Almost a year ago, we posted our visual video of Ahero’s newly released single “Rock wit me” on Youtube. As a preview to a new fruiteger aero visual mix that was being worked on. Now with the artists newest EP ‘Stay Lifed’ out as of August this year - we got the chance to sit down with the Midwest based artist, producer, and taste maker. To go talk about some of his favorite music growing up and what’s in store next for the name and his label “silk sounds’.

Can you share a bit about your earliest musical influences and how they shaped your current sound?

Gorillaz used to be my one and only obsession musically. I just really loved how versatile they were. My earliest days of making music were spent on my iPod touch on Garage Band. I recently went and revisited those projects. Nothing worth mentioning. I originally wanted to make music with lyrics and beautiful choruses but I came to find out I wasn't very good at doing that with basically zero musical or production knowledge. I sort of just settled into making instrumental stuff, and I realized you could really fill it out with dozens of unique little sounds. To me those are almost like my lyrics - taking a piece of me and sprinkling it throughout the song.

When you’re building a track, do you start with a visual concept (like UI nostalgia, digital textures) or with a musical idea?

“I'm always chasing the feeling of making a good song and hearing it all click together.”

I keep a text file on my phone that I add track title ideas to every time a good string of words comes to me. I like to take inspiration from the world around me and the unique phrasings of things. I use those as sort of a mood board of what I want a project to sound like, or even look like. I think theming and album art is more important than ever to make music like mine - every little detail down to track lengths and how the first letter of every track title stacks above or below each other matters to me, which sounds silly I know, but I think it's really important to get the right energy in every facet.

Do you use any unconventional tools, samples, or techniques to capture your vibe?

Sometimes I get really addicted to a song, so much that I try and make a cover of it by ear. I get far enough into making it that I start hearing new songs in-between chords and notes, and eventually it just becomes a brand new song. I'm not saying most of my music is made this way, but it helps to rejuvenate my creative energy when I'm in a rut.

My personal favorite tracks of yours are Rock with me, Next Steps, and Lady. Those tracks bring me a very VERY strong sense of digital nostalgia. Any emotions or memories that come to mind when you're listening or making your own music?

I'm always chasing the feeling of making a good song and hearing it all click together. Moments that make you jump out of your chair at three in the morning and disturb your neighbors a bit are what I live for. There's a bit of nostalgia that comes from that. It's almost akin to a childlike whimsy or getting the excitement from the little things. Even though I've heard Rock With Me and Lady easily hundreds of times over, I still get giddy over thinking about the late nights spent hearing those songs come together and thinking about sharing it with the world, who I was hoping would feel the same way.

Do you see your music as part of a larger cultural revival of early internet aesthetics, or more as a personal exploration in making music?

I think what I've done is more of a personal exploration. I've worked on a few other things that sound nothing like what I do as 'Ahero' but that love for the early internet indie music is always hidden within. If I'm considered part of it, hell yeah. I think the music was always mainly for me though, I just love sharing it enjoying my stupid love of nostalgic music with the world.

Are there other artists in this space or other spaces you feel particularly connected to or inspired by?

I run a label with three other wonderfully talented people from all over the world who I think really understand our sound collectively but also have their own fantastic takes on it. These artists would be Simple Syrup, V4NGOE, and Vesna. They're all making gorgeous music that runs the same river as mine does, but I always love hearing how they use certain samples and synthesizers to really make it entirely them.

‘Stay Lifted’ Album by Ahero

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

What’s next for you? Are you working on an album, collaborations, or expanding into other mediums?

I'm on hiatus for now. I have one big project that's been ongoing for some years now on and off in the background, but after that it'll be quiet for awhile. 'Ahero' has been my main creative output for the past 6 years, and it also catalogues my musical journey from my very first steps on Garage Band. So I can't exactly say I've grown tired of it, but I've got to do some other things in the meantime while I recharge. I've got some other smaller personal projects I'm working on as well as trying to stay busy in the real world - but one thing is for certain, Vaporwave Zero is forever.

If you could design the perfect environment for someone to experience your music (a room, a digital space, a live show), what would it look and feel like?

I've always wanted to perform in a planetarium or something along those lines. I've had dreams of playing on a gorgeous rug in the middle of a dome-shaped room with huge, bright projections on the ceiling and a low fog covering the floor. The music would be loud as f*ck and there'd be free PBR and Malort for everyone. If anyone can make that happen, you should email me ASAP.

How do you want your work to be remembered within the broader wave of nostalgia-driven music?

I think I'm at peace with just existing in the space as it is. I think it'd be funny to remember now in 20 years or so and see how people are reacting to it if anyone still comes across it. If anyone were to remember 'Ahero', it'd be nice to just be considered consistent and cool.

— Trace Davidson

Writer, Curater

Ahero - Staying lifted, and creative. [An Arpwire Artist Spotlight]