“Let’s suppose that you were able every night to dream any dream that you wanted to dream. And that you could, for example, have the power within one night to dream 75 years of time.”
These aren’t just the words of the infamous philosopher Alan Watts. These are the words that captivated the creative mind of Rohan Solo and inspired his sophomore album, 75 Years. Harnessing sonic waves and blending them with a concoction of hip-hip heavy beats and live instrumentation, the Atlanta producer takes listeners on a wondrous journey through time and space. Spanning nine tracks, the record not only transcends reality through soulful soundscapes and flowing drops of bass but, much like the dream of life, is a reminder that you are right where you are supposed to be.
In fact, as a whole Rohan Solo makes music for what Alan Watts would call the expanded present or what Ram Dass would call the now. Grounded deeply in connection and holding a yearning to push the boundaries of electronic music, the multi-talented musician has cultivated a sound that’s both profound and undeniably his own. Exploring everything from dubstep to electro-soul future funk, DNB, and more, Rohan can not be boxed into one category and is quickly emerging as a bass music powerhouse for not just Atlanta but the electronic scene as a whole.
After dropping 75 Years, on February 28, The Daily Frequency caught up with the multifaceted producer to discuss inspirations for the album, working with rappers Kujo Goodie and Young Buck, Hulaween, and a whole lot more.
Check out our exclusive interview with Rohan Solo below.
DF: What’s up, man? From a handful of massive singles to a revolutionary sophomore album, you came into 2024 guns blazing! How does it feel to kick off the year with such an incredible run?
RS: Hey, man! Thanks for taking the time to interview me. It truly feels amazing, invigorating, and humbling, to say the least. I have been working on this album for over two years now, so to finally release all this music (especially to start the year proper) is a huge weight off my chest + a gratifying feeling. Although last year was an amazing year for me through playing shows, I didn’t really release much music besides a couple of singles here and there. I really wanted to make sure (with this album) that each song was perfectly dialed in production and mixing-wise. And, of course, I wanted to strategically plan this release because it really can be tough to grab people’s attention in the social media era that we live in. Whenever I test these tracks out live, I sometimes take the songs back to the writing board and re-work certain sections, change the drops, etc.… it’s hard to commit to one single version of a song. But with this album, I can confidently say that I am proud of how each song turned out, mixing and production-wise. In my personal opinion, I feel it’s my best flowing work to date. A lot of my friends and peers have told me the same thing, so it’s really such a humbling feeling.
DF: Starting with the singles, you got to collaborate with two iconic hip-hop artists, Kuhjo Goodie and Young Buck! What was why it like working with such legendary artists?
RS: Man, I try not to use this word often- but it truly was EPIC working with both Khujo and Young Buck. Throughout the whole process, I felt like a little kid in a candy store. I grew up predominantly listening to Southern Rap. My all-time favorite groups were OutKast, Goodie Mob, and G-Unit. The fact that they were open to working with me felt surreal.
I met Khujo Goodie at an event at Stankonia Studios last year in Atlanta through a mutual friend (shoutout Mike), and we chatted it up for a bit. He told me to send him some of my music. I sent him a few of my tracks. Lo and behold, he was really digging all of them. He recorded his verse on “Ashes to Ashes” and sent it back to me, and I was absolutely blown away by his wordplay, lyricism, and clean flow- being that this isn’t just a traditional hip-hop beat. His flow complimented the beat so well. Khujo is such a dope, humble dude to work with, and I’m honored to call him a friend now. He even came out to my album release party last weekend in Atlanta (at Aisle 5), and we played “Ashes to Ashes” and Goodie Mobs “Cell Therapy” live. The crowd lost it. It was so dope.
For Young Buck- I messaged him out of the blue on Instagram. Really didn’t think twice about it – but lo and behold, he checked my music out and started following me. I pitched the idea of “See the Hustle” to him. I told him I wanted this track to embody the struggles, trials, and tribulations that musicians go through. He captured the energy so perfectly and absolutely crushed his verse. Once again, G-Unit was one of my favorite rap groups ever, so to have this track come to fruition was just nuts to me. Buck was also super humble and dope to work with. Shout out to both Khujo and Young Buck for taking the chance on an up-and-coming artist such as myself. Really grateful beyond words to have worked with some legends.
DF: Instead of producing just another Kujo Goodie or Young Buck track, you took a risk and stepped outside the box, blending hip-hop with experimental bass! How did they react to hearing their vocals over bass music?
RS: They were not only super receptive and welcoming to it, but they encouraged it! For both artists- I sent them a handful of tracks to pick from, some more on the chill hip-hop side, some more on the experimental bass-y side. I’m so happy with how both of these tracks panned out because it really showcases each of our skills strongly. Blending hip hop with this new-age experimental bass flavor. Khujo even thanked me for turning him into EDM, and that in itself is such an honor.
DF: Of course, this isn’t the first time you’ve blended hip-hop and bass! Why do you think they work so well together?
RS: Both genres just complement each other so perfectly. Dubstep and bass music, as a whole, were inspired through hip-hop and grime in the first place. I think it’s important, especially for the younger generation, to study upon the roots of the music they know and love today. Personally – I grew up listening to hip-hop, and ever since the inception of the ROHAN SOLO project – I wanted to make it a point to blend hip-hop samples and verses with my music. Especially in my live shows- I mix in a lot of older hip-hop verses with my music to give a nod to the music and culture that inspired me as a whole.
DF: On February 28, you dropped your sophomore album, ’75 Years.’ What does the title represent?
