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ARE WE ON AIR ? Profile

ARE WE ON AIR ?

English, Music industry, 7 seasons, 130 episodes, 3 days, 20 hours, 24 minutes
About
Arman Naféei’s weekly interview series exploring the soundtrack of today's cultural figures and personalities in the fields of Music, Film, Art, Fashion and Lifestyle.
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TEASER Ep 104 // Habibi Funk

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4/30/20244 minutes, 40 seconds
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TEASER Ep 103 // Chromeo On 'Needy Girl'

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4/12/20244 minutes, 32 seconds
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TEASER Ep 102 // Elsa Hosk On Modelling

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3/30/20247 minutes, 30 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 18

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. linktr.ee/areweonair/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠areweonair.com/⁠⁠
3/27/202413 minutes, 56 seconds
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HAPPY 100th ANNIVERSARY!

4 YEARS100 EPISODESA BRAND NEW KIOSK-O-THÈQUE (8224 SUNSET BLVD)ANDA NEW FOUND FRIENDSHIP W/ @spotify !A big thank you to all our guests, listeners and dancers! We’ve only just begun 🥁A xx
2/27/202444 seconds
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HAPPY 100TH EPISODE

4 YEARS100 EPISODESA BRAND NEW KIOSK-O-THÈQUE (8224 SUNSET BLVD)ANDA NEW FOUND FRIENDSHIP W/ @spotify !A big thank you to all our guests, listeners and dancers! We’ve only just begun 🥁A xx
2/27/202444 seconds
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HAPPY 100th EPISODE!

4 YEARS100 EPISODESA BRAND NEW KIOSK-O-THÈQUE (8224 SUNSET BLVD)ANDA NEW FOUND FRIENDSHIP W/ @spotify !A big thank you to all our guests, listeners and dancers! We’ve only just begun 🥁A xx
2/27/202444 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 17

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/areweonair⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://areweonair.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/⁠⁠⁠
1/26/202416 minutes, 2 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 16

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/areweonair⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://areweonair.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/⁠⁠
6/20/20239 minutes, 31 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 15

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
2/11/20231 hour, 10 minutes, 10 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 14

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
1/31/202313 minutes, 56 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 13

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
12/23/202230 minutes, 10 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 12

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
12/2/202252 minutes, 18 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 11

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
10/27/202215 minutes, 54 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 10

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
9/2/202215 minutes, 53 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 09

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
6/13/202210 minutes, 46 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 08

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com www.instagram.com/areweonair/ www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/16/202225 minutes, 48 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 07

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/3/202220 minutes, 32 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 06

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. www.areweonair.com https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
3/31/202218 minutes, 54 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 05

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
3/2/202215 minutes
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 04

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
2/22/202213 minutes, 24 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 03

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
2/22/202219 minutes, 14 seconds
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Ep 58 // IAN ISIAH

POWER is a language IAN ISIAH invented himself. Thanks to GOSPEL for the the introduction to his musicianship, and later on the hot and heavy backbeat of R&B, ISIAH radiates fearless sexuality, free spirited expression, and deep humility for those he idolises that came before him. These artists are deeply ingrained into the fabric of his life - whether it’s the montage of Whitney Houston in his room, or the way he pauses in conversation to harmonise Mary J Blige’s “my life, my life, my life,” ISIAH’s joy is contagious. BIG HEART ENERGY, a flow he’s been able to really step into since the start of the pandemic, pours through him as he describes the first time he fell in love with Beyonce, through “Gift From a Virgo.” In his own words, ISIAH reminds us that LOVE IS A VERB. In that same spirit, it’s refreshing to hear that while ISIAH’s never stops learning from his idols (JAMES BROWN, LUTHER VANDROSS, TANK) he remains as open to the new generation of music as the old. ISIAH reignites POWER in us, leaving us with a message - “love is actionable.” https://areweonair.com/ian-isiah https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
2/11/202255 minutes, 34 seconds
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Ep 56 // MERT ALAS

With a penchant for spontaneity, MERT ALAS brings us back to when he first felt the power of music while sneaking out into the concert halls at his classical conservatory boarding school in Ankara and looking for ghosts. Coming of age in the early nineties in London, fashion and self expression are a part of his hard wired DNA. After 29 years of Mert & Marcus taking over the world with their craft, Mert describes claiming the right of self expression as an act of respect and an uncompromisable quality in their vision. Drawn to Turkish psychedelic rock from the 60’s for its own MIND MANIFESTING self expression, Mert references the way his childhood experiences of being dragged into loud Turkish tavernas in the 80’s leaves a lasting impact on how he experiences music and art. With an energetic magnetism like Mert’s, it’s no surprise to hear him tell the story of how he first met Bjork, for example. Tune in, pop open some @seventyonegin to be reinvigorated with the hot pulse of deep 90’s house, and the romantically tragic vocals of George Michael that make up the soundtrack to Mert’s life. https://areweonair.com/mert-alas https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
1/28/20221 hour, 3 minutes, 38 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 02

