SYDNEY, Australia — Warner Chappell Music has established an exclusive global administration partnership with Luke Steele, the frontman and co-songwriter of the Australian electronic pop band Empire of the Sun.
Originally from New Zealand and raised in Perth, Steele is recognized as one of the most accomplished talents from his generation to arise from Down Under.
Steele (known as Emperor Steele) and Nick Littlemore (referred to as Lord Littlemore) have produced four studio albums under the Empire of the Sun banner, each achieving a spot in the ARIA Top 10. Throughout their journey, the duo has earned eight ARIA Awards, two APRAs, and an APRA Billions Award for “Walking on a Dream,” presented to APRA AMCOS songwriter members and their publishers for a remarkable one billion streams of a track.
“Walking on a Dream” achieved Top 10 status on the ARIA charts in 2008, and subsequently entered the Billboard 100 charts after being featured in a Honda Civic advertisement in 2016. In the U.S., the track ascended to No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart, marking their second chart-topper following 2013’s “Alive.”
Popular on Billboard
The debut album Walking on a Dream reached No. 97 on the Billboard 200 in 2016, while Ice on the Dune soared to No. 20 in 2013, and Two Vines achieved a peak position of No. 51, also in 2016.
Empire of the Sun’s discography has sold over 5.5 million albums globally, as per representatives, and has amassed more than 7.6 billion streams.
Steele has also produced two albums and two EPs with the Sleepy Jackson, along with a solo album titled Listen To The Water, and has collaborated with renowned artists like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
“I have been a fan of Luke for a long time,” states Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of WCM. “As one of Australia’s most significant and successful musical figures, he has continually challenged norms and produced innovative work with each release. We are thrilled to support him during this crucial phase of his career and are eager to witness where his vision leads electronic music next.”
Dan Rosen, president of Recording and Publishing, Australasia, WMG, adds, “Luke is an extraordinary songwriter and artist. He has been a major presence in the Australian music landscape for nearly two decades and has made a notable international impact with his music.” This agreement, remarks Rosen, is “incredibly exciting” for “everyone at Warner Chappell Music, and we are privileged to be involved in this upcoming chapter of Luke’s creative journey.”
Later this month, Empire of the Sun will kick off their world tour in support of Ask That God, their fourth and most recent studio album, the enhanced version of which was released last week. The deluxe edition features “Somebody’s Son,” which includes Lindsey Buckingham.
When asked about their reunion, Steele shared with Billboard last year, ahead of the debut of Ask That God, “We aim to discover that unique gem every time. That’s what keeps it exhilarating for us.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
