Almost an all Australian mixtape once again… what can we say we love local music! Starting off the weekend’s mixtape is one of the hottest new young Aussie bands APES with their new single ‘Helluva Time’, followed the second track from the upcoming World’s End Press album. Keeping on the electronic tip, Melbourne trio I’lls have a new track, we introduce you to your new favourite local act Leaks, and show you Alex Cameron of Seekae’s new jam, before we change up the vibe with Udays Tiger, Ngaiire, Jimmy Tait and finish off the mixtape with the only international track by Canadian Tim Chaisson with his super catchy new single.

Apes – Helluva Time

‘Helluva Time’ is the second single from young Melbourne band APES forthcoming debut EP. Already gaining radio airplay in the UK from the BBC’s Radio 1, it’s easy to hear why, ‘Helluva Time’ is a straight up in your face rock song, full of all the right ingredients to be a radio hit and indie dance floor filler, 2.32 long, catching lyrics, four to floor drums all topped off with sexy rock n roll vocals! On the road this June, July & August, these guys are a must see.

World’s End Press – To Send Our Love

Following on from the murky, hypnotic ‘Deadbeat Sweetheart’, the second taste from the Melbourne dance provocateurs’ forthcoming album is positively preppy by comparison. Starting with a chugging synth and vocalist John Parkinson’s distinctive delivery, you just know this track is ready to go places. So it proves – ascending into a chorus where synths and vocal harmonies dovetail overhead as grunting dance rock aesthetics keeps everything propelled along.  ‘To Send Our Love’ is already a live favourite, but the recorded version sees the band’s ruthless production smarts sparkle.

I’lls – Speak Low

The electronic three-piece have really honed their strengths on their newer material. Exhibit B: ‘Speak Low’. Texturally, the pieces lock together beautifully, but allows enough warm spaces for pillowing synths, wafting guitar lines to linger, a robust mix of bass and drums that pushes but isn’t pushy, and Simon Lam’s hazy, genteel vocals. It swims these warm channels until a looping hook distracts and sends the track in a sparser, hypnotic cycle for touchdown ending. Gorgeous.

Leaks – I’m Glad You’re Still Here

Leaks is the moniker of 19-year-old bedroom producer Thomas Guida, and no, that wasn’t a typo, this is in fact music made by a teenager. Full of equal parts soul and modernity “I’m Glad You’re Still Here” is the first single off Guida’s debut EP De Landa. Get on this bandwagon fast, this boy is bound to explode.

Alex Cameron – She’s Mine

Alex Cameron’s new solo single deviates somewhat from his musical origins in Seekae. The track begins minimalistically, driven by a simple but rapid bass line which plays backdrop to Cameron’s intimate vocals. It then gradually builds, drawing in synths along the way before blossoming into a short but rewarding climax. It’s an impressive slice of electronica that shows the diversity of a talented artist who can easily stand by himself in the spotlight.

Udays Tiger – (I Need A) Summertime Hit

Two-piece ex-pat Brisbane band Udays Tiger, who are now based in Australia’s rock capital Melbourne recently made the trip back to their hometown to record their second EP ‘Dead Attention’ with Neil Coombe. ‘(I Need A) Summertime Hit’ is the first taste for the EP, with 90s jangly guitar that instantly stick out, slightly washed out vocals and slacker drums and “oh oh ah’s” that sit nicely behind all the instrumentation, giving the track real depth that normally lack for two-piece bands. A local band to keep an eye for sure.

Ngaiire – Around

This Papua New Guinea via Sydney songstress provides yet another reason with ‘Around’ to anticipate her debut album, Laminations, due Friday July 12. Ngaiire’s soulful voice is understated and shrouded in a blend of subtle electronic textures. Combine that with the singers lyrical profoundness in crafting a story that details breakup against a backdrop of war and you’ve got a song here begging to be listened too.

Jimmy Tait – All My Friends

No not a cover of the LCD Soundsystem classic, it is in fact the furthest thing from that tune. Behind the monker is Sara Retallick and her voice, with its mature and somber styling, makes this track both gorgeous and affecting. Taken from her upcoming second studio album ‘All My Friends’ has a gothic undercurrent running through the folk and country veins that lead to the heart of this track. Retallick forebodes something both mysterious and dark here, something which only makes you hunger for the full LP.

Tim Chaisson – Bail You Out

Canadian folk with a tinge of country singer songwriter Tim Chaisson has returned to Australia for shows and with his new single ‘Bail You Out’, off his album The Other Side. Showcasing his commanding warm vocals and sweet lyrics, ‘Bail You Out’ tells a story of friendship and struggle with stripped back production featuring his signature sound of his acoustic guitar allowing for Chassion’s storytelling to shine.