Sasha: iconic dance DJ talks about fame, mental health and his love of dance

[@JamesBermingham]

Ive smiled with admiration watching this interview with this humble human superstar DJ. Love this man and what his music can do emotionally and spiritually.

[@SD-kp1yk]

seb, deep dish, digweed, carl, Sasha 25 years later still listening to Essential Mix collections. Some of the best mixes ever in House.

[@jonturner8516]

Same bro. Still got loads tapes of essential mixes 👌

[@kops309]

This reporter really knows how to do a great interview. Great questions, well prepared and nothing biased.

[@StewartJones-v7h]

And there isn't a lot of footage out there of him interviewing, so good she delivered.

[@peznino1]

Yes. Wonderful interviewer. Kudos to her.

[@adcashmo]

And she didn't talk much. Just listened and asked relevant questions based on Sasha's comments.

[@rjmclean1979]

I moved on to techno decades ago but still have a place on my playlist for Sasha. Brilliant DJ 👌

[@Slowlyburnedelectronics]

Back in the day he was my hero (him and Laurant Garnier) . I still remember a morning after a party in Cavo Paradiso with him and Mike from Hybrid) where despite his tiredness ,he had the kindness of spending some time for a quick coffee with me and my friends. Great "down to earth" guy and obviously a legend in the club scene.

[@NuBombTurk55]

Sasha and Digweed residency at Twilo in NYC is still one of the turning points in the history of dance music in the USA

[@MrSuperdave75]

F Yeah!!!!!!!!!

[@gx2music]

Global Underground - San Francisco. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard that. A timeless classic.

[@derekmcnaughton3748]

to this day, one of my fave commercially released cds...his Renaissance and Northern Exposure series that were done with Diggers as well were brilliant in their own right....but there is something so special about his San Francisco Global Underground mix....the Ibiza one seemed to do better commercially, but I'll take the SF one over just about ANY of the GU series....only one that comes close for me is Tenaglia's Athens mix

[@aspursy7826]

Global underground - Ibiza 👊

[@toppturist]

These rainessans was the best

[@sorphin]

I grabbed several of the Global Underground sets (including that one) when I went to England in 2000. Love them all.

[@FrankBurgos]

You havent lived until you relisten and relisten to this album.

[@raginraven31]

After all these years of being a name on the lips of every trance/dance music lover for 20+ years, decades of dominating floors and commanding respect, he is still shy, humble and an all round class A human. Eternally grateful. Thank you Sasha!

[@MikeCorsten]

What a fantastic interview, brilliant. No stupid questions and a great snippet to the insight of Sasha's life as a DJ

[@jasonbennett5279]

been a huge admirer of sasha for 25 years and he is so intelligent. the man deserves to be called a legend

[@devoiddude]

Legend, nah he lost that title when he abandoned vinyl.

[@jasonbennett5279]

devoiddude ...maybe but times change tbf . miss the old days.

[@devoiddude]

@@jasonbennett5279 me too bro.

[@clarrisameadows3499]

He was so handsome in school!!

[@dazdavison1]

What a life sasha's having forget footballers , hollywood moviestars i would say sasha in my eye's has had a blessed life.he's been top list dj since 1990.and has always been a cut above the rest. He must of played the best parties at the best clubs. I one day would like to read autobiographys from sasha, pete tong and carl cox, they were the beating heart of the 1990's and today

[@olafurbjornsson]

But for an international event organizer he is a nightmare. 50/50 chance he will show up...

[@dazdavison1]

Olafur Bjørnsson that’s the punk rock ethos in him!! Unpredictability creates intrigue and fascination.

[@richardgilby]

@@olafurbjornsson Sasha of old maybe. Hardly misses an event nowadays.

[@notdrivingaminimetro]

I remember he once said that when he was in a club he was the most famous person in the room, then when he walked onto the street he was just another Joe Bloggs. Seems the perfect type of fame to me

[@dazdavison1]

notdrivingaminimetro yes, ive always said djs are on the right side fame. A few other djs like grooverider, carl cox, pete tong all worshipped back in the day .shooting up and down the motorway to get to gigs were ques were round the corner , gigs in ibiza , radio 1 essential mix. I hope i'mnot just glorifying it and it really was special. I must admit though i often wonder if sasha carl cox etc.. sacrificed wife, kids and home life the love of music. I couldnever imagine carl cox walking down tescos meat isle doing a weekly shop😂😂 sorry gone off on a tangent there.

