DJ Soulswede (aka Souly) (SWE)
Interviews / "All things soulful"
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: +46 (0) 708310828

"He has looked Robert "Kool" Bell (Kool & The Gang) straight in the eye, daring to ask him why they have been faking the funk in recent years. He has sat in a car with Mitch McDowell from General Kane, discussing at length the problems of crack in the young Afro-American community and his passion for p-funk. He has met old school hiphoppers The Jungle Brothers at a noisy airport. He's even given Patti Austin a huge hug in Copenhagen. He has hooked up with Chicago housers Full House and Daryll Pandy during the period when four channel recorders were the only recording equipment needed for house music."

DJ Soulswede is the founder of Soulinterviews.com. He was born and raised in a musical household in southern Sweden. His father is a musician who frequently played organs in area churches all his life. So it was no surprise when at eight years old, the young soul scholar in the making asked his parents for the new George McCrae single "Rock Your Baby." Even at such a young age, Soulswede knew there was something special about hearing McCrae's soulful voice coasting along over a melodic, soulful groove. He then began to explore his father's vinyl collection. He took an instantaneous liking to Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder in particular. In 1980, by that time all of 13 years old, he bought his first album, "Secret Combination" by Randy Crawford.

In the mid 80's he discovered local radio stations, a rather new phenomena back then. The music played on those radio stations failed to connect with the young man. One day he asked the manager at one of those stations if he could air a show dedicated to soul music.  The manager agreed to test the concept and "Soul Power Radio" - later known as "Soul Food Radio" - was born.  The one hour weekly show featured Soulswede's unique selection of soul and funk music. The response was lukewarm at best. Soul music was not a popular genre in Sweden back then. To his shock, he was even threatened on one of his live shows and reviled for playing black music on the radio.  His musical tastes created so much risk of harm, that he had leave the studio through a back door for a period of time.

During that time he also did an interview for a very well respected show on The Swedish National Radio called Soul Corner. He interviewed Robert "Kool" Bell and Dennis "DT" Thomas of Kool & The Gang. In the same period he also interviewed artists such as Tyrone Davis, BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mitch McDowell of General Kane for his own local radio show. Interviewing some of his favourite artists at just 20 years old was often daunting for him, but the artists came to respect him for his vast knowledge and deep love for the music.

In 1991 he bounced around Europe, working in Spain for a few years before moving to Stockholm for a period of time.  He lost close contact with the music for a couple of years during the 90's, and is now enjoying the opportunity to revisit the music he missed out on during that decade!

Over the years he has played everything from raw, naked and "uncensored" hip hop to quiet storm, smooth jazz, soulful house, deep soul, and hardcore funk. But his heart is in the deeper school of soulful music. It "must" contain a strong melody. But above all, soul music is only as honest as its creator.  It's all about credibility!

For more information:
DJ Soulswede on Facebook
DJ Soulswede on MySpace


Astral22 (Armand Tulumello) (A22)
Interviews / "NU-soul"
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NYC native, Los Angeles resident, songwriter, producer, music journalist and label founder Astral22 (Armand Tulumello) began creating music on an old reel to reel in his basement at age 11.

"I've always had the music in me, and I knew I needed to bring it out".

"I am a creator, connector and a good listener. You got to have those skills to be a good producer". Equipped with early traning on the guitar and piano, it was listening to visionaries like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers, John Coltrane and a variety of Brazilian, Afro and Wold music artists that formed Astral22's free flowing musical style. The Astral22 sound: "moves the spirit, stirs the soul and projects 100% positivity".

Astral22 resleased two independent projects in -07, which include the UK singles "Don't Know What" and "Starting Over" featuring Simone and "Make Me Wanna Fly" featuring Shuane, and is currently in the studio working on two releases for the launch of his boutique label, Trans Phatt Records. An EP featuring artist Tashan, and a full length which will feature a variety of exciting nu-soul collaborations and reworks. Side projects include a collaboration with Rena Scott for release later this year.

