Monarke feat. Jessica Zese - Otherside (The Remixes) [XYZ033]
Release Date - 4.16.21
Stream - https://xyzlabel.lnk.to/OthersideRemixes

As winter takes its last breath in Montreal, we revisit the latest Quebecois artist to grace XYZ - Monarke. The Edge of Reality EP launched earlier this year to a hearty reception, and we follow it up with a set of remixes brimming with innovative energy.

Jessica Zese’s vocal performance on Otherside forms the backbone of the project, offering the centerpiece that sews the thread between these four tracks. Her balance of emotive power and soft prose make for memorable dancefloor moments and crucial character for the remixing artists. 

Berlin’s Yannek Maunz leads the line, showcasing his knack for heady melodic techno cuts. A sturdy kick locks in the rolling groove from the get-go, harnessing lush builds for genuine dancefloor effect. The Kattermuke & Poesie regular has an ear for dark room arrangements, and his take on Otherside hits just right.

Connect with XYZ - linktr.ee/wwd.xyz 
Stream releases in full via Spotify: spoti.fi/2uDd07z

Connect with @monarke
Facebook - www.facebook.com/monarkemusic/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/monarkemusic/

Connect with @yannekmaunz
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/yannekmaunz/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yannekmaunz/?hl=de

Stream & Buy

Monarke - Otherside (Yannek Maunz Remix) [Snippet]

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

Label by @When-We-Dip. 

Stream releases in full via Spotify - https://spti.fi/WdLXh1U

Demos: demos@whenwedip.com

Monarke - Otherside (Yannek Maunz Remix) [Snippet]

When We Dip Records