Manchester duo Solardo proudly launched their brand new label Sola Nauts with long-time friend Andrea Oliva getting the nod for the first release, titled Freaks and featuring an acid mix from the label bosses.
“Sola Nauts is our new venture into the more underground and experimental world of house and techno. When Andrea sent us Freaks we thought that it was perfect to kick off the label due to its moody freakish-like vibe” – Solardo
Andrea Oliva kicked off the new imprint in style with a club-ready groover destined to blow up dance floors in the better days ahead. Andrea’s years of experience shine through with playful percussion marrying with bassey thuds to get Freaks underway. Following on and adding a heavy dose of Acid to the release is Solardo’s Acid Remix. A dynamic bass melody pairs with iconic rave chords to create a product that will leave you itching for a rave.
Andrea Oliva’s current status as an established international headline act is the result of an entirely organic journey. Born in ’81, Andrea began teaching himself to DJ at the age of 13. In 2004 he was invited to DJ at Space for the first time and over the following years cemented himself at the heart of Ibiza culture. Throughout his career, Andrea has upheld an ever-strong release schedule, with EP’s on Hot Creations, Desolat, Saved, Moon Harbour, Relief, Rejected, Kaluki and Circus among others
Celebrating the release of Freaks, we grabbed a deep chat with Andrea Oliva as he delivers a specially-curated Guest Mix.
Enjoy both below, and read until the end of the article for full tracklisting.
Hi Andrea, nice chatting with you. It’s been a weird year for sure, so it feels strange even asking you but… how are you doing?
Weird indeed! In all the negativity I try to pick some positive things out of the situation otherwise you freak out. If there is a feeling I hate, then for sure it’s the insecurity in these uncertain times.
Seriously though, how did lockdown and everything that is going on affect you in terms of mental health?
I try to stay mentally fit by seeing the positive things as I said before. Being surrounded by my family, my friends and having plenty of time to sit in the studio is something which keeps away negative thoughts. Complaining would be too easy in a situation like this you have to take out your personality and try to make the best out of it.
While it has been a tough year for many, the adversity also opened the door to many new opportunities. Did you find any silver linings and such opportunities?
I took all of the opportunities straight away. Studio, sport, family, all the things I didn’t have time while being on non-stop on tour.
How was your studio productivity affected, if at all?
Time is fundamental and for me, the most important thing, when there’s time there is no pressure and no pressure means being free for me personally.
About that… you’re responsible for the debut release on Solardo’s new label. How did that come about?
We send each other tunes all the time. I am happy to contribute to their first release. We have a great friendship and I can’t wait to see them back at a party.
Tell us a little bit about it, the vibe and what you hope it communicates to listeners and dancers…
I wanted to do a more hypnotic, tribal, balearic track, a bit of a Danny Tenaglia vibe from back in the days.
How did you and the Solardo guys first meet and what’s your relationship like?
We met in Ibiza a few years ago and how can you not fall in love with them, always smiling always good vibes and they love what they do. Having them around you is just good energy.
It almost seems like everyone owns a label these days. Why do you think that is?
Owning a music and a party label allows you to push people you believe in, it’s a great way to give something back and help developing and support peoples careers. If it wasn’t for people like Shlomi Aber, Nic Fanciulli or Luciano, I wouldn’t be where I am today, they were the first people who supported and released my first tracks.
Are you planning to start one of your own? Why?
Yes! I am going to launch at the end of the year and I’ll do it for the reasons I’ve explained before. It’s all about sharing and giving back the opportunities to other artists, same as I got when I started.
Talking about labels, I know you’ve been so prolific and successful on releasing on a lot of high-quality and respected labels. What advice would you give to up-and-coming producers hoping to release on known labels?
I have to be honest, in the beginning I was indeed looking at established and respected labels to be on. If you’re lucky and you place your music on such labels it’s for sure a big boost for your name, but I’ve grown and I’ve changed. It’s not the most important thing for me anymore. I have a friendship with almost every label owner I am on, it’s a privilege for me seeing my friends excited about releasing my music, no matter if its the coolest or less hyped label.
You’ve been DJing since you were 13. Do you remember your first set? How was it like?
Sure I remember them, would have been interesting to record those sets and being able to listen to them now. lol! It was all fader mixing and switching tracks super fast. A total different way of how I am playing now.
What are the 3 most important lessons you’ve learned as a DJ since?
Read a crowd. Create a vibe by playing the right track at the right moment, and you’re not the most important person in the room.
As a DJ you’ve performed almost everywhere, from Panorama Bar to Coachella and so many other clubs and stages in between. How do you prepare, mentally and artistically, to perform at such a diverse selection of clubs?
It’s something I am actually proud of, it’s not that easy playing diverse sets in different situations and still being you. There is always someone who fascinates me in almost all the genres electronic music brings. Being open to different styles of music make the difference and you don’t even need that much of a preparation when you play a small club on Friday and then a big stage at a festival on the Saturday. Getting inspired by the energy of the room is fundamental, if so, a passionated DJ can move every room.
What have been some of your favorite booths to play in, and why?
Again very diverse. Panorama bar, dc10, Fabric, Ushuaia, festivals like Kappa, Tomorrowland and pretty much all the parties and afterparties in South America. Every gig has something special.
Which countries have the best crowds?
Difficult question. Spain, Italy, the UK, Romania and as I said the South American crowd is incredible too. Of course my home country Switzerland is special but there are so many places with people who are passionate about electronic music. I have new favourites every year.
We are entering the last quarter of 2020 soon. What do you hope for in these last few months of the year?
– I wish for a healthy world with the majority of it spending love and respect. It’s what our scene stands for!
Guest Mix Tracklist:
01 Jil Tanner – Ravenergy (Original Mix)
02 Josh Butler- Keep It Hot (Original Mix)
03 Nightshift (UK) – Journey (Original Mix)
04 Santiago Rojas – Dancer & Prankster (Stanny Abram Remix)
05 Rendher, Tacko – Chingon (Original Mix)
06 Sebo K – New Steps (Original Mix)
07 Aney F. – Inseparable (Extended Mix)
08 Bodeler, Saenz – Panash (Original Mix)
09 Luuk Van Dijk – Da Revolution (Original Mix)
10 Rendher, Richard Ulh – Dancing Like Madonna (Original Mix)
11 Avision – Taking Over Me (Chambray Remix)
12 Andrea Oliva – Unison (Original Mix)
13 Stanny Abram – Balearic Soul (Original Mix)
14 Rulers, Samuele Scelfo – Relish (Original Mix)
15 Aney F. – Venus (Original Mix)
16 Andrea Oliva – Freaks (Original Mix)
17 Ossie – Someday (Extended Mix)
18 Ronnie Spiteri – Soul Finder (Darius Syrossian Remix)
19 Gianluca Pegoiani – Numero 5 (Original Mix)
Andrea Oliva Freaks is out on Sola Nauts and available HERE
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