Sarabar discuss Saturn Drive release

In the pulsating heart of the electronic music world, SARABAR stands out as a dynamic duo pushing boundaries with their experimental grooves and intricate rhythms. Formed by two lifelong friends in Barcelona, Spain—Carlos and Oriol—SARABAR is the result of a profound artistic connection and a shared passion for sonic exploration Their journey began with nothing more than a few electronic machines and an intuitive creative flow, allowing their distinctive sound to evolve organically.

The duo’s chemistry is palpable, with Oriol’s exceptional production skills playing a central role. A master of analogue and digital hardware, he brings a tactile, hands-on approach to their music, seamlessly blending rhythms, textures, and melodies. SARABAR's work reflects a spirit of freedom and experimentation, guided by the duo’s rich experiences within the music industry and their drive to innovate.

This dedication to craft and creativity shines in their latest release, Deeper Love, out now on Saturn Drive Records. We caught up with them recently to learn more...

Can you describe your project and how it came about/inspirations?

SARABAR is an experimental electronic groove band, formed by the union of two great friends, Carlos and Oriol, supported by a curated selection of electronic machines. From the very beginning, we connected in a special way, without saying a word—just by turning on the machines and letting ourselves flow. Oriol is an exceptional producer—the machines hold no secrets from him—which has allowed us to experiment in every way. In the creative process, we were able to combine many aspects of production. Inspiration has always been in our spirit, and we’ve simply let it guide us. SARABAR is the culmination of our journeys and rich experiences in the music industry, brought to life in the studio. We’re here to make waves in the electronic scene, with new music on the horizon, inspired by our wildest and darkest adventures.

Your latest release on Saturn Drive Records has been getting a lot of attention. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the tracks and the creative process that went into producing them?

Deeper Love embodies our dedication to groove, our experimental spirit, and our love for sonic beauty—the central theme of SARABAR. The track's personality stems from its powerful bassline, structured in a 7-beat pattern layered over a 4-beat drum machine pattern, creating a hyper-galloping groove. The warm, lush sound comes from using analog synthesizers for bass and atmospheres, paired with an analog drum machine, and a digital synth lead from the OP-1. The track's core concept emerged naturally from the night driven bassline. Producing the track was more complex, ensuring the natural flow of the intricate patterns while keeping the body in constant motion.

This love for odd rhythms, a hallmark of techno, was inspired by African tribal beats. The concept of one long track per LP side captivated me through Fela Kuti’s records—these are the strongest influences behind this pure electronic album.

What was the story behind choosing Saturn Drive Records for this release? What drew you to the label?

There’s a strong cultural and aesthetic affinity with the label’s vision. Saturn Drive maintains a consistent artistic line, collaborating with internationally recognized artists and discovering new talent. They prioritize musical quality and artistic expression over commercial trends, which resonates with us. Moreover, their professionalism allows artists to focus on creating, making it a label worth supporting and highlighting.

How has the reaction been so far when playing out the tracks from this release in your sets? Any memorable moments on the dance floor?

You’ll have to try it yourself. The mix of Deeper Love has a special feeling and adds an extra kick to any set. The offset time signature in the techno-house rhythm unleashes a unique vibe on the dance floor.

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You’ve had a long-standing residency at Macarena in Barcelona. How has this residency influenced your sound and style over the years?

At Macarena, every style within electronic music is valid, inspiring limitless creative perspectives. For over 20 years, this iconic club has been a global reference for its musical and artistic quality. DJs like Carl Craig, Ricardo Villalobos, and Dubfire love playing here, drawn to its exceptional sound and intimate atmosphere. As residents, we experiment with rhythms and test our new tracks in this temple of music.

How does playing in such a small venue like Macarena compare to larger festivals or clubs for you?

Playing at Macarena is an intimate, personal experience. The booth is below the dance floor, offering a unique perspective and connection with the crowd, accompanied by enveloping sound in a boiler room format. Larger festivals and clubs feel more distant, changing how the music is conveyed. We see ourselves as club DJs, thriving in close, immersive settings.

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What’s next for Sarabar? Do you have any upcoming releases, collaborations, or exciting projects in the works?

We’re creating our first live analog performance, filled with underground techno atmospheres. Over the past five years, we’ve worked hard in the studio, with 20 tracks ready to be released.

For months, we’ve been refining and performing the tracks in a rural music workshop. Using just the essentials—two drum machines, a bassline, two or three synths, a sampler, effects pedals, and an analog mixer—we’ve matured a groovy tech live set. This natural flow defines our process. We aim to record our next album live by February 2025, without digital editing.

Do you plan to expand your touring to more international locations, or are you focused on building your presence in Spain and Europe for now?

Wherever we’re invited, we’ll go. Being noticed and asked to perform means the world to us. SARABAR is open to traveling anywhere to share our music, hopefully leaving our mark wherever we play.

Finally, what’s the ultimate goal for you as an artist?

Our only goal is to create and make people enjoy our mixes, songs, and live performances. Humility is part of our creative soul, and our intention is to share our art with the world without expecting anything in return. SARABAR exists to bring life to our deepest, most intimate feelings.

Buy/listen to the release on Bandcamp here

Listen to our premiere of DeeperLove below