Cork Of The Walk

The rise of Cork trio The Empire Lights has been impressively rapid. Their debut single ‘Momentum’ reached No. 12 on the iTunes download charts, and went top 50 in the Irish singles charts. But then singer Sarah Star, auburn bombshell and dyed-in-the-wool Aussie, is genuinely a star in the making.

Sarah is in the odd position of having emigrated to Ireland while most people were heading in the other direction. But she’s happy here now, in the bosom of the band. How long they will remain in Ireland, however, remains uncertain.
To date, in addition to their top 50 success, Sarah and the lads have built their own studio and founded a record label – on which their debut album will be released. But you get the distinct feeling that their ambitions will take them to fresh pastures sooner rather than later.
“We’re doing the pre-production for our album at the moment,” she tells me. “It’s really fun. We recorded the single at Grouse Lodge, and that was lovely. It was snowing so we got to stay another day!”
Prior to joining forces with native Corkmen Barry and Ronan, Sarah had worked as a solo artist. But she is totally committed to the band now. The three-piece, have been performing with a floating cast of guitar-players since their inception.
“We’re looking for a new guitarist,” she says. “We may end up finding one in the UK. We’ve been talking to publishing companies and producers in London.
“The scene in Cork isn’t the biggest in the world,” she adds. “It’s really community-based though. Everyone’s so supportive. Because of that, the only gig we ever really booked was our first one. When we were doing the sound-check, we got offered our second gig, then our third (laughs)! On tour, venues called us up asking us to play. We’re really lucky.”
Earlier in the year, Empire Lights did the IMRO Showcase tour. Now, with interest growing, the group are dividing their time between album preparations and support slots with currently hot acts like The Riptide Movement.
“We also did a show with The Frank & Walters, and one with Chris Massetti,” she expands. “We’ve worked a bit with Fred as well. There’s some great talent here. We’re aiming to support The Script at some stage. We’re aiming big (laughs). They are absolutely huge in Australia. Their tour sold-out in minutes. That was on my mind when we came to Ireland!
“I love travelling,” she confesses. “Since I left school I haven’t spent more than six months to a year in one place. A lot of people think I’m Irish because of my hair colour. Irish people think I’m mad for emigrating here. I hear it all the time! I do miss home like crazy. I love Cork – it’s so small you can’t get lost – but we’re actually planning on doing an Australian tour soon, so I’ll see my friends and family. I’m not used to this eight-month long winter! It’s great craic though.”
‘Momentum’ is a great pop song, influenced by Coldplay, Thin Lizzy, and Michael Jackson.
“I’m the biggest Michael Jackson fan,” Sarah enthuses. “Ever since I was about two I’ve been obsessed with him. When he died and this rebirth of his music came about, everyone was like, ‘Oh, I love Michael Jackson’, and I was like, ‘I did it first!’”
You get the feeling that’s something she might just make a habit of...

‘Momentum’ is out now. The Empire Lights play Indiependence, Mitchelstown, August 3 –5.