Empire of The Sun

Empire of the Sun, an Australian electronic music duo formed in 2007, comprises Luke Steele, formerly of alternative rock band The Sleepy Jackson, and Nick Littlemore, of the electronic dance band Pnau. The duo’s inception followed years of intermittent collaboration, with their official formation facilitated by Steele’s A&R executive, Simon Moor. The duo initially bonded over their shared musical interests and gradually began to merge their creative talents.

Their debut album, Walking on a Dream, released on October 4, 2008, catapulted them to international fame. The album was certified double platinum in Australia and gold in the United Kingdom. It featured hit singles like the title track, “Walking on a Dream,” which peaked at number ten on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and “We Are the People,” which reached number fourteen on the UK Singles Chart. The album’s success was bolstered by visually striking music videos shot in exotic locations like Shanghai and Mexico.

Empire of the Sun’s live performances are renowned for their flamboyant costumes and elaborate stage sets, reflecting the duo’s background in visual arts. Steele and Littlemore’s dedication to creating an immersive visual and auditory experience has been a hallmark of their concerts. Despite their initial intention for the project to be studio-only, the growing demand from their audience led them to embrace live performances, debuting at the Parklife Festival in 2009. Their shows have since become a spectacle of visual overload and high-energy performances.

The band’s follow-up album, Ice on the Dune, was released in June 2013. Although it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as their debut, it demonstrated the duo’s evolving sound and continued their tradition of innovative music videos and stage designs. The lead single, “Alive,” gained moderate success and was featured in various media, including the soundtrack for EA Sports’ FIFA 14 and the film Dumb and Dumber To.

Empire of the Sun’s third album, Two Vines, released in October 2016, was co-produced by Peter Mayes and featured contributions from notable musicians like Lindsey Buckingham and Wendy Melvoin. The album’s theme, inspired by the idea of a modern city overtaken by jungle, showcased the duo’s unique ability to blend lush, organic imagery with their electronic soundscapes. The single “High and Low” became a notable track, also featured in EA Sports’ FIFA 17.

In 2024, after an eight-year hiatus from album releases, the duo returned with their fourth studio album, Ask That God. The album, anticipated by singles like “Changes” and “Music on the Radio,” marked a significant comeback and continued their legacy of blending innovative electronic music with striking visual elements.

Throughout their career, Empire of the Sun has won numerous Australian music awards, including seven ARIA Awards in 2009 for Walking on a Dream. Their unique blend of music and visual artistry has solidified their place in the global music scene, making them a distinctive and influential force in electronic music. Their style, often described as a mix of dream-pop, glam rock, and synth-pop, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring their lasting impact on the music industry.