SARAGA | IT 2024 #05
Introducing stardust and the evolution of his sound
DJ Saraga has established himself as a pivotal force in the electronic music world, with a career spanning over a decade. Known for his innovative sound and dynamic performances, Saraga has continually pushed the boundaries of house music, captivating audiences worldwide. His journey from the vibrant nightlife of Tel Aviv to the electrifying clubs of Ibiza has been marked by creativity, exploration, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
Recently, Saraga has taken a significant step forward in his career with the launch of his new label, Stardust. This venture not only showcases his evolution as an artist but also his commitment to fostering new talent and pushing the boundaries of electronic music. With Stardust, Saraga aims to create a platform where creativity can flourish, bringing together unique sounds and innovative artists to redefine the genre.
During our conversation, Saraga shared his vision for Stardust, the inspirations behind his latest projects, and the transformative experiences that have shaped his sound. From memorable performances in Ibiza to his deep connection with Tel Aviv’s music scene, Saraga offers a glimpse into his creative process and the journey that has led him to this exciting new chapter.
STARDUST: THE REALIZATION OF A DREAM
Launching a new label like Stardust is not just a milestone for Saraga; it’s a heartfelt commitment to the electronic music community. The name itself, Stardust, carries a profound meaning; This label represents more than just a business venture; it’s a creative haven where Saraga intends to nurture talent and push the boundaries of house music.
“The name of the label is Stardust. Launching this label is truly a dream come true, and I’m more excited about this project than anything I’ve worked on before. Stardust represents my vision to share my music on a deeper level and introduce innovative sounds to the scene. It’s going to be a hub for house music and a supportive home for talented artists who bring their unique style and groove,” he explained.
The name ‘Stardust’ embodies a sense of magic and limitless possibilities. For Saraga, it’s about creating a platform where creativity can flourish. The label’s inspiration draws from years of traveling, performing, and witnessing the transformative power of music.
“I want to give back to the scene that has given me so much by fostering new talent and pushing the boundaries of electronic music,” he added.
Saraga’s vision for Stardust is incredibly inspiring and forward-thinking. Focusing on genres like House and Tech House while also exploring uncharted musical territories demonstrates his commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation within the electronic music scene. By aiming to release tracks that not only make people dance but also inspire and captivate them, Stardust promises to be more than just a record label.
“We’ll be focusing on House, Tech House, and music that you’ve never heard before. It’s all about pushing boundaries and creating fresh, exciting sounds. I want Stardust to be known for its innovation and quality. We’re looking to release tracks that not only make people dance but also inspire and captivate them,” Saraga stated.
There´s a keen interest in exploring the fusion of different genres and sounds, incorporating elements from various musical traditions to create something truly unique. The goal is to surprise and delight listeners with every release, maintaining a high standard of artistry and creativity.
Overall, Saraga’s vision for Stardust resonates
with the essence of what makes electronic
music so powerful: its ability to innovate, inspire,
and connect people on a profound level. Stardust
will not only contribute to the vibrancy of the
music industry but also leave a lasting impact
by shaping the future soundscape of electronic
music.
IBIZA
Ibiza has played a pivotal role in shaping Saraga’s career. Since his first visit in 2017, the island’s rich music culture has profoundly influenced his sound and approach to live performances.
“Ibiza is the most influential place in the world for me. It’s taught me so much about house music on a deeper level. My performances have evolved significantly; playing in Ibiza has given me the freedom to break boundaries and truly connect with the crowd, allowing me to play whatever I want,” he reflected.
His time on the island has deepened his understanding of house music, allowing him to transcend conventional boundaries in his performances
The vibrant energy and discerning audience of Ibiza have encouraged Saraga to experiment boldly, fostering an environment where he can innovate and explore new sounds and techniques freely. This freedom has not only shaped his performances on the island but has also infused his global sets with layers of complexity and emotional depth.
“Every set in Ibiza feels like a journey, where I can experiment and take risks, knowing that the crowd will appreciate and respond to the music’s emotional depth and energy. The island’s unique vibe has influenced my sound, adding layers of complexity and richness that I bring to my performances around the world”.
