Love Won't Tear Us Apart
When Family Members Are Heading Back Home

Hahaha....lol
I just watched the new YFE TV titled "Love will Tear Us apart"...lol that dear Sef...He may not understand fully what is going on and for sure, not much about how women are and what they want ...lol! but there is one thing he got and we all get: Leaving people you love is hard and makes us all sad.

All summer we had the amazing chance to welcome friends, brothers and sisters from all over the world... France, the UK, Japan, Holland, USA... Some came only for a few days, others stayed a couple weeks...Some could come to a YFE show...others only witnessed our daily craziness (which is a show in itself!lol) But in all cases, we had the chance to share each other's lives in such a simple way, getting to know each other at a deeper level and, we got to see obviously more than what you can try to display on a myspace layout, more than an "about me" section, more than a pic section... We all have some kind of fear that, if we are really ourselves, show the whole package of who we are not only the good sides, people we respect and admire will reject us as we wont be "good enough"..."funny enough"..."smart enough"...etc. On the opposite, as we are sharing our life, we are getting more and more attached to people and we find that love is not diminished by the lower sides of a person...no! In fact, love covers the bad sides and more love helps us confront what is wrong in a loved one, not what bothers us, not what is different from us...but what is keeping that person from being free and enter completely in their destiny.

It is one thing to encourage people through internet and if you are reading these lines, it's probably because you want to be impacted or let my humble words make a difference in your life or at least bring some other perspective to make you think on your own and draw your own conclusions...but anytime you can just delete a message that confronted you too much...you can block a profile... you can just ignore a question and stay away from the subjects you don't want to talk about and dig down deep...and for sure, we will never force anyone into anything... But when you are right in front of us in our own little weird world it is hard, I guess, to stay away from being true and things from inside start to rise... And as much as we would never judge you on what you share to us by email, we are the same in real life (you can ask people who visited us just to make sure! lol). It is a privilege for me to be able to talk face to face with my friends and participate in their life in such a precious and special way... but when the time comes to leave...OUCH! it does hurt! but I realize that the love we are building on that new level is fortunately not collapsing as the plane takes off...even though it is a sad step to be separated, I think the relationships are just taking another deeper meaning...the love doesn't tear...I think the love is stretching! Like a huge big elastic crossing the borders, the oceans, the continents!

I am so surprised as I myself discover what love is all about...how strong it is...how it can take so many varied forms and colors...how it can free you and make you feel like nothing is impossible...how love has nothing to do with what your eyes are seeing...love is happening in the invisible... I love each one of you with a strange and pure love that is invisible to the eye but visible to the faithful hearts...and that love is a bit more concrete when we actually meet… but don't get mistaken, if you don't trust it in the invisible, you won't believe it even if we are all right in front of you...Love is also about trust...not all that easy for so many of us!!! So if you haven't had the chance to meet us and experience the "live" love… trust and believe you are loved anyway...and if we had the chance to see your sweet face but you are now far away, again believe we love you and will never let you down.

I am your sister, I love you and that will not change! Thank you for being in my life and letting me learn all about love...
Miss Isabel

I thought Heaven would wait for me only once... my eyes would close for the last time and my breathe would fade from this world... but in fact, I can say I've witnessed Heaven last Saturday night... Even more, I've felt it's soft kisses on my skin... heard the angels whispering and laughing... And finally understood why everyone wants to be there one day...

Saturday August 23rd

2PM YFE Headquarter

It's time to empty the YFE pit (rehearsing room) and pack the van with all the instruments, amps and gear. Everyone is well co-ordinated even though it's been already two months since the last show... I guess it's just like riding a bike: once you get, it you can't forget how to do it!lol For some reason I'm nervous or fragile, I can't say... I try to understand why but I can't find any good reason, so I figure that it's just an excellent occasion for me to draw my strength from the great people around me, to get my security in their love. There is nothing wrong in being fragile... I think it might be a good reminder to stay humble and realize that I'm not bigger than the game and that, what will happen today won't be because of my greatness and it won't be about how well I will perform or how amazing and strong I will be... It will all be about each and everyone of us, fragile by ourselves but so strong together... all about a sharing that can only take place if we sacrifice our little self for the better good of the family.

4PM Harley Davidson Anniversary Show Stage

The sound check has just finished and everything seems to be good, we are all excited to play tonight as we know many friends are coming. It's funny because most of them couldn't care less about Harley motorcycles and just like me, they won't even stare one minute at the expensive engines...lol But hey! if YFE plays at a Harley Davidson event well the family will invade the prideful big tattoos, shaved heads, bandannas, leather pants and big muscle men and tight tiny shorts women world!lol

5:30PM

There they are...all in front of the stage, like kids waiting for Santa... And there we are...backstage, like kids nervous before showing mommy and daddy the Christmas play they've been rehearsing all year...lol but we are in August so it has nothing to do with Christmas! IT'S TIME FOR ROCK!:)

5:50PM

That's it!lol already over! 20 minutes is all we were allowed to take and we made it as intense and passionate as possible. So short... It's almost frustrating as we would love to give so much more musically... bring our people in a real YFE atmosphere... 20 minutes is just a teaser...an appetizer...

6PM

Awesome! after the appetizer we get the entree!lol All the guys and myself get to hug our friends, talking with new people who've just discovered YFE, taking pictures and writing little love notes just to remember this cool time we're having meeting each other.

7PM

THE REAL MEAL: As more bands are playing, this place is becoming too loud for us to really have a quality time talking with everyone so we are all going to a restaurant nearby. About 80 people are there... some faithful ones who are coming at each "rendez-vous" since the beginning, some who know the band only since last week and even some who after their first contact with YFE a couple minutes ago accepted our invitation to spend some time together. We all came to that place from a different road but let me tell you there is no chance involve...only destiny! It is such a wonderful time, laughing, screaming, writing on each other's arms and faces with permanent markers... lol The few poor customers who weren't part of the crazy group rapidly understood they wouldn't have a quiet little dinner so they barely chewed their last bite and ran out!lol There is also some cry in the face... as our French sisters are spending their last moments with us in Montreal... They crossed the ocean to be with us... some japanese friends and an old russian bro are there too... Some girls from Ontario travelled 5 hours by train to come here... a girl has quit her job to be able to come as her manager wouldn't let her take time off... A guy has been awake for 20 hours as he is working night shifts and still didn't want to miss the event... "a sharing that can only take place if we sacrifice our little self..." they all sacrificed something to be here and now they are all enjoying the fruit of their sacrifice: an amazing family time.

Tonight, everyone is cool... everyone is accepted and desired... Tonight there is a source of love available for anyone who is thirsty... once you drink from that source not only are you satisfied and happy but you have this weird and simple desire to share and give back... No one wants to leave... It seems like nothing bad can happen... "fragile by ourselves but so strong together"... 4 hours later we are slowly kissing goodbye but we are taking back home not only great memories but a fresh spirit... a deeper feeling of being special and loved... an experience that makes us confident that next time will be even greater... a new vision that makes us think that even if tomorrow all these people will not be there, we can still count on their love and support to go further in our individual lives...

