Hard-hitting 808s meet raw street tales from Down Under. 132–142 BPM.
Aussie Drill is a subgenre of drill music that originated in Australia around 2015. It combines the aggressive, minimalist beats of UK drill with Australian accents, slang, and local street narratives, often featuring heavy 808 bass and rapid hi-hats.
The defining artists of Aussie Drill — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Aussie Drill.
Aussie Drill is characterized by its hard-hitting 808 bass, rapid hi-hats, and minimalist, often dark synthesizer melodies. The rhythm is typically syncopated, with a half-time feel that creates a heavy, head-nodding groove. Vocals are delivered with a distinct Australian accent, employing a rhythmic, almost spoken-word flow that emphasizes punchlines and local slang.
The production is sparse but impactful, leaving space for the vocalist to command attention. Tracks often feature call-and-response hooks and ad-libs, adding to the communal, energetic vibe. The overall sound is aggressive, confrontational, yet danceable, with a raw, unpolished aesthetic that mirrors the street narratives.
Aussie Drill emerged in the mid-2010s in Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, as a local adaptation of UK drill. The genre was heavily influenced by the UK scene, with artists like OFB and 67 paving the way, but quickly developed its own identity through distinct Australian slang and references to local neighborhoods.
Over time, Aussie Drill evolved from a niche underground sound to a mainstream phenomenon, with tracks going viral on social media and streaming platforms. The genre's raw energy and authentic storytelling resonated with young Australians, leading to a surge in popularity around 2019-2020.
Culturally, Aussie Drill reflects the experiences of urban youth in Australia, often addressing issues like poverty, crime, and social marginalization. It has faced controversy over alleged links to violence, similar to its UK counterpart, but remains a powerful voice for a generation.
How Aussie Drill is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
For producers, the foundation of Aussie Drill is the 808 bass pattern, often using sliding notes and syncopated rhythms. Hi-hats are typically programmed with rapid 16th or 32nd note patterns, with occasional rolls for emphasis. The snare or clap lands on the 3rd beat of each bar, giving a half-time feel. BPM ranges from 132 to 142, with a slower, heavier swing than UK drill.
Samples are often dark, atmospheric pads or eerie melodies, sometimes pitched down for a menacing tone. Drum sounds should be punchy and compressed, with the 808 bass distorted to add grit. When making Aussie Drill, focus on creating a sparse, hard-hitting beat that leaves room for the vocalist's flow. Use sidechain compression to make the kick and bass stand out, and add subtle FX like reverb or delay on vocals to create space.
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