Interview: Sole Dosi

Sole Dosi has built an impressive catalogue of music, with previous releases including outings for established labels such as Kneaded Pains, BCCO, and Craigie Knowes.

Her latest offering finds her debut on Diffuse Reality Records, as her ‘Flowers On Fire’ EP delivers three brand new original productions alongside a solid remix from Dutch techno veteran Secret Cinema.

We spoke to the Italian artist to talk about the new release, her thoughts on Secret Cinema’s edit, which other labels she might be releasing with soon, and more. Read the full discussion below.

How are things in the life of Sole Dosi right now?

I’m so grateful and anxious at the same time. I’m working a lot on my music and content, and as I think all artists feel, sometimes I’m overwhelmed by having too many things to do. To be a DJ & producer today, music is the basis but not enough.

You must know how to promote, be informed about everything around you, know how to organise events, how record labels works, do PR, know how to create content, even AI, and stay constantly updated on new technologies and trends of the moment.

At the same time however, you need to know how to take care of yourself, try to keep a healthy lifestyle and cultivate personal relationships. I mean, it’s not really for everyone.

You’ve just released your new ‘Flowers On Fire’ EP on Diffuse Reality Records – talk us through the three originals included on this one?

Well, it all started one day when I wanted to create an EP inspired by the sound of Secret Cinema, adding sounds that came from minimal, from breakbeat, French music of the ’70s and punk music of the ’80s.

Once the EP was finished, I took courage and decided to send it to him thinking that he would never answer me. Instead he answered, confessing that my music had struck him on a very deep level, because at that moment he was in a very dark place in his mind and my music had brought the sun back into his life. We immediately bonded deeply.

At the same time the ‘Flowers On Fire’ EP had remained unreleased, until one day Diffuse Reality Records asked me if I had music for them because they were very interested in my sound. I immediately sent him the EP and they wanted it immediately.

The first track ‘Social Distortion’  is not there because it was signed by Kneaded Pains, Dense & Pika’s label, so I added ‘Am I Dreaming’ which was similar to my actual sound, and then the title track ‘Flowers On Fire’.

And there’s also a great remix from Secret Cinema, what are your thoughts on that?

It’s definitely one of my favorite tracks ever. We listened to it for months non stop: it’s techno, it’s romantic, it’s elegant, it’s lively but at the same time it’s melancholy. He has added a timeless melody, suitable for any context, it certainly reflects the unique connection that is created when two people without knowing each other create music together.

You’ve previously released music on imprints such as Kneaded Pains, Craigie Knowes, and BCCO, where else might we see you release in the coming months?

My next releases will be on an Indian label, GRL Records, and on an Argentinian imprint, Ureguay Records, with a more melodic sound that’s closer to Detroit electro and breakbeat.
 I’m also now working on an ambient trance project, which I cannot reveal yet but will be the maximum expression of all that has happened to me so far and the journey of sounds and experiences that I went through.

And is there any one label you hope to work with at some point down the road?

Nina Kraviz’s Trip is for sure a goal for me, as well as Planet Rhytm, XX Lab, Mama Told Ya… and why not? Also Gudu Records!

Which upcoming summer gigs are you most excited about?

This month I will play HOR Berlin on August 5th and on August 31th at the closing of Cocoricò in Riccione, while from September I will play at the Tempio del Futuro Perduto once a month, it’s Dropzi Records, a hardgroove label that I founded with the intent to bring the clubbing air that I breathe in the clubs of Amsterdam and Milan and where I support emerging artists from all over the world.

On September 28th I will also play in Bologna for Tank Serbatoio Culturale and many other gigs still to be announced. One of them is for sure my gig at Loveland on October 20th for ADE! These are goals that I never thought I would reach.

Is there anything else you want to mention before we go?

I would like to make an appeal to all DJs, producers, musicians, and electronic music lovers: I will be waiting for you at the Dropzi Records events in Milan in September and in Amsterdam in October for ADE. Do not hesitate to send us music because the purpose of the project is to support and emphasize emerging artists! And come to the events because you will surely find the vibe you’re looking for when you want to indulge in a journey through unusual and prejudiced electronic music!

Sole Dosi – Flowers On Fire EP is out now on Diffuse Reality Records.