About SOL89

Artist Story — Kevin Sydow aka SOL89

Kevin Sydow, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, grew up surrounded by the hypnotic pulse of techno and the euphoric atmosphere of trance. From an early age, he was captivated by the possibilities of electronic sound — experimenting with DAWs long before they became mainstream tools. What began as playful curiosity soon evolved into a lifelong passion for creating sonic worlds.

Deeply influenced by the Tunnel Trance Club sound from Hamburg’s legendary Reeperbahn and the unmistakable techno energy of the 1990s, his artistic identity was shaped by that era’s freedom and unity. The name SOL89 — Sounds of Liberty 1989 — symbolizes both: the year of Germany’s reunification and Kevin’s own birth year. The word “Liberty” was chosen consciously — unlike “freedom,” it represents a kind of freedom that exists without limiting others. True liberty. True love. True rave.

As a child, Kevin was fascinated by how movements like the Love Parade emerged from pure passion and community. Countless hours were spent in his room, absorbing the 90s and 2000s rave sound through cheap speakers — and dreaming of one day contributing to that world himself.

In his twenties, artists such as Armin van Buuren and his early ASOT series, as well as Sander van Doorn — particularly through his Purple Haze alias — became key influences. What fascinated Kevin most was not trends or genres, but the journey within music: the flow of energy that builds when drums, hi-hats, and synths align to create emotional motion.

Over the years, SOL89 has released numerous tracks and bootlegs — some accompanied by official music videos — on his YouTube channel, steadily building a dedicated following. His music is also available across major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, as well as for purchase on digital stores like iTunes. Each release continues to reflect his vision: a sound that evolves without compromise, balancing raw club energy with emotional depth.

SOL89’s music is not guided by mainstream trends — it’s guided by that energy flow. Each track is a moment of connection, an experience of movement and emotion. To listen to SOL89 is to surrender to the Sound of Liberty and let yourself drift where rhythm and freedom meet.