Albertine Sarges : Tracks That Shaped My Sound

Berlin-based experimental artist Albertine Sarges has returned with her latest single, Motherless Universe, a tantalizing glimpse into her sophomore album, Girl Missing, set for release on January 31 via Moshi Moshi. Known for pushing sonic boundaries, Albertine blends programmed vocals, stately beats, and gently twanging guitars in a track that defies categorization. It's equal parts sincere, whimsical, and deeply introspective—a hallmark of her unique musical vision.

Following her critically acclaimed debut, The Sticky Fingers, this new project delves into themes of loss, sisterhood, and resilience, drawing on her personal journey through grief to craft a lush, emotionally resonant soundscape. Between airy flute arrangements and vintage electric pianos, Sarges offers listeners a raw yet hopeful narrative that oscillates between light-hearted charm and profound depth.

Before her Berlin performance in February, we caught up with Albertine to discuss her creative process, her love for blending the philosophical with the playful, and how Girl Missing came to embody both the ache of absence and the joy of renewal.

1. Tomi Simatupang - Sweet Chimes

Tomi is a friend of mine and the first musician I went on stage with. His jazzy compositions, magic touch on the guitar, and excellent lyrics have been a North Star for all of my writing, and I cannot credit him enough. 

2. The Weather Station - You and I (On the Other Side of the World)

I remember being on a road trip on a sunny winter day. We had rented a car in NYC and drove up to Vermont to visit friends and I put on this song on a generous volume. I started crying in the beginning notes, wept through all the choruses, and howled loudly along the final lines: „It was always a marriage. From the moment that you stepped into my hallway. Shy-y-y as anyone I’ve ever known, curious and alooooone.“ I did not cry out of sadness! It was pure joy and surrender. 

3. Ostia - Stanotte

This is my favorite song from the last album we did with Ostia. I love the rhythmic interlocking situations and the change of landscape between the parts. It is very entertaining music that takes you on a journey without being overly progressive, which I think is a great balance. 

4. Black Sabbath - Planet Caravan

I discovered my love for loops and monotonous stuff with this song when I was a teenager. I remember sitting in my room at my parent’s place, trying to get high on smoking green tea and listening to this song on repeat. Was a great way of zoning out and I always seek a part of this sentiment in my own mus