Empires is a new band of old friends. “It’s always felt like things just fall in place for us,” says guitarist Tom Conrad. “I think it’s a testament to how we approach things and the fact that we were friends long before we were bandmates. We all have different perspectives musically, but there’s a collective mindset that makes it all work.” As evidence of the collective mindset, both Conrad and lead-singer Sean Van Vleet simultaneously conceived the band name on the same day without one other' knowledge. And with a recording and release process matter-of-factly tackled on their own, Empires’ collective kismet and cool confidence translates into a sound that’s bigger than their time together as a band might suggest. With having youngest member, Max Steger at the helm of tracking and engineering recording sessions, anything is possible.
Free from creative restraints, to explore any sound they wanted, and build an identity that was true to their vision, the band spent nearly a year crafting their debut record Howl, which was officially released for free online in May 2008 via their website (weareempires.com). Howl was entirely written, engineered, produced, and art directed by members of Empires. By the end of the year, Howl had earned over 60,000 downloads and landed on a few Chicago critics' top local albums of 2008. The process left them feeling liberated, more focus spent with fans earned than the dollars they could have made had they sold the album traditionally. We’ve got fans from all over the globe now," says Steger, "It feels like a great way to start a relationship with the listener.”
Building off of the energy and cohesion gained from the Howl sessions, they’re back in the studio, working on the follow-up. We’ve really learned how to work as a band,” says Van Vleet. When you strip away all the worries about what comes next, all the crap that just gets in the way, you end up really finding your sound.”
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just want to say: You guys are an amazing band. and its awesome that the band is from Chicago<3 Well ur music is amazing, and when i heard Hayley i fell in love with your music! ... Love you guys<3
So, that's it. I am most definitely saving up to drive down to Ohio February 5 and see you, because you don't come to Michigan nearly enough and you are worth it.<3
Hey there! We're Donatello & Winky, Bringing a new genre of "party rock" to the table. We're currently recording our first single, And it should be up in a couple weeks. An add would be fine for now, or through any other social networking site.
BE TRUE, LIVE LONG & PROSPER Wishing you the best of success from your new friend -EMM ! I'm a Professional Recording Engineer and Live Sound Mixer!! THANK YOU FOR THE ADD!!
May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!!!
& remember that there is no ideal Christmas....only the one Christmas you
decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections,
traditions...
So probably that is the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the
endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't quite
know how to put our love into words /Harlan Miller/.
Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day....so I wish
a merry Christmas to u^^
Hi Tis I How art thou faring Merrie Tidings and a fortuitous new year seasonal greetings from merrie olde England and a good time to be had by all Twill be a most marvelous time oh yes and Rock on
I will see you boys in Toledo! I am so excited now that I don't have to travel 2+ hours to see you guys! Also, I'll most likely be bringing a Canadian so it should be a full out party!
hey guys hows it goin....so i didnt kno u guys were on fearless radio i was checkin out another band and saw u guys there. awsome. wish i could have listened
Hey guys! Absolutely love bang! and I'm very excited to hear the rest of the singles as they come out!
I'm hoping some of you guys can help me out with a research project I'm doing: I'm researching the different ways men and women interact with the Chicago music scene, and I'm trying to build a discussion with local bands. If any of you guys have a few spare minutes now and then, I'm hosting the conversation here: http://chicagorocksurvey.blogspot.com/
I'd really appreciate your input! Thanks so much, guys!
