Empires (band)
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Key people | Tom Conrad, Sean Van Vleet, Max Steger, Mike Robinson |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Empires was an indie rock group originating from Chicago, featuring members Tom Conrad, Sean Van Vleet, Max Steger, and Mike Robinson.
Background
Empires came together in early 2008 when guitarist Tom Conrad reached out to vocalist Sean Van Vleet to start a collaboration. Throughout that year, they focused on composing songs before expanding the lineup with Max Steger, Ryan Luciani, and Al Smith. The band's name was independently conceived by both Conrad and Van Vleet in separate areas of Chicago.
Adopting a hands-on DIY ethic for their music production and distribution, Max Steger took on the role of producer and engineer, Tom Conrad managed the visual design aspects, and Sean Van Vleet contributed as the primary lyricist. Their third full-length album, Orphan (2014), was produced by John Congleton and released under Island Records alongside Chop Shop Records.
Empires appeared on national television for the first time on David Letterman on June 17, 2014. That same year, their song How Good Does It Feel was included in the soundtrack for NHL 15.
In August 2017, lead vocalist Sean Van Vleet announced via Instagram that Empires had officially ended their musical activities.
Discography
- HOWL (2008)
- BANG EP (2010)
- Garage Hymns (2012)
- How Good Does It Feel EP (2014)
- Orphan (2014)
Tour history
Throughout their career, Empires toured alongside acts such as Geographer, Alkaline Trio, Kaiser Chiefs, The Whigs, Augustines, Deerhunter, Saint Motel, Death Cab for Cutie, The Temper Trap, and Black Francis.
They also performed at several prominent music festivals including:
- Austin City Limits Music Festival (2014)
- Bunbury Music Festival (2013)
- Big Guava Music Festival (2015)
- Bonnaroo Music Festival (2014)
- BottleRock Napa Valley (2014)
- Hangout Music Festival (2014)
- Forecastle Festival (2015)
- Lollapalooza (2012)
- LouFest (2014)
- South by Southwest (2014)