Eera is a pretty fitting name for an artist who has defined an entire generation of music. As a producer, DJ and co-founder of the infamous Surf Gang label-slash-collective, Eera oversaw a collision between rap music and the mania of the internet, smelting down trap kicks and 00s pop choruses.

Originating in a chance meeting between Eera, Harrison and EvilGiane (listen to his Dazed Mix here) in a New York studio back in 2018, Surf Gang rapidly ballooned into a nationwide movement. Then counting viral synth-rap sensation Babyxsosa among their ranks, and contributing production to the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Babykeem, PinkPantheress and Central Cee, the label took the music industry by storm. But idyllic youth and differing ambitions saw these satellite members drop off over the years, and, today, Surf Gang is back to its original three visionaries.

Fresh off a European tour with Surf Gang signees Snow Strippers, Eera shares an exclusive mix that provides a comprehensive guide to this era-defining sound above, along with a breakdown of the formative moments in the creation of his sound. 

You’re a founding member of NYC collective Surf Gang, but grew up in West LA. How was it honing your music taste out there?

Eera: There wasn’t a lot happening out here when I was growing up, so most of my taste developed through the internet. 

How did it feel when you came across the other founding members?

Eera: I felt like I had known [Evil] Giane for my whole life when I met him. We are evil twins.

Pulling up to your show last week was wild, it’s been a while since I’ve encountered such a dedicated and cohesive fan base. How would you describe the crowd at your gigs?

Eera: Dedicated, like you said. They care a lot about what we do and they show a lot of love.

What would you say are some of your most formative musical experiences?

Eera: Getting my first guitar – that changed the trajectory of my life, 100 per cent.

Can you tell us about your Dazed Mix?

Eera: It’s a mix of my music, remixes of my music, and music by my friends. I think it’s a comprehensive showcase of what I’m doing.

Tracklist: 

868 - headrush (i know what it feels like)

eera - my life as a teenage loser

eera & djh - bleed

eera - crash

eera - no cash paid plastic

gg12 & warren hunter - stay mine

o0o & bsun - 150b 

imitation therapy - love letter written in midi

bladee - merry go round mh remix

eera & lilac - as i break apart

eera & cedric madden - fuck highschool

karman - ceremony

eera - waste walker

eera - waste walker snow strippers remix

eera & djh - smile (bass)

eera & harto falion - county waste

eera & opal - whatever

eera & silver - ID

eera - ID

eera - moments like this they never last lilac remix

eera - moments like this they never last

eera & rapallo - ID