Rick Lambert - Vocals/guitar for Empty Trail

1. History of the band, members, etc?

RICK: The band is myself, Shane Wallin on bass, and Rom Gov on drums. The band started as a personal project of mine when I was in LA, and recorded three songs. Then I moved to Austin, Texas, where I put the live band, three piece, together. We’ve been together for about three years. The album, the E.P. has been recorded over the past year, and we’ve sitting on it for a while. It’s out through Golden Robot Records, October 18th. Five song E.P. two songs, the video for “Lost”, and “My World” are out. The band has been working with Chipster PR for several months.

2. Reason for the band name?

RICK: I named the band when I was in LA, it kind of has meaning, but more pairing words together that worked. It’s tough because by now all the names have been taken for a rock band. And Empty Trail means everyone is on a journey, where are we going, what is your path, how do I create purpose for myself, etc.

3. What would you say is the musical style, direction?

RICK: I’d say we are hard rock, kind of 90s grunge, especially my voice. I have always been a metal fan too, so I kind of hear that in some of our solos, even Megadeth-y, but it’s not metal. Maybe the Cryptic Writings/Risk era. I mean we have a song called “Rust” and the solo section is totally Megadeth.

4. How do you reach fans mostly, MP3s, videos on Youtube, Facebook, live?

RICK: Its really all of it, I feel the game has changed today especially the younger generation are so attached to their phones, they don’t even really leave the house, especially to see live music. I think staying active on social media, posting content helps. We have been playing in the Texas area, and currently trying to set up a couple tours for next year. We haven’t it the coasts yet.

5. Do you see a lot of people at the shows, or is the attention on downloads, streams?

RICK: I think the social media thing, right now, until we get on a proper tour, it gives us the opportunity to get us in front of a lot of people all around the world. When you are doing more local shows its challenging to get people out. There is a small scene here, all the bands know each other. Even under age people are still able to see some of our shows. But I think the right tour, outside of local bars, will be what we need. But I do think we are building something, but you just quite never know. We are working the area.

6. Have been able to open up for, or play with a bigger band?

RICK: Yeah, Adelitas Way came through, and Cold. That went well, good exposure, the guys were good to us.

7. Your music would fit well on American rock radio. Have any of your songs been sent to radio, or received airplay?

RICK: Yeah, “My World” charted on Billboard Rock Indicator #27, so that did pretty good. We may go to radio to another song, but not sure yet which one. I believe the song was played across America.

8. Tour plans?

RICK: Yes, we are working on dates for next year but nothing is set yet. We would probably go out with a package. I would love to go out with a big name band, like a Megadeth, so put in a good word with Dave Mustaine, haha.

9. Any festival appearances?

RICK: Well maybe a local festival. But as far as a bigger rock festival nothing yet.

10. What is, or are, the best opportunities the band has had so far?

RICK: Going to radio was great, opening for those two previous mentioned bands, got to work with a producer in LA but I don’t know if I can say anything yet. Next year we hope to do a full album.

11. New hard rock and metal you are listening to?

RICK: I love Highly Suspect, Dinosaur Pileup, Broken Love, and Royal Blood.

12. Closing thoughts?

RICK: Just keep us with us on social media, we are always active.

Official website: Official website: https://www.facebook.com/emptytrailmusic