Moon Safari sessions near Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche
The debut album was recorded partly at a studio near the Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche golf course, later renamed ‘Around the Golf’ by the band, blending analog synths and orchestral elements.
Artist profile · 06/07/2026
About
Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Nicolas Godin founded Air in 1995 following early music projects in Versailles. They blend ambient, electronic, and downtempo styles with influences from 1960s pop and film scores. Their debut album Moon Safari was recorded near Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche and in Paris studios, incorporating vintage synths, samples, and vocals processed with effects.
Subsequent releases include the film score for Virgin Suicides in 2000 and studio albums like 10 000 Hz Legend and Talkie Walkie. The duo expanded their sound palette over time, integrating Japanese instruments on Pocket Symphony and collaborating with various musicians. Air maintains a presence on vinyl with several pressings and editions available globally.
Discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Sexy BoyMoon Safari · 1998
La femme d'argentMoon Safari · 1998
Cherry Blossom GirlTalkie Walkie · 2004
All I NeedMoon Safari · 1998
Alone in KyotoTalkie Walkie · 2004
Kelly Watch the StarsMoon Safari · 1998
TalismanMoon Safari · 1998Essentials
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1998Debut album that set Air's signature sound blending electronic synths with traditional instruments across ten tracks including "Sexy Boy" and "Kelly Watch The Stars."
#2 · 2004Pop-influenced second studio album featuring tracks like "Cherry Blossom Girl" and "Surfing On A Rocket" with a synth-pop and downtempo palette.
#3 · 2007Explores eastern influences with Japanese instruments, recorded for a limited transparent vinyl edition on Virgin label.
Go further
Artists who share part of Air's musical DNA.
B-side
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
The debut album was recorded partly at a studio near the Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche golf course, later renamed ‘Around the Golf’ by the band, blending analog synths and orchestral elements.
Air composed the original soundtrack for Sofia Coppola’s film Virgin Suicides, recorded with drummer Brian Reitzell in Paris studios, winning a music award for the score in 2001.
For the 2007 album Pocket Symphony, Nicolas Godin studied koto and shamisen in Okinawa, Japan, reflecting the duo’s evolving interest in eastern music influences.
We wanted to marry futuristic electronic sounds with the soft tones of traditional instruments.— Air on Moon Safari
As Air began performing Moon Safari live, they were backed by members of the band Phoenix, forming an important collaborative relationship in the French pop scene.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Air’s vinyl albums span ambient, electronic, chillout, downtempo, and synth-pop genres reflecting their diverse sonic explorations.
Moon Safari originals and European pressings of Pocket Symphony are among the most sought-after vinyl editions for collectors.
Air was formed in Versailles, France, in 1995. Their first tracks appeared the same year on the Source label compilation.
The Pocket Symphony limited edition vinyl was pressed on transparent vinyl and incorporates Japanese musical influences.
Yes, original and reissue vinyl editions of Talkie Walkie exist, with notable pressings in the US and Europe.
Air collaborated with musicians such as Beck and drummer Brian Reitzell, and participated in composing soundtracks with Sofia Coppola.
French pressings and European editions of Air albums like Moon Safari and Talkie Walkie are accessible through various distributors.
Air’s soundtrack work, especially for Virgin Suicides, gained recognition and awards, influencing soundtrack approaches with electronic and acoustic blends.
Transparency
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.