Soulpersona

A Few Things You Might Not Know About The Lapdancer LP

2011-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

1. The lapdancer was produced in soulpersona's dining room/kitchen

2. All the vocals were recorded in Princess Freesia's bedroom

3. Princess Freesia wrote and recorded the lyrics and vocals for The Lapdancer in two months.

4. Throughout the recording of The Lapdancer, SoulP was in agony and couldn't move his head left or right for the majority of the recording, due to a trapped nerve in his neck.

5. SoulP's brother Tukka designed the artwork and took the album cover picture.

6. Princess Freesia actually got a job as a lapdancer for a few nights, just to research the Avalon Lexus role.

7. The plan was and still is to do "The Lapdancer" the movie.

8. The length of the... album is precisely 69 minutes long... You do the math.

9. Princess Freesia recorded the majority of the vocals on her knees singing through the built-in microphone on her 4 year old macbook... And a couple whilst sitting up in bed!...In fact The Lapdancer was produced only using Mac products.

10. Soulpersona came up with THE LAPDANCER concept in 2006 when he first arranged tunes such as “The Lapdancer Theme”, “Make That Money” and “Ava’s Fantasy”

11. Princess Freesia recorded “I Got Into This Mess Part 2” drunk on an entire bottle of Cava Champagne.

12. Princess Freesia REALLY cried in the intro for “Hot Shower Interlude”!

13. SoulP & Freesia consumed an entire of Morgan’s Spiced Rum and stumbled into town to record a film clip for the promotional track “Babylon”.

14. Both “Avalon” and “Lexus” are cars made by Toyota.

Out now on CD at www.digisoul.co.uk with free worldwide delivery and on iTunes & Amazon

The Lapdancer by Soulpersona

What the deejays and media have been saying about "The Lapdancer"

2011-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Lapdancer by Soulpersona

Here's some of the nice things deejays, press & media are saying about the album.

You can get it now at www.digisoul.co.uk with free worldwide delivery or on Itunes, Amazon and emusic worldwide.

"This has to be the DOPEST LP i've heard in the last 10 years"

Glenn Underground - SJU Muzic

"Well done! I've been hungry for this album"

Junior-Record Breakin' Music

"To call this album sexy just feels foolish, only because that would be the understaement of the year! Mezmerising: That's the word I would use. Princess Freesia's vocals are absoloutly devastating. A match made in heaven with Soulpersona. Very strong and highly addictive album. If Avalon Lexus were real, there would be a whole lot of brokenhearted men with broke pockets walking the planet!"

Jason Randall Smith- Both Sides Of The Surface

"Fusing old skool with the new. A must for your record collection. Supurb from start to finish"
Ash Selector- Groove Control/Solar Radio

"Excellent!"

Charles Spencer- www.loveslap.com

"We think this album is great! Our reders will love it!"

Ray Douglas- Commercial Break

"fantastic album, full with grreat Soul to the very brim, so many delightful tracks to choose from!"

Kerem Gokmen Dubmission Radioshow. WYEP Pittsburgh

"Great album with a classic vibe and intruiging story!"

Chris NG Kiss FM Australia

"Very well produced, sounds very vibrant and full of flava!"

Infinity Loop Music- Canada

"Very unexpected to find a retro disco disco concept album, but intruiging. Amazing instrumentation and spot on vocals!"

Anji Bee- The Chillcast USA

"Oh WOW! Some seriously wonderful vibes going on here. Huge contratulations to SoulP & Freesia for a stunning album of late night soundtrack jazz funk BLISS!... I think i'm in Heaven!

Justin Winks- Casio Social Club

"Quality music, great songs and a really, really good listening album!"

Chris Samba- Dragon-l

"Great production from SoulP and Princess Freesia's voice is so full of emotion. She completely draws you into every track. Excellent".

Mikey Futuristic- Deja Vu FM

"VERY nice record! Will definitely be dropping selections from this tatsty offering. HOT, HOT, HOT!!!"

Trevor Walker- Mercury Lounge Canada

"This is rather brilliant!"

Alex-DFRNT

"Love the LP. Groovy and just plain FUNKY! Love it"

Jose Zargoza' Deep Hype Sounds

"What a nice, solid and soulful influenced album. This is timeless"

Matthias Desch- Bogaloo Radioshow-Germany

"First class album!!. Never heard a Macbook mic sound so good!"

Mark Milz- Further In Fusion

"Unbelievable, amazing and down right out of this world!"

Prescription/Future Vision Records

"Absoloutly love the old skool approach and the luscious sense of humor...Excellent release!"

Sam LaBelle- Soundworks

"The disco soul here is fantastic, mating lyrical sounds that will cast a spell on your mind for a long time"

Marc LaCasse' Jackhouse' Canada

"Quality soul for the next millenium"

Colourful Productions

Soulpersona "The Remixes" Volume 1 (Tracklist & Album Credits)

2011-09-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

Soulpersona "The Remixes" Volume 1 by

href="http://soundcloud.com/soulpersonamusic">Soulpersona

1. Jocelyn Brown "She'd Call" (Soulpersona Raregroove Remix)

Written & Performed by Jocelyn Brown

Produced & Arranged By Soulpersona

All instruments by Soulpersona

Original version appears on Jocelyn Brown "Unreleased" out now on iTunes.

2. Darien "Showya" (Soulpersona Hot Buttered Toast Remix)

Written & Performed by Darien

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

Bass & Guitar by Punk Pappa

All other instruments by Soulpersona

Taken from the "If These Walls Could Talk" by Darien, out now on iTunes.

3. Tashan "Read My Mind" (Soulpersona Raregroove Remix)

Written & Performed by Tashan

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

Bass & Guitar by Punk Pappa

All other instruments by Soulpersona

Find all Tashan's back catalog on iTunes.

4. Dre Rock "Sex N Go" (Soulpersona Baby Makin' Remix)

Written & Performed by Dre Rock

Produced & Arranged By Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

5. Princess Freesia "Angel Is An Animal" (Soulpersona "Animal Instinct" Remix)

Written & Performed by Princess Freesia

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

Original version appears on "Nightclub Of The Nudist" by Nude Continuum. Out on iTunes.

6. Darien "Can't Hide" (Soulpersona Studio 54 Remix)

Written & Performed by Darien

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

Bass & Guitar by Richard Molyneux

All other instruments by Soulpersona

Original version appears on "Soulacoaster" by Soulpersona out now on iTunes.

7. Navigators "Do Something" (Soulpersona "In The Pocket" Remix)

Written & Performed by Navigators

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

Bass & Guitar by Punk Pappa

All other instruments by Soulpersona

Original version appears on the album "My Place" By Navigators out now on iTunes.

8. Princess Freesia "Daedalus" (Soulpersona Sunset Remix)

Written & Performed by Princess Freesia

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

Original version appears on the album "Nightclub Of The Nudist" by Nude Continuum.

8. Dre Rock "Esacpism" (Soulpersona Blazed One Up Remix)

Written & Performed by Dre Rock

Produced & Arranged By Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

10. Phreeda Sharp "Brand Me Sexy" (Soulpersona "Candy" Remix)

Written & Performed by Phreeda Sharp

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

Original version on Phreeda Sharps forthcoming album, find her on facebook and myspace.

11. Phreeda Sharp "Bad Mister" (Soulpersona Supa Soulful Remix)

Written & Performed by Phreeda Sharp

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

12. Dre Rock "Angels" (Soulpersona "Motown City" Remix)

Written & Performed by Dre Rock

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

13. Replife "Change 4 A Dolla" (Soulpersona "Golden Gun" Remix)

Written & Performed by Replife

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

Original version (produced by Soulpersona & Marc Rapson) appears on "The Unclosed Mind" album by Replife. Out now on iTunes.

14. Replife "Loungin' (Soulpersona G Funk Remix)

Written & Performed by Replife

Produced & Arranged by Soulpersona

All Instruments by Soulpersona

Original version appears on on Soulpersona "Soulacoaster" album out now on iTunes.

Soulpersona feat. Princess Freesia "You Did It Again" Out Now On iTunes

2011-09-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the 80's, out now on iTunes Worldwide.