I thought Heaven was waiting for me only once... my soul would fly away from my body and my heart would draw a final flat line... but in fact, I can say I've witnessed Heaven tonight...
I love you...thank you for making my life so heavenly good!
your sis forever

-Miss Isabel

Three different people... three different backgrounds... one experience in the YFE daily world and three amazing ways to describe what they saw, felt, smelled, learned, fought, discovered... And for us, such an amazing time to share, to receive, give and just live with our extended family around us. This is the last part... Hope you enjoyed and realized that these 3 women shared their most intimate heart with you with such generosity... take the time to leave a comment to thank them!

Now, let's see what Juliette had to share...

What were your expectations when coming to Montreal to visit YFE?

I don't think I arrived here with any sort of expectation. The relationship that we all have with YFE goes beyond music and that is what I came to get a closer look at.
Spending time daily with YFE does not mean just hanging out with a group of musicians, it is finding a second family, the one that has shaken up our lives.
I was also anxious to hug all the people that surround the band, the YFE crew. After having spoken with them on the Internet and sharing a true relationship, finally seeing them in real life was a true pleasure. For example and without trying to make anyone jealous... being able to spend time with Julie, without her I might have never crossed paths with YFE. The one who has brought so much to my life... it was like realizing a dream.
In other words, I just came to see my YFE family...
And I was not disappointed, far from that. Everyone made a place for us, everyone gave to us, everyone loved us...

Now that you are on the verge of leaving what are you the most happy about?

By the simplicity of how things were done. Before leaving, I had of course an apprehension. Meeting so many people in one place, a family already really close and that throughout the years has consolidated, it didn't seem so easy.
I was afraid that I wouldn't find a place there and in the end it was them waiting for me. The relationships seemed so evident that at first I was astonished. They acted with us as if we had always been part of their life. The feeling of being loved will probably be the nicest memory I will bring back with me. I hope to have given back to them in the same way.

During your stay with YFE in Quebec, what:

1- Surprised you: Myself

2- Made you laugh: quoting Max "you lost your way"

3- Made you cry: some words

4- Shocked you: the ducks on the highway (see the blog on the French page)

5- Intrigued you: Cheese Whiz

6- Amazed you: the landscapes

7- Made you want to go back to France: Not enough cheese!

8- Made you want to stay even longer: the love

What would you say to those who categorize you as a "groupie»?

I would tell them that their judgment hardly affects me. I already do not really like the word "fan", because we often have the tendency to forget that it is the diminutive of fantastic.

YFE is without a doubt a music group but mostly a family in which everyone has a place. By their side, I met a second family. They are my brothers, my sisters...

If certain people would like to categorize me as a groupie, well let them. It is them who are losing all the beauty that surrounds this relationship, who do not understand it.

What makes the love of the YFE family so special is the sharing and the absence of judgment.

Yes, I love this family for what it brings me and for what it allows me to bring to others. If this word corresponds to this state of mind, well then I am that.

What is the difference between seeing YFE in a concert and seeing them in their every day life?

There are the musicians and there are the people. Seeing them on stage is seeing and receiving emotions that they put in their music. It's getting goose bumps because the lyrics touch us, it's opening our eyes wide because Sef is doing an incredible solo on the guitar, it is hearing two voices live that together touch our hearts.

Seeing them in their everyday life, it is loving them even more because even off stage they continue the show. After the fireworks, the lights, the amplifiers, they keep giving.

The sincerity shows through from both sides, there are no mirrors, no false pretentiousness. What YFE is on the outside is YFE on the inside. It is not a nice dress or t-shirt that will change that.

There is maybe one difference... They would never leave the stage to go to the bathroom...

Why do you believe YFE is so open towards fans to the point of inviting them to their home?

I would not like to speak for them and be wrong on that subject.

Let's say that for me YFE is more than a rock band. They have always claimed to go further with people, to dig deeper than the walls of concert rooms.

Welcoming people in their home is a way of doing that. The relationships created on the Internet are not artificial and this insertion in their private world is a new way of giving and of pushing these relationships further.

Maybe through these invitations it is also a way for them to realize the impact that they have on others, to really be conscious of what has been installed between them and the world. During my stay here, I saw someone from Holland, from the US, from England, from Japan and there were us from France. It is part of the world that arrives in Canada uniquely because of them.

They are without a doubt the only ones to do that and that is what makes them the strongest. They offer themselves completely to people, they give and they receive. For what reason? For the love they have for the world.

According to you, what is the biggest challenge for YFE?

To break people's outer shell. To make them believe. Funny enough, when I am speaking of challenges for them I am not even talking about finding a good record company that will give them a good contract and will manage their millions, have a big international tour and the career that goes with it. Of course I wish them great success but not to make millions but rather to have a stronger, bigger impact.

It means that they will have to keep their integrity that is theirs and to preserve the relationships that they can have with the people who listen to them.

Their biggest challenge will probably be to open people's eyes and have them realize that they have power and that they have the chance to change history if they take the time to look elsewhere, to look further.

How would you describe the team that surrounds YFE?

They are crazy!! lol No, seriously, they are my brothers and sisters, they are my family. They are incredible, generous, funny, loving... I could use a large quantity of words to describe them but I would simply say that all of them are hope. YFE is not the band, it's the family. There are the musicians, the photographer, the publicist, the accountant, and the managers of the MySpace of the entire world. Together YFE exists.

I can not describe them one after another because they are so many of them but each in there way has given me a lot and give a lot to others.

During my stay, I met up with a neighbor of one of the offices and she asked me what I was doing here, if we were film directors... I explained to her that we were there to spend time with the band and there was a whole team that was working around them... and she said " Oh yes, I saw them on LCN on the Denis Lévesque show. Continue like that. It is nice to see you guys work like that. You are good people."

Cheers to all of them for what they live, it's incredible!

What is the mood that surrounds the YFE Headquarters?

A funny kind of mood! Food fights, continuous contests on who will eat that and in what quantity. Real kids sometimes lol! But they are so nice to see in these moments because they do not judge; it does not get to their head. They are happy to be there, together, and one thing is sure, they quickly put you in that mood. It is quite weird at first but finally this craziness is quickly contagious. I do no think that we have ever let ourselves go like this before.

And the neighbours in all of this... they support this astonishingly well lol!

What have you taken from your experience with YFE that you would like to keep and/or share with the people in your surrounding once you go back to France?

To just be yourself, to give to others and to learn to receive as well.

What I would like to share with people in my surroundings and also with people that I could meet in France, whether they know YFE or not, is hope. It is this thought that something big is waiting for us if we invest ourselves completely, if we open our eyes and let love be stronger than judgment, intolerance, racism, violence, abuse of all kinds that touch certain people... there is way too much solitude, of things unsaid, of lives broken because one day someone lived something terrible and was alone to live through it.

If we consider each other a family before having been millions of human beings mixed with one another, if we learn to look at each other, to love each other then we could give a different color to the world.

That is what YFE made me realize and it is what I want to give to others. It is this vision that I hope to share with others.

How do you think YFE sees you?

That's a hard question, especially since we must speak in their place... I think that they see me as a member of their family, like someone who has a place here with the same title as everyone else. I also think they see me as an excellent dancer lol!

Seriously, I really have a difficulty answering this question. I am their sister, I love them and I know that they know it. I think that the most important thing is that they see me like a sister they can count on. They also know what I have become, how I've changed, they might see me as a person who is evolving and who is making choices in her life...