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels, people and cultural findings. Arman talks basking in the Ibiza sun while listening to Sven Väth's upcoming record, Catharsis, and Virgil Abloh's final show at the helm of Louis Vuitton. Time is also used to reflect on the serendipity of shazaming music in the neighborhood of Los Feliz and what that tells you about the importance of keeping you ears (and mind) open. https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
1/27/202213 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ep 55 // AMANDA LEAR

Following AMANDA LEAR through the soundtrack to her life is pure pleasure. From her dreams of being a painter leading her to befriend SALVADOR DALÍ, creating a wild persona for herself modeled off SUPERWOMAN, to holding a real live PANTHER on a leash for the cover of ROXY MUSIC’s For Your Pleasure, Lear is an absolute icon for trailblazing her own way without asking permission - the EPITOME of CHARISMA. Join Arman and Amanda in this episode which KICKS OFF SEASON 3 to the absolutely UNAPOLOGETIC tempo of upbeat DISCO. More than disco, we will learn from the QUEEN herself; starting from her years at art school, living in the latin quarter of Paris. A natural born storyteller, Lear shares the trajectory of her music career from the moment DAVID BOWIE noticed the beauty in her voice and encouraged her to SING, to going her own way without looking back and recording FOLLOW ME in Munich. Unlike music, it’s the ongoing process of painting which most inspires Lear and keeps her happy. She says it best in her own words: “because I paint, I feel much more balanced. Painting helped me a lot. Otherwise, like everybody else, I would have to take drugs.” If anyone can tell a story with GUSTO TO SPARE, it’s Lear. Captivating ears for generations, it’s a standing ovation for Ep 55 of Season 3 starring AMANDA LEAR. https://areweonair.com/amandalear https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
1/20/20221 hour, 18 minutes, 26 seconds
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ARMAN'S VOICE NOTES // 01

Arman's Voice Notes is Are We On Air's latest audio supplement, taking you on an audio voyage through Arman's latest travels and cultural findings. On his first episode, Arman goes through what he has been up to for the last 6 months. Highlights include Are We On Air ?'s very fist pop up at Berlin's Unter den Linden, #ValentinoRendezVous in Paris and Prada Club in Moscow. https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
1/15/202215 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep 54 // CAMÉLIA JORDANA

‘So long and so young and so beautiful’, CAMÉLIA JORDANA and Arman bond over their love of Maria Callas in celebration of #ValentinoRendezVous. Between whispering harmonies of Calla's The Barber of Seville and Nina Simone’s I Get Along Without You Very Well, Jordana explains her admiration for the women who came before her and their strength in communicating their powerful truths for the world, no matter how intense and sincere. Naming the “magic combo,” Jordana empathizes with the 'sadness, love and tenderness' throughout Nina Simone’s repertoire. Growing up in an Algerian and Berber Kabyle family, Jordana describes music as a way of living, and rhythm a gift from her roots. Accompanying her mother to her singing classes at the tender age of two, she describes learning to sing at the same time as learning to speak deep inside her musical identity. The shared space between singing and speaking are felt not only as she shares the soundtrack to her life, but sings it too. Crediting Doris Day’s Que Sera Sera as a steady source of inspiration to trust in the future, and trust in herself, Camélia says goodbye - taking a piece of all of our hearts with her. https://areweonair.com/camelia-jordana https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
10/8/202142 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ep 53 // ICHON

Tucked inside the busy streets of Marais's Le Carreau du Temple, Arman Naféei rendezvous with French artist ICHON in celebration of #ValentinoRendezVous. Discussing ideas currently distilling in his mind, Ichon finds inspiration in the beauty of contrast. Welcoming listeners into this delicate balance, Ichon shares a line he wrote from "+ C'est pas le moment": "Prends-moi par la main sans la retenir,' (Hold my hand, but don't keep it.) For Ichon, words come first in their simplicity, but second to the importance of feeling and understanding. With a talent for feeling the nuance and contrast in writing, Ichon shares that his music conveys emotions deeply personal to his life, yet universal in their nature. Without the need to catch your attention,Ichon masters the art of subtlety, maintaining the mystery and nuance that make experience beautiful. Delve into Ichon's world for a mise-en-scène of music featuring Michael Jackson and Caetano Veloso. What's not to love? https://areweonair.com/ichon https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
10/7/202124 minutes, 46 seconds
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Ep 52 // ORION CARLOTO

This week, ORION CARLOTO and Arman explore the intrinsic linkage between poetry and all art forms. It’s not every 24 year old who quotes the French poet Arthur Rimbaud so casually; Carloto brings energy and feeling to a medium which is vital to the arts and soul of the world. Describing the beautifully fresh and devastating songs of Leonard Cohen, to her affinity for Fiona Apple’s ability to unapologetically sing her truths, Vanessa’s references form a foundation for her craft and her life. ETHEREAL by nature, Orion glimmers light and insight, exquisitely shining out into her orbit. https://areweonair.com/orion-carloto https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
7/2/20211 hour, 2 minutes, 40 seconds
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Ep 51 // ELIM CHAN

