About
Shiny Empire is a rock band from Austin, Texas. Formed in 2010 by Justin Marler, Shiny Empire's music is the culmination of Marler's unusual musical past that includes being a founding member of the doom metal band Sleep, to performing acoustic songs during his 7 year stint as a monk, to fronting alt rock band The Sabians.
After moving to Austin, Marler traded heavy music for catchy power pop melodies. With volumes of new ideas Marler searched for the right musicians to collaborate with for over a year. Finding the right lead guitarist wasn't happening, so Marler decided to integrate keyboards into the sound. Shiny Empire chanced upon Phil Davies and his keytar in Summer of 2011. A keytar is the infamous 80's instrument which mashes a keyboard and guitar into one crazy synth machine. Around the same time Jaime Cano, formerly of The Always Aready, became the band's drummer, and John Bello of Bevo signed on as bass player. At the end of 2011, fourth generation trumpeter Addison Story joined to finish out the sound.
This stellar combination, combined with an explosive live show, results in punk informed, multi layered, multi-instrumental power pop extravaganza. Yeah!
Justin Marler: Guitar and vocals
Phil Davies: Keyboards and keytar
Jaime Cano: Drums
John Bello: Bass and vocals
Addison Story: Trumpet and vocals