RS: I’m inspired greatly by philosophers such as Alan Watts, Ram Dass, Terrence McKenna, etc… The vocal sample I used in my track “75 Years” is Alan Watts describing dreaming “75 Years of time”. I started writing this album when my grandma passed away in 2021, and she lived a truly amazing 75 years. She was one of the most inspiring humans in my life – so in a way, “75 years” is a nod to her, but also to living the human experience in general. We’re living this thing called life collectively together, and we are on this earth for only such a short period of time. I hope to inspire people to grab life by the horns and follow their dreams no matter what may get in your way.
DF: You have such an immersive sound, and the album really takes us on a journey! What was the inspiration for the record as a whole?
RS: First off, thank you very much. I feel that I’ve been truly working hard to find my own unique sound, especially in an industry surrounded by so many amazing up-and-coming producers. With this record, I felt that I finally have found my own sound. I went into this album not wanting to make a concept album but rather make an album that flows together perfectly. The inspiration for this record was to put a record together that seamlessly flows together and takes the listener on a journey through space and time. As you’ll notice, I have some tracks that are deeper 140bpm bass music and some tracks more on the soulful/trip-hoppy, psychedelic end, and I also incorporate a lot of breaks and DNB (especially within my live sets). I try to blend them all together the best I can. For listeners who come and see me live- I want them to know that I am going to take them on a journey spanning many different genres within my set.
DF: You incorporate so many elements, from funky bass to live instrumentation! Do you think bass music is shifting to a more soulful sound?
RS: I think bass music as a whole is expanding on so many levels than we once knew it. I see artists such as Daily Bread, Manic Focus, and Vincent Antone killing it with their soulful, funky sound. I see the deep, dark 140 sound staying strong through artists like Truth, Mythm, and Ganja White Night. I see DNB making a strong return through artists like Chase and Status, Netsky, etc.… I feel that diversity is key throughout all music, and I’m so happy to see electronic and bass music diversifying as a whole these days. Once again, my goal as a musician is to incorporate all of these sounds together as a whole and present it the best I can.
DF: While the Rohan Solo project came to fruition in 2020, you’ve been an integral part of bands like Higher Learning, Space Kadet, and HIVE MIND on top of performing with the likes of Manic Focus, Marvel Years, Papadosio, Sunsquabi, and more! How did your experience performing with so many legendary bands and artists influence your sound as a solo artist?
RS: I’m truly blessed to have played music with my brothers in Higher Learning and Space Kadet. Playing music with these dudes definitely helped shape who I am today, musically and personally. I’m honored to call all of these guys still some of my closest friends. Space Kadet plans to get back on the road one day, but we are taking a hiatus, for now, to focus on other musical avenues and life, etc.… HIVE MIND is my newest band out of all of them, and we are still playing shows strong. Last year was huge for us as we played some amazing shows, such as opening for STS9 at Resonate, opening for Lotus at The Eastern and The Caverns, and headlining Terminal West in Atlanta. Playing drums with these guys helps keep me musically grounded and for that, I am so grateful.
I have indeed been blessed to play drums with some amazing acts such as Marvel Years and Maddy O’Neal on some occasions, and I have sat in on percussion with Papadosio, Manic Focus, Sunsquabi, The Floozies and Lotus on some occasions. I’ve been studying/ playing drums and percussion since I was 13 years old; I am 31 now, so it’s a humbling feeling time have put more than half of my life into my craft. With Higher Learning and Space Kadet- we used to tour with a lot of these folks, so whenever the opportunity opened up for me to sit in, I never took it for granted! Shoutout to everyone who has invited me on stage. It’s always so exciting to sit in with other artists, and I hope to continue to do more sit-ins and musical collaborations soon!
DF: You closed out 2023 with multiple performances at Hulaween and even named the second track on your album after the infamous Spirit Lake! What is it about Hulaween that resonates with you more than other festivals?
RS: The Spirit of Suwannee was one of the first places I ever went to go see live music back in 2011. From Black Water and Purple Hatters ball to all of the smaller festivals in between and the early Hulaween’s – the spirit of Suwannee is truly one of the most beautiful places to see and play live music. It has truly become a happy place for me and one of my favorite venues on earth. Paul Levine, the talent buyer who books at Hulaween and many other festivals at Suwannee, has graciously invited me to play at the Suwannee with all of my projects over the last decade. Last year, HIVE MIND got to open for STS9 on the Amphitheatre stage at Resonate, and I hosted a drum circle memorial for my dear friend (RIP) Chuck Morris. It was beyond special. My set at Hulaween last year under ROHAN SOLO on the Spirit Lake stage was one of my favorite sets I’ve ever played. The vibes at the festival and the people there are top-notch, to say the least. “Spirit Lake Dreams” was written specifically for my Hulaween set. I decided to keep the name moving forward for my album as it only makes so much sense to me.
DF: Lastly, what can fans expect from Rohan Solo for the rest of the year?
RS: I have much more new music in the works. I have some really cool shows in the works, too. I hope to play as much more music live (as healthily) as I can and will definitely be releasing more music throughout the year. I have some cool plans for merch releases, too – so be sure to keep an eye out for that. If you see me at a show – come say what’s up! I absolutely love talking to my fans, and I’m so grateful for all the support thus far. I couldn’t do this thing without y’all! Nothing but love, Upwards and onwards!
Thanks for having me Daily Frequency – much love to y’all!
Keep up with Rohan Solo and stream 75 Years HERE!
Check out more exclusive interviews with The Daily Frequency HERE!