DJ Solar on Sunset Parties, San Francisco and Success
As a veteran in the industry, Solar has managed to carve out a space for himself in the international DJ scene. The fact that he’s been at it for 20 years attests to his skills. It’s no doubt that growing up in the Bay Area left its mark on Solar, both musically and personally. He got his start during the early 90s, a time when the music scene in San Francisco was wide open for creative musicians. For the past two decades, Solar has been drawing on all sorts of genres and honing his always-evolving style.
Back in the day Solar was best known in the local Bay Area scene for his wildly popular (and illegal, but quintessentially San Franciscan) Sunset Parties, where people could dance and watch the sun go down behind the San Francisco skyline. But lately he’s become increasingly well-known internationally, performing on stages around the world. Despite his worldwide success, he’s still one of San Francisco’s best loved, hometown DJs.
Ahead of his show at Dada on Friday, Solar took some time to answer a few of our questions:
We’re big fans of San Francisco. What was it like growing up there and how did it shape your music?
As a kid growing up my parents were involved with the San Francisco rock and roll scene in one way or the other. We were always going to shows and I was surrounded by that world since childhood. San Francisco has a rich history of music. Most people think of the ‘60s psychedelic scene, but we had a very influential punk, post-punk, wave, noise thing happening here as well.
You've been at it for a pretty long time. How did you get your start?
All of this has crept into my sub-conscious in one way or the other. As far as my career, it all started with our Sunset Sound System events. We started out with a very small crowd of 50 and now have events with up to 7000 with just the resident DJs. That exposure and the connections we made is where my career began.
We noticed you have eclectic musical tastes. What sorts of genres do you like to play with in your music?
This is always a difficult question. I love so many genres of music that I am usually deciding in the moment which direction to go in. I prefer to lean toward the acidic, moody, darker stuff these days.
What is the most eclectic type of music that has ever influenced you?
Nothing too eclectic or unlikely, for me! It’s always the best when you find the rare spaces where you can play as eclectic or unlikely as you feel and the crowd is willing to go there.
What keeps you going?
Somehow I have been lucky enough that I am still being asked to do something I love. Those magical gigs where you can play exactly what you want (as mentioned above). I have also been a part of other crews (We Are Monsters, No Way Back, Hostile Ambient Takeover) here in SF that gave me a chance to explore my musical interests further.
Can you tell us a bit about the famous “Sunset Parties” you held back in the day at the Berkeley Marina?
Sunset was originally started by my partner Galen as an alternative to the all-night raves and clubs that were happening at the time. I had a truck and preferred to be helping out rather than just a DJ, so I was on board after the first one. The idea was to have an event in one of the many beautiful landscapes we have around San Francisco and celebrate that special moment as the sun descends into the Pacific Ocean. The Berkley Marina was the ideal location for this as there was an amazing view of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
Sounds pretty amazing. What were they like in the early days?
There was a small hill that people would climb just before the sun set. They would watch until the sun sank all the way into the ocean then come running down the hill into the dance area. Everyone was kind of charged from that energy. We did the Sunset parties every Sunday – totally illegal with no permits. The local police appreciated how we would leave the place cleaner than it was when we arrived and were respectful to the public that were visiting the park. They let us stay for a year until we outgrew the space. There are many strong memories and bonds that were created from that time.
And with the early days in mind. Can you believe how far you come since then?
It’s funny being that young and the scene still being so new. My peripheral vision was just within our little bubble. My dream then was to be able to play some of the big raves in the Bay Area, especially the Wicked parties. I didn’t even know there was a possibility of a world-traveling DJ. It’s a total trip to see where I am at now. I feel deeply honored.
Are you excited for your upcoming trip to Beijing?
It's my first time to Beijing! I'm excited to spend a night in a new place and hopefully I'll connect with the people through the music. [I hope] to have an open-minded audience and if they are then who knows what to expect!
Is there anything special you want to see/eat/do while visiting Beijing?
As much as possible in 24 hours!
Fri July 15. Price TBD. Dada, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B楼101室（183 1108 0818）
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