There’s a feisty new Solange on the block and she’s pops newest princess.
Solange Hilario has come a lengthy way since coming 4th in her native Portugese Idol competition!
The 20 year old songstress is on the verge of unleashing her debut single ‘Tick Tock’ which pack a poppy punch with it’s urban-edged goodness and full-blown summer vibes. The debut album is in the process of being mastered and she’s teamed up with Wonderland favourites MNEK and All About She, amongst others, on several of the tracks featured on the forthcoming record.
Solange’s commercial sound carries an edgy undercurrent with the single displaying credible remixes from Electronic Youth, Wickaman and Jaymo & Andy George. We caught up with her to talk fashion and music.
You still seem relatively young – where did the journey begin with you and your music?
I started singing in a school choir for fun with some friends but then it became a passion because I found out what I could do with my voice. So I decided to take it more seriously, practicing everyday and when I was 15 I went through Portuguese Idol and finished it in 4th place. After that I took some singing lessons and started recording my first tracks. Now I’m 20 and on the verge of releasing my first single!
What was the first song you wrote and what inspired it?
The first song I ever wrote is my little secret. No one has heard it because it’s very personal. It’s called ‘Myself’.
You’re also an accomplished actress – do you prefer making music or acting – which is favourite or do they go hand-in-hand?
They go hand-in-hand because at the end of the day being a singer is being an actress; Sometimes you need to perform a character so you can get across all of the things you want people to see or feel.
Tell us more about the new single ‘Tick Tock’? We’re loving the Electronic Youth and Wickaman remixes.
‘Tick Tock’ is the song that talks about women and time: all women have an inner clock that is always ‘ticking’ for a million different reasons whether it be about pursuing a career, being a mum and getting married. ‘Tick Tock’ is literally about time. I have some fantastic remixes of the single over on my soundcloud.
What else can we expect from the album?
I want this album to be a resume of who ‘Solange’ is and what moves me in life. I want people to listen to my songs and feel my motivations, my happiness or my issues. I want this album to be real.
Your working with MNEK and All About She on the record, right?
Yes, it was amazing to work with those guys. We were working together on some tracks to put some African flavor on it, and it was such a pleasure. They are both so fresh right now and I have a huge amount of respect for both acts.
Who else are you loving right now?
I’m crazy about Ella Eyre; her voice takes me to another level. I’m also addicted to “Waves” by Mr Probz.
Who inspires you to write music?
My writing is majorly related to my inner fights or my family and all feelings related to them. I’m a shy person and writing sometimes is the best way to throw out everything I have to say.
The industry is currently awash with a mass of female talent – what will set you apart from the likes of Lulu James, Ellie Goulding and Rihanna?
I think everyone has something unique and appealing to offer to different people and hopefully someone out there will find out something special in my songs.
If you could work with any other musician on a track then who would be your first choice?
I’d love to work with Naughty Boy. I’m a huge fan!
When will we be able to see you play live in London? Do you have any dates planned?
I can’t wait to perform in London and have some dates booked in so watch this space.
How will you be spending your summer?
I’ll be working on my album, and promoting my debut single ‘Tick Tock” which is out for release on 20th July. I’ll also definitely find some time to relax at beach with my family and friends.
Do you have any favourite fashion brands or labels? Which Designers do you love?
My favourire designer at the moment is Ashish and Sophia Webster for shoes, she is like a goddess.
‘Tick Tock’ will be released on July 20th.
Find out more from Soalnge here.