Creating a sound that is 3D is ELIM CHAN's magic touch. She and Arman dive deeply into this enchantment, delving into Disney's Fantasia’s role in planting the seeds of her dreams to manifest imagery, feeling and motion with music. As the youngest chief conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, she materializes this gift by transmitting her magic to hundreds of thousands and more audiences. Describing the feeling of hot butter gliding down her arms as she conducts Rachmaninoff’s sexy Symphony No. 2, Chan is captivating, humble and a crescendo of joy. Her ultimate gig? To be the first conductor on mars. We’re betting it all on Chan. Her dreams are big and her execution laser sharp - a natural trailblazer and magician, exuding imagination from every pore. Quoting Roald Dahl, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never see it,” her channels are open for what’s to come. Listen for immediate inspiration and a beautiful dream. https://areweonair.com/elim-chan https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
6/25/20211 hour, 7 minutes, 26 seconds
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Ep 50 // KALI UCHIS

Whether she's singing, songwriting, directing, painting or producing, KALI UCHIS is an unmatched tour de force. Dialing from Los Angeles, KALI shows us why she is revered as one the most interesting artists of today. Multi-hyphenate by design, KALI delves on the importance she places on artistic integrity over virality, how Colombian culture informs her own artistic repertoire and how she's helping champion the broad array of subgenres of Latin music by bringing those sounds to the forefront. Independence and artistic integrity are at the core of KALI's artistic output. A bravado characterises KALI's stand in the world: SIN MIEDO, her recently released studio album, is a statement on how a predominantly Spanish album can be both a commercial and critical success.
6/18/202145 minutes, 40 seconds
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Ep 49 // BENJI B

BENJI B sees the glass half full. His enthusiasm for the massive energy release and experimentation that will emerge from the pandemic is more than just blind optimism; it’s faith in the fact that over the course of his career, he notes change as the essential precursor to the greatest creative moments and movements. Seeing music as the outpouring of new groups/scenes of people evolving together, B describes what it’s like to live in the pulse of the music of the moment, panning for the gold of today, while regularly stopping to pinch himself in the realization that he has the best job in the world. Following a compass built on old records that moved the dial, B shares a few touch points from his life of exploring sounds. Walking around with a brain full of music is B’s reality - the moodboard from his mind emerging like the labyrinth of a spider web with the texture of an orchestra. https://areweonair.com/benji-b https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
6/11/20211 hour, 22 minutes
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Ep 48 // JULIE MEHRETU

Just after hanging her latest exhibition at the Whitney, JULIE MEHRETU dials Arman from home. Growing up a child of the early 70's during the height of the Pan-African post colonial movement, Mehretu shares a lifetime of music and stories as perceptive as her art. Painting a parallel between the ability jazz has to structurally shift music into a plane of abstraction, Mehretu's insightful ear is as fine tuned as they come. From Mavis Staples' sexy voice, Steve McQueen's brilliant filmmaking, and the feeling of real liberation Lil Nas X's video Montero inspires, the soundtrack to MEHRETU's life evokes a new type of aesthetic. Digging into her own archeology, she describes hiding Prince pins under her lapel as a kid, living in New York City during the peak of the 90's hip hop scene, and what it's like for her to approach a blank canvas. To get into a particular mood, Julie puts early hip hop or a Sun Ra album on the turntable. Listen now to get into the mood of all of the above!
6/4/20211 hour, 11 minutes, 34 seconds
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Ep 47 // DAVID BYRNE

It’s no surprise that DAVID BYRNE enters the Zoom with a startling, silvery magnetism. With a mind as sharp as an encyclopedia but as free as the wind, BYRNE delves into the music and poetry that inspired him to re-imagine the Top 40, launching his iconoclastic career. As original as thinkers come, jumping into Byrne’s world pushes boundaries, questions structures, and does it all with BYRNIAN flare: perfectly synchronous with eclectically mesmerizing style. Amongst his inexhaustible influences and inspirations, he describes Gamelan music, the airy harmonies of Peter, Paul & Mary, and how the sensuous melodies and rhythms of Brazilian music move him with emotion. Don’t miss the chance to visit Byrne’s world, dance to his drum, you’ve found the place!
5/28/20211 hour, 9 minutes, 14 seconds
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Ep 46 // GOLSHIFTEH FARAHANI

