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.
Inside CONTRA: Berlin, Skrillex’s Elite Two-Day Rave
Skrillex has once again proven his influence as a curator, convening a collection of the most vital voices in electronic music for a massive two-day takeover. Held on May 30 and 31, the event—dubbed CONTRA: Berlin—transformed the gargantuan, industrial halls of Kraftwerk into a high-octane sanctuary for the global underground.
The event featured an expansive lineup that bridged disparate corners of the electronic spectrum. Among the performers were Bladee and Ecco2K, alongside heavy hitters like Blawan, Juliana Huxtable, Malibu, KAVARI, and Nick Léon. The curation also highlighted international talent, including the British rapper Jawnino, Brazilian DJ RHR, and the techno stalwart Batu.
Kraftwerk, a former power plant that serves as the home to the legendary club Tresor, provided the perfect brutalist backdrop for the event. While the project remains somewhat mysterious, organizers describe CONTRA as an “evolving platform” for experimental sound and performance.
For those who missed the spectacle, the event served as a definitive statement on the current state of electronic music, blending the raw energy of the underground with the massive production scale that Skrillex has become known for. As the platform continues to develop, it promises to remain a focal point for those tracking the future of the genre.
Bladee Announces New Album ‘Sulfur Surfer’ for May 20
Bladee has officially announced his upcoming album, Sulfur Surfer, set for release on May 20. The Drain Gang artist continues his prolific output, with the lead single, "Blondie," already available for streaming.
Gus ReichwaldThe new project sees the artist reuniting with his long-time collaborator Whitearmor, who handles production duties. Notably, the album features an appearance from the English experimental group Current 93, signaling a continued evolution in Bladee's sound. Sulfur Surfer serves as the follow-up to his 2024 project Cold Visions, which was widely acclaimed and recognized as one of the standout albums of that year.
Beyond the studio, the rapper has a busy summer ahead. He is scheduled to perform at several major events, including Lyrical Lemonade's Summer Smash on June 13, the Roskilde Festival on July 3, and a special Boiler Room set on August 1. These appearances will feature fellow artist Yung Lean, further cementing their collaborative presence on the global stage.
