Led by singer/songwriter Gabe Dodson, Detroit-based Old Empire's full-length debut, Queen City Quandaries, is available now on Gangplank Records.
Old Empire’s music, which spans the breadth of American pop, is influenced by the iconic genres of American music, evoking everything from Motown, to 60’s surf rock, traditional country and NYC new wave. Songs like the Jonathan Richman-esque “Sweaterdress,” stroll with both confidence and vulnerability while the dreamy lilt of “Queen City,” and the rolling electric piano of “Empty Promises,” showcase the band’s versatility and emotional range.
The origins of Queen City Quandaries can be traced back to Dodson’s front porch in suburban Detroit, when in the summer of 2005, he began writing a collection of songs about the characters of the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. When asked about his unique writing strategy, Dodson says, “I'm into the idea that everything is a self-portrait, so I like to write in character. Around the time I was writing the record, WKRP was on when I woke up in the morning and watching it became a daily habit. It's funny, but the humor comes from the characters' vulnerability. To me, the show is about frustration, disappointment and unattainable aspirations. A friend challenged me to write a record about that side of WKRP, and I couldn't resist."
Dodson is fully aware of the smirk factor surrounding his songwriting approach for Old Empire’s debut, but he hopes listeners don’t miss the bittersweet reverie at the heart of the record. Queen City may be a nickname for Cincinnati, but Dodson’s images of corners bars, rusting factories, and breezy downtowns describe the emotional landscapes of countless cities across the American Midwest.
Dodson recorded Queen City Quandaries with a supporting cast of friends and former bandmates at Detroit’s Tempermill Studios with producer and Gangplank-founder David Feeny. Since wrapping-up recording, the band’s line-up has coalesced around Dodson, sister and co-vocalist Alexis Dodson, guitarist Dan Clark, the rhythm section of bassist Tom James and drummer Danny Kanka, and back-up vocalist Chela Weber.
Even though Dodson says he’s sometimes surprised that Queen City Quandaries even got made, he’s anxious to see his songs live out in the world. Says Dodson, “I've always wanted to make a good record, and with the help of some great collaborators, I think that's what I've done. Now I hope we get to make another one.” - Thomas Trimble
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![£leŦriKa {[|(NEW+TUNE=v3.1)|]} ╬BrazilianM£ŦAL](http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/65/s_cadcd4a383f748d499e192d847812ca1.jpg)
