FOLLOW SOLA ROSA
New Zealand producer Andrew Spraggon, crafting under the moniker Sola Rosa, returns with a new album Chasing The Sun, released on his Way Up Recordings label through Kartel Music Group Stream the album here Alongside the album available digitally and as a limited-edition gold gloss gatefold double vinyl available through Bandcamp
Five years in the making, and honed to perfection, the project was written and recorded between Auckland, London and Sydney and includes a heavy hitting line-up of featuring artists, including regular collaborator and former The Streets singer Kevin Mark Trail, Basement Jaxx long term collaborator Sharlene Hector and genre-defying, rising UK soul and reggae star Kiko Bun. Sola Rosa is known for championing new artists, for his new album he involved some of the best rising new stars across the globe, from London-based singer/songwriter Josh Barry and eclectic Neo-Soul singer Jerome Thomas, British reggae and dub MC vocalist Eva Lazarus and breaking Australian artist Thandi Phoenix. Closer to home, ex-pat Kiwi vocalist Wallace and Aotearoas own musical maverick, Troy Kingi add their talents to the mix.
Talking about the collaborative nature of the project Sola Rosa explains, the early days Sola Rosa was a selfish studio project, but after the first few releases, I realised my limitations as a player and writer, and started to collaborate with other musicians. Through this process I realised how much collaboration contributes to each release. Each player brings their own life experience, style and skillset which creates music that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
On the musical tip, Spraggon is aided by Jeremy Toy (Guitar), Julien Dyne (Drums/Percussion), Lewis McCallum (Brass/Wind/Keys) and long term band members Dixon Nacey (Guitar), Matt Short (Bass) and Peter Leupolu (Keyboards) who, along with a further collection of kiwi musicians, contribute the live-recorded instrumentation to the album.
The worldly 12-track collection bursts with classics in the making, including the singles Searching For Love featuring Kiko Bun, powerful social commentary piece For The Mighty Dollar with Kevin Mark Trail and Sharlene Hector, uplifting anthems Shine On and Something Good with Thandi Phoenix. On Chasing the Sun, Spraggon fully embraces string and horn arrangements and organically produced sounds, channelling the spirit of the 60s and 70s, when funk and soul were ubiquitous, but offering no less than a timeless feel.
Expanding on the album, Sola Rosa says, my M.O for this album was not to cut any corners. I wanted to take the time to get it right, and not bow down to external pressures. It was time to reconnect to the music I personally love and that I feel represents Sola Rosa. I like soulful, funky music, and thats really the kind of album I wanted to make.
Sola Rosas history is littered with Number 1 releases, awards and critical acclaim in his home country of New Zealand, with accolades spanning over a decade. Highlights include a #1 album on iTunes and the IMZN Music Charts, multiple bNet and VNZMA nominations and awards for Best Electronica Album, Best Independent Release, Best Producer and Best Dance/Electronic Album.
Chasing The Sun is a perfectly crafted journey through the universe of soul, funk and everywhere in between.
