House DJs Break Their Silence: Kellari, Soleil Carrillo & Ron Carroll

House DJs KELLARI and Soleil Carrillo, along with veteran artist Ron Carroll, reveal the inside story behind their collaboration on the empowering anthem “Same Vibration.” Read on to dive into the full interview!

1. How did the idea of working with Ron Carroll on “Same Vibration” come about?

We (KELLARI and Soleil Carrillo) had remixed a previous Ron Carroll record called “Get Up,” so we thought we would ask if we could arrange an original track together. Ron liked our “Get Up” remix, so he sent us some vocals he had recorded over a sample track, and we just went from there.

2. What was the creative process like with Ron’s expertise in the mix?

We researched some of his previous records, like “Preach” with Hot Since ’82, and we created several versions before we got the ultimate product that was coherent with Ron’s vibe and style.

3. When arranging this track, how did you decide on the length for optimal club play?

We emulated the standard club mix other producers use: a 16-bar intro and outro and some extended sections throughout the mix. Keeping the energy up while a track is playing in the club is essential, so we always keep the groove consistent.

We tried to add as much tension in the build-ups as possible to have a satisfying drop each time.

4. How are you spreading the word about this release? Any unique marketing ideas?

Soleil is utilizing a marketing manager to target mainly audiences in South America, specifically Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. The strategy is to pitch our song to multiple playlist curators, influencers, and media outlets popular in those locations.

We are planning on making merch to send out to fans and influencers. We are mainly promoting on Instagram and YouTube but also releasing content on TikTok and Facebook.

We are trying to convey the “Same Vibration” message to discourage discrimination and encourage acceptance. This message is needed in a time of hate that some political parties promote against those who created the Dance music genre.

5. Do House Music DJs still hold the power to shape the genre, or is it now all about commercial hits?

House DJs still have the power to shape the dance genre but suffer from club owners who only care about making a profit. We understand that nightclubs need to make money to stay open, but there needs to be an equal love for the art of music.

Without that love and pursuit of creativity, you lose aspiring DJs, and crowds will get sick of the same songs being played repeatedly.

6. Are algorithms on streaming platforms dictating what music producers create?

Algorithms on streaming platforms affect what we release more than what we create. We love to make unconventional tracks, but we are not motivated to release those records when more reputable producers release something that aligns with the mainstream.

One day, as we mature and gain experience as producers, we will be more comfortable releasing records that may not be as popular.

7. As emerging artists, what have you learned from this collaborative experience?

It’s essential to take the perspective of the artists we’re working with to convey the message they envision for a project. We include our tastes, too, but all parties need to be content with a collaborative product.

8. Ron, as an established House music veteran, what excites you most about working with the next generation of producers?

The next generation of producers are risk takers. I like people who push themselves to create an amazing vibe.

9. What part of House music’s evolution catches your attention nowadays?

House music is a rotating wheel. It reaches a peak and returns to its original form. So, I like that the 80’s and 90’s sound has returned.

10. If you could sum up the core message behind “Same Vibration,” what would it be?

“Same Vibration” emphasizes unity and that all humans are equal, regardless of their skin color, beliefs, or other differences. There is so much divisiveness in the media, and promoting such messages is unhealthy.

We wanted to do our part to spread love instead of hate and acceptance instead of denial. This sensation of togetherness is evident on the dance floor, and that’s why we delivered this message through music.

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KELLARI
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Soleil Carrillo
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Ron Carroll
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