SYDNEY, Australia ? Warner Chappell Music has signed an exclusive worldwide administration agreement with Luke Steele, the talented frontman and co-songwriter of the renowned Australian electronic pop duo Empire of the Sun. This strategic partnership signifies a significant milestone in Steele’s illustrious career, highlighting his influence in the music industry and the global appeal of his unique sound that blends various genres and artistic expressions.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Perth, Steele has emerged as one of the most celebrated talents of his generation from Down Under. His journey in the music industry showcases a blend of creativity and innovation, making him a standout figure in the Australian music scene. With his distinct style and captivating performances, Steele has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as an influential artist.
As part of Empire of the Sun, Steele (known as Emperor Steele) and his collaborator Nick Littlemore (Lord Littlemore) have successfully released four studio albums, each making a significant impact by reaching the ARIA Top 10. Their impressive accolades include eight prestigious ARIA Awards, two APRA Awards, and the notable APRA Billions Award for their iconic track ?Walking on a Dream.? This award celebrates songwriters and their publishers for achieving over one billion streams, underscoring the song’s massive success and cultural impact.
Released in 2008, ?Walking on a Dream? became a Top 10 hit on the ARIA charts and garnered renewed attention in the U.S. after being featured in a Honda Civic commercial in 2016. The song climbed to No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the top position on Billboard?s Dance Club Songs, marking a significant achievement in Steele’s career as it followed their earlier success with ?Alive? in 2013. This trajectory illustrates the enduring popularity of their music across diverse platforms.
The debut album, Walking on a Dream, made waves by peaking at No. 97 on the Billboard 200 in 2016, while their subsequent albums Ice on the Dune and Two Vines achieved impressive rankings of No. 20 and No. 51 respectively. These achievements reflect the duo’s consistent ability to produce music that resonates with listeners, showcasing their evolution as artists and their commitment to delivering quality content.
To date, Empire of the Sun has sold over 5.5 million albums globally and amassed a staggering 7.6 billion streams across various platforms. This remarkable statistic highlights the duo’s extensive reach and the widespread appreciation for their music, reinforcing their position as key players in the electronic pop genre and the broader music landscape.
In addition to his work with Empire of the Sun, Steele has also made significant contributions to the music scene through his involvement with The Sleepy Jackson, where he released two albums and two EPs. His solo endeavor, Listen To The Water, showcases his versatility as an artist. Furthermore, his collaborations with iconic artists such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé highlight his ability to transcend genres and work with some of the biggest names in the industry.
?I?m a longtime fan of Luke,? commented Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of WCM. ?As one of Australia?s most influential and successful musical talents, he has consistently pushed creative boundaries and delivered groundbreaking work with every release. We are proud to support him at such a pivotal moment in his career and look forward to witnessing how his vision will shape the future of electronic music.? This endorsement highlights the respect and admiration Steele commands within the industry.
Dan Rosen, president of Recording and Publishing at WMG, added, ?Luke is an exceptional songwriter and artist. For almost two decades, he has been at the forefront of the Australian music scene, making a significant global impact with his work.? This partnership is described as ?super exciting? for everyone at Warner Chappell Music, as they feel honored to be part of this new chapter in Luke?s artistic journey.
Later this month, Empire of the Sun will embark on their highly anticipated world tour, promoting their fourth and latest studio album, Ask That God. The expanded version of this album was released last week and features the track ?Somebody?s Son,? which includes contributions from the legendary Lindsey Buckingham. This tour represents not only a celebration of their latest work but also a testament to their enduring popularity and the excitement surrounding their music.
When discussing the creative process behind their music, Steele shared with Billboard last year, ?When Empire of the Sun reunite, we?re trying to find that rare jewel every time. That?s what keeps it exciting for us.? This passion for discovery and innovation is what drives their artistry, ensuring that each project is unique and reflective of their growth as musicians.