GOLSHIFTEH FARAHANI is not quick to fill the silence, but she can't help but fill her surroundings with light. Leaving a space open for divine interference, she sits with Arman in her living room. FARAHANI takes a closer look into the cultures, diaspora, languages, and frequencies that course through her, tuning her life. Forging a connection between her innate drive to create and Iran's culture in which art is as essential as breathing oxygen, Farahani describes her life as a bridge between West and East. Quoting the great Rumi: “The reason a bamboo becomes a flute is because it’s empty,” listeners can feel the divine melody that fills FARAHANI’S being, emitting light through a darker time for humanity. Beyond profundity, perhaps, is the very idea of silence as truth. To slip into a new persona, Farahani speaks of channeling the quieter realms of existing in which no words, noises, or even attempts of expression can match the very essence of BEING. Being, beautifully, as Farahani embodies, comes with the acceptance of death, silence, the spaces between. Diving into those spaces, it’s clear that any room she walks into takes on a higher frequency before - Farahani is electric, alluring, and very much herself. Describing everything from music being a medium of memories, the beauty of 'nothingness', Prince and MJ's ability to channel melodies from above, Farahani's words flow like poetry. Listen and you'll learn, love and be lifted up.
5/22/20211 hour, 36 minutes, 48 seconds
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Ep 45 // SVEN MARQUARDT

SVEN MARQUARDT exudes stoic creativity, describing Berghain as a 'place of diversity, freedom, and anarchy,' SVEN delves into the historical context of Berlin's notorious club scene alongside his lifelong passion for photography. Having grown up within the GDR, SVEN delves into the deep inspirations that drive him: from hearing Freddie Mercury's voice for the first time to the static beauty of silence on one of his shoots. Impossible to mistake the iconoclastic power of Berlin nightlife as THE countercultural institution of the past two decades, he reiterates the importance of spaces where true expression can thrive into the crack of dawn. Aside from his infamy as being the world's most recognizable Bouncer, MARQUARDT's love of music, film, and fashion are integral to understanding the full spectrum of his personality, combined with a refined taste of all the latter you won't want to miss.
5/14/202125 minutes, 20 seconds
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Ep 44 // MAISIE WILLIAMS

Multi-talented filmmaker and actress MAISIE WILLIAMS wears many hats. In her latest, she channels Jordan Mooney, a role not for the faint of heart. Effervescent and insightful, MAISIE describes diving into the punk queen’s character, immersing herself into an art movement edging towards liberation. If anyone can rise to the brightest limelight and remain as perceptive and grounded as can be, it’s MAISIE. Tune in and listen to she and Arman discuss the music that shapes her life, draws her into the delicate mental realms of acting, echoing like an extension of her own brain.
5/7/202148 minutes, 48 seconds
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Ep 43 // TREMAINE EMORY

TREMAINE EMORY makes every word count. Bringing to life the joys of ‘getting in your feelings’ to some Miles Davis at 2AM with a burger at Bistro NYC, ARMAN and EMORY's shared love of local NYC haunts, dancing to James Brown, Michael Jackson, & Prince will pull you right in. A true polymath at heart, EMORY’S use of iconography to raise social awareness of systematic racism is just one thread of his extraordinary ability to tap into the positive aspects of the wild world of Instagram and the Internet. Not without awareness of the digital world’s downsides, EMORY mentions that he sees the internet as ‘the largest double edged sword in the history of humanity.’ Alongside anecdotes on love, obliterating the boundaries of genre, Frank Ocean’s impeccable writing style, and describing the sound of his alter ego: DENIM TEARS, EMORY shares music that shaped him. As 1/3 of the enigmatic trio, No Vacancy Inn, Emory recalls one of their many infamous gigs through his earnest yet deliberate artistry of storytelling. Reminding listeners that the three most important things for creativity are interconnected: "self-confidence, self love, and not seeking validation from outside things,” Emory signs off with his undeniable and understated cool.
4/30/202147 minutes, 37 seconds
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Ep 42 // MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ

No time is wasted in this episode. MAGNETIC Marina Abramović describes the act of reminiscing on the past as comparable to “reading old newspaper.” Nonetheless, Abramović brings new color to sharing a few moments in which music shaped her life.  Recalling being brought to tears at the age of 14 by the sound of Maria Callas’ voice pouring out of her grandmother’s Bakelite radio, Abramović nearly implodes with passion while expressing the source of her inspiration to breathe new life into opera. From Chavela Vargas' powerhouse vocals in the middle of Paloma Negra, to Juliette Greco’s raspy conviction, Abramović reveals a tapestry of strong willed women inspire her work. Emphasizing her vulnerability as a force both equal and opposite to stubbornness, she describes a dynamic integral to both her work and way of life. Following steadfast in her belief that “people react only when they see real emotion, not fake,” love and courage are a common thread though her personality, work, and music tastes. Opening her heart to the public is no magic spell casting for fame - it’s her completely genuine way of giving out what the world needs most. Envisioning the future of art as nothing other than a pure transmission of energy between viewer and artist, Abramović radiates brilliance, self-possession, and comes across as a living example of why we should all live life with the courage to continue falling in love again, and again. There are no limitations, no barriers, and no ‘no’’s in her way. Switching off her mic, she says goodbye to Arman, and goes back to work.
4/23/202139 minutes, 10 seconds
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Ep 41 // DAVID LACHAPELLE