[@doogledogable]

A man who deserves the status of legend. A humble, erudite and extremely talented man.

[@jimmyskyblue6057]

Listening to a Sasha mix tape back in 1991 at a friends house got me into the rave scene, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

[@andrewinfosec]

I got the strong impression from this interview that Sasha sees social media as a net negative overall. It's the same conclusion that I think a lot of people are reaching.

[@aj_rod]

Andrew Stewart would have to agree man. Having a world of research and material available at your fingertips has made music more disposable if not accessible. The anonymity has been withdrawn and while the emotional attraction of music cannot expire, it just feels like it’s losing its physical sentiment/value in a swarm of competition and demand. Climbing up the ladder is a struggle nowadays & personally i find it difficult to engage people with any of my activity without depending on social media to do so. I completely respect Sasha’s point about exclusivity & dedicating to the craft, it’s those building blocks you desire in order to generate a natural buzz...inspires me to take a different perspective from the usual tbh

[@alfauno1255]

@@aj_rod but social media makes it so much easier for the new upcoming artists now when before to make it u needed a record deal now if u have the drive n the discipline u ll make it for sure.

[@GingaMan]

HA!! If your rich perhaps, but I make music and sharing it on Social Media costs a fortune, and that is the same media allows people to take it from you without ever giving you what you truly deserve for it. Drake made only $5000.00 in streaming over a one year period for one song that was already well known, that is a total sign of the world we are living in for artists.

[@Davidarris1969]

Back in the late 80s early 90s,the raves give the djs there names and foot in the door,and vice versa.now all you need is your CDjs mixer iTunes beatport and a web sight,there are sooo many knew djs like gorgon city grum yotto guy j and so one,brilliant that they are,if it wasn't for the internet they would be playing at partys and local pubs,though saying that,that's exactly how sasha started off,in his local boozer look how he's been since 90,91 come 94 he started playing all over the world,and has been ever since,and he's seen most off the world played at the world's best clubs,and know he's,a happy multimillioner.plus I bet he's seen some mad things in his life,good on him,he says he suffers from anxiety,we all know what causes that,l.o.l 😉

[@deluxedjsireland224]

he went to Manchester at exactly the right time and got in with the DJs at The Hacienda, without that he'd have been still in the boozer in Wales. It was all about who you knew back in the late 80s/early 90s which was not healthy for a music scene. That's not taking away from Sashas talent though, he stood out a mile as the best DJ on the UK scene and deserved his success.

[@simonhooper5883]

Such a humble bloke, I could listen to him talking and his mixes on the northern exposure sets for hours.. He's definitely lived the dream

[@tomknight217]

And boom! There it is! Someone quotes Northern Exposure. Or shall we say the first testament!

[@renechang2406]

I've read a description on Sasha's style.Imo it's spot on. He definitely has this "mythical style" about his sets. The way he builds it up and takes one on a journey with ebbs and flows. He was very influential in the golden era of the scene. Obviously the scene morphs and music trends change with the tide etc but he definitely made his mark huge in the whole history of dance music.Respect to a master of his craft.

[@ShinobiEngineer]

Thanks for all the beautiful clubbing nights, the unforgettable dj sets and the lovely music productions you released during my teen and young adult years. You will always have a special place in my heart until the day I die and I wish you the best for the rest of your life. Thank you very very much, Alex! 😎👍

[@turfoidgaming9684]

I followed sashas career from the beginning. His days with digweed, The sets, The shift in BPM, The exclusivity of everything. Everything was ALL about the music. It is so different now. I feel like I lived in a time where DJ's were more than just DJ's. If you were a DJ, And you went out with mates who was DJ's, you wanted to know who was playing. He who controlled the decks, controlled the room =) I feel like a lot of people missed out on being up there. But, I still enjoyed the journey. Sasha thanks for always maintaining your integrity. You never got messed up on drugs, You always put out a great energy. I remember your 6 hour live set at metropolis concert club Perth, WA. Feels like yesterday! Hit me up anytime if you are still making music. I was a DJ back then, I am a producer these days.

