BIO

Nina Sol, a nod to her Afro-Latina heritage & warm and sunshiny disposition, delivers a genre-bending soulful sound that resonates with audiences locally and across the globe. A vinyl enthusiast that traverses time and texture, Nina's insatiable curiosity for music discovering keeps her sets fresh and unexpected. Currently based in Oakland, Nina holds monthly residencies at Constellations, a party dedicated to past and present artists born under the zodiac sign of the month, and Elements throwing down underground dance music alongside soulful house DJ veteran, Patrick Wilson. She has played with artists including DJ Spinna, Solange, Rich Medina, Natasha Diggs, Pete Rock, Moodymann, Jose James, Bugz in the Attic, and many others. Sol has contributed to music sites such as Music is My Sanctuary and mainstay parties namely thePeople, Soul in the Horn, Jump N Funk, Makossa Brooklyn, Motown on Mondays, & Black Weirdo. Nina Sol brings a profound energy to dance floors while spreading messages of justice, freedom, and love. 

@djninasol

djninasol.com

Can you tell us a little bit about the mix you’ve put together for us (where it was recorded, the vibe, etc.)?

It was a fun challenge to record an all 45 record mix. I don't have a huge 45 collection, so I had to figure out how to weave together new and vintage records with different sounds and textures. I am drawn to records that sound like a real life jam session, full of frantic shouts, spontaneous cowbell & tambourines, and just gritty, high energy FUNK. They tend to be the "B sides" with extended breaks that sound like a small snippet of an hours long studio session. So you will hear that, I recorded it in my home studio and was pretty much dancing through most of it. The vibe is spiritual funky party music with a dance floor energy that will transport you across geographical space and time.

How do you see the music you play and djing as a whole impacting the broader audience of today’s music listeners?

I think music is a healing force and I take that responsibility seriously. The right record, artfully presented, can lift spirits and shift consciousness. I can recall listening to certain hip-hop records from the early 90s that infused knowledge of self and Black pride that educate you while entertaining you. Even the Black Panther Party had a house band called the Lumpen, that would remix popular music with revolutionary messages as an organizing tactic. I think we are seeing how DJs and dance culture can intersect with other movements for liberation, we can move the audience from passive listeners to inspired activists, we can shift hearts and minds through this music, it's powerful.

Tell us an interesting story about a 45 in particular.

A few years ago, I was invited to play Bobbito's "Rock Rubber 45" Film Screening in Oakland and he requested an all 45 record set. I was expecting just an hour opening set, but that turned into 4 hours and Bobbito and I ended up playing record for record. It was super dope. He gifted me a Rock Rubber 45 and I started collecting more 45s after that.

What do you think or what do you hope for the future of vinyl and djs playing records?

I believe playing vinyl records is an art form that will live on. I am seeing new generations of vinyl-only collectives embracing the culture and sampling will always fuel that desire to dig. In a mind-numbing, fast-paced society, playing a record actually slows down time, it demands that you focus on one thing at a time and savor the experience. As long as the records get passed down, I think it will satisfy a curiosity that digital music alone cannot.

What has been one of the most memorable sets or parties you’ve played?

In the past year, my most memorable sets have been virtual from my home! The pandemic has broken down borders so I have joined amazing line-ups for DJ Spinna, Jihad Muhammad, & Natasha Digg's Birthday Jam! Being invited to play with literal heroes of mine, inspiring DJs from across the country, with a global audience, has been unbelievable. I feel like I have been able to find my musical tribe scattered all over the world. This is a crazy moment in time, obviously for so many reasons, but as a DJ I am blessed to be able to keep creating and connecting with folks through the music.

What is something you want a listener to walk away from this mix or you playing live and think or feel?

I hope this mix inspires contemplation and embodied movement, shaking yo ass is medicine for these times.