DAVID LACHAPELLE'S unmistakable charisma transports us to sunny Los Angeles. LACHAPELLE takes Arman on a crash course through his experiences of regularly attending Studio54 at the age of 14, fueling his spirit through dancing, faith in himself, love, and God. DAVID discusses Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, recounting the first time he met Tupac Shakur, also revealing the Life Lessons learned from his friend Andy Warhol. Much like one of his photographs, in this episode, every detail counts. Describing the feeling of stepping out onto the New York City streets with your clothing freezing to your body after sweating the night away with Ru Paul at The Pyramid. Listeners: lean in, get ready to be moved.
4/16/20211 hour, 59 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ep 40 // DUA LIPA

Radical Optimism kicks off SEASON 2 with none other than THEE Pop Star giving Disco life, DUA LIPA. Over Zoom, Arman dials Dua — sitting at the Chateau with a green juice in hand — the two have a laugh, talk about music's transcendent power to break language barriers, and what it was like to call her upon her idols and create the anthems of Future Nostalgia soundtracking our states of self-isolation WHILE topping the Billboard Charts and becoming the most streamed album in history. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that it takes strength to be optimistic and fully present: Dua's Future Nostalgia serves as a testament to our collective need for more positivity — through the lens of an intergenerational dance party, of course.
4/9/202136 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ep 39 // WOLFGANG TILLMANS

WOLFGANG TILLMANS and ARMAN NAFÉEI sit down in his studio in Berlin - full of plants, printers, photographs and warmth. This journey through TILLMANS’ mind is one to enjoy - taking us from his first purchase of a $20 flash gun camera, to playing an unreleased track live on the show, and discussing the COVID vs HIV crisis, and shared yearning for the return of nightlife and human connection. TILLMANS is as prolific, perceptive and evolved as ever.
12/18/20201 hour, 16 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep 38 // RICHIE HAWTIN

Almost exactly a year since his set at the Hollywood Palladium, we’ve tapped-in with the illustrious techno powerhouse RICHIE HAWTIN for a candid fireside chat on everything—from COVID's effects on the live music industry, to the lasting impact of the "Motor City" on his life and career. In this interview, HAWTIN situates his own work between the hypnotism of acid tracks and the futurism felt within Detroit Techno, noting the love of the 303’s raw simplicity and finding the similar feeling within a track by The Rah Band in his youth. Bonus: Can you guess his second-ever concert experience? Well, it’s none other than the late, great Prince.
12/11/20201 hour, 30 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep 37 // SARAH ANDELMAN

With Colette at 20 and three years since it closed the boutique’s influence over the aesthetics of thee retail shopping experience remains unparalleled. Once noted as Karl Lagerfeld’s only go-to Parisian shoppe, the successful formula predates the contemporary “brand-activation,” simply based on the deeply personal connection with just about every “product” in-store. In this episode, SARAH ANDELMAN talks about her own musical history—forever reflected within Colette’s iconic compilations—plus her most recent obsession with Khruangbin and Olympic films on Criterion. Creative Directors: take note!
12/4/202024 minutes, 40 seconds
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Ep 36 // THE KILLS

After being active almost two decades, THE KILLS’ catalogue remains rightfully cemented within our rock ’n’ roll memory In this episode, VV and HOTEL are on the eve of releasing Little Bastards, a collection of B-Sides and Rarities, so it’s only right that we discuss the records that influenced their blissfully hypnotic sound. From the allure of Punk and skateboarding culture to The Neptunes “brutal” drum machines on Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury, the duo talk about the legacy of Gary’s Bar and Trash in London, the fresh feeling of gigging across America, and embracing the limitations of your equipment.
11/27/202035 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep 35 // BRADLEY ZERO

The dance floor has always been the site for raw, unfiltered expression, which, in the current moment, takes on an immeasurable significance, leaving us yearning for togetherness. In this episode, Rhythm Section founder BRADLEY ZERO talks about London’s cultural explosion throughout the past two decades: from his own presence as a radio host/promoter/label owner, to working with Boiler Room when the platform was still too young to be defined. In pondering the future of nightlife, ZERO shares with us his affection for Leeds’ Carnival and Leeds’ Festival, one notably much angstier than the other. https://areweonair.com/bradley-zero https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
11/20/202039 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ep 34 // ROÍSÍN MURPHY

The legendary Irish singer, songwriter and powerful performer ROÍSÍN MURPHY emphasizes the importance of revisiting the past to inform the future. In this episode, we catch the wonderful and delightful Disco Queen and talked about our shared passion for Italian Cinéma and music from Lucio Battisti and Mina to her latest record Roísín Machine and of course, Moloko.
11/13/202045 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ep 33 // JANE BIRKIN

What words can even come close enough to capture the essence and magnetism of JANE BIRKIN? A timeless muse, canonical chanteuse, whose profound influence on culture within (and beyond) the 20th century remains unparalleled. In this episode, BIRKIN shares with us insight throughout her legacy: from memories of dancing to Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes with her siblings, to acknowledging the unfading infatuation of her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg. Minimal words, maximum sentiment: simply put, enjoy.
10/30/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 48 seconds
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Ep 32 // STUDIO KO

