There’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to Enzo on The Vampire Diaries. Damon Salvatore’s best vampire bud from way back is played by Michael Malarkey, a talented actor and musician currently on the up and up in more ways than one. Recently, he sat down with YA Mag to discuss the new season of TVD along with lots more.

When we rejoin the vampires this week, we will find Enzo “dealing with the loss of Damon in his own way,” Michael says, further detailing that he will be “trying to figure out a way to get him back.” That’s all he’s willing to share about that though. Of course.

As for where Michael hopes the writers take his character this season, “I hope to see more leather, maybe some motorbikes, maybe a bit more unshaven,” he jokes. “I think he [Enzo] can get a little more butch!” We agree, but The CW show may not be the most natural place for truly dark and/or rough-around-the-edges vampires.

Outside of TVD, Michael has lots going on, from the unfortunately defunct TV version of Keira Cass’s YA novel The Selection, to his burgeoning music career. When asked the tough question of having to decide which artistic pursuit he likes better, Malarkey doesn’t even bat an eyelash. “Acting is my main passion,” he states. “I was a musician far before I ever became an actor, but I was a musician who didn’t know what the hell he wanted to do for the rest of his life! Music was always just ingrained in me – it’s just a part of who I am. It’s kind of a personal creative outlet that I do when I’m not working. Now, I just do both!”

And to this we say: Power to you, Michael!