| Interview with Suzy Solar ( 03.05.2007 - 18:30 GMT UTC )
1. Nowadays, when djannes want to break into the music business, a lot of them have very sophisticated marketing campaigns, different teams hitting different markets and so forth. At the time you got on, how did you go from just rhyming to having your records played on the radio? Can you describe that early period ?
Suzy Solar: By the time I started to produce trance, I had already developed a name as a DJ. When I had my own productions in hand, I approached big DJs, like Paul Oakenfold, to give them my music. He actually licensed my track "Ocean of Love" for his Grammy nominated CD "Creamfields." That was the major breaking point for me.
2. Obviously a lot of the dance music today is very one dimensional; what are your thoughts on that? What do you think caused it to go from a place where originality was essential to a place now where a lot of times originality is a little more than an after-thought for a lot of djannes ?
Suzy Solar: At the time when EDM was premiering, originality was essential to break new ground. When some of the tracks hit the big time, a certain sound and format became the standard for what producers should sound like if they want to make money. I think a lot of the music is one dimensional because many producers lose sight of being original in their art. Many of them only focus on what's going to be signed to their favorite labels, get played by their favorite Djs, and bring them some fame and fortune.
3. You recently started recording again and releasing new material, like going back to the studio. What prompted you to do that ?
Suzy Solar: I used to fly to Europe to work with my co-producers, so a lot of time had elapsed between tracks. Now, I can work on material as fast as I want because I have my own studio equipment.
4. Do you think with the advent of all these new technologies and alternative means of promoting and getting the music out to the fans; is that going to be a big advantage for a lot of artists, as far as having creative freedom and not necessarily having to always bend to the corporate standard, so to speak ?
Suzy Solar: Absolutely!! Now producers can get incorporated to start our own labels. That means total creative freedom and the ability to control our own destiny. That's really good news to those of us who want to keep our originality and not bend to the man.
5. A few months ago you and Arizona came together to work on bringing the "Samurai" on Dedicated records label, tell me how has that progressed ?
Suzy Solar: It had progressed quite nicely :-) "Samurai" did very well on the dance charts internationally, particularly on the Technics Dutch Dance Charts. It's supported by top DJs like Armin and Ferry Corsten, and is featured on Technics "DJ Set Volume 16" and Riley & Durrant "Quest For Trance 2" CD compilations. It's also featured in a flight simulation video about an F16 flight over lands at high speeds for the US military.
6. What would you say to a fourteen or fifteen year old kid who’s maybe just getting into dance industry and hasn’t heard of you; what would you want them to know about Suzy Solar and the way she got into music and few tips to help him/her out ?
Suzy Solar: Well first off, I'd say to check out my website at www.suzysolar.com to know more about me ;-) I got into music because I knew from childhood that it's my calling. My whole life, I'd always worked towards fulfilling my dreams. I couldn't imagine life doing anything else. My best advice is to follow your calling. There's always going to be something or someone standing in your way, so you just have to figure out how to succeed in your given situation. In my case, I grew up with an abusive, paranoid schizophrenic mom. My passion and drive for music helped me overcome my obstacles. My mom didn't want me to be a musician so she tried everything she could to stand in my way!
7. You just came back to the studio, for the next few month, what else should fans be looking out for as far as Suzy Solar goes ?
Suzy Solar: My track, "Ocean of Love," is being released on EsNtion Silver in late May. It's the 2007 remixes of the classic mix that was featured on Paul Oakenfold's "Creamfields" album. I also have a brand new music video for the release, shot in Vancouver, Canada, starring me ;-) Check out my website to see it in hi-def. As we speak, I'm producing an album of all new tracks.
8. With support from superstar Djs like Tiesto, Ferry Corsten, Pete Tong, Paul van Dyk, Judge Jules, Marco V, Johan Gielen, Dave Pearce, Jon O' Bir, Lange, Steve Helstrip (Thrillseekers), Blank and Jones, Graham Gold, Piet Bervoets (Rank 1), M.I.K.E. and Marcel Woods, just to name a few, where do u see yourself in 4-5 years from now ?
Suzy Solar: I see myself touring as a live act and doing more producing and singing. I'm a former music television producer and host, so I have the itch to get back into television too. I'm hoping to co-produce my own music videos after the album is done.
9. What are you working on these days? Tell me more about your upcoming projects please :)
Suzy Solar: I'm working on my new album. I'm really adamant about creating a sound that's different. I've already produced a track that has strong 60's psychedelic rock influences. I'm also collaborating with Thomas Bronzwaer (aka Arizona) again, and with Terry Bones and Vast Vision.
10. In an era of media takeovers, with mainstream media outlets becoming less and less open to independent acts, how can individuals take action ?
Suzy Solar: Musicians and DJs, you should embrace your indivuality and take a stand to play what you feel. There's a big world just waiting to be reached and your fans are out there somewhere to be found. Don't just wait around for things to happen. If big labels don't get you, start your own label. To be destined for greatness, you must be a leader. Leaders are unique in their own way. Followers won't make it to the top of the industry.
11. Please say a few words to those ones that are reading this interview, specially the TranceSound.net community.
Suzy Solar: A few words. No just kidding ;-) I'd like to say thanks for the interview and thanks to those who are reading it :-) Stay true to yourself; love what you do and do what you love.
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs aka Dj K8oard (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Suzy Solar official website
Suzy Solar @ MySpace
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