Warner Chappell Music Signs Global Administration Deal with Luke Steele

06 February 2025 - Press release

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with singer/songwriter Luke Steele from the multi-platinum Australian electronic group Empire of the Sun. The duo has earned a number of accolades, including eight ARIA Awards, two APRA Awards, and an APRA Billions Award, while selling over 5.5 million albums globally and accumulating 7.6+ billion streams. Their 2024 album Ask That God demonstrated why they are, in the words of HYPEBEAST, "everyone's favorite esteemed, electric Australian duo." Most recently, Empire of the Sun released Ask That God (Deluxe), and they are set to kick off their global tour on February 8 in Australia, which will run through May with additional dates to be announced.

Steele has also established himself as a successful solo artist, releasing two albums and two EPs with The Sleepy Jackson, including his first solo album Listen To The Water, and working with the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé. 

Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, WCM said: "I'm a longtime fan of Luke. As one of Australia's most influential and successful musical talents, he's consistently pushed boundaries and delivered groundbreaking work with every release. We're proud to be supporting him at such a pivotal moment in his career and look forward to seeing where his vision takes electronic music next."

Dan Rosen, President, Recording and Publishing, Australasia, WMG, added: "Luke is an exceptional songwriter and artist. He has been at the forefront of the Australian music scene for almost two decades and has had significant global impact with his music. This is a super exciting signing for everyone at Warner Chappell Music and we're honored to be a part of this next stage in Luke's artistic journey.

Steele was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and grew up in Perth, Australia, where he developed his musical talent early on, influenced by his father, Rick Steele, a skilled blues guitarist and harmonica player. In the 90s, at the age of 19, Steele formed his first band, The Sleepy Jackson, which gained attention after their debut album Lovers charted in Australia, the UK, and Sweden. Their second album, Personality – One Was a Spider, One Was a Bird, achieved even greater success, reaching the top 10 in Australia and the top 50 in Sweden. In 2008, Steele joined forces with Nick Littlemore to create the band Empire of the Sun, and their first album, Walking On A Dream, became a global hit and went platinum in several countries including Australia. It featured standout tracks like "We Are the People" and "Walking On A Dream," which landed at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Singles Sales chart. Their second LP, Ice On The Dune, featured hit songs "Alive" and "DNA," and saw the band tour the world from 2013 to 2014. In 2016, they released their third LP, Two Vines, which included special guests like Lindsey Buckingham, members of David Bowie's band from the Blackstar sessions, and Wendy Melvoin from Prince & the Revolution. Last year, they released their fourth studio album, Ask That God, which included the hits "Changes," "Cherry Blossom," and "Music on the Radio," and kicked off their world tour.