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==History==
==History==
===1989-2000: Career===

In 1989 [[Rebecca Barnard]], a singer-songwriter, and her then-domestic partner, Shane O'Mara on lead guitar, recorded a cover version of [[TISM]]'s track, "The Judeo-Christian Ethic", which was released on that group's 1991 single, "Let's Form a Company" (see ''[[Hot Dogma]]''). Barnard and O'Mara had worked together (since 1986) and separately in various groups and as session or backing musicians for other artists.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/>
In 1989 [[Rebecca Barnard]], a singer-songwriter, and her then-domestic partner, Shane O'Mara on lead guitar, recorded a cover version of [[TISM]]'s track, "The Judeo-Christian Ethic", which was released on that group's 1991 single, "Let's Form a Company" (see ''[[Hot Dogma]]''). Barnard and O'Mara had worked together (since 1986) and separately in various groups and as session or backing musicians for other artists.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/>


Line 52: Line 52:
Early in 1995 [[Michael den Elzen]] on bass guitar replaced McDonald, who joined [[Frente!]].<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> Their label released another four-track EP in June of that year with remixed and re-recorded versions of "Atomic Electric" together with "Red Dress" and "Wasting Time" from the first EP.<ref name="McFarlane"/> In September they followed with a six-track EP, ''Take a Look at Happiness'', which included the tracks, "Empty" and "Alive".<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> "Empty" was listed at No.&nbsp;62 on the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 1995|1995 Triple J Hottest 100]].<ref name="TripleJ 1995">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_07/history/1995.htm | title = Hottest 100 &#124; History &#124; 1995 | publisher = Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)) | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref>
Early in 1995 [[Michael den Elzen]] on bass guitar replaced McDonald, who joined [[Frente!]].<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> Their label released another four-track EP in June of that year with remixed and re-recorded versions of "Atomic Electric" together with "Red Dress" and "Wasting Time" from the first EP.<ref name="McFarlane"/> In September they followed with a six-track EP, ''Take a Look at Happiness'', which included the tracks, "Empty" and "Alive".<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> "Empty" was listed at No.&nbsp;62 on the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 1995|1995 Triple J Hottest 100]].<ref name="TripleJ 1995">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_07/history/1995.htm | title = Hottest 100 &#124; History &#124; 1995 | publisher = Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)) | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref>


The band's breakthrough occurred in August 1996, when their first full-length album, ''Way of All Things'', was released to relative critical acclaim.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/><ref name="Lewis">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rebeccas-empire-mn0001366298/biography | title = Rebecca's Empire &#124; Biography & History | last = Lewis | first = Jonathan | publisher = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref> It was produced by O'Mara.<ref name="Holmgren"/> Australian musicologist, [[Ian McFarlane]], opined, "[it] was brimming with quality songs like the ballads 'In Deep' and 'Talking Star', tough rockers like 'Way of All Things' (with its funky Lenny Kravitz-styled riff), 'So Rude' and 'Atomic Electric', plus two sterling slices of Badfinger-style guitar-pop, 'Empty' and 'Mirage'."<ref name="McFarlane"/> Jonathan Lewis of [[AllMusic]] rated it at four-out-of-five stars and explained, "an example of melodic power pop, similar to both Belly's Star, though without the quirkiness, and Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix, though more influenced by Led Zeppelin than by The Byrds. Infectious, well-written guitar pop songs were the order of the day and few bands do these as well."<ref name="Lewis 2">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-way-of-all-things-mw0001111872 | title = ''The Way of All Things'' – Rebecca's Empire &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits | last = Lewis | first = Jonathan | publisher = AllMusic | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref>
The band's breakthrough occurred in July 1996, when their first full-length album, ''Way of All Things'', was released to relative critical acclaim.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/><ref name="Lewis">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rebeccas-empire-mn0001366298/biography | title = Rebecca's Empire &#124; Biography & History | last = Lewis | first = Jonathan | publisher = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref> It was produced by O'Mara.<ref name="Holmgren"/> Australian musicologist, [[Ian McFarlane]], opined, "[it] was brimming with quality songs like the ballads 'In Deep' and 'Talking Star', tough rockers like 'Way of All Things' (with its funky Lenny Kravitz-styled riff), 'So Rude' and 'Atomic Electric', plus two sterling slices of Badfinger-style guitar-pop, 'Empty' and 'Mirage'."<ref name="McFarlane"/> Jonathan Lewis of [[AllMusic]] rated it at four-out-of-five stars and explained, "an example of melodic power pop, similar to both Belly's Star, though without the quirkiness, and Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix, though more influenced by Led Zeppelin than by The Byrds. Infectious, well-written guitar pop songs were the order of the day and few bands do these as well."<ref name="Lewis 2">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-way-of-all-things-mw0001111872 | title = ''The Way of All Things'' – Rebecca's Empire &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits | last = Lewis | first = Jonathan | publisher = AllMusic | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref>