[@ChantingInTheDark]

His Renaissance Mix Collections, Global Underground and Northern Exposure mixes (along with John Digweed) are absolute classics.

[@damienholland8103]

This guy's songs Xpander and Purple changed my life forever. Been listening to trance and vocal trance ever since.

[@R-Tap]

"Even on -8, it was still 130bpm". Good times back then. Bangin'

[@Alex.1739]

Agreed. Do miss 98 sasha

[@MrJohndory111]

Sasha live at the Barbican last year was one the best shows I've ever seen

[@themarmiteapple8328]

Many amazing DJs from that Era, but Sasha & Digweed upped the Game for all that came after. Thanks Sasha for signing my Vinyl I brought to the Index Nightclub gig last year in Dublin and for the photo. An absolute Legend you are.

[@peznino1]

Northern Exposure put me under the spell. I've never recovered thankfully. Sasha is an AFL. Cool guy as well. Love to hear him talk. He speaks so mindfully just like he performs.

[@anonym1anonym243]

Agree. The three editions was just pure magic. And the way they made the transitions and subtile edit on the tracks was just amazing....

[@ADZ01982]

A real genuine humble man.

[@jasecee8992]

Spot on, leave the old skool at the old skool. Great guy, and easy to talk to, and very humble .Thank you for the music

[@megatraum420]

Sasha & Digweed changed my life when I saw them play at Twilo's in NYC back in the days 20 years ago

[@pageup213]

I could listen to this man talk for days and never get bored.

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Excellent interview. Alex is clearly an intelligent, articulate and thoughtful guy who remains humble despite his success. Many thanks for sharing this.

[@idasje]

Everything he says makes sense…

[@EchoDafunk]

Such a good conversation! Love Sasha for being so well spoken. Thank you for sharing your past and love for the underground scene. You’ve always been a legend and an inspiration to me as a DJ. Hope to meet you in person some day. Cheers Mate 🍻

[@ProgressingMedia]

S a s h a - an iconic LEGEND. his track selections, mixing, set build up is so much one of a kind. if Mixmag is calling you the Son of God it means you are heavenly.

[@jondough679]

Brilliant interview well done that woman. Sasha is just no.1 no doubt about it. Top man.

[@deanmorgan2269]

Great interview. Good to see Sasha have the chance to talk candidly about his place in dance music.

[@mikkii7372]

Love the way he wanted to diss commercial EDM music, but still was very humble! Legend

[@taotechnique]

As a DJ and a producer, this man has the golden touch. Ultra talented with an ear unlike any other. Ive seen Sasha live far more times than Ive seen any other DJ. I still havent had the opourtunity to see both him and Digweed together. That would make my life complete, and I could die happy.

[@DJTEKTORO]

James Bradley Mercer sorry to hear that they were a staple in NYC Twilo Back in the days.

[@hello7pm]

I've seen them twice now. Your best luck is in Chicago or Miami (Ultra)

[@stevengordon7251]

I seen them together a few months ago in belfast. I actually won the tickets :)

[@Amctothemoon]

Loved listening to him when I used to go clubbing 1991-1994 you just had to , his music and mixing back then was just incredible and represented was it all was about , he has moved over to a much more progressive style now and not really my thing , but you have to respect what he has done and achieved over the last 30 years , just an iconic name and one that no one will forget . Sasha ,

[@tiborch]

You gotta love this guy - with feet on the ground. RESPECT & thanks for all the parties, music, love...

[@wurble]

Sasha's set at Up Yer Ronson Leeds 95 will forever be one of my all time favourites. And my 'Be As One' single with 'Heart of Imagination' B-side (such an underrated tune) is among my most prized possessions in my music collection.

[@chrisxdj1259]

First time i met sasha was at up yer ronson at the music factory on a friday night i will never forget it kind of life changing for me

[@ImakeArt1]

He is so right. The mystery thing was great. Its the same reason why older music becomes new again.

[@TechnoGuy11]

The way he talks about the late 80s is how it was for me in the late 90s in the states where I'm from. It was still very much underground and still cool where now it's so commercial and trendy, though techno/tech house is still a bit more underground than other forms of edm. I can say that Sasha was one of the reasons I got into Dj'ing, along with Digweed, Dave Seaman, and Nick Warren, I love those British DJs.

