Melbourne band Apes sign to 13 Artists

Melbourne independent band Apes have signed to UK-based booking agency 13 Artists, joining Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, The Stone Roses and Radiohead on its roster.

While Apes have been recording and performing since 2010 – under their then moniker The Boo Hoo Hoo’s – the band changed up their sound, name and lineup in 2012 when their single Seven received multiple spins on triple j.

Last year, Apes received BBC Radio 1 support from UK hosts Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens for their track Helluva Time, and earlier this month were the ‘Shock of the New’ track on UK station XFM with their single Pull The Trigger. This year the band supported British acts Royal Blood and Band Of Skulls during their national stints and performed to packed venues at their single launch shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

Next month, Apes will perform at Brisbane conference BIGSOUND before a four-date UK tour from October 1-4 where they’ll take in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. In December they’ll play Festival Of The Sun alongside The Jezabels, Violent Soho and Shihad before a slot on Victorian boutique festival NYE On The Hill.

The band’s manager Lachlan Hodgson (Trusty Chords Music) told TMN it was Apes’ spins on BBC Radio 1 that lead to the signing.

“It’s a company that has an fantastic reputation and proven track record in an intimidating market, so we can’t wait to head to the UK and follow up on the considerable groundwork that has been laid for the band,” Hodgson said.