Following the release of his heavy new EP JOY JUICE, we caught an interview with Germany-based artist and producer Rasky Sadagr, to find out more about his sound, his journey so far as a creative, and his plans for the future. Here’s how it went.
* * *
Hey – thanks for the interview, and congrats on the release of Joy Juice. Just to set the scene a little, where are you right now, and how have you been keeping busy during a tumultuous 2020?
Thank you for having me here! I’m so excited to begin this next chapter in my life! I’m very proud.
Right now I’m In central western Germany, Wiesbaden with my wife patiently waiting for our first newborn to come. Creatively I’m busy almost 24/7, doing different kinda “business” from “baking” music till video editing, photo-shopping and more. Always switching things up, because I dislike 1-dimensionality. Every day is a different creative “trip” for me.
When did you first start making music, and what originally inspired you to opt for this kind of hard-hitting, alternative dance style?
I come from a musical family. My dear mother was a violinist, and all of her brothers and sisters were singing in a famous chorus. All playing piano included. When I was in a elementary school I had a chance to sing as a “soloist” with girls. I was the only boy in the class who could manage to do that. But I chose not to. I didn’t care.
Anywho, in 2006 I started to rap and film, creating “artsy” videos with the video editor. Then years later somehow ended up creating my own first dark electro instrumentals. It was like an evolution. It came out of nowhere. It seems I had that musical ear and was able to distinguish good sounding musical elements from bad ones. That intuitive knowledge. It’s in my blood.
What can you tell us about this EP – what does the project represent for you, and what do you hope people take away from it?
The EP is open for the intepretation! Joy Juice can be some drugs, or something sexual etc . But for me personally it’s just a creative process. And how I feel in it. It’s my heroin.
Which track from would you recommend to new listeners who only have time for one, and why?
Probably I will teach you how to f*ck. Because of wonderful video Clip I made with it as a combo. Mad props to Apollonia Saintclair for a sensational erotic art she draws. Mind-blowing. That strong dose of psychedelic eroticism.
What sort of software do you use to make these tracks, and do you play any instruments?
I use music tracker (music sequencer) software for creating music. Won’t mention the name. Because it’s my dirty little secret and yes of course! Music tracker is a very complex instrument by itself! P.S. I love sampling!
Where do you get the titles and concepts for the tracks – for example The Three Brides or Year Of Succubus?
I’m always in search for “bad-ass” inspiration. Almost every song I upload has some kinda cover art! Nona Limmen was an inspiration for The Three Brides, Sharon Ehman aka Toxic Vision for Year of Succubus. Both are well known artists. And I have the whole list of people I would like to shout out and give mad props to, but maybe next time.
Given that a lot of techno and electronic music first thrived in Germany, what’s the scene been like in more recent years for this kind of music (before Covid of course)?
Germany is the mecca of electro. We all know that. All the best Electro producers and artists come from the “Deutschland”. “Qualität”. Club life is busy here. Just around the corner. And it keeps you going. And Berlin, oh my… oh my…
Is live performance part of your plans, or do you prefer to create the music for people to escape into in their own time?
It’s part of my plan if the chances are right and all dots are connecting. We done one hell of a performance in a gothical Club Seilerstraße in Zwickau with Lynn’s Intention last year. We rocked. But all in all I’m an escapist and a big, big dreamer. I love for people to give a chance to escape with me too. It goes both ways. You know?
Is music your full time job, or do you find it easier to keep it as a passion project?
It is more then just a full time job or passion project. It’s my lifestyle. It’s way more then money. Money is money. Money can’t buy taste or aesthetics.
What have you been listening to the most throughout this past year?
Old-school rap. My first love was the rap genre. And first love doesn’t rust as we say. Till this day. And a lot of my own music. All in all I listen to “old stuff” since “new stuff” 9 times out of 10 is mediocre at best. Sometimes going forward is not really progressing, but regressing. In any genre. I think it’s better to be “wack” than in the middle. Since it’s hard to form an opinion about the middle. It’s like grey. Black and white combined.
If you could sit down for a chat with anyone at all, past or present, who would you choose, and what would you ask them about?
Tupac Amaru Shakur aka 2pac. Greatest rapper of all time. The G.O.A.T. No debate. I would love to smoke a blunt and drink some “Henny” with him, talking about life in general. I have this feeling he would really like me. We’re both dreamers. I think about it a lot. Even had dreams how I talked to him. God bless his soul.
What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given in life?
Be your own boss and don’t have a boss. And spend a lot of time with your family. It is everything you got, because “friends” change all the time. Especially in times like this.
What do you have planned creatively for a hopefully more accessible 2021?
A lot of “power moves”. Its a secret for now..but I can tell that my “Dem0scene” will have a “physical form”.
What’s something about you that most people don’t know?
Won’t tell you 🙂 Hihi
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I’ve been approached by labels few time this year (wont mention names). Guess what I said? Yes, you guessed it…”HELL NO!”
* * *
Grab the EP via Bandcamp. Visit the Dem0scene Website for more information or check out YouTube.
Thanks!