You Did It Again feat. Princess Freesia by Soulpersona

"The Lapdancer " Show & Interview with SoulP & Princess Freesia

2011-08-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

A interview with myself and Princess Freesia done on Alan Johnsons radio show, featuring nearly all the songs from the album, with Princess Freesia giving the background to each of the songs she wrote. Album out now at www.digisoul.co.uk

The Lapdancer By Soulpersona Buy Here

2011-08-13T02:31:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to announce that "The Lapdancer" hard copy CD is now in stock, and it's £10.99 with Free Worldwide Delivery! We are currently working on getting a brand new Digisoul website together, so in the meantime, you can buy is safely and securely here:

Pre Order The Lapdancer CD

2011-08-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

You can pre order the forthcoming Soulpersona album "The Lapdancer" starring Princess Freesia as Avalon Lexus for £10.99 with FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY. Order now and we will send you the CD the day it arrives (Between 8th-13th August, maybe earlier) If you want it signed by Princess Freesia (or Avalon Lexus) just let us know on the order information.

Why Do I Give Away So Much Free Music?

2011-07-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

...Over and over again, I get asked by friends, music fans and other artists and other fellow producers why do I give away so much free music. The answer is simple, it's because I feel that if I have a load of music sitting stagnant in my iTunes, then it's a waste of time me making it in the first place.

Most of the music I give away are either remixes I have done, or re-edits of some of my favorite songs. As well as being paid to remix songs, remixing for me is a hobby, it's my favorite thing to do as a producer, and when I get free time, I try to do as many remixes and re-edits as possible. Then most of the time, i'll put them onto Soundcloud as a free download.

Another reason of why I like to give away so much free music is because I believe that if I look after my fans, and give them free music in between albums, then they will look after me when I put out albums and remixes on CD and iTunes etc.

The internet has completely changed the way we listen to and buy music and I firmly believe that if your going to get someone to part with their hard earned money, then you have to provide a service. I my case, because I have so many free downloads, my hope is that people will give something back and be loyal to buying the albums I put out... I know that not everyone will do this, but even if they don't and they prefer to find a blogspot to download it for free then that's good publicity for me. Of course, i'd rather someone buy my album, but i'm not going to be naive and think that everyone is going to buy it as most people will find it on a blogspot and download it for free. My point is, that if i've been giving away free music most of the year, then when my albums are available to buy, then people might think twice and think, and consider supporting the artist, as the artist has supported them.

Unless your selling hundreds of thousands of records, then it's impossible for the artist to be making a living from music. For example, if I sell 100 albums on iTunes, I make £799. To sell 100 albums on iTunes will take a few months, so although it's nice pocket money now and again, it's not the kind of life changing money that let's say Beyonce is enjoying.

Free downloads are also a great way of self promotion. Through my remixes, I have got quite a bit of paid work as a remixer, and as a producer, making tracks for different artists, that I would never have met or worked for unless they had heard my music in the first place... And most probably downloaded it for free!

I strongly believe the future of music is in live performance. A live show is a perfect scenario for us to connect with our fan-base and sell our music, merchandise and start making a living out of what we love doing. And through giving away the free downloads in the first place, will get you new fans, new fans that will come to your shows, pay entry and buy and album because they like and respect what you do and want to support you.

I will end on this note, imagine having a job that you get up for 7 days of the week, knowing that your working on "Might's" and "Ifs'"... As producers and artists we have to motivate ourselves to make this music, all this motivation is for the complete love of it, as most of us don't get paid, or even think about the money when we're making the songs. I know I certainly don't!... Although we have bills to pay like everyone else, for some reason, we still carry on relentless, working crazy amounts of hours, every day of the week, usually into the dead of night, with hope that one day it will pay off for us. The ones that survive this game are the ones that keep the faith, commit and stick at it forever, regardless of the impact it may have on their lives, regardless of the sleepless nights of worrying about bills, car tax, insurance and day to day living. I've been through and still go through all of this, but it has made me a stronger person, it has made me more ambitious, and it has fueled me to work harder, and I don't regret any of it for one minute. So, after all that, I will continue giving away music, as it will always open doors and gain me new fans. Because if someone doesn't hear you in the first place, then how the hell are you going to get heard!?

Oh, here's a free album full of my remixes and re-edits. Enjoy.

Soulpersona "The Free Album" by Soulpersona

Love and goodness,

SoulP

The Making Of "Babylon" The short film from "The lapdancer"

2011-06-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

This video was made after myself and Princess Freesia polished off a bottle of Morgan Spiced Rum, it was 12.30 am and we decided to do a little film to our song "Babylon" from The Lapdancer album... Here's what happened.

Introducing Avalon Lexus, a high class call girl and erotic dancer as she get's ready for work and takes a walk through the busy town center on route to "Babylon" the club where she does her thing.

This is not to be taken too seriously, as it was done for fun and a bit of a giggle... Francis Ford Coppola I am not!

The Lapdancer... Coming July 2011

2011-06-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that myself and Princess Freesia have been working relentlessly on this new album for the past couple of Months. "The Lapdancer" is a concept film soundtrack written and performed by Princess Freesia who also takes on the lead role as Avalon Lexus, a high class call girl and erotic dancer from London. With over 15 tracks, the album tells it's own story. It's sexy, salubrious, decadent and quite disturbing in places, and with each track you gradually become acquainted with the life and times of Ava Lexus.

Each track is a slice of raregroove, jazzfunk soul, with plenty of supa soulful uptempo disco also in the mix, and i'm really looking forward to getting it out!

I came up with the concept of doing this album in 2007, and since then, i've recorded over 35 instrumentals for it, which have now been whittled down to the best 18. Princess Freesia has blown my mind with her song writing skills for this, her abstract metaphors really make you think about each song and make you want to listen again and again. There's spoken word pieces, which are beautifully delivered, and a fair share of acting , especially on one of my favorites called "I Got Into This Mess" which is a bizarre story in itself to be taken however you want to take it... When I heard it I was rendered speechless, and all I wanted to do was play it again!

I know that some people will love it, and others might hate it, but what i'd like you to remember is that it is not an "Album" it's a "Soundtrack" to an imaginary film, a film that in the future we would like to make for real... For me, it's one of the best things I've ever had the pleasure of working on, and it certainly passes the goosebumps test. There's uptempo disco tracks, some gorgeously delivered slow jams and some real nice mid tempo hip shakers, hopefully it will tick all the boxes and there will be something for everyone... Just not for children!

Here's a limited edition FREE DOWNLOAD Lapdancer promo, that will not appear on the album entitled "Babylon"... The name of the club where Avalon Lexus does her thing...

"Babylon" Starring Princess Freesia (Promo) by Soulpersona

Here's a remix I've done of one of the songs featured on the album called "Make That Money"

Make That Money feat. Princess Freesia (SoulP's Raunchy Remix) by Soulpersona

"Like" The Lapdancer on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lapdancer/167291406664851?ref=ts

Jocelyn Brown "Unreleased"

2011-02-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

...As some may or may not know, I had the pleasure of working with Miss Brown for many years as her A&R and PA, it was her that pushed me to express myself through music and gave me the inspiration to what i'm doing now. So let me tell you a few things you might not know about the new Jocelyn Brown "Unreleased" album that is out now, worldwide on itunes....

..."Unreleased" is a fascinating insight at Jocelyn's unreleased demo's over the past 15 years. When I was working with her, I remember one morning she came into the kitchen and pulled out a bundle of old DAT tapes, she then from her handbag pulled out her personal DAT player and casualy told me that she'd found a collection of demo songs that she wanted me to hear.

The story goes something like this. apparently she had been asked by a major lable (who will remain nameless) to record and write an album, so Jocelyn, being Jocelyn hired all the studio equipment and had it set up in her own lounge room. She then called on the production skills of Al McDowell, a bass player and producer that has played alongside Don Blackman, Weldon Irvine and many others as well as JB back in the day... Well, he came over from New York and recorded, "Real Thing" "Find Someone To Love" "I Love You" "Sweet Fine baby" 'Vacation Time" "Foever" and "Don't Make A Mistake" (many of which feature players from Incognito)

So, the first one she plays me is "Find Someone To Love"... I was speechless.

Find Someone To Love by Jocelyn Brown

Apparently, she had produced all these wonderful songs for the major label, and when she took the finished songs back to them, they didn't think the music would do very well as it wasn't very commercial sounding... Basically, they didn't know what to do with it, or how to promote it so they cancelled the project. This is typical of major labels, many of them don't have any idea about soulful music, and are scared to put anything out that is soulful and heartfelt... So it all worked out OK, their loss was our gain.

