Sara Landry: Celebrating the Deep Roots of Her DJing Journey

On the closing night of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, DJ Sara Landry performed before a vibrant audience at the heart of a glowing pyramid. Known as “The High Priestess of Techno,” the 32-year-old Mexican-American artist commanded the stage, blending operatic techno sounds that stirred the crowd into a rhythmic frenzy. As she transitioned from her set to DJ Jenna Shaw, Landry’s intense expression softened, revealing a blissful smile.

Landry has carved out her place in the dance music landscape, bolstered by a viral 2023 Boiler Room set that garnered over 10 million views. In that performance, she introduced her original track “Legacy,” showcasing her unique sound that evokes an otherworldly atmosphere. A key moment in her set was underlined by the prophetic line, “No one can stop me now,” which highlights her journey in music.

Her path began shortly after graduating from NYU when she started DJing at local bars in Austin, Texas. Her passion for the genre ignited in 2014 while bartending in New York City, where she immersed herself in the nightlife and began promoting events, learning from her favorite DJs. “After [going to] college in New York and experiencing the underground DJ scene there, I moved back into my childhood bedroom in my mom’s house in true Hispanic fashion,” Landry shared before her Coachella performance. A pivotal moment came when she watched a friend mix live, prompting her purchase of a DJ set.

Just a day before hitting the Coachella stage, Landry was finalizing new projects in her Amsterdam studio. Though fatigue set in, her desire to create remained unmatched. “No matter how I’m feeling, I just get up there, I put my headphones on and I’m ready to rock,” she explained. “Nothing else really matters except what’s happening on the CDJs and in the crowd in front of me.”

In addition to her DJ career, she oversees her record label, Hekate, named after the Greek goddess of witchcraft, and her all-female DJ series, Blood Oath. Landry is redefining what it means to be an independent DJ today.

Reflecting on her early experiences in the Austin music scene, Landry noted, “I started going to shows around Austin by myself when I was 15 or 16. I saw Skrillex, Nero, and Dead Mau5 a bunch, plus DJs at underground venues since I had a fake ID.” Although she initially pursued a mundane day job, her aspirations lay elsewhere. “Living with my mom helped me to save and focus, paying off my student loans and the incredible debt I racked up on DJ gear… I do not recommend running up a bunch of credit card debt to start a music career,” she advised, acknowledging her early struggles.

Landry’s commitment to her Mexican heritage also informs her artistry. “I have empathy for people who are just trying to work hard and make a better life,” she remarked, addressing the current political climate and its effects on Latino communities. She cherishes her roots, recounting her family history and speaking Spanish fluently, demonstrating her commitment to representing Latino culture in her music.

“My Latino side does influence and impact me, the music I listen to and the music I make,” Landry affirmed. She emphasizes rhythm in her tracks, incorporating elements from genres like baile funk and Latin percussion. Despite often being classified solely as a hard techno artist, she strives to keep her music diverse and fresh.

Landry’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create platforms like Hekate and Blood Oath, initiatives aimed at supporting female artists in the industry. “When I was starting out, you couldn’t really start your career without getting music released and having music signed by a reputable label,” she explained. Her experience sparked a determination to take control of her creative journey.

The idea for Blood Oath was born at a birthday party where Landry and friends spontaneously took turns DJing. The success of their chaotic set led her to collaborate with fellow artists, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among female musicians. “I’m in a blessed position now with where my career is at that I can uplift other female artists and recognize their hard work,” she stated, showcasing her desire to foster community through music.