Her ‘Sacrifice’ EP on Kraftek dropped a couple of months ago and she’s just put out a 5 track EP ‘Act of God’ inspired by a book called ‘The Outlaw Ocean’. We asked Sara Landry to introduce herself.
Who are you?
I am Sara Landry. I am a self-taught producer, DJ and audio engineer currently based in Austin, Texas. I make techno and throw techno events.
Where are you from?
We moved around the US a lot as a kid, and I’ve lived in San Francisco, Boulder, Austin, and New York City. Currently, I live in Austin.
What do you sound like?
My style has changed A LOT since my first releases, but now that it has matured it has become this creepy, witchy, warehouse techno. Rave techno with a twist.
Sacrifices? Hundreds of hours of sleep, more than 8000 hours of my time, all romantic relationships, and every dollar I’ve ever made. Worth it, though.
Why should we listen to you?
I always put on a great show, and I channel intense, positive energy during all my sets. All I want is to share my joy and love for music with my listeners. Plus, my interpretation of techno is a lot of fun!
What have you released so far? What else have you got coming out in the near future?
In the past, I’ve released on mau5trap, Kraftek, and I participated in the global Outlaw Oceans music project. Listening to those releases in that order you can really hear how my style has evolved. Most recently, I started self-releasing my harder techno on my Bandcamp, and I’m excited to share that I have a lot more of that style coming later this year.
Which of your tracks sums you up? Why?
Probably my first self-release on Bandcamp: ‘Value’. I like this faster style of techno, I like creative vocal sampling and I like political tracks. Plus, this is the closest to my current style that is released.
How did you get into DJing/producing to begin with?
I was always very drawn to music and to sharing music. I spent most of my teens wanting to start producing but being afraid, and then at 20 I started DJing and producing followed soon after.
What are three things on your studio shopping list?
Oh, this is hard. SSL Fusion Analog Master Processor (I’ve heard amazing things about it from people I really trust); Apogee Symphony I/O MKII 8×8 (I already have this in the 2×6 and I love it but I will need more I/O once I start filling all my rack space); Barefoot monitors (I don’t know which models, I’ve just had my eye on them for years and again, I’ve heard amazing things).
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
I’ve always given deadmau5 credit for turning my ears on as a teenager, but after I started producing music it became Wehbba. He’s an incredible engineer and I love talking shop with him and hearing how he’s always pushing the envelope.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
Hundreds of hours of sleep, more than 8000 hours of my time, all romantic relationships, and every dollar I’ve ever made. Worth it, though.
What’s been your favourite place to play so far?
There are so many cool places I’ve gotten to play… I love Sound in LA, but my favourite events are my KLUBHAUS events that I throw myself because I have complete freedom and control of the event. It’s also been amazing playing at CPD during lockdown and working with the incredible production team at Austin Inside: Erik Fink on production, lighting design by Kendall Clark, VJ by Freek Braspenning, and video by Caegan Meagher.
Where can we hear your music?
Bandcamp, Spotify, SoundCloud… basically everywhere you go to listen to music! My live streams from CPD are also on my Twitch and YouTube channels.
What motivates you?
Success, mainly because of the freedom that comes with it, so I guess freedom. I love living by my own rules, so I am immensely motivated to create a life that allows me to do that. Also, helping others heal using the power of music… I see every set and piece of music as an opportunity to heal myself and those listening to me.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I am freakishly good at jigsaw puzzles.
What one song would feature on the soundtrack to your life?
‘Strobe’ by deadmau5 was the score of my late teens.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just an…
Introverted witch who loves techno.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received ?
No one told me this, but from experience: learn how to do everything related to making music. Having unique musical ideas and the advanced technical skills to bring your ideas to life will always set you apart.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
Everywhere.
Sara Landry is on Twitter and Soundcloud.
Sara Landry’s ‘Value’ is available on her Bandcamp.