Introducing FBi’s Monthly Mixtape series – every month we talk to our super savvy specialist show hosts about the tracks they’ve been rinsing this month to help you give your playlists a nice genre-spanning tszuj. To kick things off, we’re winding it back to September.

Maleeka Gazula, host of Superdrive (Sept ‘21 residency)

Swoon – ‘Safeguard’ 

“Yugambeh-based artist Adam Leng’s latest release ‘Safeguard’ is a must for those who appreciate the softer corners of the post-punk genre. The new single embraces tenderness and storytelling, as it looks at the different assimilation practices that have happened throughout generations of Adam’s family.”

Solo Career – ‘Movie’

“Dharawal-based artist Annabel Blackman’s debut solo EP ’The Sentimentalist’ is the moment. ‘Movie’ is a hazy, romantic little number that goes straight to your head.”

Chuyi Wang, co-host of Deep Web 

Kogarashi – ‘Heartclef’

“Chilean producer Kogarashi’s lead single from his debut record Acoustic Nightcore is exactly the type of multi-genre song that Deep Web loves to feature. Bubbly, liquid-sounding synths mix delicately with saccharine acoustic guitar strums and Kogarashi’s intimate vocals to create a melancholic ballad from seemingly decades into the future. Kogarashi stands out as a singer-songwriter who isn’t afraid to push into the uncanny valley of electro-acoustic sounds, and we can only hope Heartclef serves as a blueprint for more music like it soon.”

Himera – ‘You Are Safe and Loved, to The Stars And Back’

“Latvian-born trance producer Himera has been making waves in the past year, with notable production credits for PC Music pop stars Namasenda and Hannah Diamond. However, their solo material, which drops every few months on Soundcloud, reveals a more vulnerable and crystalline approach to trance that their ravier tracks don’t convey. Their latest single ‘You Are Safe and Loved, to The Stars And Back’ is cathartic and overwhelmingly emotional, combining washed-out supersaws and toy pianos into one breathless buildup that feels like a deep, wistful sigh.”

Johanna Roberts, host of In The Pines

Tré Burt – ‘Carnival Mirror’

“From 21st century protest songs to honest examinations of the heart, Sacramento folkie Tré Burt does it all. His beautiful new record You, Yeah, You bears emotional witness to contemporary America – grief and anger shored up with quiet hope and flashes of joy. You can’t go wrong with any of the tracks, but Carnival Mirror’s a real standout.”

Georgia State Line – ‘One Of The Boys’

“Melbourne-based Georgia State Line have also just released a strong contender for album of the year with their debut In Colour. One Of The Boys is a twangy delight, full of mournful swagger and romantic resignation and the rest of the record carries the same sun-kissed Americana charm.”

OVO & CMJ, hosts of Off The Radar

OVO’s pick: Fireboy DML – ‘Peru’

“My pick for this month is an unannounced single titled “Peru by” Multi-talented Nigerian singer-songwriter and recording artiste, Fireboy DML. This afrobeats song is soo catchy that you will want to listen to the song till the end. Amidst an infectious hook and vocals, “Peru” stands out as a hearty summer bop for when you’re in your feelings or just want to vibe out. I was soo surprised to hear a calypso-styled track that really reminded me of Wande Coal (THE G.O.A.T) especially on verse two.”

CMJ’s pick: B Wise – ‘Ezinna (feat. Sampa The Great and Milan Ring)’

“My pick for this month has to be ‘Ezinna’ off the second album of Sydney’s Own B Wise. ‘Ezinna’ is an infectious Bop accompanied by the playfully fun bars of B Wise and the calm melodies of Sampa the Great & Milan Ring. Definitely a contender for Song of the Summer, as it is the type of track you’d play as you’re cruising down the M1, windows down shouting “said I’m coming home” at the top of your lungs. What makes this track so beautiful to me is it is the perfect representation of Afro-Aussie culture – created by homegrown artists whilst paying homage to B Wise’s Igbo (Nigerian) Heritage. We love to see it!”

Jackson Fester, host of Limbs Akimbo

Equiknoxx – ‘Was Not Initially Called Make iT Stop (ft. Storm Saulter & Doll Face Charmie)’

“Forward thinking Jamaican music collective Equiknoxx with a nice surprise once again. These guys are unbound by genre though have a certain character and power that seems to be pervasive across their entire discography, regardless of which crew member made it. This specific tune is sure to put a spring in your step in the morning hours. Highly recommend checking out the full tape and their other releases. Good morning!”

Anthony Naples – ‘Chameleon’

“Fantastic psyched out, melty instrumental from Incienso Records co-head Anthony Naples. Commonly known for his work as a DJ and in dance music production, this tune (and the rest of the release) comes as an exciting flip on any expectations – sounding almost like a full band. A beautiful example of the producer’s all rounder or ‘Chameleon’ ability.”