Jonas Saalbach’s label Radikon’s very own catalog number 45 compiles five pieces by artists from various career plateaus, established scenesters as well as up and coming rising stars, united by the hunger for perfectionism in the ever-evolving contemporary craftsmanship to their dedicated electronic art. The label welcome Ten Systems, SANDHAUS, Solarquest, S.ONE, Rauschhaus and Final Request to their latest VA ‘Kvina’.
This range of variety finds its way into the carefully handpicked track selection, covering all moods of a full rave’s lifespan from sundown to sunset or the other way round. Each work represents each musician at peak performance level and Radikon is their exhibition space.
You can now listen to the full premiere of ‘Love Conquers’ by Solarquest while reading the great interview we had with the Lebanese artist.
WWD: Hi Mo aka ‘Solarquest’! Nice to have you on When We Dip. Your new release on Radikon is called ‘Love Conquers’ – is there a story behind the title of the track?
Thanks for the invite! ‘Love Conquers’ is inspired by the intricate & chaotic world, and the only thing that brings us together is love. As we humans are built out of love, despite all the problems that we face, in the end, we seek clarity and happiness. That is where love conquers and makes everything beautiful again.
WWD: What is the idea of your song and what makes the track exciting in your opinion?
The idea of my song is to narrate a story where chaos is then relieved by an energetic element. Thus, what makes it exciting is its simple yet catching groove and its powerful & emotional synth melody.
WWD: Solarquest is a well-known name in the Beirut electronic scene. When did you start producing music and what was your motivation?
I started producing music about 4 years ago. I’ve been DJing for about 8 years but there was always something missing. It was a message and a personal journey that I always wanted to share with the audience. That motivated me to start producing music and sharing something that would reflect me as a person.
WWD: You are part of the club MADHOUSE and book DJs from all over the world. What exactly is your part of the club and when did you start?
Madhouse was established on February 5th 2020, slightly before the pandemic. I am a partner and booking manager at Madhouse.
WWD: After everything that happened in Lebanon, such as the political corruption and the big explosion at the port that harmed many people and places, we heard that the atmosphere is still very positive. Please tell us a little bit about your community and the motivation to continue with the music and clubbing.
The Lebanese people are known to be positive and always happy despite what’s been going on since the history of the country has always seen such scenarios. They are always down for a good party and I hear it from almost all the artists that I book; they always tell me the Lebanese crowd is one of the nicest & most energetic crowds to play for. And after all, such parties are a getaway for everyone to escape from all the stress and corruption!
WWD: ‘Love Conquers’ is part of Radikon’s new Various Artist called ‘Kvina’. What is your connection with the Berlin label ?
I’m a good friend of Jonas Saalbach, I met him in Beirut a couple of years ago and I’ve hosted him at the Madhouse. Radikon is by far one of my favorite labels.
WWD: Are there any other releases or anything else you’d like to share?
I have a lot of new stuff being prepared. I’ll hopefully share it with the world soon!