The Cat Empire: Melbourne's Genre-Fusing Party Starters

The Cat Empire is a dynamic Australian band renowned for their explosive live shows and a genre-defying sound that blends ska, jazz, funk, latin, and rock. Formed in Melbourne in 1999, the group has built a formidable international following, selling over a million records worldwide and headlining major festivals across the globe.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to late 1990s Melbourne, where core members Felix Riebl (percussion/vocals) and Ollie McGill (keyboards) began collaborating. They officially formed as The Cat Empire in 1999, quickly establishing a reputation for their energetic, horn-driven performances in local venues, building a sound anchored by a dual trumpet and trombone frontline.

Breakthrough

The Cat Empire's self-titled debut album, released independently in 2003, became a slow-burn success in Australia. Its lead single, Hello, gained significant radio play, propelling the album to double platinum certification in their home country and setting the stage for international tours. This grassroots success established their signature mix of upbeat rhythms and cross-cultural musicality.

Key tracks

Hello - This ska-infused anthem served as the band's breakout single, becoming a staple on Australian radio and defining their optimistic, party-starting ethos.

The Chariot - A live favorite known for its extended, improvisational sections and powerful horn lines, showcasing the band's jazz and funk influences.

Sly - This track highlights their latin and reggae grooves, featuring intricate percussion and a smooth, laid-back vocal delivery from Harry James Angus.

Two Shoes - The title track from their 2005 sophomore album, recorded in Havana, Cuba, it exemplifies their adventurous incorporation of world music rhythms.

Brighter Than Gold - A later-career single that demonstrates their polished songwriting and anthemic, festival-ready sound.

Following their initial success, The Cat Empire maintained a relentless touring schedule, releasing albums like Two Shoes (2005) and So Many Nights (2007) which further expanded their global audience. Their lineup, featuring the distinctive vocals of both Riebl and trumpeter Harry James Angus, became a hallmark. While their sound evolved over subsequent releases, their commitment to a vibrant, brass-heavy fusion remained constant, leading to a dedicated fanbase often called "Empire Loyalists."

Fans of The Cat Empire's eclectic, horn-driven sound may also enjoy the energetic ska of The Beautiful South, though with a more pop-centric approach. The global fusion and party energy of Manu Chao shares a similar cross-cultural vibrancy. For another Australian act blending rock with horns and a celebratory feel, explore The John Butler Trio. The jazz-rock improvisation and dynamic performances of Slightly Stoopid also resonate with their style.

The music of The Cat Empire, with its infectious energy and genre-blending appeal, is a perfect fit for a variety of radio formats, from alternative rock and world music stations to specialty programs focusing on ska, jazz, and independent Australian music.

Listeners can discover the vibrant catalog of The Cat Empire through the radio stations featured on this website, experiencing the band's unique fusion of sounds that has defined their career.