Exclusive Interview: Mr. Solomon

This week’s Artist Spotlight features Chicago based DJ/producer, Mr. Solomon. You’ve probably seen him play at one of our events in the past few months, but if not you can catch him playing at clubs all over the city. Mr. Solomon has been quietly mastering his sound in his studio for over a decade. “His strong desire to innovate and bring dancing back to the clubs has been the foundation of his motivation.” This is what has drawn us to him. Mr. Solomon knows and understands the importance of making people actually feel the music. He knows that clubs are about more then bottle service and plays for the people on the dance floor not the over pretentious business man having a mid life crisis in the VIP section surrounded by 21 year old bottle whores. Mr. Solomon also carries  a rare trait amongst DJs. He has the ability to make a room adapt to his style of music vs adapting his style of play to the room. This writer recalls seeing Solomon turn a Top 40 club in the Chicago Suburbs into a room of open minded club goers experiencing Techno for the first time… and loving it! Simply astonishing is the only way to describe this mans talents. If you interested in hearing more check out the Q & A below!

What made you want to start DJing/producing?

When I was a 14 I used to use 2 tape decks to make “mixtapes” so I Could listen to my favorite parts of my favorite songs. I had a friend ask me to DJ a party in a hangar, making people dance is addicting.

 

Who is your biggest influence(s)?

Mauro Picotto, Eddie Haliwell (pre-2008), The Prodigy, Carl Cox, Ferry Corsten, Steve Lawler, Pleasurekraft

 

Whats you’re favorite record of all time?

Wow, tough one. Album? Fat of the Land. Track? Too hard to go all time, but the last couple years-Howling (ames remix)

 

What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?

Last Year’s Birthday party at HOME. My boy, Darsh and I were able to take over the decks for 4 hours. Not sure what happened afterward though.

 

Who is your favorite artist to collaborate with?

Darshan P.

 

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?

I really wouldn’t mind sitting down with Garrett Birch

 

What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?

The dreaded hit cue on the wrong cdj

 

What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?

I take time out to enjoy it. I think people forget to get inspired by others. It’s important to enjoy what you do. Otherwise, running and video games take up the rest of my hours.

 

What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?

As things get easier and easier to automate, it gets easier and easier to get lazy. I feel a lot of DJ’s in all genres have gotten lazy from time to time. I think it’s necessary to use the extra time you have to add to the show. I’m not quite sure just putting our hands up in the air does this or not.

 

What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?

Vocally, commercial deep house

 

What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?

People love attention. They will keep taking it if it’s given. The only thing we can do is educate and not give attention to those who do. Like something because you like it, not because everyone else does. I’m against all charts and lists. Music is an art. You cannot compare art, just take it for what it is. That’s the whole point. Nobody’s better, just different.

 

Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?

I have been working diligently on a couple of new tracks myself so look for those soon! As far as shows, I can’t wait, I hear Bobby De Maria of Kings of Class is going to have me open for them sometime very soon…

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