Smile Empty Soul: The Rhythm Of The War Drum Tour
General Admission Standing Room Only
SMILE EMPTY SOUL
SMILE EMPTY SOUL is a hard rock band that originated in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1990's and has stayed true to their brand of "no bullshit", "real as it gets" hard rock to this day. The band signed a major label record deal in 2003 to release their self-titled debut album in May of that year. They realized huge success at alternative radio, rock radio, and the music video channels that have since fallen by the wayside or turned into reality show networks.
After 3 very successful singles/videos and a gold record from the debut release, the band ran into trouble with their record company (which was in the midst of turmoil at the top levels) and found themselves working extra hard in the trenches, and signed to indie labels or no label at all from them on.
This would become SMILE EMPTY SOUL's destiny, as they have gone on to release many more albums and EP’s on various labels, as well as their own company “smile empty music inc”. The band just released their 9th full length record “Black Pilled” on October 12th of 2021 completely on their own.
“Smile” has become known for its constant touring and never wavering honest sound/lyrics. They've never changed for anybody, and turned down many opportunities to "sell out" because it's not who they are.
With a calendar full of tour dates, a new album, and just as much drive as they had starting out 20 years ago, this band looks to continue to build on the legacy they’ve created as one of the hardest working, and most underrated bands in rock and roll
Links: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
CHASER EIGHT
For the past decade, Connecticut-based alternative rock pop band Chaser Eight have been evolving.
During this evolution they’ve twice been voted New England’s Best Alt-Rock band in The Deli magazine’s year-end poll, and opened for the likes of Panic! at the Disco, Buckcherry, Faster Pussycat, The Dollyrots, and Badfish.
What they’re most proud of, however, is the impressive catalog of music they’ve created.
Chaser Eight – which consists of founding members *AUDRA* (vocals/guitar), and Max Cappello (guitar), and is rounded out by Brennan DiLernia (bass), Chris Siena (drums), and Jess Wolfer (backing vocals) – has released 6 EPs, 5 standalone singles, and two full-length albums.
The band added to this legacy in April of 2023 with the release of their seventh EP, Wide Awake, the creation of which began when the entire world stopped.
The year was 2020, and while live shows had been taken off the table for, at that point, an unknown period of time, Chaser Eight couldn’t stand the stagnancy. By the time June rolled around they were ready to continue their evolution, and create new music.
“We’ve been practicing once a week, every week, for 10 years,” *AUDRA* explains, “so continuing to write, and create was super important to us during such a crazy time. It brought a sense of normalcy, and allowed for a uniquely creative environment.”
It also brought about something different in their lyrics. *AUDRA* notes that on Wide Awake, “There’s a real sense of urgency, and despair in a lot of these lyrics. There is a longing in every song, too. These songs are about wanting, and being aware of the wanting. They are calling out.”
The juxtaposition between the lyrics and cover art, the latter of which was co-conceived by the band, and local artist Katie Matican., is completely intentional. “These songs are putting it all out there,” *AUDRA* says, “and the title Wide Awake is so aware, and then the art is closed off. It’s a forceful shutting out of the truth. One eye closed, and one eye being blocked. There must be some statement about existentialism there, right? We are deeper than just a rock band that likes to have fun … but we do like to have fun. A lot of fun.”
When it comes to their extended run, and current 10 year anniversary as Chaser Eight, *AUDRA* says, “Between having the stamina to produce 10 years of new things, and the commitment to actually stay together for this long, I feel grateful.”
Grateful, and Wide Awake for the next step in their musical evolution.
Links: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify