“Join the movement, embrace the experience, and become an EMPEROR”
“SECRET SOCIETY” is out now on Summoned Records.
Buy “SECRET SOCIETY” HERE
About EMPEROR
EMPEROR is not merely a musician; they are a visionary, an experience, and a mindset. With an unparalleled passion for music and an unyielding dedication to pushing creative boundaries, EMPEROR delivers sonic and visual masterpieces that transcend traditional definitions. Their music is an invitation to explore the unexplored, a conduit to bridge the gap between individual and collective, and a celebration of the profound beauty within every soul. Through electrifying performances and genre-defying songs, EMPEROR stands as a beacon of innovation in an industry yearning for authenticity.
About Summoned Records
Summoned Records is an independent record label dedicated to showcasing the most visionary and boundary-pushing artists in the music industry. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and a passion for artistry, Summoned Records offers a platform for musicians to express themselves authentically and connect deeply with their audiences.
For more information about EMPEROR, go to:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
When I first heard “SECRET SOCIETY” I was hooked. The song grabbed me and pulled me down a rabbit hole to a dark and deep place… The song just holds on for 5 minutes filled with drum and bass that never gets old. I am not a member of a secret society, but after listening to this, I am eager to learn more. And I was eager to learn more about the man behind the mask.
This is EMPEROR’s debut single, but I can’t wait for what comes next. I did find a promo mix to keep me satisfied until his next release. And can you imagine what his live performances will be like?! This was a REALLY fun interview for me, and I encourage you to turn on “SECRET SOCIETY” while reading this. The video is fantastic, too, and I hope you had a chance to watch that. Without further ado, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to EMPEROR.
Your new single “SECRET SOCIETY” is FIRE!!! Tell me more about the release and the video.
Originally the song was a whole other project, but after deliberating on the context of it, it was decided that the single should have more meaning than its original form. So “SECRET SOCIETY” was born and it’s about being yourself in your oneness. You’re a “SECRET SOCIETY” because you ultimately control your life.
Where did you shoot the video and how many people were involved to execute such an epic production?
The video was shot in a cool 1700s underground brewery in Pennsylvania where bootleggers used to export their liquor. There were quite a few intelligent people at the table when putting this video together, it certainly was an all hands on deck situation as far as creativity goes.
Who did the vocals on that?
I had a friend from Romania do a different set of vocals for me for a previous project. She really has a great accent. I wanted to sit on that first production so I pulled the vocals from that project and made them work into something different which you now know as “SECRET SOCIETY.”
You’ve got Daft Punk vibes here. Why do you wear a mask?
It may sound cliché, but I feel like I can be more free and expressive with my creations, while behind the face of EMPEROR.
Where did the name EMPEROR come from and what does that name mean to you as an artist?
When I think of being a strong individual, I’m sure it is just something that sticks in my mind. Maybe I was an emperor in a past life who knows. But EMPEROR to me is all about taking control of your life. Not molding to society and what society thinks is cool and acceptable.
“SECRET SOCIETY” is out now on Summoned Records. Tell me more about Summoned Records and your experience working with this label.
Summon Empire is the sub-label of Summoned Records. After considering several more mainstream labels, this one more closely aligned with my vision than any other.
I need to see EMPEROR live. What can fans expect from a live performance? And are you planning a tour this fall/winter?
As of right now, I’m really focusing down on what I’d like my shows to sound like I haven’t really pressured myself into what it’s going to visually look like. Because just making sure that you play a really great set that takes your fans on a music journey is primary. Nobody cares about the visuals if the musical journey is just terrible. But in the future you can be sure that I’m going to do lots of live theatrical performances. We are in the process of working out a “SECRET SOCIETY” tour for 2024. Stay tuned for that.
Some amazing songwriting here… What is your process? Do ideas just come to you or are you sitting down with a yellow pad until something magical comes out?
Song themes generally come to me out of nowhere and then I make random notes. And sometimes I’ll just produce an instrumental and whatever I’m creating at the time will give me a certain vibe and words start popping into my brain.
“SECRET SOCIETY” is your debut single. Do you feel your sound will stay dark and unconventional? Or will you dabble in other techno sounds?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. As an artist music is an expression of how I’m feeling. Experimenting is a huge part of my process. as of right now what you hear and see is going to be first and foremost but you can be sure as I’m changing so will my music
What excites you? Who or what are you listening to that inspires a single like “SECRET SOCIETY?”
I listen to a wide variety of music. I can listen to anything between Jerry Vale and Slipknot. I will admit lately I’ve been fantasizing a techno and metal infusion. Like having a grungy, metallic, melodic techno rhythm with a Corey Taylor vocal. Something just raw, emotional and unique. Really makes your hair stand up and gives you goosebumps.
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. What podcasts are you listening to? And are you planning to start a show?
Not currently listening to any podcasts in particular, because I don’t like to be too easily influenced. I do like inspiration, but I don’t like to be influenced because I want to stay as unique as possible. But I absolutely will be starting my own mesh at some point as well as doing some things on Monad.
I LOVE the photo of you sitting in a chair. You’ve got Carl Cox over one shoulder and Elvis over the other. Oakenfold and Skynyrd there in the middle… Where is that and are you a fan of Elvis? I have an Elvis story for you sometime!
The photo was taken in our home studio. One of my managers, Harry, had his friend do the entire wall for him. It’s a great collage of many many artists. Absolutely love Elvis and everything he stood for as far as being true to yourself, and doing exactly what it is you want to do despite controversy and opposition.
What is the YOUR EMPEROR HAS RETURNED (PROMO MIX)? And where can folks at home listen to that banger?
You can catch that one on my Mixcloud! I haven’t done a whole lot of mixes, because I don’t want to push too many out right away, but there will be some coming soon!
Where is the best place to learn more about EMPEROR? Is there a newsletter I can sign up for or do I just visit your website?
Yes, absolutely you can head over to my website.
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else can you tell me about EMPEROR?
Nothing about me personally at the moment but in the near future, we will be looking for up-and-coming techno artists who have a dream to release their music because Summoned Empire is giving me the opportunity to do a little A&R, so definitely stay tuned for those demo links.
What’s next for EMPEROR? Are you releasing another single, an EP, or are you working on a full-length album?
We are currently working out our debut tour as well as rolling around into the New Year with a new single and definitely a full length album in 2024.
Thanks for doing this. That was fun! In all the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
My final word is this, “Be yourself. Be your own EMPEROR.”
