SOL

SOL recently turned 20, yet has years of experience in the hip-hop scene. Having been surrounded by music his whole life and having created hip-hop since his pre-teens, Sol brings experience and wisdom beyond his years to his musical expression. In Feb. 2009 Sol released his first full-length album, The Ride. “The Ride is a project that I chose to start after I felt that I had developed enough as an artist to know who I was musically”. Sol’s musical journey began long before he started writing The Ride. As a young child he used to be extremely interested in the fine arts. Before he could read or write he was drawing and making paintings that told stories. People praised him for his artwork, but as he got older he became more curious about music and literature. “I am always exploring new territory. I feel that both good music and good writing can be used to create an image just like a painting, but in addition music can make someone listen, dance and interact by singing along”. Throughout his musical career Sol has established a significant fan base in the Northwest. His music has become known for its quality and originality; however, audiences are most captivated by his live performances. Sol’s real home is the stage. “Performing is my favorite part of the musical experience. While on stage I get to present my art, have my message received and in turn receive the audience’s emotional reaction. You can’t get that anywhere else”. Sol’s influences are by no means limited to Hip-Hip or even music. Sol draws his inspiration from the writings of folks like Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Tupac Shakur and Langston Hughes, and music from the likes of Bob Marley, Prince, Bob Dylan and hip-hop groups such as De La Soul and Outkast. “The context in which I make my music is both political and social, but the music I make tells a story in a way that is enjoyable to listen to without compromising creative integrity”. Sol has created a name for himself by releasing a mixtape, an EP, his new LP The Ride, and has performed around the Northwest. While teaming up with the talented emcee Scribes, Sol has opened for national legends such as Wu-Tang Clan, Zion-I, GZA (of Wu-Tang), and Mistah Fab, as well as for Seattle notables such as Common Market and Greyskul. In February 2009 Sol’s debut album release party packed Seattle night club Chop Suey, and weeks later he competed and received 2nd place in the finals of Experience Music Project’s Sound Off Northwest underage battle of the bands at the EMP Sky Church. 2009 is shaping up to be a good year for Sol. This year started with three very successful concerts, and rotations and radio interviews on both KEXP 90.3 Street Sounds with DJ B-Mello and KUBE 93.3 Sunday Night Sound Sessions with DJ Hyphen and J. Moore. Sol ‘s music merited a full spread on the cover of the Seattle Weekly music section, and other articles in The Seattle Times, The Stranger, UW Daily, and Dirt Magazine. Sol is a young up-and-comer who has reached a point of artistic maturity that makes him worthy of a serious listen and professional respect. SOL -