Often we praise those who push beyond the confines and boundaries of the current day Producer/DJ. We look for the new pioneers, techniques and the future of the industry. We are all used to hearing “In New Music We Trust” However this is my tribute to a ten-year landslide of Soul, Disco, and House. I take great pleasure in dissecting ten years of success that has lay witness to an array of both national and international talents take stage including the likes of Kenny Dope, Tony Humphries, Frankie Knuckles, and Jazzy Jeff to name but a few. From Ibiza to Miami, sell-out shows to pool parties, this soul inspired disco armada shows little sign of slowing down, and I take time to ask Louie Vega what’s next?
Born from the idea of taking soul music to the masses original owner Oli White and yourself set in motion an unprecedented wave of international events and music. Did you ever expect it? If you’d told yourself back then in ten years you will be looking back upon a decade of soul heaven. I don’t think you would have believed it?
I definitely thought this would be a party that would last many years. Many good people got together and united to create the best in soul music. It started in London with Oli White and myself, bobby & Steve, Phil Asher, Andy ward, Neil pierce, Aaron Ross and others. It was a team and when you have that energy with unification good things happen. The fans all across loved the night as well all around the world from Ibiza to Miami. When fleur came through as owner of soul heaven she carried the torch and always had the same passion we all had, which made all even more successful.
Take me to the studio, when you have just pulled a mix together. Did you sit back in knowledge you had made something amazing?
It took a few weeks to compile the album, I usually go 20 extra songs over the limit so there is enough. Sometimes all can’t be cleared and some tunes do not make it. I mix the body and i add effects and keyboard overdubs so there are exclusive bits all over, sometimes very subliminal. I also add a few exclusive Vega tunes.
Cd one starts a little dark, and clubby, soul heaven has many sides to it and different moods. Then it gets afro and comes with the new afrotech sounds of Nulu, Rancido, Boddhi Satva and more. Cd 2 is lots of vocals and good feel songs, Cd 3 are the classics chosen by the soul heaven residents, Fleur (Soul Heaven CEO) and myself.
My favorite song on the album is “bitter sweet love affair” with lead vocals by Julie McKnight. The melody is powerful and lyrics are deep and the groove is infectious.
I hope the listeners enjoy a bit of the soul heaven experience and will come out to a soul heaven event near you to get the full on vibe. This cd can be played at a party, while you’re getting ready for the night, in your car driving, at your own house party, even at a club! During a course of a soul heaven night you get many colors of music within the atmosphere, i tried to fit some of that in these Cd’s, which is really hard since a full night is at least 8 hours. Then you have the classics, i asked the soul heaven residents to each pick a few tunes and we picked enough to fit on one cd, they did an amazing job compiling, thanks to Phil Asher, Andy ward, Neil Pierce, Aaron Ross and the rest of the SH family.
So what’s next? More events? Music? Mixes?
We are looking forward to touring dates with the soul heaven compilation throughout 2010 but personally I just finished my new production, AnanesWorld by Anane, out on Feb. 16th. I am in the studio currently working on my elements of life II album and I’ve executive produced an album entitled “invocation” by Boddhi Satva (producer of the invocation album).
Kenny Hwang (my partner in merchandising) have a new clothing line lv & co and our site is up with much of our merchandise, check it out at www.Vegarecords.Net.
Vega records are currently putting out 2 singles a month and is just about at its 100th single. We are very excited here at Vega records because we have been nominated at winter music conference for independent label of the year. We have lots of goodies coming from Vega records with producers Boddhi Satva, Madame x, Duce Martinez, Johnny Dangerous, Louie Gorbea, Fabio Genito, introducing The French Twins, the Luisito Quintero new album, and elements of life II.
How does it compare in your memory to your earlier chapters in music back in the Bronx. Favorably I imagine?
Back then it was magical. Soul heaven today captures the feeling with a more international appeal. Once a party, event or brand reaches its tenth year its a great sign of longevity. The parties in London are as strong as ever and will continue as long as the Soul Heaven fans can come together at proper venues like the Ministry of Sound. Ministry of Sound has always been the right place we all call home for Soul Heaven. This takes me back to all the great parties and clubs in New York, early days (80s-90s).
Anything in the pipeline as masters at work?
Kenny and I are working on our solo projects now. We will soon get together maybe in 2011 to create a new Masters at Work masterpiece!
Sum up the last ten years for me. What has it meant to you? As a dj, a producer, but also as a fan? Soul music now has its influences in every genre. Surely soul heaven can take some credit for that?
At soul heaven we have always kept it real musically and all the DJ’s have played great sets giving you the best in soul dance music. Soul Heaven always kept a close contact with the fans, and there is always an (a) class set of entertainment. With the CDs, events worldwide, and quality of music they bring, you can’t go wrong. They are also friendly with all fans and give them the time they deserve.
I was honoured to be asked to mix and compile the soul heaven compilation. I’ve been involved with soul heaven since its conception and it felt right to be a part of this project. When MoS became the label of choice to release the cd, it came full circle, MoS is one of our landmarks in club music, it’s a pleasure to be involved with both entities united!
Absolute pleasure, here’s to ten more!
