AIRPORTS
Photo credit: @alii.may
What a great discovery.
It's been a minute since I last heard something that good. I was looking for new instant pop bangers and AIRPORTS' new single is exactly what I needed. First off, Australian artists are seriously one of the best out there. Secondly, "LOSER" will become one of your new favorite records ever released. It is refreshing, authentic and addictive. It is something you’d play over and over again without getting tired of it.
I can't get enough of this record and I really hope more people will get to hear it. So yeah, don't sleep on it and give it a listen or two, or more :)
Stream "LOSER" now on all major streaming platforms.
And also, “Be confident, assertive, but also stand up for yourself”.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m Aaron from Australia, aka AIRPORTS. I grew up around music (dad’s a singer), started playing in punk bands & hip hop groups during school, then became a DJ after school and a pop producer and started AIRPORTS as my own project.
When did you start making music and writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I think it was being influenced by Michael Jackson’s artistry, and also various bands like Blink 182 and Linkin Park. Songwriting was just a natural outlet for me. I remember coming up with lyrics constantly from a very young age.
When did you decide to fully pursue music as a career?
I think I subconsciously decided when I was about 4, after I sang at one of my dad’s gigs. I got that hit and wanted more! So all through school I was dead serious about music. Bit weird but it’s been my career since.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
Mum & Dad for sure.
How would you describe AIRPORTS, the artist?
Self sufficient, self aware, emo pop.
"LOSER" is your new single - what's the story/Inspiration behind this song?
LOSER is an upbeat, fun take on the early “love-bombing” stage of a toxic relationship - when you’re submissive to the relationship that keeps you feeling like an idiot.
Could you describe the songwriting/recording/production process? When did you start working on it?
I came up with the lyrics in my head one night when I couldn’t sleep, got out of bed and quietly voice memo’d most of the topline in the bathroom. Then a few days later found some sounds and chords I liked and worked until it all fit together. It was a quick song but one of my favs!
What do you like the most about this single?
The energy and hooks! It reminds me of my pop-punk roots a bit.
What made you want to release "LOSER" as a single?
It had to be, I like it too much!
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I’ve been throwing together the art for my releases myself and following a template (the square and logo arrangement). I usually put an image of a person in the square but this time went with a skateboarder because I love skating and it goes hand in hand with that outcast, loser kid archetype.
You write/produce/mix most of your records - what's the biggest challenge? And what is the best part?
I think ten years of learning how to balance mixes and make good sounds fit together was the challenge. I feel very fast and competent nowadays with this, so the biggest challenge would be nailing a memorable hook. But that’s also the most rewarding part!
In your opinion, what makes a "good" mix?
Listenability x Bangability.
What advice would you give to young musicians?
Be yourself, emulations don’t last.
What do you want to accomplish professionally and personally?
Innovate music, influence popular culture, save lives.
You are from Australia - how would you describe the Australian music scene? Any artist(s) you'd like to recommend?
It’s influential and a lot of sound trends can start here but it’s also a small pond.
I like artists like Chase Atlantic, Troye Sivan.. people who superseded this scene.
What major life lesson have you learnt so far?
Many. Perseverance through all obstacles is the hardest and most rewarding way to peace & happiness.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Self awareness.
What message do you want to give to the world?
Employ Empathy towards others and do the self-work (inner development) before bothering with the material success.
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