Within the process of their own work, KARL FOURNIER and OLIVIER MARTY, the architecture duo behind STUDIO KO, emphasize the importance of revisiting the past to inform the future. In this episode, we catch the partners delightfully off-guard: FOURNIER and MARTY disclose the underlying influence of music on their projects, describing Bach’s compositions as a carefully constructed audio architecture, alongside to their passion of playing with contrasting ingredients, creating a feel for the sublime through their practice.
10/23/202037 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ep 31 // LAURA HARRIER

From the influential Motown to rockabilly blues, LAURA HARRIER warmly remembers her first musical memories tied to her fathers’ taste. In this episode, HARRIER presents significant moments her life and work through music: including the perfect song kick everyone out of your apartment at the end of the night (See: LCD Soundsystem’s “Home”) and running into the arms of Rihanna after the latest Fenty fashion show.
10/17/202032 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ep 30 // CERRONE

When introduced as the “father of French disco,” MARC CERRONE quickly refuted, “…why French?” rejecting the singular vision of the influential genre that exploded from the club to the world. In this episode, we find ourselves in CERRONE’s studio, unraveling the humble pioneer’s legacy, from creating records exclusive to the discotheque to “borrowing” Carlos Santana’s band for a two-night epic. As central to the drums in the final mix-down, the one thing CERRONE always kept in mind was the feeling of the music heating up the floor through every lovers’ embrace. https://areweonair.com/cerrone https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
10/9/202044 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ep 29 // DAVID SHRIGLEY

After a decade from first encounter, we cross paths with contemporary British artist DAVID SHRIGLEY once more, this time: digging deeper into the subtle inspirations behind his work through the vehicle of music. In this episode, SHRIGLEY points to the influence of coming of age in ‘70s and ‘80s, from his love of The Fall as true iconoclasts of the time, to appreciating the idiosyncrasies of a record sleeve as art itself.
10/3/202055 minutes, 10 seconds
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Ep 28 // MICHÈLE LAMY

Designer, performer, restaurateur, creative accomplice, muse… the words to describe the enigmatic MICHÈLE LAMY can never be quite enough… In this episode, LAMY revisits key moments in tune to her musical attention, from watching a reserved Bob Dylan performance to her ongoing avant-garde collaborations with A$AP Rocky. Take note: get those creative juices flowing by embracing the chaos all around, listen closely.
9/25/202050 minutes, 58 seconds
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Ep 27 // FRANCIS MALLMANN

Uncertainty serves the foundation for inspiration, though it may seem as a contradiction, creativity blossoms through these limitations. FRANCIS MALLMANN, the world-class Argentinian chef known for the element of fire, both through his work and passion, gracefully presents the musical backdrop that has accompanied him throughout his life. Open a bottle of wine, dim the lights, and enjoy this episode.
9/11/202036 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep 26 // ARIANA PAPADEMETROPOULOS

When confronted ARIANA PAPADEMETROPOULOS’ work, all belief’s suspended, showcasing the power of environments that exhibit tension between the earthly and the ethereal. Naturally, she points to the entrancing effect of film soundtracks and their ability express and capture moods and feeling. In this episode, PAPADEMETROPOULOS invites you to take a trip into the musical mythologies that assist in her blurring the lines between fantasy and fiction. https://areweonair.com/ariana-papademetropoulos https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
9/1/202024 minutes, 45 seconds
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Ep 25 // JUSTIN STRAUSS

As ubiquitous as the title of the ‘DJ’ has become, JUSTIN STRAUSS stands unmatched behind the decks through his credentials alone. With decades of influence across the New York nightclub history, from CBGB’s to the legendary Mudd Club, STRAUSS’ secret to staying in-sync is simple: never stop being excited, let the shenanigans roll on…
8/25/202024 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ep 24 // ANDRÉ SARAIVA

Known by his alter ego, MR. A, and his contributions to the concept of “LOVE GRAFFITI,” ANDRÉ SARAIVA’s work transcends the art gallery circuit, adorning the walls of your favorite nightclub hotspots. In this episode, SARAIVA stresses love above all, the common ground between not only the songs shared, but as a sacred mantra to be cherished. https://areweonair.com/andre-saraiva https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
8/21/202017 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ep 23 // ALTIN GÜN

Merve Dasdemir of the Grammy nominated Turkish-Dutch band ALTIN GÜN shares some deep knowledge of the Turkish sound and warmly invites us through the deep history of Anatolian music, from childhood memories to playing Festivals and tributing their Grammy nomination to their predecessors. https://areweonair.com/altin-gun https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
8/14/202024 minutes, 10 seconds
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Ep 22 // DJ HARVEY

