Catering to the Entertainment Community, Solotech Hollywood Studios offer a secure, preeminent location perfectly suited for rehearsals, television shows, photo shoots, and live events. 

Los Angeles, California, April 17, 2024 – Solotech, the global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its latest venture in Hollywood, California: two premium rehearsal spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of the entertainment industry. 

Studio A, spanning an impressive 8,500 square feet, and Studio B, offering 3,200 square feet of versatile space, are equipped to facilitate seamless rehearsals and productions. Boasting well-appointed dressing rooms, control rooms, production offices and server rooms, a full kitchen, loading docks, and ample parking in a gated lot, Solotech Hollywood Studios provide the perfect blend of functionality and comfort in the heart of Hollywood. 

“We’re excited to provide a premier rehearsal destination in Hollywood,” stated Mickey Curbishley, Solotech President, Live Productions Division, USA, UK. “With our extensive experience and dedication to excellence, we aim to support the vibrant entertainment community by offering top-tier facilities for creative endeavors.” 

Solotech, with 47 years of expertise in AV solutions, handles over 12,000 projects annually, including prestigious festivals and the top music tours worldwide. Renowned for its innovation and commitment to quality, Solotech recently received accolades such as Lighting Company of the Year in 2024 and Video Production Company of the Year in 2023 at the Parnelli Awards. 

For more information about Solotech Hollywood Studios, including booking inquiries, please contact: studios@solotech.com | (323) 487-6757 | Hollywood Studios Rental  (solotech.com) 

About Solotech  
Founded over 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, with 20 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in live productions and systems integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Solotech employs over 2,000 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton, Frankfurt, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau, and Hong Kong.  

 Find out more at www.solotech.com  

 Media Contact: media@solotech.com  

Mickey Curbishley, Solotech President, Live Productions Division, USA, UK, recently guested on the Geezers of Gear Podcast, where he shared stories from the road, spoke about the spectacle of current global touring, and about a topic he is incredibly passionate about: sustainability in the live production industry.

Mickey shared, “I think that we have a duty – there’s so much we are doing. I
think one of the big points is that we’ve come so far, but we’ve got to keep
going – we’ve got to keep working – we’ve got to work together.”

To listen click here: Podcast | Geezers Of Gear 

Contact: media@solotech.com  

A few weeks ago, we were proud to continue our partnership with the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) at their Futures Forum in London.

This one-day discussion and networking event has one eye very much on the future and looks to discuss, understand, and address topics that the live music industry face in the coming years. Among the discussions was the green agenda. Specifically, what we as an industry, can do to help mitigate our impact on climate change.

As an industry luminary with more than forty years’ experience, Mickey Curbishley, President of Solotech’s Global Live Production Division, was asked to lend his own thoughts on the topic. He kicked off by talking about a particular tour, one that really helped to move the needle in the industry.

“One of the earliest projects I remember impacting sustainability was the Jonas Brothers “Happiness Begins” tour back in 2019.”

“They designed a show which used around 600 moving lights. Initially this was designed using a traditional incandescent lamp, and when we calculated the power requirements we realised we needed 4 x 300 amp supplies.”

“Most of the venues could supply 2 x 300-amp feeds, which meant that we would be bringing in generators for a great deal of the shows. Over a 6-month period the financial and environmental cost was staggering!”

“Working with Baz Halpin and the team at Silent House Productions, we came up with an idea to use a new range of LED lights, instead of the incandescent lamps. It didn’t take much time to persuade everyone of the benefits.”

“Unknowingly, the Jonas Brothers had a really positive impact on the touring industry. As for Solotech, we have continued along the path of migrating as many of our lighting fixtures as possible to LED.”

But Mickey acknowledges that there’s a long way to go. Working closer, smarter, and more efficiently is how the industry can help to deliver a real impact. “We all have our part to play”

“The longer the lead time we have to plan, organise, and prepare to get ready for that first show, the less of an impact we, as a business, will have on the environment.”

“The show will always go on, we will make sure of that, but shorter turnarounds create more pressure on the supply chain. We have to keep working closely with our clients and promoters and educate them where we can.”

“We’ve come a long way, and there is a lot of new, fresh energy coming into the industry, and that’s great, but we have a long way still to go. We’re all on a journey. Through product innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence, Solotech are determined to help make a difference.”