[@georget30000]

Love this. John Digweed next please.

[@devoiddude]

No thanks listening to one traitor is enough.

[@stellarVoid123]

devoiddude why do you say that? 🤔

[@Bedrock1966]

the vinyl thing I think he means. I DJ and vinyl although great is a pain. Especially for somebody as untidy as me.

[@wangzwangz9173]

No need to reinforce Sasha's reputation It's solidified forever. He is an Icon and has always been a truly great dj esp late 80s early 90s you can tell he spent 10 hrs a day practicing but who is the interviewer? She is very good.

[@TommyUrbanskiDJ]

Hugely talented and so humble 🙌🏻 Sasha is a true Legend and his legacy will live forever ❤️

[@mclarensmps]

He's the reason for my love of music. Of any kind. An absolute legend.

[@mystery.whiteboy3641]

His intimate set at the lab straight out of covid was just euphoric

[@maffatoo308]

Northern Exposure series are the best mix albums ever made IMHO

[@idunno402]

Listening to Belfunk on repeat is the way.

[@Sebastian-rr7de]

Great interview. Really interesting. Sasha is a soft spoken legend :)

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Wow! He's cool! I remembered when he and John Digweed would come to New York City to play at Twilo! Great dj/producer! Way ahead of the pack!!!!

[@blackcircle1333]

Top bloke and a living legend.

[@Hebbs]

Seems like such a genteel and honest bloke. One of the best djs in history surely! Seen him dj a few times and saw his live show in London. Always creates a feeling to every set that very few are capable of.

[@StewartJones-v7h]

There's footage of him in 2013 on the boat in Miami, while he interacts with the crowd, enjoys that event, the company with him, and it show how humble he is and the gentility of what you speak.

[@arokit]

i came here for 13:06 . Music to my ears, thanks Sasha for always having good taste.

[@djvectrex]

What a humble guy, after all the music he's produced that moved and continues to move so many people around the world, inspired so many young people to love electronic music!! Sasha you are legend and thank you for everything you have done, keep it going!! I echo many of the comments, i miss the late 90's and early 2000's, the connection between people and the dj was so much deeper and it was about the music!

[@paulalouise2528]

legend.. seen him loads.. i remember him playing 12 weeks of summer in back to basics. me n my 3 mates would get coach from manchester to leeds.we was about 18 we wud be drinkin ect on coach so we be ready to party wen we got there!! we did the 1st night one in the middle n the last nite up there n we actually met him wen we was dancin like loons in car park with sum randoms blastin tunes ha. just shouted alrite sasha as he was carrying his record boxes n he was like alrite u lot.. top dj..just a legend really..

[@daniveiga8941]

How NOT to love this man. Humble, gentle, wise and Talented. LEGEND!

[@williamusher]

Great to hear someone talk about mental health. How original

[@jimbob5399]

amazing man, thanks Sasha for so many special times.

[@bobavader1862]

Humble,pioneering,dance music master, legend! Pure class!

[@koalabaz]

The early mix tapes where like gold but essential mix 95!!

[@richyrock69]

Was Renaissance the first & greatest Mix CD ever ? YES \o/ \o/ Thank you Sasha for that, Northern Exposure, GU series and all the fun times we have ever had.....its been fun....you sir are a Legend.

[@imranp2010]

Was that the one with the blade runner tune?

[@imranp2010]

@Wa7n3 One there was a blade runner version he use to play with an acapella of Till we meet again over it... Check it out if you get a chance, tune!

[@imranp2010]

@Wa7n3 One had a quick Google mate, there is a Sasha & digweed mix cd with that bladerunner bootleg on it. It's on KZbin, give it a listen.

[@richyrock69]

Defo, SFO one was amazing - Travel - Bulgarian ? Epic...

[@richyrock69]

According to Discogs - it was on an album back in 1992, Sasha ‎- Live Vol I & I also have it on " a retrospective of house Volume 2, Disc 3 mixed by Seb Fontaine - track #4 to be precise \o/

[@SocratesDeepSenses]

Living Legend! His music has an electronic tranquility and such a uniqueness up to date. I can still experience a mind-trip even in a natural high mode while listening to his music!