Launched in -07, "Astral22's Modern Soul Podcast" began as a love affair with indie soul movement, and progressed into full on artist interviews. By good fortune, together with the legendary DJ Soulswede, Astral22 is extremely happy to be on board at Soulinterviews.com and will be contributing "Deep Talks" and "Quick Talks" exclusive artist interviews.

Astral22 summed up in his own words: "I live to love, make good music, feel the warmth of the sun, swim in the sea and help children in need".

For more information:
Astral22 on MySpace
Trans Phatt Records
Astral22 on Soul Commune

DJ Funk-O-Nots (FON)
Interviews / "Old School"
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

DJ Funk-O-Nots was born in The Netherlands in 1961 with an open mind and an ear for music cultivated by his grandfather and parents. He grew up listening to Motown, the Beatles, Bossa Nova, and Jazz.

Around 1973, a new soul radio program started in the Netherlands that enabled him to hear the latest sounds from Philly, Stax, Motown and the U.S. R&B charts overall. He liked what he heard and became a lifelong fan of soul music.

His vinyl habit began with The Blackbyrds' Walking In Rhythm (1974). He added to his collection as often as possible. Only a couple years later at 16 years old, he attended his first concert, Average White Band with Ben E. King. It satisfied his childhood desire to witness artists creating music live onstage.

By 1980 Funk-O-Nots managed to witness his musical hero, bassist Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, perform live in Amsterdam.with the Brothers Johnson. As fate would have it, he was formally introduced to Louis 26 years later in Maryland after a gig. The two remained in contact and Funk-O-Nots eventually became moderator of Louis' Myspace page (www.myspace.com/louisbassplayerjohnson). You never know where a musical journey can take you!

In the late 1970s, the young soul lover began DJ'ing in clubs, playing his favorite funky tunes. Once disco supplanted funk and soul on the club scene, he delved deep into Fusion. In the 1990s, he became a radio presenter, spinning the best in soul, fusion and funky tunes. By 2002, he was interviewing legends and promising soulful artists. He wanted to give them the opportunity to tell the stories behind the songs and enable fans to heir their favorite musicians speak.

Funk-O-Nots music taste leans heavily toward tunes with a strong melody, groove and swing. He lives by the motto, "don't let your ears lie to you!" He loves to share music, keep an open mind, and enjoy the ride!! He is looking forward to doing some great SOULINTERVIEWS and giving the musicians the respect they deserve. So to all Soulinterviews readers, stay healthy and greatings from the Netherlands!

For more information:
DJ Funk-O-Nots on Facebook
DJ Funk-O-Nots on Twitter
DJ Funk-O-Nots on MySpace
DJ Funk-O-Nots on Soul Commune
Rick FM Uithoorn

Ralf GUM (GUM)
Interviews / "Soulful House and Deep House"
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ralf GUM is one of the highest respected figures in the house music scene for the distinctive qualities in his productions and DJ-sets. Since Ralf’s DJ career started in 1990 he stayed true to his passion for harmonic, soulful house music. His DJ-sets have helped him building up his reputation as an upfront tastemaker and his journeys for DJ-gigs took him to almost every corner of the globe.

Ralf’s producing music since 1993 and collaborated with many top vocalists in the scene including Inaya Day, Michael Procter, Beady Belle, Wunmi, Concha Buika or the fascinating Monique Bingham. He worked for labels like Defected, Mn2S, Papa, Peppermint Jam, Tommy Boy, Compose, Sole Music, Milk & Sugar, Atal, Look At You and many others. Ralf has released a bunch of well known songs, among them the soulful hit of 2008 “Kissing Strangers” (GOGO Music) featuring Monique Bingham, which was a bestseller in its genre in 2008. His productions are a worldwide renown trademark in the house scene and UK’S TTR magazine called Ralf “one of Germany’s finest” already in 2005.

