Interview: Electronic producer Solarrio
Interview by: Alexie Jung
We got to chat with Berlin-based artist/producer Solarrio. Born in Paris to Russian and Argentinian parents and having lived in France, Germany and the USA, Solarrio tries to incorporate his global influences into his music. After working with numerous german hip-hop artists as KD Supier throughout the 2000s, he rebranded as Solarrio in 2016 to launch his own project, mixing 80’s Synthpop, R&B and funk with electronic beats. After numerous singles and 3 EPs he is gearing up for the release of his debut album in 2023.
– Who’s behind Solarrio?
My name is David Barenboim, I started the Solarrio project with my friend Alhassan Sakho aka Fonz many years ago. We were both rap producers in Germany and this was our side project, focused on electronic and dance music. It turned into my solo project, my first EP being released in 2017. Fonz is still very involved as a co-producer and art director. Other people involved in the project are Pedro Vito (Jack Savoretti), Craig Walker (Archive, Phoebe Killdeer), LA rap veteran Sahtyre and vocalist Lenka Shockley.
– How long have you been making music and what was the starting point?
I grew up in a very musical household, all my family members are classical musicians so I guess I was the odd one out. I started playing piano at the age of 5, guitar at 12 and by 14/15 I was into samplers and synthesizers. I played in a couple rock bands and started making beats so my rap group would not have to keep rapping on other people’s music. So I’ve been creating/writing music since my early teens.
– Who are your main influences?
Prince, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Phil Collins, Curtid Mayfield, Dr Dre, RZa to name a few
– If you could collaborate with anyone, who would that be?
I’d really love to work with Kali Uchis & Charli XCX, two of my favorite current artists
– You have a single coming in a few weeks and your debut album will be released during the Summer – what can you tell us about them?
I’m still working out all the details, the music is pretty much done, but there’s a lot more I need to figure out before I can announce an official release date. I’ve been self-releasing music for the past 5 years and I feel like this might be a good time to partner up with someone. This is by far my best work to date, I feel like we finally found the right sound/concept. So I’m taking my time, making sure not to rush it because it needs to be done right. What I can tell you is that it’s funky, fun and cinematic. My goal is to take the listener on a journey when they listen to the record.
– What are your goals a year from now?
More music, more success, more health, more love. I hope that all the artists I work with closely and I can level up and take our art to as many people as possible.
Connect with Solarrio:
