Issue Eleven- March 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

soleDrummer is a Canadian music producer who got seriously involved with this art quite late in life. While he has always been involved in music, from playing drums in punk-rock bands years ago to playing bass guitar in some local gigs (classic rock), getting fully immersed in creating new music (“music I would like to listen to”, as he puts it) has really started only some 7-8 years ago.

What are your sources of inspiration and motivation that still keep you creating during these difficult times?

“It is absolutely amazing to see what artists from all over the world of all ages and backgrounds can create in a (mini) bedroom studio. It is inspiring and scary how talented they are. So, just listening to a lot of new music is a continuous source of inspiration. In addition for me, it is truly inspiring to see artists and acts that I loved for decades still being relevant and producing gems after gems. Looking at “Underground”, and “Bonobo”, and “St Germain”, to name just a few is enough to give me, being of their generation, the incentive that I need to get in my studio and work.”

If you could make a living off your music and travel the world, once travel is possible, what is the first country or place you would go to? And why, in regards to your music being the supposed reason for travel?

“There are so many places in the world where I would love to perform and mix with like-minded people, that love the same type of music. But the one place that stands out in Berlin. For the longest, I have been a huge fan of the Berlin techno style. The rawness and groove of that style are unparalleled. Ever since the early 90s (yes, 30 years ago!), Berlin electronic music lead the way. One show at Berghain would never be topped by anything else.”

Does the name soleDrummer mean anything to you specifically, in terms of meaning, or sensation? What would the name invoke in other people, if it did, regarding the feeling behind soleDrummer? In reference to anything recent, or not?

“This is a very good question. The name SoleDrummer means a lot to me. When I was a kid I was very much involved in music, playing the guitar, studying music, listening all the time. At the time I was very close to my grandmother, being pretty much raised by her. She really supported everything I was doing even though she had no musical education. Whenever I was playing my guitar she wanted to be involved. She would even put her hands in a pair of shoes and start tapping the soles together creating rhythms for me that I could use. So, she became my “sole” drummer! To this day the best drummer I ever played with!

My track titled “my soul drummer” from my “people and places” album is about her and is dedicated to her.”

Is there a message that you feel describes your music enough to entice people to hear it, but not too much to a point where anything is revealed? A balanced message, with a hint of suspense, for what is to come?

“Music is a way of communicating feelings. So, I hope that whatever I felt when I made a track would come through and make others share the moment. In general, though, there is always a sense of nostalgia that, I think, permeates my sound. Not fully defined. It could be about the youth, or certain music sounds that are not “in” anymore… It’s like trying to go back a bit in time and re-experience some good moments from one’s past. I am trying not to become overly “melodramatic”, but I think that this low, a bit heavy feeling of nostalgia is present in my music.”

Is there anything else you might add?

“The one question I have been asked by many is: why do you keep doing it when it is so hard to breakthrough. And it is a valid question. And, at times, one can feel demoralized and tempted to just give up. Of course, we would all like to have success, to share our art with as many people as possible. But, for me, the hardest step is to walk to my studio and sit in front of the keyboard. Once I start laying down some beats, or melodies or once I find an amazing sample…I am so into it, that I get super excited and forget about the “why do it?” question. The process of producing music itself is so rewarding. So, my advice to all aspiring artists is to keep doing it and enjoy the process. It is worthwhile!”