She then went on to play the rest as well as a few beautiful acoustic songs she had done with the Bacci Brothers... It was the that I said to her that she should put these out as unreleased demos... She agreed, so between us we compiled an albums worth of her favourites.

It was released on a small scale through CD in 2006 but was never given the right promotion, as the investors for Digisoul at the time were another bunch of people who didn't understand soul music, so after a catalog of disasters with this release, and Digisoul nearly being taken over by useless maniacs that didn't understand what we were trying to do! So, myself and my brother (together we own Digisoul) decided to call it a day with these people and get our company back to being owned by just ourselves.

5 years have passed since then and Digisoul is back, this time doing things the right way, by ourselves with nobody else's intervention. So it was a natural progression for us to re-release this lovely album on a worldwide scale through iTunes.

"Unreleased" a wonderful collection of soulful and beautifully written songs by Jocelyn Brown, and I highly recommend it for your ipod!

You can get the whole album now on itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/unreleased/id419142225

Soulacoaster Live... The Aftermath

2010-10-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, now the dust has settled and i'm getting back into the groove of normality, I just wanted to say a few things about the Soulacoaster show at Cargo a couple of weeks ago. First off, it was one of my lifetime ambitions come true, and I had such a good feeling being behind the drums playing live, something i'd not done since I was a teenager!
I'd like to thanks all the vocalists that came over and performed, Darien (who came from New York) Kia Bennett (Who came from Washington) Sibel Thrasher (who travelled from Vancouver Canada) Juliette Ashby for her valuable time and a massive thankyou to the background vocalists Katie Leone and Jono McNeil (Who I met for the first time ever, only that morning) who did such a professional job that even Jocelyn Brown wanted to to poach them!...And of course a massive undiluted thankyou to Jocelyn Brown, my good friend and mentor who tore the roof off the house, with a special song we wrote together called 'In The Middle" (see footage below) it was such a special moment to play with Jocelyn as we have so much history, and this was the first time we'd ever shared a stage together... One of the highlights of my life, as was playing alongside Sibel Thrasher from RAMP!

Thankyou to all of my musicians, Nick Van Gelder for being humble and leaving his drumsticks to one side to supply some slick guitar parts, to Carl Hudson, one of the most talented keys players i've ever met, to my right hand man on bass Andy Toleman for keeping the groove in the pocket, and my percussionist Gabriel Nuzzoli for coming all the way from Barcelona especially to do the show...With no rehearsal I might add...

On The subject of rehearsals, I was really pleased with the way the show turned out as we had only practiced 4 times together as a band, and with over 15 songs to learn, if it wasn't for the professionalism and musicianship of every player involved then it might have been a different story! These players are my brothers forever, and to play alongside each and every one of them is an absolute honour!

Finally i'd like to thank my manager Michael Fountaine for making the show happen. For the first time in my career, this is the first time i've had a manager that actually does what he says he's going to do. And for that, i'm eternally grateful!

Onwards and upwards, next month on the 25th November, the Soulacoaster show continues at Jazz Refreshed @ The Mau Mau Bar, Potabello Road, London. This time your in for another treat as Princess Freesia will be flying in from sunny Australia as well as Katie Leone standing in for Kia Bennett and Sibel Thrasher and Jono McNeil stands in for Darien. As I have already said, these two are brilliant singers in their own right, and gradually we'll be incorporating more of they're own material into the shows. Also my good mates Super Dirtie & Phase Wizz will be performing a track, these two in my opinion are Londons finest emcee's and you'll certainly enjoy their verbal gymnastics over some goosebumpy raregrooves. Anyways, hope you can join us for a bit of a jam! Tickets are £5 before 9 and £7 after.

Here's some footage of the Cargo show for those who may have missed it.

Jocelyn Brown performs our song "In The Middle"

Sibel Thrasher performs "In Your Eyes" from Soulacoaster

Juiette Ashby performs "Get My Shit Together from Soulacoaster

And here's a bit of footage from our first ever rehearsal, grooving with "So Natural"

Soulpersona Presents Soulacoaster "Live" @ Cargo

2010-08-07T02:18:00.001-07:00

When I put out Soulacoaster last October, I'd have never imagined that a year later i'd be sharing the stage with the artists involved on the album, and for some reason, that's completely beyond me, it's actually going to happen.

That's right, I am dusting off the drumkit and returning to my first instrument for this show. I've got my good mate Nick Van Gelder on guitar duties, don't have a bass player confirmed yet, but have a badass keys player who loves his Rhodes and vintage synths. Instruments that are vital in this show.

So what can you expect from this forthcoming Cargo experience? Well, with Darien (who you might have heard on the last Reel People album) Kia Bennett (backing vocals for D'Angelo) Sibel Thrasher (from the legendary RAMP, who gave us "Daylight" and "Everybody Loves The Sunshine) Juliette Ashby (Get My Shit Together) and Jocelyn Brown (My friend and mentor) all appearing on the same show, i'd say it will be a night to remember.

Tickets are £12 in advance & £15 on the door. Available from www.ticketweb.co.uk and Maestro Records: 0207 635 7299

Looking forward to seeing you there, for what is set to be a completely one off experience I'll never forget.

SoulP

Soulpersona Songwriting Competition

2010-07-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd spread the net wide and see if there are any supa talented singers/songwriters under my radar that I should know about. What I am looking for is someone to write and sing they're own flavour over the below instrumental. All you have to do is email me on soulpersona@gmail.com and I'll send you the track, and then it's up to you to fill in the gaps with your goodness. The track already has a working title of Summer Heat, feel free to use it or make up your own.

The prize is to have the song as a part of my next album, and be part of my future projects. So if you think you've got some magic you'd like to drop over this piece of music, then here's your chance to shine.

Really looking forward to hearing what I hear, and I promise to listen to every one of them.

Good Luck!!!

SoulP

Closing date for entries is August 31 st 2010

Summer Heat by Soulpersona

Soulpersona Interview For Soulm8online.com

2010-06-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent interview I did.

Soulpersona Interview for SoulM8online.com

Soulpersona, Producer, Arranger & Remixer, thanks for speaking to SoulM8 online.

The name Soulpersona, how did it you get it and what does it mean to you?

It comes from my love of soul music, I suppose I'm a soulful individual, I have a soulful persona, hence the name Soulpersona... And with a name like Soulpersona, you kind of know what genre of music I’m going to be creating.

Give us an overview of your music styles?

I’m into producing anything soulful really, stuff that gives me goose bumps, weather it be soulful jazz, funk, hip hop, disco or just straight up soul. I try to incorporate all of these elements into my music. I have a love for the Fender Rhodes piano, I try and use it in everything I produce, just because I love how it sounds. When I produce, I try not to dabble with the latest sound technology, I like to keep it how it would have sounded back in the 70’s, so I just use sounds that would be used in the 70’s, like drums, piano, strings, synths, bass and guitar. I try to leave all the fancy production techniques alone.

You have a natural instinct for quality music when working with artists - where does that ability come from?

Thankyou! Haha, umm, I didn’t realise! Well I started off playing the drums and have always played piano by ear, so I suppose I've always had an ear for music. Also listening to Marvin Gaye, Leon Ware, Roy Ayres, Freddie Hubbard and countless other influences kind of taught me how a record should sound. I’m a groove kind of person, so as long as the groove is there, the vocals should be able to do the rest of the work.

How did you get in to the soul music scene and when did it all begin for Soulpersona?

