Igniting the Future: An Interview with Rock Band EMBERS RISE

By: Joe Brunker 

I can not exactly pinpoint when I met the members of the band known as Embers Rise. I believe the first bandmate I met, was drummer Cory Nicolin. I know he has been in many bands before helping to form Embers Rise. I had played with his former phenomenal jam band, Fuzzlove at Tonic Room, in Chicago, with my former project, Over The Sun. I just can't remember and I am racking my brain over it. The one thing I always remembered about Cory, was how talented he is in almost any genre of drumming!

  I believe I started following singer and lead guitarist, Ethan Barkman on Facebook. I saw a massive drive in him. As a former front man; I definitely follow anyone that I can gleen inspiration from. I follow the motivated, driven, and authentic performers, because if you don't bring a performance with your music, I tend to find the music forgettable. People don't go to a show to watch a bunch of stoic statues. They go to be ignited by the lyricism and overall energy of the show. I saw that in Ethan and was hopeful to play a show with him one day. 
  My hopes became reality when Cory reached out to have Primal Moon play on a bill with them at Alibi in Wonderlake, IL. That was also where I was able to meet the bassist, Rick Duncan. When I saw them perform, I saw passion oozing from every pore. Every strum, drum hit, and movement came from a well performed place of magnetic energy. I knew with their drive and dedication to the building phase of their band, they would go far. 

  We played another show, or two with them, but I never stopped following their journey. I loved the growth they had and watching their release radar! Every song, a banger! I also watched them on tour and watched their love for glizzies grow. For the older generations; a glizzy is a hot dog. I knew when I started writing for Sound Fury; I had to interview them one day. I am thankful they responded. Before I get into the interview, I always try to talk of my favorite tune with each band. I truly think Victim, their team up with Lines of Loyalty is a damn catchy tune! Give that song, and their whole discography a listen. You won't regret it! 

Joe:
I have seen you guys in multiple collectives in the music scene before. How did Embers Rise.... arise?? 
Embers:
Embers Rise was founded by Ethan after the fallout of his old band Opshional,  meeting Cory on Facebook after he was a part of Chicago area based bands such Fuzz Love, Polysci, and Forsworn. Rick was added to the lineup later joining after we met him playing in his previous band Let Fate Decide, out of Rockford .

Joe:
What inspired the name?
name?
Embers:
Back when Ethan was doing roadie work for another band; the band and crew had a small party, and Ethan and the bass player of that band came up with the name Embers Rise whilst sitting around the camp fire at the party.

Joe:
Bandmates tend to fulfill multiple roles; on and off stage. What roles do you guys divy up between yourselves, if anyone?
Embers:
Ethan is the band manager and currently booking agent for the band, managing social media and otherwise along with booking and strategy, along with being the main songwriter and producer. Rick manages merch and also takes on the large majority of driving and finding the best spots to stop for sleeping, routing gig to gig, along with contributing bass parts. Cory writes the drums and contributes background vocals, and harsh vocals to the song.

Joe:
What has been the most rewarding part of touring?
Embers:
Getting to explore the entire country, especially as we have been able to get out of the Midwest this year. Also, being able to reach fans across the country. It's always rewarding when we will be out in Texas, or somewhere insanely far and people say they came out to see us!

Joe:
On the other end of that same pendulum; what has been the most taxing part of touring?
Embers:
Most definitely driving! it's long, its tiring, it never stops, and sucks! Them, when it does stop, we usually end up sleeping in the van. That's a close second. It's not easy living in a vehicle with three guys.

Joe:
You guys really loved your hot dog stands on the tour. What were your top 3, and where are they? 
Embers:
1.) Fatdogs - gas station chain in Nebraska (quality and GIRTH are top notch) 
2.) 7/11 (Some of the best all beet hot dogs and are always consistent) 
3.) Walmart (Good all beef Nathan's famous hotdogs, very consistent and only $1.50)

Joe:
What venue was the most hospitable to you while on the road?
Embers:
Whit Wort Brewing in Gibbon, MN. A small independent venue in the middle of kinda nowhere Minnesota; let us sleep in the green rooms and gave us cots, and air mattresses. It's a super amazing place, amazing drinks, and a real hidden gem of a venue. I'd say that's the definition of hospitality!

Joe:
I know it is hard to pick favorites, but I've got to ask; what are your individual favorite songs to play from your catalog?
Embers: 
Ethan - Far From Lonely 
Rick - Hurricane 
Cory - Dreams 

Joe:
 Any new releases, events, or tours coving up soon??
Embers: 
Definitely new music coming in the new year, very soon. We just released a new single have more on the way and a record towards the end of next year. With that we will have plenty of touring in the spring/summer/fall next year! 

You heard it from the interview, folks. The creative Embers are truly rising with these guys! Keep a lookout for when  they tour through your state. Follow them, listen to them, and feel the passion from their music! I am hoping to see them soon. They are coming down near me in Georgia, with legendary band, Shallow Side! So, if you read this and see me there, don't say, "hi," because I don't want you to interrupt me jamming in the crow!