Interview:Empire State Human

Interview: Empire State Human (Aidan Casserly)

Interviewer: Phill Bruce

Date: 6-26-11

When you think of Ireland what do you think of?  Guinness, Lepricorns, Potatoes, U2, Daniel O’Donnell, Foster & Allen and St Patrick?  There are many great things coming from Ireland and one of them is Aidan Casserly.  Aidan is the man, the voice and the music of Empire State Human.  I had the pleasure of catching up with Aidan and this is what happened.

Phill – Firstly may I thank you for giving Grave Concerns this interview Aidan.  May we start with you giving us a little bit of a background about yourself and where in this beautiful world you are from?

Aidan – Well, I live and work in Dublin/Ireland. I work in a mainly classical music venue as a stage manager, so music is around me every day of the week. So, it’s a factor of my daily life that I cherish and that I’m extremely fortunate to have actually.

I’m a twin, a recent first time Dad (my wife and I have a 13 month old boy called Oscar) and I’m one of six boys born to my parents. Sadly, my second eldest brother Neville passed away October 2010, after a yearlong brave battle fighting throat cancer. It’s been an extremely tough time for our family and is something we’re all dealing with day to day. My outlet for this personal pain was my music, and that being so, last year I recorded a solo album called “The naming of Blue” which I’ve dedicated to Neville (which is my 2^nd solo album, the first being “White Soul” in December 2009).  It’s now out with Ninthwave Records and I’ve a charity single coming out in summer from this album, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The song is called “Castles” (a twin peaks sounding ballad). I co-wrote it with Martin Watkins (Marc Almond’s long standing pianist and keyboardist). Martin plays on this song too, for which I am eternally grateful to him for.

Phill – Ireland has such a rich heritage for both history and music.  Has being surrounded by so much talent and such a cultural legacy contributed any influence for your music?

Aidan – To be honest, I’ve always felt an outsider here in Ireland. I’ve never looked to any legacy or history for influence. Because the music I create in a genre specific type of music, being on the outside is the norm. I’ve never been supported here in Ireland and I’ve never had much recognician either. It’s like being in a small world by oneself, creating synthpop or electropop with songs.

As I work in a mainly classical venue by day, I’ve found that this has actually been more of an influence to me for my own music. The sound of the orchestra goes into your heart and soul day by day.

Phill – I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, everyone at Grave Concerns and our members have much admiration for you and your family continuing after such a tragic event that has happening in your life.  How did the tragic event shape and change the dynamics of your music?

Aidan – Thank you Phill, that’s a very comforting thing to read. Everyone’s acts differently when dealing with the loss of a close family member. We knew early on in 2010 that Neville, sadly wouldn’t survive his cancer. That put a whole different viewpoint on things. It was at times unbearably frustrating, as I kept feeling a sense of not being able to do anything to help. I have elderly parents, and for them to loose a son is so hard. I was worried about their health too and how they’d deal with what was about to happen. My only way in balancing what I was going through, was creating music. I pushed myself into writing and recording what turned out to be my 2^nd solo album “The naming of Blue”. There was a real sense of melancholy, when recording the album and a mood of being cut off in some ways. Like being an Island, as Paul Simon spoke of. The shape and dynamics of the album, are ones of separation. Trying to take myself out of the trauma I was feeling day to day. Try to act ‘normal’ in a strange sort of way.

Phill – It is an amazing idea to release “Castles” in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. To make people aware of its services and I wish the best for the future progress of the single, may it bring extra money for a good cause.  What was it like to work with Martin Watkins, what did he bring a different sound to your music?

Aidan – I contacted the Irish Cancer Society, just before my album was released digitally by Ninthwave Records. I was thinking I’d like to do a charity digital single. Ninthwave were also agreeable. The mastering, artwork and remixer guy, who all gave their time and expertise as a token of support for the project and for me – so a big thank you to Haiminh at Fontpusher, Kristian at Idle Mastering and Steve Olaf for his remix work on the song “Marble”. I’m not sure what kind of business it will do – if any. It was just that I wanted to really do something memorable, for Neville, my family and myself.

