Audio Empire

2008 could not be going better for Auckland-based Audio Empire. The group is riding high after recently opening Southern Amp’s main stage, and receiving praise for their new single “Lights”, which is currently featured on national radio and TV.

Previous singles “The Great Escape” and “Goodbye Las Vegas” introduced the band to the masses, to a hugely positive response. Their debut album is a highly-charged, diverse and slick-sounding offering that has been well received and only scratches the surface of their breath-taking live show.

Produced by Paul Matthews (Blindspott, Five Star Fallout, Stylus, Tadpole), the album’s nine tracks cover a spectrum of emotions and styles. From the furious pace of “The Great Escape” to the ballad of “Lost In You” and album-closer “Flying”, the band constantly shifts gears whilst maintaining their unique sound. “They’ve got a great sound, I really wanted to work with them on this because I think they’ve got huge potential, both here and overseas,” says Paul.

Combining elements of Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Breaking Benjamin, Incubus, Pearl Jam and various others, the sound is atypical of the standard New Zealand rock format. The end result is polished, professional and radio-friendly, with enough grit and integrity to keep heads bobbing and fists pumping.

Looking to further the support they have received from NZ on Air and national TV and radio coverage, AE has plans for a summer tour and a new single in the works. Building on their success to date is a huge priority for the band, and all signs indicate that the empire is growing.