Solarstone

Solarstone: The Music

Originally a 3 piece (with former members Sam Tierney & Andy Bury), Solarstone blazed a trail through the emergent days of the trance phenomenon, founding their name with the club hits like ‘Green Light’ (1995), ‘The Calling’ (1997) and ‘The Impressions EP’ (1998). As the first trance tsunami peaked in 1999 Solarstone left an indelible mark on the scene with the Top 40 hit ‘Seven Cities’. The track - one of the very first true Balearic Trance anthems - has been re-released 3 times and has sold in excess of 500,000 copies. Remixed in 2002 by Armin van Buuren, its instantly-recognizable sunset legacy sound can still be heard in tracks being released today.

Over the next 6 years Solarstone continued to feed the ever-hungry trance-masses with speaker-sensations like ‘Solarcoaster’ (2003), ‘Speak in Sympathy’ (2004), ‘Eastern Sea’ (2005), ‘Like A Waterfall’ (2006) & ‘The Calling’ (2007). In 2006 he released his first long-player, the compendium/greatest hits album, ‘AnthologyOne’ . That was followed up in May 2008 by ‘RainStarsEternal’ – an album summed up by DJMag as “a consummate all-rounder from the UK’s original trance master”. ‘R.S.E.’ has so far spawned four hit singles, the title track itself, plus ‘Spectrum’, ‘4ever’ & ‘Late Summer Fields’, the latter of which Rich produced, sung and wrote the lyrics for.

Solarstone: The Dj

Solarstone behind a pair of CDJs is something that every EDM lover, planet-wide, should witness at least once in their clubbing careers! Rich brings together a clear and abiding love of melody with an intrinsic, perceptive aptitude for floor-shaking performances. Since learning to spin in the late Nineties, he’s played for the majority of the super-club brands (inc. Cream, Ministry of Sound, Gatecrasher, Slinky & Euphoria) and spun alongside the worlds best-known DJs many times over. Unlike many other spinners he also maintains a huge home-country following, playing almost as much to UK audiences as to ones abroad. Rich's worldwide travels have also taken him to some of the biggest events and festivals across the globe, and also some of the most remote. Over the years these have included islands in the Philippines, bush parties in Australia and massive festivals in the heart of Brazil.


Solarstone - The Guises:

In order to showcase different musical perspectives & sounds, Rich has also recorded under a number of pseudonyms. In 2002 he initiated the 80’s-referencing Young Parisians outfit, scoring a big debut with lamenting ‘U Write the Rules’. The act then skyrocketed with one of the 2004’s defining trance/prog tracks ‘Jump the Next Train’. In 1999 he released the underground anthems ‘The Hymn’ & 'Jabberwock' by Skyscraper on 4D Recordings, latterly re-releasing them on his own Deepblue label. He also has recorded alongside Andy Bury as Liquid State for Perfecto & as Space Kittens for Hooj Choons.

Solarstone - The Remixes:

Over the years Solarstone has always maintained a rigid balance between original production tracks and remix works. He has remixed for A-list names like Paul Oakenfold (‘Bullet in The Gun’), Ferry Corsten (on Moonman’s ‘Galaxia’) & BT’s ‘Calling Your Name’. He has also stepped outside the comfort zone to refashion tracks by legendary acts like The Human League, Radiohead & Sarah McLachlan.

Solaris International - The Radio Show

Solarstone - The Labels:

Solarstone In Quotes

Chronology

1995
'Rich Mowatt is the keyboard player with indie-dance band Emission, has dreadlocks and works as a body-piercer in Birmingham. Andy Bury is a pirate radio dj with long hair, they both frequent an indie/rock club in the Midlands called 'JBs'. Rich calls the radio station to request they play his first single release - Emission 'Life's Not Real' - Andy takes the call, professing to being something of an Emission fan - they meet at a gig and discuss their mutual passion for electronic music. Andy introduces Rich to Sam Tierney, and together the 3 create their first release - The Space Kittens 'Aquanaut E.P' on their own label 'Sunflower Vibes'. Pete Tong plays 2 tracks from the E.P on his Radio 1 show - 'Storm' and 'Dolphin'.

1996
'Storm' is signed to Hooj Choons, and released as a single - it reaches no. 47 in the charts. A bunch of remixes follow for artists like Jimmy Sommerville 'By Your Side' (Jimmy calls Rich to congratulate him on the remix, Rich nearly faints from star - struck fever), Human League 'Stay With Me Tonight', Lisa Moorish 'Mr Friday Night' and also 3 mixes for Perfecto (Grace 'Down To Earth', Minds Of Men 'Brand New Day' and Johann 'New Kicks').