I have always loved and listened to soul, jazz funk, rare groove and disco music from a young age and started off just making little demo’s on a Yamaha sequencer plugged into a midi keyboard. Through those demo’s I got signed to an awful garage music label where they expected me to produce garage music, every mix I did for them they told me it was too soulful, it became such a struggle to make music that I wanted too, so after a year of that I left and refused to make commercial music ever again. I then bought some basic production equipment of my own and decided to make music that I loved, just for the love, with no expectations. I then made a little demo which got into the hands of my friends manager who really liked my stuff. On the strength of that he called me one day and told me that Jocelyn Brown was looking for producers to work with. I went along to the meeting and she loved what id done and I ended up working for her company Joycee Music as her personal assistant. I spent the next 5 years going with her to meetings and shows, learning about the industry and gaining inspiration from her wealth of musical knowledge. I also got to hang out with some of my musical idols that often stopped over at her house when they were touring. It wasn’t unusual for me to turn up for work in the morning and find a legend in the kitchen making tea... I once spoke to Pattie Austin for about half an hour in Jocelyn Brown’s kitchen before putting two and two together! So I’d say, it all began there, and over the past 9 years it has given me the knowledge to create what I do now. Jocelyn Brown has been my mentor and friend throughout, and I have learned so much from her. She’s an incredible lady on both a personal and musical level, and i’ll always be eternally grateful for the knowledge, inspiration and support she’s given me.

On your myspace page it comments “Soulpersona has dedicated his life to soul music, a decision that paid off in 2001” tell us more about that?

I guess it finally paid off because I met Jocelyn Brown, she was my key into the soul music industry and opened doors for me that before were locked shut.

Your currently working closely with the brilliant Jocelyn Brown and other featured artists, with the intentions of releasing a new album, how is this going to differ from any other soul album?

This album is something that I am so passionate about, It’s an honour to work with the most incredible female singer in the world, and I’m still waking up and having to pinch myself that it’s really happening. This album is going to take the listener back to the late 70’s and early 80’s when Jocelyn was often going under the name of Jocelyn Shaw singing sessions for Kleer, Change, Luthor Vandross, Cerrone, George Benson and so, so many other acts that we now consider to be rare groove. The album is a 50 50 collaboration, I have produced all the music and Jocelyn is writing and singing all of the songs. We are currently recording the vocals and she is sounding totally beautiful, she is also a brilliant songwriter too, a skill which so many producers have overlooked in the past, always preferring to get her to sing their lyrics and songs. I particularly wanted her to write her own songs on this album because I believe in her writing ability, I mean, she did write a hit song “Somebody Else’s Guy” and I believe she can write many more. She has a wonderful gift for writing good hooks and catchy chorus parts and I just love hearing what she has done with all of the songs we’ve done. I think people will have a bit of a shock when they hear it, because it’s the kind of music that every soul music fan would wish from a Jocelyn Brown album. I’ve also used some fantastic, talented musicians on this album. my good mate for over 20 years Paul “Punk Pappa” Lancaster plays all the bass and guitar parts and my other good mate Nick Van Gelder (Who was the original Jamiroqui drummer) is doing all the live percussion. It’s all sounding really good and I can’t wait for people to hear it. It’s also being done with no record industry intervention, myself and Jocelyn are funding the whole thing ourselves and releasing it ourselves, in the hope that a distributor will see the potential and help us out on a larger scale.

When can we expect the next Soulpersona instalment?

That would be the Jocelyn Brown & Soulpersona album... Hopefully it will be ready for an Autnum 2010 release.

Tell me about your recent debut album – SOULACOASTER describe the music, working closely with the artists via the web and how long it took to produce?

The Soulacoaster album took me about 3 months to do all of the music, and it took three years to get all of the vocals on it. I was mainly working with Princess Freesia at the beginning, her songs were done really quickly, she wrote and recorded the vocals and sent me back the accapellas to sit on top of my music. I then met Darien, and he did the same format. Replife came to the UK and stayed with me for a couple of days and recorded his songs. Through Replife I met Deborah Jordan and co produced “Home” with Marc Rapson for her “The Light” album and through that link I gave her a couple of tracks to sing on Soulacoaster. Thing is, “Soulacoaster” wasn’t really an album as such, it was just a collective of songs I was doing for the love that gradually grew bigger and bigger. I them met Sibel Thrasher from working with RAMP, and she did a couple of songs too... Then last Summer I thought I had about 15 songs that could potentially lead to an album. I decided I’d just put this collection of songs together and get some CD’s pressed up, my brother Tukka designed me a nice bit of album artwork and that was it. I remember picking up the box of CD’s and expecting to only sell a dozen at the most. I honestly thought they’d be in that box, in my my loft for the rest of my life. I had no expectations, and then suddenly it took off. Not massively, but enough for me to tap into listeners that loved my kind music.

What do you offer that’s different to any other producer / arranger / remixer?

I wouldn’t know how to answer that question, you’d have to ask people who like my music. I just try and keep things simplified and create good honest soulful music that comes from the heart. I suppose as long as I give the listener goose bumps, my job is done.

If you had a chance to work with any other artist (passed on or still with us) who would it be with and why?

I would have loved to work with Marvin Gaye because he just epitomises soul music for me. Leon Ware would be nice too as would Jean Carne and Marlena Shaw... Todays artists would be Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Q-Tip, Dwele... I remember always wanting to do a track with Hinda Hicks back in the 90’s cos I adored her voice...And had a crush on her! So many to choose, but if someone has a great voice or can play an instrument well, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they look like, I’d love to work with them.

Where do you see yourself placed in the music industry in the future, where do you want to take Soulpersona?

I don’t see myself in the music industry, I see myself as a free agent working with people that I enjoy working with. In my experience the minute the “Industry” gets involved, the music seems to get diluted. I’d like to get my band together and do live studio recordings on reel to reel and record using the same philosophies used back in the 70’s using traditional vintage instruments and recording desks. I also want to play drums more and play live... In the next 5 years, if I can have a nice big studio where I can record live music every day, and do loads of gigs, then I’ll be happy. My ambition is to run my company Digisoul using elements from the Motown blueprint, have a bunch of in house musicians where we develop the next generation of soulful singers and produce beautiful, supa soulful music for the masses to enjoy.

As the music world continuously changes do you think you will eventually venture into a different style of music?

Never! I will only ever do what I know best. I want people to know that whenever they buy a Soulpersona record, they’ll know exactly what they’re going to be getting... Soulful music.

Do you live and breath your work?

To a certain extent, because most of my songs start as emotions that reflect my day to day life, music is a kind of therapy, if I'm sad, i’ll make a sad song, if I'm happy i’ll make a happy one... But I do like to do other things apart from music. I’m a massive Chelsea supporter and if there was the choice of studio time in the best studio in the world, or watch a Chelsea game, id pick the Chelsea game every time. Love my football, when I'm not making music, I'm either watching it, or playing Fifa 10 on the PS3!

Can you name a personal standout track from your own album or some else’s?

Freddie Hubbard “Little Sunflower” from his Love Connection album... It’s a musical journey that always leaves me speechless and goose-bumpy.

What are you personally listening to at the moment?

Hmm... Just looking at my “Last Played” in my itunes... Randy Brown, Alphonse Mouzon, Dwele, Ana Mazzotti, Azymuth and Kool G Rap.

Personal taste, Old Skool or new?

My main preference is music from the 70’’s to early 80’s... But I like artists out now who try to give a respectful nod to the old skool.

What other projects have you got on offer?

I’ve just finished mastering an instrumental album I've called “The Lapdancer” it’s a collection of sampled grooves from the 70’s and early 80’s that I've added instrumentation too, ranging from disco, soul, jazz funk and old soundtrack music. Sounds very pornographic and ideal for the bedroom, or for simply just putting on when your driving, or walking along with your ipod. I’d ideally like to make a film to accompany it, but that’s another future ambition all together!

...Update June 2010

2010-06-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

I've not been updating my blog for a while as there's been LOADS of stuff going on musically lately. Only yesterday I had a 17 year old singer come to my studio to record his first ever track. I met him whilst teaching at college (which I do once a week) his name is Smithy and all I can say is that his voice made me stop dead in my tracks first time I heard it... So after a few weeks, I finally had time to invite him over. This kid is so humble that he's never even told his closest friends that he could sing!.. Now I think I know a good thing when I hear it, and according to my goosebump barometer, his voice just activated them, immediately. He kind of sat here listening to what we had recorded, and he announced that he'd never recorded his voice before and that this was the first time he'd ever heard his voice on a track... It was a pleasure to be there to witness the magic. He was blown away by it all and it was almost like he'd received validation that he could actually sing. So slowly but surly I will be working on an album with him whenever I get a free bit of time!

