A Decade of Soulection: Celebrating 14 Years of Pushing Boundaries and Championing Emerging Artists

Joe Kay's love affair with music began in his youth, where he immersed himself in diverse genres and meticulously curated mixes. "It would be me being in my bedroom at the age of 16-17 with headphones on, PC laptop out, iTunes, and just going through music," Kay reminisced. "Lost in the music for hours and just notepad out, writing down my thoughts and ideas."    

This early dedication to music discovery and curation laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He started sharing his mixes online through a platform called ill Vibes, garnering a loyal following of listeners who resonated with his eclectic taste and forward-thinking approach.    

The ill Vibes era paved the way for Kay's foray into radio, where he further honed his skills as a broadcaster and DJ. He landed a guest spot on a local late-night radio show called TR Seekers, which focused on beats and experimental sounds.    

The Birth of Soulection: A Platform for the Future

In 2011, Kay's vision materialized into Soulection, a global platform and radio show that would become synonymous with innovative sounds and emerging talent. "The idea was to launch the episode and the release of all these amazing unknown artists and have the radio show as my own internal marketing to promote the project," Kay explained.    

Soulection's impact was immediate and far-reaching. The platform quickly gained a devoted following, attracting music lovers and artists from all corners of the globe. Kay's keen ear for talent and his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries resonated with a generation hungry for something different.

A Decade of Disruption: Soulection's Global Impact

Soulection's success reached new heights with a partnership with Apple Music, where Kay hosts a weekly radio show that has become a staple for music enthusiasts worldwide. His show has consistently championed emerging artists and introduced listeners to sounds they might never have encountered otherwise.    

"The idea is to put music that people don't necessarily listen to traditionally in front of them and say, 'Hey, trust me with the music,'" Kay shared.    

This approach has earned him recognition as a global tastemaker, with artists and fans alike praising his ability to identify and amplify the next wave of musical talent.

Beyond the Decks: Expanding the Soulection Universe

Kay's vision for Soulection extends beyond the radio show and online platform. He has ambitious plans to expand the brand into various creative endeavors, including a record label, merchandise line, and live events.    

He is also stepping into the role of artist himself, with an upcoming EP that showcases his unique curation and collaborative spirit. "It's almost like a compilation," Kay described the project. "This is a Joe Kay presents; these are the next up, or these are artists that I really love and that I'm working with."    

A Legacy of Passion and Purpose

Joe Kay's journey is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance. From his early days broadcasting from his grandmother's basement to establishing a global platform and radio show, Kay has consistently championed emerging talent and innovative sounds.

His dedication to building community and pushing the culture forward has made him a respected figure in the music industry. As he continues to evolve and expand his creative endeavors, one thing remains certain: Joe Kay's impact on the sound of modern music will be felt for generations to come.