Ralf GUM embarked on the development of his own record label GOGO Music in 2001. With strong ambitions and his love for house music being the driving force, GOGO Music has become Germany’s, if not one of world’s most reputable house music labels. Late 2005 GOGO Music was called “one of the hottest imprints around” by UK’s leading magazine “Blues & Soul” and Germany’s “Subculture” wrote that “GOGO Music is the prime German house label”. In April 2009 Chicago’s best house music publication “5 Magazine” wrote, that “GOGO Music has become synonymous with the best Deep House produced in Europe”. In 2003 Ralf initiated the GOGO Music radio-show. Besides his sets the weekly show features Benny Pecoraio and from time to time selected guest-DJs. To date the show is broadcasted by more than 30 stations around the globe.

Next to his Ralf GUM productions, he started two further projects. "SUGAR BEAT", is a collaboration with drummer Steffen Meder which developed out of their unique live performance: “Jazzy Live Drums & Uplifting Spinning”. With SUGAR BEAT’s irresistable sound of fusion a new broken beat style is being created. Together with soul-mate Benny Pecoraio, Ralf joined forces and started “4 Ears”.

During his career Ralf had the pleasure to compile and mix various CD-Compilations. Including in 2004 “Arrival Vol I” (Double Mix-CD together with Howard Donald (Take That)) and “Studio – the finest in lounge and house music”, which was selected as CD of the month in the German “Raveline” magazin in December 2004. In Februar 2005 the first GOGO Music labelcompilation “GO!” including highlights of 3 years label work was released. It was called the best compilation of the year by UK’S TTR magazin. In October 2006 the second part “GO!!” hit the market.

In 2008 Ralf GUM unveiled his long awaited debut album titled “Uniting Music” on his label GOGO Music. Composing a continuous piece of music, seamless and blended into a luscious texture of soulful-, afro-and latin-house and jazz inspired grooves, Ralf showcased his ability to create wonderful original songs. With each song intertwining with another the whole album seems almost like one beautiful track. It received great plaudit worldwide. For example UK’s M8 Magazine called the CD „simply one of the best albums of the year” and the 3Sat TV show “Kulturzeit” wrote on their web-site that “no single second of the album bores”. “Uniting Music” was released by Rambling Records in Japan and by Soul Candi in South Africa as well.

The hallmark of Ralf’s sound is his love for funky harmonies and live instrumentation coupled with detailed beats and crisp percussion. But the distinctive groove isn’t the only reason for Ralf’s success – his passion for all things soulful shines through in all he does.

For more information:
GOGO Music
B-KING
Ralf GUM on MySpace
Ralf GUM on Facebook

She Kent
Book & DVD Recommendations
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Early on She traded an engineering degree for the corporate world of technology, then media and the internet, where she held numerous positions in consulting, sales and marketing promotions, while honing her skills in account management, partner relations, and content evangelism across film, music, and entertainment.  

An ardent music and art lover who knows music is as essential to life as breathing.  Having spent years training on multiple instruments you'll find her listening, recommending and promoting music across many genres but with an undying love for jazz, and soul.  

As a natural outgrowth of her experience, she founded The FilteringGroup, LLC, a media management and creative consultancy.  Currently, she is at work on the launch of The FilteringStation, an internet presence due next year.  Also a writer and artist, she resides primarily in California but splits time between Chicago and the East.

For more information:
The FilteringStation on MySpace

Gabriel Rich (aka Starchild 7)
Music Recommendations
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

No stranger to the music scene, Gabriel Rich has been described by many as one of the hardest working men behind the scenes in the soul music world today. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gabriel has been involved in music as a writer, publicist, promoter, and record label owner for over a decade. The founder of Starchild 7 Public Relations, Gabriel has worked with a number of outstanding artists in rock, jazz, and soul, including Xavier (Chocolate Butterfly, Blood Sugar, Me & This Japanese Guy), YahZarah, Christine Horn, Edwin Lugo, Maya Azucena, Shelley Nicole, and Marion Meadows to name a few.

