Melbourne electro-pop collective Empress are making waves once again, announcing their sophomore album We Can Make A River alongside the release of their enchanting new single, One By One.

Set to arrive on Friday, 29th January 2027, the record will mark the six-piece’s first full-length release since their 2023 debut, Daughter, and represents a new chapter for the group after several years spent exploring their individual creative pursuits.

One By One – ‘Empress’

Reuniting with a renewed sense of artistic purpose, Empress have channelled their collective growth into an album that celebrates the beauty of collaboration, embracing the unpredictable ways six distinct musical perspectives can come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

The first taste of this new chapter comes courtesy of One By One, a richly textured slice of electro-pop that combines warm analogue synths, intricate percussion and the group’s signature three-part vocal harmonies.

Building gradually through shifting rhythms and cinematic arrangements, the track offers a brighter, more playful glimpse into a record that promises to explore both darkness and light.

According to vocalist Grace Robinson, the song is an ode to the small, everyday experiences that quietly sustain us.

“‘One By One’ is the brighter, more playful side of a record that constantly moves between darkness and light,” Robinson explains.

“It’s about the tiny, seemingly insignificant moments that end up holding us together. A night spent laughing with friends, drinking wine, dancing in someone’s kitchen or making music with the people you love.”

“None of these moments necessarily feels monumental while it’s happening, but somehow, one by one, they become the things that keep us afloat.”

That spirit of connection also sits at the heart of the forthcoming album’s title.

Self-produced by band members Noah Hutchinson and Christy Wositzky-Jones, We Can Make A River brings together the creative evolution of all six musicians over the past three years.

The record was mixed and mastered by acclaimed engineer Nick Herrera, a two-time Grammy nominee and nine-time ARIA Award winner.

For Robinson, the album’s central metaphor reflects the sometimes messy but ultimately rewarding process of making music together.

“A river isn’t made by one drop of water, and neither is this record,” she says.

“It’s six different voices and six different musical perspectives finding a way to move together. Sometimes it rushes, sometimes it meanders, sometimes it takes a completely unexpected turn.”

“It’s messy, fluid, occasionally chaotic and all the more beautiful for it.”

The announcement follows the release of Empress’ recent single Whole Night and a string of festival appearances, including performances at Wonder Mountain Festival and Cairns Festival.

The Naarm/Melbourne outfit have also built an impressive live résumé over the years, performing at festivals including Dark Mofo, Beyond The Valley, Strawberry Fields and Meadow Festival, while sharing stages with acclaimed acts such as Sampa The Great and Hiatus Kaiyote.

With their distinctive blend of lush electronic production, intricate vocal arrangements and genre-fluid experimentation, Empress have established themselves as an intriguing presence in Australia’s independent music landscape.

And with We Can Make A River, the six-piece are preparing to take their collaborative chemistry to new depths.

Empress’ new single One By One is available to stream now, while their sophomore album We Can Make A River is due for release on Friday, 29th January 2027.

Further Reading

Empress Return With Sultry New Single ‘Whole Night’

Laneway Festival 2027 Lineup: Fontaines D.C., Hayley Williams & More

Rico Nasty Announces First-Ever Australian Headline Shows For 2027

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