The Empty Page - In Conversation

So, I found about The Empty Page through a friend who just kept telling me to check the band out. For those not lucky enough to have friends like mine.. can I get an introduction? Who are The Empty Page, and what can people expect at a show?

We're a band from Manchester, England. No band likes to pigeonhole themselves too much but people often say our music has a sort of anxious energy which people connect with. It's got roots in punk, post punk, grunge and 90s alternative, but we're all really eclectic and bring all sorts into our songs. The main thing is that we write about big, heavy, emotional subjects, and we really mean it. That comes across live where everything is intense, loud and sweaty with lots of singing along from the crowd.

Something I loved about your band profile is that you revel in being a true DIY punk band. What are the challenges with that, and do you feel more free as a result?

I (Kel) have been in bands since I was 13, and I have long been a fan of the DIY punk ethics of bands like Crass and Fugazi. I've never really liked the idea of waiting around for anyone to do anything for me, so doing it myself comes naturally. It's just how I have always been. Over the years, though, I have occasionally worked with music biz types, some of whom have been really cool and supportive, but many who have just been money men who promise the world and don't deliver, or want your money for services in return for nothing you couldn't have achieved on your own. I am very sceptical about getting in bed with wide boys like that. It's never easy doing something against the grain or with little outside help. These days, most bands have to have some kind of day job, so it's a lot to try and do the job of tour manager, agent, social media manager, label manager, musician, and more, on top of a day job. That's probably the hardest thing. But it is super rewarding when things go well, knowing you have done it all yourself.

I've seen you're touring with Sisters of Mercy - and I'm about to book a ticket myself - How does it feel touring with such a legendary band?

We're doing two shows with the sisters, and we're really excited about them. We hope that they like us enough to invite us on a full tour with them. We would love to do Europe!