Self-Proclaimed "Health Goth" Sara Landry Chats Feminine Power and Beauty Rituals
“On stage, [...] you have to bring something a little extra. I just like the drama — I live for the drama.”
In the male-dominated world of electronic music, Sara Landry stands out— not just for her music but for how she shows up to the stage — winged liner sharp, aura ethereal and fully herself. Dubbed the “queen of hard techno,” she’s known for hard, transformative sets that, for her fans, double as pure spiritual awakening. But, in recent years, it’s her deep embrace of beauty — on and off the stage — that’s become just as central to her identity as her sound.
“I’m very ‘health-goth.’ I don’t know how else to describe it; ‘health-goth’ just fits,” Landry says. “It’s organic, it’s natural but there’s also a dark edge to it. My style is just very me, it’s kind of its own thing. It’s constantly evolving, always changing and I love that. I’m not just one thing.”
Her presence, from her curated outfits to her use of makeup, functions as armor and expression. Aesthetics, for Landry, are a practice as intentional as music production. “There’s something about the routine of performance that is an outlet in and of itself for me. It’s not just about looking a certain way — it’s this idea, this notion of drawing on the wing and being able to run out the door and be ready for anything. It’s an extension of the performance in its way.”
Her glam routine, like her sets, is a special ceremony. “I’ve gotten it down to a science at this point. I believe beauty is power. When you look good, you feel good. I genuinely enjoy the self-care that get me to that place. It’s less about pressure and more about feeling like my best self.”
However, none of this contradicts her sonic capabilities — it complements them. “If I’m just existing in normal life, I don’t wear a lot of makeup… But, on stage, especially with all the lights, you have to bring something a little extra. I just like the drama. I live for the drama. We love the drama and with all this eyelid space to work with, I make the most of it.”
The duality she carries, of “softness and ferocity,” as she declares, runs through every layer of her artistry. The DJ knows that beauty itself holds deeper meaning. “It’s also currency in a lot of ways. But, for me, beauty is about the ritual. I just love the process and routine of it all.”
Still, the pressure of appearance within an industry that is mostly filled with men is real. “There’s this weird tension — like if you care too much about how you look, you’re not a ‘serious’ artist, but if you don’t care at all, you get picked apart anyway,” she states. “But, honestly? I’ve never been interested in shrinking myself to make other people more comfortable. My style and how I present — it’s all part of the art.”
Landry’s approach is holistic and alchemical. She channels her energy into her look as much as her sound, connecting the two into an almost religious narrative. “I build my sets with purpose. There’s a full, energetic arc. I structure each set to move through a journey, starting heavy to clear out the dark energy, then gradually lifting into something lighter and more transcendent. It’s about alchemy. Transformation. Turning chaos into something sacred.”
It’s this same energy that informs her beauty practice. The practice of preparing in this way isn’t vanity — it’s a powerful point of focus. “There’s a deeply spiritual energy in all music and I’ve always felt connected to those higher frequencies. Most of the music I play and produce has healing frequencies layered in. Sound is a conduit, it can transform people, shift energy, move something deep inside you.”
For Landry, techno is a sanctified space. “Every time I step on stage, I consider it to be my divine act of service to create a space for other people to tap into a sense of freedom, connection and catharsis. And that’s something I take seriously.”
Even though her mastery of beauty is paired with technical skill, she still faces misogyny in the scene. “As women in techno, [some people think] we don’t know what we’re doing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to deal with people assuming someone else made my tracks or asking who’s really behind my sets. Meanwhile, I’m an Ableton beta tester. I’ve done masterclasses, editorial features and Twitch streams — I mix all my music and master some of them, too. But, none of that seems to matter when you’re a woman in this space.”
She shrugs it off, but not without shedding light on the difficulties she and the women around her face. “If a man is determined to discredit you, he will. But, none of that invalidates the work, the talent or the impact. So f**k it — block it out, lock in and don’t give them the satisfaction of dimming your light.”
Amid the figurative (and literal) noise, she stays rooted in joy, glam and play. “A winged liner truly changes everything. When it comes down to it, I’m going to serve you a winged liner look because that is who I am in my heart and soul.”
Whether she’s behind the decks at Coachella, layering healing frequencies into a track or applying SPF under stage lights, Landry is leading a quiet revolution: one where beauty is revered, power is divine and women can do whatever they want.
We asked Landry more about what she keeps on her when she’s playing a massive festival, headlining a sold-out tour and packing when she’s on vacation. Below, find some of her favorite beauty buys, from Laneige’s “Lip Glowy” Balm to Pat McGrath’s “Skin Fetish Divine” Blush.
Laneige “Lip Glowy” Balm
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“I cannot get enough of this stuff; it’s such a game changer, not to mention a festival essential.”
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen
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“I discovered this sunscreen during my trip to Korea in December and it’s become an absolute go-to for me. I love it. Wear your SPF! I’m all about it.”
Canmake “Tomeki Twinkle” Eyeliner Pencil
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“This eyeliner has a super fine tip, so it’s perfect for getting that sharp, precise wing I always go for.”
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Divine Blush
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“This blush is effortless, every time. It’s just the right amount of color to pull a look together without feeling overdone.”
Sulwhasoo “Timetreasure” Invigorating Serum
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“The ginseng in this serum smells really nice and so fresh. I’m obsessed with this serum. It’s a staple in my skincare routine.”
Before you go, check out our interview with professional surfer and Freaks of Nature founder Kelly Slater.
