Meet The Musos: Get To Know Western Sydney Triple Threat SOLLYY

Get ready to vibe with one of Western Sydney's most noted rising stars, SOLLYY, ahead of his forthcoming appearance at BIGSOUND 2023.

SOLLYY isn't just a rapper – he's a triple threat, juggling the roles of artist, producer, and DJ like a pro.

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He’s also been cooking up magic with some of the coolest acts down under and across the ditch, including OneFour, 1300, and PANIA. But Sollyy isn't just about dropping beats; he's all about building a crew of die-hard fans who feel more like a tight-knit community.

His meteoric rise was further cemented when he has crowned Producer of the Year in the prestigious Acclaim All Stars Class of 2023, a well-deserved accolade that attests to his innovative musicality.

As 2024 looms on the horizon, so too does his debut EP — and having already left his mark with collaborative efforts alongside artists like DXNDRE, as well as his initial solo ventures, SOLLYY's work ethic and undeniable talent point to an artist on an upward trajectory—one we're thrilled to be witnessing.

Ahead of his appearance at BIGSOUND 2023, we caught up with SOLLYY to suss out everything you need to know about the Western Sydney talent

Give us the story behind your name?

"Sollyy" is just a nickname that I had growing up. I'm pretty sure most people named Solomon have that given. I just added an extra Y so I could stand out on Google searches.

If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

Probably some type of hot sauce, but like a tasty one, not those ones that are just hot for the sake of being hot. It's funny 'cause I can't even handle spice like that.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your own sound and style?

I was a huge Kaytranada fan when I was starting to make beats. I take so much from the way he mixed his drums and synths together.

RZA was one of the first producers I was introduced to, and I took a lot from his sample choices, song structure, and arrangement.

808Melo was actually really inspiring to me when I was starting to understand the intricacies of production; his style really showed me the possibilities of what sounds can be used where, especially in his context of making the hottest songs for the hottest artists at that time.

Timbaland is also the original don at that too.

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

I guess maybe finally being able to leave a job and freelance properly as a musician/DJ is the biggest 'moment' I've experienced.

What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

Cheat code - new jack swing bass lines sped up make for perfect house tracks.

Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?

Aw man, there are so many. I used to follow and unfollow people constantly so I could get a follow back.

What are the top three tracks or artists you’re vibing on right now?

I found this really mad ambient album - not sure how to categorise it - from this project called African American Sound Recordings, called Tamika's Lodge.

I've been rinsing it; it sounds like if Burial had grown up in LA instead. The bro Jack Slade just dropped the most amazing EP, and I've had the last song, Lipstick, on repeat. Just so emotionally charged, and I love his melodies so much on that one.

There's this Spanish drill rapper, Bb Trickz, that I think has the best beat selection I've heard in a while. Her flow's nuts too. I've been going crazy to "Ah!"

What’s something that fans might not know about you?

That I can't roll my R's or whistle.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I was thinking about this the other day. It would probably be The Avalanches’ Since I Left You. I always hear something new I haven't heard before every time I go back to it.

What's in the works for you in 2023?

Playing BIGSOUND! Looking forward to that. I've also got a bunch of shows coming up in September and October that I'm keen to test some new live setups for.

I feel like I'm still growing as an artist, so I'm taking these shows as opportunities to try new things out and get a feel for what feels best.

I've got a song dropping real soon with one of the guys (Full Circle all day!) So keep your eyes peeled. You should've asked me about 2024 though!