Is there a phrase, a situation or an event that has touched you during your visit?

I would say that each moment was a source of emotion because we all chose to live it to the fullest. The simplest things were without a doubt the most impacting because we shared a real complicity in these moments, like a real family. Like a BBQ for example.

There was also the big Get Together that Kim and Max organized for the Quebec page. To see all those people together having fun, talking... it was to see live all that YFE can do... bring people together.
The day of our arrival too... when we got to hold all these people in our arms and I am not even talking about the ones when we will leave because they will surely be quite intense...

Juliette... You are a real blessing for the YFE family and to read your heart gave me shivers! You understood so well what YFE is all about and you took the decision to bring YFE even further by pouring your love and passion into it...Thank you...This family wouldn't be the same without you. I love you!

-Miss Isabel

Are you ready for more French opinion and feelings about YFE?lol

Our sweet Elfie who came directly from Brittany, France to help YFE with interviews, blogs and keeping the French people from her region informed with all the fresh news about YFE is now on the other side of the mic and is answering MY questions! lol Thank you Elfie for crossing the ocean to make us feel your love and as you are blooming as a person you are making our family a better place to evolve in... a greater refuge... a stronger healing temple... I love you :)

-Miss Isabel

What were your expectations when coming to Montreal to visit YFE?

For years, I have wanted to visit Quebec and I needed some change, a change of scenery to find myself. It was not only to discover a culture but also a family that, throughout this year, slowly became mine almost uniquely via internet. It was then important for me to meet and live with these people who took more and more place in my heart and mostly to meet the members of this family that I knew existed but I had had no contact with.

The music lover that I am was very curious to see a band evolving from day to day especially in a period this intense, in preparation for an album, even if YFE is a band is set apart by the way they work.

Without forgetting my project for the French forum, to interview each member of the family so that everyone may get to know them because everyone in the family is YFE.

Now that you are on the verge of leaving what are you the most happy about?

To have found my second family, people who love me for who I am without judging me, people you can trust and mostly role models. All the privileged moments that we got to spend this summer with the family will forever stay in my heart.

During your stay with YFE in Quebec, what:

1- Surprised you: Alex's carbonisation

2- Made you laugh: Everything!

3- Made you cry: Everything as well but from emotions (no sadness during this summer)

4- Shocked you: The consequences a food fight can have in an ear (these Quebecors are barbarians!!!)

5- Intrigued you: ...

6- Amazed you: Being able to meet people from all over the world gathered together for the love of a band.

7- Made you want to go back to France: The wind by the St- Laurence River that reminded me of the hills of my sweet Brittany (and that was uniquely last Saturday and that is really it)

8- Made you want to stay even longer: Everything. I fell in love with a country and a family.

What would you say to those who categorize you as a "groupie»?

That they did not understand anything about YFE and the spirit that the band has and that they need to stop believing that they have a chance. The love that YFE distributes throughout the day is a fraternal love.

What is the difference between seeing YFE in a concert and seeing them in their every day life?

When you spend time with them day after day you forget that they are a band! But funny enough there is little difference in the final result. The band is as close to their fans during a show as to the family the rest of the time. Working in venues, I have seen the behavior of bands during their shows and YFE is really a band that sets aside. Not only by their proximity with their public and fans but also by what happens when in family. A band in its beginning moving around with 20 people has never been seen.

Why do you believe YFE is so open towards fans to the point of inviting them to their home?

Because the fans are way more than simply fans, they are part of the family.

According to you, what is the biggest challenge for YFE?

To change the world by touching each and everyone and showing them that everyone is unique and extraordinary. That everyone has their place in this world and that they themselves can change and touch someone else, not only with music but also through MySpace and all this exchange with the fans. It is possible! Each member of the family is a living proof, they all use to be wasted kids who now have a huge impact on hundreds and hundreds of people. None of them would have thought it was possible 12 years ago.

How would you describe the team that surrounds YFE?

A big bunch of crazy people and that is why we love them! Seriously, the whole team that surrounds them has an integrated part in YFE and without them the band would not exist.

What is the mood that surrounds the YFE Headquarters?

The mood goes from moments of intense work and seriousness to moments of craziness where everyone lets themselves go and have fun (and they sure know how to have fun)

What have you taken from your experience with YFE that you would like to keep and/or share with the people in your surrounding once you go back to France?

To live each day to the fullest, to have no regrets, to give love to those that surrounds us… it doesn't cost anything and brings so much (not only to our entourage but to ourselves as well)

How do you think YFE sees you?

Like a new little sister, a new member of the family and someone they can trust.

Is there a phrase, a situation, an event that has touched you during your visit?

All the interviews that I did, these moments spent one on one; privileged moments where each made themselves vulnerable. All that made me learn a lot and made me think about myself and it was way more than what I could have imagined

Hey my family!
Guess what!! We have the chance to have some family members visiting every once in a while, and I didn't want to miss an opportunity to capture the moment with my French sisters while they are here... So, I interviewed them separately, asking them the same questions and I was so amazed with their answers, so touched, so moved, so proud of them that I decided to keep all their answers and shared them with you... Don't hesitate to comment on each of the 3 Diaries (I will post the next ones in the next two days) so our sisters will know how proud we all are of them for sharing their heart that way. I love you all and who knows... one day I might interview YOU! lol
Your sis forever
-Miss Isabel

What were your expectations when you decided to come and visit YFE in Montreal?

By coming here, what I wanted the most was to get to spend time with all of you and to learn to know you in other ways than virtually but also to discover a new culture, a new continent. I also wanted to use this stay as a way to learn as much as I could in order to use it to fight back at all the bad things that control my spirit at times… but I did not have any real expectations. I did not want to imagine how things could go. I thought I'd rather enjoy living things as they would come.

Now that you are on the verge of leaving, what are you the most happy about?

I am happy about everything regarding my stay here. Everything has been constructive. It was so great to learn to live in community, something I am not used to, to work on my own self esteem and to fight against my laziness ( that is to not sleep 8 to 9 hours per night like I am used to usually, during my vacations…)

I am happy with the relationships that I have built here because I know that they won't be ending at the airport next Monday and I will not get back to France being the same Charlotte I was when I left… (that is positive) Finally, I was able to realize that I really have a family here and that feels good…

During your stay with YFE in Quebec, what:
1- Surprised you -> ...

2- Made you laugh -> The car rides with YB, Jeff, Sef , Ruppert and Butch!! YB's car, or should I say the Disco Mobile, will have been the area of many crazy moments for me, but also Jeff's or YB's screams out of the window and the singing worthy of the worst singers that ever existed will have been appreciated!

3- Made you cry -> To know that you really love me and that you will not let me down… that I won't ever be left alone when I don't feel well… accepting to be loved is not that easy… My shell ended up being broken into… and I do not want it to harden once I return in France….

4- Shocked you -> That you do not pay for your water consumption! It is a crazy thing because, all of a sudden, people are wasting water by watering they garden and even their sidewalk!! It is just shocking to know that some people don't have enough water while in Quebec you have all the water in the world… but it is also a positive thing to come live here.

