Bullseye with Jesse Thorn Sudan Archives
Jan 2, 2026
Sudan Archives is a vibrant violinist, singer, and songwriter known for her unique fusion of classic violin with electronic dance music. In this chat, she dives into her latest album, The BPM, revealing its club influences and punchy beats. She shares stories from her childhood, the impact of her church upbringing on her artistry, and her journey from Cincinnati to LA's experimental scene. Sudan also discusses the creative process behind her music, her twin sister's support on tour, and her ongoing quest for mastery in violin craftsmanship.
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Early Violin Roots In Church And Fiddle Club
- Sudan Archives grew up playing violin in church and school and first enjoyed performing in choir solos which taught her improvisation.
- She also joined a local Fiddle Club in Ohio that exposed her to jigging and improvisational fiddle styles early on.
Violin Is A Global, Cultural Instrument
- Sudan Archives discovered African and international violin traditions and realized violin is a global cultural instrument.
- That shifted her view away from classical constraints and opened creative paths for the violin in popular music.
Moving To L.A. After Finding The Beat Scene
- Sudan Archives left Cincinnati as a teenager after discovering LA's experimental beat scene and connecting online with producers.
- She flew to L.A., hung at Low End Theory, and never returned to Cincinnati full-time.