I'm, also in the process of getting my band together. The idea is to take a Soulpersona show out on the road, performing a few Soulacoaster tracks, mixed with some of my re-edit versions performed live, and some other good stuff too. I have some very, very talented singers joining me, all of which have passed my goosebump test. Also, an important part of my band line-up up my best mate Punk Pappa, on bass. He's the butter on my toast when it comes to bass and drums interaction, and we've literally been playing together since our teens. Anyways, I'm really excited by it all and I hope to be out there performing by late August/September time. For bookings you can contact me on soulpersona@gmail.com

Then there's the Jocelyn album. It's taking a bit more time than we thought, but don't worry, this is very high on both mine and Jocelyns agenda. It's just that we made a decision that we didn't want to rush it just for the sake of it. This album is really important to both of us, and our priorities it for first and foremost get it right. Also, Jocelyn has been working doing loads of shows lately, so finding the time to squeeze in vocal sessions has been quite difficult! But rest assured, this album will be done, we're about 7 tracks deep into vocal recording as it stands, and it all sounds wonderful. Rest assured I promise that when this is out it will defiantly be worth the wait!

Other news is that I've been doing loads of remixes lately, the latest one being for a band out of the Czech Republic called "Navigators" and I've remixed their single "Do Something" This band is wicked, they sent me their albums and I was blown away by the goodness on it. It's like a mixture of Incognito and Reel People, real feel good music. So look out for them, they're HOT!

I'm also in a re-edit FRENZY at the moment! This is now my new hobby, I just LOVE doing them. They're not in any way trying to take focus off the original songs, it's just so often when you hear the opening bars of a song, there will be a delicious groove that would last about 10 seconds, and whenever I hear those grooves I feel compelled to repeat that groove, over and over and build on it. I'm getting really good support from deejays all over the world, so thanks for playing my shit, I really appreciate it!

And finally, I've started work on my follow up album to Soulacoaster. I'm currently in the blueprint stage (as I call it) This is when I write all the arrangements and play about with grooves. I've done about 6 so far and these ones have been for Darien, and Kia Bennett so far. Of course, a Soulpersona album wouldn't be complete without Princess Freesia, so she's the next in line. Hopefully I can get Sibel Thrasher to feature again, and even Jocelyn Brown wants in on this next one. So fingers crossed it will all come together as soon as it's time.

Anyways, I'm off now to prepare for all this World Cup business. I plan to watch every game that I can, and even though I'm a Welshman, I'm behind England all the way. England to win the World Cup I reckon!... We will wait and see.

I will leave you with a little jam I had with my good mate Nick Van Gelder a few weeks ago, we spent a few hours at his house playing drums and percussion along to some of our favorite songs, enjoy!

Jocelyn & SoulP Album Update

2010-04-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

...Well yesterday was a wonderful day, It was the first day of recording the vocals for the album. I made my way to a beautiful studio in leafy Hertfordshire. Jocelyn arrived a bit later on with her good friend and fellow singer Kym Mazelle who came along for the ride and to hang out for the day. It was really brilliant to see Jocelyn sit in the studio for 3 and a half hours doing nothing but singing, and the results sounded nothing short of SEMINAL!... Her voice still sounds as good as when she first started singing, and I must have lost count the amount of times I got goosebumps! We recorded a new version of "Somebody Else's Guy" and put down 3 other tracks, which sound as equally good as each other... Really exciting times, and we are both loving every minute. Anyways, here's some footage I took at the studio yesterday.... There's even a little off the cuff duet by Jocelyn & Kym Mazell.... Enjoy.

Jocelyn Talks About Forthcoming Jocelyn & SoulP Album

2010-03-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Here's some footage that I took whilst on a visit round Miss Browns, where she talks about our forthcoming album, and loads of other stuff...

Jocelyn Brown Album Update

2010-02-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

...Well, it's been a good couple of weeks, i've been back and forth up and down the M4 motorway a few times to Royal Berkshire where bass legend Punk Pappa resides to get all the bass parts completed for the album... We don't know what we're gonna call it yet though... Anyways, Paul 'Punk Pappa" Lancaster has really stepped up to the benchmark on these sessions, his "In the pocket" playing is prevalent throughout the album. I was sat in a room writing with Jocelyn on Wednesday, and she currently has disco producer and engineer extraordinaire John Morales staying with her. He gave me some props about the tracks, which coming from him is a real compliment, considering he did many of the Salsoul, Change, Kleeer engineering sessions back in the day... He heard the basslines and he was instantly like "Who's playing bass"?... Haha, Punk Pappa I replied... "Nice work" he replied... "In the pocket"... Which is exactly what I wanted to hear. Seriously Punk Pappa has really pulled some bass heaven out of the bag, and I am so looking forward to finishing off the tracks next week (see and hear his work @ http://www.myspace.com/punkpappa )... I've done 9 so far, including a remake of the classic "Somebody Elses Guy" (wait till you hear the bassline on this one)... I know some will say it's a sacrilege to do such a thing, but I have hopefully nailed it as the lady herself loves it... Don't worry, it's not smooth jazz or cheezy, in fact it sounds a bit like a Bond theme... Wait and see...

Jocelyn has written to five or so as it stands, she's doing her homework at night and at weekends (as she tells me) Love the way she records her ideas, she sits down with an old skool Sony Walkman with a record facility, presses the record button and just freestyles riffs, hooks and verse ideas then plays them back and picks the bits she likes best and writes around them... Really good to see her writing songs again, I see an excitement in her eyes that i've not seen for a few years, and it just seems apt that we're doing the kind of tracks she was doing when she first started out as a session singer in the prolific New York disco era of the Studio 54 generation.

point is, they are really beginning to take shape and everything is sounding just as I want it...

Miss Brown requested that she's like a ballad yesterday, so last night I set about starting it... Found some nice chords and have finished it off today. It's got heart string tugging chords and i'm really into it at the moment... Will put the live bass and guitar down on it next week and bring that son of a bitch to life!

Well there's my little update...As i've been writing this the twat next door has been pissing about with his smoke alarm and it's been constantly ringing incessantly in my ears for the past 20 minutes... I'm about to go round and smash it with a hammer!

Over & out,

SoulP

Coming soon...Jocelyn Brown & Soulpersona... The album.

2010-02-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

...Not left any news on here for a while, figured I'd wait until I had something interesting to say...

Well, one of my dreams has come true, after knowing and working with Jocelyn Brown for many years, we are finally writing an album together. It happened quite by accident. I was at her annual thanksgiving back in November and at the end of the night, I played her a couple of tracks I'd been working on. These were tracks I had made, inspired by the the disco, rare groove, jazz funk movement in the 1979-1982 era... Instantly, Jocelyn started singing over them and making up lyrics and asked me if I had any more.... I mentioned that I had a couple and we arranged to meet the week after she could hear them... After listening to the five songs I had, I suggested that maybe we should put out an EP, the came the earth stopping moment as these words came out of Miss Browns mouth ...."Let's do 12 songs and put it out as an album"

...After thinking about it for a millisecond, I said "Yeah...Alright" and immediately took my ass home to write some more. From the tail end of December until now, I have written another 7 tracks all inspired from the 1979-1981 era when Jocelyn was known as Jocelyn Shaw, working as session background vocalist for legendary acts and artists such as Salsoul, Kleeer, Change, Bobbi Humprey, The Mizzel Brothers, Luthor Vandross, Cerrone, David Ruffin and countless others. So with that in mind, I realised that I really have to step up to the plate and try to create some music like I was living back then, in those wonderful times...

I immediately realised that the whole thing needed live bass and enlisted my best friend for many years, Mr Paul "Punk Pappa" Lancaster... I have been driving to his town of Newbury for the past few weeks and we've been laying down some bass line and guitar picking goodness, and the tracks have been brought to life. Plus I have got live percussion from a good friend and former Jamiroqui drummer/ producer extraordinaire Nick Van Gelder...

In a nutshell, I'm really excited and honored to be able to work with possibly the greatest female vocalist of our time. Jocelyn is like a second mother to me and I have learned so much from her in so many ways. I'm also really happy that Jocelyn will be writing all the songs, this is something I really wanted her to do as I know she's a wonderful writer as well as a singer... Also, Jocelyn has never done a full album of her own material with anyone before, so this is a first for her, and I'm soooo honored to be given the production responsibility...

I hereby promise that this will not be any smooth jazz, undiluted bullshit, this will be all about grooves, hooks, goosebumpy arrangements and delicious vocals... Jocelyn will also be singing all her own background too, which I cannot wait to start recording!!!

