DJ Sand, captivating techno
- Par nbesse
- Le 31/10/2025
- Dans Interviews and portraits
FR - We had the pleasure to meet DJ Sand after the release of Theory of Strings 7eaven, her “very first vinyl album, the result of two and a half years of an extraordinary adventure.” Let's follower her in a skillfully orchestrated techno music.
DJ Sand is the pseudonym of Sandrine Droubaix, an event producer (LOVE ME and LITTLE BIG BEE (Label Private Business, 2013), Remix of LOVE ME by Trockensaft, Sierra Sam, Rodriguez Jr...) and DJ for many years, who here presents musical themes inspired by the writings of Saint-Exupéry, such as wonder and wisdom...
|
As a violinist, participating in the recording of the vinyl record for DJ Sand, specialized in electronic music, was a unique and inspiring experience. With every note I played, I could feel the energy of electronic music blending with the softness of the violin, creating a fascinating alchemy of sound. Inspiration came naturally, propelled by the pulsating rhythms and innovative sound textures. Working collaboratively with such a creative artist opened up new perspectives on the fusion of genres. I discovered how my instrument could not only integrate with, but also enrich the world of electronic music. Each recording session was a new adventure, pushing me to explore different emotions and experiment with unexpected sounds. It was a true artistic exchange, where every contribution counted. I am extremely grateful to have been part of this project, which I hope will touch listeners and transport them on a captivating musical journey. Iryna Topolnitska
|
A born creator, DJ Sand has brought together a fine array of musicians for a spellbinding debut album. Theory of Strings 7eaven is the perfect harmony between concert harpist Aurélie Ellul-Ricci, violinist Iryna Topolnitska (listen to Aurélie and Iryna in Dance with Me, one of their collaborations), cellist and actress Marjolaine Alziary, bassist Sylvie Sansalone...
We mustn't forget the significant contribution of Rodriguez JR (stage name of Olivier Mateu), award-winning music producer and DJ himself, and the perfect touch of synthesizers provided by sound engineer Bill Cox (Sébastien Gros in civilian life), who opened the doors of his recording studio, Coxinhell Recording Studio, for the occasion.
The album's name and performers also evoke the touch of strings strumming along to the chords of ethereal tracks.
|
Theory of strings…………………. Strings theory, string theory... "In fundamental physics, string theory is a theoretical framework in which the point particles of the standard model are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. The theory describes how these strings propagate in space and interact with each other. It is a theory of quantum gravity, used in cosmology, black hole physics..."
|
DJ Sand, Musical encounter
DJ Sand, you and music, an almost obvious pairing, isn't it?
In a way, yes. For as long as I can remember, I've been immersed in music. My father was a great music lover and my mother always supported me in my musical projects.
Playing with music and sounds, I even formed my own band with my brother and a friend when I was 8. Les Cravates Blanches was born! Laundry barrels and pot lids served as drums, accompanied by a small keyboard and an electric guitar with keys. It was quite an adventure, because I have no musical training.
As teenagers, we organized jam sessions several times a week, and when I was around 16, I founded Pro nasa son, organizing parties for students, participating in birthday celebrations, etc. Then I created the Moonday association, a platform entirely dedicated to promoting women in music and other artistic performances... My musical career unfolded in parallel with several jobs that were, let's say... bread and butter, but which nevertheless allowed me to hone my musical culture.
Let's not forget DJ Sand's active and essential contribution to the Belgian music scene, such as her efforts to establish female DJing in Belgium, notably through the Girl DJ Contests, competitions that showcase talents such as Nina Kraviz.
|
"Between punk and rock, classical and jazz, then the revelation of electronic music, DJ Sand's very particular selection breaks down the rigidity of genres and succeeds in the feat of reconciling, in a single set, different eras, trends, and audiences."
|
Other creative and eclectic projects? Le Bal 58 under the Atomium to celebrate the commemoration of the 1958 World's Fair, the sound design for the opening of the Magritte Museum, staged by the Lune et l'autre company...
Let's ad to that her residency since 2007 at Piknik Electronik, the launch of Carl de Moncharline's Wood, mixing with Fanny du Pulp for the Techno Parade in Paris, her participation in Next Girl DJ in Paris, London, Berlin, and Brussels, Rak Electronik in Marrakech, and more.
|
"The album Theory of Strings 7eaven is a bold exploration, where electronic sound textures meet the emotional richness of string instruments, creating a deep and immersive musical experience."
|
Your very first album, Theory of Strings 7eaven, is a fabulous team effort...
Indeed, Theory of Strings represents a whole, a clever intertwining, because we are all connected to the Universe. When we manage to understand this mechanism, we open up the field of possibilities...
|
"Beyond its innovative musical character, Theory of Strings 7eaven has a deeply personal dimension..."
|
My mother's death marked the beginning of the album. I quickly felt the need to write a mini album, alone in my studio. A mini album with only five tracks, a real outlet for my grief, a kind of catharsis. Once the recording was finished, I sent it to Olivier (Rodriguez Jr.) so he could work on the arrangements and structure a few tracks.
I would also add that this album is about sacred bonds, unconditional love, and resilience. It recalls mourning and the passage after death.
|
"Sometimes, a chance encounter can open unexpected doors... During one of my performances, fate brought me together with DJ Sand — a creative and luminous soul whose electro universe is imbued with poetry. This encounter led to a musical collaboration on a new album, a work where energy, sound and stars come together. I discovered a new way of playing, improvising, letting my 47 strings blend with electronic vibrations, like a dialogue between dreams and modernity. And the emotion was even greater when my son lent his voice to this sonic journey... A moment suspended in time, where music, love and tenderness united in a single vibration. Aurélie Ellul-Ricci
|
One thing led to another, or like a well-orchestrated musical suite, I made other encounters, such as Bruno Cheno, a producer who recommended that I work with Bill from Coxinhell Recording Studio. Then Aurélie inspired me with her harp, which produces a celestial and enchanting sound. As for Iryna, a violin prodigy, it was like a sign from my mother...
The idea of Theory of Strings began to make sense. These encounters are like synchronicities skillfully intertwined by the universe... Even though music is about sharing, today we often make music alone in our studios. Theory of Strings is therefore above all about sharing, a perfect harmony between different musicians, which is what gives the music and its message its power...
You mention Hugo Gimenez on the eighth track, Heartmony...
Hugo is Aurélie's son. Once again, the universe has played its part in the composition. He spontaneously became the little prince, as he ends the album with Saint-Exupéry's most beautiful sentence... listen to it.
|
"The inspiration behind Theory of Strings 7eaven draws in particular on the poetic reflections of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and The Little Prince, as well as the concepts of The World of the Invisible and The Field of Possibilities."
|
Finally, what about the album cover?
The cover refers to space, but also to the connection between this universe and this immense, contrasting solitude. Let's also remember Metatron's cube, the ultimate symbol of harmony and protection...
Many thanks to DJ Sand for his collaboration on this article.
The right address: Find DJ Sand on Instagram. Contact: sandmusicdj@gmail.com, Tel: +33 (0)6 56 87 17 59.