Interview: Jeremiah Soto

It was Christmas night when some magic reindeers came in my house, so I asked them for a favour as they came here before other places (in the Fairies World we have that privilege), and I gave them some questions for Jeremiah Soto ("Solace" director) and Stefan Hertrich (soul of "Shiva in Exile")... tonight, smelling to incense and myrrh I came across two scrolls... the title of one of them was:

INTERVIEW: JEREMIAH SOTO
("SOLACE")

1. This question is an introduction for the interview, why the name "Solace"?

J - Music has always been a source of comfort for me. My father was diagnosed with cancer when I was a teenager. It was hard dealing with watching my father die over the next 6 years, so I discovered music and started writing. Solace means “comfort”. In the early years, some of my friends suggested that I change my name to reflect my fascination with Middle Eastern music, but I wanted the name Solace to mean many things, which allows me to write any type of music.

2. Solace has a fantastic repertory for tribal and fusion dancers. The music fit us like a glove sometimes. Do you think in dancers when you compose a song, or you just have a 'magic' wand that bewitched us?

J - I keep my magic wands in a black box under my bed. When I need inspiration, I bewitch the dancers to do my bidding. (just teasing!). I don’t think about dancers, I think more about experiences and how those experiences make me feel. The most important thing about music is expressing emotion to the listener and the dancer. I am trying to write a soundtrack for the movie in my head!

3. What inspired your music? (other cultures, sounds of nature, some people, other musicians...)

J - I am fascinated with Arabic percussion and how people view the tradition of it. I know and understand the tradition, but I like to take the music and sound to the next level. Most traditional musicians seem very concerned about keeping the music culturally intact, but because I am an American, I live outside that thinking and want to experiment with the sound, pushing the boundaries of culture and tradition. I am influenced by other musicians, especially Knossos.

4. For those who have listen all your albums, maybe have realize that the first ones have a more traditional sounds and last ones are more electronic, is this the evolution of Solace?

J - I started writing electronic music in 1985, so what you hear now is me going back to my roots. To answer your question, Yes and No. I want to keep myself open to how I compose music utilizing all the current technologies and styles. If I like the song, it goes on the CD, but I do try to keep the theme of the music the same from song to song. I am not sure where Solace music is going, but I am excited to let you and your students join the ride and discover it with me!

5. Some new projects?

J - Yes, always! I have 12 new tracks that I am touching up, adding singers and oud and plan on releasing these tracks in May 2010 along with a German tour and hopefully Spain. I am also getting ready to release the standard version of Opium Head.

6. Some of the most important bellydancers have worked with you, what do you feel when you see somebody performing the sounds of Solace?

J - I am excited to see dancers dance to my music. There are times when the dancer is interpreting the music differently then what I see in my head, but my music is a little challenging and it’s not easy to choreograph. BUT, I am joyful to see a dancer who understands the music and what the music is saying.

7. Solace have been performing in many countries, one of them was Spain. What do you think about spanish public and dancers?

J - I LOVE SPAIN!! And I love the dance community; everyone is very nice and supportive. Barcelona was my favorite show on the whole tour and we are looking forward to going back.

8. Are you going to come back again to Spain?

J - YES! Maybe 2010

9. And something you want to say to the students of Nieblas de Avalon school?

J - If you don’t listen to Morgana, remember, she has a big sword!! As a matter of fact, she has 2 BIG swords! Honestly, I have to thank Morgana first, because she is such a loyal friend and fan of my music. I appreciate all that you have done for me, buying my20music and spreading it to your students. I have no doubts that your students will be some of the best dancers coming out of Spain, but that is because of your training and the students’ dedication. SO I love Spain and all the students at Nieblas de Avalon and when I come to Spain, let’s have a student party at the school and I will shake all of your hands and greet you with warm smile. Thank you!

Salud!

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Hope you enjoy this present as I do!

Morgan