Empathy's Gone

It’s “The Beginning of Nothing”. It is what hopeful musicians refer to the long dream of becoming a recognizable name. Within the last two years the band has had to endure one roadblock after another, ultimately having to make a change in line up and band name. Relocating from San Antonio, Texas where the band was known as Ology (later X-Ology) to set their roots anew in Austin, Texas. Empathy’s Gone has a rugged road still yet to come, however as the band took form in February 2005 with four members, (Lisa – bass/25, Mando – rhythm guitar/27, Jose – vocals/27, Rod – drums/27), making a pack to look beyond and see what the horizon has in store.

Where does the band Empathy’s Gone come from? The band had its humble beginnings with its two founding members, Jose De La Cerda and Mando Cadena. After trying their skills in a local talent show, they realized what memorable music could be made, and the search for quality musicians began. Within a few months they established a line up based on a blend of alternative rock which would come to be known as “OLoGY”. Four years of hard work, writing music, and hitting the streets came to an abrupt stop in August 2003 when the band lost their drummer to musical differences. They called upon Rene Rod, a drummer with the heart of making music happen from the former Austin band called, “Address: Unknown”. Overcoming their first real hurdle, “OLoGY” took the time to reflect where the band’s musical focus could expand. The band made the conscience effort to forgo their old musical views and adopted a turntable/sample player into the mix.

At last, finally up and running in full force, making progress and continuing to book shows when in January 2004, the band undergoes another loss, losing their bass player to personal differences. In light of the situation the remaining four members looked at how they would re-established their line up. With February 2004 approaching an ad was answered by a young, unpolished, bass player who had set his sights at making the rhythm section in “OLoGY” a force to reckon with. But what story would not be complete without a “cease and decease” letter. In mid January 2004 the band received the letter that would reinvent their name. Not wanting to lose fans due to a name change, the band took from the idea of being the former members of “OLoGY” and adopted the name “X-OLoGY”.

The new line up was poised for success, playing show after show reaching an ever growing fan base. In the short nine months of X-OLoGY they had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Flaw, Atomship and Kevin Martin and the HiWatts to name a few. Not to mention testing their abilities during an Artists and Repertoire (A&R) showcase for Sony Nashville, Epic and Mercury Record Labels. The band was well received by the A&R representatives, giving the band more motivation to move forward and work even harder in accomplishing their dream. As if living out the words to one of their songs, seasons change and new ones begin. Shortly after the A&R showcase the two youngest members decided to call it quits in October 2004 to put more focus into continuing their education. The remaining members decided to take time off to start searching for what would become the new band.

After months of undergoing auditions for bass and guitar, Empathy’s Gone saw the light when Lisa Taylor stepped up to the plate and delivered bass lines which accompanied the rhythm section like a glove.

Empathy’s Gone now consists of four musicians that bring forth a powerful and soulful driving force. The band takes from their biggest influences such as Incubus, Our Lady Peace, Live, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Sevendust, Hoobastank, Breaking Benjamin, The Apex Theory all while throwing in a flare mixture of Latin greats such as Santana and Mana.

“It’ll be our sheer determination, desire, along with pride that’ll help us stand the test of time”, says Jose. “Our dynamic stage presence will propel Empathy’s Gone as one band coming out of Central Texas you’ll want to look out for”, says Mando. The band clearly has a new agenda in mind and a live show to back them up. Empathy’s Gone is coming at you with a familiar sound that is distinctly their own. Where does the band go from here? After going through the roadblocks and still managing to stay focused on their dream, the band is ready for another attack on the stage; another shot at leaving their mark on the face of the music industry.

Empathy’s Gone has played the following cities and venues:
San Antonio, Tx.: The White Rabbit, Sam’s Burger Joint, The Rox Room, Neon Cantina, Ave. B Lounge, The Sanctuary, Jack's Patio Bar & Grill, The Wiggle Room
Austin, Tx.: The Backroom, The Vibe, Red Eyed Fly, Bigsby’s, Redrum, The Dirty Dog
Dallas, Tx.: Across the Street Bar, Coyote Ugly, Tom Cat’s
Houston, Tx.: Sidecar Pub
Corpus Christi, Tx.: The Underground, The Blue Ghost Landing
San Marcos, Tx.: Lucy’s on the S