Empire Circus are a four piece Alt Pop outfit who have tapped into the panache of Two Door Cinema Club, the demeanour of Arcade Fire and the general cool suave of Gorillaz… then morphed out at the other side with a resonant sound under the guise of Empire Circus.
Having lived and played music full time in the USA together for 7 years, they returned to Ireland in 2008. Then in the spring & summer of 2012 the band spent time writing, demoing and working feverishly on creating music. They wrote some songs. Actually they wrote lots of songs. Some they really enjoyed playing, others… not so much. So they took the fun ones and went to a studio in Brooklyn and crafted an album of 12 tunes that made them want to sing, dance and get silly. A good time to touch base we think.
▶ Tell us about your stage name?
Empire Circus – we came up with the name while we were recording our album in Brooklyn last year. New York is known as The Empire State. We thought is was a good strong word for a band. But we also wanted something fun, colourful and energetic, so we chose Circus. The name captures the energy and message of our music.
▶ When did you start playing music and how long did it take to find your own sound?
We’ve have been playing music for about 7 or 8 years now in different bands and projects but we only came together and started writing as Empire Circus in February 2012. We had a clear idea how we wanted our music to sound so we just immersed ourselves in as much upbeat alt pop sounds as we could find. Everything from Two Door Cinema Club, to MGMT, to Gorillaz to Arcade Fire. It was a very clear goal from the outset. We wanted to make people dance and sing.
▶ What releases have you put out thus far, and which would be the one to listen to for the uninitiated?
We released our debut single “True Believer” in April. That’s pretty kicking with a great video too. YouTube that baby!! But the uninitiated should definitely check out our new single “There is a Light” which is coming out June 21st. Gorillaz meets Florence.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
Our first live show in Dublin last February. Playing all these new songs and instruments was nerve wracking! Is that what you mean? We just played in Belfast last week @ The Empire Music Hall. That was pretty special.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a Lowlight of the journey so far?
There hasn’t been many of either yet. EC is only a baby band. It’ll take a while and I’m sure we’ll have some serious fun along the way. Hoping the lowlights keep their distance though.
▶ What does ‘success’ mean to you?
Earning a living doing what we love and living long enough to see the next generation listening to our music.
▶ You are in control of forming a 4 piece ‘super group’ – who is in it and what do they do?
Matt Bellamy / Vocals,Piano & Guitar.
Prince / Guitar.
Stewart Copeland / Drums.
John Entwistle / Bass.
Feel the awesomeness!!
▶ If you and 3 bands of your choosing were to do a world tour, who would the other 3 bands be?
Muse, Sigur Ros and Daft Punk. What a line-up!
▶ What will be the 3 strangest things on your rider when you’re able to make any demand?
China tea cups, a speak n spell and a framed picture of Marvin Gaye. One must relax and educate oneself in the presence of greatness before a show.
▶ Finally, in a climate saturated with bands vying for listener attention; why should the good old folks at home listen to you guys?
Cause there’s a little bit for everyone in our music. You name it, we got it. Sing it. Dance it. Feel it. Roll up! Roll up! Empire Circus comin’ to town. Get on your dancing shoes.
“There Is A Light” is released 21st June
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