5- Intrigued you -> I would like to know how Matt can eat so many pogos… all at once in the same stomach; its like impossible!!! So I am wondering where he hides his second stomach…

6- Amazed you -> if the girls could see this they would be traumatized… there are so many hot young guys in Montreal!!!!! To think they are all here!! On a more serious note, I appreciated the landscapes, the architecture of the towns I was able to visit because even if we have nothing to envy from you I saw it through the eyes of a child… Everything takes a new dimension because we are in Quebec and not in Europe. A lot of small things were able to amaze me. Discovering the differences in our cultures, our lifestyles, our language… basically simple things.

7- Made you want to go back to France -> Honestly I don't think I am the only one to answer this… a good spread of French cheese on crunchy bread!! And that is about it!...

8-Made you want to stay even longer -> One month really isn't enough time to get to know one person let alone a whole bunch. To discover other aspects of Quebec and I am far from having a high level of the Quebecors' language… your language is harder than I thought ;) It will also be hard to be back alone in my apartment without a whole bunch of hugs per day… I will quickly be nostalgic… too quickly…

What would you say to those who categorize you as a "groupie»?

The people who could categorize me as a « groupie » would do it probably because they are too and because they'd rather judge me without knowing me and have not understood anything about the YFE spirit… I would simply tell them that I like the music not the musicians and when it comes to YFE... things are way deeper… I do not consider myself a fan; I don't like that word… I consider myself a member of the YFE family, which is totally different.

What is the difference between seeing YFE in a concert and seeing them in their every day life?

During shows, I can have the tendency to just see musicians rather than you in your every day life where I would see more the members of my little family. But since I have not seen you in a show since October 2007, I will only be able to answer you after the show of the 23rd of August! But I am pretty sure that my answer will be that, in your shows, you have your instruments and in your every day life you have your computers!! In both cases you are honest, close to people, attentionate, and you are yourself no matter what happens…

Why do you believe YFE is so open towards fans to the point of inviting them into their home?

It would rather be a question to ask you guys! I was already really touched to have been invited to spend time here this summer… It means a lot to me… You are probably so open with people because you are able to trust in the human nature, that your heart is big enough to share with us moments of your every day life… and simply because you do not put a barrier between " fans" and you… You are awesome!!!

According to you, what is the biggest challenge for YFE?

The biggest challenge for YFE would be to succeed while keeping on caring for people, making sure that they won't ever feel left alone again, that everyone manages to believe in themselves and in others who surround them. Basically, YFE is able to fight against the ways of our society! It is utopian, there is still a lot of work left to be done in order to get there but together everything is possible!

How would you describe the team that surrounds YFE?

They are a group of people that believe in what they are doing and are willing to sacrifice almost everything in order to bring YFE even further. Therefore, generous people but also people who know how to laugh and be crazy at times! These people are essential to the band I think because despite all the work they provide, they give a moral support that is very important.

What is the mood that surrounds the YFE Headquarters?

Even if they give their maximum they never miss an occasion to do something crazy… and you must not miss the signal because it may only last 15 minutes!! It could be bottles of mayonnaise flying around or shoes that disappear, food contests, or contests on finding the worst song… France vs. Quebec the winner is not so obvious… Basically, there are moments where we only hear the clicking of computer keys and others where we hear screaming, laughter… So much joy!

What have you learned from your experience with YFE that you would like to keep and/or share with the people in your surrounding once you go back to France?

Probably a bit of that craziness because it's extremely contagious… but also that life is precious and that we must live it to its maximum everyday. To try not to waste life with stupid things and not to pay attention to what other people think. Those are things I will take back with me to France and that I will put in motion for myself and then share it with others surrounding me. If we want to be happy, it is possible, we just need to believe in it and put the efforts necessary to get there and it happens through small things…

How do you think YFE sees you?

Hard question! For me it will be rather how I hope YFE sees me… because I cannot be sure…

I hope they see me as a simple girl, funny, sincere, thankful and mostly as a girl that wants to be happy and who is ready to fight in order to get there. And simply as a sister…

Is there a phrase, a situation, an event that has touched you during your visit?

The moment that touched me the most was a discussion Valerie had with Juliette, Elfie and I in Montreal about our return in France following a discussion with Sef. They helped me accept that I will never be alone again, that people love me for who I am without wanting to take advantage of me… and also to accept that people are willing to help me fight against my personal demons. It had never happened to me before and that is why it was so touching for me…

Dear Charlotte thank you for being so wonderful, for being a part of this family... You are slowly realizing how important you are, how your place is precious and no one can take it as a FREE Charlotte can... Keep on opening your eyes on love and fight through the same walls we all have to face... We are with you... as you are with us... I love you!

-Miss Isabel

The Spirit Of The Moment
Tasting Happiness One Sip At A Time

My dear family and friends,

I was so happy to get all your messages following the last studio diary... it touched me deeply to know that you were so concerned about us and that you were also connected with us in such a way... It made me understand that when we expose ourselves, when we decide to share our pains, our most frightening thoughts, our most incoherent reasonings, our deepest fears and doubts we indeed do affect other people... they may have pain too, may be disappointed, may be shocked or troubled... but most of the time, they will connect with you and there ends the loneliness that kills so many of us... there ends the apathy that numbs our world...there ends the matrix where everyone plays a role keeping us away from freely being ourselves...

I find that most of the time, what keeps me from sharing is the fear of what will happen next... how people will react... what consequences are going to hit me and make the whole thing worse... But when you think about it, most of the time, your fears have nothing to do with reality since it's all about the future... future doesn't exist yet! What you fear doesn't exist! Easy to say, but it's true... When we think about tomorrow we can either see it with the eyes of faith and hope or with the eyes of fear and despair... and either way, we have absolutely no control whatsoever on what is going to happen anyway!lol but the thing we have control over is our way to approach what is happening and how we will deal things once they will come to reality. You can also get prepared for your future by working on yourself to be more self confident, better surrounded, more positive and also more rooted in reality. And most of all, I think it is so important to just LIVE what the moment is offering us...it is called PRESENT..it's a gift! For example at this very moment, I am sitting comfortably on my bed with my new laptop... I have just read a letter from my sweet Serenity that made me feel so loved and I am hearing Ben writing a new part for a song and other people working close by reaching out to so many people on different YFE communities... I can feel a soft and cool breeze from my window and hear a grasshopper serenade... it's perfect... I appreciate that moment and I think it's a privilege for me to live in such an amazing environment, with such a role, fulfilling such a destiny... That is how I feel tonight although so many times I don't "feel" it at all!!! I actually feel the opposite but again feelings are not the best guide as they change so much and in matters of minutes (women in their PMS will understand for sure!lol) So...when feelings are of no help, I know I can share about them and people around me can then speak the truth to me. Sometimes their words will make my bad thoughts and feelings vanish... at other times I will need to decide to just ignore what I feel to stick to what I know is the truth... Not that easy!

My sweet friends, whatever your circumstances are, you deserve to be happy and fully live your PRESENT...One sip at a time!

You may wonder how the guys here are dealing with pressure and how they find a way to appreciate life to the fullest in the simplicity of their routine... I got them to tell you!

