Sam Collins, a name that resonates with energy and innovation in the world of electronic music, is a young, talented DJ and music producer based in Germany. Known for his unique sound that blends Trap, House, and Bass house music, Collins has made a significant impact on the club scenes across Germany, Asia, and Europe. His journey into the world of Deejaying began at the age of 15, driven by a deep passion for music and an early fascination with the transformative power of turntables.
Collins’ approach to music is deeply rooted in his belief that music transcends cultures and classes, touching the deeper feelings of humans. This philosophy drives his performances, enabling him to control and move crowds, whether it’s a few individuals or an entire sea of people.
His new single Prayers on Acid – a big-room, tech house banger, is out on Thomas Gold’s Fanfare Music.
Hi Sam, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! How has the year been
treating you?
Hi, thank you for having me. This year is actually starting off very well. I took the first few weeks off to work on my music and just came back from my first shows this year in Saudi Arabia. I feel very well rested and balanced and I can’t wait for the many upcoming projects I have in the pipeline this year.
Where do you think the impulse to create music comes from for you?
The advantage of being a performing DJ as well as a producer is that performing live inspires me to create music which fits my sets and my style as well as the energy of the audience. Touring around the world gives me so many new impulses, which I love to transform into new music.
In your production work, you’ve achieved a distinct sound that resonates with a wide audience. How do you approach the technical aspects of production, like sound design and mixing, to create your signature sound?
I have a unique library of synths and samples, which I use in my daily productions to create similarity in my tracks, which gives it my unique signature. Of course I spice them up with some special plug-ins. I am always working with the same mix and mastering engineer (Bram Fidder), who is extremely talented and gives my sound the final boost.
Music production is continually evolving with new technologies. How do you incorporate these advancements into your production workflow? Are there any specific tools or technologies that have significantly influenced your recent projects?
I am constantly working together with new artists, which gives me a different view and new insights into other technologies and their style of working. When it comes to navigating evolving technology, I find vocal extraction tools like RX10 from Izotope to be extremely helpful, especially for edits and mashups.
Your mask has become a defining characteristic of your live shows. Can you elaborate on what the mask symbolizes for you personally and artistically?
The mask I wear during my performances has evolved into much more than just a visual element; it’s become a profound symbol for both my personal and artistic expression. On a personal level, the mask represents a form of liberation. It allows me to shed my everyday identity and step into a space where I am judged solely based on the music I create and the atmosphere I foster. This anonymity grants me a unique freedom to experiment and express myself without the biases or preconceptions that might come with my off-stage identity. On stage the mask embodies the essence of my music. Just as my music aims to transport listeners to a different place, the mask helps create a surreal, otherworldly experience.
How did you hook up with Fanfare for the new single? And was there an A&R process with Prayers on Acid, or did it arrive fully formed?
Since I had released singles like “Coast To Coast” & “NO.NE” on Thomas Gold’s label Fanfare Music before, the process for “Prayers On Acid” was actually quite straight-forward. The song was pretty much in its final stages already when it became clear that it was going to be released on Fanfare and I have a good relationship with the team so everything went really swiftly and smoothly.
Tell us about your current studio set up – any particular bits of go-to kit you find yourself returning to?
I often find myself coming back to quite simple gear, which naturally constrains me to quickly and efficiently lay down ideas. These ideas are then further developed later in the process. When I’m on the road, which happens quite often, I rely solely on my headphones, making plug-ins more crucial. At home, my simple setup is usually sufficient.
Which artists are currently exciting or inspiring you?
Too many. Rather than listing names, I’d say it’s the global community of artists – the well-known and the yet-to-be-discovered – that continually excite and inspire me. There are artists who are pushing boundaries, blending genres in ways we haven’t heard before, and others who are revisiting and reinventing classic sounds with a modern twist.
What have been some of your more memorable live performances from the last few months?
My recent tour through Saudi Arabia included one of the most memorable shows I have ever experienced in Al Ula. The location was in the canyons in the middle of the desert, the stage technology was extremely advanced, and what was most memorable about it was the crowd. Since the party scene is only getting started over there, people are still super grateful for the music, and dance like there’s no tomorrow.
What should we expect from you for the rest of 2024?
Apart from the music itself, I’m working on enhancing the visual aspects of my shows. Since the live experience is such a crucial part of electronic music, I want to make sure that every show is not just a listening experience. You can also expect some exciting collaborations. And lastly, I’m committed to engaging more with my community. This means more social media presence, YouTube live sets, and using different platforms to connect more deeply with fans. I believe that the connection between an artist and their audience is vital, and I want to nurture that throughout 2024 and beyond.
Follow Sam Collins:
instagram.com/samcollinsmusic
tiktok.com/@samcollinsmusic
facebook.com/SamCollinsMusic
open.spotify.com/artist/60OCVcCxsNKT3VgR0hnDKx
soundcloud.com/ohsamcollins