Sydney’s ILUKA has just released one of the year’s most impressive collaborations, teaming up with Lime Cordiale for her latest single, “Mess”.
Premiered on triple j’s Good Nights earlier this week, the track is a breezy piece of indie-pop, complete with pounding rhythms, euphoric singalong-worthy vocals, and enduring melodies that stick with the listener for long after it finishes.
Produced by Aron Forbes (Billie Eilish, Halsey, BANKS), the sparkling theatricality of “Mess” sees nostalgic lyrics layered atop bright piano chords as ILUKA and Lime Cordiale’s Louis Leimbach trade off their smooth, distinctive vocals.
“I have been friends with Louis and Oli (Lime Cordiale) for years and so when I had the idea for the song I sent it straight through to them as a rough voice memo, warts and all,” ILUKA explains of the track’s origins.
“I envisioned it as a story between two lovers reflecting on a past relationship and a more carefree time in their life. They loved the song and idea so together we fleshed it out and ‘Mess’ was born!”
“When she played the first acoustic phone recording of ‘Mess’ we were hooked and definitely a bit chuffed to be asked to collab on the track,” echoes Lime Cordiale. “ILUKA has always been an artist that has really impressed us.
“We grew up playing together, sharing stages in venues and house parties throughout the Northern Beaches of Sydney and eventually touring Australia. An incredible songwriter and performing artist who we are big fans of.”
In addition to the bright new single, ILUKA has also shared an accompanying video, featuring the directorial talents of Sophia de Vries, and filmed in an old converted church in the Blue Mountains.
“The ‘Mess’ music video was a hybrid vision between ILUKA and I, we both wanted to create a surrealistic, almost dream-like environment the characters exist in,” de Vries explains. “The highly-stylised aesthetic draws inspiration from the likes of Wes Anderson and Glen Luchford.
“We had such a talented team to bring this vision to life including DOP Jack Shepherd and colourist Matt Fezz. It was shot at an amazing old church that has been restored as a home in the Blue Mountains.”
ILUKA’s “Mess” is out now.
