Los Angeles-based Kiwi electronic duo, SACHI, have recently dropped their latest dance floor anthem, 'Crush', and have been touring the country alongside Australia's own Northeast Party House. The new single is an infectious blend of early 2000s electro-house influences and SACHI's modern production, and to help celebrate the release, we were lucky enough to catch up with them for a chat.
Today, we dive into SACHI's inspiration behind 'Crush', their songwriting process and, of course, their triumphant tour with breakthrough talents Northeast Party House.
It’s so great to be able to catch up with you both, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you both?
"We met when I (Nick) joined Will's band in primary school. It was called Workbench and we covered Nirvana, Green Day and Queens of the Stone Age - all bands that were inspiring us at that age. We were writing a few originals back then too, so it kind of all started there. In our teenage years, we both discovered electronic music, a lot of the Future Classic stuff that was coming out in the early 2010s and a lot of the dance stuff that the Swedes and French were doing, too - which led to us teaching ourselves how to produce."
Can you tell us a bit about your latest single ‘Crush’, and what it means to you?
"'Crush' is Music For Dancing, a bright and flirty electronic stomper. We've been trying to make simple beautiful dance records that you can sing along to as much as you can move to. We wrote it with two really talented artists in LA - Kayla Imani and Halo Boy. It was our first time all working together and one of those days where everything just clicked."
Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing ‘Crush’?
"Those golden moments when we're either DJing or dancing to another DJ, when there's harmony in the room, everybody is feeling good, and a song comes on that just lifts everybody up that bit further. The songs that create those moments have been inspiring the music we're making, that's the feeling we were aiming for with 'Crush'."
What is your songwriting process? How did it all come together?
"It changes every time, usually we write a vocal part over a very simple instrumental idea, and then take that vocal and rework it and rework it until we find the magic. With 'Crush', Cam (Halo Boy) had a couple of instrumental elements that I took and fleshed out a bit, and then the word 'Crush'; came up in conversation and we all felt it was an exciting starting point lyrically. From
there we wrote all those parts, and a few weeks later Will made the bassline and drums that made it to the final version, and it was pretty much done.
What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?
"Harmony between the people in the room! The best work comes when everyone is relaxed and inspired. Some good smells, sandalwood incense in 'Crush's case. A good meal in your stomach and caffeine can help."
How would you describe your sound on ‘Crush’?
"It's kind of got an early 2010s electro-house vibe going on with the bass synth, but that wasn't too considered - we think it's got one foot in what's come before us in dance music, and one foot in the future. It's a bubbly electro-house banger."
What advice would you give to bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to find their sound?
"Experiment, follow where your excitement leads you, write, write, write! Surround yourself and build meaningful relationships with people who are making shit that excites you, community has been so important for our sound and how we work. There's nothing better than making music with people you love and respect."
You’re currently touring with Northeast Party House, how has the tour been?
"It's been great, NPH are one of the most exciting live electronic bands doing it right now, we're blessed to be playing with them. The crowds have been so engaged and open, and it's always fun travelling to new places playing to new people."
What has been your best moment on tour so far?
"The Adelaide show at The Gov was killer, and going to MONA before the show in Hobart was a trip."
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience?
Play 'Crush' loud with your friends and dance around the kitchen. Thank you!
'Crush' is a testament to SACHI's ability to create music that connects with listeners on both an emotional and physical level. With more music on the horizon in 2024, SACHI continues to solidify their position as one of the most exciting electronic acts on the scene. 'Crush' is a tantalizing taste of what's to come and is available to stream now.
It's been a pleasure chatting with SACHI about their exciting new single, 'Crush'. Their passion for creating music that moves people is evident, and we can't wait to see what they have in store for us next.
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