Q&A: Nhan Solo

By Kyle Marno on October 6, 2014

We spoke to Nhan Solo to talk about his latest collaboration EP with the talented Cari Golden, which tracks he can’t stop rinsing and what the future holds for the Berlin based Mother Recordings boss.

Soundspace

So who is Nhan Solo and Cari Golden?

Nhan Solo

Hello Soundspace. My name is Nhan Solo, DJ, Producer from Berlin and head of Mother Recordings. I contributed the beats and my partner Cari Golden from San Francisco is a wonderful singer and responsible for the seductive voice on the Body EP.

Soundspace

Your latest collab ‘Body’, can you tell us the inspiration behind it?

Nhan Solo

Inspiration might not be the right term. I’m a longtime fan of Cari Golden, love her voice and have respect for her body of work. We met through Trev Campbell a while ago so after that all systems where set for a collaboration.

I had the instrumental sitting on my hard drive for a while, waiting for the finishing touch. So I asked Cari if she was up for giving it a go and so the final track and in addition a whole project came together quite naturally and spontaneous. I’m totally fascinated by her professional approach, so no wonder our collaboration went smoothly and her peerless voice really pushed the track on to the next level.

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Soundspace

The Night/Day concept, did you stem from having two strong versions of the track, or was it a decision made in post production?

Nhan Solo

I just received so many amazing vocals from Cari that inspired me and set me off wanting to work with them. That how I came up with a second version that is going more into the direction of UK Bass and Garage. I then sent her the Day Version and she immediately Okayed it. Night/Day Version is not a concept but more an issue of distinction because both tracks are very different and don’t have anything in common stylistically.

Soundspace

Tell us something we shouldn’t know about you?

Nhan Solo

Haters will love it. I love pop music and when I’m driving in my car I listen to hit radio stations. Pretty square for an underground DJ, don’t you think? Hahahahaha.

Soundspace

One thing you own, but never use?

Nhan Solo

Ouch that’s a tough one because I’m a quite pragmatic guy and therefore rarely buy something I don’t have use for. Let me think, hmmm .. Oh yes, a bunch of sneakers and clothes from my sponsor. But no worries nothing’s chucked but donated to vintage clothing stores at the end of each season.

Soundspace

Three tracks you can’t get enough of right now?

Nhan Solo

We’re talking about club music correct? Well these are the 3 tracks that I’m currently playing in each of my sets:

Mayer Hawthorne – The Stars Are Ours (Detroit Swindle´s Big Dipper Mix)

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Sirens of Lesbos – Long Days, Hot Nights (Claptone Remix)

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Superlover – Steam (Purple Disco Machine & Nhan Solo Rework)

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Soundspace

If you could visit any country for a day, where would it be and why?

Nhan Solo

I love the sun, the beach, the sea, surfing and most of all good food. That’s why I opt for Polynesia.

Soundspace

Can you reveal any plans you have for the future?

Nhan Solo

I had some great vocal features this year by Stee Downes, Kurtis Blow and Cari Golden. Next up is collaboration with Purple Disco Machine, Teenage Mutants and Dilby. Furthermore I try to maintain a certain quality in the output of Mother Recordings because it also includes the pressing of vinyl. I don’t see MR as just another digital label.

The year’s almost over but I’m doing another South America tour (Panama, Mexico and Ecuador) and then it’s off to my first Asia tour (China and South Korea) – terribly excited about that one. Thanks for the interview Soundspace and keep it up! Yours truly, Nhan.

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