Hi, everyone! This past week, I've been exchanging interview questions with the Philadelphia-based noise rock group Empath. The band originally started when Garrett Koloski and Emily Shanahan finished up college at Syracuse University and moved to Philly where they met their future lead singer, Catherine Elicson. The three of them began making music together, and released a debut EP back in 2016. After Randall Coon joined the band shortly after, and he proved to be the missing link the band needed. They released another EP as a quartet, and began touring regularly since then. They released their debut LP, Active Listening: Night on Earth back in May, and has received very favorable reviews. The album's name lives up to its overall listening experience, as I enjoyed a lot of the tracks on it. Although they begin a US tour to promote their album this weekend, I was glad I was able to speak with them.
bazzreviews: Which artists or albums inspired you to start a music career in the first place?
Empath: We were never really inspired to have a real “career” per se, but we are constantly inspired by new art everyday. However, as young people, I would say we were really all really into Marilyn Manson, a lot of different punk and jazz music, and as crazy as it sounds- Insane Clown Posse.
br: When and how did all of you meet each other?
E: We all met up at the dunking bucket at the Renaissance Faire in Philly. We all bonded over turkey legs and ICP.
br: What’s the significance behind the band’s name, Empath?
E: There wasn’t really all that much that went into it, we asked a Ouija board what to name our group.
br: You guys signed your first major record deal with Fat Possum over the summer- how did you guys first come into contact?
E: They dropped off a suitcase full of money on our doorstep...
brL Your full-length debut, Active Listening: Night on Earth released in May to high acclaim, and one of the singles on it received “Best New Music” from Pitchfork. What were your first reactions to seeing these accolades?
E: It’s been awesome, I guess it’s safe to say that our parents will finally be proud of us.
br: How have you guys responded to this newfound fame?
E: I never thought we’d get this far, but I guess that being famous gives you the power treat other people like s--t.
br: I’ve heard you guys are known for some pretty awesome live shows, do you guys prefer performing live rather than working in the studio?
E: I don’t know if we live one more than another, they’re both very different ways of expressing creativity. When you’re playing live, its immediacy gives you such a rush, and the energy of the crowd when you’re playing live feels really great, too. When we’re working in the studio, we have a very methodical construction of songs to create an awesome listening experience.
br: Can you describe some processes for how you make songs?
E: Every instrument is added one step at a time, and we usually begin with the guitar and vocals. If we run into any blocks along the way, we consult our Ouija board.
br: What’s more important to you, lyricism, or production value and instrumentation?
E: I’m not sure, I don’t think one is better than the other. I’d say that we’re very critical of every aspect of songwriting, so I’d say they’re pretty even.
br: You guys are known for using some unorthodox sounds throughout a lot of your songs, what fuels your drive to use items such as Beanie Babies as shakers and chirping birds?
E: We don't like to take ourselves too seriously. We want to be open to putting whatever we feel like onto a track to create something unique
br: I know you guys just released a record recently, but do you guys have any upcoming projects in the works right now?
E: I can’t really say all too much, but I’ll say that we are releasing a cover song soon and have begun writing the next record.
br: What music goals do you guys have for the future?
E: I really don’t want to have to work a s----y coffee or restaurant job. In terms of pushing the band forward, I think I just want to be able to focus solely on creating.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What is one album that you find as overrated and one you find as underrated?
Underrated - Water Bearer by Sally Oldfield
Overrated - Garage Inc. by Metallica
Who are your non-musical heroes?
Isabella Blow, anyone fighting for peace, and water protectors
Which artists have you been listening to recently?
Lee Hazlewood, XTC, Tirzah and Royal Trux
What was the first album you ever bought?
Cathy- Millennium- Backstreet Boys
Randall- Bat Of Hell II- Meat Loaf
Emily- Let Go- Avril Lavigne
Garrett- Chocolate Starfish- Limp Bizkit
I'd like to thank the gang for giving me their time to interview, and I wish them the best of luck on their upcoming tour. They'll actually be sharing some shows with past bazzreviews interview guest Guerilla Toss! Thanks again to all of the readers, too! I hope you guys continue to stick around for some awesome new content coming your way soon!
To check out Empath's music, go to https://empathx.bandcamp.com/
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