Born Harvey Bassett, the world-renowned selector better known as DJ HARVEY needs no formal introduction, to which an attempt to encapsulate the privilege of participating his sets into words would be insufficient. In this episode, the nightlife luminary warmly invites us through the halls of his musical memory, from dancing alone and scantily clad to ABBA’s Dancing Queen, to discussing the legacies of Larry Levan and Freddie Mercury on both his life and spirit.
7/29/202046 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ep 21 // JARVIS COCKER

JARVIS COCKER’s first encounter with music was with a contentious relationship with the radio: how and where was this sound being emitted by such a small device? Cue: The theme from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, the Hugo Montenegro version. In this episode, the Britpop icon recollects the key moments outlining his connection with music, detailing his recent dive into djing on Instagram Live, the sensitive relationship between sex and music, and the spark of clear enlightenment that came from inside Room 29 of the Château Marmont.
7/23/202053 minutes, 40 seconds
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Special Episode // LARRY LEVAN (Radio Archives, 1991)

In this special rendition of ARE WE ON AIR? re-presents a special gem: an interview with the legendary LARRY LEVAN conducted by Judge Jules, originally broadcasted on KISS FM. This series aims to present the unique dimensions of the greatest talents around, here we bring attention to the pioneer DJ whose magnificent cultural contributions at the Paradise Garage shaped the sound of club culture today.
7/20/202028 minutes
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Ep 20 // JOSÉ PADILLA

JOSÉ PADILLA is synonymous with Ibiza: a pioneer in perfecting the sun-soaked and chilled-out balearic beat at the Café Del Mar. In this special episode, PADILLA gives an illustrious tour through his musical beginnings, from his adoration of Girl From Ipanema and the universes of jazz renditions to Vangelis’ stunning Blade Runner soundtrack.
7/17/202023 minutes, 19 seconds
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Ep 19 // YTO BARRADA

YTO BARRADA’s multimedia practice has been described as disruptive: strategically employing conventional mediums to interrogate the narratives embedded within cultural and historical phenomena. Though this synthesis, BARRADA transcends the constraints of form, utilizing everything from textiles to film to unpack and unveil new layers of meaning. In this episode, The Franco-Moraccan artist untangles pieces of her own musical history — from childhood tunes to heartbreak ballads.
7/10/202038 minutes, 13 seconds
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Ep 18 // TWIN SHADOW

A decade after the release debut Forget, the polymath George Lewis Jr, also known as TWIN SHADOW, finds himself here: reminiscing about witnessing the infectious Richie Havens’ contained chaos alongside his father. In this episode, Lewis signals the distinct bachata influence to his guitar playing inspired by his mother’s taste in music.
7/3/202023 minutes, 41 seconds
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Ep 17 // MICHEL GAUBERT

MICHEL GAUBERT is no stranger to the affect of sound. With a refined curatorial ear for legendary fashion houses such Christian Dior, Fendi, Valentino, Chanel… it makes perfect sense to obsess over what Michel’s got on queue. In this episode, GAUBERT unveils his current rotation, along with his ethos for his iconic Colette concept store & mixtape compilations.
6/26/202018 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ep 16 // TOM SACHS

Reporting from a 15' x 50' enclosed studio… or basement depending on how you’re utilizing it, TOM SACHS shares a space with storage, laundry, and his children, contemplating on the small things. With work that focuses on recontextualizing, SACHS pauses to deconstruct his most personal and meticulous assemblage: his music taste. From formative glimpses at the eternally influential do-it-yourself punk culture of The Anthrax, to his congenial collaborative work with the enigmatic Frank Ocean, the Tom Sachs rendered in this audio is subject to reinterpretation…
6/24/202041 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ep 15 // ZUBIN MEHTA

As the memory lies dormant, the true wonder of our consciousness is offering accessibility… coupled with delightful conversation, of course. In this special episode, Naféei captures virtuoso conductor ZUBIN MEHTA’s exquisitely decorated musical psyche. Ensconced by concerts and operas as a young man, MEHTA remembers witnessing the greatest musicians… experiencing the unfiltered joy of having his influences at arms reach. Listen close—it isn’t everyday that this bountiful wisdom is put on display. https://areweonair.com/zubin-mehta https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
6/12/202036 minutes, 3 seconds
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Ep 14 // MISS KITTIN

You’re in line to get inside Panorama Bar, the ETA to get in is about an hour and it’s pouring rain… You can hear the subs bursting through the facade, giving you just enough hope to visualize the interior… MISS KITTIN is on soon and you’re experiencing this kind collective effervescence for the first time… In this episode, the artist also known as CAROLINE HERVÉ speaks about her essential inspirations, not only musical, but keeping her spirit intact, navigating through a counterculture once held sensationally in contempt. https://areweonair.com/miss-kittin https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/29/202035 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ep 13 // CHRIS BLACKWELL

With an adolescent ear towards classical music, CHRIS BLACKWELL signals to his father’s 78s as the earliest imprint in his musical history. In this episode, the Island Records founder offers enlightenment for the practices of musicians and any artists alike: do your own thing and don’t emulate, because the art will always come first and the “market” will follow… If you ever needed the affirmation from an influential source outside your own head, here it is! https://areweonair.com/chris-blackwell https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/22/202020 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ep 12 // WILLO PERRON

