SA duo makes fresh music for the world
JOBURG - Fun and fresh music that puts one in a good mood - irrespective of where you are in the world.
That is how Velvet Suite Lounge (VSL), a duo from Alexandra Township, describes their music which is a mixture of NuJazz, broken beats, soul, house, and afro-Latin.
The pair is made up of Neo Soulsta (composer and songwriter) and Paul Solaris (sound engineer and DJ), and they sometimes perform with a live band to complement their performance. Their sound was influenced by all the sounds they’ve been exposed to and have collected in their lives’ journeys.
The two met in 2012 and decided to collaborate to create a unique sound.
“We do tap into blues, Neo-soul, and reggae. VSL is a musical journey across genres, expect the unexpected from the team. We love music far too much to just box ourselves into one genre. We live to create,” said Soulsta.
Their independently recorded debut album, Human Nature, examines the nature of human behaviour, according to Soulsta.
“It focuses on the good and bad that transpires in life. We talk about love, relationships, spirituality, and our love for art is also highlighted in our tracks,” she explained.
In this offering, they’ve collaborated with various DJs and producers, including the legendary Atjazz from the UK. According to Solaris, “The album is of great quality, at its best complementing the overall production.”
VSL have released two singles under American-based record labels and have worked with renowned producers such as Vick Lavender and collaborated with Ananda Project, famously known for hits such as We Are Lonely, Kiss Kiss, Glory Glory and King of My Castle.
Soulsta credits Facebook among other social media platforms as the mechanism that sparked the relationships with the esteemed international artists.
“It’s been a matter of sharing, releasing our music to people who care to listen to what’s new, and take our brand to greater heights. “We’d love to travel the world, live and experience different atmospheres and work with various musicians while carrying Alex and Africa’s flag high,” said Soulsta.
Follow VelvetSuiteLounge on twitter @VelvetLoungeVSL / Like their facebook page VelvetLoungeVSL
