How long has Sola Rosa been around now?
10 years
Your musical history?
First band was in high school at age 13. Followed by another band when I left school at 16. Joined the Pink Frocks around 1992 who then became Cicada. Played together for 6 years – releasing one ep and one album. Cicada split up in 1998 at which point I travelled overseas through the States and Mexico, came home, bought a computer and started to write music as Sola Rosa. Released 2 ep’s independently before signing with FMR, who later became Warners. Since then we have released 4 albums. Get It Together being the latest one.
I also played bass in Dimmer over a 4 year period too – around the Solarized period.
Why the change from a solo project to full band?
It started as a objective to improve the live shows. One guy up on stage twiddling knobs does not maketh a show. First player to join me on stage was Ned Ngatae, followed by percussionist John Highsted, then Will Scott (drummer) and Matt Short (bass). Over the past 3 years Ned is no longer playing with us, being replaced by Ben White. John is also no longer playing with the band.
What is your writing/recording process?
I still write the same way mostly – starting from a sample or loop and adding programmed layers on top i.e. drums, keyboard bass etc. Difference these days is that I use the band and other players to recreate or record things from scratch instead of relying on samples.
Your Dream Collaboration?
There’s many people I’d like to work with – Roots Manuva, Omar (UK) etc etc. I’d also like to work with some engineers and producers just to see how they work differently to me but that could be a way off from happening.
You’ve got a new album coming out, how many is that now and what can people expect?
Album 4. People can expect more of an uptempo record with a livelier, more assertive record. Also its mostly live as opposed to the earlier records, being more sample based as I mentioned earlier.
What’s the worst thing that has happened to you on tour?
Being unable to unlock our van in Christchurch and waiting 3 hours to get our gear out, making for an incredibly long days travel. Great gig that night though so it wasn’t so bad
Your favourite show so far?
Hard to say – they have all been great! Gisborne possibly a stand out, as was the Mussel Inn in Onekaka. Amazing place, very friendly people.
If you could share the stage with anyone (person or band) who would it be?
Queens Of The Stoneage. Weird combo I know but I’ve never seen them and I’m a big fan.
What are you listening to at the moment? And/or what was the last record you bought?
Haven’t had much time to listen to anything to be honest. Last album I really dug was Q-Tip – The renaissance.
The state of music in NZ is…?
Pretty damn healthy! I love the fact that we can produce some of the finest ish around way down here in little ol’ Aotearoa.
