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DARK EMPIRE "The Veronica Project" is no Archie comic
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Bad news for the world of tomorrow.
It's a dark and dire post-apocalyptic world, according to the...Bad news for the world of tomorrow.
It's a dark and dire post-apocalyptic world, according to the Last Days of Empire's ambitious latest album, "The Veronica Project."
"It's about how you cope with things (in the "Veronica' world) and how you live day-to-day," said Empire frontman Michael Depko. "There are elites who can still do what they want, but there are others who have to find shelter and defense."
The music of "The Veronica Project" is alternately sweeping, majestic, and at times, terrifying. There also is a hint of of optimism, portrayed in slithers of musical beauty, for the world of tomorrow.
"The world as it's portrayed is kind of dismal and sad," Depko said. "But for us, there's still that sense of hope, striving for a better world through love."
It's ambitious stuff and rare on the New Brunswick scene, where bands usually stay away from such expansive story-telling. Still, Empire, formed seven years ago, gets its share of respect in town.
"We always get a good response when we play the Court (Tavern)," said Depko of the famed New Brunswick venue. "We can play an all-punk show, an all-hardcore show or an all-emo show" and get support from each crowd.
The band — which includes Bryan Corigliano, Lacey, guitars; Jason Bruner, South River, keyboards, and Drew McKevitt, Philadelphia, guitars — is in the midst a spree of lineup shuffles these days. For instance, Depko of Matawan finds his time split between Empire and playing bass for Return to Earth, featuring Chris Pennie of Coheed and Cambria and formerly of the The Dillinger Escape Plan.
As for the band's upcoming shows at the Court tonight and the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on Tuesday, it will be as a duo of Depko and Bruner.
"It's fun really making people listen to the music," said Depko of the quieter duo show.
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Kiki vs. Everyone: Last Days of Empire
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Straight outta NJ, The Last Days of Empire release their newest album 'The Veronica Project' and put...Straight outta NJ, The Last Days of Empire release their newest album 'The Veronica Project' and put simply: it's fantastic. It's bands like this that make this blog worthwhile.
Passionate vocals and top notch musicianship make 'The Veronica Project' a superb listen. Reminiscent of the wonderful Boy Night Out's 'Trainwreck', the album opens with a spoken word intro. It sets the scene for the journey of the album, painting the picture of a post-apocalyptic world and puts you in story time mode, just before the first song, '39 Sniper' roundhouse kicks you in the face.
Don't be put off by the phrase concept album being banded about when describing this CD, it's listener friendly and each song easily listenable in isolation from one another. Stand out tracks are 'Prizefighter' which progressively builds in emotion culminating in a screaming refrain and 'The Faceless'. Others have compared Last Days of Empire to 30 Seconds to Mars (again don't let that out you off!!) and I fully expect them to climb to the same dizzy heights of their game.
Epic is not a word I use lightly, as a lot of kids do these days, but it is more than fitting. From the thoughtful lyrics that read like a fairytale to the roaring choruses, ranging from the delicate to the enraged - it has all the elements you want from music. It's so multi-layered that the more you listen to it, the more you get out of it.
I had a quick catch up with Michael (guitar/vocals). Here's what he had to say about the new record and those 30 Seconds to Mars comparisons...
Tell me about your new album, 'The Veronica Project.' What's the concept/idea behind it etc? What influenced you to create such a piece of work?
Well, I've always been fascinated with sci-fi movies like The Terminator and Children of Men. I pull a lot of inspiration from concepts involved in movies like that. Post-apocalyptic civilization and machines running the Earth are big themes for me and let's face it, they could be our realities one day. So, the theme comes from that. In the not-to-distant future a nation is dealing with everyday life after a nuclear war of sorts. The amount of loss and complication surrounding something of that magnitude can be staggering. The nation ends up in a civil war. One side is the remaining super-elite army and the other is the resistance. The songs don't follow a story line, but are more of a glimpse into a day-in-the-life of that world. Friends and family dying, fighting the same people you are a part of, hunger, sickness, love and hope are all factors in these people's day to day lives. And that is what the songs are about. Living in a situation like that. It may sound a little depressing, but a future like this could be a possibility, but it's the hope and love that people have, along with being in survival mode, that will hopefully get them through.
