The Empties Live @ The Rivoli (Photoset & Review)
Photos by Shannen Frost & Jesse Read
The Empties performing live at The Rivoli in Toronto. The Empties are a 6 piece band from Kingston, currently based in Toronto. The band put on a really fun show, full of youthful energy and musicianship combining elements of rock, R&B, funk, soul and indie-pop into a unique soundscape that had the crowd dancing the night away. I love how the bands six members each contributed in their own way throughout the night, mashing together a symphony of sounds, styles and inspirations that all came together into one tight set. Since they moved to Toronto and started pursuing music full-time, The Empties have been checking off the list of legendary venues for their shows, including Lee’s Palace, The Horseshoe Tavern (Toronto) Rainbow Bistro (Ottawa), La Sala Rossa (Montreal), and The Mansion (Kingston) and made an epic addition with their show at the iconic Rivoli.
About The Empties
What do you get when you combine six young lads, a metric ton of gear that comprises most of their net worth, and an old van with busted AC? Yes, you got it! This traveling band is The Empties, a group whose sound cannot be described as anything less than unforgettable and electrifying. Their individually unique and varied musical styles come together to create music that connects with listeners of all ages, with its digestible, funky, indie-pop vibe.
As the travelling van rattles to a stop at its next venue, out comes responsible driver and soulful lead singer Zeke Wilson. Carrying nothing but a mic and his good looks, Zeke helps Noah Cummins –half man, half metronome – carry his gear inside. Bassist Nic Page, already set up on stage holds the groove down with his smooth and funky tones. Dueling guitarists Ethan Flanagan and Ben Hagedoorn are off in the greenroom, practicing their epic solos and vocal harmonies. Finally, keyboardist Liam Moore rallies the group for sound check with his jazzy, extended chords and memorable synth lead lines. Together, this cohesive fusion of musicians charms audiences with their invigorating tunes.
Since they moved to Toronto and started pursuing music full-time, they’ve been checking off the list of legendary venues for their headlining, self-promoted shows, including Lee’s Palace, Horseshoe Tavern (Toronto), Rainbow Bistro (Ottawa), La Sala Rossa (Montreal), and The Mansion (Kingston). The most ambitious event recently booked out The Mansion on July 1st, 2023, for an outdoor festival featuring six other bands, live art, fireworks, and more.
Their current project involves a six-track EP set for release in late August, preceded by two singles, “Wallflower” and “Broke Down Van.” This follows their 2022 debut EP, “Beyond the Cover,” which amassed over 40k streams in the first few months of its release on Spotify. The Empties are well on their way to becoming a reputable Toronto band, and they are doing everything they can to continue the momentum by working around the clock promoting, producing, and playing shows throughout Canada.