Hopefully the album will be ready for the Spring/Summer, we are trying to get it ready for the April- May period... Will keep you updated.

Love & Goodness,

SoulP

Soulacoaster Reviews

2010-01-27T05:11:00.000-08:00

As a general rule, I am usually slightly wary of albums by producers that feature nearly as many different vocalists as it does songs. In a lot of cases the result is disjointed, confusing and difficult to listen to as a whole. Thankfully this is not the case with Soulpersona’s Soulacoaster.

In many ways this album reminds me of Eric Lau’s (masterpiece) New Territories. Rather than simply filling the album with beats and picking so-so vocalists to sing a hook on top, Soulpersonahas chosen the vocalists carefully and has held back from over-producing the songs. The balance between production and letting the vocalist shine is just right.

I’ll admit I wasn’t familiar with many of the vocalists on this project. I have albums by Deborah Jordan and Darien, and i’ve heard a few tarcks by Replife but that is about it. However I will definitely be checking for each and every one of them from now on, especially Kia Bennett whose ‘So Natural’ is one of my favourite cuts on the album.

I’d have no hesitation in recommending this album to anyone who is a fan of soul, funk, jazz or hip-hop. All elements are expertly combined and the result is an album you can put on repeat and happily listen to all day (I should know, I’ve done it!).

Review by Souluk

Soulful music from Soulpersona -- a warm and just smooth enough ride on the Soulacoaster! Soulpersona is the producer, arranger and instrumentalist behind the curtain -- a genuine talent who has attracted an impressive roster of singers and collaborators for this set -- including Sibel Thrasher of the legendary Roy Ayers Ramp group -- plus Deborah Jordan, Darien of Reel People, Kia Bennett, Replife and Juliet Ashby. This is a fresh, timeless modern take on classic and cosmic soul, with a breezy and moving sound, bits of 70s soul jazz and keyboard funk and programmed beats with real heart and soul! Titles include "Flying Easy" and "Weightless" feat Deborah Jordan, "Candy Wrapper", "Walk On Through" and "Perfect Life" feat Princess Fressia, "In Your Eyes" feat Sibel Thrasher, "Can't Hide" feat Darien, "Lifetime" and "So Natural" feat Kia Bennett and more...

Dusty Groove America

The soulful heat coming from across the pond has been keeping our ears nice and toasty with beautiful beats, sultry voices and universal subject matters. UK-based producer extraordinaire, Soulpersona (aka SoulP), has collaborated with a number of talented singers from around the globe. The result is Soulacoaster, a profound LP that captures the essence of soul, jazz, funk, disco and hip hop.

The album features the vocal stylings of Princess Freesia, Darien, Kia Bennett, Sibel Thrasher (from the Roy Ayers Music Project) and a host of other artists who make great additions to your playlist. Soulacoaster was produced virtually--with SoulP's tracks and artists' vocals being transferred via e-mail before being mixed and mastered. "Candy Wrapper" is a sexy, soul-hop single with an irresistible beat and solid performance by Princess Freesia. Her invitation to "make you sweat and sautee" will cause your eyebrow to raise as your inhibitions do the opposite. Be warned, this one is solely for the grown and sexy.

Darien and SoulP deliver an ambient, groovy vibe with "Don't Go." The snare pops and the synths dance in the air with Darien's declaration that he's willing to do what it takes to make love work.

Overall, this project is a sincere voyage through a collective passion for soul music. I encourage you to join the journey when the album drops on October 19th.

Soulbounce.com

This is...expansive, ethereal, cosmic soul. And Soulpersona is originally from from Wales! Well, there's lovely for you! Appealing to fans of 4Hero, our man, Soulpersona, treats our ears to a chilled set of songs that bodes us well for the coming new decade. Exemplifying this further, if you really warmed to the more futuristic, sensual modes of soul on Marva King's latest set (think "Lovely") the you will very much know what you are in for. match to this the more lkeft-field moments from 4Hero (aided and abetted by the legendary Larry Mizell) then sonically you bang this album on the head. I defy anyone with an ounce of soul and sensuality in their body to not seriously dig "Flying Easy" featuring the wispish, seductive Marva King-ish Deborah Jordan. This isn't a cover of the Pete Escovedo classic, but a brand new jam of real note. To be honest, the whole album is a weighty item and well worth your serious consideration. Attracting positive comments from the likes of Oliver Cheatham, Patti Austin and Leon Ware, it will be mere seconds of your listening time to hear exactly why the Legends have such positive things to say about this gentleman.

pastimes thinly into your subconscious...if this song doesn't grab you then shame on you!!! The glorious 70s sounding "Walk On Through" complete with flute is simply delightful, and the brilliant "So Natural" featuring Come, check out the dirty, sexy groove "Candy Wrapper". Complete with heavy bassline and guitar this could easily be Mtume for the 21st Century. The slinky vocals courtesy of Princess Freesia lays open more sensual, warm and wet feelings, the emphasis on pleasure and tantalisingveiled under the notion of unwrapping a candy. Such naughtiness so early on in a recording. Very promising indeed! The risque lyrics are veiled in metaphor and yet very sexy indeed. No lewdness or filth here, pure imagination only required! Darien appears on the KILLER "Don't Go". Oh, this is SUPERB! A futuristic yet traditional groove that simply flaotsKia Bennett cannot be beaten. The vocal harmonies easily on par with Zhané, this is a great, great tune. Fans of Liquid Spirits or Jazzanova will so feel the rap vibe of "Alright" - an Erykah Badu type of jam, and a strong rap paying homage to the soul greats. It gets no better. "In Your Eyes" pays such homage to the Ubiquitous soul sounds of Roy Ayers / Ramp and works magnificently. The delicious Deborah Jordan again pleases with the summery "Weightless" and Kia Bennet's "Lifetime" adds some real cold chill to proceedings. The closing call, "Imagine" is yet another KILLER that pays homage to the Roy Ayers sound, and draws to a close one of the most essential albums of the moment. Please do not let this homegrown gem slip away.

Soulchoonz.com

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Ain't That Peculiar, Kool & The Gang, Marvin & SoulP

2009-12-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say a few words about "Ain't That Peculiar"... This music was originally just a mess about with Kool & The Gangs "Summer Madness" track, I posted the track on facebook and through that a geezer called Neil Thompson got in touch and told me that he has fitted an old Marvin Gaye song over the instrumental of my re-edit. He sent it over and I nearly lost my mind. I then got him to send me the accapella because I wanted to add some more musical arrangements, some Marvin style piano, strings, chimes and some of the delicious Moog sounds you hear in his songs, especially from the "I Want You" album... One of the best albums made, EVER!...So, if you hear the original of "Aint that peculiar" it's a much faster backing track, you don't really get to hear the lyrics, but with this more emotional, laid back, backing track, you get to hear the pain and troubled soul of Marvin Gaye, the lyric "But each hurt, makes my love stronger, stronger than before" is really fucking deep, genuis writing... The summer madness groove just makes the track so more emotional and sad.

When I was adding stuff to this track and mixing it, it was like working with the ghost of Marvin Gaye, it was late, there was no-one in the house but me and I ust admit, it was so overwhelming that it nearly (just nearly) brought a tear to my eye. Those who know me well know that I idolise Marvin Gaye, listening to his albums have given me so much inspiration on so many levels. Marvin was deep, he wasn't only the most wonderful singer to ever grace this earth, but he was also a multi instrumentalist, a great keys player, drummer, arranger and producer. Marvin Gaye is the reason I got into producing music, I just wanted to make beautiful simple soul music that gives people goosebumps, just like he did.

Anyways, here it is in all it's glory, if your a deejay and want to support this, drop me a message at soulpersona@gmail.com. Close your eyes and hear the haunting vocals of Marvin Gaye doing his thing, the way he knows best.

Marvin Gaye "Ain't That Peculiar" (SoulP & Neil Tomo's Summer Madness Mix) by Soulpersona

A&R Dickheads

2009-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you are an artist, producer or musician, beware of the people that come up with any of these "buzzwords" I usually use these words as a bullshit detector, because the people in this shallow music industry who speak this bullshit are normally the bullshitters. Theses are not made up, these are genuine phrases that I have been victim of. So here we go...Here are my top 10...Don't trust anyone who says ANY of these.

