Air Max '97 Unveils '*for U': A Cross-Genre Masterpiece Fusing Pop, Rap, and Electronic Vibes
A Personal Journey from Club Beats to Heartfelt Songwriting in a Bold New Mixtape
Air Max '97's new project, *for U, is more than just a mixtape—it's a personal journey from the world of niche club production to a more emotive, vocal-driven sound. Over four years, this labor of love evolved into a 10-track collection that blends gritty rap, progressive pop, and electronic music, showcasing both his versatility and the incredible talent emerging from Australia and beyond.
The idea for *for U was born during the isolating days of lockdown and grew through lively studio collaborations that brought fresh energy to the music. For Air Max '97, this mixtape reflects a deep-seated love for pop and rap, genres that have shaped his life since childhood. "I've always admired pop for its ability to connect people, tell stories, and stick with you. It's been a puzzle I've been trying to solve in my own way since 2018," he shares. This passion is evident throughout the mixtape, where a mix of sounds and collaborative songwriting come together.
Among the standout tracks are "It’s OK," where Cecil B. DeMille makes his vocal debut with a soft, ASMR-like take on summer, and "Eyes 2," a house-tinged song featuring imbi that came to life during lockdown through online file exchanges. "Keepsake," recorded at Melbourne’s Fall Back Studios, features daine and John Floreani, and offers an intimate look at cherished relationships.
The creation of "Keepsake" was a spontaneous process—daine picked up a guitar, and within two hours, the demo was complete. John Floreani's vocals added a nostalgic touch that resonated deeply with Air Max '97's indie roots.
The mixtape also delves into darker themes with tracks like "Yuba," a collaboration with DÆMON that explores desire and miscommunication, and "Cellyphone," where West London’s Don Sinini offers a lyrically rich stream of consciousness. The closing track, "Ever Alone," is a haunting instrumental that invites listeners to add their own vocals, making the project truly interactive.
Air Max '97 has been a driving force in the global electronic music scene since 2014. His journey has taken him across Europe, Asia, and North America, and has included collaborations with artists like SCAM and Aya, a feature on Kelela’s Hallucinogen Remixes EP, and a performance at Boiler Room in Paris. Through his record label, DECISIONS, Air Max '97 continues to push the boundaries of electronic music. *for U is a reflection of his growth as an artist and his commitment to creating music that resonates on a deeper level.
This mixtape is more than just a collection of tracks; it's an open invitation to explore the diverse and carefully crafted soundscape that Air Max '97 has created, breaking new ground with each beat.