A music lover since he was a child in the late 60’s, Gabriel was raised on the greats of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, from the Motown, Chicago, and Philly sounds, to the gritty southern soul and funk of James Brown and Ray Charles to the psychedelic funk and rock of Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix to the symphonic funk and soul of Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and Barry White, to the P-Funk of George Clinton’s army, to the new wave and punk-funk of Prince and Rick James. If there was an artist that released a great song, no matter how obscure, Gabriel has probably found that artist.

Gabriel got his start as freelance music writer in the Bay Area, known for its rich music history, in the mid 90’s. Gabriel has covered a number of great and respected artists, from the legends such as Prince, Sade, the Isley Brothers, and George Clinton to today’s respected artists such as the Roots, Erykah Badu, Outkast, R. Kelly, Lenny Kravitz, and Mint Condition. Gabriel’s music convictions keep his ear to the ground for talented independent artists, and his thirst for great soul music keeps him on the lookout for new artists bringing a new sound.

A firm believer that music stars are born and not created by the industry, Gabriel is always searching for new artists to cover and expose to the music masses.

For more information:
Gabriel on MySpace
Gabriel on Soul Commune

Matt Bauer
Music Recommendations
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Matt Bauer is a St. Catharines, Ontario/ Buffalo, New York-based soul and funk music journalist, broadcaster and promoter. He currently writes for exclaim! magazine in Canada and has contributed to the well-respected webzine Afrotoronto.com. From 2001-2003 he brought the funk to the Niagara Region as host of “The Candy Tangerine Man” (named in tribute to one of his favourite films) on CFBU 103.7 FM. His immersion into soul music culture began at the ripe old age of 2 with his first 45, Stevie’s “Sir Duke”-which led to a life- long passion for soul music culture.

An avid concert-goer and record collector, Matt has had the privilege to interview the likes of Joe Bataan, Black Ivory’s Leroy Burgess, Leon Ware and Antibalas as well as writing countless reviews. He sees his journalism work as an opportunity to document the music that has shaped his life so significantly.  

For more information:
Matt Bauer on MySpace

Björn Wiberg
Webmaster
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW


Louis Johnson
Special guest interview with Al McKay

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:


Katharina Rumpf
Junior Writer
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Katharina was born in Vienna, Austria and spent her first ten years there surrounded by all the magnificent culture the city had to offer. Music and dancing quickly became her biggest interests. She started taking ballet lessons at the age of five and knew she'd never stop dancing, even if she didn't have the urge to become a pro. Needless to say, being a lover of the art of dance it's impossible to not also love the art of music. Having a big Soul and R&B fan as a mother and a father who every now and then walked around singing on Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You", a young Katharina fell in love with the music and has been an avid listener ever since.

Celebrating her eleventh birthday, her father surprised her with her first big concert experience: Michael Jackson. Since then she's been fortunate enough to enjoy many more shows with Prince being the absolute highlight. A great live show is like being elevated to another fantastic dimension.

Katharina is currently studying her last semester of Cultural Studies in Sweden, which will result in a long-anticipated Bachelor of Arts.

For her, the importance of music and the effect it has on us is a marvellous thing and makes it a key part of life. And discovering new amazing music is a pure thrill!

For more information:

Katharina on MySpace


Tanisha Jackson
Contributing writer
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tanisha Jackson is a Pittsburgh girl (Go Steelers!) now residing in Atlanta, Georgia.  She is an artist manager, publicist, writer, and real music crusader.  It all goes back to Sunday mornings in the kitchen with her mother, snapping green beans and listening to classic gospel music before church.  And then, it happened:  "I was five years old when I was introduced to Smokey Robinson's Quiet Storm.  At that very moment, I knew this was my life."

I've been profoundly blessed to learn some valuable life lessons from legends I've grown up listening to and trying to emulate.  In fact, my entire management philosophy stems from one simple statement told to meby no less than Jerry "Iceman" Butler:  "Tanisha, it's called show business.  But if you're really smart and you really want to help artists, you'll know to put the business before the show!"

Joining Soulinterviews.com is a wonderful way for "Ms. T" to give backto the music by offering the interesting people she has met along the way to sound off on their experiences in this business.  Enjoy!

For more information
Tanisha on MySpace