Virtanen’s interest in electronic music was further piqued when he discovered European dance music, particularly Italo Disco. Like many of the biggest dance hits of the ’90s, thanks to the proliferation during that decade of cheaper home programming setups, ‘Sandstorm’ began life as a bedroom‑made track.Īs a teenager growing up in Eura, south-western Finland, Virtanen’s cousin had introduced him to the synth soundscapes of Jean‑Michel Jarre (particularly his 1981 album, Magnetic Fields). Video of Darude - Sandstorm Bedroom Producer But why such a big wide audience globally has taken to it, I have no fricking clue.”
“It’s just some of those things I mention. “So, I don’t know what the answer is,” Virtanen accepts. And, in the radio edit, from the first build on, it has the arpeggio that brings it tons of energy. “Then there’s a lot of energy in it, and there’s no lyrics that could ruin it for somebody. “There’s something about its simplicity,” he goes on. “My automated response for this is, ‘If you tell me, I’m gonna make a couple more,’” he laughs.
However, the secret to its success remains something of a mystery to Finnish producer Virtanen himself. More than 20 years on, its YouTube plays now top a staggering 190 million. The wholly instrumental ‘Sandstorm’ was an international hit upon its release (reaching the Top 10 in 11 countries), but its appeal has proved enduring. Nonetheless, its distinctively hooky and percussive, 16ths‑paced synth top line (Da‑da‑da‑da‑daa!) is recognisable the world over, not least through its heavy usage outside of the club scene, in films and video games and at sports events. Darude’s 1999 dance hit has taken on an extensive and often surprising life of its own.ĭescribed by its creator Ville Virtanen AKA Darude as “one of the best‑known unknown tracks in the world”, enormous 1999 dance hit ‘Sandstorm’ may not be easily identifiable through its name alone.
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