How a Sydney bar encounter sparked an electronic music phenomenon
In short: In 2000, two musicians met in a Sydney bar, unaware they would redefine electronic music. From a brief fallout to international gold records and flamboyant stage shows, the journey of Empire of the Sun is a masterclass in creative evolution and unexpected collaborations.
The Australian duo, consisting of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, began as a collaboration between members of The Sleepy Jackson and Pnau. The duo's connection began in 2000, following an introduction by Simon Moor, Steele's A&R executive, within a Sydney pub. Although they worked together on various projects in the early 2000s—including Littlemore's contribution to Steele's 2003 debut album, Lovers—the pair experienced a temporary cessation of cooperation following a disagreement over a song.
The duo's creative spark reignited in 2006 while working on a Pnau album. The track "With You Forever" proved so transformative that it inspired Littlemore to pivot toward a vocally-centered collaborative project. Originally working under the title "Steelemore," the duo began crafting their sound while separated by distance, with Steele in Perth and Littlemore in Sydney, eventually recording their debut material throughout 2007.
Their 2008 debut, Walking on a Dream, achieved significant international success, earning double platinum certification in Australia and gold in the United Kingdom. The band became renowned for their elaborate live performances, characterized by flamboyant costumes, such as Steele's "Ming The Merciless" robe and gigantic metallic headpieces. This visual intensity, combined with hits like "We Are the People," helped them secure a place in the global electronic scene, eventually leading to collaborations with major figures like Elton John and soundtracks for films like Dumb and Dumber To.
Despite the high-profile success, the duo's path has been marked by shifting dynamics. Littlemore once opted out of live performances to focus on production and a project with Cirque du Soleil, while Steele has pursued solo work. Yet, the duo continues to evolve, releasing their fourth album, Ask That God, in July 2024, and already planning their fifth.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Empire of the Sun (band)
- Also: Wikidata — Empire of the Sun · CC0
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