December 2, 2011

By Cat Geissler

Empires is more than just a band. It’s a group of old friends whose paths crossed as they took a unique approach to a musician’s creative process.

After making their mark in the music scene posting demos on their Myspace page, they went on to release their first full-length album “HOWL” and a seven-track EP “Bang.” Mojo’s will be serving as a venue for their Dec. 8 performance starting at 9 p.m.

“I’ve never been in a band where everybody contributes beyond the music,” rhythm guitarist Tom Conrad says. “I feel we’re a self-sufficient, DIY band, and I’ve always been a big believer in the more you can do on your own the stronger you’ll be.”

The band was formed in 2007 when Conrad, lyricist Sean Van Vleet, drummer Ryan Luciani and lead guitarist Max Steger began playing shows and recording together before giving themselves a name. They were already supported by their local Chicago fan base, but the band picked up momentum once it gave listeners free access to download its music. “HOWL” was released on the band’s website for no cost at all and the feedback it received was overwhelming. Fame or money has never been on Empires’ agenda, but when it started generating attention, it became the driving force behind the band.

Before coming together, Conrad, Van Vleet and Luciani were attending school and working while Steger recorded music. Conrad also spent some time as a guitarist for The Academy Is… and 5o4 Plan until he found the beauty in relying on himself for his means of self-expression.

In a time when music can leave an artist feeling as though he or she is only a small component to the bigger picture, Conrad saw the chance to blaze his own trail alongside his friends. The risk taken with having so much control over the creative process had to be accompanied by a constant driving force to evolve as artists and people.

“Being in any sort of entertainment, it’s got to be the first thing you think about when you wake up and the last thing you think about,” Conrad says.

Conrad recognizes the need to not be so “die-hard” when it comes to his performances. Taking music as he takes life, it’s a day-by-day process that leaves him appreciating the smaller pieces to the puzzle rather than what it turns out to depict in the end. This maturity is mirrored by his bandmates, and the people behind the music are as humble as their mid-western roots, Conrad said.

It’s no surprise that when Rolling Stone asked the group to compete in its “Choose the Cover” campaign for a chance to nab a cover and recording contract, Empires never expected to win.

“We just want more people to be aware of the band and hear about the work we’re putting into it.” Conrad says. “It’s not just meant for a certain type person or demographic.”

When friends over at Atlantic Records backed Empires in their involvement with the competition, they were initially hesitant about being placed under a bizarre limelight. Empires ended up being one of the final four before Canadian rock band The Sheepdogs won the contest. The attention the group received gave it national exposure.

For a band on the cusp of heightened success, not winning the contest doesn’t phase Empires. The experience is just another stepping stone to its widespread recognition.