"I would say that it is through a clear vision that you can keep the focus no matter what happens. There's nothing tougher than waking up every morning without a goal, with nothing to be passionate about. I'm more than lucky to be surrounded by people who love me and who I love so very much, to be loved by God. Together we're able to refresh and support each other in keeping the vision and the passion alive! 3 elements, the family, the vision and the passion that goes with it, this is what wakes me up every morning. This is what I am burning for!!! No pride, no addictions, no lies, it is a choice we all have to make every day, this is the real fight. Some would think that the fight is against tiredness, challenging studio or live situations, tough times in a relationship etc. What is routine when you truly live every day to the fullest? Love you my brothers and sisters! Can't wait to be with you in person again! - Charles The Moose"

"To be really honest I don't think I deal pressure or daily stress better than anyone... The only way I find peace is by always remembering who I was made to be.... and for what purpose I wake up in the morning.... Life can be a bitch sometimes but there's nothing that doesn't bring us further and stronger if we are to face it. To know that always helped me keep sanity and see everything as a challenge. In a more simple way......fast food and coffee help a lot too....lol

YOU ....(myspace family).....are my inspiration!!!
Ben"

"Hey my dear friends!

It's a great privilege for me to have the chance to be here this week, for the first time!! Thanks to all the pressure on Miss Isabel!! lol...

I really love the title of this week's subject, because for me, this is what life is all about; moments... I'm not a person who hates Mondays and who always has the weekend in the back of my head, or my two annual vacation weeks in summer time!! lol... As you know, we're pretty busy, almost working twenty hours a day and this, for years, but we always find a way to keep the passion, to feed the determination... Having you in my life helps me a lot, you have no idea how much you impact my life on a daily basis, but each time I read one of your message, and think about you, it helps me deal the stress, pressure and fears that are always waiting to follow us from the moment we leave the bed in the morning...

When something is going very bad in my mind, or when the pressure gets high, sometimes more than I think I can manage, I ask Alex to go out for a walk beside the St-Lawrence River near Montreal and I share about these serious issues in order to get all the deceptions, frustrations and pressure I have to go through every day out of my mind, out of myself... and this, on a daily basis... I sometime think that I'm stronger and can handle these situations, but my dear brother Alex knows me by heart, and he's always there for me at the right moments, and I always find a shelter, a home, love and security in his arms... I know that it's not everybody that has such chance, but know that I and everyone in the family are all there for one another, cause life gets hard sometimes, and we all need a friend, a brother with whom we can share about what's going on, without being judged and feel the freedom, and the security to share... I think this is the most important thing in life...

I have the chance to do what I like the most with the people I love the most, but this is very fragile because it's not only about music, and rock n' roll, but about true friendship, and relationship... Thanks for being there for me, for us... Nothing would be the same without you, not even close! Please, send me a message, it's always an honor and a pleasure!! I'm sorry for all those lines!! lol... Love you - Jeff "

"How appreciating life during really intense crappy times? I think in every road you take to reach your goals and dreams, you have to face a lot of opposition and it's a constant fight to remember why you have to face all those craps...because we have to feed on a daily basis this vision but alone...it's impossible...but you know, remembering all of you and all those crazy times we lived and live with you gives the best reason to keep the fight...and kick our ass to fight our biggest fears! We've gone through a lot and we live the best and the worst things together...sometimes there's a lot of tension...but I believe the suffering will strengthen our character and our heart to choose hope instead of listening to our fears! - Sef"

"There's no easy answer for me to offer the world considering the fact that I'm pretty much dealing with melancholy on a daily basis… I guess the only time I'm feeling the closest to some sort of peace of mind is when I lay down on the floor of my small bedroom, with my old and sick dog Shadow at my side… eyes closed, I'm adding colors to the ancient world of the past I've used to leave every morning covered with the same tern shades of my own hopelessness and sorrows… the colors are bright and shining… I'm seeing long-gone friends and lovers I've kept away… hearing voices I used to wish I could fall asleep with and songs I've always dreamed to slowly dance to… and I'm waiting for the lights of the dawn to surrender at the feet of another morning bringing it's golden promises in exchange for the silver pieces of my faith… "et je rend les armes"… laying down on the floor of my small bedroom with the wrinkles of my bruising soul overcoming the gate of my temples… I'm exhausted, fighting the reminiscence of the past but my conquest remains the plenitude of bowing down before my destiny's fate… happiness is not a warm blanket over the shoulders of my bitterness and desperation… it's the white flag of my pride, I'm waving up high in the morning cold… and Shadow is moving in her sleep… her winter almost over… but still a lion at my side… and If only I had the power to pray… I guess those last words would have been my ode to the eluding peace I've always longed for… If beauty is a kite free from tie up… Hope is a prayer lying somewhere on the cold floor of a small bedroom on any given morning showered with bright and shining lights… - Alex"

Hey my bros and sis...my mothers and daddies...my annoying uncles and cute aunties...lol...yeah this is the YFE family and there is nothing more beautiful!

I was thinking about what I would talk about in this diary and I was having a hard time to find something so exciting to talk about...lol...I guess EVERYTHING is so exciting that it all becomes normal to me!lol The normal being that Sef is back from Las Vegas, friends from France, Japan and UK are visiting us, we are looking for a place to establish the studio to record more songs, etc... But in the midst of all that, I remember receiving emails and messages from the YFE family reacting to the videos "Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye"... I was amazed reading how you were so worried about us, surprised that the band could be such a fragile thing, shocked that we had been so affected...and immediately you guys wanted to show your support, your love, your intentions to be behind us whatever happens, whatever we would be going through and that just as much as we want to be there for you in good and bad times...

I remember thinking that video sounded so negative when we did it... I mean, we are always trying to encourage you and show you that when you believe and when you surround yourself with a loving family you can achieve amazing things, and then we were talking about how hard it had been for us, how crushed we were, how we went through phases of unbelief and discouragement... I was thinking: if we are discouraged and hopeless, what will happen? Who will take care of everyone? Are our words going to fall into oblivion and be proven to be utopia? I soon had my answer! We received massive amount of messages of encouragement, of love and support, bold messages of hope, lifting our spirits... I soon realized that we weren't alone on the front line...YOU were there too! And if we would receive a shot, you would be there to look after us and protect us from more wounds...You would be there also to take care of the rest of the family as this whole community is not only about 6 musicians but is based on each and everyone of us that wants to take action, each and everyone who wants to carry the burden of a friend, each and everyone of us who wants to make a difference in their surrounding, in their country, in their era and mark history with love and compassion...

It is not rare that we look back at old comments on the profiles...your comments! It reminds us in difficult times that you are worth it, that you deserve that we fight and never give up, it reminds us also that we are not alone to fight, our relationships are not "one way"...it's a sharing! We give everything we can and we take what you give us and are so thankful for everything you are offering us! We need you...and not only to win a Grammy!lol I am often wondering how our relationships with you guys will evolve with time...not only time but also as the family is becoming so big... It might be a worry for you... will we forget you? Will we become unreachable like most artists? Well these are questions I ask myself as well but I know one thing: our heart is to take care of everyone crossing our path and giving what we receive: love and compassion. I don't know how it will evolve but if you haven't noticed we have a LOT of imagination, so we'll find new ways to be close to you and to make you feel at home :) Yes you do have a home in YFE... and in this home you can take without feeling like your stealing or that you don't deserve it (it's your home, your love pantry, your encouragement closet...lol) and you can also give in your home, you do have a role, a place to fill, talents to offer, strength to serve... And as each and everyone of us will believe that, our family will grow stronger and stronger!

