Empty Spaces

"We have a great relationship with our crowd and have a great time playing every time. We're always about having a great time on stage and giving people who come to watch us a great time also. We like to leave everything on that stage."

 

Up n’ Comin’ NI is happy to introduce this weeks artist, Empty Spaces, a 4-piece rock band based in Belfast and Ballymena. The band consists of Stephen Baird (Vocals & Guitar), Rahul Pfannmöller (Bass & Vocals), Paul O'Rourke (Guitar & Vocals) and Adrian McWilliams (Drums). 

 

“Music has played a massive part in all of our lives. Stevo and Adrian have played together for several years in various projects and bands. Rahul and Stevo both went to Queens to study Music and have often played together throughout the years. Paul has also found himself in a number of different bands outside of the group. Our musical journeys play a major role in shaping our lives.”

 

As you would expect, the band have a wide variety of rock influences. From the classics of BB King and Johnny Cash to the more modern sounds of Arctic Monkeys, Bullet For My Valentine and Foo Fighters. “Our style consists of a wide variety of rock from the 60s through to present day. We like mixing the soulful sounds of the old with the energy of more contemporary sounds.”

 

Empty Spaces started off as a 3 piece band in the Summer of 2022, mostly performing covers. They have, however, always been keen to branch out into playing original content. Paul joined the band in early 2023. This gave the band a fuller sound. They then played their first gig in March 2023 in the Black Box. After that, they have gone on to perform at the Battle of the Bands competition. “We are currently in the process of preparing more gigs and will be looking to get in the studio soon to record our content.

 

 

"As we are a 4 piece, we generally work by ourselves. There is already many ideas that we can all bring to the table. This doesn't stop us from being open to working with others."

 

When writing songs, the band will generally come up with small ideas and then run them by the rest of the band members. “If it's an idea we like we will take it to rehearsal to work on and develop. Our variety of inspirations generally helps to build a final product we are happy about.”

 

Empty Spaces have always stuck to the overarching genre of rock. In doing this, they are able to experiment within this genre, allowing them to pick apart aspects of other sub-genres and still maintain their sound. Their debut single 'White Room' is now available across all streaming platforms, “but stay tuned as more will be coming soon.”

 

"Never think too hard about what it is your doing when playing music. If you think too hard, you are prone to making mistakes."

 

The band are still quite newly formed and therefore haven’t done too much gigging together. Having said that, they have performed at the Black Box, Hop House, the Empire and the Pavilion Bar. “We also had an acoustic set for a TV event. We will actively be looking to increase the portfolio as the year goes on.”

Empty Spaces recently participated in the Rockshore Battle of the Bands competition. The band made it to the final's at the Pavilion in Belfast. Although they didn't win, they certainly came close. So watch this space, because we have a feeling they could take the trophy next year!

 

So, what’s next for Empty Spaces?

 

“We are looking to get several gigs on the go as the year goes on and will hopefully look to branch out both into ROI and mainland UK for 2024. We will also be looking to record and release original content over the year. Stay Tuned!”

Make sure you follow them and keep up to date with all their songs, events and gigs: 

Spotify: Empty Spaces

Instagram: emptyspacesuk

Facebook: Empty Spaces

YouTube: Empty Spaces Official