Young Empires vs. Fortunes & Fame
As progressive as it might sound, Young Empires have made a lasting impression on the bridge of Canadian electro-rock music and being newly signed, they’re bound to continue around the world. Self-saddled as Haute Rock, the Toronto three piece is now zippered by a fourth man, has earned a well-deserved corner on an indie label roster and carries the sound behind an image that no other Canadian artist has achieved to date.
“We’re happy to be in the position we’re in,” said Robert Aaron Ellingson over Dim Sum on Saturday in Toronto. “Choosing to release ‘Wake All My Youth’ with Pirates Blend has offered us the best of both worlds. On one hand we’re totally independent and make all of our own decisions, yet and on the other, we’re immersed in one of the strongest communities in Canadian music.”Surprising locals with a best-known-to-Brooklyn quality of powerful electronic mixes and waves of rebel pop, Young Empires approach to music is a fast-acting cycle of lifestyle, passion, and a pinch of good business. From the original triangle, to the ornate (and almost hipstamatic) photography, to their Handsome clothing, the EPs lead single “White Dove” resonates beyond ear drums as factor holding the highest value in the seamless package branded almost exclusively by the band’s own Jake Palahnuk.
The 6 song EP is as collaborative as it is original. Partially mixed by Al-P and Burke Reid (MSTRKRFT & Gerling respectively who go by team name ‘Bronco’), giving up creative freedom was probably one the groups biggest challenge according to singer Matthew Vlahovich. “Hearing a song you’ve written produced differently than you might have seen the final product yourself is not something you experience every day, but Al-P and Burke were great and we’d to work with them again if the opportunity presented itself.”
With an established following in the UK and Europe, Young Empires head out on an East Coast tour this week including dates with Kidstreet and Honheehonhee before settling in for the week at SXSW in Austin to showcase along side fellow Toronto bands Down With Webster and The Balconies.
All photography © Courtney Lee Photography
About the Author
courtneyy
Courtney Lee-Yip is a local photog/writer.When Courtney isn't bombarding you in the mosh pit with her obnoxious camera equipment, smelling of cheap bourbon and cigarettes, she's a swimwear fitting consultant at Melmira. One day she wants to make music videos for your band, teach the pan flute in Eastern Europe, and still making sure your boobs look great on the beach.
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