Introduction
Stepping into an Empire Of The Sun concert is like entering a vibrant, otherworldly dreamscape. The dazzling costumes, the hypnotic light displays, and, of course, the soaring melodies all combine to create an unforgettable experience. But at the heart of it all lies the carefully curated Empire Of The Sun setlist, the roadmap for this sonic journey. This article delves into the captivating world of Empire Of The Sun live performances, exploring how their setlists have evolved, the key components that make them so special, and how you, as a dedicated fan, can track them down.
Empire Of The Sun, the brainchild of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, burst onto the music scene with their unique blend of psychedelic pop, electronic dance music, and art-rock. Their visually stunning aesthetic and infectious melodies quickly garnered them a dedicated following. The Empire Of The Sun setlist is more than just a list of songs; it’s a carefully constructed narrative, a story told through music and visual spectacle. The setlist is a crucial component of the Empire Of The Sun live experience, showcasing their discography, evolving over time, and reflecting their artistic vision. From their early shows in intimate venues to headlining performances at major festivals, the Empire Of The Sun setlist has been a constantly evolving beast, reflecting the band’s growth and ambition. We will explore the foundation of their concert experience, the staples that made them famous and brought them to the top. We will dissect the evolution of their tours with each album release, identifying new additions and old favorites.
Foundation: Early Setlists and Key Songs
In the beginning, the Empire Of The Sun live show was a more raw and intimate affair. Early tours saw the band performing in smaller venues, allowing for a closer connection with their burgeoning fanbase. These early Empire Of The Sun setlists were naturally focused on their debut album, “Walking on a Dream,” which served as the bedrock of their live repertoire.
Songs like “Walking on a Dream” and “We Are the People” were almost always present, instantly recognizable and guaranteed to ignite the crowd. These tracks weren’t just popular; they were, and remain, signature songs that perfectly encapsulate the Empire Of The Sun sound. Their catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and layered production make them ideal for a live setting, encouraging audience participation and creating a sense of collective euphoria.
The structure of these early Empire Of The Sun setlists often followed a predictable, yet effective, pattern. Opening with a high-energy track to immediately grab the audience’s attention, followed by a mix of album cuts and singles to maintain momentum. The middle portion of the set would sometimes feature slightly slower or more experimental tracks, allowing for a brief respite before building back up to a powerful crescendo. Of course, the evening would end with an encore of their most beloved tunes.
A simplified example of an early setlist might look something like this:
- Standing On The Shore
- Walking On A Dream
- Half Mast
- Delta Bay
- We Are The People
- Swordfish Hotkiss Night
- Tiger By My Side
- The Girl Is Talking
- Encore: Without You
Transformations: Setlist Evolution Through Albums and Tours
The release of each subsequent album has had a profound impact on the Empire Of The Sun setlists. As their discography expanded, they had more material to choose from, allowing them to create more diverse and dynamic live shows.
“Ice On The Dune” brought with it a host of new tracks that quickly found their way into the setlist, including “Alive,” “DNA,” and “Celebrate.” These songs, with their bigger beats and more overtly electronic sound, injected a fresh dose of energy into the live experience. “Two Vines” came later in the bands history and brought with it more changes to their ever evolving concert experience, with songs such as “High and Low”, “Way to Go”, and “Friends” all worked into the mix.
The order of songs within the Empire Of The Sun setlist also evolved over time. They began experimenting with different arrangements, creating segues between tracks, and incorporating extended versions or remixes of their popular songs. These subtle tweaks helped to keep the live show fresh and engaging, even for fans who had seen them multiple times.
The stage production, a hallmark of Empire Of The Sun’s live shows, also played a role in shaping the Empire Of The Sun setlist. As their visual presentation became more elaborate, they began to select songs that complemented the visuals, creating a more immersive and theatrical experience.
Dissecting The Experience: Key Setlist Components
Let’s delve a little deeper into the specific elements that make an Empire Of The Sun setlist so effective:
Setting The Stage: The Opening
The opening song is crucial for setting the tone and grabbing the audience’s attention from the very first note. Empire Of The Sun often choose high-energy tracks like “Standing On The Shore” or “Alive” to kick off their shows, immediately immersing the audience in their vibrant world. These songs act as a sonic gateway, drawing listeners into the fantastical realm of Empire Of The Sun.
Crowd Favorites
Certain songs are guaranteed to elicit a huge reaction from the audience, and these tracks are typically strategically placed within the Empire Of The Sun setlist to maximize their impact. “Walking on a Dream” and “We Are the People” are perennial crowd-pleasers, inspiring singalongs and creating a palpable sense of unity. These songs are more than just catchy tunes; they’re anthems that resonate deeply with fans.
Hidden Treasures: The Deep Cuts
While the hits are essential, Empire Of The Sun occasionally surprises fans by including lesser-known tracks or “deep cuts” in their Empire Of The Sun setlist. These songs offer a treat for longtime fans, providing a glimpse into the deeper recesses of their discography. These moments add an element of surprise and demonstrate the band’s willingness to experiment and cater to their most dedicated followers.
A Grand Finale: The Encores
The encore is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, and Empire Of The Sun typically delivers with a powerful combination of fan favorites and epic closers. Songs like “Without You” are often chosen to bring the show to a satisfying conclusion, leaving the audience wanting more.
Unique Performances: Notable Setlist Variations
Over the years, Empire Of The Sun has delivered a variety of unique and memorable performances, each with its own distinct Empire Of The Sun setlist. Performances at music festivals often require a slightly different approach, with the band tailoring their setlist to appeal to a broader audience. These festival sets tend to be more focused on their biggest hits, designed to create a high-energy experience for the masses.
Occasionally, the band has incorporated special covers or tributes into their Empire Of The Sun setlist, paying homage to artists who have influenced their music. These moments add a personal touch to the show and demonstrate their appreciation for their musical heroes.
Tracking Concerts: Finding Empire Of The Sun Setlists
For fans eager to relive past concerts or prepare for upcoming shows, tracking down Empire Of The Sun setlists can be an exciting endeavor. Several online resources provide valuable information about the band’s live performances, including setlist databases, concert archives, and fan forums. Setlist.fm is a popular website where fans can contribute and access setlists from concerts around the world. YouTube and other video platforms also offer a wealth of live recordings, providing visual and auditory evidence of past performances.
Looking Forward: The Future of Empire Of The Sun Setlists
As Empire Of The Sun continues to create new music, their Empire Of The Sun setlists will undoubtedly continue to evolve. What new songs will they incorporate into their live shows? Will they experiment with different arrangements or stage productions? The possibilities are endless. Many fans are hoping to hear some of their rarer songs live, as well as deep cuts from their catalog.
Conclusion
The Empire Of The Sun setlist is more than just a list of songs; it’s a reflection of their artistic vision, their musical journey, and their connection with their fans. By understanding the evolution of their setlists, the key components that make them so special, and the resources available for tracking them down, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the Empire Of The Sun live experience.
What are your favorite Empire Of The Sun live performance memories? What songs are you hoping to hear at their next concert? Share your thoughts and join the conversation! The beauty of Empire Of The Sun’s creativity is the ever changing, ever growing experience that comes with seeing the band live in concert. It is truly an experience unlike any other.