I gave the ICS the choice on what song to release. Elaine and Donna at the ICS both liked “Castles” (featuring Martin Watkins) and I was extremely happy they went with that song as it’s a special song for me. Working with someone like Martin was a dream come true and a personal honour.
I got to know Martin via myspace. We became firm friends very quickly. He’s a wonderful sense of humour, good fun and is an amazing musical talent. Many know of his work with Marc Almond (check out “What makes a man a man”). He also has an amazing project called Maggie and Martin (Maggie being from Scarlet Fantastic of course). After a year of being friends I asked Martin if he would like to write a track with me if he had time between touring and recording and very quickly we wrote “Castles” together. I did the writing of the vocals in about 20 mins. Martin did all the music at home. I think it’s got a twin peaks type of feel and quality to it. It’s got a mystery to it and there’s sadness in the way Martin plays the music. The one thing I learnt from working with Martin, was that if the music is right, then a vocal will follow very quickly. There’s a lot of classical references in Martin’s music. And I love classical music too, so that struck a ‘chord’. I’d love to write more with him in the future.

I really hope people support the single, like the song and in doing so, know that they’re helping a great cause in the ICS.

Phill – So congratulations are in order again for the birth of your son Oscar. That is a lovely name for a boy, most parents spend months searching for the perfect name for their bundle of joy, is there any special meaning why you decided on calling him Oscar?

Aidan –  Thank you Phill. We love him dearly and it’s been an overwhelming experience having him in our lives. One you can never be too prepared for the arrival of a baby in ones relationship. It can be a tough experience, if you’re not close and it can be destructive too if you let it.
Oscar’s arrival came at a very fragile time in our lives, with seeing Neville suffer. My Mam and Dad had an immediate bond with him. When he was born I saw Neville in him and cried for a hour. All through the telephone call to my Dad I bawled like a baby.
Regarding the name. We waited a few days before deciding on the name. We didn’t want to rush that process, as it’s something he’s going to be stuck with for all his life, so it had to be suitable!

I’ve always been a fan of Oscar Wilde, but the decision to go with Oscar for our boy, was decided when Bairbre (my wife) was looking down at him asleep in his baby cot in the Hospital and he actually looked like a little owl. His big eyes and neat, small chin and almond shaped face. Oscar the owl she thought! So Oscar it was.

Phill - At what point in your life did you decide to form your band and why?

Aidan - I’ve always been involved in bands but got really into it as a professional hobby in 1999 when we formed Empire State Human. At that stage synthpop trio’s/duo’s were pretty thin on the ground. So it was a challenge getting the band up and running and especially trying to gig and network. We wanted to create retro-electro synthpop, with modern beats and high octave/fragile singing and interesting lyrics and song themes. All in all, I think we’ve been pretty good at blending those elements. In 2001, after self releasing two CD’s with Peoplesound.com in the US and with the help of Alphaville’s manager, we sent demo’s to A Different Drum, who in turn sent them to Ninthwave Records. In 2002 we released a 22 track debut CD called “Pop Robot” and two more long players that year. Played live at the legendary Albion Batcave in New York, followed that by having a #1 in the US iTunes dance charts with a cover of John Carpenter’s “Theme to Halloween” and composed original music for a Song PlayStation advert and for a film called “Screwback”.

We were also fortunate to work with Wolfgang Flur (an original member of Kraftwerk) for a song (“Melancholic Afro”) on our “Audio Gothic” album from 2009. Becoming to first Irish band to ever work with an original member of that great band.

All these goals were achieved, with self determination and totally against the trend and without any favours. So we’ve proved we can remain a sort of Cult synth band, creating pop music, with an element of visual or filmic qualities.

Phill – Where do you get your creative talent and ideas for songs for Empire State Human?

Aidan – I feel that songs can come from all things essentially. From Sci-Fi stories and titles to futuristic novels or animation or some art related source. Some come from magazine articles, others from a scene in a film. I wrote a song about Hedy Lamar (40s Hollywood Icon) called “Love is a shutter”, so there’s always a variation to consider somewhere.

Sometimes I get the title first and the lyrics and write the music after. Other times I do the music first and then the vocals. There’s no set pattern and it’s more of a gut feeling for me, music that is.

If I feel there’s something happening, then I get the sense and inspiration to complete a piece as a song. I know very quickly (after about 3 listens) if I can vocalise to a piece of music or vica versa. I also write with other DJ’s and producers from time to time. Sometimes the tracks get released officially and other times they get released as free downloads.  So all in all, I love all types of writing styles, experiences and try really hard to stay focused when writing.

Phill – How was “Pop Robot” received by the media?

