Mastering the "Empire" Style
Released on the iconic 2008 album Walking on a Dream, "Swordfish Hotkiss Night" is a perfect example of Empire of the Sun's psychedelic synth-pop sound. Luke Steele's vocal delivery is less about hitting massive diva notes and more about creating a specific texture and atmosphere.
To sing this effectively, you need to abandon standard "pretty" singing. The track requires a brighter, almost nasal placement (often called "forward resonance") to cut through the electronic mix. It requires a sense of fun and theatricality.
AI Coach Tip: Brighten Your Tone
Our analysis shows that low scores on this song often come from singing too "dark" or operatic. Smile while you sing to naturally lift your soft palate and brighten the sound. Think "glam rock" rather than "ballad."
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verse
The verses move quickly with a staccato feel. The key here is diction. Steele enunciates clearly but with a stylistic slur on certain vowels.
The Trap: Don't drag the tempo. The vocals act as a percussion instrument here. Keep your consonants crisp, especially on words like "night" and "fight" to lock in with the drum machine beat.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
The energy shifts in the chorus. While the pitch doesn't jump drastically high, the intensity does. You need to maintain that forward placement but add more breath support to sustain the phrases.
- Placement: Feel the vibration in your mask (nose and cheekbones).
- Dynamics: Keep it relatively flat dynamically; this genre doesn't use the swells of a ballad. It's consistent, driving energy.
Phase 3: The Falsetto Flips
Like many Empire of the Sun tracks, there are background layers of falsetto. Even if you are singing the lead, knowing how to flip into your head voice for ad-libs is crucial for capturing the vibe of the song. Keep your head voice light and airy, not breathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It falls under Synth-pop, Indietronica, and Alternative Dance. The vocals reflect New Wave influences from the 80s.
The original recording uses processing, but you can emulate the sound acoustically by using a straight tone (no vibrato) and a bright, nasal resonance.
Yes. The range is quite manageable for baritones, although the timbre is naturally brighter (tenor-like). You may need to thin out your chest voice to match the style.
