Touring the U.S. and navigating the music scene

Sarah Sommers joins North Beats host Korey Luna at San Francisco's iconic Phoenix Hotel to reflect on her first U.S. tour, sharing the excitement and challenges of performing stateside. Sarah discusses the extensive visa process, the warmth of audiences in cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, and her appreciation for the distinct underground vibes of American techno communities.

Inspired by early influences

Sarah dives into her musical roots, sharing how her album "HeartCore" evolved organically from live performances in Berlin clubs. She reveals her passion for vinyl releases and how tracks like "Lost in Berlin" found their place digitally with Detroit Underground. Her EP from September draws notable comparisons to classic electronic acts like Underworld and Chemical Brothers, highlighting her ability to blend high-energy synth work with nostalgic breakbeats.

Modular design and personalized gear

Known for her visually distinctive modular setups, Sarah shares insights into her creative process behind customizing synthesizers with pink aesthetics and intricate designs. From her first experiments on a TB-303 clone to advanced screen-printed overlays on Elektron gear, her detailed customization journey illustrates her deep commitment to both visual artistry and sonic innovation.

Favorite modules and studio techniques

Sarah highlights her go-to modules for live performances, including the Kickain from Knobula and the versatile Poly Cinematic from Knobula, as well as creative uses of sampling through the 1010music Blackbox. She emphasizes the balance of structured tracks with live improvisation, detailing how modular synthesis allows her to achieve dramatic and dynamic performances.

Community connections and future projects

Discussing her home base in Berlin, Sarah appreciates the city's vibrant electronic music community and the inspiring live events, notably her performances with Berlin Modular Society. She also hints at future projects, considering creating music inspired by her travel experiences and exploring new modular setups influenced by her recent tour and collaborations.