5 questions + 5 facts about 1 person you should know.

john solarz |  FLATFORM  | flatform.net

Solarz, left, performs with Adam Ferry as FLATFORM at last summer's 80/35 Festival

5 Facts

1.   My hometown is: Galena, IL

2.   I am:  30 years old.

3.   My day job is:  Mars Cafe.

4. My dream job is: Astronaut

5. You can find me:  weekdays pulling espresso at the cafe, Sunday nights playing records on the bar at The Lift.

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You might have seen John Solarz around… well a lot of places actually.  Mars Café master barista by day, Solarz originally moved to Iowa to pursue architecture at Iowa State where he met fellow student Adam Ferry.  It was fate.  The two collaborated to form FLATFORM   – dj/design duo responsible for Dance Party USA 1-5 and Weekend Records every Sunday at the Lift.   The best thing about Des Moines, Solarz says, “ It’s still kind of like a clean slate. There’s lots of opportunity to go out on your own here and mess things up.”

As for the future of FLATFORM,  Ferry and Solarz have recently launched their new site, flatform.net, and are developing the  visuals at their shows: “Our live sets are beginning to combine design and music in ways that are very exciting for us. Hopefully we can take what we’re exploring here out on the road.”

(They’re  also responsible for the new Rock Iowa redesign – to be launch March 2nd).

FLATFORM spins at the Lift every Sunday night and will be opening for Eliot Lipp at the Mews February 17 at 10 p.m.

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5 Questions

1. One thing people don’t know about you? Samantha is my favorite on Sex and the City.
2. Favorite Local Musician/Artist? Al Brown.
3. What the next show or event you’re excited about? We have a show with Eliot Lipp at the Mews Tuesday February 17.
4. If you were Des Moines’ superhero, what would your name and powers be? Futureman. I’d be from the future and shoot cupcakes.
5 . What’s next for Des Moines? The unexpected music capital of the world

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