Empire Of The Sun
Empire Of The Sun: Australia's Pioneers of Electro-Pop Spectacle
Empire Of The Sun is an Australian electronic music duo renowned for their extravagant visual aesthetic and lush, synth-driven soundscapes. Formed in Sydney in 2007, the pairing of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore achieved global success with their debut album, which became a multi-platinum international phenomenon and spawned several chart-topping singles.
Early career
The project emerged from the established careers of its two principals. Luke Steele was the frontman of the indie rock band The Sleepy Jackson, while Nick Littlemore was a key member of the electronic act Pnau and a prolific producer. Their collaboration began in earnest in 2007, driven by a shared vision for a grandiose, concept-driven musical project that blended pop melodies with cinematic electronics.
Breakthrough
The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2008 with the release of their debut album, Walking on a Dream, on Capitol Records. Propelled by its irresistibly catchy title track and the single "We Are the People," the album achieved massive commercial success, particularly in their home country. It was certified 5x Platinum in Australia and also found significant chart success across Europe.
Key tracks
Walking on a Dream — The euphoric title track and lead single became an instant classic, defining their sound and earning an ARIA Award for Single of the Year.
We Are the People — This anthemic song served as the album's second single, receiving heavy radio rotation worldwide and solidifying their international appeal.
Alive — The lead single from their second album, Ice on the Dune
High and Low — A standout from their third record, this track exemplifies their continued mastery of soaring, emotionally resonant electro-pop choruses.
The duo's elaborate, costume-heavy live performances and music videos, featuring intricate choreography and fantastical themes, became a signature element of their brand. Their sophomore album, 2013's Ice on the Dune, debuted at number one on the Australian albums chart and was certified Gold. After a lengthy hiatus, they returned in 2016 with their third studio album, Two Vines, which continued their exploration of lush, tropical-tinged synth-pop.
Fans of Empire Of The Sun's vibrant and theatrical brand of electronic pop should also explore other innovative Australian acts. Pnau, Nick Littlemore's other primary project, shares a similar foundational electronic DNA. The Presets offer another potent Australian take on danceable, anthemic synth-driven music. MGMT parallels their psychedelic pop sensibilities and flair for the conceptual. Tame Impala explores similarly expansive and melodic psychedelic soundscapes, albeit from a more rock-oriented starting point.
The music of Empire Of The Sun maintains a strong presence on modern alternative and pop radio stations, particularly on electronic and indie-focused formats. Their timeless hits are staples on dance-pop and classic hits FM stations, while their deeper album cuts resonate on more adventurous online radio streams dedicated to forward-thinking pop music.
Listeners can discover the immersive electro-pop world of Empire Of The Sun through the diverse radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their iconic tracks are regularly featured in programming dedicated to innovative and anthemic modern music.
