Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with AIRPORTS

Australian DIY pop artist Aaron Lee is taking flight under the moniker AIRPORTS. With his eyes set on impacting the world, the Sydney-based artist is not afraid to step outside of the box, creating a signature sound that blends hip-hop, punk, electronic, and pop together. He’s received tremendous support from tastemaker radio stations, including Triple J (Australia), George FM (New Zealand), and KIIS FM (Los Angeles), and racked up over six hundred thousand streams to date! We recently caught up with AIRPORTS to learn more about his new single, “U Feel It 2.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
AIRPORTS: Through singing at one of my dad’s gigs when I was four. I sang the Ghostbusters theme song!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
AIRPORTS: My dad then Michael Jackson.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
AIRPORTS: I’m so focused on the future, but I think selling out my first headline show many years ago. It was such a wonderful time feeling that support.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
AIRPORTS: I think it would be more about self-awareness and empathy and knowing that I don’t need to rush but just enjoy this journey.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “U Feel It 2.” What inspired the song?
AIRPORTS: “U Feel It 2” was written with the intention to be interpreted as a love song about someone who allows us to feel liberated or a dark song about a vice that keeps us trapped. It started out being written as a song about a haunting relationship with depression in contrast to uplifting music, but when some of the lyrics started to spill out I realized I was also writing about positive romantic feelings for my partner as well. At that point, I was emotionally overwhelmed and realized this song has a great dualism.

PC: Of all the songs that you have released, if you had to choose one that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
AIRPORTS: “Single Together.” It’s tongue-in-cheek, hooky and lyrical, cocky and insecure, danceable and fun. It’s a throwback jam but just out-of-the-box enough production-wise.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
AIRPORTS: More songs and a podcast!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
AIRPORTS: Florida Georgia Line

PC: First album you bought?
AIRPORTS: Michael Jackson’s Blood on the Dance Floor

PC: First concert you attended?
AIRPORTS: Sum 41 and New Found Glory.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
AIRPORTS: Thriller. Greatest pop album ever. Innovation!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
AIRPORTS: Red Rocks

PC: A must-have on the road?
AIRPORTS: Unstable Unicorns. It’s a card game.

To keep up with AIRPORTS, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “U Feel It 2” today.