Biography
For the past four years, the Denver-based indie rockers of Instant Empire have played regularly in Colorado and toured the Midwest with aspirations as big as their sound. While most IE songs are anthemic and rowdy enough to keep fans fist-pumping, the literate lyrics and the band's complexity beg a second (or third) listen at home on the couch. Their brand of aggressive indie rock has drawn comparisons to The Hold Steady, The National, Manchester Orchestra and Bright Eyes.
Thematically, IE’s songs relate to the zeitgeist: our struggle to overcome isolation, connect to others, and find meaning in chaotic lives. The band’s sound is broad and unafraid to experiment. Songs are highlighted by a tight rhythm section, melodically rich guitar interplay, dark synth underpinnings, and vocals that are at once urgent and passionate.
After releasing three quality EPs—Instant Empire (2011), Heavy Hollow (2012), and Keep Up! (2013)—IE was selected to record with Christopher Tyng’s Grow Music Project in Santa Barbara, CA. The single from this session will appear on the band's first full-length album, planned for Spring 2015. Jonathan Low (The National, The War on Drugs, Modern Baseball, etc) and John Vanderslice (Spoon, Death Cab for Cutie, Mountain Goats, etc.) have signed on to record and produce the new record. In 2014, the band was also invited to sign with the Red Bull Sound Select artist development program.
This is a band that has found its sound and that believes it is on the cusp of creating something special. Instant Empire is lead singer Scotty Saunders with guitarists Sean Connaughty and Lou Kucera, Aaron Stone on bass, Doug Chase pushing buttons and Tristan Kelley on drums.
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