Before their national tour, we chatted with guitarist Pete Gillies from Sydney’s youth pop-rock band New Empire. The four-piece has steadily climbed Aussie music charts, recently knocking The Beatles “1” from the top spot of the Australian iTunes best-sellers with their new album “Symmetry”.

“That was a true honour, and regardless of context, that was ridiculously awesome. Let’s hope it stays up there,” says Pete.

The band’s quick rise in popularity has them, “truly overwhelmed”. Much of their success has come from the reputation of their live shows and recent support to acts like Good Charlotte.

“I don’t want it to sound typical, but I think it’s a misconception that people perform to receive from the crowd rather than to give to the crowd,” he says.

“That comes down to a legitimate acknowledgement of the people not just a group. Our show, it’s vibrant with purpose.”

The latest album “Symmetry” has been three years in the making.

“We had maybe upwards of seventy songs which went into the barrel but it became obvious what was going to make the cut,” says Pete.

“Each song needed to be respected and created in the way it felt like it needed to be created, we didn’t force a style onto it. So, symmetry, it was this word that made a lot of sense and brought things together in a harmonious package.”

New Empire have just embarked on their own national headline tour, which includes a show at the Woden Basketball Stadium on Friday, 28th of October.

“Now that we’ve recorded the album, we’re looking forward to playing so people finally have a chance to know and understand the songs,” says Pete.

And how does the group feel about visiting Canberra?

“We were going to play at the Maram Hotel, but we’ve just sold out so we are going to play somewhere else! Actually it’s one of the shows we’re most looking forward to, because we don’t know what to expect.”

Win tickets!
We have 5 double passes to see New Empire at Woden Basketball Stadium on Friday 28th October 2011 from 6pm. For your chance to win, tell us your favourite New Empire track.

Fill out your answer and details in the entry form to right. Entries will be judged on creativity and only winners will be notified by email. Competition closes 5.00pm, Monday 28 October, 2011.