Before a product reaches the end assembly, one rarely thinks of the human hand: an object rendered with value based on cultural expectation through mechanical means… but WILLO PERRON’s role in this world is making that touch known: the harmoniously combination of both people and concepts, creating EXPERIENCE. In this episode, PERRON meditates on his work in relation to music, highlighting the most crucial element in the mix: CONVERSATION… https://areweonair.com/willoperron https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/19/202026 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ep 11 // LOU DOILLON

Connected through the gracious power of the internet, we’ve found LOU DOILLON through a window… a looking-glass self, an accessible temporality that can be simply described as ‘going live.’ In this episode, this window displays DOILLON at her best. After a marathon of Instagram Live sessions, she contemplates words from her father regarding the importance of stasis, an in-betweenness, like mountains illuminating valleys... https://areweonair.com/lou-doillon https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/15/202033 minutes, 39 seconds
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Ep 10 // SIR NORMAN ROSENTHAL

Between music that’s serious and popular, SIR NORMAN ROSENTHAL orients his alignment towards the classical! A vivid remembrance, dancing harmoniously to Symphony in C…  An instinct, rooted in love, takes precedence in Rosenthal’s curatorial practice, exemplifying an attitude for art that values the aura over the mass-produced. That’s where this episode leaves us, yearning for the beauty symbolized by the needle in the hay… https://areweonair.com/sir-norman-rosenthal https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/8/202029 minutes, 49 seconds
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Ep 9 // SETH TROXLER

Afterlife, desire, and foolishness: the thesis of SETH TROXLER’s self-reflection, can you narrow down the three songs that define you? Just try… You’ve got all the time in the world to do that now. That’s the centerpiece of this episode, to approach epiphany with loving care. Stasis is regenerative, let it work its healing magic. https://areweonair.com/seth-troxler https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/1/202022 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ep 8 // CLAIRE LAFFUT

One of the evocative powers of music depends on what mood you’re in. You close your eyes, you listen, you imagine you’re flying.  For a brief moment, you escape, while simultaneously being present. CLAIRE LAFFUT knows this feeling well… In this episode, she meditates on memory and gives a taste of the 1,000+ playlists burning a hole in her hard drive... https://areweonair.com/claire-laffut https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
5/1/202018 minutes, 49 seconds
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Ep 7 // LUKA SABBAT

LUKA SABBAT doesn’t believe in titles… Sometimes, the law of attraction’s really just in your own hands. In this episode, title tracks are brought forth. from the universe-building of Daft Punk, to Chicago’s brightest star, none other than Keith Cozart. Free your mind (and your body will follow). https://areweonair.com/luka-sabbat https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/24/202021 minutes, 46 seconds
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Ep 6 // TIGA

TIGA’s spheres of influence are not just wide-ranging, they’re a part of his DNA. Music does not exist in a vacuum: music becomes a part of your identity, offering the listener a fresh perspective to view the world… while establishing the mood of the ideal party. https://areweonair.com/tiga https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/17/202024 minutes
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Ep 5 // LYKKE LI

In this episode, it’s clear LYKKE LI wears her heart on her sleeve, no stranger to the intricacies of intimacy. WIth vulnerability as subject-to-display, an artist must confront those tender moments with acknowledgment of the sensuality of sadness. https://areweonair.com/lykke-li https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/17/202016 minutes, 25 seconds
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Ep 4 // JULIAN SCHNABEL

In this episode, JULIAN SCHNABEL revisits his record collection, an heir of Basquiat’s ear, with warm recollection of Bowie’s best Warhol and Monk’s philosophy of “no wrong notes.” https://areweonair.com/julian-schnabel https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/17/202020 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ep 3 // GIA COPPOLA

At the core of music and memory lie the very outlines of emotional, representing a temporal manifestation of ephemera. In this episode, GIA COPPOLA describes memories of falling in love with The Strokes, casually enlisting Dev Hynes for the Palo Alto Soundtrack, while also setting the tone for her upcoming film, MAINSTREAM. https://areweonair.com/gia-coppola https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/17/202013 minutes, 47 seconds
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Ep 2 // 2manyDJs

2MANYDJs... SOULWAX… or simply, The Dewaele Brothers! These monikers symbolically function interchangeably, it’s a rare instance to sit down and create a narrative of influences after years in the game… https://areweonair.com/soulwax https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/17/202027 minutes, 13 seconds
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Ep 1 // PATTI SMITH

Punk-poet laureate PATTI SMITH inaugurates ARE WE ON AIR? with Arman Naféei, chronicling the soundtrack to her life: from memories tears as a child to Eleanor Steber, to the unique cultural exchange of the Chelsea Hotel. https://areweonair.com/patti-smith https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/
4/17/202021 minutes, 33 seconds