The Empty Quarter was formed in 2007 by Melbourne-based musicians Kate Grealy, Rasheeda Cooper, Pete Emptage and Mark Pedersen. All share a love of world music and mystical poets and decided to bring their influences together to explore the way of the Qalandar – the wandering mystics of Persia and India. The Empty Quarter combine original lyrics with poems from Rumi, Hafez and Ghalib in a unique style, mapping the territory of divine love and the human heart. The group have diverse backgrounds: Rasheeda is a classical pianist and tabla player, Kate a folk singer-songwriter, and Mark an electronic musician, who together create a distinctive, ethereal sound anchored by Pete Emptage’s soulfull electric bass, and accented by Meg Smith on violin.

released September 8, 2008

Kate Grealy, acoustic guitar, vocals
Rasheeda Cooper, tabla
Pete Emptage, electric bass
Mark Pedersen, electronics
Meg Smith, violin