Fresh out of Canberra’s thriving creative scene, Australian duo 18billion are kicking off the new year by injecting some much-needed soul and swagger into the airwaves. Their debut single, ‘You Put My Lovin’ In The Bin’, has arrived, and it isn’t just a catchy track; it’s a mission statement for a duo determined to redefine the "pop-hop" landscape.
Built on the talents of the versatile Gerardo and the visionary producer Mikrucio, 18billion strikes a rare balance between polished pop sensibilities and the raw energy of underground hip-hop. Gerardo handles the heavy lifting on the mic, pivoting effortlessly between velvety pop vocals and a lyrical flow that feels both precise and commanding. Behind the boards—and frequently joining in on the vocal duties—is Mikrucio, a multi-instrumentalist whose production style shuns the cookie-cutter templates often found in modern digital music.
A showcase of real artistry, 'You Put My Lovin’ In The Bin’ sees the duo pushing back against an era dominated by digital shortcuts. The band's philosophy is refreshingly old-school, as they shared, "No samples, no A.I., no loops, no auto tune, no quantization and no profanities. If we can't perform it, it doesn't get recorded."
This authentic approach translates into a sound that feels alive. ‘You Put My Lovin’ In The Bin’ is built on a foundation of fat bass leads and a dancy groove that demands movement. The arrangement is refreshingly unpredictable, allowing the duo’s songwriting to breathe without being buried under over-processed layers. It’s a track that invites the listener in with a massive, hook-laden chorus, ensuring that whether you’re a fan of soulful melodies or sharp rap verses, you’ll be singing along by the second playback.
By fusing clean, clever storytelling with masterfully crafted instrumentation, 18billion are proving that you don’t need profanity or computer-generated shortcuts to create a contemporary hit. They are taking Pop-Hop to an elevated level, prioritising talent and "fiendishly creative" arrangements over industry trends.
If this new single is any indication of what’s to come, Canberra might have just exported the most exciting new sound of the year. You can stream the new single above, and for more, be sure catch the band on Instagram and Facebook.
