Liverpool-based producer Superlate returns with a vibrant new single, ‘Solo Raver’. The latest single from the underground talent delivers an intoxicating fusion of house and modern pop.
Superlate’s journey began behind closed doors at a young age. Obsessed with crafting beats in his bedroom, the vision was crystalised during a life-changing set by dance legends Faithless at Boardmasters Festival. The soon-to-be core memory ignited his passion for the euphoric energy of the sundowner slot, the moment just before the night explodes into rhythm.
Originally from the Cornish coast, his seaside upbringing runs through the evolution of his sound: breezy, expansive, and deeply emotive. His breakout single ‘Diamonds’, featuring R&B artist Immi Dash, caught the attention of BBC Radio 1 tastemaker Jack Saunders, who dubbed it a “special track.” He followed with ‘Barbados’, a genre-blending collaboration with multi-instrumentalist producer Youngr, further cementing his position as one of the UK’s most promising emerging talents.
Your single “Better Than You” with Jazmine Johnson is out now—are you happy with how the song has been received so far?
Massively. It feels great to be releasing music again, and it’s always nerve wracking putting a song out, because usually, by the end of the process, you’ve been so analytical to the point of almost hating the song. Then, when it releases and people hear it as a new piece of music, I also get that same sensation. It broke my personal record for Radio 1 plays on a single — totalling five — and felt like a nice sonic evolution for me.
How did the collaboration with Jazmine Johnson come about, and what made you choose her for this track?
We were both selected for a fantastic Merseyside talent development program called LIMF Academy, which supports a group of artists every year. I’d been aware of her before, especially the massive features she’d done with the likes of Netsky, as well as writing with loads of great names. I was over the moon when she wanted to work on this track, and I felt like I offered a different sound for her to get involved with — something a bit more vintage. Her vocal was exactly what I thought the track needed: a soulful, classic style that had both softness and power.
Are there any future collaborations in the works? And who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
I’m always on the hunt for artists to work with, and I’m lucky enough to already have an amazing network of vocalists. One track I definitely want to write is another collaboration with Youngr, and I’m going to find the right song for that to happen on the next record. He and I are very similar in a lot of ways, and he’s got fantastic energy. When it comes to a dream artist, it really depends on the song we’d write and how good that feels — but in terms of voices, I’ve always been in awe of Hannah Reid from London Grammar. Her voice is the closest thing to an angel’s I think I’ve ever heard.
You’ve been invited to play one of the biggest events—BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend! So… are you going to be late or super late?
Haha, I think this gig is slightly too important to be pulling a fashionably late diva entrance.. but I could start the set 20 seconds late just to stay true to my name!
What can the crowd expect from your set?
This set is all about showing people what I do in detail. It’s a complex hybrid of different instruments — including percussion, synths, bass, guitar, and DJ-style electronic elements. I never really feel like I’m performing when I’m just DJing — I have to be playing something. The Big Weekend crowd can expect 30 minutes of pure sunny vibes and infectious grooves, and I absolutely can’t wait to be there.
What are your top 5 tracks of the moment—ones you’re loving right now and we might hear in your upcoming shows?
Well, my shows are usually almost all originals, with the exception of a couple remixes that I make. But the tracks I am digging right now are…
Pure Love – DRIIA • keep an eye on DRIIA, she is a phenomenal producer and I love her musical ethos, she’s wicked.
What A Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers • This has been my morning tune for the last month, the best way to start the day!
If I Lose Myself – One Republic • A curveball, but it’s such a well written pop song and has a synth break in it that is pure euphoria.
Rose Bay – Ludovico Einaudi • First time I heard this, my whole life flashed before my eyes.
Climbing (Solomun Remix) – Caribou • just a pure banger, lovely from start to finish.
And finally, what can we expect from you for the rest of the year?
There are two more singles on the way from my debut EP, which I’m beyond proud of. They feature the incredible vocalists Immi Dash and Zola Courtney. After these releases, I’ll be heading back to my hometown of Cornwall for a bit, to slow things down and enjoy some time in nature while I work on my next music. You can expect music videos with some stunning backdrops.
Photo Credit: ©Robin Clewley
Follow Superlate
https://www.instagram.com/superlate4eva/
https://www.tiktok.com/@superlate4eva
