Behind the Beat with Maga and Emanuel Satie of Scenarios

Scenarios is a forward-thinking record label and collective comprising four talented artists: Maga, Emanuel Satie, Sean Doron, and Tim Engelhardt. Each artist brings their unique flair to the table, resulting in an exciting blend of genres that range from Afro House and Melodic to House Music and even Indie influences.

Their latest single, “Flores,” produced by Emanuel Satie and Maga, perfectly captures the essence of electronic music. With its minimal beats and pulsing synth line, the track pushes the listener forward, compelling them to fully indulge in the sound and experience everything it has to offer.

In our interview with Emanuel and Maga, they share the story of how the collective came together to create something greater than any individual could achieve alone. “We put our egos aside and strive to produce the best music possible. We were all surprised at how effortlessly and naturally our music comes about. We are all on the same page” they tell. They also touch upon their latest single, and reflect on the challenges of the different stages of life.

photography by Arianne Amores

Hey guys! Can you tell us about the genesis of Scenarios? How did the collective come together, and what inspired the formation of the record label?

The collective came together from MAGA and Sean Doron wanting to bring various artists that have different special traits and characteristics to the production table. Together, these influences are in flux and create some special sounds that drive a vibe that hits every listener a different way. We really try to carry all of our efforts into this and make the best of our studio time. It came together just under a year ago and so much has already happened.

We push each others boundaries musically and learn from one another, but most of all enjoy the production aspect when we get into the studio together. We also use the time to work separately on our own edits and continue to work on various projects, both independently and as a team when able.

How would you describe the unique genre of music that Scenarios creates and implements? And what sets it apart from other labels?

Our music is the sum of all of our parts. Everyone brings their own influences. We would describe it as an eclectic mix of Afro House, Melodic, House Music and even some Indie. Always uplifting and energetic.

Each member of Scenarios brings their own individuality to the collective. How do you balance individual artistic visions with the collective’s shared beliefs and dynamic?

Each of us brings his best qualities, knowledge and skills to the table to create something that is bigger than the individual. We all put our egos to the side and just try to make the best music possible and create something timeless. We were all surprised at how effortlessly and naturally our music comes about. We are all on the same page.

“We all put our egos to the side and just try to make the best music possible and create something timeless.”

In what ways do you see Scenarios contributing to and shaping the larger music industry? What kind of impact do you hope to have?

All of us have been in the music industry as solo artists for some time and it’s great to have your solo career where you decide everything on your own, and don’t have to compromise. But we all came to the conclusion that working together is the real way in a label that’s truly shared between all of us. The past year doing Scenarios has proved us right, we have achieved so much more as a collective than we could have as individuals, in fact we have achieved much more than we could have imagined beforehand. This is what Scenarios is all about, it’s about sharing, supporting each other and friendship. Scenarios is about creating something bigger than the individual, a true collective.

Musically, we want to bring back a warm, groovy, emotional sound that we have all been influenced by at some point, but giving it a modern twist.

Congratulations on the release of Flores! How did the collaboration between you both come about, and what inspired the sound and direction of the track?

It was summer in Berlin last year, Emanuel was still living there and Maga was on a one day layover, so we decided to hit the studio and make some music. Flores was one idea that came out of this session, including some others that will see the light of day soon. We then finished the track in Lisbon in the Scenarios studio. The studio is located at Rua das Flores, in English ‘Flowers Street’, that’s where the name comes from. The direction of the track is our understanding of a good club track, strong grooves and big breakdowns paired with elegant and uplifting melody. We’ve both been playing the track since the summer and it’s one of the highlights of our sets.

“A good night out? Ideally you go home and you feel like your soul has been touched.”

“Flores” is an incredibly good track that gave me the vibe of a night at the club. On a personal level, what do you look for in a night out to make it memorable and enjoyable?

A good night out has a lot to do with the people you’re surrounded with. Good people, good party. The music and production is another key factor. Basically the whole experience should be catered to everyone being able to be completely be in the moment and experiencing a connection to the music, other people and yourself. Ideally you go home and you feel like your soul has been touched. This is what we are trying to achieve in our sets and in our Scenarios showcases always.

Emanuel, 2022 was a year of significant change for you, including leaving Berlin, starting a new label, and touring more than ever before. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this time, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me last year was to just let go and let things happen and trust the process. Moving cities, starting a new label and being away so much can make you feel like you don’t know where you belong and you become restless. I just had to accept that this is a period of my life at that time and allow things to unfold and also to enjoy the fluidity of life and the unknown. Now I already feel home in Lisbon, Scenarios feels like family and the touring part is something I am used to anyways.

“The biggest challenge for me last year was to just let go and let things happen and trust the process.” Emanuel

Emanuel, you moved to Lisbon, right? How has this new environment influenced your music and creativity?

To be honest, so far it didn’t have so much of an impact on me. I never really made a typically Berlin sound and always felt quite independent from my surroundings musically. I would say in terms of my outlook on life, Lisbon has already had an impact. Life in Portugal is more easy going, Berlin can be quite serious sometimes.

 Emanuel, you also became part of Cocoon. How did this opportunity come about, and what does it mean to you to be a part of this iconic label and brand?

Cocoon and Sven Väth were my earliest influences as a young raver in Germany. Sven is still my favourite DJ of all time. What most people don’t know is that I was an intern at Cocoon maybe around 10 years ago. I loosely stayed in touch with the team working there, but it wasn’t until Sven started to play one of my tracks in all of his sets that I sent them some music of mine. The track they picked was „Planet XXX“ and it became a weapon by many DJs, Dixon, Sven, Patrice Bäumel, Joseph Capriati and many more who played it all summer. That’s when Cocoon asked me to become part of the family.

“I find it very boring to be doing the same thing over and over again.” Maga

Maga, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary as a music producer and DJ! How has your sound evolved over the years?

Thank you very much, I indeed changed my sound over the the last 4 years. Music is evolving and I am loving the new direction I’m taking. It’s much stronger and electric. Production has changed since we built our label. Scenarios and our collaboration has opened up a new vision with plenty of fresh ideas.

I think it’s important for every artist to think of what new direction and improvement you can achieve on your own. I find it very boring to be doing the same thing over and over again. This is probably why music is evolving and we are too.

Maga, once you described yourself as “hardworking” in one word. How do you stay motivated and inspired?

It’s true, I do consider myself as hardworking. I stay motivated by always creating new projects every year to challenge myself and accomplish each of these missions. It’s rewarding and it is the drive I have within which continues to make me feel whole.