Saraga eloquently describes the experience at Pacha as transcendent, where he felt aligned with the audience as they shared a beautiful journey.
“The energy of the people and the vibe in the room perfectly matched my music. It was one for the books and a night I’ll always remember. The atmosphere was electric from the moment I started playing. The crowd’s response was incredible, and it felt like we were all on the same wavelength, experiencing the music together in a way that was both powerful and intimate”.
"The setting of Pacha, with its lights, sound system, and crowd, created an unparalleled experience. “There’s something magical about Pacha’s setting—the lights, the sound system, the people—that creates an unparalleled experience. That night, everything clicked perfectly, and I felt like I was able to take the audience on a musical journey, exploring different moods and energies,” Saraga said.
THE “AROUND THE SUN” EP
Saraga’s latest EP, “Around The Sun,” represents a significant departure in his artistic journey, marked by a deliberate shift towards a more melodic and emotionally resonant sound. This creative evolution has been met with resounding acclaim, reflecting the EP’s success in capturing deep-seated themes of longing, hope, and personal growth. Inspired by a period of introspection, Saraga sought to translate these profound emotions into music that not only resonates with listeners but also serves as proof of his transformation as an artist.
“This EP was a bit different for me. I wanted to create something more melodic and emotional this time, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. The positive response has been incredible, and it’s been a successful release for me. The inspiration came from a period of introspection and personal growth. I wanted to capture the feelings of longing, hope, and transformation that I was experiencing,” he explained.
The creative process involved experimenting with different sounds and textures to evoke these emotions and spending time layering melodies and harmonies to create a rich, immersive soundscape.
“It was a journey of exploring new territories and pushing myself to evolve as an artist. The response from the fans and the industry has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming my belief in the power of music to connect and inspire,” Saraga added.
The overwhelmingly positive response from fans and industry peers alike has reaffirmed Saraga’s belief in the profound impact of music as a unifying force. By capturing the essence of human emotions through his EP, Saraga not only showcases his musical prowess but also demonstrates his ability to evoke powerful feelings of inspiration and introspection in his audience.
As he continues to explore new musical territories, “Around The Sun” stands as a testament to
Saraga’s enduring dedication to crafting meaningful, evocative music that resonates deeply with
listeners worldwide.
EXCITING COLLABS AHEAD
Looking forward, Saraga has several exciting projects in the pipeline. He is particularly thrilled about his upcoming releases on Stardust, each track thoughtfully selected to tell its own story.
“Besides these releases, I have an upcoming track with Miguelle & Tons in September. It’s a very cool track that we’ve been playing a lot over the past year. The collaboration with Miguelle & Tons has been an amazing experience. We’ve brought together our unique styles to create something fresh and dynamic. The track has a powerful groove and an infectious energy that always gets a great response from the crowd”.
Additionally, Saraga is working on several secret projects with renowned artists in the industry, pushing himself to explore new sounds and techniques.
“I can’t wait to share them with the world. Every release is a new chapter, and I’m thrilled to see how the audience will connect with them”.
Throughout his career, Saraga has collaborated with iconic figures in the industry, with Damian Lazarus being the most influential.
“Working with him and releasing my track ‘Love And Happiness’ on his label Crosstown Rebels at the end of 2021 was a game-changer. His vision and support have had a profound impact on my music and career. Damian has a unique ability to spot and nurture talent, and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of electronic music is truly inspiring. Collaborating with him opened up new opportunities and exposed my music to a wider audience. His guidance helped me refine my sound and approach to production, pushing me to explore deeper, more experimental territories,” Saraga reflected.
TEL AVIV´S VIBRANT MUSIC SCENE
Saraga’s journey began 14 years ago in Tel Aviv, where the city’s vibrant nightlife scene profoundly shaped his sound and style.
