Solu Music - Interview & Article

"Peace, love and House music, words to live by. You've got to follow your dreams". Wow, what a beautiful philosophy I think as I read the words of Solu Music. And if Dano Nathanson, along with Howie Caspe look as good as their house music sounds, then I'll make it my philosophy too!

A few weeks ago I had never heard of Solu Music. Then, one night at a party, I heard a tune. After some investigation, I find out the name of the track- it was “Fade”. Next, after a polite inquiry in my local record shop, I find that they had never heard of it! Finally, my search ends at www.solumusic.com , and, there at the end of my modem, I find two guys from Long Island just hangin' out, making great house music. Intrigued, I decide to find out more...

Dano and Howie are both natives of Long Island, New York, and they’ve something good cooking at the moment. Both from musical backgrounds, they met in a band a few years ago and beautiful things began to happen ...

DHN - So, tell us what Solu is all about and how it all began?

Dano - I'll let Howie explain that one!

Howie - Well, here’s the short version... Solu was an idea that stems from about 1½ years ago. We were working on a live funk/soul original project called Frodisi. It was going to be the biggest live act in NYC. Horns, female vocalists, percussion, the whole deal. The scheduling alone was a nightmare. Anyway, that project was making us crazy. Every time it would be ready to blow up, someone would leave the band, or something would bring us back down. We really had amazing players in the band, but everyone was busy and needed cash. Of course, no one was getting paid for our project, so it was very difficult and very frustrating. We decided we needed a side project that we would only need to rely on each other for. That project became Solu.

DHN - What kind of stuff was each of you doing when you met, both musically, and other things besides?

Howie - I was going to school for music at NYU. At the time I was really focusing on my own original tracks. I would record them on 4 track and shop them around for gigs and anything else I could get. Dano always makes wise ass comments because I was doing a lot of acoustic/pop/folk hybrid stuff. I had a song about a truck driver, which he likes to remind me of. Anyway, its one of my favourites, I don't care what anyone else says.

Dano - I was involved in a project playing guitar in a hard-edged fusion band. There were only 3 of us and I played the lead instrument responsible for all the melodies. We really had a great dance feel to the material we did- we played everything from Grover Washington's "Mr. Magic" to the theme from 2001 Space Odyssey! It was a funky time, but I needed more. My soul needed to rise. So I decided to branch out and start getting more players involved and in walked Mr. Howie. It’s all history from there. All the while, I had been working for the underground distribution company, Watts Music here in NY, where I was subjected to the profound sounds of the underground. It was during these times that I began to evolve musically.

DHN - How did you first realise that you were each other’s "musical counterparts"?

Howie - We hit it off right away... musically, personally I still think he's a bit of a flid (just kidding Dano). Anyway, it started from the first day we played live. I showed up at this dungeon where our funk/soul/cover band (Lippsmackadee) would always practice. It was kind of an audition, we heard some things, hit some hits together, and just locked in. We were always on the same page live, and in the studio it’s the same way. Oh, don't think we always agree, because if either of us hears something we don't like, we let the other know. He'll say "That shit is not going on a record, no way". And I will say, "How about recording that solo again buddy?" It’s a great, open collaboration.

Dano - Things just clicked between Howie and I. Playing live was always a great experience- hearing the hits, feeding off each other's vibe. And once we started writing together it was just pure magic. This is something that we have both wanted since we were little bastards growing up and the both of us are going to work hard at achieving our goals. Our influences and musical backgrounds make for an exciting stew of creativity.

DHN - You both have a lot of experience in bands playing all types of instruments. Tell me a bit about that, and did either of you ever done much mixing or DJing until you met?

Howie - I was the DJ at my 6th Grade dance! And I used to do that kind of stuff to put some cash in my pocket, but I was never a DJ in the sense that I now think of it. Only recently have I been really getting down and putting mixes together. We've been DJing at our release parties, and want to tour in 2003. As far as the live stuff goes, I’ve been doing it forever. I love that feeling when you're up there, and people are dancing their asses off, throwing their hands in the air. The goals are the same in live and DJ, you want to force people to move. It’s amazing, and DJing gives me that vibe all over again.

Dano - I've always had a huge music collection. I only used to mix and blend music in the comfort of my own home with all my favourite records from labels like Slip & Slide, Distance, Spiritual Life, and King Street. It was only up until last year that DJing became a serious thing for me. It’s a wicked feeling dropping a track and giving the audience an element of surprise! I go mad for people's reaction and watching them party, knowing they are all in my hands and I am in charge of giving them an awesome time.

