Empire of the Sun in the Empire State.

Photo Erin B. 

On Friday June 17, my friend Luke B. and I decided, after I got off work, to drive 12 hours up to NYC for the annual music festival, Governor’s Ball. We love Empire of the Sun and were craving to see them, catch Mac Miller and get to see some family and friends.  We told our parents we were going to the beach for the weekend, but we ended up going on probably a once in a lifetime journey that was worth every penny, every minute of sleep in the passenger seat and every sip of Red Bull to stay awake at the wheel.

My love of Empire of the Sun started when I got a free download of their first single, Walking On A Dream, on iTunes.  I loved listening to that song and showing my newfound favorite song to my friends.  When the album was released and I saw all their amazing music videos for the singles, I truly fell in love with the band and their music.  At first some of the songs I did not enjoy, but after every listen each grew on me and now I can honestly say I enjoy listening to every song of theirs.  Standing On the Shore, Half Mast, We Are the People, Country, Without You, The World, Tiger By My Side and Swordfish Hotkiss Night could all potentially be in other band’s greatest hits collections and these are just songs from one album.  Just think when they start releasing some new songs how earth shattering they could be? No exaggeration.

So when we heard of the opportunity to see Empire of the Sun live, we immediately snatched at it because we knew this chance would not come around often.  How many other kids from South Carolina can say they have seen Empire of the Sun? And let me tell you, they were incredible! It was the most amazing concert I have ever seen and I still get flashbacks of the remarkable voice of Luke Steele and the great dancers and effects the show had.  I honestly do not think I’ll ever go to a better concert, the atmosphere of the crowd was incredible and the band rocked Manhattan.  We were planning on staying for Girltalk and Pretty Lights before going home, but honestly felt that no group or musician had the potential to top Empire of the Sun’s performance.

We also got to see indie electronic rock band Neon Indian.  They played a great set and are a really talented up and coming group.  They released their first album Psychic Chasms in 2009 and it was a wonderfully put together debut release and I’m really excited for more from them.  Check both groups out if you haven’t heard of either.  But if you live in the New York area and you missed these performances, shame on you.  That weekend changed our lives.

-Dan T