Maybe it’s the thunder of the ocean accompanying a guitar that influences their　bolstering sounds the most. Or maybe it was a band mate’s youth, tied up in forcedturned-flourishing piano playing, that aids the most in his band’s rich, haunting　melodies. Or perhaps it was the years of friendship, offering an　authenticity of　lyrical honesty, that resonates so much with each and every listener.
Or maybe it’s because growing up in Australia gifted them with seemingly endless　summers to ignite and inspire collaborative music playing. Whatever their　influences, New Empire (comprised of Kale Kneale, Jeremy Fowler, Nathan Cairns,　and Kyle Lane) has mastered the ability to create music as refreshing as their　beachbred　roots.
It’s that talent, matched with their Down Under upbringing, that provided them a　multitude of opportunities to play with established acts such as Owl City, Switchfoot,　Neon Trees, and Relient K (to name a few). With exposure and growing popularity, the band plunged into success; from being added to the bill at numerous festivals, to　their native country picking one of their songs to act as the theme for Australia’s　Summer Olympics, it was obvious that listeners everywhere couldn’t get enough of　their sound. Now, with their debut album on Tooth & Nail Records　on the horizon,　they’re ready to propel themselves further and farther as artists driven to use their　talents to motivate the masses.
“We understand that music is an extremely powerful force that can be used in both　positive and negative ways,” explains Fowler, “we want to hopefully become a　soundtrack to people that makes a difference in their everyday journey.”
The band’s new album In A Breath walks through relatable themes of loss,　authenticity, regret, and honesty. Instrumentally, they wanted to produce a record that listeners could get lost in and explore. New Empire’s sound introduces　refreshing and complex tunes that truly envelope and awe. New Empire is fresh and　overpowering - their name in and of itself mirrors their sound.
For instance, their track “Relight the Fire”, inspired by a trip to Dubai, weaves　together stringed Middle Eastern instruments with a contemporary pop-driven　chorus. “Experiencing and seeing the vast history of different countries really　changed my life and perspective of the world,” recounts Fowler, “it really inspired　me to write songs that will reach different people and last.” By accessing history and　interlacing it with modern inspirations, the track is innovative and larger than life.
Songs like “The Sun Won’t Sleep”, “Tale of Jonah”, and “Fallen Soldiers” act as more　flawless examples of their colorful and unique creativity. Epic soundscapes are　matched with expressive and sincere lyrics, creating an eager and abounding sound　drenched in authenticity.
And although many of their songs bustle with an otherworldly vibrancy, they also　access the reality of life. The track that named their album, “In A Breath”, addresses　true burdens and grievances. The lyrics, “I'm saving the pictures of your soul / To　some you're just a memory / To me you're home / And I will never say I don't miss　you / Cause I can't lie you know me too well / And I'll see you in a breath / I will seeyou in a breath” approach the heaviness of absence and the hope of reunion. The　piano whispers behind the weightiness of the words, with a lofty chorus and horned　section that offers a beautiful yet haunting lament. The musicians that form New Empire are multi-faceted.
Their talent, drive, and　spirit bleed into their album in a way that, in a breath, makes you feel nostalgic and　imaginative.
So, maybe it was the thunderous ocean.
Maybe it was the Australian summers or the　early sprouted friendships. Maybe it was a welding together of it all that inspired them the most. Regardless of the maybes, one thing is for certain. A new sound has　been built: it’s New Empire.