EG: Hello Kike, welcome to EG! Congratulations on the launch of Solstice! Could you share more about the genesis of the company and its overarching mission or objectives?
Kike Roldan: Solstice emerged from a reunion with Ariel Baund after many years apart. Despite my previous ventures like Speaker Box and Castaway, a sense of something missing spurred me to seek new horizons. Collaborating with Ariel, both seasoned by experience and rich in diverse encounters, we birthed Solstice. During its shaping, Patrick M learned about our new endeavors. Tired of the evolving Miami scene, he injected his expertise, contacts, and knowledge, leading us to invite him into the fold of Solstice. The true aspiration of this venture is to finally breathe life into projects envisioned by the three of us over many years but hindered by various circumstances.
EG: You’ve mentioned collaborating with Patrick M and Ariel Baund in Solstice. How did this partnership come about, and what roles will they play in the company?
Kike Roldan: Ariel Baund, a pioneer in the Miami scene with Argentine roots, dedicated time to his family and stepped away from the clubbing scene for a while. However, he continued to work as a producer for many prominent artists, delving into e-commerce and acquiring valuable knowledge crucial for a production company. With an administrative genius, he assumes a behind-the-scenes role, acting as a CFO and IT expert.
Patrick M, due to our excellent relationship and our recent collaborations and musical chemistry, brought immense knowledge and facilitated connections. He played a significant role in securing three investors for our projects. The three of us, who started this journey as DJs, will be the residents of our own projects.
Grab your tickets for Art Basel’s Warung Pool Party here.
EG: What can attendees look forward to at your upcoming events or projects?
Kike Roldan: Our event calendar for the end of the year and 2024 is taking shape, starting with events at Paraiso Estereo, M2, and Proyecto Tulum featuring artists like Simon Vuarambon, Davi, Jody Wisternoff, NOx Vhan, Wassu, David Hohme, and Brian Cid, among others. December brings three significant events: Warung Pool Party on December 3rd at the Sagamore South Beach, Do Not Sit by the Pool on December 7th in partnership with DNS, and a pool party in Coconut Grove on December 16th. For December 30th, another pool party lineup is yet to be confirmed. In the new year, we officially launch the Warung on Tour 2024 brand in various cities and during MMW.
EG: ‘Legends’ sounds intriguing. Can you share more about this monthly event, and what can the audience expect from it?
Kike Roldan: ‘Legends’ has been a project in my mind for many years, aiming to create a space in Miami to showcase electronic music pioneers to new generations. It’s a tribute to the trailblazers of the scene mixed with newer-generation artists. The first event is scheduled for December 30th at the Sagamore South Beach.
“December brings three significant events: Warung Pool Party on December 3rd at the Sagamore South Beach, Do Not Sit by the Pool on December 7th in partnership with DNS, and a pool party in Coconut Grove on December 16th.”
EG: The upcoming Sagamore pool party on December 3rd, in partnership with Chus Albuquerque, sounds fantastic. What inspired this collaboration, and what can attendees anticipate at this event?
Kike Roldan: This event serves as an introduction to what’s coming next year with the Warung brand. Aligned with the start of Art Basel week, we want to showcase our plans for the following year. Albuquerque, one of the iconic residents of Warung Beach Club, is one of our special guests.
EG: With the approaching Art Basel, you have a pool party in partnership with Do Not Sit at SLS. What makes this event special, and what can guests look forward to during Art Basel?
Kike Roldan: In Solstice, we believe in the strength of collaboration. Miami’s landscape has changed significantly, with many venues closing and spaces for such events diminishing. Working and collaborating with other brands to host successful events is something we embrace. Partnering with DNS for the Do Not Sit by the Pool on December 7th, featuring a stellar lineup with Kora, Madota, Mahmut Orhan, and Monkey Safari as headliners, has been a fantastic experience. We’re confident it will exceed expectations.
EG: It’s exciting to hear that Warung will be coming in 2024. What can you tell us about its significance for Miami’s electronic music scene?
Kike Roldan: Discovering Warung in 2004 made it an obsession for me to perform someday or be part of that brand. The beach club concept, inspired by the jungle and beaches of Bali, coupled with Asian culture and symbols like Buddhas and dragons, has always fascinated me. The opportunity to partner with them and recreate or surpass their concept on various levels is thrilling. It’s a dream come true, and I envision it making a significant impact in Miami, a city with fierce competition and high standards.
EG: Tell us more about your new project agency, Werkta. What services or support will you offer to artists and the music industry through this agency?
Kike Roldan: Werkta, a long-held project, aims to be a platform to discover, support, and propel new talents in the scene. Recognizing the need for experience, we brought someone with over ten years of experience in different agencies to lead the project. Slowly but steadily, we’re adding established talents like Emi Galvan, Albuquerque, Patrick M, and more to our roster, alongside a robust list of emerging artists.
“In Solstice, we believe in the strength of collaboration.”
EG: Miami Music Week is a significant event in the electronic music calendar. Can you provide a sneak peek into your plans for MMW and the events you’ll be involved in?
Kike Roldan: Currently, we’re focused on three major events – three boat parties. The first is in partnership with Set Underground from San Francisco, the second is Warung Boat, and the third, in collaboration with Do Not Sit again, called ‘Do Not Sit by the Ocean.’ These are our plans for now.
EG: In your extensive career, have there been any standout moments or experiences that have profoundly impacted your musical journey?
Kike Roldan: Numerous moments, both good and bad, have shaped my career. The challenging times, such as in 2010 and 2018, were the ones that helped me mature and grow. On the positive side, being a resident at Space, performing at Rapture Festival, and participating in Burning Man 2022 and 2023 were significant highlights.
Grab your tickets for ‘Do Not Sit By The Pool: Art Basel Edition’ here.
EG: With the dynamic nature of the music industry, how do you balance your roles in event management, DJing, and producing, and what keeps you motivated and passionate about your work?
Kike Roldan: Balancing these roles is challenging, especially given the multifaceted nature of the industry today. Whether you’re a DJ, promoter, event producer, influencer, or social media expert, it requires constant adaptation. If you dedicate six months to music production, you need to generate income to sustain your lifestyle. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s not impossible. It’s all about effective organization and maximizing your time. Event production demands a lot of time and offers little room for rest, leaving the other aspects for later.
EG: If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring DJs, event organizers, or artists, what would it be, based on your own experiences and successes?
Kike Roldan: My best advice is, if you’re committed to being a DJ, promoter, or producer, pursue it relentlessly. It’s not easy; you’ll face numerous challenges before succeeding. Those who thrive do it out of love wholeheartedly and dive in without hesitation. Always approach your work with love, be responsible for your actions, and never compare yourself to others. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and the competition is with yourself.
EG: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Solstice, your career in the electronic music industry, and your new projects over the next few years?
Kike Roldan: Solstice represents the culmination of successful and unsuccessful projects in my career – a graduation of sorts. My vision is for Solstice to provide security and stability for the rest of my days. In the industry, I believe there’s much more to achieve. I still have dreams to fulfill, and I’m only halfway through my journey. I hope Solstice becomes a recognized brand that supports other talents, resonates with people, and generates opportunities and tranquility for many.
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