"The song is more than just an important element of the sound" Eric
explains, "it is the ultimate goal - to combine the textures created by the
entire group and unify that in sound and direction is more than just playing
the same progressions of chords for 5 minutes. The right sound, either dark
and mysterious or warm and deep, is the key to my role in the group. My goal
is to inspire you to feel - to truly explore the way our music makes you
feel. That, for me, is the ultimate explanation of Empire Day
"I view the sounds and textures I create and add to the songs of Empire
Day as an extension of my emotions - the way the music makes me feel and the
direction those emotions take the song" is the way keyboardist Eric McLear
explains his role in Empire Day.
With an expansive musical background
starting at an early age with a
variety of instruments
- from woodwinds, reeds, brass and percussion - Eric's
experience fuels the creative fire that becomes the Empire Day sound.
Combining such a classical background with a contemporary flare for such
groups as Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, the result is truly unique and
inviting. Eric uses a variety of keyboards, modules and even software to
create. From chopping up samples to programming sequences or sounds from the
ground up, the process is long and involved - but no corners are cut in
search of the defining Empire Day sound.