The Cat Empire

"What The Cat Empire does to a room full of people is so unique and I felt like I wasn't ready to leave that…and I was also really excited by all of the new musical possibilities," — Felix Riebl

Aussie icons The Cat Empire have had an illustrious career, spanning decades and genres. Illuminating stages across the globe, the band are a magnetic force that have captivated millions of adoring fans with their high energy performances and explosive sound and visuals. With the band's infectious groove and vibrancy, audiences are guaranteed to shimmy, shake, and sing their way through a Cat Empire set.

Continuing the legacy and the driving force behind a fresh new era for the band is Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill, two of the original three founding members of the group.

Breathing energy into the band, the new project will showcase a wonderful collective of musicians who will make sure to retain the core DNA of The Cat Empire but include more collaborations, influences, and diverse artistry.

Leaning into a sense of musical curiosity with boundless possibilities, this newfound spirit promises to shine an even brighter light on the band's exuberant musicality, elevating their sound and broadening their influences.

"The world really closed over the past few years and there was a point for me where I realised how much I needed music and how important live music really was. We've had this great run of 20 years with the group, but The Cat Empire still has a place to play in a new moment. With a band that's as malleable and diverse as The Cat Empire is, it's just this amazing gift that I want to breathe new love and life in to," says Felix.

The Cat Empire is uniquely Australian with realised global ambitions over a 20-year career. As the band gear up to release their 9th studio album, they have gone back to their roots writing and recording in their hometown of Melbourne. Celebrating Melbourne's live music scene and the next generation of talented musicians, the band want to pay homage to a place where Felix & Ollie first met, sneaking into venues underage and discovering a whole world of music.

Exploring new styles and approaches while also celebrating the melting pot of international sounds coming from local artists, the forthcoming record is as ambitious as it is considered — with a list of over 30 contemporary musicians to play on the record.

On the live circuit, The Cat Empire are excited to introduce an abundance of creativity, showcasing a diverse line-up of performers to share their stage. They will join the recognisable horn section of Ross Irwin and Kieran Conrau, familiar faces of over 20 years. To

Cat Empire fans, Daniel Farrugia's drumming won't be unfamiliar. He's toured with the band multiple times and is one of the most exciting and in-demand live and studio drummers in Australia.

New faces include award-winning musical force Grace Barbe, hailing from the Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles on bass and vocals. Cuban-born trumpeter, vocalist and percussionist Lazaro Numa joins long-time tinmen Roscoe and Kieran in the Empire Horns. Finally, bolstering the percussion section is Neda Rahmani — a dear friend of the The Cat Empire who whose love of language and community has connected her to Afro and Brazilian drumming cultures in Australia and around the world.

The Cat Empire's new show will celebrate movement, vibrancy, and playfulness — with a host of new material as well as the crowd-favourites.

With a history of multiple platinum records, awards, sold out tours and over 250 million streams — The Cat Empire have officially entered their golden era.