10. "No Brainer" eg."He can mix the album by next week...Seriously, it's a no brainer"...

9. "Blue sky thinking" eg. "We need to take this urban talent and give it some blue sky thinking"...Oh fuck off!

8. Beware of words like "Urban" "Showcase" & "Talent" In the same sentance, all of these words should tell you that there is no oppertunity to be gained. eg.

A&R/Promoter: "Hi SoulP! We've got this showcase for unsigned, urban talent, are you coming?"

SoulP: "No, I'd rather drink my own piss thanks" ...What this geezer has just said, tells me it's gonna be it's gonna be average. Am I wrong?

7. "Think...Out the box" If somebody ever tells you to "Think out of the box" they are really telling you not to have your own imagination...They're telling you that their ideas will be much better. Its a control buzzword, often used in this scenario eg. "I like your ideas. but let's try thinking out of the box on this one" ... I get so angry when I hear this one that sometimes I think about slapping them round the face...

6. "At the end of the day" Normally used to summerise a meeting. "At the end of the day, the long and short of it is, that there's just no market for it...Soul music just doesn't sell" I was actually told that by a complete twat who shall remain nameless for legal reasons...You know who you are... You probably don't actually, cos you've said that shit to thousands of people for years.

5. "Ping" Or "Shoot" you an email... If anyone tells you that they'll ping, or shoot you an email...They probably won't...I prefer to "send" or "fire" emails accross personally... Also don't ask me to "Touch base" with you either.

4. What the fuck is "Chillax"... That's just stupid...

3. "Hook up" or "Do lunch".... NEVER hook up or do lunch with anyone...I prefer to meet up and have lunch..... And if anyone ever asks you out for "Brunch" tell them to fuck off.

2. "Lets raise the anchor and let this one drift" This one should only be used if your either a sailor, a boat owner, ..Or a pirate...However if your a complete cunt, this works great as well.

1. "I don't say this very often, but this song has number one written all over it"... This usually means that it wont.

SoulP's advice is to always be aware that 90% of managers and record label people are out to musically rape you of your sound, talent, passion and your integrety. These people arn't even musicians, so they have no right to tell you to change anything that your musically proud of.

Realise that you can now sell your music without having to rely on a record label and that you can have your own publishing, your own online shop and your own image. Just steer clear of labels unless they offer you a deal that you just can't refuse.... But if it sounds too good to be true, it normally is....

SoulP

SoulP's Summer Madness Free Download

2009-11-23T03:15:00.000-08:00

...For the next 14 days, my version of Kool & The Gangs "Summer Madness" will be available for free download. The download link is below the video.

Download Here:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/779999084/183a07780163bfaa47909ad9a5fee89f

Soulacoaster Quotes

2009-11-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been fortunate enough to have some good reviews... No bad ones yet, fingers crossed!... Here's what's being said about it.

" Soulpersona is family to me and if you have not got his new album you are missing out on the some of the best music that I have heard in the past year or so! Soul Music is so important for all of us right now,it shares alot of the passion and heartache and love that we all are going through and listening to Soulpersona's new album SOULACOASTER, it's taking me right back to that good ole soul sound that makes me want to groove and dance! Ya'll better Hur-rup and get cho CD TODAY!! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!"
Jocelyn Brown. Singer/Songwriter

"Warm, fuzzy, danceable, sexy soul music"
Garth Trinidad Deejay/Presenter KCRW

"Sounding wicked mate i must say loving it all!!!"
Derrick McKenzie. Drummer Jamiroquai

"Just finished listening to SoulPersona's new album Soulcoaster, and it is one of the best British soul albums I have heard. The sound quality, the music, the singers, the vibe, the instruments, consistency.
Boy!!! England is in for a surprise when this shit comes out"
Diane Laidlaw, Female Beatmakers, Dj/ Presenter, Playvybz Radio

"Head on over to Digisoul to grab your copy now, if you don’t then your going to have to live with the fact you have missed out on one of the standout albums of 2009"
Soul:UK

"A profound LP that captures the essence of soul, jazz, funk, disco and hip hop."
Soulbounce.com

"Soulacoaster” is a prime example that you don’t need a major label to deliver quality music for people to enjoy"
Todd Kelly. Flowlink

"The album sounds fantastic, they are flying out, we are going to need some more real soon!"
Soulbrother Records

The Struggle

2009-10-31T03:26:00.000-07:00

...Why do I hear so many artists harping on about the "struggle"?... Moaning about how hard it is to make music and get it out there. To me the struggle is a brilliant part of becoming a musician. It's the part where you really learn about what you are doing, and put every bit of passion you have into everything you do. Like a footballer has to josstle for his place in a football team, a musician has to raise his or her game to be recognised. This is the music business, probably the one of the hardest busnesses in the world.

Some musicains and artists moan about struggling so much, it becomes all they talk about, all they think about. Try using the "Struggle" as inspiration. For me it's the most enjoyable part, it's a time to find your strong points, assess your weak points, hone your skills and find your sound. If your going to be a boxer and fight an opponent, you have to train if you want to stand any chance, you can't just jump into the ring with no preperation.

"Struggling" also makes you stronger, shit, things are looking up for me at the moment, but i'm still struggling. The difference is that I love the "Struggle" because every day i'm thinking about how the fuck to get out of it. The music buisness is like a game of chess, you have to be patient and wait your turn. Frustration, depression and anger are themes that run deeply through my productions. Shit, I locked myself away for a year of my life when I first got some recording equipment, i lived off a credit card, smoked copious amounts of ganja, grew a beard and made music every fucking day!... I didn't really have a clue what I was doing, I was just making music that I loved and really didn't give a shit about the bigger picture. That for me was a "struggle" because I took a gamble, but thinking back it was a great moment of my life. For the first time ever I was making music that I wanted to make with no-one telling how I should be doing it. I was in musical heaven, and quite litterally couldn't give a fuck what happened in the future.

My point is to embrace the struggle instead of winging and harping on about it. If you work hard and love what you do, keep doing the same thing, enjoy it, write about it, spill your heart out, the "Struggle" is just the begining, it's what we all go through to become what we are. "Struggle" is standard, your not alone. Remember that.

Drums & SoulP

2009-10-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

I promised myself that if can i'll try and write at least a paragraph of stuff a day. So today i'm gonna talk about live drumming. As well as producing music I am originally a drummer, I played on tabletops and ice cream tubs as a kid, but when I was 11, a youth club I attended gave me a drum kit. I had never played an actual drum kit before and I still think about those first moments quite often. I remember setting it up so it looked like the drumkits I'd seen on Top Of The Pops, and when I had set it up, I sat behind it and it just came naturally. I'd never had a lesson (apart from a couple of snare drum technique lessons, parradiddle's, two stroke rolls etc) and the whole thing just seemed so natural, almost as if i'd been playing for years... It was the best feeling in the world, and i'm glad to say, that it still is..

As the next few years past, I played almost every week for one band or another, Rock, Punk, Metal... Anything in fact!... As long as I was playing drums, I really didn't give a shit, as long as I could play. At home I was restricted to 30 minutes after school becuase we had grumpy nieghbours who went mental if I played any longer!

At school I was a dreamer. I used to sit by the window gazing out accross the playing fields imagining what it would be like to be a proffessional drummer. I'd often fantasise that I was going to live some rock and roll lifestyle, filled with late night recording sessions, album tours, beautiful women etc etc... As I said, I was a dreamer.

I'd get home and go straight into the spare room where my drums were set up, i'd go to my Dads Hi Fi and stick in a tape or put on one of his records.. Which didn't work too well as the records always jumped with my kick drum vibrations. I quickly learned that a two pence piece sat on top of the needle cartridge ammended this problem.

I played along to Jeff Lorber, Phil Collins, Bob James, Chris Rea, Level 42, Hall & Oats... You name it, if it gave me goosebumps, I was piping it through the headphones, closing my eyes and playing along. Often imagining I was the drummer playing it at a live show... Sad eh?

Anyways, to cut a long story short, in my early teens I met a bass player with the same passion as me, we loved the same bands and when he sat in his bedroom and played me the Level 42 track "Children Say" bass lick for bass lick, whilst singing, I knew that we were gonna be in a band together... This bass player was a 14 year old kid called Paul Lancaster, you might know him now as Punk Pappa of Wonderlush. We have been friends ever since and have recorded countlesss songs with one an other...

