By Noe Gutierrez
EMPTY SEAT is fronted by one of the strongest female voices I’ve heard in quite some time; Erin Marie aka “Red“. The band has had the opportunity of performing as support for rock legends Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats, Bow Wow Wow’s Anabella Lwin and Cherie Currie of The Runaways as well as 60’s soul singer Brenton Wood. They’ve rocked some of the finest live music venues in Southern California including the House of Blues in Hollywood & Anaheim, The Viper Room, Whisky A Go-Go, The Roxy Theatre, The Galaxy Theater, Safari Sam’s, Chain Reaction and The Key Club. The band’s 2003 debut release, Number 9, was featured on Los Angeles’ KLOS 95.5 FM. Empty Seat has also previously made the Top 10 on L.A. TV’s Battle of the Bands television broadcast. The band obviously thrives on the main stage to share their passion for music.
Closing out 2018, the now Coachella Valley-based band and their music were featured on KCLB 93.7 by Todd T.K. Killiam as a rising artist and they won the first round of the 4th Annual CV Music Showcase locking musical horns with 2018 CVMA Winner for ‘Best Youth Band’ FrankEatsTheFloor, ‘Best Rock Band’ nominee The CMFs and Krystofer Do.
The band is currently planning to record new material for a 2019 release. Their next scheduled show is Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Hood Bar & Pizza for “The Rock Show” along with Aphrodisiac Jacket and FrankEatsTheFloor. The show starts at 9 p.m. and there is a $5 cover. Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Red’s hubby and Empty Seat guitarist Anthony Ferrer.
CVW: Please share with us about the Empty Seat band members and a little history.
Anthony: “Erin Marie, aka Red, is the creator of the band along with myself and Spade, the bass player, who is also my cousin. We all met back in early 2000 or so. Rickey, on drums, came in to really drive the band with his love and passion for drumming that he’s had since a child. He drives in from L.A. He’s really dedicated to his craft for sure. He sees us playing festivals soon. I think we are heading towards that as well. Red and I live here in the Coachella Valley with the idea of expanding our minds to get more creative and enjoy the alive, yet low-key scene of artists and musicians; that’s what we are, painters, designers and musicians most of all. Spade is out in Hesperia and just rejoined the group. He is dedicated to the love of playing music live, in studio or wherever.”
CVW: In anticipating your potential release this year, where are you at in the process and who’s involved with production/recording/mastering?
Anthony: “We are currently recording demos on phones, small equipment and whatever we can. We may have an EP started but for now it’s heading towards a two-song release ‘Side A/Side B’ like the old 45 record kinda thing. As soon as a good offer comes about we will hit the studio.”
CVW: The music I’ve listened to thus far has a great attitude and force. I hear streaks of Punk, Rock and Indie. What should we expect with your release?
Anthony: “We all listened to 90’s era music, punk, old school punk, classic punk along all rock genres, even Sinatra and many classic sounds of yesteryear. It’s all in Empty Seat’s music!
CVW: After taking a break then coming back on the scene, what have you seen change within the desert music scene?
Anthony: “After this long break I see no huge changes other than old classic spots that are no longer around but as long as people still feel a connection with music being played live and we play our hearts out, we may have a big future ahead of us out here. The desert has made myself a better listener and the creativity is thriving here.”
CVW: How do you feel about performing at “The Rock Show” on Sat. 2/23 at the Hood and how are you preparing?
Anthony: “The Hood is awesome! I remember driving by many times saying we need to play there someday. We just learned planning and practice makes a better show. Most of all, feel it when you play live, don’t fake it to make it.”
CVW: Who are some of your favorite artists from the Coachella Valley?
Anthony: “We met Mega Sun and they’re good! We just got here so…we also like Black Water Gospel too!”
CVW: What do you hope to accomplish in the near future?
Anthony: “We just want to release the best pieces of music we have ever worked on while keeping our punk-influenced DIY-attitude and push it further than we ever have. For the love of the music.”
CVW: How do fans access your music online, physical copies, merch, etc.
Anthony: “For now, we have our FB page and Reverbnation. There’s new music, merch and a website coming soon! Empty Seat is planning big for 2019!”
Upcoming Shows:
Sat. 2/23 – The Hood Bar & Pizza – Palm Desert, CA – The Rock Show
Sat. 3/30 – Brew Rebellion – San Bernardino, CA
