Sola Rosa's favourite track on his album 'Chasing The Sun'

You teamed up with Sydney's Thandi Phoenix for singles "Shine On" and "Something Good". How did you meet and how did you find the collaboration?

We were introduced through my music publisher Native Tongue. I was almost finished the album tracking but still had a few beats remaining so I reached out to my publishing team and they recommended a bunch of people including Thandi. I sent her a few beats to listen to and shortly after flew to Sydney for the session.  Native Tongue had a little studio setup so we met there, I asked her what beat she liked best and the Something Good beat was the one she liked most. Thing is I was almost not going to include it in the playlist I sent to her as it was so skeletal, basically just an idea. I’d never written a 4 on the floor disco type beat before and was a little out of my comfort zone but Thandi really brought the tune to life. I then had to go home and turn it in to a complete song. I was so impressed with Thandi I actually flew back and we recording the Shine On track. She's an incredible artist with an infectious energy and a great sense of humour. 

What is the meaning behind the title Chasing The Sun?

I picked the title from a lyric which then became the title for the song Chasing The Sun, and then the album title. I felt it described the process of creating this album. I predominately write during summer time, there was a lot of travelling backwards and forwards from London to Auckland to Sydney, multiple sessions and a lot of it during summer time. I’m always chasing the sun, not a big fan of the cold so it was the right title for this album.

What are some of the biggest influences on you in the making of this album?

I try to listen to as much music as I can, I have a playlist on Spotify title ‘Sola Rosa Selects’ which I try to keep current, so I’m always listening but as far as influences I dont think there were any particular artists influencing this album, not intentionally anyway. I just wanted to get back to writing songs that meant something to me. Songs that moved me in some way. But as far as musicians that I was digging throughout the 5 year period of making this album there artists such as Buddy, Mura Masa, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Anderson Paak, Sampa The Great, Oscar Jerome, SiR, Kutiman, Joy Crookes, Suff Daddy, Jaime xx, Moods, Gabriel Garzon Montano, Blue Lab Beats etc.

How has your songwriting process changed/developed since the release of Solarized in 2001?

I still start with a vinyl sample generally. I then mess with the sample and start adding layers. I guess the difference now is that I often ditch the sample, or rewrite it and then bring in collaborators to add guitar, drums, bass, keys etc. With Solarized it was almost all samples and some additional keys from me. I had spent years in bands so I just wanted to do my own thing and have complete autonomy. With Chasing The Sun it was all about collaboration. Theres also a lot more focus on the song these days whereas with Solarized it was a bit more free form.

Do you have a favourite track on the album? Why?

Yeah, I guess if I had to pick one it would be For The Mighty Dollar feat. Kevin Mark Trail and Sharlene Hector. That song was very special to me right from the start, I had a long honeymoon period with this track. The honeymoon is over now as I’ve heard it too many times but I took a lot of care with that track and feel its possibly the best song I’ve ever written. With the help of the incredible Kevin Mark Trial and Sharlene Hector of course, who are both next level singers / artists. Also I have to give credit to Mahuia Bridgeman-Cooper and the Black Quartet for the strings which really elevate this song.