Regina band plans a busy day in Saskatoon
STEPHANIE MCKAY
Three’s the charm for Empire Associates, the husbandduo of Terrance Williamson and Kelsi Kerestesh. The Regina band is playing a trio of shows in Saskatoon in just one day.
It all begins with a bit of an unconventional venue for the group, at Mainstage Urban Clothing in Lawson Heights Mall. Later that afternoon, the hungry public at Taste of Saskatchewan will get a set. The day wraps up with the band’s first performance at Lydia’s. Each show calls for something a little different.
Luckily, to prepare for a casino show in Swift Current later this summer, Empire Associates is armed with lots of covers in addition to their more contemplative, quiet originals.
Both Williamson and Kerestesh were involved with music before they met and their collaboration came about naturally. Williamson said it’s fortunate to share a hobby with his wife.
“Most of the time I end up writing the songs for me but what often happens when I show my wife a song that I wrote she ends up singing it and sounds way better, so she takes it over. You have to have some humility in music and know when it sounds good,” he said with a laugh.
Though making music initially began just as something fun to do together, Williamson eventually started writing more, which led to Empire Associates’ debut album In Times of Trouble.
Momentum was building for the band, but the couple had to focus on family in the fall of 2012 when their infant son was diagnosed with leukemia.
“He was in a very critical state. When we were at the hospital the doctor said he had 24 hours left. It was pretty emotional,” said Williamson.
The family spent time in Saskatoon while he received treatment.
It’s been a difficult year for the family, but 15-monthold Lucian’s cancer has been in remission since January. The band has gradually began playing again as his health has improved.
Williamson said returning to Saskatoon brings back good memories rather than bad because it’s where his son got his second chance.
“He’s a fighter,” he said of Lucian.
He’s also going to be a musician, according to his father. Though the baby would initially get scared by loud noises like his dad’s cello, he’s starting to enjoy music.
“He loves the guitar. He loves eating it more than anything but he definitely gets happy when I pull it out and start strumming it.”
Empire Associates is working on a second album and, thanks to a donation of equipment from someone who heard the family’s story, the band is able to record at home. Williamson said they are making sure to take their time with the record.
The band’s folk-rock sound has led to comparisons to Civil Wars, The Cranberries and more. The couple will be accompanied by Williamson’s brother on drums and they also have a touring bass player.