On EP393 of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with Jon Andre of Hempire to talk about the band's new EP, the story and sounds behind it, physical media, touring, and the challenges of building a heavy music band in today's underground scene.
The new Hempire EP draws inspiration from the USS Indianapolis disaster and the movie Jaws, giving the release a distinctly dark and atmospheric theme. Jon explains how the band incorporated unusual sounds into the recordings, including car crash samples and sonar pings, to help build the atmosphere around the music.
The EP's artwork was created by Hempire's friend Dave Hood, adding another layer to the visual identity of the release.
Jon and Tom also discuss Hempire's plans for physical releases. The band is starting with CDs after looking at the current local market, while holding off on vinyl until there is enough demand to make a pressing worthwhile. A cassette release is also being considered.
The conversation gets into the changing physical-media market, with Tom and Jon discussing how economic conditions have affected record sales while CDs and tapes have seen renewed interest because they remain relatively affordable and easy to store.
Touring is another major focus. Hempire has been building its regional presence, recently purchasing a van to make traveling more manageable, and is looking toward new markets—particularly the Northeast. Jon explains the importance of strategically booking shows and why Hempire is interested in being the middle band on a bill rather than always trying to headline. For a touring band, getting in front of the right audience can matter more than being at the top of the poster.
Hempire is also preparing for an upcoming October run, including a October 24th show at Wild's Last Resort in Whitesburg, Kentucky, as part of the Halloween Hootenanny.
Tom and Jon discuss the importance of younger audiences to the future of live music, how concert experiences change as you get older, and why finding the right balance between comfort and being in the middle of the action becomes increasingly important.
The conversation also travels outside music, with Jon talking about Asheville, North Carolina, outdoor activities, Boone, regional tourism, and the differences between music scenes in places such as North Carolina, Vermont, Maine and Arkansas.
They compare larger festivals like Louder Than Life with smaller community-driven events and discuss why certain regional scenes can thrive even when major touring acts don't regularly visit.
Tom and Jon also talk about Hempire's future, including the possibility of expanding into new territories while maintaining relationships with promoters, venues and audiences they've already built.
From the USS Indianapolis and Jaws-inspired concept behind the new EP to physical media, touring strategy, Asheville's music scene and the realities of reaching new audiences, EP393 is a conversation about where Hempire came from—and where they're going next.
🎙️ And Now The Band — EP393
⚓ Jon Andre — Hempire
🎵 Sealed By The Sea EP
🦈 USS Indianapolis • Jaws • Horror-Inspired Heavy Music
📅 October 24 — Wild's Last Resort, Whitesburg, Kentucky
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