French Duo Air Brings "Moon Safari" to the Hollywood Bowl: "Los Angeles Is Actually a Big Studio"
LOS ANGELES - In a celebration of their 25th anniversary, French electronic music duo Air brought their iconic album "Moon Safari" to the iconic Hollywood Bowl on Saturday night. The sold-out concert marked the latest stop in the band's extensive tour commemorating the landmark debut.
"We're thrilled to be here at the Hollywood Bowl," said Nicolas Godin, one half of the duo, in an interview prior to the show. "Los Angeles is actually a big studio, and we feel right at home."
The evening's performance featured Air's signature blend of atmospheric soundscapes and catchy melodies, with the band playing all 10 tracks from "Moon Safari" in their entirety. The album, released in 1998, has been widely praised for its innovative production techniques and timeless songwriting.
For Godin and his partner Jean-Benoît Dunckel, the past two years have been a whirlwind of activity. In addition to the tour, they released a 25th-anniversary vinyl edition of "Moon Safari" in 2023, followed by a deluxe box set featuring a remastered album, Dolby Atmos mix, unreleased demos, and rarities.
"We wanted to give our fans something special for this anniversary," said Dunckel. "We're proud of what we created with 'Moon Safari,' and it's amazing to see how it has stood the test of time."
The deluxe box set also included a documentary by Mike Mills, which provides an intimate look at the band's creative process during the making of "Moon Safari." The set was released in 2024, along with a full-album reimagining by UK producer Vegyn, titled "Blue Moon Safari," which debuted on Record Store Day.
Air's appearance at the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony earlier this year added to their already impressive resume. Their music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic soundtrack for Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation."
The concert at the Hollywood Bowl was a testament to Air's enduring influence on electronic music. The band's unique sound, which blends elements of ambient, trip-hop, and French house, continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
As the duo took the stage, they were met with thunderous applause from the sold-out crowd. The evening's performance was a masterclass in atmospheric soundscaping, with Godin's soaring vocals and Dunckel's lush instrumentation creating a truly immersive experience.
For fans of Air, the concert at the Hollywood Bowl was a dream come true. As one attendee noted, "This is what it means to be part of a community that loves music as much as we do."
As for Godin and Dunckel, they are already looking to the future. With their extensive discography and continued innovation in the studio, there's no doubt that Air will remain a major force in electronic music for years to come.
Background:
Air is a French electronic music duo composed of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. Formed in 1995, they rose to prominence with their debut album "Moon Safari" in 1998. The album was critically acclaimed for its innovative production techniques and timeless songwriting.
Additional Perspectives:
Music critic and journalist Chris Kontos noted that Air's influence can be heard in a wide range of contemporary electronic music artists. "Air's sound is instantly recognizable, and their influence can be seen in everything from Daft Punk to M83," he said.
Current Status and Next Developments:
As for what's next for Air, Godin and Dunckel are already at work on new material. In an interview prior to the Hollywood Bowl concert, they hinted at a possible new album in the works. "We're always experimenting with new sounds and ideas," said Godin. "We never know where it will take us, but that's what makes it exciting."
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*