just saying that is making me stoked for the release.

PP: Another Picture Perfect exclusive! What do you anticipate the reaction of the album to be like from old fans and new?

Ryan: I think our old fans will be very supportive of it. It does continue on from the sound we started on with 'Secrets', so if you were a fan of that, there is no reason at all why you won't like this one. For new fans, I would say anyone interested in alt-rock, blues, indie or guitar-pop, look no further. We have evolved as a band over the years. We're no longer teenagers making music about sex and high-school problems, we've matured and so has our music. Like we previously said, we don't expect a number one this time around. We're cool with it, our label still believe it could hit those heights, but we have to be realistic. The number of sales on 'Secrets' dropped and we had a lot of singles that failed to chart, we're cool with that. Our fans have told us how much they love us and or music, that all that matters. When you're told that your music is connecting with someone, inspiring them or even helping them through life, it really does hit home. That's why we're in music.

PP: So we can expect a tour soon?

Ryan: Yep, very much so. The Carnival of Sounds took a lot out of us, we were on that for 4 months I think and it was incredible, but tiring. After that we started getting to work on this record, so we didn't have a lot of rest. But for sure, after this record is out, we get a little rest then we'll be straight back on the world. Hopefully get to places we've never been before like Asia, we've had a lot of fans requesting us to play Japan, which i'd love too. Same goes for Down Under, Australia is on the cards this year.

---

(We sat down for dinner with everyone involved last night, as we toasted to the recording of the new album.)

So after a turbulent three weeks with the band, or time here is almost up. We've had some great laughs, run-ins with the cops and a real treat for our ears. The final part of this feature will be released in two weeks exactly, the 25th of October where it will see the premier of the brand new Misery Loves Company single. It's been a pleasure, but it's almost time to sign off. See you soon, for what will be the last time (Yes, we're planning on dragging this one out for a long, long time).

---

THE FINAL PART - COMING 25TH OCTOBER
NEW MISERY LOVES COMPANY SINGLE - COMING 25TH OCTOBER

---