Chicago-based band, Empires, are a band who nearly won a high-profile contest put on by Rolling Stone yet continue to garner recognition and were even invited to play Lollapalooza. Not bad for runners up. The quartet started making music in 2007 and made a name for themselves with a few EPs under their belt and constant touring. The band had become accustomed to not only recording and producing their own music, but also shot their own music videos and visual artwork for their albums. In 2011, the unsigned band rolled the dice and participated in a contest to win a cover spot on Rolling Stone Magazine. The band didn’t win but their profile continued to increase, so much so, they were invited to perform at Lollapalooza in 2012.
The latest album by Empires, Orphan, has been getting quite a bit of attention in 2014 and the band was recently invited to perform at Bonnaroo, the Hangout Music Festival and a coveted spot to play on the Late Show with David Letterman.
B-Sides On-Air caught up with lead singer, Sean Van Vleet, during Austin City Limits, where the band performed both weekends of the event. Van Vleet spoke with B-Sides host, Pete Mar, about that Lollapalooza performance, touring, his penchant for haunted hotels and more!
Check it out!
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