Young Empires

Last updated
Young Empires
Origin Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres Worldbeat, indie pop, baroque pop
Years active2009–2016 [lower-alpha 1]
LabelsPirates Blend
Past membersRobert Aaron Ellingson
Jacob Palahnuk
Matthew Vlahovich
Taylor Hill
Website youngempires.com

Young Empires was a Canadian rock band that formed in Toronto in October 2009. [1] Initially, the group was composed of vocalist and keyboardist Matthew Vlahovich, bass guitarist Jacob Palahnuk, and guitarist Robert Aaron Ellingson. After a stint with Fritz Helder and the Phantoms, drummer Taylor Hill joined the line-up in late 2011. In February 2013, the band separated from Robert Aaron Ellingson, citing philosophical differences, and wrote and recorded their only album as a three piece. The band released music until 2016, and quietly disbanded in 2022. [2]

Contents

History

Formation

In August 2009, Aaron Ellingson and Jacob Palahnuk established a nascent connection while playing music with their peers, and the two decided to form a band. [3] Palahnuk later connected with Matthew Vlahovich at a concert of Vlahovich's former band, Turn Off The Stars. At the time, Vlahovich was a solo artist working on a project called GoldenGirls, but decided to join Palahnuk and Ellingson to form Young Empires.

Young Empires officially began in October 2009. Vlahovich was offered an opportunity to open for We Have Band at Wrongbar in Toronto as a solo artist. Vlahovich wanted to perform with Young Empires; at the time, the band had only written a few songs and were given approximately two weeks to produce a half-hour set. [4] Since then, Young Empires have released a number of online demos and videos, which were recorded in the band member's bedrooms and rehearsal rooms. They have also created a website in which Palahnuk and Ellingson are the designers of the graphic elements and videos.

Before the release of their first EP, the band established a national reputation. Within two years, Young Empires gained a fan base through supporting many different bands and traveling extensively across three continents. After a year of writing and recording, Young Empires prepared for the release of their debut album with single releases of "So Cruel" [5] and "The Gates". [6]

Early sets

A year after inception, the band took part in the Nem-Catacoa Festival in Bogota, Colombia, which also hosted Green Day and Jamiroquai. [1] Young Empires added to their resume by performing at The Juno Awards on March 25, 2011; at the North-by-Northeast Music and Film Festival (NXNE) on June 17, 2010; and at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre on July 2, 2011. There, in Toronto at the SoundClash Music Awards, the band was awarded 3rd place out of five short-listed finalists. [7] The Grammy Awards accommodated the band for its 53rd edition at the Canadian Blast Grammy Party. [8] [9] They hit the stage at New York's CMJ (College Media Journal ) music week in October 2011, [10] at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin in March 2011, [11] and The Great Escape Festival in Brighton in May 2011. [12] Their resume includes stops in Paris, Los Angeles, Stockholm, London, and Montreal.

Young Empires has shared the stage with headliners such as Jamiroquai, Chromeo, Foster the People, Dragonette, Japandroids, Girl Talk, Sleigh Bells, Jamaica, and Vampire Weekend.

Wake All My Youth

After two years as an unsigned band, Young Empires chose to sign a deal with Pirates Blend Records. Their debut EP, Wake All My Youth, was released in Canada on January 31, 2012, and internationally on February 21, 2012. The EP contained seven tracks and was released on Pirates Blend with mix production by Al-P of MSTRKRFT and Burke Reid. [13] "Choosing to release Wake All My Youth with Pirates Blend has offered us the best of both worlds. On the one hand we're totally independent and make all of our own decisions; yet, we're immersed in one of the strongest communities in Canadian music," said Robert Aaron Ellingson. [13]

The Gates and later career

In 2015, under the Pirates Blend label, Young Empires released their first and only album The Gates. [14]

On December 1, 2022, the band officially disbanded after 6 years of hiatus. [2] On December 2023, the band announced the death of Palahnuk on November 28, 2023 due to a "heart-related issue". [15] [16]

