With the amicable departure of Danny Lopresto late last year, acclaimed Aussie progressive rockers luminaries Southern Empire have welcomed their new front man, lead vocalist, guitarist, composer and producer, thirty-seven year old Shaun Holton.
Shaun is no stranger to the world of prog-rock music having released multiple albums under the name of Projected Twin and subsequently his own name over the past dozen or so years. Appearing on The Voice, Australia in 2021, Shaun proved to Australian audiences that his name should become a household word. Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian stated that Shaun is “…a great artist that an handle anything you throw at him”.
Australian music legend Keith Urban agreed, launching into a duet of ‘Til Summer Comes Around’ immediately after experiencing his talent on the show. The duet featured in publications such as the Daily Mail (UK), Channel 7’s ‘The Morning Show’ (AUS) and local, national and international coverage in the press. Shortly thereafter, Shaun released his debut album under his own name titled “Earth Meet World”. It’s the conclusion of a trilogy begun under the Projected Twin nom de plume over a decade earlier.
“Making those albums pushed me to find the very limits of my potential as a producer and multi-instrumentalist… and whilst I’m incredibly proud of that work and the positive reception it received, I knew that I wanted something more. Southern Empire is definitely the welcome opportunity I’ve waited a life-time for. This is musicality at a level I have only previously dreamt about, but I have never been more ready!” says Holton.
“I am incredibly excited to have Shaun on board for the next phase of Southern Empire music. His range, tonal colour and song writing are impeccable and have a modern sensibility that will take the band further than I’d ever thought possible.” adds the band’s keyboardist and composer Sean Timms.
Southern Empire are currently putting the finishing touches to their third album featuring Shaun on lead vocals. Titled “Another World” it’s due for release towards the middle of this year through GEP Records. Their first self titled album is now available on vinyl also through GEP, check it out HERE.
Southern Empire second album “Civilisation” was unanimously praised by fans and critics alike and landed the number 1 spot in our list of prog-rock albums of that year. Read our review AT THIS LOCATION.
“We would like to thank Danny Lopresto for his amazing talent across the first two albums and we wish him all the success in the world as he moves into the next phase of his musical journey”, states the band.
Southern Empire is:
- Shaun Holton / lead & backing vocals, electric & acoustic guitars
- Cam Blokland / electric & acoustic guitars, mandolin, backing vocals
- Sean Timms / keyboards, electric & lap steel guitars, percussion, backing vocals
- Jez Martin / bass, flugelhorn, backing vocals
- Brody Green / drums, percussion, backing vocals
