Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with SUNRAID

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

Hi! I think music has always been part of me in one way or another, but I do remember being about eight and sitting in the car with my mum, clapping along to the radio and proudly announcing that I knew how to count the beats in songs. She wasn’t exactly blown away… but I was fully convinced I was a musical genius for being able to keep a tempo haha.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I was quite a loud, expressive, and creative kid and music became the perfect place for all that energy to go. It was like my own little world where I could create something from scratch, and channel my thoughts and feelings into. 

I also remember finding beauty in the most random of places and songs. One of my absolute favourites was actually from an old flash escape-room game from the 2010s, the background music was so intense and cool, nothing like I’d ever heard before. It was fast paced, super arcady/technical, and I was so obsessed that I recorded it on my flip phone and listened to it out loud on the bus many, many times.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I think my current music is kind of an amalgamation of my whole life. From recording random melodies on my flip phone to writing down all my feelings and messy little song ideas, it’s all led to what my sound is today, and it’s still evolving.

My sound really reflects all these random finds throughout my life too, from flash games to songs from movies, video games, and even those unexpected little advertisements on local radios. And I think it also comes from the fact that I’ve dipped my toes into so many different genres and scenes over the years, from rock and metal, classical and cinematic, to really digital, glitchy and underground electronic music. I can find beauty in all as long as the melody resonates with me.

And it’s more than just a project; it’s an outlet, and the result of years of collecting ideas turning them into something real. Something I can keep shaping, growing, and making completely my own, almost like my own little baby, honestly. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

That’s a tricky one, because my sound changes a lot depending on what I’m feeling and am inspired by in the moment. But overall, it’s very emotion-led, you can usually hear what feeling I’m trying to convey. I put a heavy focus on strong melodies, and I love adding cinematic details that make each track feel like its own little scene. 

I’m really drawn to unexpected twists and turns, breaking away from the usual four on the floor beats and predictable chord progressions. I’d describe it as melodic, dramatic, a little chaotic in a fun and whimsical way.

Overall it is within the electronic spectrum, drum and bass, mixed with future bass and some electro pop elements.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I’ve never been a very technical musician, I don’t really know music theory and I’m honestly terrible at chords haha so I’ve always relied on having a strong ear. I learn by doing and by listening my way forward, trusting my intuition has helped me break out of the “sound like everyone else” mindset.

But one thing that really changed the process for me was actually learning more about the technical side of producing specifically, such as experimenting and finding more creative ways to use plugins, VSTs, synths, and effects. Once I realized how many things you can do outside of what you’re “supposed” to do, it opened up this whole new world. Some of the coolest sounds and melodies come from experimenting and breaking out of the norms, really.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

I work in Ableton, it’s the center DAW of my creative process. I love how open and flexible it is, especially when it comes to experimenting. It also has some of the best stock plugins in my opinion.

I’m a huge synth/digital person, and I’ll always be a big fan of the plugin Serum. Most of my songs are basically all Serum, so I’m very excited about the second version that just got released!

Outside of that, I love experimenting on the piano, and I’m always collecting fun sounds from random instruments like kalimbas or tin whistles… anything that makes a track feel a little unexpected.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Right now I’m really loving Mietze Conte and Geo22! They capture that same blend of unique sound design and unexpected melody progressions. I’ve been listening to a lot of ambient and experimental electronic music lately, and I think they do that style so well.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I think being a really ambitious and curious person has shaped my music more than anything. I’ve picked up influences from so many different places. I started playing bass when I was 14 and spent a lot of time in the rock, metal, and grunge world. At the same time, I was also falling in love with film scores and cinematic music; composers like Thomas Newman, Bruno Coulais and Hans Zimmer really inspired me. Then everything shifted again when I went to my first electronic festival at 18 and saw Skrillex, Marshmello, and Alison Wonderland. That experience completely pulled me into the world of digital production and DJing, and it really shaped the sound and artistic vision I have today.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope my music makes people feel curious, like it invites people to enjoy something unexpected and be more open to blending genres and styles. I also try to convey a lot of that “nostalgic” feeling in the way that I write and produce which I think does stir a certain feeling, at least it definitely does for me.

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

The biggest lesson music has taught me is that things aren’t that serious. There’s no real right or wrong when it comes to creativity, you can create whatever you want, however you want. And it’s absolutely fantastic!

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Wow, big question! I’d love to play Red Rocks in Denver, Colorado someday. It’s beautiful and looks like an old Roman amphitheatre, but in the middle of this massive rocky landscape. I also named one of my songs Denver, after my visit to the city & to Red Rocks. It’s incredible.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Oh, I have so many! But I really love collaborating with people who share the same vision as me, people who love experimenting and blending sounds. One of my favorites, and big inspirations for this is Alison Wonderland, that would be a dream.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

You can find me on Spotify (and all other streaming platforms) under “SUNRAID”, My instagram is @ssunraid. I’m always open to connecting and working with other artists and musicians so send me a message! 

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I really want to expand SUNRAID into more of a full experience. I want my music to have visuals that feel just as intentional, representing the world and vision behind it. Basically: not just sound, but art and design too, like building a whole little universe.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

Enjoy yourself! I just hope I can bring a little bit of musical magic into your life.