More than 25 years after its release, Sandstorm remains one of the most recognizable dance tracks of all time. Some songs have had the same cultural impact, finding a second life through games, internet culture and festivals, and have continued to introduce new audiences to Darud.
Now, the track has inspired something completely different. The Sandstorm Run sees thousands of fans head to Helsinki to follow the route made famous by the original music video. We caught up with Darud to talk about the event, his latest collaboration with Mashed N Kutcher and why Sandstorm has resonated for more than two decades.
Sandstorm and its unexpected second life in global culture
Sandstorm has gone from being a huge club track to something that now lives on in sports, internet culture, and events like this. When did you first realize it became bigger than just one?
I first realized that Sandstorm had transcended the dancefloor when I started hearing it regularly at hockey games, sporting events, and eventually even the Olympics (crazy!). This showed me that this track is no longer just resonating with club DJs and dance music fans, it has made its way into mainstream culture and connects with all types of audiences.
A lot of artists are defined by a massive record, but you continue to build an impressive catalog and career beyond that. Talk to us about your latest creative push with Mashed N Kutcher, how does this single reflect the sonic direction you’re going in?
I met the Mashed N Kutcher guys a few years ago through our mutual friend Angie and we instantly hit it off. I sent some stems to Matt as an idea for a collaboration, and what came back was incredible. He completely twisted and reshaped my sounds while adding his own ideas, and somehow it felt both fresh and familiar at the same time. I loved it from the first listen. I really liked the directness of the production. No unnecessary complications, just pure energy and impact. There was still room for me to add melodies and make some changes, and soon the track was finished.
I’m not sure ‘hype’ specifically defines where my sound is going next, but it reflects something important: I love collaborating, and I’m not tied to one genre or audience. Whether it’s house, trance or something in between or out, I’m always drawn to music that is energetic, emotional, fun and effective on the dance floor.
You turned Sandstorm into Sandstorm Run, a 7km event in Helsinki that takes people past the locations featured in the original music video. What inspired you to create something that could let fans experience that history so directly?
For a long time, my wife and I had been thinking about ways to celebrate the Sandstorm music video and its 25th anniversary. Over the past few years we have seen people visit filming locations and make video scenes almost like a pilgrimage. We were probably thinking too much about it at first, looking for something bigger or more complex. Then Michelle simply said, “What if we organized a race?” The idea was very clear once he said it. We asked a few people what they thought, then went ahead and made it happen. The response exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere of the day and the reaction afterward was overwhelmingly positive. We were absolutely over the moon.
The first event attracted people from 17 countries, and now the 2026 edition is already attracting runners from 32 countries. Why do you think this idea has taken off so well?
To be honest, I don’t know if I have the answer. We hoped people would enjoy it, but we were really surprised by how far it traveled. The idea of people traveling from all over the world to Finland to take part in a race inspired by a music video is still pretty amazing. This not only reflects the popularity of the song, but also how iconic the video became. I’m incredibly proud of what director Juuso Sirja and cinematographer Jens Maasboll and the entire team created. The video captured Helsinki in such a unique way that, even after 26 years, people still feel inspired to visit there and experience those places.
There is something very rare about an event that is both playful and meaningful. How much did you want Sandstorm Run to feel fun rather than overly polished or corporate?
Of course, there is an organizational and business side behind any event, but our priority from the beginning was to create a fun, welcoming and personal experience. The best part of the feedback we received was that the event felt acceptable. We were not promoting any fanatical competition; We were promoting entertainment, costumes, music and community. We also heard from many people from different backgrounds and communities who told us they felt welcome, included and safe. This is incredibly important to us, not only in Sandstorm Run but in Darood and Vibing Out and everything we do as a company.
The costume aspect of it has also become a part of the entertainment. Did you expect people to embrace the Sandstorm look and video references so enthusiastically?
We encouraged costuming in our promotion, but people valued it more than we expected. This was a big surprise. People carried silver briefcases of all sizes, wore classic sunglasses, and one super cool guy even dressed as Helsinki Cathedral! The creativity was amazing, and I think we’ll see even more of it this year.
Sandstorm has become one of those tracks that works everywhere from clubs and festivals to stadiums and sports arenas. Why do you think it connects so naturally to activity, sports and adrenaline?
If you can tell me the answer I would love to know! Part of it is probably energy. Pace, rhythm and momentum naturally motivate people to move forward. A lot of electronic music has that quality. However, why Sandstorm in particular has connected with so many generations and cultures is difficult to explain. One reason could be that it has no songs. There are no language barriers or messages that limit who joins. People can easily experience the tunes, sounds and energy in their own way.
You’ve spent 25 years performing around the world. What excites you most about being on stage today?
Two things. First of all, on a purely selfish level, I get to play and listen to my favorite music out loud. Second, I get to share that experience with thousands of people. The feeling of unity and energy between the crowd and the stage is still magical. I hope people can see how much I appreciate it, because I really treasure every single one of those moments.
Music aside, what does a good day off really look like for you?
There are two versions of an ideal day. A typical family day consists of: breakfast with the kids before school, a meeting with my wife, a productive day in the studio, then spending time together as a family in the evening before watching TV. The second is somewhat more dangerous, haha: head to the skatepark and skate all day, hopefully learning some new tricks and making it home in one piece. Then spending the evening with the family, maybe some ice cream, a game of Uno, and putting my daughter to bed after a little laughing and a tickle fight.
What do you hope this event will become in the coming years?
I hope it continues to grow while maintaining the same low barrier to entry, welcoming atmosphere and sense of fun. This is a family event, and we’re proud to bring music, exercise, and positivity together in a way that everyone can enjoy. If this continues to attract people from all over the world to Finland, then as a Finn I am incredibly proud of it. And on a personal level, it gives me the chance to play both old and new music while introducing people to talented DJ friends and artists I admire. For me, it’s a win all round..
The next Sandstorm Run will take place in Helsinki on August 29th this year – sign up Here!
