How was 2017 for you?
Marc Meisnere: 2017 was the best year yet for Sol Power Sound. We released two EPs on our label, both of which we are very proud of. The first, the Rising Tides EP by Aroop Roy, we believe is his finest work to date (and it continues to do damage on the floor for us). The second EP we released was by the almighty Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, the legendary band from Benin. We licensed four of their classic masterpieces and passed them to our longtime homie Bosq to remix. He gave the tunes his signature subtle (but oh-so-effective) retouch. The result was a four-track EP (Bosq Meets Poly Rythmo Uptown) that everyone from Laurent Garnier to Gilles Peterson to Detroit Swindle has been rinsing. As for our own productions (as the Sol Power All-Stars) we will have four remixes out by the end of the year on Cultures of Soul, Bastard Jazz, Rock Steady Disco, and True Grooves.
Highlights?
Definitely seeing the Bosq Meets Poly Rythmo Uptown EP come together. They are one of our all-time favorite bands and absolute legends. It was a lot of hard work for everyone, but all the pieces ultimately fit together perfectly. It is still kind of surreal.
Lowlights?
Donald Trump is the President of the United States and subsequently lives in our hometown.
Song of the year?
Waajeed’s Shango EP and the Pop Makossa comp on Analog Africa.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I don’t make them…I always break them.