AIR

On January 16th, 1998, Air, the French electronic duo composed of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, released Moon Safari, an album that would soon elevate them to the pinnacle of electronic music. Despite being in their twenties and having only one previous EP to their name, Godin and Dunckel brought a level of confidence and sophistication to their debut full-length that belied their relative inexperience. Moon Safari quickly established itself as a groundbreaking record, shaping pop culture and influencing a broad spectrum of artists from David Bowie and Madonna to Charlotte Gainsbourg and Kevin Parker.

Reflecting on their early days, Dunckel recalled their modest ambitions: “We were a duo doing some electronic thing, dreaming of selling 10,000 copies and being recognized by other musicians as cool. Then suddenly, we met the world.” The album’s downtempo sound soon became a hallmark of the era, its impact evident in the work of late 20th-century visionaries and emerging artists alike. Moon Safari spawned hits like “Kelly Watch The Stars,” “All I Need,” and “Sexy Boy,” selling millions of copies globally and propelling Air to the forefront of major festivals.

Now, 25 years later, the enduring appeal of Moon Safari is unmistakable. It remains a timeless mood, a sonic haven that feels almost like a permanent state of bliss. As Dunckel describes it, the album is “a deep, universal spell, full of love and mystery,” while Godin simply calls it “perfect.”

In 2024, Air will perform Moon Safari live for the first time ever, celebrating the album’s legacy and its lasting impact on the world of music.

Links

Instagram
Twitter
Youtube