Empress Hotel is like my perfect boyfriend, they love tacos and Jameson, have a love for awesome facial hair, a great sense of humor, and make me want to dance. No wonder they were a perfect fit for our Digital Album. This pop ensemble hails from New Orleans and are inspired by one hit wonders from the 70s (Ace and The Dwight Twilley Band, click, really, I dare you) as well as great such as Prince and Roxy Music.
Before you go on to read their interview below, check out their video for Mach Bach, the song featured on our digital album. It's super rad, and it features glitter balloons. That's right, balloons filled with glitter. Now watch!
"Mach Bach" by Empress Hotel from drew stubbs on Vimeo.
First, we have to say, we loved the “Mach Bach” video. All the balloons and glitter made us happy. What was the thought behind that video?
The video idea was originally us in a ball pit with New Orleans bounce booty clappers. However, director Drew Stubbs came up with a more economical method of conveying that same playfulness without having to rent out a Chuck E. Cheese.
Drew is the man. I blame him for that video being amazing. He was in that space at 7 a.m. blowing up balloons. 'Twas a great idea and we look forward to working with him again.
How do you hope to inspire your fans?
Through heartfelt lyricism, a personally affecting live performance and dope ass beards.
What do you want fans to get out of your music?
A peaceful, easy feeling.
What would you be doing if you weren’t (or when you’re not) making music?
Micah: Watching star trek
Ryan: Shaving
Jack: Playing golf
Hache: Bikram yoga
Eric: Big room yogurt
Fill in the blank, Empress Hotel is forever grateful for:
Responsive crowds filled with beautiful, well-dressed women. Also grateful for a bottle of Jameson in our green room. Cheap tacos are nice too.
You guys are based in an area known for its rich musical culture. How do you draw on this and make it your own?
We take the lessons we've learned from growing up in a musically rich city and apply those lessons to writing great pop melodies.
Do you have pre- or post-show rituals?
Bird watching, beer drinking and beard trimming.
Best show?
Nashville - 3rd and Lindsley on Sept 25, 2011 with Van Hunt.
Of course, then I need to ask … any disaster shows?
Once – we were the band on the Titanic.
How does fashion inspire you?
We all love great hats, and often you will notice more than two hats on stage. Goorin Bros hats are particularly snazzy.
What else inspires you? Other artists?
Jack is personally inspired by a great dish of spaghetti and meatballs, particularly those meatballs that are made with parmesan.
Favorite movie?
Micah: “Mulholland Drive”
Hache: “Serpico”
Jack: “Kenny”
Ryan: “Jurassic Park”
Eric: “Fargo”
Favorite artist?
Micah: Pablo Picasso
Hache: Ryland Cook
Jack: My aunt. She's a painter.
Ryan: [Jackson] Pollock
Eric: [Salvador] Dali
Favorite musician/band?
Micah: The Kinks
Hache: Os Mutantes
Jack: Neil Young
Ryan: Michael McDonald
Eric: Floating Action
What’s next for Empress Hotel?
Europe, Japan, Australia. New full-length album in spring 2012. Tour, tour, tour!!!
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
As always, you can get more of Empress Hotel on our Digital Album, free with each order, no matter how big or small. Plus, the more you order the more you have a chance to win our golden ticket. And who doesn't love having a real life Charlie and the Chocolate Factory moment?
facebook
tumblr
twitter