Darude

Darude, born Ville Virtanen on June 17, 1979, is a Finnish DJ and record producer. He gained international fame in 1999 with his breakthrough single "Sandstorm." The track became a global dance hit, topping charts in numerous countries and remaining a popular anthem in electronic dance music culture. "Sandstorm" is characterized by its distinctive synthesizer riff and driving beat.

Virtanen began his music career in the mid-1990s, initially as a hobby. He was inspired by the burgeoning electronic music scene and began producing his own tracks. His early work gained traction in the Finnish club scene, leading to a record deal. "Sandstorm" was released on his debut album "Before the Storm," which also featured other successful singles.

Following the success of "Sandstorm," Darude continued to release music and tour internationally. He has released several studio albums and numerous singles throughout his career, exploring various subgenres of electronic dance music. He is known for his energetic DJ sets and has performed at major festivals and clubs worldwide. Darude remains an influential figure in electronic music, with "Sandstorm" continuing to be a recognizable and celebrated track.