The Empty Threats Drop New Single and Embark on National Tour

‘phone call’ is the first taste of the band’s forthcoming sophomore album, happy birthday.

Adelaide’s very own The Empty Threats are back with rollicking new single, ‘phone call’.

Taken from the band’s just announced sophomore album, happy birthday, the track is a frantic dystopian freakout with the electric clarinet going AWOL.

The title of the track references a real-life moment that occurred when frontperson Stu Patterson was pulled over by the cops for singing along to the demo while holding their phone. “I bet that phone call wasn’t worth it,” the officer remarked while issuing Patterson a $700 fine.

‘phone call’ is accompanied by a music video directed by Conor Mercury. Inspired by The Pharcyde’s Spike Jonze-directed video for ‘The Drop’, the video unfolds in reverse. Check it out below.

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Comprising Stu Patterson (they/them - [vocals/saxophone/clarinet]), Matt Schultz (they/them - [guitars/vocals]), Lenny Regione (he/him - [bass guitar]), Michael Bond (he/him - [drums]), Alex Dearman (him/him - [guitar]), and Grace Vandals (she/her - [vocals/guitar/synth]), The Empty Threats forthcoming album represents a new direction for the band.

Recorded and produced by the band’s Matt Schultz, happy birthday veers away from the politically charged lyricism of The Empty Threats’ debut, Monster Truck Mondays, and focuses on the queer and neurodiverse experiences of each member of the band.

One of SA’s most exciting acts, The Empty Threats’ have been on a roll since the release of their 2023 debut record Monster Truck Mondays – collecting several gongs at the SA Music Awards, receiving co-signs from Rolling Stone and KEXP and performing showcases at BIBSOUND and the UK’s The Great Escape.

The Empty Threats have also toured the globe regularly and performed at festivals such as Camp A Low Hum, WOMADelaide and Yours & Owls, along with supporting everyone from BENEE to ICEHOUSE.

In support of their new single, The Empty Threats have locked in seven shows across the country, including a performance at the free Westbound mini-festival in Adelaide on Saturday, March 15. Tickets for all shows are on sale now via linktr.ee/theemptythreats.

Catch The Empty Threats at Westbound at Lion Arts Precinct on Saturday, March 15.

The Empty Threats Australian Tour Dates 2025

Friday, February 28 – Last Chance Rock N Roll Bar, Melbourne

Saturday, March 1 – Flippin The Bird, Frankston

Saturday, March 15 - Westbound, Adelaide

Thursday, March 22 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle

Friday, March 28 – Metro Social, Sydney

Sunday, March 30 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong

Saturday, April 12 – SILO, Brisbane