THE HEROIC ENTHUSIASTS Talk Origins, Evolution, and “Illuminate”

With a name that evokes passion and purpose, The Heroic Enthusiasts are more than just a synth-pop duo – they’re musical storytellers shaped by decades of friendship, artistic collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to crafting timeless soundscapes. Formed by Thomas Ferrara and James Tabbi, the band traces its roots to a serendipitous meeting in a local dance club.

It has since evolved into a refined, deeply expressive project that bridges nostalgia with modernity. In this interview, the duo opens up about their creative journey, the philosophy behind their music, and the intricate process that brought their latest album “Illuminate” to life.

I’m sure fans would love to know more about your backstory. How did you all come together, and what journey led you to form this band?

Thomas: James and I have enjoyed a 30-plus-year friendship. We met at a local alternative dance club, where James was a DJ, through a mutual friend. Our first collaboration began shortly afterwards, working with an artist in NYC as producers and songwriters. That project was very successful and satisfying. Our friendship endured, and a time came when we decided to start a band.

How would you describe the evolution of your music from your earliest tracks to where you are now?

Thomas: Fifteen years ago, we embarked on The Heroic Enthusiasts’ journey. Our earliest tracks were self-described as alternative post-punk Sicilian math rock. Our music has evolved through dedication to our art. Our first album, self-titled The Heroic Enthusiasts, was recorded as a 4-piece band with vocals, guitars, bass, and drums. Some synths were added during recording and mixing.

Then, after a two-year hiatus, we decided to pick up where we left off, but as a duo, referencing some of our earliest duo influences and with two years of additional songwriting experience. Stephen Hague manifested our intention.

What’s the elevator pitch for your music? In a few words, how would you convince someone to listen to your music for the first time?

Our music is characterized as ‘new romantic synth-pop,’ a heartfelt letter to the past that is wholly contemporary, poised to soundtrack the present moment. That timelessness is exactly what we endeavor to achieve: music that honors its lineage while boldly inhabiting the now.

Is there a specific philosophy or worldview that influences your music? What do you want people to think about or feel when they listen to your songs?

James Tabbi: We like to explore themes of love and loss, universality, and spirituality in our songs. Our themes feel ‘heroic’ in so many ways – about the conflict between love and morality. We strive to be both courageous and daring in our approach. With genuine enthusiasm, we pour our hearts into the music we create, perform, and share with everyone. We truly hope the music from The Heroic Enthusiasts resonates as both inspired and inspiring.

When you start working on a new project, like “Illuminate,” do you already hear the music in your head, or do you prefer to experiment and see where it takes you?

We are primarily songwriters, artists, and producers, so we don’t approach our music or songwriting experimentally. A song can start in various ways, with different approaches, either on a guitar, keyboard, or from a melody recorded into an iPhone. We then evolve those ideas together in our rehearsal space or studio.

For this release, what was the creative process like? Were there any unexpected twists or challenges that shaped the outcome?

Creating this album was an exhilarating collaboration, particularly since we and Stephen live across the pond from each other. The process typically began with James generating lyrics or a vocal melody, or Thomas crafting a melody, guitar riff, or chord progression. We then developed those concepts into a structured song arrangement, collaborating on drum & bass patterns and sounds, and tracking melodic and harmonic elements and ideas.

These demos were sent to Stephen, who would analyze, tweak, and evolve different sections and propose new ideas. Suggestions might involve Thomas re-recording a guitar track or us experimenting with alternative vocal or lyrical styles. This process is an exciting cycle of creation, critical listening, and subsequent revisions until we collectively feel the song truly represents our vision.

Do you have any reference tracks or artists that serve as your creative compass when producing new material?

James Tabbi: In many ways, I’m significantly shaped by what I listen to or read during the start of my creative process. Naturally, our extensive history and musical backgrounds impact our approach, particularly regarding drum and bass programming. However, we aspire for our sound to be both timeless and modern. Embracing both the past and present while simultaneously challenging them is crucial for us.

Thomas: I wholeheartedly concur with James. We never aim to imitate or replicate. Essentially, we are songwriters with a distinctive style. Our contemporary awareness extends beyond music to include art and fashion. The synth-pop vibe was one of the elements that Stephen skillfully infused into the production sonically.

Do you have any personal rituals or habits that get you into the creative mood? What role do things like food, lighting, coffee, or even literature play in your process?

Thomas: I do love food, coffee, lighting, and movies, by the way. However, none play a part in my creative process. I have a process …ok, a ‘ritual’ of sorts, where I isolate in a room, pick up my 1986 Fender acoustic, and start with one chord that would inspire a mood, a rush, or joy. Then share and evolve with James.

James: Besides active listening and reading a diversity of sources, I would say I am very influenced by place. I often am at my creative best when traveling, exploring, tasting, and listening to places I am not familiar with. I suppose my ritual would be travel and movement.

What would you say are the biggest distractions for you when trying to create music? How do you overcome them?

Thomas: Life can be distracting, and everyday demands are usually my biggest distractions. I overcome them by compartmentalizing them and using my conscious intentions to manifest my creative goal in that moment.

Time for a little fun! What are some of your guilty pleasures? Whether it’s a song, a food, or even a quirky hobby, share with us something that people might be surprised to know about you.

Thomas: Well, I love multicultural places, interior design, Japanese clothing, and sushi. My wife and I recently sold our home and purchased a winter respite, a pied-à-terre in Old San Juan. We demoed it to the bones and are ecstatically making it ours.

James: Ritter Sport dark chocolate with whole hazelnuts. I’ll enjoy an entire package with a Cortado or an espresso if I’m not careful!

What are some unexpected things—be it a book, a film, or an activity—that inspire your creativity and keep you motivated?

James: For me, getting up and moving keeps me creative and motivated. Walking in the woods or through the city, hitting the gym, attending a community yoga class, or doing anything to get the blood flowing and keep the context changing. When I hit a roadblock, I like to read or journal. I often return to ‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin for quick inspirational hits.

What do you envision for your future as a band?

We are very committed to supporting the release of Illuminate and honing our live performance. We’ve played one Album Release show and now have multiple shows booked through the fall, which we are excited about.

We intend to be back in the studio before the end of the year and are looking to raise the bar for ourselves.