Take your place! You're not stealing it from anyone..it's yours! No jealousy here... Everyone can be different as we each have something different to bring to the table...Can I bring the chocolate cake?lol I love you...
your sister forever

Miss Isabel

When Whispers Are Louder Than Bombs
Family Feedbacks Regarding The New YFE Album

My dear family,

It's a month today that we released the new album and, although it seems like yesterday when I was in the recording booth feeling so alone in front of that lifeless microphone, but at the same time knowing that my voice would soon join thousands of my friends singing, humming, air drumming or foot tapping on the YFE songs. I knew back then that these songs would travel oceans, cross borders, penetrate cultures, as for myself they traveled my mind, crossed my walls and penetrated my heart... It hasn't been very long since you guys have been sharing with us your feelings about the album and you probably don't imagine how this simple thing of opening up about your thoughts, your emotions, your experiences while discovering the album reminds us exactly of the reason why we are doing all this every day. It's way more than a "Oh! I feel so good that my public loves my art"... it's a real appreciation of the beauty of connection through music, through the feelings who gave birth to the music and those birthing through it's sharing... giving birth...giving life...giving...and life...yeah that is my definition of music.

It's my honor to share with the rest of the family some of your comments about the album "Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye". So many wrote amazing things and I hope you will keep on doing it as you know that we really care about what you think and how you feel. Don't EVER be shy or feel like it's useless... Shyness comes from fear and if you know that we really love you as you are then you'll realize there is no point in being fearful...and useless? You also have to realize that you have so much more impact than you can think... here are some people's comment who had an impact on me:

-"I heard a few samples from the new album on itunes and i'm speachless....I heard little sister and the tears were filling my eyes! That song is touching me every single day...The others were just so amazing,so powerful and touchnig as well..."

-"I got a new I-pod touch...Its awesome and the first song that I put on there was Open your eyes! Its my favorite song I've even began to memorize it. I hope you guys aren't mad that I'm memorizing your song. My favorite part is "We're millions of faces waiting somewhere for somebody elses place to feel like home." That has just so much deep meaning, its a very good song and a very inspirational song."

-"I bought the album on I-tunes....and then I pressed play and sank back into the little chair in front of the screen...I could hardly move – my muscles left my control and united with the rhythms – my heart strings were playing a symphony along with every strain of melody – it was like riding a wave of energy that could not be denied entrance into the deepest part of my being – and somehow the music was part of me...something that was in me before you found it and brought it to life and gave it shape and form and sound. And I know that somehow, this music will affect everyone who experiences it in a similar way"

-"Overall, this CD is fucking good. I can see certain people not liking this album as it is more of a "high school anthem" and not as heavy as most of the stuff I review but if you can get past your biases this is a really good CD. The dual vocals between the two vocalists is absolutely amazing. They both have good harmony and chemistry amongst them. I love how they incorporate the piano into their songs and know when to do it. The instrumentals are very well done and synch well with the music. They can make great fast paced tracks as well as acoustic, which is always a good thing. Some tracks seem to be sketchy with the pace of the song. The lyrics are great and will be powerful to certain people, depending on the song. In other words, some of these tracks will hit home with a fair amount of people. I recommend that everyone checks out this album. All you have to do is download the iTunes player, go to the iTunes program... Then the iTunes Store and search Your Favourite Enemies. That's how I got the album!"

-"So, what can I tell you... I already love it. I was surprised by the acoustic versions, especially about Midnight's crashing, I couldn't imagine an acoustic version of that one. And the new songs are amazing too. I can't find the right words (they all sound typical and not enough), but I hope you get the idea :) I love it and I feel honored of having met you guys and of having been here living it all. Thanks :)"

-"Yesterday I got my copy of the new album. I really have no words. It's so much more then I would have ever expected (and since I know what you can do, I expected a LOT!).
I am not sure, I can't write a coherent comment... but music is about feelings, and feelings aren't rational... so I guess it's okay.

You already know that I loved the new version of Open Your Eyes. As for The Voice Inside and Would you Believe... the lyrics feel so true it's almost scaring. Alex has a wonderful power to catch thoughts and emotions and put them into words. There are powerful images and the music matched just perfect. It TELLS something, which is so rare. Most songs you hear are just a nice rhythm and some clichés put together in a shiny pack. What you guys say is so much more.

As for the acoustics... I won't even try to tell you how much I love them. Little Sister has always been my favorite song. The acoustic version is... God, I have no words, really. It breaks my heart, in a way. And yet it makes me feel so lucky to just be alive and have the chance of live my life. In the end, the message I got from each one of your songs is of hope. There is strength. The strength of those who didn't and won't give up, who did and will keep on fighting. Hope... hope that together we can make it. That in the end we are not alone. Not alone feeling what we feel and being scared. Music for me has always been a way of connecting with the others. I love the songs that make me think "Yes, that's EXACTLY how I feel".

You guys touched our heart with your messages and are pushing us further into our calling. Whatever the opposition, the struggles, the challenges... YOU are worth it, you deserve the best out of us and we commit to dedicate it to you as we witness that same heart in you. I love you and I cherish each one of you...
your sis forever

-Miss Isabel

Love is a promise…The spirit behind the new YFE album…

My dearest friends, my family,

How can I describe how I feel right now…? As I'm sitting alone in my bedroom, after another amazing YFE day, I take the time to realise the beauty of what we are living all together… We are just recovering from a tour that brought us to the opposite end of the globe, and we launched the new YFE album this week, introducing to the whole family the new baby we named "Love Is A Promise Whispering Goodbye". Many of you joined the excitement and adopted the new-born on the very first day!lol It's funny because in our kind of family, it's not the baby that cries when it comes out!lol I mean…I cried the first time I heard it with our bros and sis here and now you guys have wet eyes as you are listening to some of the songs…lol… I guess we're all big babies! Do you know what I like about being able to let myself be touched by music to the point of crying? I like to think that if the music is stirring emotions in me I don't have to restrain myself from being free and living these emotions freely…I like to think that by letting myself be fragile, open and sensitive, I can see and experience reality instead of barricading myself into a secure and intellectual padded box… I like the idea that as I cry, laugh or stay speechless, I am feeling so alive!

So please, as you are listening to the album, don't examine the sound and riffs, don't analyse the double meanings of the lyrics, don't compare with the actual marketed products… Just close your eyes and witness how these songs are impacting you…Are they confronting you? Are they soothing an old or new wound? Are they enlarging your perspectives? Are they filling your spirit? Are they driving you with boldness? Are they questioning some of your references? Are they breaking walls you took so long to build and then tried to forget the existence of? Are they knocking at your doors and patiently waiting for you to let go?

For about two years now, the YFE family has been growing, extending its arms to reach out to all those who want to let themselves be touched by music, all those who are tired to be secluded in a world where you have to fake a smile to be accepted, all those who want to make a difference in their own life and are then ready to give themselves away for others, those like you who are crazy enough to think that five guys and a girl with instruments and mics can serve as a meeting point where amazing relationships develop. This new album is to honor you guys because a meeting point serves nothing if no one walks to it! We are so blessed to have you in our life, you can't even imagine! We are privileged to talk to you on myspace and then, when we have the chance to meet you in person, it's like breathing air after a deep dive!