You're from NJ - as are a lot of fantastic bands - what do you think it is about NJ that produces such great music?
NJ has produced some amazing bands that have been a big influence on me in so many ways. Whether it be musical, work ethic, or just inspiring, bands like Saves the Day, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Thursday, The Gaslight Anthem, My Chemical Romance, Misfits and Lifetime really helped pave the way for bands like ours and many others. I think NJ has always had more of a DIY/blue-collar attitude. Being in the middle of New York City and Philadelphia has sometimes made us the underdogs. So, we always tend to push a little harder.
You've been compared to 30 Seconds to Mars. How do you feel about that?
To be honest, I feel completely flattered. I always find it very interesting to see what comparisons people make of the band or my voice. It's interesting to figure out where they pull the comparison from. I have always been a fan of Jared Leto's acting and I am definitely becoming a bigger fan of 30STM. I recently saw them live and it changed my whole perspective of them. They blew me away. The show was completely inspiring. I love the whole theme and image of that band and I give Jared Leto a ton of credit for all of his hard work on his project. I can see the comparison, and I understand it and that is totally fine for me! I would love the opportunity to tour or collaborate with them. I think our two bands would go great together sonically and I think 30STM fans would enjoy us.
You mentioned you were on the Far reunion tour. How was that? What other shows/tours are you going to be doing in the future in support of the new record?
Ah, the Far Reunion Tour! What a great 5 days of my life! Far is one of my all time favorite bands and a very big influence on me. It was such an honor to go out with them. The band and their crew are all a great bunch of guys. It was a great experience for us a a band, and for me personally. I stay in touch with Jonah, and we even did some acoustic shows together recently. I am very grateful for the whole experience. As for touring for the new record, unfortunately our van died on the Far tour, and we are in the process of acquiring a new one. We have been playing as many shows a we can realistically get to for the time being. We are also playing our new record front-to-back "unplugged" at certain dates for a whole new twist on our sound. As for more extensive touring we are in the process for figuring out dates right now. Probably Eastern US to start.
On your Myspace you talk of not being afraid to take steps though a 'dying scene'. What do you see as killing the scene?
I think there are a few things that are "killing the scene". There was a time when bands supported each other, and kids went to every single show there was. I feel that there is less of a camaraderie between bands and more of a fashion show competition going on. It shouldn't matter how you look, or how you sound. Just the fact that you get on stage and do your best to deliver your art should be enough. I think there are too many bands out there that don't offer much to the listener. Constant cookie-cutter images of a played out sound don't challenge the listener to appreciate what the the band is trying to get across. It's one thing to be influenced by a band or genre, but it's another to do everything you can to look, act and sound like that band. Shallow music that doesn't convince the listener will turn away the larger audience.
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Last Days of Empire plays Fontana's w/ Leslie DiNicola & The Eighty-7s, pics
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Last Days of Empire returned to NYC for a show with Leslie DiNicola (formerly of Peculiar Gentlemen)...Last Days of Empire returned to NYC for a show with Leslie DiNicola (formerly of Peculiar Gentlemen) and The Eighty-7's, two acts from the big apple. It was an interesting parallel to LDOE's ambient, heavier rock elements. Leslie was first providing a country/indie folk vibe with soulful vocals. While there was a decent crowd for her too many people drifted out of the room, seemingly more interested in their drink and chatting with friends, then hearing live music. I felt like the only really paying attention for The Eighty 7's that wasn't a friend of the bands. The 4-piece is fronted by singer Hayley Smith who sang the striking line "I can be everything to you." It was interesting hearing the line, "What if I said to you I was straight. What if I said to you I was gay?" given recent news. One of the band's shortcomings was the dual vocals they had times-they didn't compliment each other at all. But the music was fairly cool and the drummer, Eric had some sweet beats. Before LDOE came on the guitarist for the The Eighty 7's approached me and said, "hey, do you work here?" I said, "no," and he said, "so you're just here watching. Thanks for coming to the show." It was great that he was thankful, butI find it weird he asked if I worked there. It reminded me of the time when I was a studio audience member for Its on With Alexa Chung when Screaming Females performed. I'm a big fan, so I, well, rocked out. Afterwards, one of the camera guys asked if I was friends of the bands. This took me back. So you either have to be friends with a band or work at a venue to see a band or show some sort of enjoyment for a band, at least a local one?
