We Chat with Dance Music Icon Stefano Ritteri – aka Solo

With his Italian charm and inextinguishable passion, London-based, Italian-born Stefano Ritteri has ignited the world of house and techno. A veteran in the industry, Stefano has held residencies at clubs such as Fabric in London, released music with the elite of house labels like Dirtybird and Ninja Tune, and remixed music for Depeche Mode, Wiley, and Underworld under the alias of Solo. More recently, Stefano’s label accreditation includes, Pets Recordings, Defected, Exploited, Glasgow Underground, Viva, Saved and Play it Down.

Stefano Ritteri aka Solo City Nomads Interview

From Stefano’s music affair, his own Congaloid vision was born, spawning one of the hottest new labels in house music. And we’re psyched to catch him at Kilo Lounge this Friday, 30 October for the After Dark’s Halloween Special.

Five Questions with Stefano Ritteri

My music is influenced by…Mostly bands and hip hop producers, some names that come to mind are Motorhead, the RZA, Daphni, and Aphex Twin. I like to look for inspirations in different ways – sometimes I’m attracted by percussive ‘tribal’ sounds, and other times by electronic instruments and synths. I like to keep it fun!

Stefano Ritteri aka Solo City Nomads Interview

The scene at the moment…is very interesting. Things are shifting around, music genres get blended, and technology allows us to make more music, even when on the road. I think in general, it is a very good time for dance music.

On the road, I miss…Mostly my studio.  I spend so much time in there that when I leave for a longer tour, I’m so happy. But after a few days I miss the machines – you never win.

Congaloid is all about…FUN! We’re a small label with a very tight crew, divided between London, Berlin, Copenhagen and Switzerland. We recently did a bit of reorganisation; I’m travelling a lot so it took a bit of time, but now we have a solid release calendar and some nice label parties planned in 2016.

If I could stage a rave anywhere…I would do it on the moon. Imagine what kind of music one could play!

Stefano Ritteri will be playing at Kilo Lounge on Friday, 30 October for After Dark, Halloween Special together with Lady Flic and Oliver Osborne. More details on the event here.

sharmaine


Marketing & Business Development Lead

The Head of Marketing & Business Development at City Nomads. Sharmaine has a discerning ear for the latest tunes, an appreciation for the visual arts, a serious case of wanderlust and an insatiable thirst for Gin Soda. Say hi if you see her at the music gigs & parties around town!