Alex L'Estrange's Summer Road Trip Mixtape

Scott Wallace
21st Dec 2016

:London (via Brisbane) based musician Alex L'Estrange is making waves with his fulsome, playful retro-minded take on indie rock, and it just happens to be the perfect soundtrack for summer. We asked him to fill us in on ten songs that make the perfect summer road trip playlist. 

George Benson - "Breezin’"

This track is perfect for swanning about the house when entertaining and mixing cocktails etc.

Tim Maia - "Réu Confesso"

Go for a tropical drive with this on and coconuts will simply fall into your lap.

Seals and Croft - "Summer Breeze"

I feel like this should be playing as the sun’s going down on a beach somewhere and you’ve just opened another bottle of sparkling near the little fire you made.

John Coltrane – "Blues to Elvin"

Spin this poolside with some good company. You’ll want oysters and wine and you’ll probably swear less.

Ornette Coleman – "Congeniality"

I’ve just realised that all of these tracks are for drinking ice-cold wine near the beach or a nice lake.

Curtis Mayfield – "Move On Up"

Play this song to signify the end of socialising in a civil manner. It’s time to get silly.  

The Beach Boys – "Surfin’ USA"

Put the whole greatest hits on actually.

KC and the Sunshine Band – "Keep It Comin' Love"

I’m still trying to write a song like this. If you play it before you hit the town, you’ll feel a million bucks.

Sam Cooke – "You Send Me"

This is the perfect croon for a Sunday summer morning.

The Beatles – "If I Needed Someone"

I know there some more obvious choices. But the guitar riff and pace of this song make it such a carefree affair. I wish I owned a convertible.

You can also check out the stunning video for his single "Nothing to Hide" below.