Anyway, Last Days of Empire immediately changed the tone of the room with their louder, alternative sound. The band was intense and singer Mike nearly flawlessly shifted from soft to screaming vocals. The South Amboy, NJ 6-piece, while heavy is fairly easy on the ears. They shouldn't be lumped in with post hard-core bands. Last Days know how to build up their music and create intense, ambient musical landscapes that don't sound awkward or misplaced. The band was great to see live.
Tonight LDOE perform at The Blue Room is Secaucus with Streets of Fire, Eden Star, and Dispute to Flames. More info here.
Also, we interviewed Mike for an upcoming feature story, so be on the look out for that.
Upcoming LDOE Dates:
12/19 @ The Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ
1/15 @ The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
1/20 @ Mojo 13, Wilmington, DE
2/10 @ Trash Bar, Brooklyn, NY
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Last Days of Empire to release 'The Veronica Project' on June 8th
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Last Days of Empire, a North Jersey ambient alt-rock 6-piece, is releasing its next album called The...Last Days of Empire, a North Jersey ambient alt-rock 6-piece, is releasing its next album called The Veronica Project on June 8th. The band has a show on June 12 with Wooden Sky, Delft, and Brock Murdoch at The Court Tavern. Then on July 8 they have a special unplugged set at Crossroads. See the promo video for album below.
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Album Review: Last Days of Empire fight for glory on 'Veronica Project'
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Last Days of Empire- The Veronica Project
South Amboy, NJ
Self-Released
Released June 2010
For...Last Days of Empire- The Veronica Project
South Amboy, NJ
Self-Released
Released June 2010
For fans of: Deftones, Moving Mountains, post-rock, instrumental rock
The Veronica Project is a mesmerizing melodic alt-rock album with bursting layered guitars, and ambient vibes with themes of love, glory, and death. The band also adds keyboard, violin bows, and a textured sound that's consistent from top to bottom.
"Prizefighter" has some great guitar sounds. What gets me is when there's more than one guitar part happening. It's a bit tingly. The songs ends with a lovely piano song. This album represents a band that takes its time "to consider the way you connect me." The music really connects together nicely and is thoughtful.
The album is available digitally for pay-what-you-want here.
Tracklisting:
1. Prologue
2. 39 Sniper
3. Prizefighter
4. Down Coronado
5. Hunter Killer
6. A Wind
7. Gleason
8. The Facebless
9. The Rose Garden
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Album Review: Last Days of Empire - The Veronica Project
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Reviewed by: aradiantsunrise (06/06/10)
Last Days of Empire - The Veronica Project
Record Label: U...Reviewed by: aradiantsunrise (06/06/10)
Last Days of Empire - The Veronica Project
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: June 8th, 2010
One of my favorite things about music is when a band releases a concept album, I just love the idea of a band telling a story through music. You can just lay back and relax as you listen to the music and paint pictures in your head of what's going on at that moment in the story. There have been some great ones, and there have certainly been some terrible ones. Central New Jersey's Last Days of Empire's latest release, The Veronica Project, just so happens to fall under the great concept albums category. The album tells a story of society at war, touching on various themes, a few of those being love and death. The band do a fantastic job telling with their experimental rock sound, giving off an obvious 30 Seconds to Mars-eque vibe with larger-than-life, epic-sounding movie instrumentation.
