Sara de Araújo’s debut on Adam Beyer’s Truesoul, ‘Who Is?’, was released in July. We decided to put her to task in our longstanding Q&A.
Sara de Araújo, a Portuguese native based in Ibiza, is emerging as one of the most exciting talents in electronic music today. She has graced the decks at prestigious clubs such as Hï, Pacha, Amnesia, Club Chinois, Eden, and Cova Santa. Her influence extends beyond the White Island, having toured extensively across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and performing at major festivals like Tomorrowland and Brunch Electronik Festival.
Her new track, and debut on Adam Beyer’s Truesoul, “Who Is?” showcases her diverse musical influences. It opens with a full mix, then transitions after just eight bars to a simple, catchy, and repetitive lead synth. As the buildup progresses, the lead synth doubles in intensity, driving the energy forward as the full mix returns. Clocking in at 128 BPM, “Who Is?” blends classic house and tech house elements, making it a quintessential summer hit. The track features bongos, snappy drums, infectious lead synths, and mysterious vocals, ensuring it will be a staple at various parties this summer. Expect to hear it often…
Who Is? by Sara de Araújo is out now included in a double release with ‘Ruta’ by Anna Tur and Pablo Say.
Why music?
Because every time I do something related to music, I certainly know I’m “in my place”.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Probably I’d be an airplane pilot.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To be patient (something essential in music).
What inspires you?
Good people.
What’s the next big thing?
Absolutely everything that is coming in my career in the following months.
Best club experience?
Keinemusik at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
It’s not the worst, but the hardest. I worked for seven years in an Orange warehouse, where I used to work around 12/16 hours a day.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
After testing it several times in my live DJ sessions and seeing the public’s reaction.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
I was a personal trainer, and I had my own personal training center for three years. I spent a few years training while playing until one day, when I was on my way to play in Jordan, a client was waiting for me to train. At that very moment, I realized that I couldn’t continue doing both things much longer.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
‘The Finishing’ – Stavroz.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
There isn’t one!
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I prefer not to say it… hahaha.
Recommend us a film.
The King’s Speech.
Recommend us a book.
The Good Luck Book by Alex Rovira.
What or who is underrated?
Having a home and being able to decide what and when to eat.
What or who is overrated?
The price of bottles in VIP clubs.
What are you addicted to?
Food.
What do you lust over?
Being a better person every day.
What is your greatest regret?
Not having started music production at a younger age.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Having my own private jet 🙂
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
I’m not going to say where, but after a very long trip, I played for about 20 people after a warmup at 136 BPM.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
It will always depend on who you collaborate with.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
The subtlety. A good mix is one that the dance floor doesn’t notice.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Home Again – Michael Kiwanuka.
How do you relax?
Being at home, enjoying my time reading, and taking care of myself.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
RekordBox. I find it the best organization tool for DJing with CDJs. I’m extremely organized and RekordBox allows me to be that way and bring out the best in me.
Art or money?
Money.
Ronaldo or Messi?
I’m Portuguese! Always Ronaldo.
Must-visit record store?
Discos Delta in Ibiza, although it is no longer a record store.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
None.
What’s your favorite label? Why?
Safe Records. It aligns perfectly with my musical taste.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
The length of the process from when you finish it to when it is signed by a record label.
What’s your motto?
Never give up.
Name something timeless
Good music.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Always keep in mind which labels you want to reach, for me it is the first and most important advice. Next, it’s knowing exactly how you want that track to sound like. It helps me a lot to mentally structure the song, for example knowing if I’m looking for something serious or a playful tune, with or without vocals, etc. and then I start creating it.
If someone saw a performance of yours in 1000 years, what do you think they would they say?
Good music never goes out of style.
Can music change the world?
Yes, music is an art and all kinds of art have the capacity to change the world.
What are you listening to right now?
“Ready to be Chilled” Rayco Santos podcast.
What should you do before you die? Travel more and more and more
Enjoy every day of my life, just that.
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Who Is? is out now on Truesoul. Listen on Spotify.
Find Sara de Araújo on Instagram.