Here's a mystery… How can we all be so connected and be well together? I mean, most of us are far from each other geographically, we can't spend time physically together, so, how can we be so sure that the love we have is real? I guess that's faith: believing that someone loves you even though you never saw that person…and even further, believing you can develop a relationship with that person just by being real and honest and letting that person have an impact in your life, even if you promised yourself not to trust anymore… believing in things you can't see with your eyes… Well, what I can't see with my eyes, I believe with my heart! I believe you guys are there to support us not because you think we can enhance your popularity…lol…or provide you with privileges…or that we could eventually be a good asset to your own interests… I believe you guys are with us for the same reason we are with you: because we believe with all our hearts that there is more in this life than what this world usually offers and that together, nothing can stop us from getting everything we deserve to live!

I love you…simply…thank you for being in my life…thank you for making my life so meaningful…

Your sister forever
Miss Isabel

The Comeback Blues
Getting Back Home After An Emotional Tour

My sweet family...

I MISSED YOU!!!!
It seems like it's been forever since I got to write this studio diary... I missed talking to you and giving you this little insight into my heart. I hope everyone is well and had the chance to follow us and enjoy the Asian tour with us through the pictures and the videos. I know that images and the little clips are not enough to fully describe what was happening but you could at least have a glimpse of the emotion and beauty we were in contact with every day. We love to share with you everything we experience...you guys are our family and we think that we can all grow together by experiencing life fully, by savoring joys, overcoming fears, managing stress, building relationships, going the extra mile to make someone feel loved...

Now we are back home and we all kinda feel weird...some of it is the jet lag effect, but for the most part, it's because we had such an amazing time connecting with our family on the other side of the globe that now we feel a deep tear... We were building relationships with many brothers and sisters from Japan for many months and we were so happy that we could finally meet them face to face and play for them. But we could never have expected such a welcoming! We had friends welcoming us at the airports, at the train stations, outside the venues, some of them traveled for hours by train, bus, walking around the big cities to be able to give us their love and respect. It was overwhelming and we were so happy that we could spend time with a lot of them before the shows and after too. We had the chance also to have free days to visit and just enjoy talking, hugging and having fun with our friends.

One day I had the greatest time with some of my girlfriends in a little coffee place in Tokyo, we were all talking about how we enjoyed the show from the previous night, sharing about how we felt and then I felt it in my heart to encourage these girls about their worth, about reaching out to other girls around them and to be strong women able to be real with their emotions, fragile with those they can trust and able to impact their generation with love, compassion and boldness... Japan is a country where so many people are lonely, stressed, constantly in competition, so preoccupied by their look and fashion but never really satisfied with their image, working so hard to the point of exhaustion, hoping to fit with the society ideal lifestyle and status, fearing to be seen as a loser... I was broken as I was telling them how they could open their eyes to what is afflicting their people and how they could make a difference by first breaking their own walls and then reaching out to others around them. I can talk about women because I am one... we have within us a strength that is different from men, a sensitivity and a power to love that is wonderful and we all should realize how precious that is and use it fully. Men have their own strengths and powerful skills and gifts and I know how the guys from YFE are constantly challenging men to take a step forward in their calling to be honorable men, respectful men, men of compassion, men of action, men able to be true and humble...

But as much as I thought we had something to share and give out to our friends in Japan, I soon realized that they would give us more than we could possibly offer...more to experience...more to think about...more to learn...more to grow...
During this precious time with them, they showed us their way to honor, to respect, to love. to fight, to be humble, to be generous, to take care of others... they showed us how to change...how to let ourselves be transformed...they taught us so much...and have impacted us forever...

If you want to really make me feel happy, please connect with our family in Japan and Indonesia, tell them how happy you are that they are a part of this amazing family, give them what is the most wonderful in you and receive what they will offer you through their open heart... let yourself be changed and desire with passion to be an instrument of change in other's lives... desire to be an instrument of love... an instrument of healing... an instrument of peace...an instrument releasing the most beautiful sound...the most beautiful music = life...NO MUSIC= NO LIFE

your sister forever
Miss Isabel

My dear family,

As we are in the last preparations before leaving for Japan and Indonesia, I take a little time to tell you how much you guys have an impact on us and are giving us so much energy and strength to accomplish all we do...it's true! We do feel your support and love, in all your messages, in the way you trust us enough to open up your heart and your life, in your involvement, in the fact that you are there, you participate, you take ownership, you take your place in this family... What amazes me also is that you guys are able to be happy for the Japanese and Indonesians, happy they will witness and experience this family communion live with us even if you, as of yet, never have...you are not jealous...you are loving and proud to know that if one part of the family is growing that means the whole family gets better...if the Japanese and Indonesians are celebrating, the whole YFE family explodes with joy! That is the beauty of unity and real family... For this week's diary, I interviewed Jess, she's the one in charge of the German community and we are lucky to have her also as part of the team that goes to Japan... We invited her in the YFE pit (our rehearsing room) as we were working on the songs to perfect the sound, perfect the feel, perfect the emotion, perfect the message...She gladly answered my questions...

What's the first feeling you had when you entered that small weird room filled with amps, guitars, mics and 6 crazy musicians?

Well, I was first thinking...where will I fit! lol No...I was definitely feeling honored to have been invited to witness a jam session, especially in such a closed and intimate setting...and who wouldn't be super excited to see their favorite band and best friends making the most inspiring music I have ever heard...but walking in there, I knew it would be about more than just the music....I was quite aware that something powerful would happen in there....

How would you describe the ambiance that reigns during the jam?

Very intense...as always...I can pick out any of the 6 members in the band and just watch them perform alone for hours and be mesmerized by their passion and talent...The mood in there was much like the music and the message...at times its hopeful, inspiring, painful, desperate, loving....but always intense...and always real and exposing the truth....

You saw YFE perform live several times, how is a jam rehearsal different?
Well, Charles is wearing a lot less clothes during rehearsal, lol...
Something so incredible was happening in there...YFE is a band, that every single time they perform they are putting their whole hearts into it...and rehearsals are no exception...it doesn't matter if there is one person or one million people watching, you will always see the same passion. This is not a band that is making music to sell records and make money and become famous... what you are seeing, and why it is so intense is because of the passion and love for the people, and that is what is fueling them...and you can see that they aren't just playing instruments and singing songs...they are feeling everything with you...the same emotions. The circumstances and environment can change...but the hearts and the love the band has in their hearts will always be there....
You can only imagine how magical it will be to go to Japan and add the love and energy of all the amazing people we have been connecting with... wow...

Try to describe with one word how we are when we rehearse...
Watching Alex is so intense always...he is feeling the pain in the words he is singing, and sometimes he almost seems vulnerable ...but he has so much power...he is demanding to be heard...
Miss Isabel has that same passion in her singing...she has this way to make you feel hopeful, her voice carries so much warmth and compassion...
Jeff is so focused when he is playing...you can tell how much love he has in his heart and how much he loves what he is doing....
Ben is always so much fun to watch... he has this incredible gift and makes it look so effortless....every second he puts all of who he is into his performance...
Sef is just so Sef...lol...Sometimes when I am watching him I am laughing to myself at how talented he is.
It was so great to be able to see Charles playing the drums so up close...because usually when they are on stage, it is hard for me to see him...but wow...his intensity adds soooo much to the overall texture of the band.

