SONOS CLUB : SOLAED

SOLAED is a London based open format DJ whose sound moves fluidly through experimental club music including; ghetto tech, baltimore club, jungle, footwork and bass into high energy sets. Her style is all about creating  a feeling without losing the flow. Influenced by her upbringing, she mixes different sounds and eras, keeping things organic whilst staying true to her identity. 

INTERVIEW

What first drew you to DJing, and how has your sound evolved over time?

SOLAED: I was first drawn to DJing from being in nightlife spaces a lot when I turned eighteen and just seeing how DJs controlled people’s moods based on what they chose to play made me interested. At the beginning of my journey I was experimenting a lot and trying to figure out what genres I resonated with the most but now I’ve started to move towards making my sets feel fluid by combining those genres instead of just focusing on one.

How would you describe the emotions or energy you try to bring to your sets?

SOLAED: I try to bring a balance of energy. I want people to feel a variety of emotions, whether that’s confidence whenever I play music that caters to women, nostalgia anytime i play songs people seem to forget or just music that makes people feel present. My sets are usually dynamic, building people up but also giving them moments to really lock into the music. I do tend to play a mixture of atmospheric and high energy music in case people like one more than the other.

Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?

SOLAED: Definitely nightlife culture and black culture from different parts of the world. Growing up in London, I’ve grown up listening to grime, garage, dancehall and growing, which has shaped how I listen to music today and the kind of music I listen to. In my sets I like to incorporate different elements of these genres to make my sets still sound personal.

What’s your approach to curating a mix, do you follow a structure, or is it more instinctive?

SOLAED:It’s a mix of both. I’ll usually have a rough idea of the direction or mood I want to go in. But also create space for reading the room in case things don’t go according to plan. But I think through having a structure, I’m able to take the audience on a journey without my sets sounding messy.

How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?

SOLAED:The key is to finding an overlap. I’ll always include music I genuinely like but I also think about how to play it in a way that may be digestible to those who aren’t familiar with the artist or genre. Familiarity is what people love therefore I need to include this in my sets.

Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?

SOLAED:I’m really interested in mixing more ambient sounds into my sets. Someone actually recommended me to play more 90s jungle and I have been getting into it more. It has such a futuristic sound to it.

The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?

SOLAED: Having an off switch is so important. Just taking a step back from playing music if there’s ever a time it over consumes me. Putting my energy into something else creatively has helped me. However, I’ve also learned to be kind to myself more whenever I feel like I’m not meeting certain expectations. At the end of the day, disappoint comes and goes, its unavoidable but by me focusing on the positives and accepting things as they come, its definitely improved my well being.

What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges

SOLAED:When I feel stuck, I go back to just listening and observing. Watching other DJs sets who have always inspired me and seeing how they transition between sounds or build energy, usually sparks something for me. Sometimes seeing how someone else creates is enough to make me want to do the same.

Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world—what drives you and your purpose?

SOLAED: I see myself as someone who wants to build a life that’s meaningful, not just creatively but personally as well. What drives me is the growth and idea of creating something lasting, whether that’s through what I put out into the world or the impact I have on people around me. As for purpose, its proving to myself that I can turn my ideas into reality. I just want to look back and know I’ve always been true myself.

Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?

SOLAED: I haven’t faced much challenges but I would say self doubt. There’s been times where things didn’t move as quickly as I wanted or where I questioned whether I was on the right path. But honestly, this has shaped me a lot. It’s made me become more consistent and confident in my sound. Instead of trying to fit into what people want, I focus on NOT changing my style to please others.

Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?

SOLAED: It’s definitely improving but it still has a long way to go. I’d like to see more genuine opportunities for BIPOC artists and DJs, I think right now with so many conversations happening in regards to inclusion, events have started to push for more diverse communities. However, its not enough and this is clear with us now having to create our own spaces in order to be included. Hopefully in the future there will be way more inclusion.

How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?

SOLAED: I think in those situations its easy to feel like you have to prove yourself or change who you are to fit in, but I choose to let what I bring speak for me instead of waiting for validation.

If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would be on it?

SOLAED: Dj Swisha, Dj Manny, Daniro, Amarji King and hyperfemme. They all have their own signature sound so I think it would be cool to see them in one space.

What’s a festival, venue, or city you dream of performing at and why?

SOLAED: Definitely Detroit, Chicago and Germany. I feel like these places have shaped electronic dance music to be what it is today and it’ll also be fun playing to those from there.

Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?

SOLAED: I actually have my own clothing brand, I design everything myself and so far it’s been going well. It’s allowed me to be creative in another way and give something to people they can connect with.

SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.