Canadian-based DJ and producer Soleil Carrillo and House music star Terri B! spill the tea on their new track “Love Shine.” From how it all started to what makes the groove so special, this fun interview shows the real chemistry behind their collab. Don’t miss it!
Musically speaking, “Love Shine” blends Classic House elements with dynamic grooves, creating a positive atmosphere built on brilliant guitar samples and rhythmic bass.
1. “Love Shine” has real chart potential, what’s one surprising detail about the track that even your biggest fans wouldn’t know?
Terri B!: We really only spontaneously figured out how to approach this, and it came out fantastic. As usual, I got a track from Soleil, and I put my songwriting hat on to find a good hook.
Soleil Carrillo: I had this track sitting in the vault for almost a full year before I sent it out to Terri to get her to sing on it. I knew it would be something special, so I waited for the right time to send it to someone whose vocals could perfect the track.
2. Do you see “Love Shine” as a kind of anthem of hope for the times we’re living in?
Terri B!: I’m not sure if it’s an anthem, but there’s a positive message inside the tunes.
Soleil Carrillo: I have been releasing more uplifting tracks over the past year, and there is some influence from the turmoil going on worldwide, ranging from wealth inequality to warfare.
3. How did this collaboration first come together? Tell us the story from the very beginning!
Terri B!: I’ve worked with Rod, Soleil’s father, for years, and we have topped the Billboard dance charts with Ralphi Rosario, and so we have a history, but Soleil was always on my radar, and now he is coming into his own.
Soleil Carrillo: Terri has always been very supportive of my sister and me growing up, having had a strong relationship with my father. She gave me the chance to DJ on her HouseCrunch Radio Show and allowed me to showcase the skills I had been practicing for years. I am so excited that we finally get to work together.
4. Soleil, collaborating with legends must be exciting. What’s the biggest challenge you feel when stepping into their world?
Soleil Carrillo: Being able to produce a track that is mixed and mastered as professionally as possible. These legends know a good instrumental and can easily distinguish it from a poor one, so I need to be on my A game whenever I send them demos for a collaboration. I still have a lot to learn, but day by day, mix by mix, I am getting much better and will be able to produce the best tracks consistently.
5. Which part of your career excites you more: making waves in the underground scene or hitting the charts?
Soleil Carrillo: I want to earn the respect of other artists and musicians. I want to stay true to my sound and craft, so whether I hit the charts or receive praise from the underground, I will be proud and happy no matter the outcome.
6. Terri, having been part of House music for so long, what’s a belief about the current scene that surprises you?
Terri B!: Ignore everyone’s advice and limitations and do what you feel.
7. Among all the remixes, which one exceeded your expectations?
Terri B!: The Kebab & Cream mix reminds me of the Bingo Players’ insane mixes of my work and Avicii’s remix of “You Used to Hold Me.”
Soleil: I agree with Terri! The Kebab & Cream mix brings so much flavor.
8. Soleil, let’s get technical, what’s the secret behind that housey groove? Are you running everything through hardware or using plugins?
Soleil Carrillo: Having that bassline swing is the secret ingredient to make a crowd groove. Fat, hard-hitting percussion supports the bassline, while the higher-frequency melody adds contrast. The bass needs short notes that hit more on the off-beat to give that swinging feeling. The bass guitar in “Love Shine” is quite melodic, but the swing keeps it moving forward with a solid groove.
Plugins are my go-to. I live in a small apartment, so I don’t have the room to run a lot through hardware. I always try my best to get analogue sounds when I produce using Soundtoyz plugins.
9. Terri, your vocals are sitting perfectly in the mix, did you record multiple takes and comp them together, or did you nail it in one shot?
Terri B!: No, because I’ve been doing this so long as a studio rat, you just know when it feels right
10. Lastly, if someone’s never stepped foot in a club but they hear “Love Shine,” what do you want them to understand about House culture?
Terri B!: This is a cool ass tune.
Soleil: House is for everyone, and that’s why you gotta let your love shine when you listen to that groove.
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Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