International Live Music Conference

Solotech showcases the talent that underpins its unmatched expertise. We spoke to Diana Silva, Bid Manager. 

 In this episode of Meet Our Team, we introduce you to a member of Solotech’s exceptional team: Bid Manager, Diana Silva. 

During our conversation, we delved into the professional journey of Diana as she shared the path that brought her to Solotech. Diana provided insights into her role, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of managing bids and what she finds most fulfilling about her work at Solotech. 

Watch the interview now: 

Adding a twist to the conversation, Diana wanted to showcase her trilingual skills by conducting the interview in Spanish as well! 

Watch the interview in Spanish here: 

This Les Affaires article outlines how people’s expectations have evolved regarding more dynamic and engaging experiences. Two major trends are emerging: immersive experiences and hybrid broadcasting, with demand for online broadcasts persisting. As a leader in audiovisual and entertainment technologies, Solotech is positioning itself as a key player in this transformation.  

Martin Carrier, President of Live Productions at Solotech, stresses the importance of meeting the expectations of audiences accustomed to top-of-the-range content, even at business events. He points out that making audiovisual content and production consistent with an organizing company’s identity is essential.  

For instance, Solotech provided audiovisual services for Lightspeed’s annual general meeting, designing an immersive 360-degree experience that reflected Lightspeed’s commitment to innovation and technology. For Sophie Dupras, Head of Global Corporate Events at Lightspeed, this approach was crucial to bringing together employees from around the world and conveying the company’s values. 

For further details, read the full article here (in French)

Source: Les Affaires, February 21, 2024, Tourisme: l’audiovisuel justifie le déplacement. 

Contact: media@solotech.com  

Solotech showcases the talent that underpins its unmatched expertise. We spoke to Fanny-Elena Lemyre, Technician, Wireless microphones 

In this episode of Meet Our Team, we introduce you to a member of Solotech’s exceptional team: skilled wireless microphone technician, Fanny-Elena Lemyre. 

Fanny-Elena shares the fascinating journey that led her to Solotech. She discusses the intricacies of her role, shedding light on the aspects of being a wireless microphone technician and what she finds most rewarding about her work at Solotech. To add a touch of humor to the conversation, Fanny-Elena also shares her funniest work anecdote at the warehouse. 

Watch here:

Montreal, Quebec, January 31, 2024 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, has received the award for Lighting Company of the Year for our work on Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at The 2023 Parnelli Awards. 

“What a great night for the Solotech family. Being recognized by our peers for all of the hard work that went into this record-breaking, electrifying tour during 2023 is an honor. This award goes out, not only to the hard working, passionate team at Solotech, but also to our partners: the designer, producer, production managers, and her whole management team that made this all possible”, said Mickey Curbishley, Solotech President, Live Productions Division, USA, UK.  

“We have some of the most creative, supremely passionate staff in the business, and this recognition is a testament to the quality of our team and the collaborative spirit we share with our partners”, added Curbishley. 

The Parnelli Awards, recognized as one of the live event industry’s highest honors, annually recognizes innovative companies and professionals for their influential contributions. Solotech congratulates all the 2023 nominees and winners for their impressive work in the live production industry and this incredible achievement.  

The award ceremony was held this past weekend in Anaheim, CA, coinciding with the 2024 NAMM Show. 

Contact: media@solotech.com

Solotech has reaffirmed its quarter-century partnership with Dutch violinist Andre Rieu, delivering unparalleled audio experiences on his global tour. Rieu’s unique blend of classical and waltz music, accompanied by the 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, is amplified by Solotech’s expertise.

For the recent UBS Arena show in Elmont, New York, Solotech showcased its proficiency by deploying the L-Acoustics K2 PA system. With 16 boxes on the mains, 12 on the side, and complemented by KS28 subwoofers, Solotech ensured a flawless rendition of centuries-old classical compositions in a modern arena setting.

Solotech’s crew chief/system engineer, Alexandre Dugas, emphasized the company’s integral role in Rieu’s tours, stating, “It’s always big shoes to fill.” The long-standing collaboration between Solotech and Rieu signifies the seamless integration of traditional musical artistry with cutting-edge audio technologies, making each concert a memorable performance.