Aidan – Actually it was received very favourably. Some didn’t like the production (too pop/low fi)
some didn’t (and still don’t) like my voice or the recording of my voice. But I can’t do much about that or at least I couldn’t back then. I grew up and learnt the craft of singing in studio from working with Empire State Human. For years it was a bit hit and miss but at least heartfelt. Now I’m more consistent.

Thankfully, in 2002 it was a very positive scene and we got a chance to release three CD’s with two different labels within the one year (“Music for Humans” and “Alpha & Omega”). It was generally a more friendly scene I feel and certainly, most news/press releases got good interest from the main music site. Things are different now and it’s a case of luck or trend.

Phill – Can you describe how euphoric it was it like to play such an iconic and infamous venue as the Batcave?

Aidan –  I thought it was a really fantastic experience. Especially when we got introduced as “all the way from Ireland ...”. It was a big step to take to travel over and see if we could make up a good set list of songs and productions. We premiered a production we did with Freezpop that night. They produced a song called “Paradise” from our “Alpha & Omega” album. We also played a version of David Bowie’s “Five years” with me sitting on the edge of the dark, gothic stage. Very Judy Garland!!! I’d love to return again .... many if a promoter is out there they can consider ESH! We did release a live album called “Live on Mars” (very Sci-Fi title eh?) and that version of “Five Years” is on that album.

Phill – To get a no.1 hit is a huge achievement for any artist, congratulations on that.  What was the reasoning behind deciding to cover such a well known track that is recognised as the theme to Halloween?

Aidan – I love that film and love the music John Carpenter composes for his films. We were wondering about a piece to perform that was instantly recognisable. “Theme to Halloween” is such a piece. Very haunting and very good with a dance beat. We were lucky enough to have it at #1 in the US iTunes dance charts around Halloween 2003. It went top 20 the year after too. Clearly, people were looking to download that track and our version got some good comments and profile. It always a gamble cover a track you love .... most times it doesn’t work but sometimes it does. We also did a version of the “Get Carter” theme but we incorporated some samples from the 1968 film “Planet of the Apes” and wrote a new opening to it ... we re-titled it “Get Taylor!” and it was the b-side to our “Digital City” single (a single released especially to promote an ESH best of called “Popularity?” and a rate tracks set called “Rarity?”).

Phill – Also in your impressive music career, you have also created a song for the famous brand Sony for one off their adverts. How did you come about receiving this job? Did they contact you to compose the music to their advert and do you think this was due to hearing or seeing any off your previous work?

Aidan – We were asked to submit an original piece of music for consideration, by the production company making the advert (Red Rage Films). We had some good press at the times and radio [play over here in Ireland so that was an important factor at that time. Our piece was thankfully picked and we re-recorded the demo at Windmill Lane Studios (U2 record there). We got the piece remixed by One Lazy Ear and it featured on our “Alpha & Omega” album. That advert was on TV/Cinema in Ireland and the UK. So all in all, it was a very good time to be recording and a very nice experience all round.

Phill – How did it come about you doing the soundtrack to the film “Screwback”, it is a huge achievement for any artist. Was the music written and used for the film accepted well by the films critics? And did you get any new followers of your music through this?

Aidan – We composed all original music (instrumental music) for a short film called “Screwback” after the Sony PlayStation advert. Our hardest musical assignment ever to be honest and the results are extremely good thankfully, so it was worth the 100% effort. It gave us great appreciation of film composers. Everything has to work to the visual and create a free stand alone balance and part in a film. Very, very hard work. I’m not sure it’s something I’d be happy to do again. I’d prefer to have our music featured in a film, instead of writing it especially for it. We did have our song “Liquid Blue” feature in a UK film called “The Viva Voce Virus” the year after “Screwback” was released and that was an easier experience and also a great buzz. We managed to be at the Dublin premier to “Screwback” but we weren’t able to attend the London premier of the film “The Viva Voce Virus”.

Phill – What was it like working with an epic man like Wolfgang Flur and what did he bring to your music to give it a different edge for your fans?

Aidan – Seán Barron (who was in ESH from 2003-2010) was the man behind getting the collaboration together. He’s actually working with Wolfgang again on his solo project iEuropean.
Working with Wolfgang was indeed a dream come true. He is a total gentleman and is probably the nicest person we’ve ever come across in ‘the business’. He appeared on the song “Melancholic Afro” from our “Audio Gothic” album from 2009. The song is quite unlike anything we or Wolfgang ever recorded and that was deliberate. Wolfgang said he never worked with such a pop orientated band as ESH. So we wanted to turn that on its head and made it more rock orientated.  Sort of a rock track with an electro-pop under current.

