New Orleans-based pop ensemble Empress Hotel have announced the release of their self-titled debut EP via Park the Van (Dr. Dog, The Spinto Band, The Generationals) on March 8. Inspired by both one hit wonders of the ’70s (Ace and The Dwight Twilley Band) and such legends as Prince, Sparks, and Roxy Music, the band is a by-product of a pair of brothers, some good friends and a stack of great ideas.

Guitarist and songwriter Ryan Rogers spent a lot of time over the last couple of years watching his brother Eric weave in and out of other local bands. As Eric toured and joined new musical projects, Ryan stayed home with his close friend Micah McKee and began writing and recording batches of feel-awesome pop gems that couldn’t remain just in their circle of friends. These recordings were shared to the point that the next logical step was to put a live band together, and that’s when Eric found his way into Empress Hotel.

With Ryan on guitar and Eric on drums, Empress Hotel is backed by Patrick Hodgkins on bass, Leo DeJesus on keys and percussion and, the lovely Julie Williams on keys with Micah McKee on lead vocals and guitar.

Empress Hotel :: Bells Ring