Tom McKean & The Emperors

Tom McKean & The Emperors

Tom McKean & The Emperors is a group from the United Kingdom associated with slow-coustic music. The band builds its sound around Tom McKean’s deep vocal delivery and poetic lyrics, with arrangements from The Emperors that include harmonies and a rough-edged backing style. Their music is described as drawing on the work of Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave.

Career and activity

The group develops a reputation on the London live music circuit within its first 18 months and also attracts a large following online. It is a regular at London venues including the Borderline and the Barfly. Three members of the band also accompany Barry Adamson, Nick Cave and David McAlmont for two nights at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Recording and release

The band’s first single is produced by Luther Russell, known for work with Sarabeth Tucek and Richmond Fontaine. It is written and demoed at 18 Rugby St EC1, the former home of poets Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.

Reputation

Tom McKean describes the group as “miserable buggers” who still want the audience to have a good time, a comment that fits the contrast between the band’s sombre lyrical tone and its live presence.