Little Empire

Keyboard is an “Extension of Myself” for Classically-Trained Pianist, Songwriter and Vocalist

May 20, 2016 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Lily Lewis is the lead vocalist, keyboardist and primary songwriter of “Little Empire”, a Los Angeles based pop/rock band produced by Grammy nominee Warren Huart. Little Empire performs its original music in part to support its debut album, “Little Empire”. The band plans to produce music videos later this year. As Little Empire’s lead musician, Lewis performs and composes with an 88-key Nord Stage 2 which she calls “my dream keyboard”.

Trained as a classical and jazz pianist since age five, Lewis prefers an 88-key instrument and says the fully-weighted hammer-action keybed of the Stage 2 “feels like a grand”. She favors classic piano sounds from the Nord Piano Library for most songs but appreciates the keyboard’s wide range of synth and organ capabilities. Lewis composes from the Stage 2 as well, occasionally switching up the mood from piano to guitar when recording. She says the Nord is “effortless to play” and it becomes an “extension of my emotion” as she composes.

The Stage 2 features a comprehensive effects section available to all three instruments (piano, organ and synth). Keyboard programming and control are arranged by instrument and designed to be highly functional yet intuitive. Lewis says the Nord’s capabilities are “massive” and she’s constantly learning about its many features. Yet, she makes good use of effects like delay and finds the keyboard easy to understand and use. “I’m not distracted by the Nord,” she says. “I get to think about the music.”

Lewis studies neuro-science and genetics at Santa Monica College and also teaches piano and vocals, working as a mentor for young musicians. Having played and worked with many different keyboards, Lewis says the Nord is “like an extension of myself.” She loves the keyboard’s rich selection of sounds, its wide range of effects and its standard of quality and adds, “I really needed this keyboard in my life. It’s the coolest keyboard ever!” - American Music & Sound