INTERVIEWS
Frankey & Sandrino prepare for their first appearance down under
As the German duo prepare for their set at Return To Rio's 'Night Of The Dead', they shared what their most excited to bring to their Australian debut.
Iconic German duo Frankey & Sandrino have been wowing audiences internationally for over a decade, and yet this weekend marks the pair's first visit to Australia together.
Ahead of their performance at Return To Rio's first ever city-based event this weekend, ‘'Night Of The Dead', we caught up with Sandrino to get a read on what most excites them for their visit down under.
Q: Hey Sandrino! What is it about touring internationally that inspires you both the most?
S: Hello, nice to meet you. Generally, it’s about allowing things to inspire you, even when time is tight. Sometimes, you barely see more than the airport, the drive to the hotel or venue, and then back again. But even in those short windows, I try to experience the local culture by eating where the locals go. Those small glimpses give me some insight into the local vibe.
If I have more time, I love to explore and get lost in the streets, meeting people along the way. That’s where inspiration sometimes sparks, or at the very least, I feel grateful to have the opportunity to discover new places. And inspiration isn’t always instant—sometimes the creativity flows days after a weekend, once I’ve had time to process everything I’ve experienced.
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Q: How do you think touring and playing gigs around the world challenges the music you make and perform?
S: Touring doesn’t necessarily change my music itself—I try to keep a genuine sense of what’s inside me. It’s all about a feeling! But, of course, every crowd has its own energy, and the challenge is to connect with people’s hearts and move their feet in ways unique to each place. So, while the goal is always the same—to bring everyone together and celebrate music and life—the approach can vary to make each experience special.
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Q: One of your breakout tracks, “Acamar,” is on the cusp of its 10th anniversary. How does it feel looking back on that release after all this time?
S: I’ll always be proud of contributing to the legacy of electronic music. “Acamar” still feels like a milestone, and seeing how people continue to connect with it over the years is amazing.
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Q: In talking with other musicians, it seems that producing never stops, even on the road. Do you have plans to get in the studio or make music while you’re here in Australia?
S: I’m not really a studio guy. I tend to create when I’ve built up a lot of emotions and inspirations over time. Once that happens, Frankey and I get together to channel everything into new music. It’s more about waiting for the right moment than constantly working in the studio.
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Q: What excites you most about coming to Australia for the first time?
S: Visiting anywhere for the first time is always exciting. I’ve toured Australia solo before, and Frankey has also been here with his other projects, but this time we’re coming together, and we can’t wait to make it memorable.
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Q: As people who haven’t been before, what do you think sets Australia apart from other crowds and countries you’re used to?
S: Australia feels special because it’s so far away—you’re committing at least 24 hours of travel time just to get here. I want to give my best because people don’t often get the chance to see their favorite DJs live, so they deserve the best possible experience.
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Q: You’re playing the Return To Rio Halloween event. Is there anything about Halloween that you enjoy leaning into when you perform?
S: I’m really looking forward to playing Return To Rio—I’ve heard so many great things about this festival, so I’m definitely excited. For me, though, Halloween or not, the goal is the same: to give everything I have. I’m just thrilled to be there.
