How do you handle music requests?
Politely in most cases!
What do you do when equipment goes on strike?
I try to keep my cool and find ways to keep the atmosphere alive and positive!
What are your musical influences from childhood?
My childhood, let’s say from 0-12 years old, was mainly influenced by classical music and jazz. My dad loves jazz so it was always part of the vibe in our house. More importantly though, my sister trained to be a pianist – she’s a professor for piano now! – so I listened to her practicing for hours every day, which prompted me to want to play an instrument on my own. I wanted to play the double bass but I was too small, so I got into the cello. I was a bit of a talented kid, played in a chamber music orchestra for some years and even thought about doing this professionally for a hot minute.
Is it even possible to argue about musical tastes?
Yes it is but I try not to bother about arguing anymore. Do what you please, just leave me in peace. I came to the conclusion that life is too short for debates about tech house vs. techno vs. fill in the blanks, whatever is the fad style of the moment. Music will always keep changing, just like everything else. I know what I love musically and I love to discover new and old music that will keep opening my mind and soul as I grow. As a DJ, all I can do is to present my personal taste, read the crowd in order to grasp and feel what it needs or wants, and while I’m at it I can educate to a certain degree, by playing things that are unusual or that the crowd haven’t heard before. I’m convinced that I am getting better with age as a DJ and producer.
Which track would run when you entered into your boxing match?
Beastie Boys “Sabotage” or Rage Against The Machine “Killing In The Name Of”.
What was the worst job you ever had?
Being the cleaner of a Currywurst stand in Berlin was definitely up there, although I got paid handsomely in french fries. Working in Afghanistan as an architect was a great experience but it certainly added to my PTSD.
Describes your sound to someone who has never heard it before.
I play music that has a 4/4 beat and has originated in Chicago and Detroit, I also play the music that has influenced artists from these places to create house and techno, and I play music from artists and places that developed this music for now 40 years or so. It’s physical music, it works with repetition and groove, it’s music you can close your eyes to and get lost in. I take people on a journey, and I hope that people fall in love with each other on the dance floor. I try to provide a good time for people who are trying to escape their daily lives and just feel sound for a moment in time. It can have healing properties, I have used it to heal myself too.
Do you have any good tour stories from clubs or festivals?
Plenty of stories, tbh I think I may write a book one day about it. I don’t have to make up anything, just change a few names.
What would you do if you weren’t a musician?
As a kid I wanted to be a car designer, I was obsessed with cars, oldtimers, prototypes. I wanted to be a cello player too as I mentioned before. I studied to be an architect as well! Whatever I do, I would have to do something involving my creativity and drive.
Which style of music should have the most followers? And why?
The concept of having the most followers feels to me like a “last 120 or so years” concept, gaining importance specifically in the last 10-20 years. I’m fascinated by it also because in order to make an income with my music and art, I have to play this game to some degree. Why is everything a race for popularity? Why are we gathering followers like they’re not real people, and have numbers and likes influence our moods and lives? Why do we get depressed when Instagram changes their algorithm? Why are we so happy when someone we like follows us back? Why are sales more important than quality or content in many aspects of our civilization? Is capitalism or our own narcissism the driving force? Why do we idolize low quality tv shows, corrupt people, vanity items, predatory concepts, dramatic stories? Is it because of our nature, or civilization, or technology?
Back to your question – McDonalds proudly counts “billions of burgers served”.. to me a lot of music that is popular in the moment is just like that – boasting sales and plays without sustenance and nutritional value. I wouldn’t want a musical style that I love, to become a Big Mac. Then again that’s just my personal taste.
What is the most important musical equipment invention of all time – and why?
Maybe the first time a human turned a tree trunk into a drum-like thing and hit it with a stick? In terms of recent history I think the computer or laptop has to be up there.. it makes it possible for everyone who has one to create electronic music and digital art in general, to showcase this music and art to the world, and trade these creations for work, money or else.
What would you advise to become a professional?
Personally my perseverance and relentlessness have been big advantages over the years. The artist life can be very rewarding but also very hard. To succeed you need to define your goals, be kind, work hard, take care of your health, and be headstrong.
SACHA ROBOTTI ANNOUNCES
DATES FOR NATIONWIDE ‘JUMPING BACK IN’ US TOUR
JUL 10 SAT – Treehouse @ 8:00pm – Miami Beach, FL
JUL 16 FRI – EOS Lounge @ 8:00pm – Santa Barbara, CA
JUL 17 SAT – 45 East @ 9:00pm – Portland, OR
JUL 23 FRI – Green Door @ 9:00pm – El Paso, TX
JUL 24 SAT – Global Dance Festival 2021 @ 7:00pm – Denver, CO
JUL 25 SUN – The Tropics Boat Tours @ 12:00pm – Clearwater, FL
JUL 28 WED – HB Social Club @ 9:00pm – Honolulu, HI
AUG 22 SUN – The Academy @ 1:00pm – Los Angeles, CA
AUG 28 SAT – Dead Ringer Analog Bar @ 9:00pm – Reno, NV
SEP 2 THU – It’ll Do @ 9:00pm – Dallas, TX
SEP 3 FRI – North Coast Music Fesitval 2021 @ 12:00am – Bridgeview, IL
OCT 2 SAT – The Forum @ 9:00pm – Columbus, OH
Tickets to all shows available now from https://sacharobotti.com/tour
Clubbing is back, and with it an extensive US tour from one of the scene’s most beloved house and techno artists, Sacha Robotti.