“Tel Aviv has a diverse and energetic music scene that celebrates creativity and innovation. The city’s clubs and underground parties introduced me to various sounds and styles, encouraging me to experiment and find my unique voice as an artist. The dynamic and inclusive atmosphere of Tel Aviv’s nightlife fostered my growth and pushed me to continuously evolve”.
The support from the local community was invaluable, helping him refine his craft and build a solid foundation for his career. Today, those early experiences continue to influence his music and performances, making Saraga a true innovator in the electronic music world.
SOME LAST WORDS
DJ Saraga’s story is truly inspiring. His passion for music and his relentless pursuit of innovation shines through in every aspect of his career. What I find most remarkable is his deep connection to his roots in Tel Aviv and how he’s carried that vibrant energy with him around the world. Tel Aviv’s dynamic and inclusive music scene has played a significant role in shaping his sound, fostering his growth, and pushing him to continuously evolve. The city’s clubs and underground parties introduced him to various sounds and styles, encouraging him to experiment and find his unique voice as an artist. This vibrant nightlife scene transformed his vision and taste in music, laying the foundation for the creative force he is today.
Launching his label, Stardust shows Saraga’s vision and commitment to the electronic music
community. This venture not only showcases his
evolution as an artist but also his dedication to
fostering new talent and pushing the boundaries
of electronic music. Stardust represents his vision
to share his music on a deeper level and introduce
innovative sounds to the scene. It’s going to be a
hub for house music and a supportive home for
talented artists who bring their unique style and
groove.
For Saraga, it’s about creating a community and a platform where creativity can flourish. The name ‘Stardust’ itself evokes a sense of magic and limitless possibilities, reflecting exactly what he wants the label to represent. His excitement for this new venture and his thoughtful approach to every track he produces show just how much he cares about the craft and the people involved. Launching Stardust is not just a career milestone for Saraga; it’s a dream come true, one that he is more excited about than anything he’s worked on before.
Talking about his experiences, especially his transformative moments in Ibiza, provides a deeper understanding of the artist behind the music. Ibiza, with its rich history in electronic music, has significantly influenced Saraga’s sound and approach to live performances. His sets on the island have given him the freedom to break boundaries and truly connect with the crowd, allowing him to play whatever he wants and experiment with new sounds and techniques. The island’s vibrant energy and its audience, who are both knowledgeable and passionate about electronic music, have pushed him to explore new depths in his music. Every performance in Ibiza is a journey, an opportunity to take risks and connect with the audience on a profound level. His memorable set at Pacha, where the energy of the people and the vibe in the room perfectly matched his music, is proof of the magic he creates on stage.
Saraga’s journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and bring people together. His dedication to his craft and his desire to give back to the music community are truly commendable.
The inspiration behind his latest projects, including his well-received EP “Around The Sun,”
stems from a period of introspection and personal
growth. He wanted to capture the feelings of longing, hope, and transformation, and the creative
process involved experimenting with different
sounds and textures to evoke these emotions.
The result is a rich, immersive soundscape that
resonates deeply with listeners.
Saraga’s upcoming releases on Stardust and his
collaborations with artists like Miguelle & Tons
highlight his continued commitment to innovation
and excellence. Each track he releases is a new
chapter in his musical journey, one that he
shares with his fans and the broader music community. His collaboration with Damian Lazarus
and the release of ‘Love And Happiness’ on Crosstown Rebels marked a significant milestone in his
career, opening up new opportunities and exposing his music to a wider audience. This collaboration, along with his experiences in Tel Aviv
and Ibiza, has shaped him into the artist he is
today—one who is willing to take risks, innovate,
and continually push the boundaries of electronic
music.
Saraga’s story is not just about success in the
music industry; it’s about the joy, connection, and
magic that music can create. His deep passion for
music and his unwavering dedication to his craft
are truly inspiring. As he continues to evolve and
innovate, Saraga is a soul filled with creativity and
an example of the transformative power of music.
His journey from Tel Aviv to the global stage, and
now with Stardust, reflects his relentless pursuit
of excellence and his commitment to making a
lasting impact on the electronic music scene.