DHN - New York has a lot of great DJs and music producers. Did you find it intimidating or difficult when you were first starting out?

Dano - There are so many legendary DJs that have come out of NYC that are just untouchable. I don't know if it was intimidating more that it was trying to be accepted and treated seriously in the dance community here in NY. We just kind of snuck up on the scene. But people heard the track and DJs were playing in different spots in the world, when all of a sudden the song took on a life of its own. Maybe it was the lyrics that drew people to it, or maybe people were just searching for something new. Whatever the case, we couldn't have asked for better results.

Howie - When you have a city that is home to some of the most legendary producers and DJs in the world, it’s definitely intimidating. I remember the first time we gave out a promo for “Fade”. We had no idea what to expect, and we were so nervous. We didn’t know the DJ, how to approach him, if it was cool to approach him, or if he would hate the track. Anyway, the thing you really worry about is respect. You want the people that you respect to respect you and your music, and so far it’s been amazing.

DHN - Your debut release, “Fade”, is a serious piece of SEXY house. How did you come about producing that tune and where did you find vocalist Kimblee?

Howie - This was a track that just kind of happened. When we write music, we don’t have a formula, we just go in and play, we do what we feel, and hopefully something beautiful comes out. Lyrically, we just put ourselves in a situation and wrote it down. There’s definitely no explaining it. Kimblee is an amazing vocalist who’s performed all over the world. We knew her from Frodisi, she had auditioned and was in the band, but like I said that didn’t work out. This definitely did.

Dano - The music came together very quickly. We were just feeling the vibe and things just fell in the right place. We hit the pen and paper and started writing deep, sexy, soulful lyrics. We are sexy & soulful fellas you know! But we knew Kimblee was the voice for the song. She came in and exceeded our expectations. Truly a gem to work with.

DHN - Does Long Island has it's own unique vibe apart from the rest of NY, and would you say that living in Long Island has influenced your music?

Dano - There is no House scene on Long Island at all! There is more of commercial-sounding trance at the mega-clubs. Or Billy Joel at the bars! Long Island needs to hear the soulful sounds of house music. I was heavily influenced by working at Watts where I was subjected to deep house from France, San Fran, NYC, & the UK.

Howie - Long Island has influenced our music because of its proximity to NYC. Growing up I was always in the city. Even though I wasn’t listening to house, I always appreciated it, as well as so many other styles. That openness is definitely because of the most eclectic city in the world, NYC. There really isn’t a house scene on Long Island. It’s extremely commercial as far as the clubs go, and that’s for both live music and DJing. We’re trying to get a night out there to hopefully get some people checking out the soulful side of things.

DHN - December 5th, 2001 saw the launch of your second E.P "Afrika" in downtown Manhattan. Tell us how that went and what the response has been so far?

Dano - The response has been overwhelming! The song delivers some real serious energy, and people really got into it. There was some great dancing going on when that track dropped that night.You can't explain the feeling when people come up to you and say, "I gotta have that track”! It's pretty wicked…

Howie - Response has been amazing. We were a bit nervous because this record is so different than our first one. We’re releasing what we feel, and “Afrika” was another one that just came together. We’re really excited about the official release, and hopefully it will do well.

DHN - The “Afrika” EP has some mad afro-beats mixed with some seriously sophisticated sax- how did you find the sax player?

Howie - Dano got this one… but Bernhard is absolutely amazing, especially when he makes his sax monkey sounds!

Dano - That sax player, Berhard Ullrich, is a friend of ours we've known for some time now. Originally from Germany, he has been amazing people all over the world for years now. He is currently working with Dem Brooklyn Bums Big Band.

DHN - “Fade” is being repressed at the moment and is going to be re-released by Wave in January- you must be pretty excited about that?

Dano- We never thought we were going to receive the response we did with this record. It’s our first record dammit! And with a label like Wave Music, whom I've respected for years, to embrace it the way they have is just so rewarding.

Howie - Extremely, I heard the remastered copy, and it sounds so clean! I just can’t believe that it’s coming out again, and on Wave? We never could have imagined that it would have taken off like this. Thanks Francois!

DHN - 2002 is looking preeeety good for you guys, what have you got planned for the year ahead?

