Local self-proclaimed Indie-Alternative band Embracer is making waves with their newly signed label deal under Artery Foundation Management. The same label who also houses big acts like Dance Gavin Dance, Chelsea Grin, Slaves, and crowd favorite Jonny Craig.
Embracer, a five piece set consisting of Jordan Bradley (vocals), Dylan Costinteen (guitar), Karl Shaver (bass), Ryan Pullin (guitar), and Zakk Garcia (drums), is igniting the young music scene. With the melodic vocals of Bradley, to the powerful drum beats and bass, the band creates an enchanting and slightly ominous approach to the typical post-hardcore-melodic rock.
Embracer released their latest EP titled My Father’s Will a few months ago. Hauntingly catchy, the lyrics are relatable to the listener. By conveying a deeper meaning to each track, Embracer is following in the very footsteps of some of their favorite bands.
Not only do the boys of Embracer balance university life and schoolwork, they also just announced their Spring tour, which will travel through eight states.
Her Campus Ohio U: How does it feel to be under management of one of the top-level managing groups in this industry?
Jordan Bradley: Yeah I mean it is really crazy. To think that we grew up listening to these artists and spending all our teenage money to go see shows, and now we’re signed to the same label. It’s really insane, really insane.
Karl Shaver: Honestly it seems so surreal. We all feel like one day we’re gonna wake up and realize it’s been one wild dream.
Dylan Costinteen: I mean I hope that doesn’t happen though. It’s been the craziest and raddest year of my life; I’m so stoked to see what else is in the stars for us.
HCOU: Your EP, My Father’s Will, is full of metaphorical meaning and symbolism. How did you guys come up with these lyrics?
JB: All five of our brains put together let us create those rad lyrics. But seriously though, Dylan has a way with words. The kid is a beautiful writing genius. He is definitely the man behind the lines, and we would be nowhere without his creative aspect he brings to the band.
HCOU: How do you do it, Dylan?
DC: [laughs] Well, I know we all have been through our fair share of bad luck. That bad luck though turns into something positive. Not in the very moment, but when you look back on those hard times it makes you realize how strong you really are for overcoming such griefs. I like to incorporate past experiences into our songs. They may not be the happiest of lyrics, but life is not always a happy fairytale all the time. How awesome would it be though if that were the case!
HCOU: If life really was a fairytale, what character or story would you want to be?
JB: Oh this is easy! I would be Rapunzel. I’m really digging the long hair look. But I think Dyl is the real Rapunzel here, that hair grows so fast on his head.
DC: Thanks, man. I would for sure be Snow White. She’s beautiful and pale, talks to wildlife, and befriended seven dwarfs.
ZG: Maybe Sleeping Beauty, she seems pretty legit. Her man is a beast, and as Jordan said, the long hair, man bun/beard thing is pretty popular.
KS: Jordan stole mine! I am the only one in the band that has short hair.
RP: I have always had a man crush on Peter Pan. Probably the only dude who can work leggings! But seriously, Peter Pan is my man, and he flies!
HCOU: If you could tour with any band, what band would it be?
RP: Old school Chiodos. High school was a rough time, as I’m sure it is for everyone in their own ways. One of the only things to get me through the days was jamming out to Chiodos and going to the skatepark and just being alone with my thoughts.
DC: I’m going to have to go with any band that the man, Jonny [Craig] has been in. His musical and vocal style plays a huge part in how we make our music. The sound he creates is always so beautiful and full of life, but can be so dark and tragic at the same time. Which in my opinion is how life really is, the beauty and darkness intertwine together.
HCOU: When will you guys be making new music?
JB: Actually we constantly are making new songs. We all get together and get basic songs together every other day or so, then we revisit them whenever we can, and fine tune and perfect every aspect.
HCOU: When will you release some of these songs?
ZG: We’re looking at sometime late summer. If everything aligns right, then we should release some new tunes then.
HCOU: Do you plan on growing as a band even after college?
DC: Oh yes. There is no doubt we will be doing this for a long time. Even if we don’t get as big as some of our idols, we will always be making music. Music is such a huge part of all our lives; I cannot imagine a day without it. I’m even teaching [my daughter] Adilynne, who is two years old, how to play basic tunes. Music is what we all want to do with our lives, if all else fails we have our college degrees to fall back on.
You can purchase Embracer’s EP My Father’s Will and other merch on their bandcamp site. Check ’em out!