Sola Rosa

Sola Rosa is a New Zealand group led by Auckland musician Andrew Spraggon. It begins as an experimental recording project in 1999 and develops into a long-running act built around an evolving mix of funk, beats, electronic music, jazz and soul. Although the music draws strongly on funk and soul, Spraggon’s approach includes a wide range of influences and moves across styles including dub, chillout, lounge and breakbeat.

Early releases and development

The project’s early releases are largely instrumental, beginning with the EP Entrance To Skyway in 2000, followed by the first full-length album Solarized in 2001 and Haunted Out-Takes in 2003. In 2005, Moves On marks a shift towards collaboration, with guest vocalists and musicians becoming a more important part of the Sola Rosa sound.

Collaborative approach

Spraggon’s working method centres on collaboration, which he uses to broaden and refine the project’s sound. Over time, Sola Rosa works with a large range of guest artists and musicians, and this collaborative model becomes a defining feature of the group’s recordings.

Later albums and releases

Subsequent releases include Get It Together in 2009, Low and Behold, High and Beyond in 2012, Magnetics in 2014 and the EP In Spaces in 2018. These records continue the project’s shift into a more international-sounding blend of soul, funk, electronic music and beats.

Recognition

Sola Rosa earns chart success and industry recognition in New Zealand, including a number one album on iTunes and on the IMZN Music Charts. The project also receives multiple bNet and Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards nominations and wins awards for Best Electronica Album, Best Independent Release, Best Producer and Best Dance/Electronic Album.

Associated musicians

The group’s later work involves a broad set of collaborators and band members. These include Cherie Matheson, Will Scott, Matt Short, Spikey T, Andrew Spraggon and Ben White, as well as recurring collaborators such as Kevin Mark Trail, Sharlene Hector, Kiko Bun, Josh Barry, Jerome Thomas, Eva Lazarus, Thandi Phoenix, Wallace and Troy Kingi. Musical contributions also come from Jeremy Toy on guitar, Julien Dyne on drums and percussion, Lewis McCallum on brass, wind and keys, Dixon Nacey on guitar, Matt Short on bass and Peter Leupolu on keyboards.