Southern Empire is an Australian progressive rock band based in Adelaide. The group was formed in 2013 following the dissolution of the band Unitopia. The name combines Southern (referring to Australia) and Empire (reflecting the ambition to build a broad musical collective), although the founders were initially unaware that the term carries negative associations in parts of the United States. Southern Empire was created by Sean Timms, a former member of Unitopia and owner of a recording studio in Adelaide. After Unitopia ended, Timms began assembling musicians from the local scene to start a new project. This proved challenging: many Adelaide musicians were already committed elsewhere, and progressive rock had only a small presence in Australia, limiting both audience size and available collaborators. Timms first approached vocalist Danny Lopresto, whom he had known for several years through the local music circuit. Additional members joined from Adelaide’s tribute‑ and cover‑band community, gradually forming the first stable lineup. The band released its debut album in 2016, followed by a second album within two years. Despite positive reception, Southern Empire faced the practical difficulties common to Australian progressive rock acts: limited domestic demand and the vast distances required for touring within the country. International touring also proved difficult. Organizing European or North American tours from Adelaide required significant logistical and financial resources, making global expansion a slow and challenging process.
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How Long
Cries for the lonely
Hey You (Live)
Dreams & Machines
The Bridge That Binds
Hold
Crossroads
Roundabout (Live)
Show Me The Way/Forest Fire
Cries for the lonely
Another World. Full Album 2023