Culture / Music

Lime Cordial and Iluka have collaborated on ‘Mess’, the latest bop you’ll be listening to on repeat

Two different world collide in the new single Mess - a glorious collaboration between one of Australia's most celebrated acts Lime Cordiale and effervescent songstress Iluka.

The infectious new bop, premiered on triple j’s Good Nights in mid April and now the song has been released to the public on most major streaming platforms.

An ode to youth, Mess is a song that explores the wild abandon and bittersweet moments that come with life, love and heartbreak. It's a celebration of innocence, a look into the cherished moments amid late nights and long days. The memories to whirlwind first love and the sparkling feelings of excitement and hope.

Singer-songwriter Iluka shows off her unmatched talents. Her writing chops shine through in all their glory in this poetic homage to living fast and living young. But it's her versatility that makes her unique. Her ability to jump between retro-pop and soul makes her sound warm, joyful and infectious. The music you listen to on repeat all weekend long.

The track has been produced by Aron Forbes who's also worked with Billie Eilish, Halsey and Banks. Mess is a theatrical pop anthem at its best - with nostalgia-tinged poeticism and more than a few catchy piano chords. Throw in Lime Cordiale's distinctive tone and it's a recipe for a track that will sit at the top of your favourite playlist.

ILUKA’s vibrant vocals against the smoothness of Lime Cordiale’s Louis Leimbach make a combination to remember.

"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. 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,” says Iluka.

“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” said Lime Cordiale.

“Iluka has always been an artist that has really impressed us,” Lime Cordiale continues. “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. Mess really captures the beauty of the dazed and foolish moments we had growing as artists and friends together. Warehouse dwellings and carefree nights."

Watch the video for Mess below.

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