Saffron Stone has been building her name at a rapid pace since her debut release in 2018 on Sonny Fodera’s renowned Solotoko imprint. Soon after, Saffron was welcomed to Hannah Wants’ Etiquette label, Armada SBJKT, Lovejuice Records and more, receiving support from Danny Howard, Anna Lunoe, Kryder, Steve Lawler, Deeper Purpose, Paco Osuna, Sam Divine & many more, as well as gaining air time on BBC Radio 1. Most recently she has made her debut on Solardo’s SOLA imprint with the ‘Simple Minded EP’ made alongside US talent Dillon Nathaniel. We caught up with Saffron around the release…
Hi Saffron, great to have you with us today! How are you doing and where abouts are you based right now?
Hey DMC! Thanks for having me! I’m doing good, I just got back from DJing in Dubrovnik, Croatia for Solardo’s Higher Festival which was epic! I played on Sunday at Culture Club Revelin in a medieval fortress which was super cool and then had a spontaneous b2b2b with Solardo & Max Chapman which was so much fun. Straight back to the grind now with a UK tour and lot’s of studio time. I’m excited to play some incredible, bucket list venues this winter like Printworks!
We’re now a couple of years on from when you first burst onto the scene with your debut release on Sonny Fodera’s SOLOTOKO and since then you have definitely kept the momentum going! For our readers who may yet to be familiar with you, how would you best describe your sound in your own words?
My sound is developing all the time and I love experimenting in the studio. I would describe my productions as high energy, dance music occasionally with my original vocals, lyrics and immersive, emotive basslines. Always adding quirky sample elements to add that extra sass.
We’re pleased to be chatting with you today around the release of your ‘Simple Minded’ collaboration with Dillon Nathaniel on Solardo’s Sola imprint, this one’s sure to get the party going! Can you tell us a little bit about this release and how the collaboration between you and Dillon first came about?
I am so hyped for our EP to drop on SOLA. I can confirm that these tracks are absolute club bangers after playing them in my sets and hearing the feedback. The collab came about during lock down when myself and Dillon were sending each other music and thought our production styles would work well together.
Release buy/stream link: https://bfan.link/simple-minded
What was it like working together with Dillon on this one? Is this the first time you’ve worked together?
Yes, it’s our first time working together. After hearing each other’s music we knew our sounds would work well and we hit it off instantly, bouncing stems and creating ideas, combining both of our styles, which was a perfect blend to create our Simple Minded 2 track EP. We wanted to get creative with the tracks and it was Dillon’s idea for me to record the vocals. I had fun creating and experimenting with the lyrics. While remaining true to tech house we also wanted to have a dark and dirty flavor to the songs.
What’s your creative process like when it comes to making music?
I usually start with a vocal if it’s a remix along with a beat and get it timed. If it’s something original I start with getting a groove going by building my drums, then the bassline, keys then either write and record my own vocals or sample a vocal.
What’s the story of how you first got into DJing and producing?
My love for music started from a young age, where I grew up around my Dads’ extensive collection of vinyl. From spinning records on 1210’s at home as a kid to now performing at a range of both underground and iconic venues, my journey has been wicked so far. I bought my pioneer cdj’s just over 5 years ago, started networking at parties which lead to bookings, then I started learning to make music on Ableton where I did an Introduction to Ableton Course at Point Blank in Hoxton.
We have seen some footage of you performing recently at Sonny Fodera & Gorgon City’s ‘Back to Love’ event at London’s Finsbury park, it looked like a great day. How has it felt to finally be returning to DJing and events after their absence through the pandemic?
Back To Love, Finsbury Park was my first festival back after 2 years and what a feeling that was. I played the opening set for 2 hours and as soon as the doors opened, the crowd was full. It was such an amazing feeling to see everyone enjoying themselves again and coming together for the love of music. The vibes were electric.
Thanks for chatting with us today, Saffron! Congrats on the latest release and we wish all the best to you going forwards. To round things off, is there anything else upcoming from yourself that you’d like to share with us?
I have my own event coming up, 7 Pot Primo, on Friday 12th November at Werkhaus, Brick Lane which should be a very special night to remember. It’s really going to showcase my Saffron Stone sound and what the brand is about, deadly hot vibes. Tickets are on sale on Resident Advisor now and I can’t wait to party with everyone…
Dillon Nathaniel & Saffron Stone – Simple Minded EP out now on Sola