1997
Rich, Sam & Andy develop a new Trance based sound, the first track is entitled 'The Calling', a blend of breaks and trance sounds. Red Jerry describes it as 'ahead of its time'. A new name is required for this different sound, and after much deliberation (and threats from Hooj to christen the band 'The Pleasure Tendency' Rich Andy & Sam settle 'Solarstone'. 'The Calling' is released - the track narrowly misses out on a Top 40 place. More remixes follow in this new style, notably Energy 52 'Cafe Del Mar' (but everyone plays the 'Three 'N' One' remix!), Sapphire 'Never Be Lonely Again' and Chakra 'Home'. Another Solarstone track is recorded featuring 'Hearsay' star Kim Marsh entitled 'Prayer', but this is shelved.

1998/1999
A second Solarstone single is released by Hooj - The Impressions EP including 'Day By Day', also featuring Kym Marsh.

A difference in musical direction emerges between Rich & Andy in the one camp, and Sam in another. Sam prefers a more breaks orientated direction, whereas Rich & Andy prefer to focus on this new Trance sound. Sam leaves the band citing 'musical differences'

Rich has his hair shaved off but Andy still has long hair

Rich & Andy move into a new bigger and brighter studio and record a brand new single 'I Want You' under the new name of 'Z2'. Deepblue is set up as a launch pad for this new project, and 'I Want You' is a massive hit , supported by Sasha, PVD and every major trance dj at the time. Another string of remixes follows, including Ecano-'Run' for FourD (one of Rich & Andy's personal favourite remixes). A hilarious experience with a bunch of likely lads from London produces a huge flop in the form of 'Zodiac - Touch The Sky', better best forgotten, and also Rich & Andy experiment with the sound of Speed Garage under the moniker of 'Bass Oddity' - just for fun.

Rich drives like a bat out of hell to the studio one morning after awaking from a dream with the melody and chord structure of what was to be entitled 'Seven Cities' fresh in his ears. Andy arrives at the studio and hears the music and says "Cor... what's that?". Rich & Andy spend a month perfecting the production, and then this is where it all kicks off big time…despite initially turning down what turned out to be one of Trance's defining moments, Hooj buckle under popular pressure and release Seven Cities. It enters the national chart selling 20,000 copies in the first week of release.'Seven Cities' has since been described as " The best trance record of the last 10 years" (Djmag)..

2000
Another spattering of remixes follows, including Space Manoeuvres (Hooj), Cygnus X-The Orange Theme (Hooj), Matt Darey - From Russia With Love (Liquid Asset), the massive Bullet in the Gun (Perfecto) remix that sends the record spiralling into the Top Ten, and also their remake of Moonman's Galaxia - one of their personal favourites, and most popular remixes. Judge Jules says "Solarstone are going to be massive this year." Not a lot else happens that year!
Remixes for Serious and Avant Garde are released. Platipus Records sign 'z2 - I Want You' and it's a hit all over again.
A stalemate situation begins to emerge with Hooj Choons, whose change in musical direction (dull progressive druggy bongo music) alienates Rich & Andy,  and subsequently their follow up to Seven Cities - 'Solarcoaster' is shelved.
Andy has his hair cut short and to the amazement of everybody - it suits him!

2001/2
The After-Hours sessions begin, Rich is smoking a lot of weed and Andy is drinking a lot of red wine at this stage!
Ambient mixes for Oakenfold 'Southern Sun' (Perfecto), Conjure One & Sounds Form The Ground (Nettwerk) are recorded, as well as a glorious chill mix of 'Falling', a track recorded under the alias Liquid State with Marcella Woods on vocals.
After a break of 2 years DeepBlue is relaunched with Elizabeth Fields' debut release, the Solarstone produced 'Speak In Sympathy' - one of Solarstone's most enduring and popular tracks. Andy & Rich team up with Brothers Bud member Dom Farrington and release the Herbgrinder E.P - two slabs of chunky groovy progressive house.
Ben Lost enthusiastically takes over the running of 'Lost Language', the Trance arm of Hooj, and discovers 'Solarcoaster' and another shelved Solarstone track 'Green Light' sitting on the Hooj shelf covered with dust. Both tracks still sound fresh, and they are released, followed up swiftly by a re-issue of 'Seven Cities' complete with a remix from upcoming Dutch dj Armin Van Buuren. The remix is a massive success, propelling Armin into the big league and narrowly missing the Top40.
After much demand, Rich & Andy decide to dust down their headphones, record boxes and cd's, and get out on the road with a series of worldwide DJ appearances, starting with Gatecrasher in Sheffield to rave reviews. They have subsequently built a reputation as one of the trance scenes most respected dj duos, touring worldwide all year round.

