Features / Music

Canadian five-piece Alexisonfire clawed their way to the top of the post-hardcore foodchain with impeccable musicianship and unmatched charisma and intensity in the live arena. Ending their decade-long career last year, the band has decided to reunite for one last run of shows in December, with the Sydney show sold-out and Melbourne selling fast with extra tickets recently released. Guitarist Wade MacNeil spoke to Kill Your Stereo about the final tour and the band’s legacy.

“It’s not the be all and end all, and we’re not looking at it as our one break, but it’s not often that you get the chance to get on a stage and sing to a couple of million people. It’s been such a positive experience and we really want that to continue.”

"I’m pretty sure these are the first two headline shows we’ve done in over two years. I’m not sure why that is, but we’re really looking forward to it. It’s been a long time coming."

“I’ll always believe in following your dreams because it happened to me. As I was saying before, it’s a constant battle; there’s lots of work, then lots more work – it’s a big thing... I’m really bloody fortunate to be doing it and I’m so excited to have this record out.”

"We aimed to be reflective of the best fresh talent from across different scenes and sounds."

“There’s this whole illusion and people think that if a band have a song on triple j they’re pretty much a rock star and they own houses and jet skis, and they’ll never have to lift a finger again... But that’s a real myth."

"We ended up doing a zydeco tune with Buckwheat Zydeco. I don’t know if you’re familiar with him but he’s basically The Man – if you’re going to do a zydeco song with somebody, he’s the guy."

“We just got a bit carried away I think! We really wanted to get a whole lot of African groups and make a mini-festival and have good food available and, yeah, just have an extended party. We’re really happy about presenting this group of bands.”

"The money is a lot better over there than here, people are prepared to pay to go out if there’s a decent show on offer."

“Through the cyclical nature of being in a band, it comes to a point where it’s time to write an album and there’s no avoiding it; it’s something I have to do because it’s my job and I have this responsibility to my other bandmates, who I love and I don’t want to let down.”

"I am fascinated with making noise and random sounds... Reverb felt rediscovered and new five years ago – the same with synths."

“It’s been extremely daunting, to take on a whole album and make all those calls, you know, without having seven other people over you on every decision along the way.”