ANDREW SAR: Born Anew
For years, Andrew Sar operated under the alias Messier, carving out a name with emotionally charged progressive releases that hinted at a talent with far more to say. But with the launch of this new phase, the Miami-based producer signals more than just a new alias under his own name. It’s a rebirth. One defined not by genres, but by intention: to fuse powerful and melodic elements with experimental flourishes and a heightened sense of emotional urgency.
Now stepping into the light with Mahaba, his debut EP on ICONYC’s W imprint, Sar unveils the full scope of his transformation. Across two tracks, he blends the tactile with the transcendent—drawing from a deeper well of rhythm, tension, and atmosphere. But beyond the production fireworks, what emerges is an artist newly in command of his identity, channeling the lessons of his past into something unpredictable and unbound.
In this interview with Type / 01 Magazine, Andrew Sar speaks on his newfound vision, stepping into the unknown, and why Mahaba marks just the beginning of a much larger story.
Hi, Andrew! It’s a pleasure to link up. How are you doing? Where are you now? Thank you for joining us today.
Hello! And thank you for having me on the magazine. I’m doing great! Thank you for asking. Right now, I’ve been at my studio in Florida, making a lot of new music, restless for this new Afro / Melodic Project that’s becoming very promising with many releases this year.
Well, let us kick this one off…Congratulations on the release of your new W EP, Mahaba. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one? Has the anticipation been high for you?
Absolutely, I’m thrilled about my debut EP as Andrew Sar, and where else better than the great ICONYC’s W. They have been a major support through my entire career as an artist. I can’t be more excited about the Mahaba EP, which represents a fusion of many powerful and melodic sounds that will make this one a very exciting record. We already count with major support from many renowned artists, so. Get ready for the madness…
Now, let’s dive straight into the record. Mahaba is quite a unique name. How did it come about? Is there a particular meaning to it?
Well, the story of Mahaba came from an experiment that turned into something that I wasn’t even expecting. I sent John the demo, and I remember him saying, “Leave as is, don’t touch it! This is the best I’ve ever heard from you”. And that was just the beginning. At that point, I’ve discovered a new phase of myself that I didn’t know. Then I started creating more music of the same style, and things were turning out better than what I’ve imagined. And then, with a very convincing idea that I loved, I created the track “Rage”. “Rage” was a very challenging project that took me a lot of time and work to put all elements together to make it work, however, I was almost giving up on it due to the amount of work that was needed to put together to finish. Even so, I never gave up on it, and “Rage” is one of those tracks that represents this new sound, and the support has been just massive. “Mahaba” was supposed to be the lead track till “Rage” took place in representation of this project. At the end of it, “Mahaba” means love in Swahili, that’s what this new EP represents.
Now, “Rage”, the first track in this EP, really feels like a “perfect storm”, if you will, something that one can particularly appreciate in its core moments. How did it feel to channel such a powerful emotion? Did you feel like you were “laying it all on the line”?
You won’t believe this, but “Rage” is a sound that represents me as a whole. To those who have followed me with my other music projects, they know that every single track comes fully loaded with power. At every element, every part of the composition, every note. The feeling and this emotion that I’ve accomplished on this amazing production have been achieved. And its mission is to bring this euphoria to any dancefloor that’s been played in.
The second cut, “Mahaba”, is an Afro-melodic hybrid that follows a similar vein to ‘Rage’. Where did the inspiration for “Mahaba” come from?
I can’t be happier about this EP. “Mahaba” has a very original and powerful drum design, complemented by a strong bass, and the melodies are very exciting. The intention behind “Mahaba” was to create a futuristic idea coming to life that also represents the new Andrew Sar project.
Now, some people may not know, but you have been known as Messier for a long time now. So, is the Messier project over for now? Is it only taking the back seat for a while? Why did you need to start creating as Andrew Sar?
Messier is well known as a Progressive / Melodic act. I owe a lot to it. I wouldn’t be here without it, to be honest. Messier keeps growing and gaining support all over the world over time. I’ve made a decision after a whole year of overthinking whether it was a good idea to change the sound as Messier, or if I was going to create a new alias. It wasn’t easy. But these 2 paths were pointing to different directions, so I’ve made the decision about creating Andrew Sar and make this new project more expansive, and I’ll be continuing releasing music, playing at clubs and festivals as Messier, but only dedicated where it belongs, which is the Progressive crowd, I will not take that away from all the supporters we’ve gained this far. Messier is warming up for another big year as well. But Andrew Sar has awakened a new passion that will take over anything that comes as Afro, Melodic, and Indie from now on.
Did your approach in the studio change as well, or your relationship with music?
Yes. A lot of people that I work with have told me the approach has changed. Andrew Sar blossomed the inner me that has always been there, but never allowed it to get out. I get a lot of compliments about my new project. I can materialize all my new and fresh ideas that come along together naturally. I’ve found more inspiration, and I’ve regained that passion about making more music, and the results speak for themselves.
Now, stepping outside of the studio…how do you envision the coming years for electronic dance music? Which new challenges do you see arising for artists? What’s your stance on AI at the moment?
The electronic music scene, or music in general, is always changing; new trends, new artists, and new ways to create music always come up. As an artist, creating this new alter ego was a big challenge that I’m betting on, and willing to take the risk. I’m grateful that I’ve found people in this career who have supported me and given me advice to realize that if an artist can’t reinvent themselves and can’t pivot between every change, they’ll get burned or stuck somewhere along the way. About AI, I work with technology for a living. AI can be a powerful tool for any creator, as long as you use them the right way. In fact, I’ve. Been using AI for vocals that can make tracks more original, instead of using audio samples that have been used over and over by many artists. I think that AI can bring some more originality and uniqueness when it comes to producing instead of copying or automating the process. The feel and emotions that a human can create in the process can never be substituted by AI.
Last one, and we’ll set you free…What’s next for Andrew Sar in 2025? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?
I have high goals and expectations set for 2025. Being part of ICONYC and W was one of them. Now I’m focused about making music till the point where I can start preparing sets with Andrew Sar music, same as I do with Messier. I’m getting ready to keep sending music and work with the best labels I can partner with. I’m preparing a whole new image for the project, recording new sets in Mexico, visiting Europe in the Summer and Fall seasons while I keep partnering and meeting promoters in the US, where I’ve had so many limitations as Messier. The path is set, and we’re coming with everything.
Thank you for your time, Andrew! We wish you the best of luck with Mahaba. Catch you soon!
Thank you so much for having me again. To all ICONYC crew, you guys are amazing. I’ve been working with you all for a few years now, and I’m always excited with every release. ICONYC has given a home to many of my productions, and by this point, it feels like a Family.
Andrew Sar’s Mahaba EP is out now via W. Purchase your copy here.