Luka Sambe’s musical universe is an enlightening place, where a diverse palette has filled his sonic journey with innovative creations. Discovering house music was a life-altering moment for the Australian artist; its adrenaline and poignant spectrum changed him forever moving forward.
In a career highlighted by releases on Lost & Found Records and long standing German imprint Traum Schallplatten, the Guy J favourite has now carved out a unique place in the electronic underground. For Luka music has always been about telling a story, one that captivates on various planes yet translates well on a dance floor. His ability to capture emotion comes from a very honest place, it resonates through his music, making each creation more anticipated than the last.
Balance Selections Q+A
Name: Michael Arcuri
Location: Sydney, Australia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lukasambemusic/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/luka-sambe
Alias/Producer name: Luka Sambe
My last 4 releases: Lost & Found, Sudbeat, Magician On Duty, Armadillo
What music did you listen to as a child?
As a curious child, I remember being completely hypnotised by scene setting and atmospheric cinematic music. Anything that heightened an experience and gave it another dimension through clever sound, completely had my attention. Disney movies and animal documentaries come to mind.
When was the first time that you realized that you liked electronic music?
As early as I can remember, Iʼve always been fascinated by the behaviour and intention of sound design. Itʼs very difficult to pinpoint the first time I realised I liked electronic music, as for me, itʼs an attraction that is always evolving. At first, it was a shallow, lust like relationship that made me move, purely physical. Iʼve found the more I get to know electronic music, the deeper I dig, the more the layers get pulled back, then the more intense our emotional connection has become.
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
My first memory of seeing a DJ in a club would have to be Goodwill at the old Sydney Tank Nightclub.
Which producers/artists/ acts inspire you?
Firstly, Guy J, Iʼve said it before but he is one of the reasons and inspirations behind my style and connection to emotional music. Secondly, Hans Zimmer, a true master of creating the most powerful visions through intelligent sounds. Finally, bands like the Chilli Peppers and more recently discovered for me, Radiohead, have absolutely helped me carve out a unique approach to creating sophisticated art.
What was the last album that you downloaded/ bought?
Radiohead – In Rainbows
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
Production-wise for me, everything is in the box. Iʼm only using software at the moment. My beloved Ableton allows me such an incredible platform to express myself with a big variety of synths and percussion.
DJ-wise, Iʼm using Traktor. Personally, I love the freedom and enjoyment it allows me.
What releases do you have on the horizon?
This year I have EPʼs and remixes coming out on labels such as, Magician On Duty, Armadillo, The Soundgarden, Babiczstyle, Kindisch, Parquet, a very cool collaboration with Jamie Stevens and finally, Filter Bear and I are back releasing together, this time on the great Replug.
Where can we hear you perform?
Hopefully a few more international shows in the not-so-distant future and I would love to tour around Australia eventually. Nothing planned yet but keep an eye on my social media for updates.
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
I wanted to create an hour of music that is an extension of myself, my tastes, my life at this moment and the things that bring me joy. The mix is a series of timeless edits and connecting interludes that I created specifically for the Balance Series. Along with some of my own unreleased pieces, overall, itʼs an hour of music that I think best represents Luka Sambe.
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ wallet currently is:
Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections (LS Edit)
If I could recommend only one of my tracks for you to listen to it would be:
If I could recommend only one track for you to listen to it would be:
My favourite Balance release is:
Brian Cid
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
Hacksaw Ridge
My favourite TV show:
Chefʼs Table
If I could choose anyone to compile a Balance comp it would be:
Filter Bear
Tracklisting:
1. Luka Sambe – If Animals Could Talk, What Would They Tell Us (Original Mix)
2. Navar – You Find (Extended Mix)
3. Luka Sambe – Headspin (Interlude)
4. Guy J – Dizzy Moments (AM Mix)
5. Luka Sambe – Bella (Interlude)
6. Way Out West – Tuesday Maybe (LS Edit)
7. Kamilo Sanclemente & Dabeat – Spiral Patterns (Andre Sobota Remix)
8. Luka Sambe – Cushions (Interlude)
9. Kollektiv Turmstrasse – Last Day (David August Revision)
10. Chicola – If He Thought You Ever Changed Your Mind (Johannes Brecht Remix)
11. TadIR – Sailing Rocks (LS Edit)
12. Sahar Z & Navar- Bloom (LS Edit)
13. Ciano – Erode (LS Edit)
14. Luka Sambe – Chalcuri (Original Mix)
15. Luka Sambe – Cutlet (Original Mix)
