Photo courtesy of 9lives.
New Zealand producer 9lives's music is equal parts and chaos and serenity
Over the past few years, 9lives has become a central player in the global digicore scene, minting hits like “I LOVE YOU HOE" with Odetari and "Go (Xtayalive 2)" with Kanii, two songs that compell you towards the moshpit while still being, somehow, ethereally atmospheric. He's applied that dual sensibility to work with an uncanny list of stars like Lil Nas X, Trippie Redd, Rico Nasty, skaiwater, LAZER DIM 700, and Lucy Bedroque — who he recently opened for on tour.
For his FADER Mix, 9lives assembled a smooth flow through a variety of tones and tempos, from glacial drain gang rhythms, to the digi-rage of Prettifun, to a 2017 Cali throwback via D Savage. The craftily made mix reflects 9lives's own sharp ear, and adventurous palette, and mirrors the easy feeling of the "beautiful sunny" New Zealand day in which he he made it.
Listen to 9lives's FADER Mix on Soundcloud, Mixcloud, and Youtube, check out its tracklist, and read an interview with 9lives below.
9lives's FADER Mix tracklist:
Satin Sheets - "Infinity Swell"
Lofty305 - "Spirit Guide pt. 2"
Ecco2K - "AAA Powerline"
Young Thug - "The B Language"
Babyfather - "419 / Nervous Freestyle"
Ethereal - "iknowuknow"
Bladee - "Rain Check"
D Savage - "TENDENCIES"
Black Kray - "GUCCI MANE WRIST"
Slimesito & Dolan Beats - "Slime Dolan"
Yung Gud - "Key Out N the Moon (feat. Dajana-Miruna Popa)"
Future - "My"
ICYTWAT - "Ps42ww$"
Playboi Carti - "Talk (ICYTWAT Remix)"
Bladee - "MERRY-GO-ROUND"
Dolan Beats - "Hate Me Now (feat. Chief Keef)"
Prettifun - "I Don’t Sleep"
Playboi Carti - "They Go Off"
ST6 JodyBoof - "STUCK IN MY HEAD"
Chief Keef - "Uh Uh (feat. Playboi Carti)"
Thaiboy Digital & Yung Lean - "True Love"
Lil Shine - "Like What?"
Prettifun - "Workout"
Lil Uzi Vert & Playboi Carti - "LEFT RIGHT"
J Dilla - "Won’t Do"
How does DJing shape your music practice?
DJing has really shaped the way I structure my 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.
What’s the first set you ever played?
I think my first set ever was at my friend's flat in 2023. A couple of my homies were going B2B for like 4 hours.
What DJs or artists inspire you?
At the moment, I'd say Burial, Pi'erre Bourne, DJ Rashad, Icytwat, Four Tet, SpaceGhostPurrp, Blank Body, Whitearmor, and all of my producer and DJ friends here in Auckland.
How has your local scene shaped your music?
I'd honestly have to say that the local scene changed me more as a person in general. 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. I love being around this kind of community where the support and appreciation isn't boundaried by just music or just clothing; everyone creative appreciates everything that is creative.
What’s the most memorable set you’ve ever played, DJing or otherwise?
I’d say Laneway in Auckland. It was an amazing day and all my close friends and community were around me. I also had the privilege to play alongside an amazing lineup which was so sick to be a part of.
What excites you about the future of live music and night life?
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.
How would you describe your FADER mix?
It's a mix of what is directly inspiring my production for this year, and what has stood the test of time for me.
Where did you record the mix? Describe your surroundings.
I recorded my mix in my lounge with my CDJ's on the coffee table. It was a beautiful sunny day and I had the doors open.
Beyond music, what's an interest you have that may surprise people?
I love food. Honestly neck and neck with my love for music at this point LOL.