[@Stevieboy74]

So interesting to hear him say how painfully shy he was and how he found the fame thing so difficult to handle. I have to be honest and say that as much as I liked his music I always had this impression that he was a bit up himself and arrogant. Now I know it was nothing of the sort and I feel bad for having that opinion of him back then. It’s amazing how often shyness and reluctance of fame can be misinterpreted. He’s comes across as a genuinely nice and awesome person here.

[@billymkirkwood4956]

Loved his music from the late 80's onwards even now!! A humble guy, him and digweed are also special when they mix together.. both nice guys and very much where I get my musical influences from 😎👌👍

[@jtf2dan]

I still think the 27th Feb 2000 Essential Mix is the best mix ever made....and saw Sahsa and Digweed on the Delta Heavy Tour in March 2002, at Sona in Montreal.....the late 90s early 2000s where the glory days for me. Many thanks for the memories! 🌠🎭🎵🎧🎤💽

[@imranp2010]

My good friend Andy Jarrod (RIP) use to be a warm dj for Sasha on many occasions back in the 2000s. Unfortunatly got knocked off his bike and is no longer with us.

[@dehydratedmushroommushroom8198]

Any mixes he left us?

[@Benno7844]

I’ve come back to this a few times now, but have to say, great interview on behalf of both, really good

[@Peter-zw8yn]

Absolute legend, been one of my favorites for over 15 years ❤️🙏

[@agentshepherd4891]

First seen him in early 90’s, special time for the music for then.

[@siobhanstrauss8492]

I’ve chatted to him in Godskitchen 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 My boy. Loved Sasha since the 1990s.

[@NeilAC78]

This was a great interview. People back in the mid to late 1990's thought Sasha became too 'stuck up' to play classics but this explains that really wasn't the case. He probably should have done a one off Shelleys reunion or the Hacienda's 15th birthday just before it closed.

[@stevanpopovic2765]

It was never about playing one hit after another. Thats what the more commercial dance clubs did. It was about taking you on a journey. On the way you may recognise some of the songs mixed. The best nights I had I could not tell you what was played.

[@NeilAC78]

He never played commercial hits in commercial clubs. He had his own style that people loved from an era that people wanted to experience again. Most early followers dropped off in 1995/96 onwards as the tunes became overly progressive and drawn out. You probably were at school back then.

[@stevanpopovic2765]

That's what I was saying. He followed the path he was happiest taking. Read the book Last night a DJ saved my life. As dance got bigger they were under pressure to play the hits.

[@fantasyproduct1042]

@@timmyhiggins5220 he wasn't 10 years earlier

[@Gravitating]

Happy Birthday Alexander.. always No. 1 for me..

[@Kim-J312]

If there is a DJ hall of Fame , Sasha and John Digweed belong in Hall of Fame . Still loving their music since 1990s ❤️

[@scality4309]

BT remember Sasha mix is a insane production.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Shelley's 1990 his best year, amazing.

[@XXXLAVERICKXXX]

My first night was 16/11/90, fucking magical. ❤️❤️❤️

[@mbull7458]

R.I.P Shelleys!!!🙌🙌🙌🔊

[@mbull7458]

Absolutely Spot on mate!!👌🔊

[@oscillosaurus]

What an awesome interview.

[@benhaynes2125]

Interesting to hear his point of view. Sasha is quite simply an Uber talented guy who made such an influence on the progressive house music scene - the godfather of progressive! Some of my best memories in life are from seeing Sasha over the last 20 years. Happy days .

[@wolfpakave5084]

Wouldn’t it be Progressive Trance?

[@simonlewis5166]

@@wolfpakave5084came later, progressive house was around 92-97 the precursor to the progressive trance sound that followed it

[@nickp9994]

Refreshing hearing someone like Sasha say he doesn’t like EDM. It’s like hearing Chris Froome talk about how he doesn’t like disc brakes on bikes

[@georgemorrison1522]

Absolute legend. from the platform on the hacienda floor. Right through to today. Can’t wait to see you at Pacha. 21st September 🙌🏻😀

[@Iamtheoverlander]

I’ve gotten meet Sasha multiple times. He’s got this energy about him that makes me dance!!

[@angrishmusic]

Very good and honest interview.

