Creative Conversations 041: Airmow's Renewed Aura
Words by Luke Byatt
It’s 2021 and Airmow is back with a new look and sonic direction. Since he was brought to our attention by our friends over at CloudKid, Airmow has become a mainstay in our listening agenda. The release of ‘Make Me Break’ is another step up for the artist as he capitalises on his production prowess. We caught up with Airmow to chat over the single, upcoming EP and much more!
Futuremag Music: Hey Airmow, in retrospection, how'd 2020 been treat you?
Airmow: Even if the situation was a bit crazy, 2020 was a super productive year for me. Quarantine was hard but It gave me time to focus on my EP and create a new sound and visual identity for Airmow.
It was hard to be locked in my house. As an artist, when you don’t move anywhere and days are always the same, it’s hard to have inspiration. I produce a lot of tracks just to get in a better mind-set and forget all these problems. It is only when I am in this state of mind that I can create and have fun. During this phase, I didn’t see music as ‘work’, but rather as a way to escape the mundane.
Futuremag Music: Congratulations on the release of 'Make Me Break', it's a superb follow up to 'Like This'. Could you please outline your writing and production process for the single?
Airmow: Actually, I started to produce the drop of this track about 1 year ago. I was on vacation with Friends and was really inspired and in a good mood. I just wanted to try some new vibes and something really powerful. I found that super cool riff on guitar and I added some cool processing on it (saturation + stereo shaper (wider) + a room reverb). I then also decided to add that super powerful bass line that goes before it. This is a technique I call the “question / reply game” where the bass asks the question and the riff of the guitar replies to it. This technique always works!
Once I had these 2 main elements, I added a lot of ‘industrial’-like sounds and textures to make it slightly more unique. I even layered the bassline with a sound that I recorded last year with my mouth (that’s the"crunchy"effect you hear).
After several months, I opened up the project again and that’s when I realised the potential of drop. I always like to throw in a mix of genres and surprises into his tracks, so I started producing a pop verse that contrasted with the drop. Trove’s vocals added the freshness that was missing from the song and brought a very interesting pop vibe to it. The structure of the song is ultimately divided into 3 parts: kicking things off with a chill and fluid pop verse – showing off Trove’s vocals and intricate synths – quickly turns into a sharp and head-banging drop with an intertwining bass and guitar riff. Before you know it, the ending spins into its most electronic form, taking you deep into an underground rave scene.
Futuremag Music: How'd you link up with Trove for the record?
Airmow: I sent my initial demo version to CloudKid and they put me in contact with him. He listened to the track and sent me his acapella super fast. I was really surprised and felt extra hyped about the track. I'm a huge fan of The Weeknd and Trove did a masterful job of channeling that vibe but with his own touch.
Futuremag Music: What does the future look like?
Airmow: This EP is my first real project and it marks a real breakthrough from the old Airmow. Thanks to this project, I was able to work with real artistic direction, both musically and visually that will become clear progressively with the EP release. Previously, I released a lot of songs in order to sign them on recognised electronic labels. This step of my career really helped me to improve my quality of production, However, these songs didn’t really reflect the musical universe I really wanted to transmit. This EP does and I can't wait to share it with the world.
‘Make Me Break’ is the second single of my debut EP. After releasing ‘Like This’ – already supported by the likes of MrSuicideSheep and EKM.co – ‘Make Me Break’ solidifies the EP as one to keep an eye out for. Expect sample packs, live sessions and face filters as the tracks roll out.
Airmow (Provided)
Futuremag Music: If Airmow was a cocktail, what would be in it to best describe yourself and your music?
Airmow: I always aim to create something that will appeal to the mainstream with my music, which is why I incorporate a lot of Pop elements into it. My general aim is to mix this with electronic production (dark electro/french touch) to achieve the perfect mix between mainstream and underground. Accessible but still unique. Think of it as The Weeknd and Dua Lipa meets Flume and Justice.
Futuremag Music: In partnership with Your Favourite Team, what is a piece of advice or something you wish you knew when starting out following a career in music?
Airmow: When I started making music, I would have liked to have known that it takes a long time to evolve and reach your goals. You shouldn't want everything right away, or expect too much from others because you can easily become disillusioned. On the other hand, you should never give up, because it is only by persevering, despite the failures, that you get results. The road is long, it's true, but that's what's exciting.
You have to have confidence in yourself and in your projects and you shouldn't hesitate to take risks, even if it seems scary. It is essential to know how to surround yourself with the right people, those who will be at your side in moments of doubt but also in moments of success.
In the same way, do not hesitate to share your work with people who work in the same environment as you. Who knows, you might make friends for life, but you might also help and support each other. Music is meant to be shared. But most of all, never lose sight of what is really important: music is and must remain a passion.