A Quick Chat with Days Like These

Sydney-based rock duo Days Like These are closing out a massive chapter with their new EP, Long Live The Mixtape, out November 7. The release collates two years’ worth of singles alongside two brand-new unheard tracks, tying together a creative era that’s seen the pair evolve from their alt-rock roots into something slicker, sharper, and shinier.

Produced, mixed, and mastered by longtime collaborator Chris Lalic (Windwaker, RinRin, Headwreck), Long Live The Mixtape is a snapshot of who Days Like These have been, and where they’re heading next. “The goal when we set out to start this project was to simply create the best songs we possibly could,” shares vocalist Callen Batson. “The end result is this mixtape; a compilation of songs that have no throughline or concept but reflect the last two years of our journey as a band and where we want to be heading.”

Following the success of their 2023 EP ICON and performances all over the country, the duo have continued to push their sound forward—from the shimmering alt-pop of “baby blue” and “Show Me Love” to the grit of “SOURPUSS” and “PRIMADONNA.” Together, they form a bridge between 2021’s Wide Awake EP and the vibrant new chapter that Long Live The Mixtape represents.

Before the Mixtape officially drops, Noah takes us behind the curtain of every track…

PRIMADONNA:
PRIMADONNA was a tough cookie to crack—it took days and days to write. Previously, I had this notion that the best art comes together very quickly, it flows effortlessly. But the process of creating PRIMADONNA really dispelled that idea. We looked closely to artists like PVRIS and K.Flay for sonic influence, and the lyrics describe our love of life personally but also in this beautiful, musical lifestyle of ours. It can be challenging at times, that’s important to acknowledge. But mostly, it’s incredibly gratifying and almost magical to make art with my best friend and share it with the world. There’s a real gratitude to pay to our community—the people who believe in us, who facilitate our growth—and PRIMADONNA is about them as much as it’s about us.

(DAT BOY):
This song sheds light on the dynamic between ourselves and our ego (affectionately referred to as ‘DAT BOY’ throughout). As humans, our ego is permanent, there’s no delete button, so (DAT BOY) asks the question: how do we learn to coexist with this phenomenon of the human psyche that can cause such internal conflict? Better yet, can we find ways for ego to have a positive presence in our lives? Musically, (DAT BOY) was born of Tyler, The Creator and Charli XCX influence. Despite the final piece not being very akin to either artist, both of them make fun, aggressive music that we love without being “heavy” per se. Think of it like a smoothie—you might put carrot, milk, kale, oats, protein powder and whatever else in your blender. But once you pour it into a glass, you can guarantee it won’t be the same carrot you started with. Whether it tastes good or not, that’s for you to decide.

baby blue:
Speaking of the ‘blender effect’, we actually referenced an early track by The Killers for baby blue, but it sounded more like Dayseeker or The Home Team in the end. Chris’ work really shines here, capturing an 80’s synthpop vibe and shaping the chorus into a Pharrell Williams-esque, star-crossed lovers duet. baby blue is about a past romance where I was struggling with my sense of self. I was experiencing a lot of doubt and anxiety about our relationship and they made the mature decision to end things. It was difficult for us both, but ultimately the right choice given how much clarity and growth I experienced. This person is someone I still greatly respect and it was lovely to honour them and their impact on me. Afterwards, I shared what happened and how I felt with a friend, whose guidance led to an OCD diagnosis, which truly changed my life. I really believe vulnerability is an ability—a strength that supports us all and our relationships. Long live therapy.

SOURPUSS:
SOURPUSS, in essence, is a very “spit the dummy,” bratty take on the dualistic nature of being in a band. We’re still the tiniest of small fishes in many big ponds, and feel extremely grateful for all the support we receive on this journey. But even as a small artist, we can be subject to uncomfortable, parasocial interactions. Lizi of The Beautiful Monument summarised it really beautifully a few years ago: “I would just like to throw out a friendly reminder to anyone engaging with someone you may admire that we are not therapists, we are artists.” Initially, we quickly recognised SOURPUSS had a strong disco/funk vibe, thanks to our Dua Lipa and Prince references, but we had trouble bringing the power it needed. That’s where Chris came in with some BILMURI influence, bringing a really fun and aggressive edge to this funky lil’ number.

Show Me Love:
Show Me Love was the first (good) DLT song that Callen and I wrote all the main vocals for. We felt very accomplished and thus it has a special place in our hearts. From humble beginnings of writing it in our spare bedroom on an acoustic guitar, to singing it across the country with our friends and fans. Perhaps life is enchanted after all. I feel like Michael Jackson and Don Broco accurately describe what sonically brought this one to life. But lyrically, I think Show Me Love tells of the hope we can have in both our finest and darkest hours. Whether you’re rolling with the punches or on cloud nine, there’s a lyric here for you. Just know that you’re not alone.

Long Live:
From its initial conception, I recognised Callen had begun writing something dark and visceral. He created some sonic layers that reminded me of gritty western films and dirty, noisy styles of EDM. But also, that intro acoustic guitar reminded me of Gorillaz. Funnily enough, with demo lyrics like “you’re an animal” and “liberate,” I was inspired to write Long Live about the first book I ever read, Animal Farm by George Orwell. It’s essentially a metaphor of the Russian Revolution, and a topic like that gave this song the thematic and emotive weight it needed. We all collaborated in Chris’ studio to wrap it up nicely in a bow, landing with one of DLT’s heaviest songs to date. You could describe it as “if Sleep Token and Make Them Suffer had a baby” (god forbid), but we just think it’s the perfect closing track to our beloved mixtape.

Days Like These - Tour Dates
supporting Trenton Woodley (as Ladders On Tables)

Thursday 13 November - Crowbar, Sydney
Friday 14 November - Crowbar, Brisbane
Saturday 15 November - Max Watts, Melbourne

Tickets now on sale