[@soulstance]

Global Underground Series is my favorite Sasha~~

[@vMx771]

I’m listening to Sasha’s mixtapes recorded during his gig @academy stoke on Trent 1995 and it’s now 2019 and I’ve owned both of those mixtapes now since 1995.I bought them from a shop in Perth West Australia at the time called raggabone records. Always loved how in that set he mixes tail end end of BT’s “tripping the light fantastic” into West end’s “love rules(Eddie fingers mix)

[@mbull7458]

That would be Golden at the Academy,brilliant nights! 👍

[@azrudinmutic]

This man is responsible for me entering the dj culture. A true God...

[@sorphin]

The Xpander EP was one of my "gateway drugs" into electronic music way back in the day. Still love me some Sasha.

[@jasoncowell5133]

Came across as a really nice guy. Very relaxed interviewer and well prepared, put focus on Sasha and seemed to meet him where he was.

[@_PovertyLabs_]

xpander I still blaze that track today...

[@Sol3UK]

Xpander still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

[@vMx771]

Expander is like a huge white airliner blitzing it down the runway and taking off

[@ParaFoxxen]

My god, the truth that's coming out of his mouth with such a passion is just unreal in these times!

[@StormCentre88]

So many good tunes, sets, albums, and times from this guy; and Digweed.

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

Doesn’t matter the general consensus or dj list etc. Sasha is, and always has been my No.1

[@jeonlyxoxo]

Always liked Sasha. Great interview. Pls channel 4, keep it coming

[@skwinthead]

Just remember he did the greatest mix ever.

[@stefy755]

Which one you talking about?

[@skwinthead]

Stefano Dolzanelli leftfield And Whitney

[@halcyonanon]

Northern Exposure 2 CD 1 Oh my lord.

[@cd78]

halcyonza frontside dammerung

[@halcyonanon]

C Dorma absolutely! Goosebumps. Furry Phreaks - Soothe (Cyanide Ride) Makes me want to cry when it hits that vocal. Emotional stuff

[@dazdavison1]

Slip through net for me but involver 1 and 2 also fundacion and airdrwandagger . Theres no better

[@dazdavison1]

Sevag Kassabian what album?

[@dazdavison1]

Sevag Kassabian i will give it a listen sounds like one i missed .if you want a really good sasha essential mix check youtube sasha amnesia i think its 2008 maybe 2007.its got sasha coma track on it , its next level stuff proper timeless.

[@Debagio]

Space Ibiza summer 1999. 'Nuff said. 🤯🔊🔊🔊

[@StewartJones-v7h]

I saw him and Digweed around that time in L.A.

[@gtubgle]

99? 😩end of the road.

[@aerial_camera_video_imaging]

Lovely interview, thank you.

[@GnarlyBroMr]

Saw Sasha and John digweed live it was amazing

[@joefortey4]

Creamfields I'm guessing ;)

[@patrickmichael2968]

They are best when they play together. Always. I love Sasha & Diggers individually too, but when they get together -- wow!! Their show at WMC Miami @ Mansion in 2008 was INSANE! I knew i had to see them on that tour again so caught it at The Warfield theater in San Franciso about 2 months later.. brought several friends with me who flew out from FL and CA. Amazing night! Always make it a point to go to one of their shows if they are playing somewhere near you in the future, together they never disappoint.

[@tommytaylor5195]

Sasha was the best in the business.Legend of the industry.

[@Digitalwax1990]

What a lovely guy. Wishing you the best of health Sasha 🙏

[@djbavmorda1441]

'Son of God' kinda holds true, considering only Jesus could possibly be so influential yet remain so humble at the same time.

[@geofftayloruk]

Get a life ;D)

[@djbavmorda1441]

I'm trying, but escaping from the Sunday School basement is harder than I first thought.

[@wolfpakave5084]

DJ Bavmorda What is that supposed to mean?

[@brokenbulbs]

Nothing like Sasha bringing in two totally different tracks, blending them in and creating magic. No knob twiddling and prancing around mid track. Use your ears.

[@richdarby2639]

ohh man we had some fun... love from me to you, remember being in the flats in hulme and pulling tunes out your box saying play this man and you goin ... man i forgot about this.... we had fun man . will always hold those days in my heart.xxxxxxxx