SĀR
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is SĀR, and I’m a DJ and producer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up between different cultures, music always felt like a universal language that could connect people regardless of where they came from. That idea continues to influence my music today.
My journey into electronic music started as a listener and fan, fascinated by how music could bring people together and create powerful emotional experiences. Over time, that passion evolved into DJing, where I fell in love with curating journeys through sound and connecting with people on the dancefloor. My sound sits at the intersection of Afro House, Melodic House, and deep electronic music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Black Coffee, Keinemusik, Nitefreak, and Francis Mercier.
Today, I create music that reflects both my personal journey and the communities that have inspired me. Whether through my productions, DJ sets, or events, my goal is simple: to create moments that bring people together and leave a lasting feeling long after the music ends.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
Music has always been a major part of my life, but electronic music resonated with me in a unique way because of its ability to create both emotional depth and collective energy. I was drawn to how a single track could tell a story, transport listeners to another place, and bring people together on a dancefloor regardless of language or background.
Artists such as Black Coffee, &ME, Adam Port, Rampa, Nitefreak, and Francis Mercier showed me how electronic music can be both deeply personal and globally unifying.
DJing was my first step into the scene, and through performing, I became fascinated with creating experiences and guiding people through a journey with music. That naturally led me to production, where I could express my own ideas and emotions through original records. My inspiration comes from blending different influences, exploring new sounds, and creating music that connects with people on both an emotional and energetic level.
How would you describe your style and sound?
My sound blends Afro House, Melodic House, and organic influences, combining rhythms with emotional melodies and atmospheric textures. I’m drawn to music that feels both energetic and meaningful—tracks that can move people on the dancefloor while also telling a story.
What sets me apart is the combination of my cultural influences, my focus on storytelling, and my perspective as both a DJ and producer. Whether I’m creating music or curating a set, my goal is always to build a journey that feels authentic, immersive, and connects people through a shared experience.
Tell us about your latest release.
“Maayé” was inspired by the idea of movement, connection, and the energy that music creates between people. I wanted to blend Afro House rhythms with melodic elements in a way that felt both uplifting and emotional. The track evolved naturally in the studio, combining organic percussion, driving grooves, and atmospheric textures to create a journey that works on the dancefloor while still carrying a deeper feeling.
More than anything, “Maayé” reflects the sound I’m currently exploring as an artist through music that brings together rhythm, culture, and emotion into a shared experience.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
With “Maayé”, I want listeners to feel a sense of connection, movement, and positivity. Whether they’re hearing it on a dancefloor or in their headphones, I hope the track creates a moment of escape and brings people together through its energy and emotion. If listeners walk away feeling uplifted and inspired, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
The creative process behind “Maayé” was very organic. It started with a groove and percussion pattern that immediately felt inspiring, and from there I began layering melodies, vocals, textures, and atmospheric elements around it. I spent a lot of time refining the balance between energy and emotion, making sure the track could work on a dancefloor while still telling a story. As the arrangement developed, the focus became creating a journey that felt immersive, uplifting, and true to the sound I’m currently exploring as an artist.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
Compared to my previous work, “Maayé” feels like a more refined representation of my artistic direction. While my earlier records helped me explore different sounds and develop my production style, this track places a stronger emphasis on blending Afro House rhythms with melodic storytelling and atmosphere. It reflects my growth as both a producer and DJ, and marks another step toward the sound I want to be known for.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
One of the biggest challenges for artists today is standing out in an increasingly crowded and fast-moving industry. With so much music being released every day, it can be difficult to build a genuine connection with listeners and develop a distinct artistic identity. At the same time, artists are expected to balance creativity with content creation, marketing, and networking. I think the key is staying consistent, continuing to grow, and focusing on creating music that feels authentic rather than chasing trends.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career? Please mention your collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia.
Events, collaborations, and labels all play an important role in shaping my career because they create opportunities for growth, connection, and exposure. Events allow me to connect directly with audiences and test new music in a live setting, while collaborations help me learn from other artists and bring new perspectives into my work.
Working with labels has also been valuable in helping my music reach a wider audience and connect with listeners around the world. My collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia has been especially meaningful, as they’ve provided a platform to share my music while supporting my development as an emerging artist. Partnerships like these are important because they help transform individual creative ideas into releases that can have a broader impact.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
My biggest advice is to focus on consistency and patience. Developing your sound, improving your craft, and building meaningful relationships all take time. Don’t get discouraged by comparing your journey to others, as everyone’s path is different.
Keep creating, keep learning, and put yourself out there through releases, performances, and networking. Most importantly, stay authentic to your vision. Trends come and go, but a genuine artistic identity is what helps create long-term connections with listeners and opportunities within the industry.
What can your fans expect next?
My supporters can expect plenty of new music in the coming months. I’m continuing to refine my sound and have several releases in the pipeline, along with more live performances and collaborative projects. My focus is on building momentum, connecting with new audiences, and continuing to grow as both a producer and DJ. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing the next chapter of my journey.
Maayé / June 18, 2026 / SĀR