The album was successful in indie circles, and had some minor success on the mainstream charts. It provided three singles, "In Deep" (May 1996), "So Rude" (July) and "Way of All Things" (February 1997).<ref name="McFarlane"/> "So Rude" was listed at No.&nbsp;57 on the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 1996|1996 Triple J Hottest 100]];<ref name="TripleJ 1996">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_07/history/1996.htm | title = Hottest 100 &#124; History &#124; 1996 | publisher = Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)) | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref> while "Way of All Things" polled at No.&nbsp;94 in the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 1996|1997 list]].<ref name="TripleJ 1997">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_07/history/1997.htm | title = Hottest 100 &#124; History &#124; 1997 | publisher = Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)) | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref>
The album was successful in indie circles, and had some minor success on the mainstream charts. It provided three singles, "In Deep", "So Rude" and "Way of All Things".<ref name="McFarlane"/> "So Rude" was listed at No.&nbsp;57 on the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 1996|1996 Triple J Hottest 100]];<ref name="TripleJ 1996">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_07/history/1996.htm | title = Hottest 100 &#124; History &#124; 1996 | publisher = Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)) | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref> while "Way of All Things" polled at No.&nbsp;94 in the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 1996|1997 list]].<ref name="TripleJ 1997">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_07/history/1997.htm | title = Hottest 100 &#124; History &#124; 1997 | publisher = Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)) | access-date = 7 December 2017 }}</ref>


''Way of All Things'' was followed by a two-year relative hiatus, although they played some concerts in this time.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Lewis"/> They released a three-track CD single, "Car Radio", in November 1997, which was only available from concerts.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> In mid-1998 den Elzen left to join [[deadstar]] and was replaced by McDonald returning.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/><ref name="Lewis"/>
''Way of All Things'' was followed by a two-year relative hiatus, although they played some concerts in this time.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Lewis"/> They released a three-track CD single, "Car Radio", in November 1997, which was only available from concerts.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> In mid-1998 den Elzen left to join [[deadstar]] and was replaced by McDonald returning.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/><ref name="Lewis"/>
Line 60: Line 60:
In October 1998 Rebecca's Empire issued a single, "Medicine Man", which preceded their second album, ''Welcome'' (August 1999) via Festival Records.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> Again, it was produced by O'Mara.<ref name="Holmgren"/> It provided two more singles, "Big Smoke" (April 1999) and "Bad Blood" (July).<ref name="McFarlane"/> ''Welcome'' was not as well received by critics as their earlier efforts. Although, McFarlane observed, "the three year wait had been worth it; it was another slice of pop perfection."<ref name="McFarlane"/> Despite the band's profile, none of its singles made the Hottest 100 that year. The album and its accompanying singles were their last releases as they announced their break-up in June 2000.
In October 1998 Rebecca's Empire issued a single, "Medicine Man", which preceded their second album, ''Welcome'' (August 1999) via Festival Records.<ref name="McFarlane"/><ref name="Holmgren"/> Again, it was produced by O'Mara.<ref name="Holmgren"/> It provided two more singles, "Big Smoke" (April 1999) and "Bad Blood" (July).<ref name="McFarlane"/> ''Welcome'' was not as well received by critics as their earlier efforts. Although, McFarlane observed, "the three year wait had been worth it; it was another slice of pop perfection."<ref name="McFarlane"/> Despite the band's profile, none of its singles made the Hottest 100 that year. The album and its accompanying singles were their last releases as they announced their break-up in June 2000.


===2000-present: Post break up===
In April 2006 Barnard released her debut solo album, ''Fortified'', via [[Shock Records]], which was co-produced by Barnard and O'Mara.<ref name="Holmgren"/> Both returned to session and backing work.<ref name="Holmgren"/>
In April 2006 Barnard released her debut solo album, ''Fortified'', via [[Shock Records]], which was co-produced by Barnard and O'Mara.<ref name="Holmgren"/> Both returned to session and backing work.<ref name="Holmgren"/>


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==Discography==
==Discography==

