Embracing a vibrant new chapter of music, legendary NZ producer and artist SOLA ROSA presents his highly anticipated new project, IN THE MIDS. Created meticulously between Melbourne and Auckland, the album features some of SOLA ROSA’s most striking material yet, redefining his artistry and demonstrating new sonic potential still to be explored.
Featuring singles ‘Jupiter (ft. Iva Lamkum)’, ‘Losing Time (ft. Muroki)’ and the dynamic ‘Like A Light In The Dark (ft. BRŪDE)’, the record is a love letter to the mix of genres that has become the blueprint for his signature style of production and arrangement.
Upon a foundation of electronic patterns exists delicate shades of R&B, insatiable funk, compelling rhythms and attitude that is bolstered by the presence of a masterfully-curated cast of guest vocalists.
In addition to Iva Lamkum, Muroki and BRŪDE, the listener is able to lose themselves in different moments of IN THE MIDS where artists including Akosia (‘No Time For Love’), Blush’ko (‘We Try and We Lose’), Wallace (‘How Do You’) and Wilson Blackley (‘Dangerous’) take centrestage.
“This album began like all my others — I’d make a bunch of beats and see what stuck — but at first, I had no clear vision. I was still thinking in terms of a live band setup, and everything felt a bit rigid, too many rules. Then, during one of the final lockdowns in NZ, I watched a short video of renowned producer Decap saying, “just try and make a beat a day without judgement.” I gave it a go, and it was liberating — it brought real joy back into making music. Suddenly, it was okay to explore ideas that in the past might have felt outside my wheelhouse. After a few days, the music started pouring out in unexpected and fascinating directions. That’s how most of this album came together.
Once that approach became my norm, I had a much clearer sense of the sound I wanted — more dancefloor-friendly, heavy grooves, layered synths and arpeggiated textures, programmed beats, and strong vocal contributions. There’s still a signature Sola Rosa touch in there, with a mix of tempos, subtle and punchy, but ultimately this became an album focused on my production style rather than a live-band framework. Influences from the dance music I’d been DJing and listening to heavily at the time naturally crept in, shaping the direction of the beats and the overall energy. While some key players still feature, this is very much me as a producer exploring new terrain.” SOLA ROSA
Across SOLA ROSA’s lauded career, the producer has cultivated a global fanbase courtesy of impressive releases and appearances on stages throughout North America, the UK and Europe.
He has performed at festivals including Secret Garden Party (UK), WOMAD (NZ), Kendall Calling (UK), Green Man (UK) and Shambala (UK); while previous collaborations with artists including TALL BLACK GUY, DJ VADIM and HERMITUDE have further established SOLA ROSA as one of the best to come out of Aotearoa, with over 65 million streams to his name.
PRAISE
“Andrew Spraggon reaches for the big time”
MOJO (‘Chasing The Sun’, 2020) ★★★★
“..blooms with sensuality and sass”
ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE (‘Low & behold, High & Beyond’, 2012)
“Low And Behold is fresh and funky”
NZ HERALD (‘Low & behold, High & Beyond’, 2012) ★★★★
“Melodic Soul Poetry”
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (‘Get It Together’, 2010) ★★★★
With IN THE MIDS out now, SOLA ROSA will be touring the record throughout Aotearoa this coming May & June.
SOLA ROSA ‘IN THE MIDS’ AOTEAROA TOUR DATES
Tickets via solarosa.com
Friday 22 May Double Whammy TĀMAKI MAKAURAU / AUCKLAND
Saturday 23 May Puketapu Community Hall HERETAUNGA / HAWKES BAY
Friday 29 May DeVille WHAKATŪ / NELSON
Saturday 30 May Hide ŌTAUTAHI / CHRISTCHURCH
Friday 5 June The Mayfair NGĀMOTU / NEW PLYMOUTH
Saturday 6 June San Fran PŌNEKE / WELLINGTON
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