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As the music industry dies, so do the countless bands that tour the country back and forth in small vans. Often, the musicians in the bands with ambition and drive start even more bands. Some make the same monotonous noises with different names, while others cut out all the bullshit and just write good music. …students, Mike Frey’s latest project comes after 4 years of touring and writing with prolific indie rockers, The Transit War. After what was an onslaught of life changing events, the band’s hiatus created a void of musical sound that needed to be filled. In the months that followed, all avenues were explored and no boundaries were off limits, as New Habits took shape. Taking its influence from a range of artists gone solo, such as John Lennon, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel, …students aimed to break any mold or musical stereotype. “This record is my confessional”, say Frey. “These are the things I needed say and the music I needed to hear. I get so consumed with what others think of my music, I forget to just have some fun.” With no initial intention of release, New Habits was recorded over a four-month period in late 2008. With a limited budget and only a garage for a studio, Frey called on friends, Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails, The New Regime) and Aaron Rubin (Manager/Producer) to help him mold his vision. “In the past it would have been scary for me to have no musical direction or boundary to go by, but that’s what made New Habits so unique. We didn’t take a step back to see what we had till the record was done.” …students added one more touch by bringing in familiar face in producer/mixer Joe Marlett (QOTSA, Relient K) who had worked with Frey on all The Transit War material to give the record its final mix. The band derives its name from Frey’s twisted irony. “I’ve always loved the idea that if you tell someone you’re a student, it buys you 4 or 5 years to have no clue what the hell you’re doing. That’s where I’m at with this band and I love that.”
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