As the years past by, I gradually played drums less and less. I was busy being a teenager, getting drunk, pulling girls and getting into trouble, I played drums now and again for favours, but i'd never found a band that I wanted to be in. I was craving soulful, jazz funk bands, and where I grew up the most soulful you got was "Mustang Sally" ... Then the drumming went dry.

15 years later in 2008, myself Punk Pappa (bass) and another old friend Richard Molyneux (Guitar) got together for a jam. Also at the jam was my good mate Michael Rendall (Jackanory) who is one of the finest keyboard players i've ever heard. Watch out for his name cos this boy is gonna be huge. Trust me.
I hadn't really touched a kit for soooooo long, and neither of us had played as a band before. I had just sent one of my songs to everyone beforehand as a groove reference. We mic'd up the instruments, and pressed record... And this is what happened and it felt so good!

So just to re-cap:

Bass: Punk Pappa
Guitar: Richard Molyneux
Keys: Michael Rendall
Drums: Me, SoulP

Hear what happened, below.

Free Download

2009-10-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the launch of Soulacoaster, here's a free download of my Leroy Hutson re edit of "Lucky Fellow" it will be available for 14 days until the link expires. Thanks to everybody that has supported and purchased Soulacoaster so far and if you haven't got it yet, you can by going direct to digisoul @ www.digisoul.co.uk

Download your free "Lucky Fellow" Soulpersona Re Edit here:

http://www.yousendit.com/download/Z01NZHltcWZwM214dnc9PQ

Hope you enjoy reading the blog.

Love & Goodness,

SoulP

Leroy Hutson "Lucky Fellow" SoulP Re-Edit

2009-10-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

A little something I did for the love of such a wonderful song. This track gives me goosebumps from start to finish, the lyrics and sentiment are deliciously delivered by the straight talking Mr Hutson. This is the ultimate love song, with no fucking about or word mincing.

...Anyways, I thought I'd take it upon myself to do an extended version with a bit of SoulP flavour to show my respect. If you don't have this man's work already, you can find his albums on itunes, and trust me, you won't be dissapointed.

"I Am Your Mind Part 3" Soulpersona V Roy Ayers

2009-10-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

So I was sat here listening to Roy Ayres "I Am Your Mind" Part 1 and 2, and loved it so much, I decided to take a little sample, add some SoulP embelishments and do a Part 3... Enjoy.

SoulP Never Selling Out...

2009-10-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of years i've been noticing many producers and musicians i've respected for a long time a letting go of their soulful roots and prefering to opt for a more commercial sounding musical product. fair enough, the bills must be paid and all that, but to be honest, id rather get a day job that sell out to commercialism.

People who know me well, will know that I have no love for the commercial music industry, this is because I have respect in my art, which might sound pretentious, but when it comes down to music being sold just because of the way and artist or band looks, regardless of their musical talent and ability, it really begins to hit a raw nerve... Pretty much fucks me off if I'm honest!

As a producer, I only want to work with performers and musicians that are truly talented, I dont care if they're fat or thin, ugly or beautiful, all I care about is whether I get goosbumps listening to them. If I do, I know it's the right thing. When I see shows like X Factor, even though 99% of people auditioning are a load of wank, I would never bring it upon myself to degrade these people in front of millions on national TV. These "Wannabee's" are usually from a little town where they have been stars in their own right, winning Karioke compititions and doing little gigs for their friends and family. Even though they are average it's been instilled in them by their family and friends that they are absoloutly amazing, so they turn up to X Factor believing this, as this is all they know, they believe they are fantastic!

A simple "yes your through", or "no your not through" would suffice, but no, this is a TV show, so they will litteraly verbally rape a performer that they think is rubbish. I think this is totally wrong, i've heard people have committed suicide after being axed from the X Factor auditions, and for someone like Cheryl Cole to be telling someone they're not a good singer is quite ironically laughable... You see these poor people look so heartbroken and quite often completely refusing to accept that they're not up to the X factor standard, they believe they are amazing, their friends and family have showered them with praise convincing them they are the next big thing... Then they get their dreams shattered, by Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Simon "the waistband" Cowell... It's wrong!!! Music is something that makes people happy, even if your a rubbish singer and enjoy singing, you go for it, if it makes you feel good, then why not? Just because you can't sing, doesnt mean you can't enjoy it, you just can't do it proffessionally.

My point is, this show reperesents the way commercial music works, I've seen and know really good singers that have tried their luck on X Factor and havent even got through to the TV audition process, it's a fucking joke! Have we really got to accept that music has become a visual format? I'm tired of seeing manufactured bands and artists singing the same sounding bullshit over and over again on daytime TV and national radio, hearing that same tinny popcorn sounding production that 9 times out of 10 comes direct from Apple Loops (As was Rhianna's "Umbrealla" if you didnt know that already) the only acts with any musical ability and talent seem to be our Rock bands, like Kasabian, Kings Of Leon, Oasis etc... Why do majors sign rock bands but not soul bands? I can't understand it. Why hasn't any major label cottened on to the Motown blueprint and philosphy? This was one of the most succsessful record labels of our time and everyone involved in Motown were supa talented, down to the musicians, and most of Motown have either passed away with legendary status, or are still performing with legandary status today.

All I know is, i'm gonna stay true to what I know best, I'm never gonna change my style, and i'm only going to work with people who really move me, whatever their apperance. To me it's about the listening and enjoying of music, couldn't give a fuck about the TV videos and the vanity part of it. So I hereby promise to never sell out and to always keep quality control of my own shit!

Love & Goodness,

SoulP

I present to you "Soulacoaster"

2009-10-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

Some people make music purely for the financial gain, a hope of one day selling a million records, to be number one, to be the next "Big Thing" to satisfy the hunger of powerful record labels, to be consumed by the industry and be treated like a superstar, to be able to shmooze with the elite, and go on about how they were born to do it etc etc...

Well, i'm pretty different to that because Soulacoaster was made only for the love of soulful music, not to satisfy any record label, or be fucked about with some dickhead A&R person telling me what tracks I can and can't have on my own album. It's not been constantly diluted with other peoples opinions and it will probably never even see the light of day at your HMV and Amazon.com's. This is not done for the money either, if you can't afford my album, i'd rather you burn it off your mate and just enjoy it.

I make music, to make me happy and to make other people happy. Ideally i'd love to have a live band and take this album on a tour, nothing lavish, just some nice intimate venues, with a good atmosphere, cos this isn't really Wembley Areana kind of stuff. I'd want to fly in all the artists involved and perform the whole album live...

My point is this, from when I started this album up until I completed it, I imagine the whole thing done live, if I had the means to record it live, with live musicians, I would have done, in fact that would have been the best thing ever, but as this album was being done I have worked as a water meter repairer, a long distance van driver, a courier for DHL and a music teacher. I hated every job I had before the teaching!

When I was a driver, I was waking up at 5 sometimes 4am and working all day til 5pm. All i'd think about all day whilst driving were the grooves I was going to make when I got home. I'd get home, and get Logic fired up immediatly and work on Soulacoaster. The fact is most of the music for the album was completed in 3 months, but I wanted to hold out and wait for the vocals come back from singers accross the globe. I didn't want to rush anyone to do this for me as I believe that if it's right, it will be done. Eventually over the 3 year period, the vocals were complete and the very last song "Imagine" with Sibel Thrasher was finished in June. This is when the album was complete. Also, i'd been made redundant as a teacher in June, so that was the reason I decided to get this album together and finished. I'm getting a small run of CD's together and hopefully some great things will come of it, It might open some doors for bigger and better things, I could speculate forever but really, all I care about is that people just enjoy it. I'm proud of this album, and of everyone that took part in it.

So when you listen to it, just remember, it's not meant to be commercial, cos it is what it is. It's music that I have enjoyed making, and music I will continue to make, always and forever....

Thanks for reading...

SoulP

BUY SOULACOASTER RIGHT HERE

2009-10-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

First of all, welcome to my blog, you can buy my album right here using this Paypal button below, it's £9.99 with FREE WORLDWIDE shipping.

Thanks for your support and hope you enjoy your "Soulacoaster" ride!

Love & Goodness,

SoulP

BUY HERE: