Ed Solo interview: 'I’m looking forward to MADE, the crowd's always lively'

We got the inside scoop with legendary DnB DJ, Ed Solo. Following the success of Jungle Cakes, his take on the current DnB scene, his new record label, and appearing at MADE festival for their 10th edition. Read all down below!

Last updated: 1st Aug 2024

Originally published: 31st Jul 2024

Ed Solo is a man of many talents, taking his career to the next level with every performance. From moving to Brighton at an early age to pursue his music career to Jungle Cakes; a label highlighting the DnB music scene and upcoming artists with their unreal events; Ed Solo has been on an incredible musical journey. 

And the journey is about to get more iconic as he gets ready for one of Birmingham's biggest festivals, MADE Festival;  as they celebrate 10 years of bringing unreal music to some of the liveliest crowds. So to get you in that DnB mood ahead of MADE, we caught up with Ed Solo to talk about his music, heading down to the midlands, and his ideal setlists. Read more down below!

It only feels right to go from the beginning of your music journey. So can you talk to us a little bit about the start of your career? Especially moving to Brighton to pursue music. How did you know from there on out that you wanted to have a career in music?

"I have always loved music since I was small. I have always been interested in technology and electronics, so I thought sound engineering would be a good career choice for me. Making a career from making music is probably less likely. Anyway, I got a job at S.O.U.R Records - who released Shy FX & UK Apache's 'Original Nuttah' - as an assistant engineer in 1993, just as jungle started to blossom; I learnt a lot working there. I saw the different ways people produced music. In the studio downtime, I would use the studio to make my own music, and I also had a few releases under the name Click & Cycle, which was myself and S.O.U.R label boss, Dave Stone.

I moved to Brighton around 1997. Around this time, I started working with DJ Brockie and his label, Undiluted Records. From there music career just grew."

You’ve had an insane career so far, really driving into the depths of DnB, but was there a certain influence that got you into music, and that genre?

"So, around 1988, when I was about 13, I discovered pirate radio and acid house music. Before this, I only really knew of pop music and rock 'n' roll from my dad, so it was quite eye-opening hearing this music. Especially as it was also being mixed by DJs, which I had never heard before, so I didn’t quite understand what was going on. I presumed it was being made live with synthesisers and drum machines, but I followed this music on the pirates throughout the early nineties as it progressed from house to hardcore to jungle and then DnB; so I was there from its inception really."

What does making music mean to you?

"I love to make music, though sometimes I find it hard as I often enjoy listening to music more than making it!"

What was it about DnB, and now more recently dubstep, that drew you in?

"I like everything about DnB, mainly the quality of the mixdowns and the fact that there is a lot of sub-bass. I’m a bass head at heart, so I enjoy standing in front of a big sub and getting a bass fix every now and then. I also like the fact that there are a lot of different influences in DnB and all of the sub-genres."

How do you think the DnB/jungle scene has changed since you started music? 

"The scene has changed in lots of ways over the years; it used to be more multicultural, which I miss. Attention spans and technology have changed the way people DJ now, too. For example, you could play four jump-up tunes in the same time it takes to play an intro of one tune from 20 years ago! I think smartphones have made a difference, too, because now people tend to do a bit of filming or check their socials, so they are less ‘in the moment’."

Jungle Cakes turns 10 this year. Describe to us the journey it took to get to where you are today with Jungle Cakes, and what plans you have for the future?

"The Jungle Cakes label has actually been around for 15 years now, it’s the Jungle Cakes events that have been around for 10 years. When we - Deekline and I - started it, we had no idea that it was going to grow into what it has become. If we did, we would have probably chosen a different name, as we mainly made reggae-influenced DnB rather than actual jungle, and I think some people have a bit of a problem with the name. Which I can understand as we don't represent proper jungle, but “DnB Cakes” didn't sound as catchy!"

MADE festival is a big one for Birmingham, and you’re no stranger to a good festival. But is there anything you’re looking forward to when heading down? Any kind of midland magic you expecting? 

"I’m definitely looking forward to MADE Festival. The crowds are always very up for it and responsive in Birmingham. Plus there is a bigger mixture of different people and backgrounds there too."

As we know you’re playing MADE festival this year, however, are there any other events that are coming up that you’re excited about? Or any new projects you’d like to share with us?

"I’m doing quite a few festivals this year, but the main one is always Boomtown for me, especially as we are playing on the Origin stage this year. I have also started a new Record Label with Jessi G Shellz called, SUPA SUBS. We have had our 1st release already and are about to set up our 2nd one with Kaya Fyah, so look out for that"

Imagine this, the next set you play is reduced to just 3 tracks and 3 tracks only. What tunes do you feel must be included?

"Wow, that's a hard one. There have been so many great tunes over the years, and even if I were to choose from this year alone, it would be hard. The best I can do is tell you some of the tunes I have played pretty much every set recently. So it goes, number one, Ed Solo & Deekline - 'Bad Boy Your Love' Bennie Remix (forthcoming on Jungle Cakes), two, Gorillaz 'Feel Good Inc.' - Ed Solo Remix, and number three, Klimate & Ed Solo - 'Fi Get Down' (forthcoming on SUPA SUBS). In that order."

Ed Solo will be spinning the decks at MADE festival on Saturday 3rd August 2024. For tickets to MADE Festival 2024, where you can catch Ed Solo, scroll down to the bottom of this page!

For more information, and some FAQs on MADE Festival 2024, visit the festival page on Skiddle, by clicking or tapping - HERE 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Jungle Cakes / Facebook.com