Dano - We plan to make this a really exciting year for us, and music lovers here on planet Earth. We are preparing for the Miami Winter Music Conference this coming March. We’ve just finished the track we’re planning to feature at the conference and really knock some people’s socks off.

Howie - We have a steady stream of releases planned. We’re currently wrapping up our third release, which we’re hoping to blow up at the Winter Music Conference. It features a new vocalist, Ariah- she’s definitely something special. Can’t wait till that track is out. We’re also going to continue throwing parties in NYC, keep on DJing, and who knows, maybe get to do a couple of remixes!

DHN - Would you say you are just going with the flow right now or is there a master plan for Solu?

Howie - Musically we’re just going with the flow, we’re writing what we feel, and releasing what we think best represents what we do. But we definitely have a plan. We want to be a force, we want to be known for putting out great music, and sending great vibes into people’s mind, body, and Solu… I mean soul. We want to be a label and production team that’s gonna be around for a long time. And now that we’re here, we plan on working our asses off to stay around.

Dano - Of course we want to become a successful label and production team, that over the next few years really blow people away with unique music that touches people a certain way. Really, I just want to be loved, dammit!

DHN - What about music from outside the NY and the US, are there other places and sounds that you would say has influenced your music?

Dano - I am affected by music from all over the world- whether I'm chillin’ to some Da Lata or Femi Kuti or St. Germain. I embrace it all and it always excites me to hear new things. Once again, it’s the element of surprise.

Howie - I’m definitely with Dano on this one. I also love the big Cuban stuff like the Afro-Cuban All Stars, and of course the Buena Vista Social Club. I love it all, I want to go everywhere. Where’s my flights? Bookem’ Dano!!! We’re also planning to go on a DJ tour in summer 2003.

DHN - So you’re planning to go see more places?

Howie - Of course, I would love to be able to travel the world, meet amazing people, and spread my music. I don’t think I could ask for anything more. Oh, except for some time in the Caymans or Fiji.

Dano - Most definitely. Are you going to pay for it? Wow, what a nice guy! Haha! Seriously, I look forward to exploring this gorgeous planet and all its fruitful offerings.

DHN - Any plans to take Solu further than New York at the moment?

Dano - As of now, NY is our home base, but once we get some solid ground, we plan to tour the world and spread some love all over.

Howie - Right now we’re housed here, and we love it here. It would be great to expand in the future. Maybe to London or something, but right now New York is the place that we live…

DHN - Dano, I have to ask you, you stated that- "the time has come for me to bring multiple orgasms to the dancefloor". Is there a particular tune that has ever made you come on the dancefloor?

Howie - Dano once came while listening to “More Than A Woman” by the BeeGees. But that’s a long story...

Dano - Hmmm ... let's see ... came close with "Never as Good as The First Time" by Sade. Then there was Kimira Loveace, "When Can Our Love Begin". Hmmm ...but then there was that night with Ananda Project's "Cascades Of Colours" ... and who can forget that time with what’s her head, whew what a tomcat...damn, I thought she was 18! Will you excuse me?

DHN - And you Howie, do you have a particular favourite tune, and who would you say has been your influences over the years?

Howie - My influences are definitely too long to list. A couple are Otis Redding, James Brown, John Coltrane, the B52’s…really, I love and I’m influenced by all music.

DHN – All of this has happened quite fast, has there been any pitfalls along the way, have you learned from them?

Howie - We’ve messed up a lot of things. I deleted all the original vocals for Fade, we had to have Kimblee come back and do them all over again. You just have to stay focused and dedicated. It’s also great to have a partner in crime. We definitely tend to balance each other out. If I’m stressed or down, he pulls me up, and shows the way. Hopefully I do the same for him. Shit, it sounds like he’s my girlfriend…I gotta do something else with my life!

Dano - We learned to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! There have been a few pitfalls, but nothing we couldn't bounce stronger from. Without the pitfalls, we wouldn't be where we are now; wherever that is!

DHN - So all and all, things definitely seem to be moving forward for you! Have you any advice/ parting shots for us?

Dano - Lets all just move forward this year. Last year has been emotionally trying for all of us and I think it’s important for us to focus on the things that are really important to us all. Lets not forget how fragile we are…

Howie - I’m definitely in Dano’s corner and I’m sure a lot of other people’s on this one, it’s been an extremely emotional year, a roller coaster ride for us. A lot of highs and lows, it has probably been the best and worst year of my life. It feels good to be moving again, and I hope that in 2002 we all move a little slower, look around, and appreciate the beauty of this world we live in, and especially the people around us… Oh, and let’s all meet up for a drink at Dano’s favourite pub, The Bold O’ Donohughes!

