INTERVIEW: ASHRR Soundsystem Brings Balearic Dub to “Sun Song” Remix

ASHRR returns with a luminous new chapter in their “Sunshine Low” story. Under their ASHRR Soundsystem alias, the LA trio reshapes “Sun Song” into a hypnotic dusk-to-dawn reverie, featuring dubwise grooves, Balearic shimmer, and a pulse that feels like freedom under starlight. As the series builds toward its full release, we caught up with the band to explore the remix’s emotional architecture, the Soundsystem mindset, and the art of transforming sonic DNA without losing its soul.

What inspired you to revisit “Sun Song” through the lens of ASHRR Soundsystem?   

Sun Song was already an exercise in psychedelic groove in its original form; however, in the Soundsystem version, we did an elevated, more nighttime approach. 

We decided to revisit every song from Sunshine Low for the Soundsystem project because we wanted to give each of the songs from the album a new, unique identity. 

How did the dub and Balearic influences reshape the emotional feel of “Sun Song”?

Sun Song was born from a purely instinctual place. Trying for an emotion, more importantly, that sense of a place that feels like it is outside of time, was what that song was about. Trying to get back to the forever beach.

There is never a plan going into the process. The dub sounds and Balearic style just come from going through the experimentation to build the track.

Was there a turning point in the studio when the remix version truly took off on its own, or was there always a clear vision of where it needed to be?

When you’re trying to figure out what works best for a dance floor track, the groove and main hook are the main drivers, and once you figure those out, the rest of the remix just naturally starts to reveal itself and allows for the creativity needed to complete the track.

How do you approach creative flow differently when you’re in ASHRR Soundsystem mode?

It’s about dance, but more than the movement of the spirit. I don’t think so much of the dancefloor, but freedom.

The soundsystem is made for the dance floor, so that takes on a whole different approach as opposed to writing for the full band. The emphasis is put on trying to find the groove and hook for the song as opposed to thinking of traditional songwriting forms. 

As a trio, how does your dynamic influence decisions during remixing?

I am always imagining Steven’s voice when doing the instrumentation, building a vignette where even if it only has a bit of vocals, the scenario makes sense in that personality. Limitations are the friend of creativity.

Ethan and I really go into each remix with a completely blank canvas. We think about what tempo and what part of the original track would be great for the remix, or maybe it’s just a line from the song itself or a beat. You never know which part is going to inspire you, and you just go with the flow as the puzzle starts to reveal itself.

Do you think remixes should honor the original’s DNA or mutate it entirely?

It’s the same person in a different mode. In the Soundsystem, you’re getting ready to go out on the town; instead of building a house, you want to live in. 

There are no rules when it comes to remixing, unless, of course, you’re making it for the dance floor, in which case the groove and vibe have to be undeniable and work in that context.

If “Sun Song” became a physical place, what would its surroundings look like?

Dancing around a fire in the desert at night.

Probably some Greek island on top of the world with the ocean in the background at sunset.

Who’s on your dream list for remix collaborations that haven’t happened yet?  

We’d love to work with SOULWAX and Bonobo to start.

Any artist who understands the agreement to explore and has something to offer.

What outside art, music, or media is secretly influencing your current sound?

I read constantly. Whether it’s science or narrative, encountering new ideas, like people, is always enervating. Visual art also makes my mind swim in ways that other things don’t.

Everything is an influence, and you can’t ignore the political landscape that is happening in the US and around the world right now.

What’s on the horizon as you continue rolling out the “Sunshine Low (ASHRR Soundsystem Versions)” series? 

It feels like we have a license to do anything that feels like it may lead us to a new place. And there are so many worlds to explore beyond the ones we know. 

The full album of Soundsystem versions is a project that we are really excited about, and we are deep into making our next album.

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