Naarm electro-soul collective Empress are presenting a one-off performance with a 60-piece choir at Brunswick Ballroom.
The six-piece group are swapping their usual high-energy festival sets for something more intimate on 30 October. Instead of the late-night dance floor chaos they’re known for at Beyond The Valley, Dark Mofo and Strawberry Fields, Empress have spent the past four months leading a free community choir of 60 local musicians and singers through weekly rehearsals in a Thornbury church.
The evening kicks off with an interactive choir performance led by vocalist Grace Robinson, followed by an unplugged Empress set with the full choir backing them. It’s a stark departure from their electro-house and hip hop production, putting their three-part harmonies centre stage alongside dozens of community voices.
Empress and Choir
- Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne
- 30 October
- Doors 6pm, show starts 7.30pm
- Tickets from $28.15
Check out our gig guide here.
Empress are fronted by the vocal trio of Grace Robinson, Stella Dunai and Annalisa Fernandez, with Noah Hutchinson on bass, Liam Rignanese on drums and Christy Wozitsky-Jones on synths. Their 2023 debut album Daughter earned national attention, with Grandma You Lie landing at number three on Triple J Unearthed’s Top 10. Recent double single Solace / Again Again teases their second album, which leans further into dance territory.
The group have supported Sampa The Great and Hiatus Kaiyote, and played Sun Cycle, Dark Mofo, St Kilda Festival and PANAMA. They’ve got a big summer ahead with Strawberry Fields, Weaselstock and a headline show at Howler in January, making this Brunswick Ballroom performance a rare creative detour before festival season kicks in properly.
For more information, head here.
