In an exclusive interview, Darude reflects on the making of the legendary Sandstorm music video, its global legacy, and how the track inspired the Darude Run through Helsinki landmarks 25 years later.
A Track That Changed Everything
Twenty-five years ago, Darude released Sandstorm. The electrifying trance anthem became one of the most recognizable electronic tracks in the world. From stadiums to esports tournaments, its relentless energy has made it a cultural phenomenon.
But beyond the track itself, the music video played a crucial role in its global breakthrough. Set against the urban backdrop of Helsinki, the fast-paced chase sequence captured the raw intensity of the song.
In an exclusive conversation, Darude shared insights into the origins of the video, the people who helped bring it to life, and how the track continues to inspire new projects—most recently the Darude Run, a charity event in his hometown.
Origins of the Chase Through Helsinki
When asked about the concept behind the Helsinki chase sequence, Darude credits two local visionaries:
“These two talented Helsinki VJs, Juuso Syrjä and Misko Iho, they were the ones who came up with the concept. The fellas were well tapped into what was going on in dance music and clubs both in Finland, and internationally too. They were resident VJs at a very happening club concept Screen in Helsinki that was doing their own nights with the whole package; great DJs, lights, themes, and them VJing.”
The collaboration came naturally. Darude’s producer at the time, Jaakko Salovaara—head of 16 Inch Records—scouted talent from his close creative circles. The result was a video that mirrored the energy of Sandstorm while showcasing Helsinki’s dynamic cityscape.
The Video That Made a Global Impact
The Sandstorm video became one of the first major Finnish electronic music exports. Its blend of urban grit, cinematic pacing, and youthful energy resonated across borders. MTV rotation and early internet file-sharing helped spread the video far beyond Finland.
For many fans worldwide, the video was their first visual connection to Helsinki. In that sense, Sandstorm did not just launch Darude’s career—it also put a piece of Finland on the global cultural map.
The Darude Run: Music Meets Movement
Fast forward to 2025, and Sandstorm is still inspiring new ideas. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Darude partnered with local organizers to launch the Darude Run. The charity event took fans through Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks, retracing some of the paths from the original video.
The run blended fitness, culture, and nostalgia, attracting both longtime fans and a new generation. Proceeds went to youth music programs and local charities, connecting the legacy of Sandstorm to positive social impact.
Darude sees the event as a natural extension of his career:
“It felt amazing to see people running through Helsinki with Sandstorm blasting, celebrating not just the track but the city itself. That energy, that togetherness—that’s what dance music has always been about.”
The Lasting Legacy of Sandstorm
Few tracks in electronic music have achieved the staying power of Sandstorm. Its influence extends from EDM festivals to Twitch streams, from sports arenas to internet memes. What began as a Finnish club track has become a global anthem.
For Darude, the journey continues. He still tours internationally, produces new music, and remains deeply connected to his roots in Helsinki. Yet, Sandstorm remains the centerpiece of his story—a track that defined an era and continues to inspire creative projects across disciplines.
From a Helsinki chase sequence dreamed up by local VJs to a charity run uniting fans decades later, the story of Sandstorm shows how music and visuals can transcend time.
As Darude reflects on the past 25 years, one thing is clear: the storm is far from over.
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