New Zealand producer 9lives has established himself as a central figure in the global digicore scene, crafting a sound that balances chaotic energy with ethereal serenity. His latest FADER Mix serves as a testament to this dual sensibility, offering a smooth, curated tour through diverse tones and tempos—from the glacial rhythms of drain gang to the high-octane digi-rage of Prettifun and the nostalgic bounce of 2017-era West Coast rap.

Over the past few years, 9lives has minted viral hits such as “I LOVE YOU HOE” with Odetari and “Go (Xtayalive 2)” with Kanii. His production prowess has attracted a wide array of collaborators, including ?, Trippie Redd, Rico Nasty, skaiwater, LAZER DIM 700, and Lucy Bedroque. For this exclusive mix, he drew inspiration from the “beautiful sunny” atmosphere of his home in New Zealand, resulting in a project that feels both adventurous and deeply personal.

The Craft of the Mix

When asked about how DJing influences his production, 9lives notes that the practice has fundamentally changed how he structures his beats. “Having intros and outros can really help with mixing in and out of tracks, and it also makes a nice little ambient break in between tracks which tend to be my favorite parts of a mix,” he explains. His FADER Mix reflects this sharp ear, incorporating a tracklist that spans artists like Chief Keef, Playboi Carti, and Bladee.

Reflecting on his local scene in Auckland, 9lives emphasizes the importance of community. “It’s such a cool little scene that we have in Auckland where everyone is doing their own thing, but they will still support everything around them,” he says. This supportive environment, he notes, is not limited to music but extends to all forms of creative expression.

Looking Toward the Future

As for what excites him about the future of nightlife, 9lives points to the intense energy of the underground rap scene. “Mostly the energy and the die-hard fan culture that comes with the underground rap scene. Reminds me a lot of what the 80’s punk scene would have felt like,” he observes. With a production style that continues to evolve and a growing list of high-profile collaborations, 9lives remains a producer to watch as he bridges the gap between digital experimentation and raw, visceral performance.