TIME LOST:

A DAY WITH SOLID GROOVES CREW

SOLID GROOVES CREW

Artist: Michael Bibi
Date of birth: I’m a June baby.
City where you live: London.
Years as a DJ: 7 years professionally; 15 years as a passion.
First place / club you performed: A small pub basement venue in Brixton called ‘The Jam’.

As the brand founder, where and how was Solid Grooves born: It was born in that same basement club of Brixton along with my first ever professional gig. I knew I had a specific sound that I wanted to push forward but no real knowledge of how to get it out, so I decided to just find a venue and play the music I loved myself. The party was a success and the brand established itself in London very quickly; it was such a fun time, completely organic and with no expectations.

You celebrated the 7th anniversary earlier this year, what has been the biggest achievement to date: The biggest achievement for me is the family we have created. Everyone are friends and we all have the same passion for good quality music.

How has PAWSA assisted on the label side as a co-founder: As SolidGrooves grew on the London scene, I had a very clear vision of the particular sound that I wanted to push forward. At the same time, I was playing a few shows with PAWSA and we had become friends. At an after party somewhere, we both realised we had the same vision to start a label with a new sound that was different from what was being released at that time…. Solid Grooves Records was born.

What makes Dennis such a great resident and central artist for Solid Grooves: He’s a top producer, an amazing DJ and all-round great guy!

Describe Solid Grooves in five words or less…: Solid, Groovy, Family, Vibes.

Talk to us about your 2019 concept ‘FUCK THE FAKES’: The posers, the fake ones, the ones who say they know what is what, but they don’t know what is what…. I don’t know really, it just sounded cool!

How would you rate your Ibiza 2019 season: Amazing!

The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Growing up, I used to love drum & bass and there was a DJ at the local pirate radio station that had an incredible vibe… he’s now famous – Andy C.

Your best DJ set to date: Too many to mention, this year has been mad.
And your worst: I try not to remember the bad ones.
What club do you feel is the best in the world: Privilege – Vista club!
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: Richy Ahmed, he keeps you on your toes.
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: Jimi Hendrix.
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: A bum / jobless…
Your favourite place in Ibiza: Fish Shack Monday’s.
Your favourite drink: Gin & tonic.
Is there anything that you hate: Nothing really!

 

Artist: PAWSA
Reason for the name: It comes from big cats.
Date of birth: 1992
City where you live: London
Years as a DJ: 7 years

How did you become a co-founder of Solid Grooves Records: Michael and I went to play in Berlin together in the beginning of 2015. We had known each other for about a year and both had a similar vision for the future, so we started brainstorming all the way home and got the label started that summer.

What are your responsibilities and what do feel you have brought to the brand: I like to try to move the sound forward.
What is your favourite release you’ve signed to the label: Carloh – Back To House.
What are the requirements for the perfect venue to host a Solid Grooves event: A great sound system.
Describe Solid Grooves in five words or less…: Solid, groovy, beats, party, family.How would you rate your Ibiza 2019 season: It’s been great; the sound has had a good balance.
The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Jamie Jones
The first place / club you performed: At a bar in Wimbledon with my mate Guy.
Your best DJ set to date: My last set.
And your worst: My first set.
Which club do you feel is the best in the world: Fabric, London.
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: Last night with ANOTR at Solid Grooves.
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: That changes all the time, but probably Picasso.
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: A golfer
Your favourite place in Ibiza: The golf course.
Your favourite drink: Coffee.
Is there anything that you hate: I don’t think there is anything I hate; I try to learn from everything.
What’s next for PAWSA: Beats.

Artist: Dennis Cruz
Reason for the name: My name is Dennis; however, Cruz is not my real surname but it’s a long story…
Date of birth: 28-03-83
City where you live: Madrid.
Years as a DJ: 19 years.

How and when did your relationship with Solid Grooves begin:
 I met PAWSA and Bibi on a rooftop party at Sonar Barcelona in 2015, and we’ve been friends ever since.
Why do you think Solid Grooves is such a good fit for your own style? It’s solid and groovy – easy!
Describe Solid Grooves in five words or less…: Friends, party, music, fun, groovers.
Do you have any projects coming up on the label? Yes, I’ve got a new EP on Solid Grooves RAW in October.
How would you rate your Ibiza 2019 season: 9 out of 10 – it’s been an amazing season, but I like to think you can always improve!
The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Oscar Mulero.
The first place / club you performed: Groove Dance Club, Madrid.
Your best DJ set to date: Maybe the last time I played at Vertigo, Costa Rica.
And your worst: I don’t remember. I try to only focus on the positive things.
What club do you feel is the best in the world: Fabrik, Madrid.
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: Technasia and PAWSA.
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: Michael Jackson.
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: A sound engineer.
Your favourite place in Ibiza: Formentera.
Your favourite drink: Coca Cola
Is there anything that you hate: Waiting…
In general, what or who stole your dream from you: Solid Grooves after parties stole my dream
What’s next for Dennis Cruz: I’ve been working hard in the studio over the last few months, so there’s lots of new tracks coming soon!

