Solomun Interview

Solomun is much more than a DJ. He’s a DJ star with two record labels, a radio show and one of the most respected underground clubs in Germany to his name. Furthermore, he’s credited with playing a major role in redefining European House Music through his stand-out sets. We recently caught up with him to discuss his many ventures.  

What have you been up to recently? You’re often at work when everyone around you is partying, so what do you do to chill out during down time?
This is always the five word sentence I explain my job to people: “I work when you sleep”. So what do I do to relax? I love having long dinners with friends, watching TV-shows on my laptop and being happy that I don’t have to travel.

As someone who’s a tastemaker, what influences your own music tastes? Do you find it’s something constantly developing?
Yes it’s a permanent process, I have my channels and also friends and people who I trust music-wise, and this combined with the promos I am constantly checking helps me to be quite up to date.

As the ever increasing popularity of house music shows no signs of slowing down, do you find the genre developing at a faster pace?
For me it is very interesting to see how House music develops and spreads all over the world. You know that in Europe we grew up with House music, with House parties and now to see that in South Africa, Brazil, Australia or the States House music is getting bigger and bigger is really exciting. Personally I think the whole playground of electronic music is so big and wide-spread that there’s enough space for every different style. If it is developing too fast? Maybe, I can’t say, we will all have to wait and see.

You have your own record label, Diynamic, what does it aim to deliver that other labels don’t?
I can’t tell compared to other labels, because I think what we always try to deliver could also be the thing most of the other labels want to do as well. To create uniqueness and quality. Music on Diynamic can be anything, any style, from a dance floor stomper to an album you would listen to at home, but if it is not unique and created with quality it won’t be released.

You’ve also got a newer label 2DiY4, how is this different from Diynamic? Why was it important for you to have this as something totally separate?
2DIY4 was made to build a free ride for our Diynamic artists. For more experimental stuff that they would not release on the mother-ship Diynamic.

You’re heading over to Australia at the end of November to play at the Stereosonic festival, what are you most looking forward to?
I’ve been in Australia only once and this is years ago, so I am basically looking forward to the whole thing. The country, the people, I will have a few off-days in Sydney which will be great. I come more or less as a tourist and am really excited about it. And of course the parties.

Your tour finishes on the 8th December, what’s been the standout memory of 2013 for you?
In Germany we say: If you remember anything from a great party then you haven’t been there [laughs].
So I’m afraid that I can’t remember the best memories.

Tell us about your huge show at Valhalla in Amsterdam too?
Yes that will be great as well. A nice Christmas party. I have heard great thing about is so I’m really looking forward to that one. TEED and Eats Everything will be in my arena as well so it will be full of great music.

What can we expect from you in 2014? Do you aim to achieve specific things year on year?
No, I’m more the thinking from day to day guy. I’m hoping to have a little more time to produce music next year.

We’re always on the lookout for great travel destinations that offer something different. Is there anywhere in the world that’s stood out for you as truly amazing?
The fresh grilled fish in Hvar, Croatia. Absolutely amazing!

Thanks so much for talking with us; we’re looking forward seeing what you bring to Oz.
You’re welcome; I’m looking forward to it too!