Kim Stritzel - Bass

"Thanks for allowing me to interview you today. Tell our readers a bit about yourself for starters.

Kim: Like what?

IQ: Where you're from, how you started in music.

KS: When I was young, I was influenced by all types of music and have been all my life. I used to play around with the acoustic guitar and my father played bass for a short period. But, John Taylor from Duran Duran is definitely my biggest influence. He made it look so fun and I wanted to play something different. Everyone I knew was into piano, clarinet, sax, six string - whatever - I knew Bass was my calling.

IQ: So when did you actually make the move to bass permanent?

KS: My first bass was actually an acoustic guitar with the strings tuned way down and I just dropped a mic in! It was pretty makeshift! (laughter)

IQ: (laughter) That's great! So, what kind of bass are you playing now?

KS: A Washburn - with aspirations of a great Ibanez! The same kind John Taylor plays. What a huge sound.

IQ: So describe some of your influences and how they affect your style:

IQ: Horror? Really. I never would have figured that. What about it appeals to you and how does it affect you, at all, when it comes to providing the bass line to your original music?

KS: It's dark and gloomy. It's the emotions. It's the feeling. Which is what the music is about - how it makes you feel. I try to fill in a driving, deep bass line that adds depth and emotion to the songs. It's not that I want people to think of a horror book or movie when they hear it - but the depth of the emotions it evokes.

IQ: Excellent. I see. So fill us in on the vital stuff. Favorite color?

KS: Black. Color, color? Purple.

IQ: Where were you born? Live?

KS: Elk Grove, IL - I live in Yorkville, in a house.

IQ: Favorite Album?

KS: Then - The Cure, Standing on the Beach. Now - No Doubt, Return to Saturn.

IQ: So, besides John Taylor, who is your hero?

KS: My Dad. What a guy. He taught me right from wrong, he's smart, inventive, makeshift - just plain cool.

IQ: First Concert?

KS: (laughter) This may go down in most embarrassing moments! Blood, Sweat and Tears!

IQ: Favorite Food and Drink?

KS: Food - oh, there's so many. Probably Chinese or Angel Hair Pasta. Drink - Salty Dog.

IQ: What kind of sauce on your pasta?

KS: I like it plain - with a little olive oil and cilantro.

IQ: So, what is it about Empire Day you think will appeal to the masses?

KS: The fact that we fit in so many genres that we can appeal to many different styles that people can relate to.

IQ: How so?

KS: The music is driving, the lyrics are poetic, the sound is unique and full.

IQ: Excellent. So, any last thoughts you'd like people to know? Any other

details I may have missed? (laughs)

KS: (laughs) Hold on to your hats, boys and girls, Empire Day is taking the world by storm!

IQ: Great! We continue to look forward to hearing new stuff and seeing you

perform - always interesting on both counts. Thanks, again, for taking the

time.

KS: No problem."