Encore are Mark Asari, Cairo Benn & Pierre Jermaine. Signed to Island Records (home to Florence + The Machine, Drake, Nicki Minaj and a newly signed Cleo Sol) and managed by 2wo7even Management (along with N-Dubz and Talay Riley) the boys are about to make their own mark on the music scene. With the release of their new single ‘Fun Last Night‘ coming in February, and fresh off of touring the country with Tinchy Stryder, we caught up with Encore’s Pierre to discuss the band, the future, and what he’s hoping to find under his Christmas tree this year!
PBB: First of all, for those that don’t know, tell us how you got together.
P: Basically, to cut a long story short, we knew each other beforehand. Cairo and I were on the same management. We got together with Mark (Asari) to write a track for someone else, really. The vibe and creative process that we went through together, we thought, “We could make something of this!” And… yeah! That’s how we got together, really. From one writing session, we just bonded
PBB: You recently released your first mixtape ‘Bread & Butter’. What has the reaction been like so far?
P: So far, it’s been really good. Everyone’s really taken it on board. Especially because… I reckon it’s because we released it for free, as well. People don’t really think twice when something is free. I think we got more listeners than we expected because we released it for free. But it’s had a good reaction! A few tracks have been serviced to clubs, some of the clubs are playing some of the songs now, we’ve got some DJ’s playing some songs, and we have the acoustic version of our next single ‘Fun Last Night’ and everyone’s really taken that in. It’s a good look!
PBB: We hear you’re currently working on your debut album. Who have you worked with so far? Any secret’s you can reveal?
P: Right now, the album’s been completed. I’d say there are a few tweaks that need to be made, but as far as the tracks and songs are concerned, we have that already. We can’t wait for it to be released!
We’ve worked with some really good producers. We’ve worked with Davinche, RedOne, we’ve worked with producers who worked with Drake and Alicia Keys. We’ve got some top producers on there. It’s even more of a reason for everyone to look forward to it.
PBB: You recently wrapped up a tour with Tinchy Stryder. How did that go?
P: It went down really well, surprisingly, because… It was a bit of a shock to us, because they were smaller venues. Earlier in the year we toured with Jessie J and we were on the N-Dubz tour, so we went from arena tours to a tour where every venue was smaller. But the good thing about that was, it was very intimate, and people thought we made a more of a connection with the audience. But yeah, it was good it was fun.
PBB: What happens on tour stays on tour, but can you reveal any tour secrets? Any diva demands on your rider?
P: [Laughs] That would be telling, wouldn’t it!? No one really got up to any “badness” on the tours. It was literally straight to the venue, on stage, back to the hotel, rest, sleep and prepare for the next day.
I can tell you about one thing. It was one of Tinchy Stryder’s friends birthday. We were in Manchester, and we all went out. The maddest thing really, was Tinchy and his friends were popping bottles of champagne and pouring it on any and everyone. Didn’t matter if they knew them or not, everyone was getting soaked.
PBB: Do you have any other shows lined up? We know you’re supporting Angel at his HMV Next Big Thing gig in February?
P: Yes, we are! In terms of solo tours, that’s the plan for next year. We’re gonna release the album first, and then by the end of the year, we’re gonna go on our own nationwide tour and just blow it up, really. We’re just excited because we have a lot of things planned for release. Obviously we’ve got the single coming in February, then we’ve got the album coming in say, March, then hopefully, preparation for our own tour. I can’t wait!
PBB: You’re gearing up to release your next single ‘Fun Last Night’ and you shot the video last week. When can we expect to see that?
P: That will be online this Wednesday (December 21st) actually! It’s looking good, I’ve seen the edits, and it’s looking really good! I reckon it’s our best video by far, well it should be, anyway!
PBB: Christmas is around the corner. What are you hoping to find under the tree?
P: Y’know what? I’ve always said this. I’m hoping to go downstairs and there’s a big… the biggest present you’ve ever seen, and I’ll unwrap it, and it’s Rihanna! I’ll be like “YESSS!” I know it’ll never happen, but they say dreams can come true! You never know!
PBB: Do you have any new years resolutions planned?
P: My new years resolution is to, well I don’t really have one, but basically, its just consistency, and to carry on working hard and just keep up the good work. There’s nothing I really need to, like, quit, or… well, maybe, cut down on the clubbing, but apart from that, I’m all-good!
PBB: As it’s Christmas, who would you like to be under the mistletoe with?
P: I’m gonna have to choose this one carefully. Umm… Under the mistletoe? Who would I like to have? Gosh, I guess I’d have to say, I’ve got this massive crush on Rihanna right now, I think it would have to be her or…. Kim Kardashian. Yeah… One of them!
Encore’s single ‘Fun Last Night‘ is due for release February 26. Pre-order your copy here.
