DJ Satin also known as Ed Humdruma has been a staple of the Los Angeles drum & bass scene for over two decades. Launching a trifecta of prime labels, Humdruma Recordings, HumDrumz Recordings, and Hum Fi Drum, SolJah Apparel became another outlet for the man to spread his influence.
Tell me about the beginnings of SolJah Apparel.
I was working at a print shop at the time in 2002 and taking college courses at my local community college. I have always been into art and design. So it was natural for me to get into design. Sharpening my skills and digging deep for a few years, I had sat my sights on bringing up my own brand. I wasn’t into a lot of the brands that were around at that time. I knew what I liked, as well as what I wanted to wear and represent. In 2004, I played with a few different names for a while, but nothing really stuck. I was a DJ and Producer from Palmdale, California that traveled for many years to Los Angeles and back. Most nights, I traveled by myself. These were late nights, and sometimes I would play a set in Los Angeles, to get back to Palmdale to play another set and end the night. I was always asked where I was from at the time, and no one knew where Palmdale was in those days.
I had been told I was a soldier for the traveling I did. In 2005, while in my studio one night, it had hit me – Soldier, and I flipped it to SolJah – SolJah Apparel.
What is the mission statement of SolJah Apparel?
Our goal is to ensure that every person connects to our diverse brand, no matter who you are or where you’re at. SolJah Apparel connects with like-minded SolJahs. We will continue to fight for survival.
SolJah Apparel is aligned with such sports as Skateboarding, Snowboarding, BMX, and Moto X – in addition to Art and Music. How does SolJah tie these elements together?
SolJah Apparel connects with like-minded SolJahs no matter what you are into. Throughout the years, I have had ties to skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, moto x, art and music – just doing me.
What’s cooking in the pipeline for SolJah Apparel at the moment?
We are half way through the year, and I have some special collections and collaborations coming up. I always look forward to working with others to create something new.
What are your short and long-term goals for the brand?
Short and long term goals for the brand are hard to pin down, as I’m 13 years into SolJah Apparel. I take every day like I have just started the brand. I look forward to another 13 years and to grow with my family and friends that I have met along the way. Thanks for all your continued support. Without this, SolJah Apparel would have died many of years ago.
How would you rate the success of the brand thus far?
I would say I have had some success, and I have failed at times. I’m not afraid to lose. It makes me work even harder to figure out what works. I love the process, and I am immensely passionate with music, art, and design.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a clothing line?
Keep your head down. Do it because you have the passion for it.
What else would you like to add that we have not yet covered?
I feel that I’m still in the early years of SolJah Apparel. Big shout outs to all that continue to support myself and SolJah Apparel. Peace, love and respect!
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