Empress @ Howler with Wrong Way Up & Emma Volard
Schedule
Fri, 30 Jan, 2026 at 10:00 am
UTC+11:00Location
Howler Melbourne | Brunswick, VI
Advertisement
Melbourne’s most electrifying alt-pop live act returns for their first hometown headline in over a year, fresh off huge festival sets at Beyond The Valley, Meadow Festival and Strawberry Fields. Fronted by powerhouse vocal trio Grace Robinson, Stella Dunai and Annalisa Fernandez, Empress fuses intricate three-part harmonies with pop melodies, electro-house and hip-hop-leaning production, creating a genre-defying world that is as inviting as it is surprising.Following the success of their 2023 debut album Daughter —which earned national acclaim and landed “Grandma You Lie” at #3 on Triple J Unearthed’s Top 10—Empress have continued building momentum with the double single Solace / Again Again, teasing a second record that leans even harder into the dance floor.
Known for lush harmonies, infectious melodies and three distinct voices unlike anything else in the Melbourne scene, Empress have lit up festival stages across the country. They’ve supported icons including Sampa The Great and Hiatus Kaiyote, and recently sold out two Brunswick Ballroom shows of a completely different flavour—performing acoustically with a 60-piece choir they’ve been directing in Naarm over the last five months.
Now, returning to their favourite Melbourne band room in full Empress-band mode, they’re armed with new music, a refreshed lineup and a set built to blow the roof off. Expect dancing, bedazzled outfits, a big kick drum and sub-bass that rattles straight through your chest.
Joining the bill is Melbourne’s afro-synth duo taking the city by storm, Wrong Way Up, blending vintage Afro-disco, psychedelic boogie and modern electronic energy into a riot of deep grooves, bright melodies and wonky synths.
Rounding out the night, Empress’ sister and favourite singer Emma Volard will jump on stage with her killer band and new music to share. Known for her powerhouse neo-soul vocals and mind-bending arrangements, Emma brings a show that is as commanding as it is cathartic.
SET TIMES
Doors 8pm
Emma Volard 8:30pm
Wrong Way Up 9:30pm
Empress 10:30pm
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Howler Melbourne, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick. Entry is via the car park directly opposite Brunswick City Baths.,Melbourne,VIC,Australia, BrunswickEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
