The Common Empire

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Formed in 2005 The Common Empire are one of Scotland’s brightest young bands with rock n roll and ska being the main elements of their sound . Led by the pugnacious Chazz and filled out by the visceral sounds of Steven McKie and Andrew Rendall, and the solid punchy rhythm of Scott Malone on drums and Stu Grant on bass. In early 2010 trumpet player Eliot Waterhouse joined the band, adding a different dimension to an already exciting live act. Based in Dumfries The Common Empire have developed a passionate following in their home town over the last few years. In 2007 they triumphed in the South West Scotland Battle Of The Bands competition and duly booked their ticket for local cult festival The Wickerman that summer. This success was repeated in 2009 when they graced the main stage at The Wickerman once again, to a fantastic reception. Their successful performance was the springboard that allowed them to take their sound outwith the confines of their own region and gigs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Carlisle and Liverpool followed suit. They were also invited over to Italy to play at a music festival in Cantu where they gained more fans farther a field. Ventures into the studio proved fruitful as their sound lent itself to comparisons with the spiky ramshackle output of The View and The Libertines. Word spread and support gigs to luminaries like the Mystery Jets, Joy Formidable and Detroit Social Club raised their stock higher. 2010 promises to be another exciting year for The Common Empire and their loyal band of followers.