Emperor Yes
(((o))): So, first and foremost, who are Emperor Yes and what are your musical backgrounds?
Emperor Yes are me (Ash Gardner, House of Strange Studios), Hugo Sheppard (ex-Summer Camp), and Adam Betts (Three Trapped Tigers). We all met in London where I run House of Strange Studios. I've been doing live sound for TTT for about 3 years now so I met Betts through that and have been making music with Hugo for a bunch of years now.
(((o))): How did the band first come together?
Hugo and I wrote the majority of the tunes when I was living in Tokyo and he was back in London. We had been jamming for a few weeks before I left trying to generate new ideas for a new project (which eventually turned into Emperor Yes). We met in Bali at the beginning of 2011 and started demoing 5 tunes. 2 of which ended up as ‘Wasps’ and ‘Fishes’.
All the drums on these demos were drum machines but we knew we wanted a live drummer, so when we were back in London we asked Betts whether he would record them. It was actually Betts who mentioned that we should play some live shows after we finished the recording. Completely surprised to have a beast of a drummer we took to the stage as soon as possible; I think that was in early 2012.
(((o))): Has your local scene had an impact upon you as a band?
Hell yeah! Even though our music is quite different we spend a lot of time with Summer Camp, Emmy the Great, Three Trapped Tigers, and Tall Ships to name a few. Every time we see any of these bands or hear any of their recorded material there is a lot to be learned.
(((o))): I believe you have an album in the works. What can you tell us about it at the moment?
We have finished recording twelve tracks at House of Strange Studios with Jeremy Warmsley from Summer Camp producing. It’s going to be mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer who mixed a lot of the last Neon Indian album and the latest Johnny Marr record. He works out of Atomic Studios in New York owned by Tim Wheeler from Ash. Wu-Tang's ‘36 Chambers’ was recorded and mixed in that studio! All the tunes are about space, and animals, with a bit of Ancient Egypt thrown in!
(((o))): What do you think is the most difficult challenge facing new bands starting out in the music industry today?
I think, as in all jobs, getting a foot hold is super difficult. If I can offer any advice it would be to connect with people and learn from people. Meet people who are in bands, hang out with them, and have fun with them, and everything will be awesome.
(((o))): Every band has different aims. What would have to happen for Emperor Yes to feel like you’d “made” it?
Being able to do a headline tour that had people at the shows would be amazing. To have enough of a fan base around the country that shows everywhere are fun
(((o))): What happens if you refuse the emperor’s demands? (Also, is Adam Betts the emperor of drums?)
Refusing the emperor's demands will only get you ignored. Yes, Betts is definitely the emperor of drums.
(((o))): You’re given the opportunity to create your own All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival. What would be the first five bands on your list?
Boards of Canada; Tame Impala; Arthur Russell; CEEPHAX; The Flaming Lips.
(((o))): This is ostensibly a column for introducing new bands. Any suggestions as to who we ought to include in the near future?
We just spent the weekend at KneeDeep Festival where we opened the main stage. We saw The Wythces, who were fucking awesome. Also check out Crushed Beaks, PlayLounge, DeafKid, Toby Gale, The Graphite Set, and STATS. They are Ed Seed from The Mule's new band and they are really really good.
(((o))): What are the band’s plans for the near future?
Get this album out and keep playing shows. There will be a new video soon which will be like an American Pie style frat party with beer bongs, boobs, and the end of the world.
