One of the most devout contributors to the progression of electronic music, Solee, enjoyed another career-defining year in 2023, with a consistent stream of original music for the likes of Ritter Butzke Records, Spectrum and his own Future Romance. Following the release of his globally-adored single ‘Krake’ in November of last year, Solee now returns to his own esteemed imprint with his follow-up record, ‘On The Other Side’, kick-starting the new year in the same tenacious fashion with which he ended the last.

With ‘On The Other Side’, Solee invites us to explore the deepest recesses of our musical consciousness, offering a heady web of soundscape and synth intricacies to draw listeners into his immersive sonic world. An odyssey into the depths of house and techno’s rapturous sensibilities, Solee’s latest studio endeavour evokes a full range of emotions and movements; a trait we’ve come to know and love from his impeccable output. To fully realise the track’s spirit, Solee treats us to an anthemic break that floods the airwaves with warm nostalgia, demonstrating his innate aptitude for meaningful melodies.

Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘On The Other Side’. Can you talk us through the inspiration and production process behind this one?

Thanks guys! “On the other side” was created at the beginning of last year. As I usually do, I started by finding a nice melody. Once I found the melody that is played by the trancy pad in the breaks, I built everything around it. Actually, that’s how I usually go about it. First to find a more or less complex melody / harmony and then find the more monotonous elements that turn it into a club track.

What are some of your favourite pieces of studio gear right now?

My most important pieces of studio gear right now are my Genelec monitors, my Beyerdynamic DT-1990 pro headphones, Steinberg Cubase, Arturia Pigments & V-Collection, Spectrasonics Atmosphere, Diva, Battery 4, Moog Sub37 only to name a few.

Your productions have gained several million streams and received worldwide support. Is there a moment or project that you considered to be the catalyst for your success?

I think I was lucky enough to get off to a very good start with my first single “Impressed” in 2006. This track was celebrated by many DJs and the press at that time, sold well on all formats and gave me a very good foundation in my career . Of course, there were a few tracks that were very important to get my career going, but “Impressed” was definitely the track that changed my life as a producer forever and made a lot of things possible.

Apart from that, I also worked at DigDis!, a music distributor, for 10 years. First vinyl then digital distribution. During this time I learned a lot about the music business from the other side. That was also very very helpful for my later career.

You’ve been in the industry for almost two decades now. How would you say your music and sound have evolved during this time?

I think it’s better in terms of sound because of all the possibilities these days. Through DJing I’ve probably learned better and better what’s really needed for a club track. I think my tracks are a bit more mature today. Basically, I make the sound that I love today just as I did back then. Danceable, melodic electronic music. Sometimes a little deeper, sometimes a little more demanding, always with the aim of taking the listener on a nice journey.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve noticed within the industry since you started your career?

In my opinion, everything has changed with social media and streaming. Both have brought many advantages but also difficulties.

You launched your second imprint Future Romance a couple of years ago now. What is the main ethos and purpose of the label?

I felt it was time to start something new. In my opinion, we live in a new time (not only musical). A lot has changed since the launch of Parquet Recordings in 2006, the artists/DJs, the music industry, the methods of promoting music, the clubbers, the listener’s behavior – so a new platform was needed for my music. But not just for my music but also for great music from other talented artists who fit into the label‘s deep & melodic sound.

Are you still planning to keep your first label Parquet Recordings up and running?

At the moment Parquet Recordings is in hibernation mode. It will stay that way in 2024, I can’t say what will happen after that. At the moment I’m all about Future Romance.

With your extensive experience, what advice would you give to aspiring music producers looking to get a foot into the industry?

Do what you enjoy, anything else won’t make you happy in the long term. Don’t look too closely at what others are doing, many things are not as they seem. (especially on social media). Find your own sound and work on it. Be diligent and don’t give up. But also take the necessary time. Learn your art properly before you show it. I’m sure quality still finds its way today!

What are the plans for 2024, both for yourself and for Future Romance?

Staying healthy and creative and continue to find great new music  & artists for Future Romance to expand the still young platform.