Interview: Empire Nation
British band Empire Nation have just released their highly anticipated second studio album 'Closer'. They are one of the UK's most exciting up and coming bands, so LTTM caught up with lead guitarist Sam Dransfield to find out more about the album.
Tell us a little bit about your new album 'Closer' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I think since Airtight we have really matured as a band and Closer is testament to that, it's quite a raw album and it's all about getting real with life and closer to God. Inspiration musically ranges from Temper Trap, Athlete, Parachute Band to Tracy Chapman and Matafix
Which is your favourite track on the new album and why?
Can I have two...? I really love Closer, how it draws people in before the guitars kick in towards the end. The other, Fire Fall Down. [See 'free download' below!]
The album includes a duet with Philippa Hanna, what was she like to work with?
Philippa's great to work with, we've played together a number of times and it's always been a blast!
Song writing normally starts with Ed mailing over an idea or me mailing over a riff or chord progression. We then take to rehearsals and play with it till something comes to light. On a couple of occasions we've written a brand new song during rehearsals and played it the next day during the show!
How did you come up with the name of the band, and what's the meaning behind it?
We basically had a list of 100 names and slowly worked it down to our top 3, Empire Nation seemed to stick out! It's quite a bold name, but I think it somehow captures what we’re about and everything we are trying to do for God’s kingdom.
You've got some exciting plans for your forthcoming tour, what can you tell us about that?
We’d like the tour to be similar to the new album; a journey through life and faith, amplifying our purpose and vision to see this nation changed. We’ll have some funky lights, and cool VTs as well as some thoughts and new songs.
You're strong supporters of the Turn On The Tap charity - why did you decide to get involved with them?
We’re passionate about serving the last, least and the lost... Turn on The Tap is such a great cause; effecting real change across Africa. One of our main goals as a band is to get into a position where we really can help those that are in need - It's what we’re called to do.
Free Song Download
Used with permission.
Be yourselves, give everything to God and work on your relationship with him and with your band mates. Everything in the music industry is relational, so work hard, be nice and go the extra mile.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
My Soul Sings by Delirious? from the Farewell Show at the Hammersmith Apollo. I was there on the night and the emotion in Martin's voice and the noise and atmosphere from Stu was just incredible!
What does the next year hold for Empire Nation?
Bigger and better things hopefully! We’d love to become a staple of all the UK festivals over the next few years, and we’d like to do some more co-writes and release a worship EP in 2013.
Find out more at EmpireNation.net