Artist: ANOTR
Reason for the artistic name: Anagram of our two names.
Date of birth: Oz: 19/04/1994 – Jesse: 15/08/1994.
City where you live: Amsterdam.
Years as a DJ: 8 years.

The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Motor City Drum Ensemble.
The first place / club you performed: Westerliefde.
Which club do you feel is the best in the world: Lost Beach Club – Ecuador.
What is the perfect ‘Solid Grooves Breakfast’: Hierbas.
If you weren’t DJs, what would you be: LIVE artists.
Your favourite place in Ibiza: Cala Comte.
Your favourite drink: Hierbas.
Is there anything that you hate: People that hold up their phones for every drop.
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: Pharell.

FCUK THE FAKES, who? – You.

 

 

Artist: Eddy M
Reason for the artistic name: It comes from Eddy Music, then I thought Eddy M was easier and cooler. The “M” is also the initial letter of my surname “Merendino”.
Date of birth: 5th October 1992.
City where you live? I’ve been living in Barcelona since 2011.
Years as a DJ: Since 2009…

The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Claude VonStroke.
The first place / club you performed: Coconut Disco in Sicily, Italy.
Your best DJ set to date: Fabrik, Madrid.
And your worst: It was at Space in Ibiza during the 2015 season. I was 22, that day was also my birthday and I felt so bad –
definitely a day to forget.
Which club do you feel is the best in the world: Warehouse Project, Manchester.
What is the perfect ‘Solid Grooves Breakfast’: Passion fruit, sweet candies, croissants with icing sugar on top and a lot of smiles.
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: A basketball Player.
Your favourite place in Ibiza: Es Vedra – peace.
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: Whenever I play b2b with Dennis Cruz, we always have so much fun during the set!
Your favourite drink: Whiskey (Johnnie Walker).
Is there anything that you hate: Red traffic lights.
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music:  Rage Against The Machine.
FCUK THE FAKES, who? Whoever’s not a groover.

 

 

Artist: Bassel Darwish
Date of birth: 21.05.1990
City where you live: Barcelona.
Years as a DJ: 5 years
The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Marco Carola
The first place / club you performed: City Hall, Barcelona
Your best DJ set to date: At E1, London
And your worst: I prefer not to say!
What club do you feel is the best in the world: elrow, Barcelona
What is the perfect ‘Solid Grooves Breakfast’: Sunrise, music, friends…
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: Something related to music…
Your favourite place in Ibiza: Cala Comte
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: wAFF
Your favourite drink: Beer
Is there anything that you hate: Fake people
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: Michael Jackson
FCUK THE FAKES, who? Again, fake people!

Artist: Reelow
Reason for the artistic name: Renato is my name – I’m not a tall guy, but low…
Date of birth: 16.10.1986.
City where you live: Barcelona.
Years as a DJ: 15 years.
The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you: Slam JR. in Hungary.
The first place / club you performed: Dokk Club in Budapest, Hungary.
Your best DJ set to date: In Mexico during winter 2017.
And your worst: Happens every time I’ve had to work with Pioneer mixers. I use a lot of external things, so I need a Xone92/96 to do my thing!
Which club do you feel is the best in the world: Studio 338, London maybe?
What is the perfect ‘Solid Grooves Breakfast’: Funny side up.
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: A manager, and I believe I would be good at it!
Your favourite place in Ibiza: If you mean a club – DC10. If you mean a place – Atlantis.
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: Ramin Rezaie.
Your favourite drink: Moscow Mule.
Is there anything that you hate: I don’t really hate anything; it’s better to avoid this word – we have so much hate already…
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: NAS.
FCUK THE FAKES, who? Everyone…

  

Artist: Ramin Rezaie
Date of birth: 7th August.
City where you live: Canterbury, Kent.
Years as a DJ: 9 years.

The first DJ you remember listening to that impressed you:  I’d have to say Carl Cox; I’ve been following him since I was a teenager. I love his humble, down-to-earth approach to the industry & he’s a great performer.
The first place / club you performed: A small venue in Cyprus called ‘Waves’ when I was 18, playing a UK garage set.
Your best DJ set to date: Fabric – Solid Grooves.
And your worst: An event in Blackpool where I turned up to no sound system and the promoter wouldn’t let people in as nothing was ready. Just bad organisation. Not mentioning any names though, (laughs).
What club do you feel is the best in the world: Privilege Ibiza – you can’t beat that 7am sunrise anywhere on the island.
What is the perfect ‘Solid Grooves Breakfast’: Breakfast, what breakfast?! Straight to the after-party!
If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be: A professional golfer, as when I was growing up, I’d live on the golf course.
Your favourite place in Ibiza: Es Vedra Rock with friends, absorbing the magical vibes.
Which artist has been your favourite b2b partner: Tough one… my favourite B2B’s have been with Dennis Cruz, Reelow & Bassel Darwish. Well, all the groovers!
Your favourite drink: Vodka Tonic with lime please. Make it a double.
Is there anything that you hate: When you go out and forget to buy that one thing you need – we’ve all done it. Or someone asking to borrow your headphone jack and keeping it: it happens way too often.
Who is your favourite artist outside of electronic music: It would have to be Ryan Leslie, an unreal producer & songwriter.
FCUK THE FAKES, who? Only the real ones understand.