GET TO KNOW THE DUO: AER

September 2015

Interview and photos by Sophie Hsu

"We met in elementary school, just young rascals. After years of being friends, we formed Aer and started working. The name Aer is used to describe the music—fresh and clean!" -Carter Schultz, aer

David von Mering and Carter Schultz, the duo that makes up Aer, have carefully crafted a catchy mix of verses and beats. Formed in Wayland, Massachusetts, Aer has reached an ever-growing listener base, most recently with their new album One of a Kind. David and Carter took a brief pause from headlining on tour with Cody Simpson and Chef' Special, including a stop at Best Buy Theater&>to discuss the new album, introduce us to a bar with a Fightclub inspired atmosphere, and even share their ideal superhero powers.

What sparked your interest in music, both playing and listening?

David: I always loved bands since I was a little kid. I loved the idea of working among your friends and doing something dope.

How did the duo form and take on the name "Aer"?

Carter: We met in elementary school, just young rascals. After years of being friends we formed Aer and started working. The name Aer is used to describe the music—fresh and clean!

As a duo, how do you go about writing your music and lyrics?

David: The beat and hook usually come first, and then Carter writes his verses. After that we add a bridge or other final touches to bring it all to life.

You recently released your third album titled One of a Kind. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing the album?

Carter: It was a new process with a lot of the same elements we've always used. We had just moved to NYC so that gave us different inspiration. We also worked with some outside producers which added a cool collaborative effort to the whole thing.

My favorite track is "It's a New Day." What's the inspiration behind the song?

David: Funny story actually...that song was initially supposed to be for someone else. But since we liked the song so much I just made a new beat with a similar chord progression, but kept the same vocals. It's just a good vibe really. My mom still thinks I sound off key in that song, haha.

What's it like touring with a paparazzi target like Cody Simpson?

Carter: Haha! No idea just yet, but I'm sure they'll get a few Aer nip slips.

If you could tour with any musical group or artist, who would you select?

David: Gwen Stefani.

If you were to plan a perfect night in NYC as a performer, which venue would you want to play a show at?

Carter: MSG. Can I say MSG? If it's more currently plausible, I'd say Webster is a great room.

Are there any bars/restaurants you always stop by when in NYC?

David: Not really, I go wherever works. I'm not picky. As long as I'm with good people I don’t care where I go. I like the bar Durden, though. It's themed after the movie Fightclub. Pretty cool.

If you could have any band cover one of your songs, who would you choose, and which song? What sort of twist would you want to hear?

Carter: I'd love to hear Cudi cover any one of our songs. It's not that he'd change the songs up much, but he'd approach them from an entirely different mindset.

It's New York Superweek! If you were a superhero, what power(s) would you possess?

David: Flight and X-ray vision would be cool.

GET TO KNOW THE DUO: AER