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The Cat Empire

The Cat Empire

The Cat Empire are an Australian jazz/funk band, formed in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1999. For most of the band's duration, the core members were Felix Riebl (lead vocals, percussion), Harry James Angus (trumpet, vocals), Will Hull-Brown (drums), Jamshid "Jumps" Khadiwhala (turntables, percussion), Ollie McGill (keyboards, backing vocals) and Ryan Monro (bass, backing vocals). Monro retired from the band in March 2021, while Angus, Hull-Brown and Khadiwhala all left in April 2022. They are often supplemented by The Empire Horns, a brass duo composed of Ross Irwin (trumpet) and Kieran Conrau (trombone), among others. Their sound is a fusion of jazz, funk, ska, and rock with heavy Latin influences.

Albums

2003 The Cat Empire
2005 Two Shoes
2006 Cities: The Cat Empire Project
2007 So Many Nights
2010 Cinema
2013 Steal the Light
2016 Rising With the Sun
2019 Stolen Diamonds
2023 Where the Angels Fall
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Latest Articles

News / Music
The Cat Empire Announces Major Line-up Change & Farewell Tour Dates
"The spirit of the band will flow through to the next chapter..."
News / Music
Want To Help Musicians Through The COVID Crisis? The Cat Empire Have An Idea
"You can play a critical role in helping our industry.”
News / Music
The Cat Empire Announce Australian Headline Tour
To celebrate their latest album, 'Stolen Diamonds'!
Reviews / Album
Album Review: The Cat Empire - Stolen Diamonds
"If you’re hungry for some old school horns-led salsa-styled cats though there’s plenty for you."
News / Music
The Cat Empire To Support Emerging Artists Through New Mentoring Program
"By far the biggest resource Australian music has is the talent of its up and coming artists."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: The Cat Empire, Odette
"You should definitely find space for them on your gig bucket list."
Features / Premiere
PREMIERE: The Cat Empire - 'Stolen Diamonds'
News / Music
The Cat Empire Announce Massive Australian Tour
Joined by The Empire Horns and Odette.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Zoo Twilights: The Cat Empire, Alysha Joy
"This band is masterful at the slow, poignant build-up that escalates to peak party vibe such as during 'Steal The Light', which gets the biggest roar for the night (and not just from the lions)."
News / Music
Amy Shark, The Cat Empire & More Top Comm Games Festival 18 Line-up
The largest arts and culture program in Queensland history.
News / Music
New Concert Series SummerSalt Brings Together Aussie Greats For Sun-Soaked Celebrations
A tri-state event among picturesque settings - yes, please
Features / Music
Peninsula Picnic Focus: The Cat Empire