Empire Of The Sun
Biography
Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo formed in Sydney in 2007. The duo consists of Luke Steele, the former frontman of the alternative rock band The Sleepy Jackson, and Nick Littlemore, a member of the electronic dance band Pnau. Steele and Littlemore met in 2000 at a bar in Sydney and began collaborating on music over the following years. Their shared interest in artists like Phoenix and Daft Punk led them to officially form Empire of the Sun.
Musical Career
2008-2012: Walking on a Dream
The duo released their debut album, "Walking on a Dream," on October 3, 2008. The album achieved international success, earning double platinum certification in Australia and gold in the United Kingdom. The title track, released as the lead single on August 30, 2008, reached number ten on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. The second single, "We Are the People," peaked at number fourteen on the UK Singles Chart. "Walking on a Dream" received seven awards at the 2009 ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year.
2013-2016: Ice on the Dune and Two Vines
Their second album, "Ice on the Dune," was released in June 2013. The lead single, "Alive," was released on April 16, 2013. The album was followed by "Two Vines" in October 2016. This album featured contributions from notable musicians such as Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and Wendy Melvoin.
2024-Present: Ask That God
After an eight-year hiatus, Empire of the Sun announced their return in 2024. They released a new single, "Changes," on April 5, 2024, followed by "Music on the Radio" on May 17. Their fourth studio album, "Ask That God," was released on July 26, 2024.
Artistry and Visuals
Empire of the Sun is known for its distinctive visual style, which is heavily influenced by fantasy, science fiction, and mythology. Their live performances are characterized by flamboyant costumes, elaborate stage sets, and theatrical elements. The music videos for singles like "Walking on a Dream," filmed in Shanghai, and "We Are the People," filmed in Mexico, showcase their unique aesthetic.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout their career, Empire of the Sun has received numerous awards and nominations. Their debut album was nominated for 11 ARIA Awards in 2009, winning seven of them. The single "Walking on a Dream" won Single of the Year at the same awards. In 2010, the song won Dance Work of the Year at the APRA Awards. The song has surpassed one billion streams, earning the duo a "Billions Award" from APRA AMCOS.