Empire-Acoustic is an offshoot of Empire Blues, which formed in 2005.

As the title suggests it is an unplugged version of the band, but there is also a very clear difference between the two acts. Essentially the trio consists of acoustic/dobro guitar; fretless bass/stick upright bass and a ½ size drum kit.

The material still lends itself to classic blues and original material, but is not limited to just British blues. Although you will still hear influences from artists like John Martyn, Eric Clapton and John Mayall.

The same principals of Empire Blues apply to Empire-Acoustic in that a considerable percentage of the material is original focusing on humour, social comment and Western Australia. This has been extremely well received at all the venues they have performed at.

The trio also has the advantage of being a band when you want the volume of a duo and have a very small area to perform in.

Because of the ease of performing the unplugged format, Empire-Acoustic does many fund-raising performances for various charities, but in recent times they have also performed at The Settlers Tavern (Margaret River), Mundaring Hotel, Mount Helena Hotel, Margaret River Hotel, and The Perth Blues Club.

Contact details:

Andrew McIlroy Wk: 08 9371 8822 | Mob:0417 955 316 | email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alan Dawson Mob: 0407 989 128 | email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Empire Blues is an established, dynamic Blues Power trio whose primary influences come from the British Blues invasion of the 1960s. Initially the band took its material from this period, but over time it has moved to performing more original material in the belief that for Blues music to evolve, you cant keep just repeating the past.

Formed in 2005 the band features prominent Western Australian Blues musicians:

• Andrew McIlroy (guitar/vocal)
• Alan Dawson (bass guitar/vocal)
• Frank Shinall (drums)

All three musicians have been stalwarts of the Perth music scene for many years and have performed regularly at the Perth Blues Club.

High-energy blues is very much the staple of the band, which has a well-earned reputation for lifting the roof off many a blues venue. The band also brings together more traditional elements to many of its songs through the use of Dobro-slide guitar, fretless bass and brushes on the drums for an acoustic (not roots) blues feel.

Together with great original tracks from their two full length CD releases, Empire Blues (self Titled) & Blue Diamonds, the band also covers material from, John Mayall, Eric Clapton/Cream, The Rolling Stones, Robin Trower, The Animals and many other great British blues artists.

Empire Blues has played at:

• Blues at Bridgetown Festival, 2008,09,10 &13
• Yanchep Inn Blues Festival, and 
• Peel Blues & Roots Festival

Has supported international blues artists:

• Hans Theesick,
• Eugene Bridges and
• Jan Preston.

As well as national artists including:

• Ian Moss,
• Dave Hole,
• Louis King and the Liars,
• ... and countless others.

Andrew has also performed at Buddy Guy's Legends Bar in Chicago USA, and Alan has performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival (twice) and the Eastern Haze Festival (UK)

Contact details:

Andrew McIlroy Wk: 08 9371 8822 | Mob:0417 955 316 | email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alan Dawson Mob: 0407 989 128 | email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Andrew McIlroy grew up in Melbourne, Victoria, and started playing guitar in 1971. 

Alan always had an interest in music from a very early age listening to both his grand parents and parents record collection over and over.