Laptop Rockers organised a cool remix competition, which had something like 50 remix entries. Many of the good ones are up on You Tube and there was an exclusive remix EP released by Ninthwave from it from the winning entries from that competition.

Phill – Who besides yourself is in the band and what background are they from?

Aidan – We were always a trio up until last July (2010). Now it’s myself and Lar Kiernan with whom

We recorded three albums as The Garland Cult. That disbanded, as it was impossible to continue two bands with the same line up, without it affecting the quality of the songs or influencing each ‘act’.

Lar works in the Architectural engineering world, so that’s something you’d not associate with music. But does go to influence ESH musically. Lar wrote lyrics to “Post Madonna” and “Fallout” for ESH and has great tastes in music that I rely on. That worked especially well when we wrote and recorded an album called “Urbanism” in 2004 (later only released in 2007).

Phill – What was it about Empire State Human that made you want to continue it rather than The Garland Cult?

Aidan –  ESH was and is always the real first love and TGC was always meant to be a three album side project. Mixing glam, dance music,/electro and acoustic into a pot of pure pop. The label asked us when we delivered the third and final album “Monster” (July 2010) were we sure it was a good idea finishing up. They felt we had created a standalone band in itself and the third album is actually the most consistent album of the three we did. But I felt, without repeating myself or blurring what an ESH track and TBC track are we’d be foolish doing both. Especially as myself and Lar were TGC and now myself and Lar are now ESH. Who is who?!!

I think there may be room for a best of (digital) in 2012 as there’s a few unreleased songs from the “Monster” recording sessions which are very good. So who knows ....

Phill – What was it about Urbanism that made it so special?

Aidan –  That was a real concept album ... written whilst on holidays in Fuerteventura and I guess it was something that because of it being a real strong set of songs, it has a place of interest for us and for some. The album took 4 years to finally get released, as it was planned as a CD run but things got messy with Ninthwave Records and it was shelved and finally released in 2007 digitally. It’s well worth checking out as an album and has some very strong songs such as “We are Industry”, “Dollar in Blue Collar”, “Liquid Blue”, “Post Madonna”  ... it’s been bootlegged and file shared to beat the band, so I would call it an illegal success .. but that’s modern life isn’t it? J

Phill - What are your musical influences?

Aidan – Well, we started off wanting to be a song based pop version of Kraftwerk/J.M.Jarre, with a touch of Sparks and Pet Shop Boys. The band name is of course an early Human League single and those first two albums by the League were albums that made a big impression as well as the first two albums by Heaven 17.

16 releases later and with over 150+ related ESH track alone on iTunes, I think we’ve sort of got our own thing going now, in our own musical space and balance. This summer we released a brand new studio album (called “The Art”). It features our most recent single “Search for Love” and also included a mini space themed album called “Genesis Apollo” as bonus material. Pretty adventurous and something that’s been a real challenge the last year or so. Especially, with all the highs and lows I’ve had in 2010.

We’ve recently returned to playing live again and are planning a great show for the end of August/early September.

Phill – Are you touring this year? What venues are on your bill and what dates?

Aidan – No tours or dates other than September 1^st when we play at “Night of the Machines” here in Dublin. We’re currently programming the set and are including a number of songs from “The Art” (the new album coming out this summer) as well as a broad selection of new versions of older tracks.

Phill – So how would you sum up your style of music with Empire State Human?

Aidan –  It’s a blend of retro-electro sounds, over modern beats and layers with pop vocals on top. Some interesting song titles and lyrics and fragility in the singing, which to some is a positive and others annoying J

Phill - Where do you see your band in five years and what are your hopes for the future?

Aidan – I never make plans and certainly not for five years from now! My day to day goal is to stay happy, healthy (I’ve had a recent bout of ill health myself) and to create as much new music as possible.  We’re looking into setting up a small label ourselves later this year to work in conjunction with Ninthwave Records. I’m hoping to work with a new project called The Wazp as well as maybe some other ESH related recording, once “The Art” is out of course.

Phill – What sort of music would you like to showcase when you set up your own label and what sort of involvement will Ninthwave have?

