Few tracks have lived as many lives as “Sandstorm.” Since Darude released his debut single at the turn of the millennium, it has been a trance anthem, a stadium staple and the internet’s favorite answer to “what song is this?” Now, for the first time in over 20 years, its creator has officially remixed it himself. “Sandstorm (Storm 25 Mix),” released on 18th September, was shaped on the road during his STORM 25 tour and leads a full remix package released on 2nd October, with takes spanning drum and bass, tech house and beyond from Dimension, ZANS, SYREETA and more. With a trance revival bringing a new generation to his shows, Darude sat down with us for our ADE issue to talk about handing over a track this personal, the producers who thought it was too risky to touch, and why he’d rather look forward than back.
Reflecting on the process of updating such a monumental piece of dance music, Darude emphasized the need for a delicate balance. He noted that while it is essential to push the music into a new era, the original lead sound and chord progression are so deeply ingrained in the track's DNA that altering them too drastically would strip away its identity. His goal was to capture the essence of 2026 while honoring the magic that has sustained the record for a quarter-century.
“I wanted it to feel like ‘Sandstorm’ in 2026, rather than just recreating what I did 25 years ago.”Darude
The evolution of the new mix was largely driven by the live experience. During his recent tour, Darude revisited his roots as a live producer, rebuilding many of his classic tracks to fit a modern DJ set. By incorporating orchestral elements and a more contemporary, melodic techno-style drop, he found a version that resonated with crowds, including a notable performance alongside Alan Walker at Tomorrowland in 2025. This real-time testing proved vital in finalizing the studio version.
When curating the accompanying remix package, Darude sought a diverse range of genres, acknowledging that some established artists were hesitant to take on such a high-profile track due to its cultural weight. He eventually assembled a talented roster including Dimension, ZANS, and SYREETA, among others, to offer fresh perspectives. He expressed particular excitement for the varying approaches, from the high-energy drum and bass interpretation to the bold, stripped-back tempo of the SYREETA remix.
Despite the enduring popularity of his debut, Darude remains focused on the future. He expressed genuine surprise at the track's longevity and its ability to attract younger fans who were born long after its initial release. However, he maintains that his career is defined by constant movement and new artistic challenges. Whether discussing his past Eurovision participation or his current work in streaming and gaming, he views every chapter as a building block for what comes next. As the industry experiences a resurgence of 90s rave influences and trance, Darude welcomes the trend but stresses the importance of modern innovation, noting that the key to any successful revival is how today's artists put their own unique spin on the sounds of the past.