''Prologue'', the album's first track, iis just that, a prologue. The introduction that tells the listener what happened and gets them into storymode to hear the story of The Veronica Project. A man's deep accented voice goes over the happenings while eerie music plays in the background. This leads into ''39 Sniper'', a song that starts heavy as lead vocalist Michael Depko follows it up with his passion-filled vocals, singing beautifully throughout the mid-tempo song, containing some screaming vocals scattered through the track. The prologue and ''39 Sniper'' making a more than appropriate beginning to the concept album.
Tracks ''Down Coronado'' and ''Hunter/Killer'' sound like songs that could be on 30 Seconds to Mars' album This Is War. You could swear the vocals even sounded like Jared Leto at certain parts of the songs. ''Down Coronado's'' soft sung vocal parts could also pass for a younger sounding Dustin Kensrue, along with the soothing vibe the song has. ''Hunter/Killer'' has an obvious ambient sound to it and delayed guitars playing throughout the song. Both ''Down Coronado'' and ''Hunter/Killer'' possibly being the most impressive and standout tracks on The Veronica Project.
Moving further down the story, ''Gleason'' is power ballad of sorts with soft singing, brief screaming and sweet sounding guitar riffs, another track that is sure to grab the listener's attention. ''The Rose Garden'' is The Veronica Project's conclusion to the story. It contains a beautiful key arrangement and impressive vocals from the band. The song intensifies towards the end, creating a bittersweet sound to end a great story. The Veronica Project is everything you want and need when it comes to a concept album. It leaves you thinking hard and going back several times to understand and love the story even more-so.
If you are as big of a fan as I am of concept albums than you must add this to your collection. You'll enjoy every second of it, especially if you're into 30 Seconds to Mars and (the experimental side of ) Thrice. Last Days of Empire have all the potential in the world and I'm sure they will use it wisely to top an impressive album (how about another concept album? maybe a sequel!). You can never be too sure if the story is really over and The Veronica Project will leave you wondering just that. If this is sparking your interest then drop what you're doing and go represent Last Days of Empire.
Recommended If You Like: 30 Seconds to Mars, Thrice, Deftones, Angels and Airwaves, concept albums
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AP.net Random Interview: Last Days of Empire
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1. How did you get your band name?
After a long, long list of really bad names, our original guitar...1. How did you get your band name?
After a long, long list of really bad names, our original guitarist, Drew, was reading a book, and the last line of it read something to the effect of "last days of empire". We all loved it, and it stuck.
2. How did this band get started?
That's a long story. To sum it up; friends with the common love of music.
3. What bands are you influenced by?
Me: Deftones, Far, Sunny Day Real Estate, Duran Duran, Saves The Day, Silent majority, Snapcase, Hum, Quicksand, Bad Brains, Tegan and Sara, Poison The Well, Hopesfall, Team Dresch, Sigur Ros...and many more.
4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would it be and why?
Deftones. They have inspired me in so many ways. I am musically enamored with that band, and it would be an honor to share the stage with them.
5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
A cat. Because I love cats. A persian cat. That's me.
6. Why should people listen to your band?
I think we give an air of freshness on what has influenced us. I think we have a little more depth than your basic hard rock band. Lyrically and musically we create moods that hopefully make the listener want to continue listening.
7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?
Ha! I guess "The Rose Garden". Because it would be interesting to see how you would use a violin bow on the Guitar Hero controller.
8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
My mom, my girlfriend and my band.
9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Wow, excellent question. I would change the reality in it. Fairness, and standards of which talent, and not dollar signs are based.
10. Memorable tour experience?
Besides ditching our van in MA....having the the honor of touring with one of my all-time favorite bands, Far.
11. What does AP.net mean to you?
A chance to be heard in a respective forum. With so much sensory overload on the internet, it's awesome that people still go to and rely on AP.net for new music and updates on the underground scene.
12. What is your favorite song to play?
"Death Dealer". But, I am really into playing the alternate/unplugged version of our new record and set live. It shows another side of us in a very intimate and stripped down manner. In this set, "39 Sniper" would be my favorite, because we play that song in a completely opposite way from which it appears on our record, and from how it was originally written. Creating a different mood of an existing theme fascinates me.