Aidan – Later this year we’re starting a label primarily to focus on the Empire State Human back catalogue, The Garland Cult back catalogue and my solo work. We’re not signed in Ireland/UK

so it’s probably something we should have done ages ago. I’ve begun some musical demos for a new project called The Wazp. That may only be a singles project. Can’t really be sure where it will go as I’ve not recorded anything song wise just as yet. We plan on making it a digital label with an option for those who want CD pressing and working out a press as you want deal with one of those online companies that are out there. We’re literally going to learn as we go, so I would ask people to be patient and see if it works out. Our situation with Ninthwave Records is that they’ve been our North American label since 2002. That’s likely to stay as is.

Phill – What sort of thing are you looking to do as The Wazp?

Aidan –  In theory I want to develop a blend of electro and acoustic but make them very polished pop productions. I guess having a sound in mind, actually means I’ll end up with something very different. I want to strip back some layers, as ESH has many production layers, I’d be interested in having The Wazp more stripped back in sound, but trying to keep the songs strong.

Phill – What sort of things can we expect to see on The Art and when is it due to be released?

Aidan – “The Art” is out this summer (late August/early September) digitally via Ninthwave Records. We hope it will be the first release on our label for over here using a ‘press as you want’ CD option company.  It’s comes with a bonus mini space themed album called “Genesis Apollo”. At the moment the track listing is as follows (this may alter).

Empire State Human
THE ART
01) Search for Love
02) Love is a Shutter
03) Analogue Witness
04) WITHOUT YOUTH
05) I WANT TO BE YOUR MELODY
06) SPIRIT ft. impostor
07) MY PASSION
08) Satellites
09) UNDER YOUR SPELL
10) KILLER IN ME

bonus TRACKS “genesis apollo” MINI-SPACE THEMED ALBUM

11) 1961
12) APOLLO (2011)
13) man must explore/fantastic galileo
14) it’s orange!
15) been a long way
16) genesis apollo
17) the pioneers

The bonus material is very sci-fi and it’s something I’ve wanted to include on an ESH album since our first self released album “Martian Anthems” back in 1999. So that’s great. The sound of the album is a real blend. The single “Search for Love” is the opening track with an extended intro/outro and it’s a very upbeat album until the orchestral/piano driven track “Under your spell” (a new version of a song from “Pop Robot”) and it closes with “Killer in Me”, a reflective and dark orchestra song, that turns electro for the ending. That track has got some really good feedback from those we’ve played it to. I think if you like Pet Shop Boys, early Eurythmics, Erasure, Soft Cell and Giorgio Moroder you’ll like “The Art”. If you done ... you won’t. It’s a pretty adventurous album in many ways for us as we wanted it to be an album we’d be happy to purchase or download. We’ll be very interested in hearing what people think of it. I hope it help re-establish ESH as a well respected electro band. After 16 releases since 2002, I’ve often felt we should be more respected for our output at least anyway.

Phill - Is there any place or venue you would like to play at and why?

Aidan - I’d like to play Berlin or Paris. For the pure romance of it and also I’ve never taken ESH into Europe (US and UK with The Garland Cult when they were around), so it would be a real thrill. I think for something like this to actually happen require the help or a good promoter with vision and positivist.

So, that’s something I’d love to happen. There’s a number of ESH live video’s up on You Tube. All or which can be accessed via my You Tube channel of –

https://www.youtube.com/user/AidanCasserly

Phill – So the Garland Cult is not completely dead then, what more can we expect from them?

Aidan – As I’ve mentioned before TGC is over but maybe there’s room for a best of containing some unreleased tracks or something. I think there would have to be a need for it. I’d hate to release anything just for the sake of it. I understand it must be difficult to keep up to speed with what I release and with all the bands I work with. That’s just part of my addiction to creating I suppose. Once one album is done, I’m onto the next project.

Phill – So what is the attraction of taking Empire State Human to Europe and is there any country in particular you would like to play?

Aidan –  I see ESH as a very European sounding band. There’s nothing Irish about us really ... I don’t sing with an Irish accent and I don’t write anything that relates to Ireland. Country wise I’d like us to play France (to also meet my friend People Theatre) and Germany (to meet with my other good musical friend Wave in Head).

Phill – Do you think it will be hard to take The Garland Cult to the US and if so what issues would there be?

Aidan – No plans for TGC to play live again. We did around 12 gigs as TGC and some of the bootleg video recordings are on You Tube. I think there was/is a Cult in the US called The Garland Cult. We took the name from a camp group of men form the 1950s/60s who used to follow the legendary Judy Garland from venue to venue, booking out row A and who threw flowers and gifts at her.

