BAND: The Empire State
INTERVIEWER: JenJen@bandvibe.com

BAND MEMBERS:
Wesley Guest -Vocals
Greg Nichols - Guitar/Vocals
Connor McCarthy - Bass
Dan Achin - Drums

Q1. How long have you guys been as a band and how did all of you meet?
The band formed almost 2 years ago from the ashes of a number of local San Diego bands. Greg and our original drummer came over from the leftovers of the SD punk band Oneside Red. Wes was singing and playing guitar in local bands Arial and Distemper. Our current drummer and resident guy with nice hair, Dan, spent some time in Hence The Name and Pridebowl. Conner just kind of showed up one day… Ironically, in this age of internet dating sites and a world where you cant exist without 5 email addresses, we all met on local music websites. We hung out, songs were written, shows were played, and here we are today.

Q2. Who are your musical influences?
Story of the Year, Iron Maiden, Taking Back Sunday, Finch, Incubus, NOFX, Saosin, Fall Out Boy, Megadeath, Avenged Sevenfold, Misery Signals

Q3. How do you describe your music to people?
We’re too soft to be a metal band but too hard to be an emo band. We have aspects of punk, metal and rock, which blend in a perfect harmony of delightful tones and interesting rhythms… In reality, we tell people we’re not that good, but if they’ll come to a show, we’ll buy them a beer. Seems to work

Q4. Which venues do you normally perform at?
Canes Bar and Grill, Brick By Brick, Blind Melons

Q5. What is the most creative gift you have received from a fan?
??????

Q6. What are your immediate career goals (in the next 5 years)?
Release an EP, release a CD, release a DVD and tour. Hopefully someone will eventually release small action figures of us with posable arms and legs… Q7. What are your feelings towards the San Diego live music scene?
It is alive despite what many locals think/say. It takes time and effort to find your audience and many bands give up early. Networking between bands is key and San Diego musicians support each other more than any area we’ve seen. We work hard and we support others who work hard, and hope that others can support our hard work.

Q8. What music event(s) do you dream about performing at?
Warped Tour Warped Tour Warped Tour Warped Tour Warped Tour

Q9. What do you like to do on your free time besides music?
I hate to be cliché but this band enjoys one another’s company. We like to get out and have a good time… Tear up the town if you will… Connor likes to tinker, fix things. Greg likes his electronic toys. Wes likes his sports and his TV time. Dan enjoys long walks on the beach and diving…like with fish…

Q10. What can we expect of The Empire State in 2006?
We are pushing for a huge year. We want to play bigger and better shows (House of Blues was a good start!!). We’re taking steps to get our music heard by more people. We plan to start touring around SoCal and hopefully to release an EP sometime in the Spring of 06’.

Check out more about The Empire State at:
http://www.theempirestatemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/theempirestatemusic