So there you have it, that's Solu Music, and it looks like this could be the beginning of a very beautiful friendship. The East Coast boys who were mistaken for the West Coast sound. But there is no mistaking now, because these boys are here to stay.

After talking to Howie and Dano, I can't help feeling excited. Certainly one exciting element of Solu is how much the guys like doing live performances. It helps to take away the myth that dance music is ‘not real music’. "Playing live brings a whole new element into the music. “I always want to have that live element. People really get off on that," says Dano. "Yeah," says Howie, "there's so much more energy. People come up, dance on the stage, playing live adds an intimacy".

Without a doubt, the music is close to these boys hearts. Both cite St. Germain as one of the major influences as to how they got into house as well as a love and ambition for live music. Not everything was smooth sailing though and novices take heed! “Save, Save, Save”, is the message from Dano anyway. While rushing to finish off Fade, Howie was working on the original mix and deleted every single vocal. Yes, nightmares on wax, the entire track was gone! But it was only when they got Kimblee back in to start all over again, that the track we now know as Fade emerged. I suppose it just goes to show that some things were meant to happen!

And what about the voice behind the music? To people on the dancefloor everywhere it 's often the voice that captures what the spirit of the music. Ahh yes, there's nothing like a sexy vocal on a house tune to really make it stay in your mind and go around and around and around ...meet Kimblee.

DHN - What were you doing your-self when you met the guys?

Kimblee - Howie and Dan put an ad in the Village Voice in NYC for a female singer. I met the guys at the audition when I answered the ad. At the time I was looking for original music to work on with original people. I was also travelling with a funk band. We had done the millennium New Year's Eve party in Brazil. I am always writing my own music and I am in the studio pretty often. Performing live is a big part of what I love and so I was (and still am) performing weekly with a cover band.

DHN - Have you worked in the house music scene before? What do you think of it?

Kimblee - I had worked in the house music scene before, but it never went this far. I love it! The people are real and there is always a good vibe and positive energy because the crowd loves the music almost as much as I do. The performance I did of “Fade” at the Body and Soul party in NYC back in November was just amazing. After the performance, I got to hangout with the crowd, who really embraced me from the minute I hit the stage. I love to dance, so I asked some of the many hot dancers to come up on stage with me. I love the idea of the "on stage party".

DHN - What do you think of the two guys, how are they to work with, and are they really as sexy as they say they are? (hee-hee!)

Kimblee - The guys are great! Down to earth and genuine. I really do consider them friends, as well as musical counterparts. They are great to work with. When we record it is easy to forget that we are doing work because it is so relaxed. And yes, they are pretty sexy!

DHN - The response to fade has been tremendous, how has it been for you? You must be so excited about it being released by Wave, what has it meant for you?

Kimblee - The response to Fade is unreal and some days I really have a hard time believing it! It brings me happiness beyond words because performing and singing is why I am on this earth, and when people like what you do too; well it makes the experience even better. Having the song released on Wave means to me that there is more music to come and that is more than good. It's a reminder that I am in the right business.

DHN - Are you currently working on anything at the moment? Or have you anything lined up that we can look forward to?

Kimblee - I am working on my own original music right now. I am in the studio laying down tracks. I am also performing Fade and still working with my cover band. You can look forward to hearing my name and seeing my music live in the next year. Maybe even over by your hometown. I would love to hit the streets of Dublin!

DHN - Wow, it must be an amazing feeling to be a part of Solu at the moment, Fade has just taken off, and you are such a big part of that ...

Kimblee - It is amazing to watch Fade take off. It's excellent. I look forward to the release on the 27^th myself. Like anything else though- you have to live day by day and make it all beautiful!

So I guess that about wraps it up, and things are looking very promising indeed. With the Miami Music Conference in March (we'll see you there), the release of their third 'yet to be named track' featuring Ariah in April 2002 and a fourth in the making, Solu is a name we will be hearing more of in 2002. For a teasing taste of what's to come, check out loop 1 on www.solumusic.com. This is definitely one label where the beat goes on...

Interview and Article by Aine G [DeepHouseNetwork] [aine@deephousenetwork.com]

“Afrika” is out now on Solu Music, and “Fade” is now re-released (Jan 27^th, 2002) on Wave Music. Check out Solu Music at www.solumusic.com