13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
San Diego.
14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Motley Crue.
15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
I'd be a vampire.
16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
Not yet.
17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
I am a celiac.
18. What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas tied with St.Patty's Day.
19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time?
20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
I am a crazy cook and drink slinger.
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Last Days Of Empire named support act for Far's reunion tour
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South Amboy rockers Last Days Of Empire announced on their blog that they are supporting Far on seve...South Amboy rockers Last Days Of Empire announced on their blog that they are supporting Far on several dates of their reunion tour.
Greetings Empire! It's official, we will be the support act for the legendary FAR on their East Coast reunion tour. We are ridiculously excited and extremely flattered and honored to be a part of this. The dates are listed below. Some of them are already sold out, but I have heard that tickets are still available on E-Bay. We hope to be see some friends and make a ton of new ones at these shows. Thank you so much Shaun, Jonah, Chris and John!---Mike and LDOE
FAR Reunion Tour Dates:
10/22: Allston, Massachusetts @ Harper's Ferry
10/23: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania @ Kung Fu Neck Tie
10/24: Washington DC @DC9
10/26: New York City, New York @ Mercury Lounge
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North Jersey Notes: Last Days Of Empire: South Amboy, NJ
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North Jersey Notes: Last Days Of Empire: South Amboy, NJ
—by Tim Louie, March 2, 2010
I recent...North Jersey Notes: Last Days Of Empire: South Amboy, NJ
—by Tim Louie, March 2, 2010
I recently received an email to check out a band from South Amboy, NJ, called Last Days Of Empire, and I have to say that the boys must have caught me in a good mood. Normally, I’m not a fan of mood rock, but the music of Last Days Of Empire really caught my attention. I heard great vocals, good guitar work, and unbelievable harmonies. Songs like “The Rose Garden,” “The Faceless,” and “Prizefighter,” off of the band’s debut CD, Black Armband Holiday, kind of blew me away.
Last Days Of Empire is a four-piece, unsigned, self-proclaimed ambient rock band from South Amboy, New Jersey. With layers and layers of guitar work, an explosive rhythm section, and distorted keys and beats, it’s only natural to be fronted by a powerful vocal section with singer/guitarist Michael Depko, who is also known for his transitions in between screams and singing patterns. Last Days Of Empire has often been compared to bands like Thrice, The Deftones, and 30 Seconds To Mars. Joining singer/guitarist Michael Depko in the band is guitarist Bryan Corigliano, bassist Rob Byles, and drummer Jay Bruner.
Last Days Of Empire is currently on the road in support of the upcoming CD, The Veronica Project, which I’m told is a conceptual CD about “a society at war and touches on such themes as love, camaraderie, glory and death.” This CD could be the Operation Mindcrime of our time! Who knows? I do know that this girl, Veronica, must be really hot to have a CD named after her! Give the boys of Last Days Of Empire a listen at myspace.com/lastdaysofempire.
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Future Hits 043: Last Days Of Empire
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From: New Jersey, US
Sounds like: Saves The Day, Taking Back Sunday, Far
Website: www.MySpace.com/...From: New Jersey, US
Sounds like: Saves The Day, Taking Back Sunday, Far
Website: www.MySpace.com/LastDaysOfEmpire
Thrash Hits verdict: There seems to be an awful lot going on in New Jersey right now - not only did we stumble across the hardcore rock’n'roll of Chambers, but now we can also add the post-hardcore soundscapes of Last Days of Empire to our 2009 discovery-list. We pinned down LDoE vocalist/guitarist, Michael Depho, to fill us in.
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How did you guys meet?
“The story begins back in 1996, when Cory [George, guitars] and I first met through mutual friends. We were both in bands at the time, and we had a common love for bands like Deftones, Quicksand and Weezer amongst others. We eventually started our own band with some friends. When it came time for the first rehearsal, I at the time, had a ton of gear, and I brought it all to the rehearsal. After all of the gear was divided up, I was the only one without an instrument. The only thing left was a microphone. I was scared to death, as my only prior band experience was playing drums and guitar in riot grrl and alt-rock bands. I was so nervous to be put on the spot like that, that I delayed as long as I could and eventually agreed to sing only if I could hide in a closet with the mic. And of course, aside from writing an original song, the other guys decided it would be best to play a song we all knew. Of course this was a Deftones song. I guess they liked what they heard, we were kids, and I’m sure it was terrible, but, I have been singing ever since.