It always struck me as a great and original name for a glam/electro band.

Phill - Without giving too much away is there any instrument or program you wouldn’t be without and why?

Aidan – Well I record now fully on Mixcraft 5.1 by Acoustica so that is the main programme I can get my head around and also couldn’t be without. I plan to upgrade to the latest version (I think Mixcraft 5.5) which is the next system up to the one I’ve currently got after the new ESH album is released, for the next musical stage.

I’m someone who shuns change and like things in order. I suppose you could say I’m ‘An orderly Man’ (to quite writer and film actor Dirk Bogarde).

Phill – So in your mind is music production done better on a PC or a Mac?

Aidan –  I believe that music is better on a Mac. I hope to change over next year, when I get some funds together. But I’ll continue producing via my Laptop for now.

Phill – So are you one of these people who shuns paying more for that brand new gadget something that has maybe five or six more features?  There are a lot of freeware and open source software out there for mixing.  Do you know of any you could recommend to up and coming artist that would like a more professional sound to their music?

Aidan –  I’m a very non-tech type of person. It takes me forever to change from one programme to another and I’m someone who likes the comfort zone of the same programme on a day to day use. I use Mixcraft 5.1 by Acoustica as it’s very easy and you can literally upload the software to your desktop and create instantly. I would recommend this programme. It’s low budget and via their website there are many video’s explaining how it works.

Phill – Your talents seem to never end, and have a broad range of many that is shown throughout your music.  Could you summarise how you have come to gain these talents?

Aidan -  Well, thank you such a warm compliment. I honestly don’t measure myself, via a range of what I see as talents. I see myself as having limitations and I try my best to overcome those limitations by working hard, being professional and trying to learn from constructive criticism when and where it is given. I do listen to a wide range of music styles and can get as much please listening to The Cult or to the Pet Shop Boys. I hope to continue working hard and getting the opportunity to release music as much as I can.

Phill – What’s your biggest inspiration in life?

Aidan –  I don’t really deal with inspirations but aspirations. I aspire to remain healthy, happy and creative and by staying positive and focussed I hope to continue. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal; we’ve all that that being said before. But life can be very tough and very frustrating and at times sad, and unfulfilling. My choice has always been to have a creative hobby, into which I channel all my frustrations. I feel I’m at my most creative when I’m frustrated about something. So to recap; have aspirations if you haven’t got any inspirations.

Phill – If you had the chance is there any band past, present or future what band would like to be a member of?

Aidan –  I’d love to be in a glam rock band. I would have said the Glitter band a few years ago, but I’d hold off on that now. If I could play a real instrument I’d be in the Spiders from Mars with Ziggy Stardust out front. A total “wham, bam thank you man” if there ever was one.

Phill – What is your favourite song of all time?

Aidan – Such a hard and difficult choice. I think “She’s leaving home” by The Beatles is an amazing song. It’s a song with incredible grace and honesty and also a song showing great knowledge of life experience and the human heart.

Baring in mind, John and Paul were in the early 20’s and could write a song with all that understanding is truly amazing. I also think the John Lennon song “Woman is the Nigger of the world” is totally under rated and misunderstood. If you sit down and listen to the lyrics and realize the content. It’s exceptional. Also, Neil Young’s song “Philadelphia” from the film of the same name, forever brings a tear to my eye.

Phill – If you won the lottery jackpot what would you do with all the money?

Aidan – Once I take care of my family. I’d set up a small label and remix company and try and work 100% on music. Creating original music for TV, adverts and short films if possible. I’d do it at first free of charge to get a name and hopefully build a career brick by brick.

Phill – Thanks again Aidan for giving Grave Concerns this interview, is there anything you would like to add?

Aidan –  Just to let everyone know about the upcoming new ESH album “The Art”, my charity solo single with Martin Watkins called “Castles” and to support all the artists and labels out there by buying the releases and not using illegal download sites all the time. It’s hard enough getting signed in the first place, but it makes it impossible to continue when each release is being given away illegally. I understand both the artists and labels need to meet the illegal sites somewhere in the middle to get past the current situation but it is a problem for sure. For further info and news on ESH and Aidan Casserly –

https://www.myspace.com/empirestatehumanmusic

https://www.myspace.com/aidancasserly

To check out many of my back catalogue check out https://www.youtube.com/aidancasserly

Good luck with the new album and up and coming tour.