Style

Young Empires' music blends elements of alternative dance, electro, and indie rock. Worldbeat refers to the African and Latin American percussion used in their tracks. [17] Their sound has been compared to the likes of The Killers, Arcade Fire, Cut Copy, Friendly Fires, and Foals.[ according to whom? ]

Young Empires' music has evolved alongside a more ambitious project, a brand called "The House of Young Empires" which designs clothing, remixes, videos, and web pages. In collaboration with a Toronto-based fashion line called Handsome Clothing, Young Empires has launched a collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts. [18] The fashion industry featured Young Empires on the Parisian music label Kitsuné Maison 10, [19] Nylon TV fashion video, [20] and in the magazine Dazed & Confused .

Reception

Commercial reception

Young Empires' music has been well received by Canadian radio stations. Their song, "White Doves", was voted No. 6 on SiriusXM's "Top 50 of 2011" Since the release of Wake All My Youth, the band made an appearance on 102.1 The Edge CFNY on January 30, 2012, [21] and on The Verge (XM) Online Radio on February 8, 2012. Young Empires was a guest on George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight , which aired on February 17, 2012, on CBC [22] and on MTV Live. In late January 2012, they toured throughout North America to promote their first recorded efforts, including a stop at the 2012 SXSW in Austin, Texas.

They received a highly favorable review of their first 2012 US tour gig at the Mercury Lounge on March 1, 2012, by According 2 G, [23] which stated that "after their set was over, the crowd refused to accept it and was literally begging for them to play more songs. That's a sight I've rarely seen (and I see hundreds of bands a year!)."

Some of their tracks have reached the top spots on iTunes Canada Rock Charts (No. 2), while two of their demos have reached the top 15 on The Hype Machine's charts.

On May 28, 2012, Young Empires released the world's first Facebook Connect interactive music video that was featured on Fast Company on May 31, 2012.

Young Empires have been nominated in three categories of the 2012 CASBY Award: Best New Artist, Best New Single, and Best New Album. [24]

Critical reception

The French rock magazine Les Inrockuptibles wrote online: "Young Empires' cheeky electro, best anti-crisis remedy [...] These Canadians are fighting against the crisis with their extravagant-coloured pop." [25]

Among the many reviews, the Toronto NOW in its February issue stated, "Wake All My Youth is unashamedly earnest, in a way that makes you wish you were sixteen instead of making you cringe with embarrassment." [26] The same magazine noted their performance at the NXNE Festival 2011 was rated in the top ten of over five hundred bands. [27] The band's EP was also reviewed by the online music blog, When the Gramophone Rings, which gave it an 8/10 rating and stated that the band "has now delivered an EP on which every song has been layered and arranged with the upmost care, and delivered with the most devastating precision." [28]

Numerous Toronto music critics considered Young Empires to be the breakout Toronto band in 2010, while Entertainment Tonight Canada has referred to them as "one of the most anticipated acts for 2011." [29]

NME magazine paid the band a significant compliment in their August 2010 issue by comparing Young Empires' sound to bands such as The Killers, Arcade Fire, Yeasayer and Foals. An excerpt from this magazine praised the band as follows: "...the mathmania of Battles, the gloss'n'grandeur of The Killers, and the calamitous quiver of Arcade Fire... Young Empires have consummately summated this generations' achievements in Rock. Not they're total retread merchants; no, they're master weavers of our disparate indie threads, forging a fine tapestry of future disco." [30]

Appearances

"Against the Wall" has been featured in an online advertising campaign for NYLON TV in October 2011. [31]

"Let You Sleep Tonight" appeared on Ringer in season 1, episode 4. [32] [33] The Canadian Manitoba Telecom Services featured the song in their commercial spot "Meeting" in 2012. [34]