2003
Solarstone release 'Release’ and ‘Destination'- two brand new tracks. Both are universally acclaimed and very popular with the two biggest djs of the time Tiesto and Paul Oakenfold. 'Solarcoaster' receives the remix treatment and drops like a bomb on the global trance scene.
Andy & Rich compile and mix Disc 1 of 'Exhibition', a retrospective of Lost Language releases.
The scene is generally in decline at this point, sales are down across the board and many major and indie labels go to the wall, including giants such as Telstar, unfortunately the knock-on effect wipes out many smaller labels also, Deepblue hangs on by the skin of its teeth by grim determination.
Solarstone team up with Scott Bond and release the massive hit '3rd Earth', bucking the trend of the day and shifting enormous amounts of single-sided white label copies. The track is then signed to ID&T with a Marco V remix.
A new alias 'Young Parisians' is created as an outlet for a new electronic sound, the first release 'U Write The Rules' features Rich on vocals and a Solarstone remix, which cleans up across the board.
Another chilled remix follows for Nettwerk entitled 'Centre Of The Sun',  contrasting with a dark progressive remix for Platipus of 'Born To Synthesize' by Mona Lisa Overdrive.
FingerLickin sign the 'Herbgrinder' track (remixed by Brothers Bud) and it rocks breaks floors worldwide on release.

2004
Two more collaborations with Scott Bond are released, and Deepblue run a remix competition to find new talent for Deepblue and new label MadeInEngland. Solarstone team up with Jes Brieden (Motorcycle) and record a single 'Like A Waterfall' which is signed to dj Tiesto's record label.
Deepblue signs Whirlpool's 'Under The Sun' and score a huge club hit with a Solarstone remix.
A Worldwide summer tour takes in the Middle East, Malaysia, Australia, Canada and Athens. Unfortunately the Made In England label folds due to economic pressure. Solarstone remix Sarah McLachlan 'Worlds On Fire' (Nettwerk).
The second Young Parisians single 'Jump The Next Train' is released, featuring Ben Lost on vocal duties - this is Rich & Andy's biggest hit since 'Seven Cities', tearing up dance floors worldwide. The track is licensed globally.
A Solarstone dj tour proceeds which is polished off with a live performance at 'Ahead' in Sheffield on New Years Eve.

2005
Solarstone complete their first 'AfterHours' remix, for Platipus - 'Libra - Calling Your Name' and then are subsequently asked to compile and mix their first compilation for Telstar -  the highly plaudited and acclaimed 'Chilled-Out Euphoria' - still regarded by many as the finest example of the genre. This is 6 months work and a real labour of love for Andy & Rich. Remixes for Matt Darey 'Liberation' and Chris Bangs 'Warm Weather' are released this year, plus a minor release on Hooj 'Z2 - Black Finished Chrome'.  Remixes completed for Jan Johnston (Perfecto) and Junk Project (Liquid Asset).

A bit of time off this year to concentrate on developing the Deepblue label and its offshoots, and setting up the new online store DeepBlueDigital. The Website is completely revamped by Andy (who incidentally designs all the deepblue artwork & built the website - Rich is responsible for A & R).
In the studio, a Young Parisians album is in progress, with a clutch of across-the-board material recorded.
A Solarstone single 'Eastern Sea' is released on Solaris Recordings, to rave reviews and continued Dj support.
Andy & Rich compile and mix their next mix album 'Destinations Volume 1', intended to represent their worldwide travels.  It's a  joint venture between Deepblue and Solaris Recordings and another labour of love, the album takes 2 months to complete. Seven Cities gets a repress as part of the S12 Classics Series.
Deepblue launch the DeepBlueRadioShow, featuring Rich & Andy dropping current and classic tunes once a month broadcast across FM and Web stations worldwide.
Andy assumes Dj responsibilities dropping bombs at Gatecrasher and Passion over the xmas period.

