In this exclusive interview, we unravel the layers of Solar Soundz's musical odyssey, from the gritty streets where Wu-Tang Clan's "Enter the 36 Chambers" ignited his passion to the global stages where his craft now commands attention. With an MPC as his compass and a hunger for innovation as his guide, Solar Soundz takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, revealing the essence of his artistry. From collaborations that transcend borders to a steadfast commitment to authenticity, Solar Soundz shares his wisdom with aspiring artists and offers a glimpse into the future of hip-hop.
Join us as we dive deep into the mind of this visionary artist, exploring the stories, struggles, and triumphs that define his journey. Welcome to "Soundscapes and Stories: A Journey with Solar Soundz."
Q. Can you tell us about your journey into the world of hip-hop and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I fell in love with Hip Hop when listening to Wu Tang Clan - Enter the 36 Chambers.
RZAs production totally got me and shortly after I started making beats with a Korg Volca Sample.
Q. How do you approach the creative process when writing your lyrics and crafting your music?
When making music I like to have time. I turn on my MPC and just spend hours there making beats until I have something that I like.
Q. Many artists draw inspiration from personal experiences. How do your own life experiences influence your music?
I think it's important to always stay hungry. When you're hungry you just keep working to achieve your goals. Once your life is going well and you are full up, you lose focus. Always stay a little hungry!
Q. In what ways do you think your style sets you apart from other rappers in the industry?
When working on my 1st mixtape, I got a lot of help from my best friend OFS. He connected me with a lot of artists in Lisbon. Since then we've worked on a lot of projects together and will keep working on new bangers.
Q. Collaboration is a big part of the music industry. Can you share with us some of your most memorable collaborations and what you learned from them?
Also I met iNTeLL from the 2nd Generation Wu in 2017 when they were on tour in Europe. After I released my first mixtapes, we collaborated and that opened a lot of doors for me. Since then I've produced songs for Sticky Fingaz, Chino XL, Dogman Rukus, Roxiie Reese...
Q. Your stage presence is often a topic of discussion. How do you prepare for live performances, and what do you hope your audience takes away from your shows?
I haven't done any live shows myself. I like to support other artists when they perform.
Q. The hip-hop genre is known for addressing social and political issues. Do you see yourself as an advocate for any particular cause through your music?
I can't stand politics. I try to avoid all that crap as much as possible.
Q. How do you navigate the balance between staying true to yourself as an artist and meeting the expectations of your audience and the industry?
You have to make music that you love and not think about others. If you don't feel the music that you are producing, then nobody will.
Q. Can you discuss the significance of storytelling in your music and how you use it to connect with your listeners?
I like to pick a theme for every project I'm working on. When collaborating with artists I always tell them my vision and what I have in my mind.
Q. With the rise of streaming platforms, the way music is consumed has changed significantly. How do you think this shift has impacted the hip-hop community, and how do you adapt to these changes?
don't like to think about this topic. The streaming platforms are necessary for us to get heard. But at the end we are just getting robbed by them.
Q. Your latest album has received a lot of attention. What was the inspiration behind it, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
My last album was a collaboration with DJ Flipcyide. I made all the beats and he scratched vocal messages on top. It's just a really enjoyable album to listen to with important messages for world today.
Q. As a prominent figure in the industry, how do you use your platform to uplift emerging artists and promote diversity within hip-hop?
It's always important that we support each other. Whenever new artists release a project I always make sure to share it and show some love.
Q. Many aspiring musicians look up to you as a role model. What advice would you give to young artists who are trying to break into the music industry?
Always stay true to yourself. Don't follow the mainstream. Do your thing and try to stand out in this game.
Q. What do you see as the future of hip-hop, both musically and culturally?
Everything is always sounding more the same. There are not enough unique artists like 20 years ago. I have the feeling this will just get worse in the future.
Q. Finally, what's next for you in your career, and what can fans expect to see from you in the near future?
I've finished an EP that will drop hopefully in July if everything goes well. It will be called "The Summer of Sam 24" and I've got features from Young Buck, Jarren Benton, Kool G Rap, iNTeLL, Legs MC, Young Ren and more... Stay Tuned!
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