Empire State Games is four boys from Michigan who know how to rock out. They described themselves in Punk Planet as sounding "like Bon Jovi but with Breakdowns," but I'd say they are more like hard melodic emo/indie rock, not unlike Texas is the Reason. You'll hear their 7"s and be amazed. But then you will see them live and be completely blown away. Well at least I was. The energy of Empire State Games just comes crashing through the speakers and holds you captive throughout each song. Ohhh yeahhh. Don't say I didn't warn you. And the following is the e-mail interview (the wonder of today's technology) that Dave so kindly did for us. Sorry for the lack of pictures, but for some reason all of the ones I took had Amber's really old prom pictures in the backround. But trust me, they are all very cute boys. Empire State Games is Dave - drums, Chris - guitar and vocals, Nate - guitar, and Rodrigo - bass.
What are the benefits of being in Empire State Games? Do you get a lot of hot dates?
Not exactly hot dates. We do meet a lot of interesting people. I think that's one of the best things about travelling around and playing (besides travelling around and playing), we get to meet a lot of great people.
I know you've played all over in the past few months - what was the highlight of all of your summer touring?
For me? The beach...and 'Four Square' in Wilkes Barre.
How many van problems were there?
Too many. Our wheel fell off in Rockford, IL. Our engine broke in Massachusets. Our engine light came on, on our way to Philadelphia, and we turned it off and tried to turn it back on and it wouldn't come back on. We waited a half hour and it came on, but that wasn't until Rodrigo and Chris had walked down to the exit to get a tow truck. We made it to the show though.
Do you feel like you are now getting more recognition and support in places other than home?
Yeah, totally! It's great to get emails and letters from people outside of the Metro Detroit area. Not that getting them from here isn't overwhelming and great! Every letter we get makes my heart jump! It's just a great feeling to know that your music is reaching people near and far.
What is the best thing about the Michigan scene?
Well, that's a pretty broad question but...I guess I'd just say that it's not so divided here. The scene here isn't as big as say Chicago's or New York so all of the genre's generally stick together. I don't think that if we lived in New York we would be playing shows or sharing an audience with Earthmover, Thoughts of Ionesco or The Suicide Machines even, so I think that is cool.
What is the most underrated band you know of that you want other people to know about?
There is/was a band from Ann Arbor called Philo Beddow that was probably the band I've ever heard. I'm not sure why but they never signed or did anything on a huge label or anything. They put out two CD's by themselves that were just masterpieces. They sort of have Quicksand / Touch & Go sound but they're ten times better than anything touch and go ever put out, I'd even put them up there with Quicksand. Another band from here called This Robot Kills is awesome. They sort of remind me of the Jesus Lizard and they're some of the coolest people i've ever met.
What was the last record you bought?
Um...the last CD I bought was the new Will Oldham ep, black/rich music. It's really good but I wish he'd do another full lenth with a band and stuff. The last records I bought were all at the same time and were, Freakwater: Springtime, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messangers: Moanin', Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage, Big Black: songs about fucking, the latest Silver Scooter album.
What was Empire State Games most embarrassing moment?
Hmm...I don't think we've had a really embarrassing moment as of yet. I mean we've messed up at shows and stuff like that but nothing really 17 magazine worthy.
Why don't any of the 7"s have official names?
I'm not sure why. I guess we just never thought it was that important. We usually refer to them by their general color, like the white one, or the green one, or the yellow one.
Do you have any plans to do a full length album?
Yeah, we're in the midst of writing one right now.
Any final thoughts?
Hmm...follow your feelings and listen to Ida.
if you want a copy of falling again write falling_again_zine@yahoo.com
back