“Some time had gone by and we had grown up a bit, and Cory and I both moved to different parts of the US. But when we both returned to New Jersey, we just had to start writing together. So, around 2003 we started writing the first Last Days of Empire songs. We auditioned some friends, started playing shows, had some lineup changes, recorded three EP’s, and here we are today, about 6 years later.”
What made you want to start a band?
“I had always loved music since I was a kid, and when I was a teenager, I became obsessed with finding new music and going to shows. For me, the natural progression was to start a band. I loved the whole scene/show culture and network of bands and musicians, and I truly wanted to be a part of that. Being able to express yourself musically as an art form is a very gratifying and amazing experience.”
Last Days Of Empire cover artwork packshot Thrash Hits
**Album Artwork**
Where does the name come from?
“It was a quote that was at the end of a book our old guitar player Drew was reading. It stuck, and totally spawned imagery and the concept for the theme/pseudo-story behind our music. For a brief time, we were called Tomax and Xamot, as we were all obsessed with G.I Joe when were young.”
Did growing up in New Jersey affect your music?
“Totally. NJ is the home to so many accomplished and great acts. I grew up with Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Naughty by Nature, and The Misfits. And more recent underground bands like Saves the Day, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Thursday, God Forbid, and Lifetime really influenced me and helped pave the way for a lot of up and coming bands from our general area. Now The Gaslight Anthem has grabbed the torch, and they are doing a great job representing where they came from.”
So far, what has been the best thing about being in a band?
“Probably connecting with 4-6 different people at the same time on the same thing. It’s a beautiful thing when dudes can connect on something as emotional as music. Playing shows and meeting fans and other bands is also very rewarding.”
With which band would your dream support slot/tour be?
“For me, that’s simple…Deftones/Last Days of Empire tour. I think a Glassjaw/At The Drive In Reunion Tour would be mind-melting, as well as a Sunny Day Real Estate/Hum Reunion tour.”
What bands do you consider as part of your scene or as your peers?
“In our general area of NJ, I’d have to say Chemtrail, Communication Redlight, Chambers, Grand Alto, Brock Murdock, Aphonia, River City Extension, Everything She Needs, Ecotone, Socratic. Those are the bands we play a lot of shows with. I hope I didn’t forget anyone.”
Watch the video to ‘Hunter/Killer’ by Last Days Of Empire
**Embedded video**
What marks you out as different to other bands around at the moment?
“I guess the fact that we have a lot going on musically. 3 guitars, keys, samples, beats, 4 vocals….we bring a lot of gear with us when we play. Also the story theme to the music. To me, some of the songs are soundscapes to different scenes or glimpses into the story. We also try to be as professional as we can possibly be with everything we do, so we can be taken seriously by our fans, promoters, and other bands. A lot of unsigned acts don’t, and sometimes they are not taken seriously as they should be.”
What’s the best show you’ve played?
“The best show we have played was the last show of the recent Far Reunion Tour at The Mercury Lounge in New York City. Not only were we completely honored and flattered that the guys in Far took us with them for their East Coast Reunion Tour, but this show was special, maybe a little magical. It was near our hometown, and all of our friends were there at a sold out club with us as the direct support for Far. We played great, Far played great, the tour was great, but seeing how proud our friends and families were for us, knowing how influential and important Far is to us, was just inspiring. Getting to hang and play with Glassjaw and Saves the Day at a festival in NJ was pretty amazing too.”
Tell us a joke.
“Tom Cruise is from New Jersey.”
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Last Days of Empire have a few more live dates to play before the year is out, so if you happen to find yourself in New Jersey this side of 2010, you might want to consider checking them out.
supersonic
