9lives Curates a Sonic Journey in New FADER Mix
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.
9lives on Touring, Fashion, and the Evolution of His Sound
New Zealand producer 9lives brings a distinct, vibrant energy to the modern music landscape. His sound—bright, vivid, and joy-affirming—reflects a creator who believes the world could use a little more color. Currently, he is in the midst of a tour alongside Lucy Bedroque and Kuru, an experience he describes as a “dream come true” that has allowed him to bridge the gap between digital collaboration and real-world connection.
Hailing from Hawke’s Bay, 9lives has navigated a unique path to his current standing in the industry. Despite his distance from the traditional hubs of music production, he has cultivated a thoughtful, intentional approach to his craft. Whether he is discussing his meticulously curated wardrobe—featuring pieces from Ann Demeulemeester and Rick Owens—or reflecting on his early days in high school, his focus remains on the emotional resonance of his work.
Reflecting on his origins, 9lives recalls his first foray into production as a high school GarageBand project. While he admits the early results were “horrible,” the experience ignited a passion for songwriting that would eventually lead him to experiment with the intersection of hip-hop and electronic music. He notes that the current “digicore” wave, which includes artists like Lucy Bedroque, represents a natural evolution of these genres, fueled by an aesthetic and sonic crossover that feels both raw and intentional.
Life on the road has provided a new perspective for the producer. “Being from New Zealand, you don’t really ever get opportunities to hang out with someone for that long,” he explains. Touring has become the perfect environment to foster deeper relationships with his peers, turning the grind of travel into a shared creative experience. When asked about his ultimate goal, 9lives remains grounded: he wants to paint pictures in the listener’s head and make their days a little brighter.
As for his style advice? He encourages a return to vibrancy. “I think we got to bring color back,” he says. “Even if it’s just the belt or the chains or something small. I think just a bit or pop of color always makes the outfit a bit more interesting.”
