Empire of the Sun is set to take center stage for Record Store Day Australia 2026.
The acclaimed electronic duo headlines the initial wave of Australian releases for the annual celebration of independent music retail, which is scheduled to take place on April 18. Luke Steele (Emperor Steele) and Nick Littlemore (Lord Littlemore) are contributing an expanded edition of their seminal 2008 debut, Walking On A Dream, via Universal Music.
Originally a massive success, Walking On A Dream secured four ARIA Awards and dominated the Australian charts. The album’s influence reached far beyond local shores; its title track and the hit single “We Are the People” achieved a second life on the Billboard Hot 100 years after their release, propelled by a high-profile Honda Civic advertising campaign.
Vinyl enthusiasts and collectors can also anticipate exclusive pressings from a diverse range of artists, including Spacey Jane, Ruel, and the global children’s phenomenon, Bluey.
Among the highlights revealed in the February 5 announcement is the vinyl debut of Holy Holy’s Sweet Bitter Sweet. This release marks a significant milestone as the indie band’s final offering before they enter an indefinite hiatus. Originally released digitally in 2025, the vinyl version features a dual-sided concept: five brand-new tracks paired with five reimagined versions of fan favorites spanning the group’s 14-year career.
In a statement, Holy Holy described the exclusive RSD pressing as an “intimate parting gift” for their followers.
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Since its inception in 2008, Record Store Day Australia has coincided with global celebrations in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan, held annually on the third Saturday of April. The initiative aims to bolster the contemporary music scene by supporting independent labels and a nationwide network of over 200 record shops.
The Australian music community consistently rallies for the event, with past participants including Ninajirachi, You Am I, Ocean Alley, and The Wiggles. For the 2026 event, more than 400 exclusive titles—ranging from local gems to international blockbusters—will be available exclusively at brick-and-mortar independent stores.
Organizers have hinted that more Australian announcements are on the horizon. For further details and a full list of participating stores, visit recordstoreday.com.au.