"Glory of the Night" was released on Parisian music label Kitsuné Maison 10 Compilation, on Poule d'Or Compilation 4, [35] and appeared on Cougar Town in season 2, episode 9. [32] [36]

"Enter Through the Sun" appeared on Suits season 1, episode 7. [32] Virgin Mobile featured the song in their commercial for the 2012 MMVAs. [37]

"Rain of Gold" was released on Poule d'Or compilation 3 and appeared on I Just Want My Pants Back season 1, episode 5, the premiere episode of "Orphan Black" and on Rookie Blue season 2, episode 11. [32] [38] On July 27, 2012, FIFPLAY announced that "Rain of Gold" would be featured as one of the songs in the FIFA 13 soundtrack. [39]

"White Doves" was released on Poule d'Or compilation 5 and appeared on Teen Wolf in season 1, episode 5; I Just Want My Pants Back in season 1, episode 5; and on Jersey Shore season 4. [40] This song is also used in the end credits of the film Sisters & Brother by Carl Bessai premiering at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. [32] On July 27, 2012, the song could be heard on CTV London Olympics pre-show. [41]

"Beaches" appeared on Real World San Diego, aired on MTV on October 5, 2011, [42] and on Jersey Shore. [32]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum details
The Gates [43]
  • Released: September 4, 2015
  • Label: Pirates Blend

Extended plays

TitleAlbum details
Wake All My Youth [44]
  • Released: January 31, 2012
  • Label: Pirates Blend

Singles

TitleYearPeak positionsAlbum
CAN
Rock
[45] 		CAN
Alt
[46] [47] [ better source needed ]
"Enter Through the Sun"2011——Wake All My Youth
"White Doves"2012—12
"We Don't Sleep Tonight"—30
"The Gates"201519—The Gates
"Uncover Your Eyes"20—
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Remixes

The band has been commissioned to remix for Geffen Records, Kitsuné and Paper Bag Records. They remixed "Self Control" by Sunday Girl, "This Moment" by French Horn Rebellion and Two Door Cinema Club's song "What You Know".

Notes

  1. ↑ Officially disbanded in 2022

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broken Social Scene</span> Canadian indie rock band

Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning in 1999. Alongside Drew and Canning, the other core members of the band are Justin Peroff (drums), Andrew Whiteman (guitar) and Charles Spearin (guitar).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arcade Fire</span> Canadian indie rock band

Arcade Fire is a Canadian indie rock band from Montréal, Quebec, consisting of husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, alongside Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury and Jeremy Gara. The band's current touring line-up also includes former core member Sarah Neufeld and multi-instrumentalists Paul Beaubrun, Dan Boeckner and Eric Heigle. Each of the band's studio albums features contributions from composer and violinist Owen Pallett.

The Mark Inside was a four-piece rock band from Whitby, Ontario, based out of Toronto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bedouin Soundclash</span> Canadian band

Bedouin Soundclash is a Canadian band based in Toronto and consisting of vocalist and guitarist Jay Malinowski, bass player Eon Sinclair and drummer Chuck Treece. Their sound has been described as a combination of reggae and ska. Bedouin Soundclash was formed in 2001, and has released six studio albums, most recently in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great Lake Swimmers</span> Canadian folk rock band

Great Lake Swimmers is a Canadian folk rock band from Wainfleet, Ontario, and currently based in Toronto.

Rusty is a Canadian alternative rock band formed in 1994 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The band earned a 1996 Juno Award nomination in the category of "Best Alternative Album" for Fluke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lukas Rossi</span> Canadian singer

Lukas Rossi is a Canadian rock singer and musician. He was the winner of the CBS Television reality series Rock Star: Supernova – a televised audition contest to become lead singer of the hard rock supergroup Rock Star Supernova.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spiral Beach</span>

Spiral Beach was a Canadian indie rock band, formed in Toronto, active from 2003 to 2009. The group consisted of vocalist and guitarist Airick Woodhead, vocalist and keyboardist Maddy Wilde, bassist Dorian Wolf and drummer Daniel Woodhead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ann Vriend</span> Musical artist

Ann Vriend is a Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Glo is a Canadian alternative rock band from Montreal, Quebec formed in 2001. They consist of Riccardo "Rick" Cordi, Eddie Mazzola, and Patrick Rowan (drums).

