New Empire
Interview by Steven Smith
Answers by Kyle Lane // Lead Guitar & Vocals
1. Australia is becoming one of the hottest spots on the globe for emerging artists. What’s like coming from such a competitive market? Do you feel it’s helped you as a band?
I think as with anything, a bit of competition is always healthy. You need other artists to push you, and make you think “what can we do that will make us stand out.” It’s definitely helped us find ‘our’ sound, and then made us find ways to build on top of that sound.
2. What are some of the biggest differences you’ve noticed between playing/touring in Australia and playing/touring in the US?
They are quite similar to be honest in terms of people being really friendly at shows. But I think one of the big differences we’ve noticed is the sheer size of the US in numbers compared to Oz.. There are many more cities than in our little country!
3. Without giving too much away, tell us a little bit about your new record.
The new record is going to be awesome. There are so many things about it that listeners will take away from, whether it is the big anthemic tracks or the intimate ones. It’s a bit of something for everyone.
4. Do you have any thoughts as to how you feel your fans will take this record?
I think they’ll love it. From what we’ve released so far and to what we’ve played at shows, the feedback has been incredible.
5. What are you most excited for about the release of this new album?
Touring and just getting new music out there. It’s always good when you have fresh music out there. More opportunities arise and new fans are made.
6. Like all bands, you started local. What was it like going from playing in front of 20 kids to playing in front of hundreds of kids?
It’s still surreal at times. The fact that the music you play is impacting other people’s lives and becoming a soundtrack to events in their life is so humbling for us. We love our fans, and they give back so much to us, so we will always try to go above and beyond in shows, be it for 20 or for 500 etc.
7. What’s more fun for you guys; Touring or Recording?
Personally, I love touring. But I know that touring only comes from recording! So it’s a bit of both really. It’s great to see songs come to life in the studio, but it’s also great to play those songs for the fans! Plus we get to meet our fans when we tour, so it’s a definite bonus.
8. Some bands like to take little piece of home with them when they hit the road. Is there something you guys bring along on the road to make it feel a little homier?
Hmmm, that’s tough. I mean, with technology these days everything’s pretty much on your phone (pictures, music, etc.) In saying that, I’m not really a “bring my favourite blanket” kinda guy, but there are certain songs I’ll listen to that remind me of home, so I do that.
9. What would you say has been the most difficult part of your career for you all personally and collectively?
I guess the most difficult thing about doing what we do is that we are away from home so often. When we are home we are surrounded by people we love and who love us! Sometimes it’s difficult to leave…
10. How did you, or do you continue to, overcome these struggles?
The greatest thing is that we as a band are all best mates! So after a while you realize that the people who love you always surround you, even your band mates.
11. What is the ‘highlight’ of your career so far?
One of the best things we did as a band was play Warped Tour in 2012. It was an amazing experience to play with bands that we grew up listening to.
12. What is the one dream moment at which point either personally or collectively you would be able to say yes I’ve achieved this; I’m living my dreams.
We travel the world, doing what we love, spending time with new people every day. I think we are definitely living our dreams.