===Studio albums===
===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"

|-
⚫
*''Way of All Things'' (August 1996)
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Title
*''Welcome'' (August 1999)
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Details
! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br/><ref name=aus>Australian (ARIA) chart peaks:
*{{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia|page=230}}</ref>
|-
⚫
! scope="row"|''Way of All Things''
|
* Released: July 1996
* Label: Eternity, [[Polydor Records|Polydor]] <small>(527 980-2)</small>
* Format: [[Compact Disc|CD]]
| align="center"| 78
|-
! scope="row"|''Welcome''
|
* Released: August 1999
* Label: Festival Records <small>(D24132)</small>
* Format: CD
| align="center"| -
|}


=== Extended plays ===
=== Extended plays ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Details
! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br/><ref name=aus/>
|-
⚫
! scope="row"|''Atomic Electric''
|
* Released: 1994
* Label: Eternity, Polydor <small>(579 313 2)</small>
* Format: CD,
| align="center"| -
|-
! scope="row"|''Rebecca's Empire''
|
* Released: 1995
* Label: Eternity, Polydor <small>(8533932)</small>
* Format: CD
| align="center"| -
|-
⚫
! scope="row"|''Take a Look at Happiness'
|
* Released: 1996
* Label: Eternity, Polydor <small>(579 601 2)</small>
* Format: CD
| align="center"| -
|}


==Awards and nominations==
⚫
*''Atomic Electric'' (late 1994)
===ARIA Music Awards===
⚫
*''Take a Look at Happiness'' (1995)
The [[ARIA Music Awards]] is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of [[Australian music]]. They commenced in 1987.

{{awards table}}
===Singles===
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

|-
*''In Deep'' (1996)
|[[ARIA Music Awards of 1997|1997]]
*''So Rude'' (1996)
*''Way of All Things'' (1996)
| ''Way of All Things''
| [[ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist - Album]]
*''Car Radio'' (1998)
| {{nom}}
*''Medicine Man'' (1998)
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/awards/past-winners/1997|title = 1997 ARIA Awards Winners}}</ref>
*''Big Smoke'' (1998)
|-
*''Bad Blood'' (1998)
{{end}}


== References ==
== References ==

<references />
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.rebeccabarnard.com Rebecca Barnard]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Revision as of 07:17, 27 March 2022

Rebecca's Empire
OriginMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genres
Years active1994 (1994)–2000 (2000)
Labels
Past members

Rebecca's Empire (also written as the variant Rebeccas Empire) were an Australian indie pop-rock band formed in 1994. Their mainstay members were Rebecca Barnard on lead vocals and her then-domestic partner, Shane O'Mara on lead guitar. They released two full-length albums, Way of All Things (1996) and Welcome (1999) before disbanding in 2000.

History

1989-2000: Career

In 1989 Rebecca Barnard, a singer-songwriter, and her then-domestic partner, Shane O'Mara on lead guitar, recorded a cover version of TISM's track, "The Judeo-Christian Ethic", which was released on that group's 1991 single, "Let's Form a Company" (see Hot Dogma). Barnard and O'Mara had worked together (since 1986) and separately in various groups and as session or backing musicians for other artists.[1][2]

Rebecca's Empire was based around Barnard and O'Mara, which formed in 1994 in Melbourne as a rock, pop duo.[1][2] They recorded a cover version of Pearl Jam's "Alive" for an album by Performers Releasing Information about Clean Syringes (P.R.I.C.S.), Do It Safe (1994).[1] P.R.I.C.S. was a government project for AIDS prevention and education.[3]

The band signed with Polydor's newly created Eternity label and the duo were expanded to a four-piece by the addition of Peter Luscombe on drums (ex-Stephen Cummings Band, Black Sorrows) and Bill McDonald on bass guitar (ex-Hot Half Hour, Deborah Conway Band).[1][2] This line-up released their debut single, "Atomic Electric", as a four-track extended play, late in 1994.[1][2] "Atomic Electric" was an indie success, which was listed at No. 38 on the 1994 Triple J Hottest 100 listeners poll.[4]

Early in 1995 Michael den Elzen on bass guitar replaced McDonald, who joined Frente!.[1][2] Their label released another four-track EP in June of that year with remixed and re-recorded versions of "Atomic Electric" together with "Red Dress" and "Wasting Time" from the first EP.[1] In September they followed with a six-track EP, Take a Look at Happiness, which included the tracks, "Empty" and "Alive".[1][2] "Empty" was listed at No. 62 on the 1995 Triple J Hottest 100.[5]

The band's breakthrough occurred in July 1996, when their first full-length album, Way of All Things, was released to relative critical acclaim.[1][2][6] It was produced by O'Mara.[2] Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, opined, "[it] was brimming with quality songs like the ballads 'In Deep' and 'Talking Star', tough rockers like 'Way of All Things' (with its funky Lenny Kravitz-styled riff), 'So Rude' and 'Atomic Electric', plus two sterling slices of Badfinger-style guitar-pop, 'Empty' and 'Mirage'."[1] Jonathan Lewis of AllMusic rated it at four-out-of-five stars and explained, "an example of melodic power pop, similar to both Belly's Star, though without the quirkiness, and Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix, though more influenced by Led Zeppelin than by The Byrds. Infectious, well-written guitar pop songs were the order of the day and few bands do these as well."[7]

