Berlin-based artist Solarrio returns with his highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Toxicology’. A funk-laced, emotionally charged exploration of love, addiction, and the darker sides of human connection. Built around the haunting concept “Love is dead — this album is the toxicology report,” the record delves into the seductive pull of toxic relationships and self-destructive habits, all wrapped in Solarrio’s unmistakable blend of synthpop, funk, and hip-hop.
Following his acclaimed debut ‘All the Wrong Places’ in 2024, ‘Toxicology’ pushes Solarrio’s artistry into bolder, more introspective territory. “This album is about accountability,” he shares. “It’s me dissecting my own toxicity and the ways it’s shaped my life — but still keeping it funky.”
Solarrio’s global rise continues to gather momentum. His breakout single “B the 1” earned MTV airplay in the U.S., while “NLF” featuring Holland Izz appeared on BET Jams. His sound has also struck a chord in Latin America, where he’s received extensive radio play and interviews across Mexico City and Guadalajara. To celebrate the release, Solarrio will embark on a Japan tour in November 2025, followed by a showcase performance at SXSW 2026. With ‘Toxicology’, he cements his place as one of the most forward-thinking artists in modern funk-pop, turning personal chaos into sonic clarity.
The album’s lead single, ‘Under My Spell’, sets the tone: a hypnotic, funk-driven track that feels both chilled and intoxicating. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Alhassan Sakho and written by Solarrio himself, the song captures the tension between allure and danger. Told from the perspective of the substance, or even fame itself, it’s a haunting reflection on obsession, dependency, and seduction. “I saw you fall so deep, into my twisted game, your heart began to weep, but you called out my name.”
“This song is written from the perspective of the drug, or fame itself, speaking to the person who’s become addicted. It’s about obsession, dependency, and how something seductive can slowly take control of your life. I wanted it to feel alluring and dangerous at the same time, like a toxic relationship you can’t walk away from.”
Bridging alt-pop and funk-pop, ‘Under My Spell’ is a mesmerising introduction to Toxicology, an album that proves Solarrio is not only evolving, but mastering his sound with precision and purpose.
Q&A
What was going on in your life that led you to writing from a darker place?
There was a lot of turmoil in my personal life. Relationships with certain people, family problems, business issues, it all took me to a dark place. I started writing songs for this album before the first one even came out and it helped me deal with a lot of these issues and make sense of it. It was definitely therapeutic and also forced me to do some shadow work and start taking accountability for the role that I played in these situations.
Was there pressure with getting your second album done compared to your first?
Most definitely, mostly internal. I felt like I was on a roll and knew that writer’s block could hit anytime so I started writing as I was mixing and mastering the first album. I decided I wanted to record at least twice as many songs as I would put on the final album but I actually ended up with 30-40 songs, of which 10 made the cut.
How are you accountable in the face of toxic relationships and tough life decisions? What songs best exemplify this?
A lot of times, there are patterns that I may have decided to ignore. A lot of the bad situations could have been avoided because I should have known better, but I might have acted in a moment of desperation, which cost me dearly later down the line. So instead of solely placing the blame on everybody else, it was important to accept the role that I played in putting myself in these positions.
As far as what songs best exemplify this I would say “Goners”, “Under My Spell”, “See It Burn”.
You’ve had a lot of world wide critical acclaim, how have you both handled and celebrated this?
There’s still such a long way to go. I really feel like I’m just getting started. I put out my first full length project in 2024, and everything I did before that was more of an experiment to find my musical identity and my sound. So I don’t really stop to celebrate because I feel there’s way too much work left to do before I can pat myself on the back.
Besides my own music I have an indie record label, I’m responsible for other artists, I have a recording studio with my business partner in LA, so it’s hard for me to stop and really let it all sink in, even though every once in a while it’s healthy to take a step back and see things from a little distance.
What are some all time funk and dance records that influenced you the most on this?
The Gap Band II-IV albums, MJ’s “Off the Wall”, SOS Band’s first few albums, Cherelle’s “Fragile” and of course anything Prince worked on between ’78 and ’92.
Any touring plans for the 2nd half of 2026 after SXSW and Japan?
Definitely trying to put something together, just wrapped up the tour in Japan, it was a lot of fun and a great experience, so hoping to maybe put another one together for the 2nd half of 2026, hoping to play some shows in Latin America as well. I love hitting the road and performing these songs for the people and getting real reactions and a real connection, this online shit is cool but it feels good being out in the real world with it.
LINKS:
https://facebook.com/solarrio
https://instagram.com/solarrio
https://tiktok.com/@solarrio
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1GqwMM1E15gniqofxJg1A3
https://youtube.com/@solarrio