Lindy Vopnfjörð, previously credited as Lindy, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, who has performed both as a solo artist and as a member of several bands. After singing in an Icelandic folk group as a child, he co-founded the folk-rock group Northern Junk with his brother in the early 1990s, developing a following in Victoria, British Columbia He later released several solo albums while living in Toronto, and also was a member of the indie rock band Major Maker, whose single "Rollercoaster" charted on Billboard's Canadian Hot 100 chart. His 2013 solo album, Young Waverer, had several singles chart on CBC Radio's Radio 2 Top 20 and R3-30 charts. Currently based in Hamilton, Ontario, as of 2014 he continues to tour and perform live.

Old World Vulture is a Canadian four-piece instrumental post-rock band formed in 2008 in Toronto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young the Giant</span> American rock band

Young the Giant is an American rock band that formed in Irvine, California, in 2004. The band's line-up consists of Sameer Gadhia, Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh, and Francois Comtois (drums). Formerly known as the Jakes, Young the Giant was signed by Roadrunner Records in 2009, and they released their eponymous debut album in 2010. The band's first three singles, "My Body", "Cough Syrup", and "Apartment", all charted on the US Alternative Songs chart.

Nightbox were a dance-punk band originally from Wicklow, Ireland. The five-piece consisted of Toronto-born brothers Jacob Alexander (Vocals) and Nicolas Amadeus (Drums), and Irishmen Andrew Keyes (Bass), James Tebbitt and James Shelly (Synthesizers).

Papermaps are a Canadian indie rock band from Toronto, Ontario, consisting of record producer, guitarist and songwriter Dean Marino, drummer Bobby Lee, bassist Betty Dimo and guitarist/keyboardist Andy Soto. Past members include keyboardist/guitarist Todd Harrison and keyboardist Wendy Leung.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Of Monsters and Men</span> Icelandic folk rock band

Of Monsters and Men is an Icelandic indie folk/rock band formed in Garðabær in 2010. It consists of lead singer and guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, singer and guitarist Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson, lead guitarist Brynjar Leifsson, drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, and bassist Kristján Páll Kristjánsson. The band won the Músíktilraunir in 2010, an annual Battle of the Bands in Iceland. In 2011, Of Monsters and Men released an EP titled Into the Woods. Their 2011 debut album, My Head Is an Animal, reached the No.1 position in Australia, Iceland, and Ireland, as well as on the US Rock and Alternative charts, while peaking at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 album chart, No. 3 in the UK, and top 20 of most European and Canadian charts. Its lead single, "Little Talks", was an international success, reaching the top 10 in most music charts in Europe, including No. 1 in Ireland and Iceland, and No. 1 on US Alternative Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dinosaur Bones</span>

Dinosaur Bones are a Canadian indie rock band formed in 2008 in Toronto consisting of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Ben Fox, bassist Branko Scekic, keyboardist David Wickland, drummer Lucas Fredette, and guitarist Josh Byrne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MENEW</span>

MENEW are an alternative indie rock band from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, consisting of three brothers; Shade, Key and Nathan Samuel Phillip. They have released three albums and one EP and toured North America.

Gloryhound is a Canadian rock band based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The band is from Fall River, Nova Scotia. Gloryhound were signed by Entertainment One Canada in 2012. Their album, Loaded Gun, produced by Garth Richardson and mixed by Bob Ezrin was released in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mushy Callahan (band)</span>

Mushy Callahan is a Canadian indie rock band based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The band's lineup consists of four members: Lucas, Joel, Noah and Jacob McCann and has remained constant since the band became active in 2010. All of the band members are brothers from a small town in Northern Alberta called Peace River.

