For years, the young man kept his heart closed, wrapped tight in layers of doubt and fear. The world had always seemed like a place to guard himself from, a place where love felt fragile and trust too risky. He had watched others open their hearts and be hurt, and so, he stayed hidden, letting the walls around him grow thicker with time.

But one evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, he found himself sitting by the edge of a quiet lake, the stillness of the water reflecting the stillness in his soul. The soft whisper of the wind and the distant calls of birds felt like an invitation—a reminder that life was not just about protecting, but about feeling.

Slowly, he took a deep breath, letting the air fill him with warmth. For the first time in years, he didn’t close off the feeling. He let it flow through him—fear, uncertainty, and all. His chest ached, but it wasn’t the pain of something lost. It was the sensation of something new, something real, stirring inside him.

As the stars began to appear in the sky, he felt something shift. It was as if the walls around his heart had started to crumble, not all at once, but piece by piece, each breath carrying away a little more of the weight he had held for so long.

The young man didn’t know exactly what would come next, but for the first time, he allowed himself to feel the full depth of his own vulnerability. And in that moment, with the lake reflecting the vast sky above, he understood that opening his heart was not about being fearless—it was about embracing the beauty in being human.

Open Up

Olivier Fraikin, performing under the alias Soelaas, is an electronic music producer and performer whose sound blends enigmatic melodies with found sounds to create a unique style of melodic, ethereal, and organic techno. His music is more than just sound; it is a journey designed to offer solace and comfort to listeners, helping them navigate through the challenges of life. The name Soelaas, meaning "solace" in Dutch, reflects his mission to provide emotional relief and connection through his art.

Born on September 22, 1990, in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, Olivier’s musical journey began with a strong connection to rhythm and texture. From a young age, he explored traditional instruments like the djembe and didgeridoo, which helped shape his understanding of percussive dynamics and organic sound. These early experiences with world instruments would become foundational in his creative approach to electronic music.

At age 17, in 2007, Olivier began exploring minimal techno under the DJ name Duif-inc. During this time, he created sets using Virtual DJ, experimenting with mixing and blending different tracks and sharpening his ear for sound design and rhythm. Later on, he transitioned to Traktor, allowing him to further refine his DJing style and explore deeper sonic textures.

In 2015, Olivier began a new chapter of musical exploration with a co-production project called Animalisch, alongside his friend Kinky Brain Monkey (now known as Lavy). The project was raw, imaginative, and genre-bending, allowing both artists to push boundaries and experiment freely with sound. This collaboration sparked a deeper dive into electronic production tools and marked a natural evolution in Olivier’s creative journey.

Olivier taught himself how to produce music using Ableton, Maschine, and his growing arsenal of synthesizers. Through trial and error, hours of practice, and a deep passion for sound design, he developed the skills to craft his own unique sound. Inspired by the works of Daft Punk, metal, ska-dub-reggae punk, and later by Stephan Bodzin, Extrawelt, Soul Button, and Clawz SG, Soelaas became captivated by the potential of synthesizers, fascinated by their ability to create expansive, atmospheric worlds. He also drew inspiration from Goa music, appreciating its hypnotic rhythms and intricate melodies, which subtly influenced his sound design. His background in beatboxing remains central to his music, with vocal percussion often woven seamlessly into his electronic compositions.

Beyond music, Olivier is also passionate about abstract painting. He finds that his creativity flows naturally across both mediums, using visual art as a means to explore and express complex emotions and ideas. Just as his music explores intricate layers and textures, his paintings reflect the same sense of depth, abstraction, and emotional exploration, creating a visual counterpart to his sonic landscape.

Soelaas’ music reflects his personal mission: to help listeners find peace and solace amid the struggles of life. Through the use of synthesizers, he creates lush, evolving melodies and textures that form the backbone of his compositions. His tracks are carefully crafted with layered synthesized sounds alongside found sounds—recordings of nature, urban life, and everyday objects—that add depth, atmosphere, and an earthy, human element to his music.

The music of Soelaas is both emotive and hypnotic. With intricate basslines, ethereal pads, and evolving soundscapes, his productions evoke a sense of calm introspection while maintaining a driving energy that works perfectly in both personal listening and club environments. His continued use of beatboxing adds a unique, percussive element that ties together the organic and synthetic aspects of his sound, creating a dynamic and multifaceted experience.

At the heart of Soelaas’ work is the idea of using music as a tool for healing and emotional connection. His name, Soelaas, encapsulates this ethos—offering comfort and refuge through sound. He believes music can transcend the struggles of everyday life and provide listeners with clarity, peace, and emotional release.

His work often blends found sounds from the natural world—such as the sounds of wind, water, and city streets—with synthesizers to create a sonic experience that feels both organic and futuristic. This interplay between the natural and synthetic reflects his broader philosophy: that within life’s chaos, beauty and calm can still be found. His music creates a safe space for reflection, healing, and emotional grounding.

Releases & Recognition

Soelaas has established himself as a distinctive voice in the world of melodic techno, with his work being praised for its emotional depth and innovative approach to sound.

In July 2024, he released the EP Awake on the Threerecords label, which was well-received for its atmospheric textures and driving rhythms.

On December 21, 2024, he was featured on the Dit Klingt Jut talent album, further highlighting his growing reputation in the electronic music scene.

On January 10, 2025, he released the EP Essence on Inner Symphony, diving deep into emotional expression and sonic exploration.

On January 24, 2025, he followed up with his debut full-length album Salvus ab Inferis, a powerful collection that spans a wide emotional spectrum.

His EP Balance came out on Be Adult Music on February 17, 2025, reinforcing his commitment to emotional resonance through music.

On March 28, 2025, his track Leverage of the Soul was released on Steyoyoke’s Perception Vol. 11 [SYYKPERC011], marking a deeply atmospheric contribution to the series.

Most recently, on July 11, 2025, Soelaas released a hauntingly beautiful remix: Nohar – Unstable (Soelaas Remix) on Inner Symphony, showcasing his ability to transform original material into something profoundly moving and emotionally rich.

Soelaas is committed to pushing the boundaries of his craft, exploring new techniques in sound design, and continuing to evolve through experimentation with synthesizers, Maschine, and found sounds. As he continues to expand his musical horizons, he remains devoted to his mission: to create music that offers solace, comfort, and emotional healing to those who seek it.

Contact: solacemusic777@gmail.com

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