MMWOS: Tell me about yourself. How did you get started in music?
Sol Infinite: I got started in music maybe first as a listener, I was quite the fanatic. I used to listen to everything type of music possible. Started from being around my older sister, older cousins, family and older kids around my neighborhood. I used to hear music blasting from cars and boxes, I was infatuated with music. Hearing music at my aunts house every weekend there was a party, music was always up to highest volume. There I was about the ages 5-10. So hearing music amazed me., how it all sounded and felt. As I got older, Hearing music and staring at record covers was enough to motivate me to start playing instruments. So in high school., I started getting into rock, underground hip hop, and different stuff. I started a few bands and here I am now, everything seem to come full circle.
MMWOS: What was your earliest memory of hip hop? What were your fondest memories of Hip Hop?
Sol Infinite: My earliest memory of hip hop have to be hearing Slick Rick and Dougie Fresh's The Show. I remember it was one night. My sister and I played the 12" single on vinyl about 20 times in a row. There is a lot of fond memories much like that one, that stands out to me as incredible moments in Hip Hop for me. I think the radio back in the day really did a lot for me, making tapes late at night of different artists freestyling. Also coming home everyday from school to hurry up and watch Video Music Box was amazing. I used to really idolize the MCs at that time.
MMWOS: As a fellow New Jersey Native, Do you find it easier or harder to make it in the music industry.
Sol Infinite: I think coming from Jersey is really what you make out of it on whether how far you make in the industry. Jersey has an incredible history in hip hop.. We was always there every since the beginning. I think for myself, coming from jersey. I think I have more of a legacy to look at than a lot of places. But its still hard. It all depends on what we are looking to go after. Some chase illusions of grandeur, some want to be just one of the rap guys. Whatever the case may be, I believe as a Jersey artist I have to give respect to the legends we do have and build on that foundation. Jersey is a very interesting place to be from. Our story cant possibly be told to fullest. Because its such a complex, ugly and beautiful place all at the same time.
MMWOS: How do you feel about the state of hip hop today? What does hip hop lack now? How would you fix it?
Sol Infinite: I love hip hop right now. But I don't really like that there's not much albums that I tend to really love. I hear some albums and I'm done after the first listen. It would sound good. But very little replay value. Meanwhile there would be about 10 new projects that would come out that day. So it seems as if there's not much context to a lot of albums. No significance really. Again its probably in a great place right now. Because anyone can do it, and its everywhere. But at the same time its not much significant contributions to the culture happening. I don't know I can fix it, But I just look to add on to what was so great about hip hop, the culture. The feeling that when you put on a certain artist's album you actually feel as though you are in their world. A lot of it now is just a guy rapping whatever on a track. no significance.
MMWOS: Do you consider yourself a hip hop artist, a rapper, a poet, or something else.
Sol Infinite: I'm a hip hop artist. I think I am really a guy who love hip hop I believe hip hop is the greatest contribution to American music. Simply because it celebrates all of which came before it. So in essence I believe I am just a guy who is communicating through music.
MMWOS: In 2011, you came out with Within,Destination. When I first listened to the album,I felt that you was talking about your journey as a artist and as an individual. What is this album all about? What would you like your fans to come away with after listening to Within, Destination.
Sol Infinite: Yes, its an entire journey of who I am as an artist and individual. Its about overcoming obstacles and reaching for your goals and destiny. I believe when someone gives the album a full attentive listening, they would come away with the feeling of they too have to reach for the right path and follow their destiny.
MMWOS: There is a clear jazz and soul music influence on your 2011 album Within, destination. What jazz musician ,if any, are you drawn to musically.
Sol Infinite: I think there is a lot Miles Davis for sure. But outside of jazz, I think Curtis Mayfield I am incredibly drawn to. The honesty in his music is just remarkable!
MMWOS: Love your ode to Muhammed Ali, Rumble Young Man Rumble, which you released earlier this year. How has Muhammed Ali's life influence you musically?
Sol Infinite: Thanks! Ali life influence me musically simply for the fact he was a champion. He totally believed in what he believed in, he embodied what being the best at whatever you do in life. Not being apologetic and humble. But so comfortable with yourself. I am really inspired by that. Being bold, strong in front of obstacles and just all around great.
MMWOS: Lets talk about your new album. Describe you new album in 5 words.
When is it coming out? Where can we find it and buy it?
Sol Infinite: In 5 words.. the next album will be. Honest, Soulful, Unapologetic, Relate-able, and Good!
Actually the working title is a 38 word title that really explains it all. But I'm not sure when the specific date will be at the time. I hope my birthday (July 18) But It will be available through my bandcamp page. solinfinite.bandcamp.com.
MMWOS: When can we see Sol infinite live in concert?
Sol Infinite: I have a few dates, March 31st. I will be in Trenton. (Trenton Atelier 220 Allen Street) performing at an incredible monthly hip hop show called Garden Variety. Also April 24th, Bowery Poetry Club. Follow me on Twitter @sol_infinite I usually through out show dates and everything that I am doing.
MMWOS: Finally what does music mean to you?
Sol Infinite: I can say in a quote by Pablo Picasso. Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
I would like to thank Sol Infinite for the Interview.
Check out Sol Infinite work at http://solinfinite.bandcamp.com/
Sol Infinite Twitter account at https://twitter.com/#!/sol_infinite
Sol Infinite's Tumblr: http://solinfinite.tumblr.com/
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