Soleil means sun in French, and the singer who goes by the name has built a career that moves easily between light and heat: soulful vocals on one side, a DJ booth on the other. Originally from New York and now based in Miami, she works as a singer-songwriter, DJ and vocal producer, drawing on everything from Soul, R&B and Blues to Deep House, Amapiano, Afrobeats and Baile Funk.
Her new single, “Rubbish,” follows “Heart Strings” and leans further into Blues and Funk. It is an empowering breakup song about self-worth, co-written with its producer, Dinni Bartholomew, and backed by a full band. The accompanying music video, directed by Riccardo Solorzano, is bathed in gold.
Away from her own releases, Soleil is a voting member of The Recording Academy, sits on its Florida Chapter’s Songwriters & Composers Committee, and mentors emerging artists and young people in foster care. Here, she talks about the cities that shaped her, the eight-year life of “Rubbish,” and the advice she gives most often.
Roots & Range
You grew up in New York and are now based in Miami. How has each city shaped you as an artist and the music you make?
“In New York, I grew up around people and cultures that were very different than me, and that helped shape the music I listened to and the sound I have now. Miami is a DJ city, so part of the reason I decided to start DJing was because of the influence of so many DJs around me.”
Your sound moves from Soul, R&B and Blues to Deep House, Amapiano, Afrobeats and Baile Funk. How do all of those influences live together in your music?
“Some of these genres are represented in my singing career and some are represented in my DJ career. In general, I love a powerful, soulful vocal, a great bassline, syncopation, and something that makes you feel.”
You work as a singer-songwriter, a DJ and a vocal producer. How does each role inform the others?
“As a singer/songwriter and vocal producer, I’m drawn to powerful, prominent, and unique voices with a tone quality that resonates, and lyrics that are interesting, punchy and tell a story. This comes through in the music I choose to DJ, no matter the genre.”
“I love a powerful, soulful vocal, a great bassline, syncopation, and something that makes you feel.”
— Soleil
Rubbish
“Rubbish” is about the moment self-doubt turns into self-respect. Where did the song begin for you, and what do you hope listeners take from it?
“I don’t remember who exactly Rubbish is about because we wrote it so long ago, but my tendency was to write out of heartbreak and emotion. I hope that listeners understand that emotions and heartbreak are a normal and relatable part of life, and remembering who you are is key. Being aware of your self worth is powerful!”
“Emotions and heartbreak are a normal and relatable part of life, and remembering who you are is key.”
— Soleil
You co-wrote the record with its producer, Dinni Bartholomew. What was the writing process like, and how did you strike the balance between vulnerable and tongue-in-cheek?
“We were sitting in Dinni’s house at the time, and he played a bass line and added a drum track into either Logic or Ableton… I don’t remember the DAW he used. I knew nothing about DAWs then, we wrote this at least 8 years ago and there have been several versions of the song! We knew we wanted the song to have lyrical balance, both punchy and representative of what I was going through at the time, so we focused on writing the lyrics that way.”
The single leans further into Blues and Funk than “Heart Strings,” with a full band behind you. What drew you to that sound, and what did the live players bring to the record?
“I come from entertainment and being on stage as a singer, always playing with musicians live. My sound was always more jazzy, soulful, and bluesy, so I wanted that represented in the recording.”
The music video, directed by Riccardo Solorzano, has a golden-hued, Retro Soul look and shows you on television screens. How did the visual concept come together?
“We planned out the shots and decided to have a retro, vintage theme based on the outfit I chose. We went for the yellow hue as I’m Soleil, which means sun in French. Because we shot it in a studio the same day we did Heart Strings, we knew we had to add in some additional creative elements to make the video eye catching, so we conceptualized together and created the final video.”
“Rubbish” — directed by Riccardo Solorzano
“We went for the yellow hue as I’m Soleil, which means sun in French.”
— Soleil
The Stage & The Booth
You’ve performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall and the Miami Beach Bandshell to Art Basel activations and Sofar Sounds. Is there one show that stays with you above the rest?
“Carnegie Hall was so special for me. I was in NYC with a choir that I am in called Miami Sound Choir because we were invited to sing in a choral event at Carnegie Hall. There was a soloist opportunity that I auditioned for and got, and this remains as one of my greatest and most memorable moments on stage.”
You played an official Miami Music Week set for Lady of the House and Labelworx. How does reading a crowd as a DJ compare with singing to one?
“Reading a crowd as a DJ & as a singer depends on the event and genres. But in general, for a DJ crowd, it is important to see that people are enjoying the music. If it’s a party, are they dancing? If it is a more relaxed event, are their heads bobbing? There’s always some sort of crowd approval that I know to look for. When it comes to singing, I look for attention to the band and the songs, are people intrigued and listening?”
Giving Back
You’re a voting member of The Recording Academy and sit on the Florida Chapter’s Songwriters & Composers Committee. What does that work involve, and why does it matter to you?
“Through the Academy, I am able to understand and impact the industry first hand. We advocate and talk to lawmakers every year about issues in the industry and how to support creatives, the network is extremely professional and supportive of each other, and I am able to vote on who wins awards while attending the Grammys and adjacent events.”
You mentor emerging artists through Grammy U, Women in Music and Symphonic Distro. What’s the advice you find yourself giving most often?
“Learn the music business! Being an artist and a creative is one thing, but understanding how the business works will take you far.”
“Being an artist and a creative is one thing, but understanding how the business works will take you far.”
— Soleil
Through Next Generation Music Foundation, you help guide young people in foster care through music. What has that work meant to you?
“Giving back through mentorship is the most meaningful work that I do. To be able to help youth find and explore their creativity, play with music, find their voice, and participate in the beautiful art that music is feels incredible. I’m always inspired and full of joy when I get to work with kids who may not have access to resources or guidance that will help them as they grow.”
“Giving back through mentorship is the most meaningful work that I do.”
— Soleil
What’s Next
“Rubbish” is a prelude to your forthcoming releases. What can you share about what’s coming next?
“I’m working on a similar sounding EP that will be 4-5 songs. I’m also working on a dance/house album and some dance singles.”
