Interview: SOLLUS

SOLLUS is the musical project by British music producer, Harrison Brown. Having recently released his debut single, “The Lights”, Brown is bringing about an electronic sounds that blends the likes of indie, house, hip-hop and ambience - something away from the norm. With the release of his EP on the horizon, Legendary Kids Press was able to speak to him about music, his production work and his beginnings.
How would you describe your music to those who have never listened to your before?
My interest in older music (50s, 60s, 70s) has had a large influence in the music I make. I’m drawn to the raw qualities it encompasses, such as originality and the lack of technology artists had at their disposal. I’ve tried to incorporate such qualities into something current that’s influenced by indie and electronic music. Each song has a different feel and reflects the music genres of interest to me, such as RnB, dance, soul, rock, hip-hop and the list goes on.
You’ve stated that you’ll be releasing your debut EP later on this year. Can you give us any more details on when it’ll be released?
The EP is ready to be released. I not long [ago] released the debut single, “The Lights” and thought the best way I could get my music across to the small audience I have would be to feed it out slowly and build up interest. But, realistically, I plan to release the EP before the end of February.
What can listeners expect from the EP?
An eclectic range of sounds and genres. There will be collaborations from upcoming artists, as well as vocals from myself. Artists, such as James Blake, Jeff Buckley, Elderbrook, Bill Withers and Patrick Watson (to name a few) have heavily influenced me as a musician [and] I hope fans of theirs will like my sound.
Each track brings something different. One track from the EP is indie/electronic and another has a more house/hip-hop feel. I want to keep people guessing as to what I’m going to do next.
The EP’s lead single, “The Lights”, features vocals from Caralis’ Dan Frau, whom you’ve worked with in the past. What was behind your decision to feature his vocals on the track?
Dan and I have been good friends for the [better] part of a year now. We have a similar taste in music and work very well together. I sent the song over to Dan and, in only a few days, he came back to me with lyrics for it. They worked well with the instrumentation and his Thom Yorke-esque vocals completed it perfectly. For the chorus of “The Lights”, I recorded Dan singing a ghostly sounding four-part harmony, [which] works so well with the track. He’s like a one-man church choir.
You mentioned there’ll be other collaborations on the EP. Can you go into any more detail about them?
There is a track on the EP called “Go Back”, which features vocals written and performed by London-based singer, Beth Williams. She has a particularly soulful/RnB feel to her voice and no doubt this is where the song gets its deep but uplifting feel from. Having worked with Beth many times at uni whilst studying music made things easier. We both knew how the other one worked and what our strengths were. I like to think this track demonstrates that in my instrumental and Beth’s vocals.
What are you planning on doing in terms of promo for the EP?
Well, I won’t be appearing in any expensive promo campaigns just yet, but rather, I’m relying heavily on blogs just like yours, social media and word of mouth. There’s always potential for a crazy PR stunt, but, of course, that has to stay low key. Watch this space.
Performing live will also give me the opportunity to spread the word of SOLLUS. We are currently rehearsing for what will be a live set in the not too distant future. I’m very much looking forward to that.
Your brand of electronic music differs from what is heard in the mainstream, with its infusion of indie. What was behind your decision to branch out from the norm?
I don’t really have a particular process or strategy - it just comes out naturally like that. It’s probably the best thing you can do. It was never a conscious decision as such to be different to mainstream music. It just so happens to be where my interests lie. It’s far more effort trying to create music that you think people might like.
Along with creating music, you’re also a producer. What is it about producing that interests you?
My first encounter with creating music was when I learnt how to play the guitar in my early teens. Ever since then, I’ve been interested in how music’s made and all the different ways possible. It was at uni that I gained a great deal of my production knowledge, from recording [to] mixing [to] producing. I could understand and appreciate how electronic was made and also how much effort went into creating it. It is the art in itself that I am passionate about.
Any last words?
Thanks for having me! Don’t forget to listen to the debut SOLLUS release, “The Lights”, featuring Dan Frau and grab a free download. You can also find a sampler of the EP that will be released in February on the SOLLUS Soundcloud page. Fans of the music can also find new info/news on the SOLLUS social media sites that I regularly update. Come and say hi!
SOLLUS’ debut EP is set for release this February. Those wishing to stay up-to-date with Harrison can do so via Facebook and Twitter.
