Over the last decade Sahar Z has emerged as one Israel’s finest DJ and production talents. (His prodigious skills led to Deep Dish saying that Sahar ‘is the best kept secret of the Middle East’). Alongside being a resident at Haoman 17 (one of the biggest and most prestigious clubs in Israel), the Tel Aviv-based DJ is also a long time veteran of the global techno and house scenes. Not limited by any genre or style, Sahar Z’s influences come from a variety of directions: deep melodic sounds and fresh electronica to the harder yet soulful techno edges. Continuing to see his work supported by the global DJ elite in Sasha, John Digweed, Hernan Cattaneo and many more, the name of Sahar Z is quickly becoming synonymous with having a gold standard reputation that is beyond reproach.
Balance Selections Q&A
Name:
Sahar Z
Location:
Tel Aviv/L.A
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/djsaharz/
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/saharz
Alias/Producer name:
Sahar Z
Labels affiliated with:
Lost & Found, Bedrock, Anjunadeep, Microcastle, Suara, Sudbeat, Click Records, HighWay Records
My last 3 releases:
What music did you listen too as a child?
My Dad used to have a massive record collection of classical music that he played every day. His dream was to have one of his children play the piano, so I ended up playing the piano for 7 years…
Beside classical music I listened to artists like Cerrone, Pink Floyd, The Doors. Led Zeppelin, Giorgio Moroder, Kraftwerk, Art of Noise, Run D.M.C, Depeche Mode, New Order, Steve Wonder, Joy division and Duran Duran.
When was the first time that you realized that you liked electronic music?
At a very early age . I remember at 8 years old I would come home from school every day and head straight to our living room where my dad’s turn table and vinyl collection was. I used to pick the same record every day, Cerrone’s “Supernature”. I was hypnotised, it was the first analogue synth arpeggiator I’d ever heard! Since then my desire for music and new sounds have grown each day. I used to go to school with my big double tape cassette waiting for the breaks between classes to play music to my friends who were my first audience!
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
I will never forget it. I was 14 years old. Back then there was a major club in Jerusalem called HANGAR. One weekend I asked my older uncle to help me pass the doorman because I was too young. The moment I got in I was in love!
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I get my inspiration from Art, Fashion, Nature, Culture and of course music in all different styles.
What was the last album that you downloaded/bought?
I’m reading a new book by Moby at the moment, “Porcelain a Memoir”, so I bought & downloaded his “Play” album to listen to whilst reading his life story. I remember how much it impressed me when it first came out in 1999.
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
My studio set up is Cubase as main programming software. I’m using a lot of Native Instruments and software’s like: Machine Studio & Complete 11. My favourite Synths in my Studio are Nord Lead 4, Model D, Elektron Analog Four, Deep Mind 12, Micro Korg, Korg Volca Kick, Roland JV2080, Virus and a custom made Casio PT80. I like playing CDJ’s or laptop using 4 channels at the same time, using live loops and others – this way I can create something live & unique to that special moment!
What releases do you have on the horizon?
I have a few upcoming collaborations with my dear talented friends, Vic F & Stelios Vassiloudis (Vic & I have a full experimental album upconig to which will be released in 2019) as well as a few new remixes coming soon!
Where can we hear you perform?
My next gig on November 9th will be in Dallas, Texas USA, with the guys from Capsul Events. I really like what they are doing to push and promote the underground music scene in Dallas. It’s going to be my second time playing for them and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m also playing my monthly residency at SOUND nightclub in L.A. Couldn’t ask for a better place than this amazing Club!
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
I wanted to make something diverse that contains different kind of electronic genres. After selecting the tracks, it took me 1 hour to mix live with 4 CDJ’s. You can listen to my upcoming track with Stelios, ‘Crossroads’ for the first time.
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ wallet currently is:
Controller – Sahar Z
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 compilation is:
Guy J
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
“Arrival” with Amy Adams & Jeremy Renner
My favourite TV show:
South Park
If I could choose anyone to compile a Balance comp it would be:
Cornucopia & The Scientists
Tracklist
1. Carl Finlow – Anomaly (Sahar Z Edit)
2. Sven001 – A Homage to Frankfurt Farmacia (Sahar Z Edit)
3. Adam Husa – Psychadelica (Sahar Z Edit)
4. Mathias Schober – Atmoperc (Love Over Entropy Remix)
5. Sahar Z & Stelios Vassiloudis – Crossroads
6. The Organism – Reflection
7. Musumeci & Phunkadelica – Babilonia
8. Rancido & Mr. Raoul K – Tamale Feat. Soni Diabate
9. Dalfie – Outlaw
10. Rex Axes – Sipoor
11. Shaded – Sumbody
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