LA scene boss Club Indigo, aka, Sarah Badiee, is on an ever-evolving journey of artistic freedom, community and collaboration. With deep roots in live musicianship and electronic production, Club Indigo continues to push the boundaries of electronic music. From early experiments with live looping to performing at Coachella back-to-back years under a former moniker, Indigo’s path has been fearless and unrelenting.
As Club Indigo, Badiee has performed at a string of events with Insomniac, opening for Kaskade, Nora en Pure, Chromeo, and Wolfgang Gartner, to name a few. She released a dub edit of “Underwater” by Rüfüs Du Sol (with the band’s blessing), a Gattison remix that hit #1 on iTunes and her Light EP via Public Secret Records which reached #1 on the Beatport Organic House chart.
Club Indigo’s live sets are a fusion of organic instrumentation and methodical production. True to her name, ‘Club,’ there’s often a sense of collaboration, with another musician and/or singer accompanying her. This year, she’ll be returning to Lightning in a Bottle, alongside Plasty, bringing new sounds from their collaborative and forthcoming second album together. Indigo’s latest album, Unaccompanied, is her first solo EP out of several releases since she started with the name in 2018.
As the founder of Cymatics Records, Indigo is also pushing for change in the music industry, creating new avenues for artists beyond traditional streaming models. Standing at the intersection of innovation and authenticity, she’s proving that it’s still possible to cut different lines across today’s heavily systemized music industry.
“Success isn’t just about accolades—it’s about showing up, creating, and sharing music that moves the world.” -Club Indigo
We connected with Club Indigo to talk about how the indigo chakra relates to her name, her vast musical influences, what drives her to uplift the music community, embracing her newfound solo ethos, what’s next, and more. Access her latest releases here and check out her SPIN SETS below. Want more SPIN SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
Who is Club Indigo and what do you stand for?
Club Indigo is my solo artist name, representing my journey as a collaborative artist with the name “Club” and inspired by my connection with being an indigo child – plus a bonus feature that the indigo chakra symbolizes the third eye.
Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?
My style originates from learning how to play instruments as a kid. I learned how to play piano at age four, cello at age eight, and guitar by age 15. Musical influences range from classic rock, to hip hop and R&B, to electronic music. As a performer, I’ve been drawn to live looping from a time I had the Line 6 delay pedal and would make guitar loops then jam over top of them. There was an artist named Howie Day who I saw doing this for the first time in person back in probably 2001. Seeing him perform live changed the game for me completely! My live looping setup is now a blend of MIDI instruments, samples and analog drum machines, via Ableton.
Some of my biggest influences: visually, definitely The Chemical Brothers – from their music videos by Michele Gondry to their live productions – their music is incredible and so is their visual art. Social influences, I’d say we need less of those! Haha, but truly, would be my sister and friends. They’re all creative in some way and I am inspired by the people around me daily. Sonic influences these days, I’d say I’m always looking to create new sounds so I don’t actually listen to too much music unless I’m prepping for a gig or with other people.
Was there a definitive turning point to your success?
I’d say having an interview with SPIN Magazine is a fair answer to this one! When I received this opportunity, I was beyond flattered, then cautiously asked if I could place the interview on hold while my record label was launched. Now we’re here and my label, Cymatics Records, is up and running and I’m ready to release my second EP as Club Indigo with SPIN Magazine supporting me. As I do this interview now, I am reflecting that this is truly a dream come true. I bought this magazine as a kid every month from Sam Goody! Haha
Big moments for me were playing Coachella back in 2010 and 2011 as DJ Sarah B. As Club Indigo, my debut performance opening for Kaskade and my first release, an authorized dub edit of Rufus Du Sol’s “Underwater,” were significant milestones in my career. Overall, I find it very important to consider that success is already here on this journey. For us artists, we’re doing it. We’re succeeding every day that we keep creating.
When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?
This is a humbling question, as it’s such a powerful and beautiful thing when art becomes bigger than us. My mission statement as Club Indigo is to ‘uplift the community with music and dance’ and I believe I have been able to fulfill that mission with my monthly live music residency since 2021. Entry is free and we always have a diverse range of artists perform. Seeing the positive impact this night can have by building a sense of community has shown me the power of music.
Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?
I aspire to continue evolving with my music, curating sounds that resonate with the listener as they go about their daily lives. My goal is to create music that people enjoy listening to regardless of the activity, whether it’s driving, working, dancing, or simply relaxing.
Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?
The Hollywood Bowl, opening for Erykah Badu and Little Dragon would be perfect! And a KCRW DJ to kick things off for us. Sounds like a great night to me!
In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?
I feel like I’ve undergone a transition when Club Indigo started in 2018, moving from having supporting roles in bands or projects stemming back to 2004, where I’d be the bass player or live producer to now embracing the lead role in my own project. While it’s been an adjustment, I’ve grown increasingly comfortable with the spotlight and have been actively focusing on being more present as a solo artist. This shift has been rewarding as it has allowed me to fully express my artistic vision and connect more deeply with my audience.
What’s next for Club Indigo?
My upcoming release, “Unaccompanied,” marks a significant milestone as my first solo album. It’s also special for me to release it under my record label, Cymatics Records. I’m thrilled to have performed “Unaccompanied” live in its entirety for this interview! Big thank you to my management and label team at Public Secret for all of their support in the live production and all of the other amazing things they do for me.
Looking ahead, I’m excited that two more albums are in the pipeline, each featuring incredible vocalists—Plasty and Jackie Vae. Additionally, I’m passionate about supporting other artists through Cymatics Records, providing a platform for their talent to shine while expanding on the label.
What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?
Ultimately, I wish for it to remain a source of comfort and escape, no matter the setting; offering listeners moments of respite and joy amidst the chaos of daily life. As electronic music evolves, I hope it maintains its ability to inspire us and serve as a catalyst for higher states of awareness. The power of music is no joke! My aspiration is for electronic music to continue as a force that nourishes the soul and uplifts us all.
Any last words for the SPIN universe?
To those reading this interview, I encourage you to never underestimate your impact on your community and beyond. Your unique voice and vision have the potential to spark profound change and inspire others. Embrace the journey and cherish the process. The world needs your voice now more than ever!
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