The album was successful in indie circles, and had some minor success on the mainstream charts. It provided three singles, "In Deep", "So Rude" and "Way of All Things".[1] "So Rude" was listed at No. 57 on the 1996 Triple J Hottest 100;[8] while "Way of All Things" polled at No. 94 in the 1997 list.[9]

Way of All Things was followed by a two-year relative hiatus, although they played some concerts in this time.[1][6] They released a three-track CD single, "Car Radio", in November 1997, which was only available from concerts.[1][2] In mid-1998 den Elzen left to join deadstar and was replaced by McDonald returning.[1][2][6]

In October 1998 Rebecca's Empire issued a single, "Medicine Man", which preceded their second album, Welcome (August 1999) via Festival Records.[1][2] Again, it was produced by O'Mara.[2] It provided two more singles, "Big Smoke" (April 1999) and "Bad Blood" (July).[1] Welcome was not as well received by critics as their earlier efforts. Although, McFarlane observed, "the three year wait had been worth it; it was another slice of pop perfection."[1] Despite the band's profile, none of its singles made the Hottest 100 that year. The album and its accompanying singles were their last releases as they announced their break-up in June 2000.

2000-present: Post break up

In April 2006 Barnard released her debut solo album, Fortified, via Shock Records, which was co-produced by Barnard and O'Mara.[2] Both returned to session and backing work.[2]

After a period of nearly twenty years of being out-of-print, Rebecca's Empire first album was released on streaming platforms in April 2020, with Brian Parker from YourMusicRadar opining that Way Of All Things "has now reemerged not only as a great Australian album, but also a case study of a band that could have been a lot more popular".[10]

Mitglieder

  • Rebecca Barnard – lead vocals, guitar (1994–2000)
  • Shane O'Mara – lead guitar (1994–2000)
  • Peter Luscombe – drums (1994–2000)
  • Bill McDonald – bass guitar (1994, 1998–2000)
  • Michael den Elzen – bass guitar (1995–98)

Discography

Studio albums

Titel Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[11]
Way of All Things
  • Released: July 1996
  • Label: Eternity, Polydor (527 980-2)
  • Format: CD
 78
Welcome
  • Released: August 1999
  • Label: Festival Records (D24132)
  • Format: CD
 -

Extended plays

Titel Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[11]
Atomic Electric
  • Released: 1994
  • Label: Eternity, Polydor (579 313 2)
  • Format: CD,
 -
Rebecca's Empire
  • Released: 1995
  • Label: Eternity, Polydor (8533932)
  • Format: CD
 -
Take a Look at Happiness'
  • Released: 1996
  • Label: Eternity, Polydor (579 601 2)
  • Format: CD
 -

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. They commenced in 1987.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
1997 Way of All Things ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist - Album Nominated [12]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Encyclopedia entry for 'Rebecca's Empire'". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-072-1. Archived from the original on 23 August 2004.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Rebecca's Empire related entries at Australian Rock Database:
    • Rebecca's Empire: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Rebecca's Empire". hem2.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
    • Rebecca Barnard: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Rebecca Barnard". hem2.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
    • Michael den Elzen: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Michael Den Elzen". hem2.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
    • Peter Luscombe: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Peter Luscombe". hem2.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
    • Bill McDonald: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Bill McDonald". hem2.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
    • Shane O'Mara: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Shane O'Mara". hem2.passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  3. ^ Performers Releasing Information about Clean Syringes; Commonwealth AIDS Prevention and Education Program (Australia) (1993), P.R.I.C.S.: Performers Releasing Information about Clean Syringes, Commonwealth Aids Prevention and Education Program, retrieved 7 December 2017
  4. ^ "Hottest 100 | History | 1994". Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Hottest 100 | History | 1995". Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Lewis, Jonathan. "Rebecca's Empire | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  7. ^ Lewis, Jonathan. "The Way of All Things – Rebecca's Empire | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Hottest 100 | History | 1996". Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  9. ^ "Hottest 100 | History | 1997". Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)). Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  10. ^ Parker, Brian. "lbum Review: Rebecca's Empire – Way Of All Things". YourMusicRadar. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  11. ^ a b Australian (ARIA) chart peaks:
    • Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 230.
  12. ^ "1997 ARIA Awards Winners".
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