References

  1. 1 2 "House of Young Empires" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Thank you for still being there and listening. We love you all. Farewell for now. Until our next adventure". Young Empires Facebook. December 1, 2022. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  3. ↑ "World Domination Is the Aim of Fashionable Young Empires and Its Electro Dance-Rock Beat" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  4. ↑ "Emerging Artists #8 – Young Empires" . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  5. ↑ "Young Empires' "So Cruel" Is Crystallized Electro-Pop". The FADER. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
  6. ↑ "Young Empires - The Gates". Indie Shuffle. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
  7. ↑ "2011 Winners!" . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  8. ↑ "Le talent canadien brille de tous ses feux à Los Angeles, lors de la célébration des Grammy" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  9. ↑ "Canadian Blast Grammy Party video". NME . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  10. ↑ "Home Video Live from The PureVolume House NYC" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  11. ↑ "Young Empires @ SXSW 2011" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  12. ↑ "Young Empires, Great Escape, Brighton" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  13. 1 2 "Young Empires vs. Fortunes & Fame" . Retrieved 24 February 2012.
  14. ↑ Adams, Gregory (August 4, 2015). "Young Empires Detail Debut LP 'The Gates'". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  15. ↑ "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the passing of Young Empires founding member and bass player, Jake Matthew Palahnuk". Young Empires Facebook. December 11, 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  16. ↑ "Jake PALAHNUK Obituary (1984 - 2023) - Toronto, ON - The Globe and Mail". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  17. ↑ "Young Empires Seek to Conquer with Debut EP "Wake All My Youth"" . Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  18. ↑ "Hansome Clothing Collaborate with Young Empires". November 26, 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  19. ↑ "Kitsuné Maison Compilation 10 – The Fireworks Issue" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  20. ↑ "Our five favorite songs of the week!" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  21. ↑ "Young Empires - White Doves (Live at the Edge)" . Retrieved 24 February 2012.
  22. ↑ "Ep.104: Best of the Week and Young Empires" . Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  23. ↑ "10 Reasons You Should Always Go See Young Empires". YouTube . Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  24. ↑ "102.1 the Edge - The CASBY Awards". 2012-08-12. Archived from the original on 2012-08-12. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  25. ↑ "L'électro culottée de Young Empires, meilleur remède anti-crise" . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  26. ↑ "Album Review : Young Empires - Wake All My Youth" . Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  27. ↑ "The 15 best bands of NXNE 2010" . Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  28. ↑ "Album Review – Young Empires" . Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  29. ↑ "Young Empires Bio" (PDF). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  30. ↑ "Young Empires' Profile on Myspace" . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  31. ↑ "YouTube: NYLON TV+VOLCOM SWIMSUIT PARTY". YouTube . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  32. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Home Page" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  33. ↑ "Ringer Music Guide - Songs From Season 1, Episode 4: It's Gonna Kill Me, But I'll Do It " . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  34. ↑ "MTS TV commercial". YouTube . Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  35. ↑ "Home" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  36. ↑ "Music from Cougar Town" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  37. ↑ "Virgin Mobile Commercial for the 2012 MMVAs". YouTube . Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  38. ↑ "Music from Rookie Blue" . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  39. ↑ "FIFA 13 Soundtrack | FIFPlay". 2012-08-29. Archived from the original on 2012-08-29. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
  40. ↑ "Songs From the Show". MTV . Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  41. ↑ "Sports News, Opinion, Scores, Schedules". TSN. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
  42. ↑ "Songs from the show". MTV . Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  43. ↑ "The Gates by Young Empires". iTunes (CA). Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  44. ↑ "Wake All My Youth by Young Empires". iTunes (CA). Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Chart Search". Billboard. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  46. ↑ "Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive: Alternative Rock - February 21, 2012". Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive. 2012-02-21. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
  47. ↑ "Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive: Alternative Rock - September 11, 2012". Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive. 2012-09-11. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.