Empire Beats

Artist Information

Biography

Sultry New Orleans vocalist Miss Camille Atkinson fronts drummer Mark Boquist’s five to nine piece rhythm band as they explore an expanding book of Rock/Roll&Soul music ~ familiar and forgotten hits from the past and funky new originals. With songs from every side of the love equation – from joy to lust to heartbreak – EMPIRE BEATS energetic review recalls showcases of another era. It’s great music that gets every generation up dancing. Not only can they pare down for instrumental cocktail and ceremony music, with the addition of their bawdy after-hours burlesque show, the JUKE JOINT REVUE, any event is elevated to an extravaganza as EMPIRE BEATS delivers an array of musical panache, sass, and class from start to finish.

Atkinson’s powerful and dynamic vocals and Boquist’s big beats have been bringing people to their feet for years. Atkinson’s work in cabaret adds theatricality – as well as a simmering dose of sexy – to all she does. Boquist has been drumming in bands, making records, and touring as a side-man from coast-to-coast for decades. They met in 2010 playing behind the legendary artists Young Jessie, Barbara Stant, Lou Pride, Bobby Patterson, and others as part of the acclaimed Dig Deeper series, a monthly Soul Music revival in Brooklyn, New York.

Boquist organized EMPIRE BEATS behind Atkinson in 2011, utilizing the unmatched talents of Nicholas Semrad on piano/organ, Sam Parrish on guitar, and Sean Murphy on bass. The band is often joined by the HUNDRED DOLLAR HORNS, a punchy brass unit led by Pete Creekmore that brings yet another level of power and grace to their sound. As well as playing the usual juke joints, dive bars, and esteemed music halls of New York City and beyond, EMPIRE BEATS is available for funkshuns of all kinds everywhere.

+ Headlining Showcases + Opening Slots + Rent Parties + Loft Parties + Society Mixers + Product Launches + Gay Weddings + Straight Divorces + Family Reunions + Irish Wakes + Holidaze + Fun Raisers + BBQs + Clam Bakes + Happy Hours + After Hours + All Night Jams + Plain Ordinary Whoopee Parties


Links:
http://www.empirebeatsnyc.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/empirebeats
https://www.facebook.com/EmpireBeatsNYC
https://www.facebook.com/JukeJointRevue
http://vimeo.com/52431638

Booking/Press:
MARK BOQUIST
917.586.3830
empirebeatsnyc@gmail.com
Box 462 | New York, NY | 10276

Instrumentation

Camille Atkinson - Vocalist
Nicholas Semrad - Piano / Organ
Sam Parrish - Rhythm Guitar
Sean Murphy - Bass Guitar
Mark Boquist - Drums
Danny Lipsitz - Tenor Saxophone

Discography

Official Website

http://www.empirebeatsnyc.com/

Links

• Facebook
• ReverbNation
• Bandcamp

Audio

• (If Only Love Was) Like That [demo]
  Listen  
• Hifalutin Shoes [demo]
  Listen  
• Night Train
  Listen  
• (Night Time Is) The Right Time
  Listen  

Lyrics

• (If Only Love Was) Like That
• Hifalutin Shoes

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• CBGB’s Festival Presents: Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Empire Beats feat. Camille Atkinson and Erin Barra at Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory 7/6/2012 [+ Show ]
  

  Empire Beats strung us along with a brief intro before Camille Atkinson strutted on stage and nabbed...Empire Beats strung us along with a brief intro before Camille Atkinson strutted on stage and nabbed the audience’s ears by exhibiting a flirtatious aura, seducing us with her charming voice. Camille’s vintage performance—backed by the Empire Beats’ dazzling instrumentation—briefly converted the Knitting Factory into a jazz club in New Orleans. The cover of Bobby Patterson’s song, “TCB or TYA” was probably the highlight of their performance, receiving many cheers from the crowd. Empire Beats’ set was jam-packed with fun vibes, but it was Camille who stood out amongst this soulful band. Camille exuded a unique charisma, delivering a top-notch performance filled with sex appeal. As one of the songs said, “She’s got flair, she’s got grace,” and there is no denying that.
  
  -Enrique Grijalva, The Knit (Jul 09, 2012)

• Empire Beats is jaaaaaaaammmzz daddy-o [+ Show ]
  

  Last night while I was out and about (and fairly chemically re-arranged) I saw for the second time, ...Last night while I was out and about (and fairly chemically re-arranged) I saw for the second time, the band Empire Beats. They’re from New York and I believe they play every third Thursday of each month at The Lakeside Lounge. Are they worth your time? Yes! They’re great. And I’m not just saying that because on occasion they kick a jam by old muggins over here.
  
  The singer, Camille Atkinson, is pure class. Her vocal qualities are impressive. She is fearless and graceful in the same moment. I really think she and the band delivered last night. I would suggest if you have the opportunity, to make one of their gigs. Check out www.empirebeatsnyc.com for more info.

Setlist

Pulchritude (Camille Atkinson + Empire Beats)
Hifallutin Shoes (Camille Atkinson + Empire Beats)
If Only Love Was Like That (Camille Atkinson + Empire Beats)
Scratchin Like It's Catchin (Camille Atkinson + Empire Beats)
Get Yer Ya Yas Out (Camille Atkinson + Empire Beats)
Hot Sauce (Camille Atkinson + Empire Beats)
Cutter Gets Cut (Aaron Lee Tasjan)
Piece Of My Heart (Erma Franklin)
Anna (Arthur Alexander)
Hallelujah I Love Her So (Ray Charles)
(Night Time Is) The Right Time (Ray Charles)
One Mint Julep (Sarah Vaughn)
Unchain My Heart (Ray Charles)
Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles)
Pungee (The Meters)
Darling Darling Darling (The Meters)
Willie And The Hand Jive (Johnny Otis)
Night Train (James Brown)
I Want You Back (Jackson 5)
TCB or TYA (Bobby Patterson)
I'm Com'un Home In The Morn'un (Lou Pride)
Think (Aretha Franklin)
Putty In Your Hands (The Shirelles)
Don't Be Cruel (Barbara Lynn)
Pass The Hatchet (Roger & The Gypsies)
Something's Got a Hold On Me (Etta James)
Seven Day Fool (Etta James)
I'll Go Crazy (James Brown)
It's A Man's World (James Brown)
Think (James Brown)
Mary Lou (Young Jessie)
Hit Git and Split (Young Jessie)
Neighbor Neighbor (Jimmy Hughes)
Skate (Dean Parrish)
Fever (Little Willie John)
Save Me (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)
Blue Flame (Woody Herman)
Do I Move You (Nina Simone)
That Old Black Magic (Sarah Vaughn ~ Ella Fitzgerald)
Too Hot (Diana Ross & The Supremes)
Cheaper To Keep Her (Johnnie Taylor)
Black Coffee (Sarah Vaughan ~ Julie London ~ Ella Fitzgerald)
I Put A Spell On You (Screamin Jay Hawkins ~ Nina Simone ~ Them)
Girl With One Eye (Florence and The Machine)
She's A Lady (Tom Jones)
Cry Me A River (Sarah Vaughan ~ Julie London ~ Ella Fitzgerald)
Help Me (Sonny Boy Williamson)
Turn On Your Love Light (Dean Parrish)
Night Beat (Chuck Berry)
Lulu Belle (Young Jessie)
Pretty Girls Everywhere (Eugene Church)

Basic Requirements

Calendar