From her early experiences on underground dancefloors to the creation of FLIGHT MODE, Sagia has built a career connecting music, visual art, and independent creativity. As she prepares to return to Amsterdam Dance Event, the DJ and producer reflects on the importance of human connection, artistic freedom, and trusting her instincts.
Photo credit: Sagia – Facebook
Having performed across the UK, US, Spain, Poland, France, Cyprus, Malta, and the Netherlands, Sagia has developed a musical approach shaped by underground club culture and a longstanding fascination with the positive energy of music. Her career includes appearances during Miami Music Week and Amsterdam Dance Event, as well as performances alongside artists including Coyu, UMEK, Tiger Stripes, Sandy Rivera, and Saytek.
Her productions have appeared on labels including Area Remote, 100% Pure Records, SoundGroove Records, and Blackwiz Records, with support from artists such as Anja Schneider, Monika Kruse, Kölsch, and Eats Everything.
Today, Sagia continues to expand her creative work through FLIGHT MODE, a project that has evolved from a radio show into an event series and record label. Ahead of its second event at Amsterdam Dance Event, she discusses her musical influences, the challenges of independent curation, her upcoming release ‘Belong To Something’, and the experiences that continue to inspire her.
EG: Hi Sagia, welcome to Electronic Groove! Where are you today, and how are you feeling as another Amsterdam Dance Event approaches?
Sagia: Thank you for having me. Pretty psyched – I love Amsterdam’s energy and the vibe. The whole city lives and breathes music, and it’s a great feeling to be coming back to ADE with the second FLIGHT MODE event.
EG: Before music became such an important part of your life, what were the sounds, experiences, or people that first made you feel connected to it? Is there a particular memory that still stays with you?
Sagia: At some of the early raves I went to, I’d go on my own and just stand by the speakers, absorbing the DJs at their craft, the energy exchange, and the crowd. Every DJ came in with their hidden gems, and it was all about connection and being in the moment. I still find myself doing just that whenever I get the chance.
EG: Every artist has moments when someone else’s belief in their work changes their perspective. Was there a particular DJ, producer, or mentor whose support made you realize you were on the right path?
Sagia: I have so many artists that inspired me, like Kölsch, Sasha & Digweed, or Nicole Moudaber. When I started getting into production, I was really honoured to get support from 2000 And One, who released and remixed one of my first tracks on Area Remote and 100% Pure, and then Sandy Rivera on his Blackwiz imprint. I kept on keeping on, and here we are.
EG: You’ve built a creative world that extends beyond music into graphic design and visual storytelling. Do you approach these disciplines with the same creative instincts, or do they reveal different sides of your personality?
Sagia: I always had a passion for photography, design, and art in general. My grandma was a painter, and my fascination with the creative world was always in me. The idea of using photos I took during my travels as the artwork for recent releases on the label turned out to be a perfect output to combine both worlds of music and design.
EG: FLIGHT MODE has grown from a radio show into events and now a record label. As you’ve taken on more creative responsibility, what have you discovered about yourself that you might never have learned by focusing exclusively on your own music?
Sagia: It is a one-of-a-kind experience, and now I get to see all the moving parts and technicalities firsthand and be involved in the process. One of the reasons I started the label was to have more artistic control, but also to showcase new talent I’ve been discovering through the show for years. I definitely feel that responsibility now.
EG: Your upcoming release, ‘Belong To Something’, touches on a feeling that seems increasingly complicated in modern life: our desire to connect while maintaining our individuality. What does belonging mean to you personally, and has that meaning changed over the years?
Sagia: Finding your tribe is so important, especially now. Everyone is, rightfully so, preoccupied with life in general, but we all like to feel connected. I think that need for connection is more important than ever. That’s what it’s all about.
“I think that need for connection is more important than ever”
EG: When you’re working on a track, how do you recognize the moment when something genuinely moves you? And have you ever abandoned an idea that sounded technically perfect because it simply didn’t feel right?
Sagia: Most of my tracks and remixes start from a jam session that grows from a four-bar loop. Once it passes the vibe, groove, and quality control tests, I’ll quickly build it into a full track. My hard drive is full of those four-bar ideas, though, and I’m consistently working on expanding them one after another. Watch this space.
EG: With so much music being released and promoted every day, discovering genuinely exciting new artists can feel increasingly difficult. What do you think the underground is getting right today, and what concerns you about where electronic music culture is heading?
Sagia: Contrary to the most common concern about the sheer volume of music being released, I still strongly believe loads of wonderful and genre-bending music and new artists are able to break through. The barrier to entry is lower, which means people who might never have started producing can now share their ideas with the world. I think that’s a good thing. The challenge is to hold on to the creativity and just the fun of making something that comes from you – your heart and your own voice.
EG: ADE brings together an extraordinary range of artists, industry professionals, and music lovers. Beyond the opportunities it creates, what do you think events like ADE still offer that cannot be replicated through digital platforms or social media?
Sagia: Definitely human connection. I’ve had endless random encounters at ADE and met so many peers and fellow music heads I still keep in touch with or work with today. There’s something about the discovery mode and openness we switch into once we’re jumping from one label showcase to the next, soaked through and through, exchanging ideas, checking out new gear. You always come back home ready to get on with new projects, and that’s hard to replace.
EG: Building something independently often means making difficult decisions and learning through mistakes. What’s been the toughest lesson you’ve learned about trusting your own vision, even when others might have different expectations?
Sagia: Trust your gut. I’ve never played tracks I don’t love, even when DJing eight-hour sets as a resident. Same with curation for FLIGHT MODE radio show, then inviting guest DJs, and now running the label. It’s the same vision: Music comes first.
“Every DJ came in with their hidden gems, and it was all about connection and being in the moment”
EG: Let’s step away from music for a moment. If you had 24 hours completely free from obligations, with no studio, no performances, and no social media, how would you spend that day?
Sagia: Inspiring books, great food, strong coffee, good conversation, and long walks – the simple things help me reset. Whenever I can, I’ll dive into a city and hunt for street art in progress – places like London’s Leake Street are a huge source of inspiration. Those moments usually send me straight back to the studio with fresh ideas.
EG: Finally, looking beyond ADE and your upcoming releases, what are you most curious to explore next, both creatively and personally? Is there something you’ve been wanting to try but haven’t yet found the courage or opportunity to pursue?
Sagia: Creatively, I’ve been exploring recording my own vocals and working on songwriting. I’d also love to start recording jam sessions straight from the studio. Personally, I tried boxing earlier this year and loved it, so it’s definitely something that I want to keep incorporating in my life. It keeps me on my toes, quite literally.
EG: Thanks for the time and good luck at ADE!
Sagia: Thank you! I feel it’s gonna be big and hope to see you there.
FLIGHT MODE at Amsterdam Dance Event is set for October 23rd, 2026, at Bears Amsterdam. Find more information here.
Follow Sagia: Spotify | SoundCloud | Instagram
