Burlington’s music scene and the staff at Seven Days have always been tightly intertwined, blurring the lines between journalism and rock ‘n’ roll. For instance, Pamela Polston, the paper’s cofounder, made waves in the ’80s as the frontwoman of the post-punk band Decentz, while many current staff members are also local musicians.
Enter Enemy of the People—a band formed by Seven Days employees that has become part of the fabric of this quirky community. With lead singer Diane Sullivan declaring, “We’re not just the Seven Days house band,” the group has indeed created a unique identity, crafting original garage-rock songs that poke fun at their coworkers and office life, like “Sasha’s Getting Drunk” and “Paper Jam.”
Their journey started in 2019, jamming in Sullivan’s basement, where creative energy ran high and so did the drinks. Despite a promising start, including gigs at local festivals, the pandemic stalled their momentum. However, they managed a virtual performance during quarantine, keeping the spirit alive.
As they navigate the complexities of work-life balance, the band is determined to finish their debut album, even if that means engaging in playful debates over Slack about deadlines. With an eclectic mix of influences and a light-hearted approach, Enemy of the People continues to write and expand their repertoire, teasing a new tribute song for local TV anchor Darren Perron while hinting at future collaborations with other Seven Days staffers. Whether or not they meet their self-imposed deadlines, one thing’s for sure: this band is a delightful reflection of Burlington’s vibrant music scene.
