Empire of the Sun is the Australian electronic duo of Luke Steele (the Sleepy Jackson) and Nick Littlemore (Pnau), formed in Sydney in 2007 and as famous for costumed, sci-fi theatricality as for anthemic synth-pop. Walking on a Dream (2008) won multiple ARIA Awards and remains the essential first listen. Browse Empire of the Sun vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Empire of the Sun formed in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as a side project for Luke Steele (frontman of the Sleepy Jackson) and Nick Littlemore (of Pnau). Their debut album Walking on a Dream (2008) won multiple ARIA Music Awards and the title single became a international hit. The duo's elaborate costumes, theatrical visual presentation, and music video aesthetic have become defining features of the project alongside the music itself.
Empire of the Sun's sound combines electronic music, synth-pop, electropop, neo-psychedelia, and indietronica with anthemic, often soaring melodies and extensive synthesizer work. The project's visual identity - drawing on science fiction, fantasy, and ceremonial costume - is widely considered as central to the project's identity as the music itself.
EMI/Capitol pressings of the Empire of the Sun catalog have been issued in multiple color variant editions. Walking on a Dream has had multiple anniversary repressings, including the 10th anniversary deluxe edition.
Listeners new to Empire of the Sun typically start with Walking on a Dream (2008).
