Undrscovered: Leo Sanderson Brings Piano-Fuelled Euphoria and 90s Rave Spirit
- Undrtone Blog
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Manchester-based DJ, producer, and Afterdark label boss Leo Sanderson joins the Undrscovered mix series with a set packed full of 90s euphoria, piano-driven energy, and rave nostalgia.
Fresh off his new ‘Gonna Be Me / You Know House’ EP on Tjade’s Agrio Tracks, Leo’s mix captures the same uplifting spirit and crowd-focused energy that’s quickly defining his sound.
“I’ve always been drawn to the piano, it’s where my love for music began,” Leo tells us. “My sound grew out of experimenting, chasing that raw 90s energy but giving it my own twist. I love making music that feels nostalgic yet fresh.”
That combination of heartfelt melody and club-ready groove has been a constant across his releases, from ‘Check Dis Out’ on Happy Feelings Records to a string of self-released cuts that have been turning heads across the UK and the Netherlands.
But behind the music lies a journey that started young. “I started DJing around 15 or 16,” he says. “I’d play my own mixes at college every day to friends. Music was always my escape, my way out, and those early sets were the spark that made me want to take it seriously.”
That early passion still runs through every set. “My sets are all about energy and connection. I want the crowd to feel like we’re on the same journey. It’s not just me playing tracks, it’s about creating a moment that feels alive.”
Leo’s sound is rooted in the euphoric essence of the 90s, a time when house music was pure feeling. He cites N-Joi’s ‘Anthem’ and Gat Decor’s ‘Passion’ as key influences. “There’s just something about those songs that instantly hook you in,” he says. “I want my music to have that same effect, to be the track people remember from the night.”
That focus on timelessness is echoed in his new EP for Agrio Tracks, a label fast becoming a launchpad for emerging talent. With lush pads, infectious basslines, and iconic vocal samples, the release showcases Leo’s flair for crafting feel-good club moments that hit both heart and hips.
When it comes to his creative process, Leo keeps it instinctive. “Track selection is all about reading the crowd. I always think, what would I want to hear if I was on the dancefloor right now? It’s about keeping people locked in, surprising them, and making sure they never forget that set.”
The Undrscovered mix is no exception. Across an hour, Leo blends 90s piano house, old-school influences, hard house energy, and a few curveballs, plus some of his own originals. “I wanted to show how versatile I am,” he explains. “When people come to see me play, I want them to feel like they never fully know what’s coming next.”
This past year has been one of growth and milestones, not least his Amsterdam debut at Lofi. “It was an unreal experience. I even brought my girlfriend out to perform live vocals, which made it even more special. The energy of that day was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”
Looking ahead, Leo’s focus is firmly on building his catalogue and breaking into more international gigs. “I’ve been getting a lot of requests to come back to the Netherlands. For me, it’s about that first breakthrough booking that sets off the domino effect.”
His advice to newcomers is simple. “Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone’s on a different stage. And don’t be a sheep. Stick to the sound you love. If you build on that, people will eventually recognise it.”
Leo Sanderson’s Undrscovered mix is a love letter to classic house and a snapshot of where the new wave of UK producers is heading. Soulful, high-energy, and rooted in feeling.
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