You know, sitting there I almost don't know who to watch...my eyes are going back and forth like crazy, watching 6 people do what they were born to do...and embrace and love every second of it....

As you were sitting on the floor in the YFE pit listening to the rehearsal I saw some tears in your eyes...what happened? Were we that bad? We'll keep rehearsing and get better you know!lol

lol...you know, no matter how many times I hear the songs, or how many times I have seen you guys perform...this music will never stop affecting me... It brings up so many emotions because it's real...and some people choose to look the other way...because it's easier than facing your demons head on...I know because I was one of those people for way too long... This music will speak to you... and when you see YFE live...you WILL feel something... and I know something amazing will happen inside of you...and maybe at first you can't really explain it...but what it is, is liberating...it's a taste of freedom... it's a reminder that we aren't alone... it's feeling a love so pure and so safe....
So yes...its very common for me to get emotional watching YFE perform...not only because of what this music is saying directly to me....but because I realize the impact that it will have...and already has on the world... and to not only witness this happening...but to be a part of it...it is the most rewarding and overwhelming feeling ever...

Why do you think the band feels like this tiny room so hot and with hardly any air to breathe is great to rehearse in?

I think the pit is soooo perfect for the band to rehearse. I think it symbolizes the very essence of what YFE stands for...who they are... its raw and you can't hide anything in there...they are leaving themselves completely exposed and vulnerable to each other...it tells a lot about them as a unit and the trust and love they have for each other....plus being so close to one another probably allows them to feed off of each other's energy and fuel each other...Anyway.....YFE has never been the kind of band to be high maintenance or demanding...so the pit is sooo YFE....

Beside the technical musical aspects that are worked on during the jam sessions what else did you witness being worked on?

I felt such a deep connection during this session....I felt connected to the lyrics...to the melody... and to just the music itself...I also can feel the connection the band has with each other...the chemistry....This music is from the very heart of YFE....and therefore, it spoke right to my heart...and I know it will speak right to the hearts of everyone listening and everyone else who will get the chance to see a live performance....the message of love and hope is universal....and it is so amazing to witness how brilliant YFE is to be able to allow themselves to be an open channel of a universal communication and creative energy.

I am proud to say that YFE is not just my friends, but my family…and watching them jam a couple times was just the inspiration i needed in my own life to be the person I want to be… YFE is speaking for all of us...who are ready to fight back …they are the voice of a generation of people who are sick of being victims…who are ready to tackle their fears head on…and its not easy and its gonna hurt like hell….but to know that someone cares...and knows how you feel....and that together...anything is possible...

we are all looking for the same thing…we all want to be inspired…we all want to be moved….

But just from seeing them rehearse...I know the YFE live shows won't just move you….they will pick you up and throw you across the room into a brick wall… and you will never be the same again....

I don't think the world has any idea what it's in for…

YFE is not just a band…

it's a state of mind...it's a movement…a revolution…

...What could I possibly say after such words...thank you Jess and I guess only this: I love you and I am proud of you...Follow us to Japan, we'll all have a life changing experience!

your sister forever

-Miss Isabel

My dear ones,

I am so happy to be able to share with you every week and this one makes no exception as we are going through a very exciting time of our career. The very first YFE video is now all over the net, and this past Tuesday, we had our first TV appearance on a music channel in Canada! It went really really well and we could feel all of you guys backing us so we had absolutely no fears or doubts! You can't imagine how you guys are giving us confidence and boldness to be fully who we are whatever the size of the audience, the title of the people we're talking to or anything else...because of you, we are ENEMIES with no shame or doubts, anywhere we go...thank you:)

As we were presenting the video Open Your Eyes to the Musique Plus channel public, we felt very proud and are already surprised that the video has entered the top charts! That video wouldn't have been the same success story without you guys and also without the amazing work of the video producers Felix and Paul who took the challenge to work with a crazy band like YFE! lol So, to honor them and thank them for their audacity, here's a little interview Felix had the kindness to give...

Hi Felix! It is such a pleasure to have you for this little interview...I know that Paul is sorry he couldn't participate but he had to work creating another masterpiece while you had fun... well... that's what he said! lol Can you tell us a little bit about how you became a video producer?

Paul and I started working together after David LaHaye proposed to us to direct a first music video for Montreal electronic artist Akido in 2005. The budget was $0 so of course we said yes. It wasn't clear how this co-directing experience would go, but it ended up being very effective and fun. After we finished that first video, we decided to keep working together, as a directing duo.

What is the main challenge of a music video producer?

Well the main challenge is to be able to deliver what you promised to the band! Before you start shooting the actors and creating the visual environments, the video exists only in your head. So you can talk about it and get people excited if you're good at talking about the stuff that is in your head, but ultimately you have to transform those mental images into concrete footage. And that is a serious challenge, especially when you deal with stuff like 19th century Japan!

What is your very personal interpretation of the video Open Your Eyes?

I see it as a visual allegory on the themes of isolation and solitude.

Were there many ideas/concepts coming to your mind when you first heard the YFE music? What were they?

That's a very long story! At the end of 2007, we had agreed with the band on a music video concept that was very different from what we actually shot. We were a couple of weeks from shooting, but for complicated schedule reasons on our side, we had to delay the shooting of the video by more than a month. The project almost died there. But miraculously, the band decided they would wait for us! In the meantime, Paul and I started to feel like we were missing something with the first concept. Plus what we wanted to do was so expensive in terms of post-production, that there was almost no money left in the budget to feed the technicians on the set. So Paul and I sat down one evening and we rationally decided to go insane. We started inventing a new concept that led to the video you've seen. We pitched it to the band, and they liked it.

What is to you the image/sequence in the video that is the most:

powerful?

The child with a blue dress walking in the narrow red corridor.

meaningful?

The child looking at her parents dancing in the ballroom.

sad?

The parents dancing in the ballroom. Cold ambiance, cold emotions, cold future for the child.

happy?

Sef playing guitar.

weird?

Sef playing guitar. Just kidding. The weirdest scene is probably the photo shoot.

intense?

The band's overall performance.

beautiful?

The girl walking in the exterior garden, with the huge statue behind her.

How do you personally relate to the Open your Eyes video?

I never thought of that... I'll leave that answer to my psychiatrist.

Seriously, I would say that the themes and emotions presented in the video are very universal. I think all of us have experienced in our lives some of the feelings that are part of the Open Your Eyes video.

How do you feel when you hear about the reactions the video provokes, people saying things like…

"I have no words to describe it, to tell you how I felt watching it. It is the most intense music video I have ever seen. It is beautiful: the images are beautiful, the colors, the people - but more important, the meaning is so deep and it touched my heart. It's the perfect video for this song."

or

"To say I liked it would be to totally diminish what I felt about this video. It has such an impact, with such strong images and messages…Scene after scene it made a deep impression upon me. The pain is so strong and real, exactly like the message the clip wants to give."

"It's a perfect vid, one that can change people, that can, in its way, make a difference."

Of course we're happy if people like the video. I'd say that I'm personally happy when people write or say that they were touched or moved by it. In the end, creating emotions is what our job as directors is all about. Nice images without any emotional content have a very short existence. We want to create images that people will remember.

Love you all and please don't hesitate to write your appreciation to these two crazy guys now official members of the YFE family! (www.felixandpaul.com)

Your sister forever

-Miss Isabel