Interview — Reaching Empyrean

Skratch Magazine

Reaching Empyrean is an alternative, acoustic pop-punk out of Portland, OR whose sound is a lot like our new president. “{Our music} is like a Barack Obama speech,” says Cam (bass). “It touches you.” Nolan (guitar) agrees. Cam and Nolan along with Kaeli (vocals) have been making music that aims to inspire hope and change for 8 months. The band took a break from working on their highly anticipated first full-length release to talk to Skratch about what you can hope for from Reaching Empyrean.

Skratch: What do you guys do off the stage?

Cam: Go to school, bike, and eat Mexican food.
Nolan: I watch The Bachelor and salsa dance ... Probably wouldn't guess that about me. I really enjoy writing and making new beats, Cam and I can bust out songs fuckin' fast if need be.

Skratch: Where do you enjoy touring? Any good stories?

Cam: Well we've been hitting up the house show circuit in Portland and surrounding areas. They're intimate and fun.
Nolan: Yeah at one in particular, Cassie's Christmas Show, we were in the middle of our set when my cellular device went off. It was in Cam's backpack at the time, I swear I turned it off. It went off sending Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" into the mix of acoustic sounds. I stood up and threw his backpack across the room. HAHA. Cam's sister caught it on camera so we can re-live it whenever we want.

Skratch: What are you favorite two lyric lines from your recent songs? Tell me a little about them.

Cam: I like all of them! I don't discriminate
Nolan: Mine would have to be; "Break out 'n Sneak out" and "Far away I'll make my escape" - There is a lot of meaning behind them

Skarcth: What other special talents do you guys have aside from music? Any hobbies?

Cam: Tetris is my home away from home and watching the Lord of the Rings movies over and over again w/out getting tired (or annoyed) by Frodo
Nolan: Cam and I have the amazing ability to look beautiful after a long Instrumental practice (Wink Wink *spank*). I also enjoy Eating and Sleeping, I'm pretty talented hah

Skratch: Any secret crushes you care to divulge?

Cam: Nolan
Nolan: Cam

Skratch: Politically, where does the band stand?

Cam: I'd say were completely on one-side of the spectrum, take a guess. I could go into a whole speech about politics and the bad.
Nolan: Viva la Demo-Socialists. The band is very active and willing to do what we can. And Yeah....He can talk about it forever. hah

Skratch: Aside from being a "rockstar", what are your day jobs? What are your goals?

Cam: Well, if the whole rockstar thing doesn't work out I want to be a stay at home dad. Nah umm I'd say a teacher of some-sort. Right now I babysit and or yardwork. It’s a tuff life.
Nolan: I was a lifeguard for a while, than I stopped because of school. Now I'm a beggar/moocher. It’s pretty chill

Skratch: When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered as a band and as people?

Cam: Just as fun guys and girl, ya know? The only way I can put it, is that we need to do this, music is such a powerful and creative, driving force, and, all I can say is that we need to do this; not just for us, but for other people who need to hear messages that may provoke and promote change. And I know that we can. We don't have a choice. We have to do this
Nolan: I can't put it any better than that. I might tear up hah.

Skratch: Who in the band is more likely to be a pyromaniac, a teacher, and/or a Olympic swimmer?

Nolan: I'd probably the pyro and the Olympic swimmer!
Cam: I'll teach you some moves you could only dream of... If you catch my drift.

Skratch: Your next live shows are?:

Cam and Nolan: Were currently recording our full-length album so shows are scarce.

Skratch: Last words/final thoughts/Anything you would like readers to know about you?:

Cam: Were just a couple of kids that want to make a change in the world with what we know how to do--
Nolan: Music is what we know how to do and we will do it... HARD. If your ever in Portland OR come by and say hello! Much Love and thank you for this opportunity.

For more information on Reaching Empyrean visit http://www.myspace.com/reachingempyrean.

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