Singer-songwriter and DJ Soleil is keeping the momentum going with her latest R&B/Soul single, “Rubbish,” following the warm reception to her previous release, “Heart Strings.”
Where “Heart Strings” leaned into a silky, soulful sound, “Rubbish” takes a similar foundation and adds stronger Blues and Funk influences. The result is a rich, groove-driven record that puts Soleil’s velvety and impassioned vocals front and centre while giving her plenty of room to tell a story about heartbreak, self-worth and taking back control.
At its core, “Rubbish” is an empowering breakup anthem about recognising when a relationship is no longer giving what it promised. Soleil explores the point where self-doubt begins to give way to self-respect, turning emotional disappointment into a reason to reclaim her voice and choose herself.
The song looks at the lies people can sometimes convince themselves to believe when they are invested in someone. What initially appears to be unconditional love and loyalty gradually reveals itself through empty promises, mixed signals, and emotional neglect. Rather than staying trapped in that cycle, “Rubbish” becomes a statement about letting go and refusing to carry someone else’s emotional baggage.
Soleil describes the record as being about “waking up to the lies that we convince ourselves to believe,” with the song ultimately capturing the transformation from questioning yourself to recognising your own value. Its tongue-in-cheek writing gives the subject some attitude, while the vulnerable moments keep the story personal and relatable.
The accompanying music video adds another layer to the record’s character. Directed by filmmaker Riccardo Solorzano, the visual embraces a golden-hued aesthetic that complements the song’s Retro Soul atmosphere. Soleil appears both performing and featured on television screens throughout the video, creating a stylish, cinematic presentation that mirrors the confidence running through the track.
Musically, “Rubbish” brings together an accomplished team behind Soleil. She co-wrote the song with producer Dinni Bartholomew, while Josh Walton contributes bass and synth pad, Juan Santiago handles keys, Moises Lenare plays drums and Richard Boisrond adds guitar. The track was mixed and mastered by engineer Paolo Angulo.
The release also continues to showcase the versatility that has become central to Soleil’s artistry. Originally from New York and now based in Miami, she moves comfortably between Soul, R&B, Blues, EDM, Disco House, Deep House, Amapiano, Afrobeats, Baile Funk and Pop, creating music that can work equally well on a stage or dance floor.
Her live résumé reflects that range. Soleil has performed at venues and events including Carnegie Hall, Miami Beach Bandshell, Hard Rock Live, Hard Rock Guitar Hotel, The Underline and Sofar Sounds. Her performance history also includes Art Basel activations, a FedEx Formula One corporate event, Funky Buddha Festival and Spirit Airlines’ #Music4Miles concert series.
Alongside her work as a singer-songwriter, Soleil continues to DJ regularly throughout Miami and has performed internationally, including an official Miami Music Week set for Lady of the House and Labelworx.
Her artistry has also attracted attention from a wide range of media platforms, with features and recognition from outlets including Grammy.com, Billboard Argentina, Dancing Astronaut, EDM Sauce, Rolling Stone India, EARMILK, We Rave You, ELEVATOR and The Hype Magazine. She has also received recognition from Sony, Music.com, SoundCloud and ReverbNation, while recently appearing on Deco Drive on WSVN 7News and ABC Miami 18.
Beyond music, Soleil remains active in the industry and community. She is a voting member of The Recording Academy and serves on the Florida Chapter’s Songwriters & Composers Committee. She also mentors emerging artists through Grammy U, Women in Music and Symphonic Distro, while working with Next Generation Music Foundation to support young people in foster care through music education and mentorship.
With “Rubbish,” Soleil turns the complicated emotions of heartbreak into something more empowering. It is a song about recognising what no longer serves you, clearing away the emotional clutter and finding the confidence to move forward.
