What's New With Solu?

Well over a year ago now, at a party one night, I heard a song that moved me so much it inspired me to contact the people behind it. A brief search led me to a small studio in Long Island, New York, where I first hooked up with Dano and Howie of Solu Music. The song in question was of course, ' Fade ' sung using the hauntingly sweet voice of Kimblee. Not bad for a first track, it was put out on the guys own imprint Solu Music. Obviously not so bad for a first effort, the track proved so popular that it was picked up by the Body n' Soul crew who put it on full release on the very respected Wave Music label. One of the highlights at WMC 2002, was the live performance by Kimblee of 'Fade' at the Chez,Wave,Bombay party. I think I even saw E-Man shed a tear listening to her sing! This was soon followed by another 'sweet as' vocal track 'The Way I Feel', again using the local vocal talents of Brooklyn based Aryiah. Having met with both guys in Miami last year, and repeatedly seeing 'Fade' in top 5's of 2002, I thought I should catch up with Howie and Dano. Not only to see how they are doing, but to see what they both made of their adventures in house music so far.

DHN: When I last spoke to you, Fade had just been released on Wave, now a year later, how would you describe how the last 12 months have been?

Solu: The last 12 months have been beautiful. People from all over the world have been reaching out to us and embracing what we are doing. Our audience gets so pumped up for each record that comes out, always begging for more. We have fans that are holding on to our music with their hearts, and that has been the biggest reward this year.

DHN: Are there any high points that stand out?

Solu: Playing Portugal was huge for us. We played Club Vaticano in Porto, where the audience just went wild for our music. The place was packed to the back, and we had the crowd in our hands, loving every minute. We hurt for days from smiling. The scene at this particular club was more of a dark & tribal crowd, but they were grooving to the soul, and once KimBlee sang..they all lost it! Hands in the air, eyes closed, singing the words. I don't even know if they understood the words because of the language barrier, but it didn't matter. We captured an emotion. Music does that. It the universal language.

DHN: And low points?

Solu: Well, our party in Miami last year was a bit stressful. The original spot we had booked had pulled the plug on us the night before!! We had to hustle and find a new location. We had been promoting it for a month and here we were with no place to throw down. So after a lot of blood, sweat and tears, we found a spot that opened its doors for us. We needed to post signs all over the other venue to direct people to the new spot. Then there was keeping the DJs happy with all the right equipment and making sure things were going to run smoothly. Running around getting cartridges, extension cords, CD players, installing the mixer.whew! It was hairy. But the show went on. Frederic Messent, Danny Krivit, and Tommy Bones played for the crowd and everyone there was diggin it. It was an intimate time and anyone who was there will remember it. Special thanks to all our friends in Miami who helped us get through it.

DHN: So, are you sick of hearing Fade yet?

Solu: Yes, next question. HAHA

DHN: Seriously though, Fade has been a phenomenal success worldwide, why do you think that is?

Solu: That's a hard question to answer, because if we knew, then we would write every song like that! But then that would be boring and we would be gone after a year. No way baby. We still have so much more to bring to the earholes listeners all over the world. Writing music for us is an emotional process..its deep, its personal, its revealing. It seems like it's those feelings that people are relating to in some way or another. At least that's what we hope. That is why we do it.

DHN: How has the response to your music since then been?

Solu: The response has been overwhelming. New Djs are approaching us, people who we have been inspired by are getting in contact with us. After "Naturally" came out, we were getting great response from DJ Timmy Regisford of Club Shelter and Blaze! They are so supportive of the future of SOLU MUSIC and they really believe in us. That is very special to us.

DHN: How would you describe your music, or do you find that it's taking any particular direction?

Solu: Music for the soul. It reflects moods. Deep moods.like inspiration, sensuality, yearning, and love. Wherever those directions take us, we'll follow.

DHN: What was your favourite event or night in the last 12 months?

Dano - There was one night when me and this petite blonde had a bit too much to drink.of wait.you mean as far as music..ohh, well I had a blast the last time I was at Body & Soul. I'll never forget that party and the loyal crowd. Truly an experience.

Howie - I'm gonna have to agree with Dano, Body & Soul had a vibe and spirituality and loyalty that I've never experienced at any other party. People passionate about music and emotion, all the reasons we do this. I really miss it.

DHN: Who are you listening to at the moment?

Dano - Lately I have been listening to a variety of music as usual. Love the new albums from Kyoto Jazz Massive, Physics, and Imada. Really diggin the InSpirit releases. Laurentius "Over The Sea" on Needs Music, Julius Papp- Awakening and the new Kerri track on Large have been really doin it for me, Chet Baker Sings has been chillin me out nicely, and the new John Mayer album I think should be album of the year. I got something for every mood! But you know what, come back to me in a week and it will all be different!

Howie - I've been all over the map lately. At the moment Im listening to an amazing Bob Marley live album. De La Soul is Dead has kept me movin', and I have a bunch of really deep new white labels in my crate that are blowing my mind, but I'm still trying to figure out exactly who and where they came from.

DHN: What have you got lined up for the year ahead?

Solu: We're eally excited for the year ahead. We're looking to make more new music, build catalouge, remix some tracks, and get material ready for a full length album

DHN: Are you looking forward to playing at Midem in France?

Solu: The only "playing" we did was drinking Kroenebourg and wine in all the bars the Entire time we were there.

DHN: Finally, looking back, is there anything you think you would do differently if you had the chance?

Dano - I wish I could have hired an intern to burn all the CD promos for Midem!! Preferably a brunette! Well, theres always next year.

Howie - I wouldn't change a thing. We're just gonna keep doing what we do best and try to continue to make music that people can move to and feel in the deepest part of their soul.

Peace, Love, and House Music Dano & Howie

So there you have it, one year on, all the more wiser and a new album in the distance! It seems set that Solu Music are definitely not quite ready to fade just yet!

Aine G - Deep House Network