We're from Melbourne. And Melbourne has a scene where anything goes.

We were jazz musicians in the early days. But as soon as we brought in the DJ, the shows turned from people sitting down to dancing.

My little 8-year-old brother drew a picture of three cats and he wrote 'Cat Empire' under them. When we were looking for a name, I saw that drawing and it stuck with us.

We do a lot of improvisation. There's definitely an element in the music that is well-suited to that scene.

We're quite comfortable playing to anyone. Our music adapts to the situation.

It was not until the end of my freshman year in high school that I thought I could really have a future in track and field. I definitely did not think I could make it to the Olympics back then, though; I was just focused on making it to the state finals!