O Emperor

O Emperor

O Emperor are a five-piece rock band from Waterford, Ireland, formed in 2009 and active since then. The group grows out of a group of old school friends who play together in different bands before settling on O Emperor, and they release music on Big Skin Records.

Early releases and recognition

Their debut album, Hither Thither, appears in 2010. It receives strong attention from listeners and critics and is nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Irish album of the year. The band also receives praise from outlets including Rolling Stone, NPR World Cafe, Artrocker, BBC 6, Hot Press and The Times.

Sound and recording approach

O Emperor’s records move through different styles, from the more classical depth and shading associated with Hither Thither to the more distorted and fragmented sound of Vitreous. The second album is recorded at Big Skin HQ, the band’s own DIY studio and base for label operations, where recording and label administration happen in the same space. The album is entirely produced and recorded by the band, using old synthesisers and other equipment found in the studio, and it reflects a run of more than fifty demo recordings made during the year it is recorded. Its nine tracks span kraut minimalism, 1970s and 1980s glam and art rock, freak balladry, prog-influenced passages and electronic elements, with a deliberately rough production style.

Collaborations and live work

The band share stages with MGMT, Spoon and Villagers. They also have a special arrangement of “Sedalia” commissioned for a performance with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Their live and festival appearances include SXSW, Benicassim and Electric Picnic.

Later work

O Emperor release their third album, Jason, in 2018. In 2019, it wins the Choice Music Prize for Irish album of the year.