Empty Nesters is the project of Montreal artist Eric Liao. Liao, who handles guitar, bass, and vocals, is joined by drummer Matthew Galamaga. The music is largely shaped by Liao’s own Asian background. Previous Empty Nesters’ release, “The Simphony”—a dreamy love song written for Liao’s girlfriend—was reimagined as a duet with PACKS frontwoman Madeline Link, a friend and collaborator Liao met while opening for the band in 2023. Their forthcoming EP Deaf Monks drops on July 11th and its lead single, “Shangri-Nah,” ft. Clay Pigeon drops on June 6th.

“Shangri-Nah,” featuring James Clayton of Clay Pigeon, opens with the existential declaration: “I have this constant need to do something with my life.” Beneath its frenetic tempo and unrelenting energy lies a core of introspective lyricism—yearning for meaning, direction, and identity. The emotional weight intensifies with the recurring, gut-punch refrain: “What’s it all for? Who am I now? I can’t take it anymore.” A standout moment arrives with a dynamic guitar solo, where Empty Nesters seamlessly weaves elements of stoner rock, doom metal, and psychedelic rock into the hardcore framework—adding layers of depth and texture to the sonic landscape. Through its fusion of aggression and vulnerability, genre-bending instrumentation, and existential urgency, “Shangri-Nah” delivers a gripping exploration of the human condition—resonating with anyone who’s ever questioned their place in the world or longed for a deeper sense of purpose.

Deaf Monks is Empty Nesters’ most collaborative release yet, featuring a lineup of Canadian indie, folk, and rap artists including Sasha Cay, Victor Complex, and Fraud Perry.

Empty Nesters
Deaf Monks
Tracklisting

1. On Read Ft. Tashiina Buswa of Ribbon Skirt
2. Nomad
3. Deaf Monks Ft. Victor Complex
4. Tilley Ft. Sasha Cay
5. Twinge
6. Shangri-Nah Ft. Clay Pigeon
7. Hoisin Ft. Fraud Perry

Pre-order Deaf Monks by Empty Nesters HERE