Net Worth Ranker
What Is Luke Steele Net Worth’ Net Worth
Luke Steele, an Australian musician, singer, and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $6 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily derived from his successful career as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the alternative rock band The Sleepy Jackson and as a member of the electronic music duo Empire of the Sun. Steele’s journey in the music industry began in the late 1990s, and his talent has led to international acclaim and commercial success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Luke James Steele was born on December 13, 1979, in Auckland, New Zealand. His family relocated to Perth, Western Australia, where he was raised. Steele comes from a musically inclined family; his father, Rick Steele, is a blues guitarist and harmonica player inducted into the West Australia Music Hall Of Fame in 2016. Luke’s sister, Katy Steele, is the vocalist for the indie rock band Little Birdy. Growing up in such an environment immersed Luke in music from an early age, fostering his passion for the art form. Steele attended Yokine Primary School and Mount Lawley Senior High School. In 1998, at the age of 19, Steele formed The Sleepy Jackson, an alternative rock band that quickly gained attention in the Australian music scene.
The Sleepy Jackson: Album Releases and Achievements
The Sleepy Jackson formed in 1998, marking the beginning of Steele’s professional music career. The band’s original lineup featured Luke Steele on vocals and guitars, Jesse Steele on drums, and Matthew O’Connor on bass. The band’s debut studio album, *Lovers*, was released in 2003 and reached #21 on the ARIA Albums Chart. *Lovers* was a minor commercial success, selling around 100,000 copies worldwide. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2003, the album was nominated for four awards. The band’s second album, *Personality – One Was a Spider, One Was a Bird*, was released in 2006 and peaked at #10 on the Australian Albums Chart. Despite the critical acclaim and domestic success, detailed financial figures regarding album sales and royalties for The Sleepy Jackson are not publicly available.
Empire of the Sun: Global Success and Streaming Numbers
In 2007, Luke Steele co-founded the electronic music duo Empire of the Sun with Nick Littlemore. This project catapulted Steele to international fame. Empire of the Sun’s debut album, *Walking on a Dream*, released in 2008, reached #6 in Australia and achieved multi-platinum certifications worldwide. The album sold over 917,500 copies. Their second album, *Ice on the Dune*, was released in 2013 and reached #3 in Australia and #20 in the US. The third album, *Two Vines*, was released in 2016 and reached #7 in Australia. Empire of the Sun has sold over 5.5 million albums globally and has accumulated over 7.6 billion streams. Their hit single, “Walking on a Dream,” has surpassed one billion streams. In recognition of this streaming milestone, Steele, along with Nick Littlemore and Jono Sloan, received the APRA AMCOS Billions Award in 2024.
Music Royalties and Songwriting Income
As the primary songwriter for The Sleepy Jackson and Empire of the Sun, Luke Steele earns significant income from music royalties. These royalties are generated from various sources, including album sales, streaming platforms, radio airplay, and licensing for film and television. The exact figures for Steele’s annual music royalties are not publicly disclosed. However, given the success of Empire of the Sun, particularly the hit single “Walking on a Dream”, which earned royalties from 53 countries at its peak, Steele’s songwriting income is substantial. In February 2025, Luke Steele signed a worldwide deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM), making WCM the exclusive administrator of Steele’s works, which include songs by Empire of the Sun, The Sleepy Jackson and solo material.
Real Estate and Assets
Information regarding Luke Steele’s specific real estate holdings and other assets is not widely available in the public domain. While there are real estate agents named Luke Steele, particularly one in Anchorage, AK, and another with Steele Brothers Real Estate, these individuals are not the musician Luke Steele. Without verifiable sources, it’s impossible to provide details on property addresses, values, or other personal assets.
Collaborations and Endorsements
Luke Steele has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including PNAU, with whom Empire of the Sun released the single “AEIOU”. He has also worked with artists such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé. While Steele has not publicly endorsed any specific brands, he expressed interest in an endorsement from Maton Guitars in 2006, highlighting the brand’s 12-string and jumbo acoustics. However, there is no evidence he has received an endorsement deal with Maton Guitars. Brand endorsement opportunities with Luke Steele can be explored by contacting their agent or manager. Details on the brands Luke Steele has endorsed are not available in public databases.
Key Milestones and Awards
Luke Steele’s career has been marked by several key milestones and awards:
- 2003: The Sleepy Jackson’s debut album *Lovers* receives four ARIA Music Award nominations.
- 2008: Empire of the Sun releases *Walking on a Dream*, achieving global success.
- 2009: Empire of the Sun wins Single of the Year at the ARIA Music Awards for “Walking on a Dream”.
- 2010: Empire of the Sun wins Dance Work of the Year and the Breakthrough Songwriter award at the APRA Music Awards for “Walking on a Dream”.
- 2016: “Walking on a Dream” experiences a resurgence in popularity after being featured in a Honda Civic advertisement.
- 2024: Luke Steele receives the APRA AMCOS Billions Award for “Walking on a Dream,” recognizing over one billion streams.
- 2025: Luke Steele signs a worldwide deal with Warner Chappell Music.