As Solotech continues to evolve its tour packages for adaptability and efficiency, the enduring partnership with Andre Rieu stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering top-notch audio solutions on a global stage.

For further details, read the full article on Mix Online.

Source: Mix Online (November 20), Around the World with Andre Rieu

Contact: media@solotech.com

blink-182, the pop-punk legends, have stormed back onto the global touring scene with their highly anticipated 2023/2024 Rock Hard Tour. Returning to the stage with founding member Tom DeLonge for the first time since 2014, the band has unleashed a vibrant live show that includes a giant inflatable ambulance, alien encounters, and a floating Travis Barker.

The technical prowess behind this spectacle involves a synergy of designers and suppliers. Every department involved in the production was required to collaborate closely to execute a live show as dynamic as blink-182’s tour. Solotech, entrusted with lighting and video, collaborated with a host of other teams to deliver the band’s artistic vision.

The visual storytelling, modelled by Vectorworks and Cinema 4D, integrates the lighting seamlessly, featuring cutting-edge solutions controlled by Lighting Designer Griffin ‘Griff’ Dennen.

With meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology, Blink-182’s Rock Hard Tour is not just a concert; it’s an immersive experience that has been captivating audiences worldwide.

Read the full article and learn more about this incredible production here.

Source: TPi (November/December), blink-182: World Tour 2023/2024

Contact: media@solotech.com

Solotech continues to be the driving force behind remarkable live performances. The latest contribution to Styx’s U.S. tour in support of the band’s 17th studio album, “Crash of the Crown,” exemplifies a dedication to superior audio technology.

Solotech has equipped the tour with a duo of DiGiCo SD12-96 consoles, catering to both front-of-house (FOH) and monitor mixing. While the band relies on local equipment at various venues, their audio crew has chosen Solotech’s control package built around the twin DiGiCo consoles ensures impeccable FOH and monitor mix consistency.

The choice of the DiGiCo SD12-96 for this tour was also influenced by a number of factors. The platform’s capabilities allow the team to tackle complex routing, group management, and macros efficiently. Its compact yet high-channel count design resolved space challenges often faced in various venues. The console’s onboard processing and features eliminate the need for external plugins. The dynamic EQ and audio enhancer are particularly valuable tools for the FOH and monitor engineers. The consoles are also equipped to handle the band’s extensive IEM mixes and monitor requirements.

The SD12-96 system enables Styx’s team to accommodate requests and deliver on the artists’ creative vision, providing them with a mix that not only sounds exceptional but inspires the band to give their best performances.

Read the full article and learn the complete details of this cutting-edge audio control package here.

Source: Front Of House Magazine (September 29), Solotech Supplies a Pair of DiGiCo SD12-96 Consoles for Styx’s U.S. Tour

Contact: media@solotech.com

Solotech played a pivotal role in making Feist’s UK tour a resounding success. The Roundhouse in London witnessed an extraordinary performance, hailed by The Guardian as “one of the best live shows of the year.” Feist’s remarkable musical talents were complemented by Solotech’s top-tier audio and lighting solutions, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

The Solotech team tailored a package to bring Feist’s artistic vision to life, continuing to set the standard for live performance experiences. Solotech’s system engineer, Ben Malone, expressed his excitement about working with Feist on this worldwide tour, emphasizing the dedication of the UK team to exceed all sound and lighting expectations. David Preston led the UK team, and Phil Collins handled the tech prep, ensuring that every element contributed to an exceptional experience for both performers and the audience.

Solotech’s account manager for Feist, Robert Kennedy, praised the exceptional client team, highlighting the collaborative efforts that brought Feist’s vision to life. The team, which included tour manager/producer Jeremy Knowles, lighting designer/director Louise Simpson, production assistant/crew chief Greg Evans, video designer/director Colby Richardson, sound designer and FOH engineer Mark Vreeken, monitor engineer Ed McGlogan, creative producer Mary Hickson, and production design by Rob Sinclair, came together to create an unforgettable performance.

For a more in-depth look at this remarkable collaboration, read the full article here.

Source: LSi (October 12), Solotech delivers for Feist UK tour

Contact: media@solotech.com