2006
Rich has his first baby boy on New Years Day!
Deepblue announce 4 new label offshoots: Limited // International // Digital // Tokyo Recordings.
Destinations Vol 1, a rand new dj mix compilation is released with fantastic reviews worldwide, the album is a real collage of musical styles seamlessly blended. 'Like A Waterfall' is released in the UK on deepblue and in Europe by Black Hole. 'Eastern Sea' is released on new label 'Solaris Recordings'. 

'AnthologyOne' is released, marking (almost) 10 years of Solarstone productions. It is a double cd collection of Solarstone's best original works of the last 10 years, a short worldwide tour ensues taking in the USA and Europe.

2007
Due to an inevitable growing difference in musical taste and direction, Rich & Andy part company. Rich retains the trance affiliated Solarstone name as Andy now prefers a more house-based sound. However Rich & Andy continue running Deepblue - Rich now concentrating on A&R, and Andy focusing on the design and business side of the label.

Rich begins work on the debut Solarstone full length Artist album, entitled 'Rain Stars Eternal' which is scheduled for release in May 2008. Dj dates in Finland, Tokyo, Taipei, Jersey, Ireland and a short tour of America ensue to promote the forthcoming single 'Late Summer Fields' (a collaboration with Alucard featuring Rich in writer, producer and vocalist roles). The 3rd Young Parisians single 'Obsession' is released on Tokyo Recordings. A collaboration with Finnish Dj Orkidea produces a track entitled 'Slowmotion' which is subsequently released on Orkidea's 'Metaverse' album via Ava Recordings.

The Radio Show starts to snowball in popularity, broadcasting across 40+ stations worldwide to millions of listeners. Robbie Nelson joins Rich on the show on a bi-weekly basis.

Rich launches new label 'insatiable records', which kicks off with Steve Birch's 'Edge Of The Ocean'.

New Solarstone single 'Late Summer Fields' is released, it is a collaberation with Canadian producer / dj Alucard, and features Rich in writer, producer and singer / songwriter roles for the first time on a Solarstone release. Reviews are brilliant: "...Late Summer Fields could be the one to apply serious pressure to the status of 'Seven Cities' .... Stunning - 5/5" DjMag.

2008
This year kicks off with a mighty buzz building in anticipation of the release of the debut Solarstone long-player 'Rain Stars Eternal : the single of the same name rocks floors worldwide supported by the usual clutch of a-list djs, with a stonking Agnelli & Nelson remix. Rich remixes for strum-tastic heavyweights Radiohead - the brooding Solarstone 'Subterranean' mix of 'House Of Cards' is universally acclaimed with its dark and brooding undertones, this is Solarstone exploring the progressive side of his sound and paving the way for the spring release of 'RSE'.

Rich quits the wavering deepblue label and takes over the reins at Solairs Recordings instead, renaming the radio show 'Solaris International' in its honour. The show continue3s to grow in popularity and a weekly podcast is released.

A collaberation with Mr Sam & Andy Duguid entitled 'Hold My Breath' which again features Rich on vocal duties is recorded in early April and included on Mr Sam's 'Opus' album.

RainStarsEternal is released - to worldwide critical acclaim. The 11 track beautifully packaged album marks a definitive turning point for Solarstone. Reviews are stellar across the board & Ferry Corsten hails it as "The best album this year". Summer Singles '4ever' and 'Spectrum' rock dancefloors worldwide as Rich embarks on a 35 date world tour, taking in all major territories. '4ever' gets very special treatment as a single-sided-signed-coloured-12"-Vinyl-only release (a determined attempt by Solarstone and Solaris to keep the track 'special' and combat the 'illegal downloads' problem).

A brand new Solarstone website is launched, complete with its own 'Solar Shop'. Solarstone performs at 'Full-On-Ferry' in the Netherlands, Djing in a flying 'UFO' dj booth to over 15,000 people. At this event a viral marketing campaign is unleashed for the solarSwarm, an innercircle of Solarstone / Slaris fans who have direct input into Solar operations.

Solarstone launches his 'Next Big Thing' competition, a talent scouting exercise as he begins to compile 'Electronic Architecture', a bar-raising multi-genre 2 X CD compilation album scheduled for release in April 2009.

Lunar Rings is scheduled as the next single, with promo beginning in late November.

Solarstone rounds of the year with a massive New Years Eve date at The Arches in Glasgow, the perfect end to a perfect 2008.

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