Techno legend Darude tells us his favourite things about Sydney

There’s a sandstorm coming for Sydney, emerging in the form of Finland’s most endearing musical export, Darude.

Yes, the So Fresh-era techno maestro is gearing up for a few shows around Australia. And given this country has been loving nostalgia tours as of late, it’s no surprise to hear that tickets are flying out the door faster than you can hum the iconic synth line from ‘Sandstorm.’

Like most musicians that have created eternally viral songs, such as Mariah Carey’s seasonal ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ or Rick Astley’s discombobulating ‘Never Gonna Give You Up”, Darude represents a moment in time when overly commercial, high-energy eurodance dominated the global charts. His signature hit, ‘Sandstorm,’ has become such a widely-shared meme that it’s one of the very few examples of a song that can unite generations, haters, lovers, and even sports fanatics.

We figured the guy who made ‘Sandstorm’ must have great taste in other things as well, so ahead of Darude’s Sydney tour we’ve managed to squeeze some Sydney tips from the regular tourer.

Darude’s favourite things to do in Sydney

Darling Harbour

“I love Sydney and being in Darling Harbour for the Christmas fireworks with my family a couple of years ago was an incredible experience to remember. Seeing everyone come together to celebrate in such a big and joyful way is completely different from how we do Christmas in Finland, and I love it!”

Royal Botanic Garden

“This is a perfect spot for a chill day walking through the immense garden, and checking out all the plants, flowers, trees and such. The view to the city across the water wasn’t too awful, either. It’s a very special place to visit when you need a moment to chill in nature and take in gorgeous views. It’s the perfect place for a picnic as well.”

Sydney Bridge Climb

“I did the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb in early 00’s and it was an insanely cool experience, and probably one of the views of the Opera House. I’ve done a tour of the Opera House as well, but seeing the Opera House from this rather unique perspective was priceless.”

Wholegreen Bakery

“Coming off a couple of long flights to get here, I love popping by Wholegreen Bakery on Clarence Street. They are fully gluten-free and allergen-aware. It’s good shit. This time we had the raspberry chocolate brownie, the banana and coconut bread, a slow-cooked grass-fed beef pie and some peppermint tea. The staff didn’t mind me hanging out for a good while prepping for my set.”

Sydney skate parks

“Extra shout-out to the enviable skate possibilities in Sydney. If I have the chance I’ll go get my gnar [sic] on at Monster Skatepark’s big mini, the Sydney Park Skatepark bowl, the Waterloo Fernside Skate Park mini, or the Surry Hills mini bowl. I wish we had year-round outdoor skating like this in Finland.”

Darude in Sydney

Where: Home the Venue; 101/1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, March 28; 9pm – 1am
Price: $77

eventbrite.com

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