Over the past six months, the site has been unusually quiet. This silence hasn’t been intentional, nor has it reflected a loss of passion for music or for the conversations that Soulinterviews was built on. Instead, it has been the result of a difficult period in my personal and professional life that required my full attention.

During the past couple of years, I’ve gone through a profound life transition. I lost both of my parents, my marriage came to an end, and I was ultimately forced to put my real estate business into bankruptcy. While these events did not all happen within the last six months, their combined impact reached a point where I had to pause and reassess everything.

As a consequence of these circumstances, I was also forced to sell my studio. Losing that space — both practically and creatively — made it impossible to continue producing interviews at the standard I believe artists and readers deserve. Rather than publish content without the proper focus, energy, or respect for the process, I chose to step back.

Soulinterviews has always been about depth, honesty, and presence. Interviewing artists is not a mechanical process for me; it requires curiosity, preparation, and mental clarity. For a period of time, I simply didn’t have the capacity to give that — and I felt it was more honest to remain silent than to deliver something half‑hearted.

That said, this pause is not an ending.

Over the past months, I’ve slowly begun rebuilding — personally and creatively. Stability is returning, ideas are forming again, and the motivation that started Soulinterviews in the first place is very much alive. It is my sincere hope and intention to be fully active again toward the end of the summer, with new interviews and renewed focus.

To everyone who has continued to check back, share past interviews, or simply keep this platform in mind — thank you. Your loyalty does not go unnoticed, and it has meant more to me than words can fully express.

Soulinterviews was created out of love for soul music, culture, and the people behind it. That foundation hasn’t changed. Sometimes it just needs time to breathe.

I look forward to reconnecting with you soon.

With respect and gratitude,

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In 2023, I made the decision to rebrand Soulinterviews.com under a new name: Soulineffect.com. The idea behind the change was simple – to broaden the scope of content and create space for an even wider exploration of soul music and its many cultural connections. It was an exciting chapter that allowed for experimentation and growth.

But as time passed, one thing became increasingly clear: Soulinterviews.com is more than just a website name. It has become a trusted brand within the soul community – a platform that has documented voices, stories, and perspectives from some of the genre’s most significant artists. The recognition and reputation built over the years are too valuable to set aside.

That is why I am proud to announce the official return of Soulinterviews.com – now with a new dimension, captured in the tagline:

“The Sound of Emotions.”

Soul music has always been about more than just melodies and grooves. It is about storytelling, vulnerability, resilience, and passion. The new tagline reflects the essence of what this platform has always stood for – bringing you closer to the heart of the music and the artists who create it.

The relaunch is not just about reclaiming a name, but about embracing its legacy while looking forward. Expect deeper interviews, fresh features, and an expanded focus on the emotional power that soul music continues to hold across generations and borders.

To all readers, listeners, and supporters who have followed along on this journey: thank you for being part of the story. Soulinterviews.com is back – stronger, sharper, and more committed than ever to amplifying the sound of emotions.

— DJ Soulswede
Founder & Music Journalist
Soulinterviews.com

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An Independent Force who Lets his Music do the Talking

He’s been called a quiet pioneer, an independent force who lets his music do the talking. Eric Roberson has carved out a unique space in the soul and jazz landscape, known for his richly layered sound and deeply personal artistry. Now, he’s back with a brand new album — Beautifully All Over The Place — a project that lives up to its name, blending genre, emotion, and storytelling into a sonic journey. As always, DJ Soulswede is in the chair for a conversation that goes deeper than just the tracks. From creative process to life lessons, and everything in between, this is Eric Roberson — raw, reflective, and beautifully all over the place.

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Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—born March 15, 1943—rose to fame as the charismatic frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, a revolutionary band that transformed the musical landscape. In 1966, he broke racial and gender barriers by assembling a truly integrated ensemble—a daring statement of unity during a turbulent era.

Their fusion of soul, rock, gospel, psychedelic funk, and progressive R&B produced soul-stirring classics like “Dance to the Music”, “Everyday People”, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”, “Family Affair”, and “I Want to Take You Higher” , “Take “Dance to the Music”—it broke into the top 10 and became the template for psychedelic soul, inspiring Motown and the emergence of funk. “There are two types of black music: black music before Sly Stone, and black music after Sly Stone.”

Echoes Through Modern Music

Sly’s signature blend of joyous rhythms, political awareness, and psychedelic experimentation reverberates across today’s musical world. His groove and message—woven with irony, hope, and dissent—foreshadowed hip‑hop and neo‑soul’s evolution.

Bootsy Collins once declared him “the most talented musician I know”, while artists like Prince, Rick James, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, OutKast, Beck, The Roots, and Fatboy Slim have all mined his inventive soundscapes . On Reddit, fans continue to marvel:

“One of the most important musicians of all time… Paved the way for many. Prince, Michael, Stevie, OutKast, and D’Angelo”
“A true Mozart of the last 60 years of popular music… way ahead of their time”

A Radical Trailblazer

Beyond his music, Sly embodied a bold cultural statement. His inclusive band structure and featuring of female instrumentalists were radical moves that reshaped what pop music could represent.

His live performances—most famously at Woodstock ’69, where he transformed the crowd with “I Want to Take You Higher”—created transcendent musical moments . He wielded control in the studio too, layering complex arrangements and pioneering production techniques that hinted at future genres like chopped-and-screwed, neo-soul, and sampling.

Fall and Redemption

Despite his brilliance, Sly struggled with addiction, leading to the band’s dissolution by the mid‑1970s and years of reclusion. Yet, in a late‑career revival of clarity, he overcame addiction around 2019 and shared his story through a memoir (Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), 2023) and a Questlove‑produced documentary

The Passing of a Colossus

Sly Stone passed away on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, aged 82, after battling COPD and related health issues. The news sparked a wave of tributes from fans, peers, and modern artists, affirming his enduring imprint

Legacy in Today’s Soundscape

• Funk & Hip-Hop: His syncopated grooves and bass-heavy style resonate in countless hip‑hop and funk productions.
• Genre‑Blending: The fearless fusion of soul, rock, gospel, and psychedelic elements laid groundwork for crossover genres.
• Social Consciousness: Tracks like “Everyday People” delivered messages of unity that still echo in contemporary socially aware music.
• Production Pioneer: Studio techniques—multilayered instrumentation, off‑beat arrangements, varied textures—shape modern production.
  

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Bridging the gap between innovation and soul

In an era where electronic music often favors formula over feeling, few artists manage to bridge the gap between innovation and soul as deftly as Opolopo. Born Peter Major and raised in Sweden by way of Hungarian roots, Opolopo has quietly become one of the most respected figures in contemporary electronic music—an alchemist of sound whose work seamlessly fuses house, broken beat, boogie, and future-funk into a singular, unmistakable voice.

With a career spanning over two decades, Opolopo has built a reputation not just as a producer of deeply emotive and rhythmically complex tracks, but as a remixer capable of reimagining the work of others with surgical precision and musical sensitivity. From reworks of legends like Gregory Porter and Stevie Wonder to dancefloor-ready originals on labels such as Local Talk, Z Records, and Tru Thoughts, his discography is a testament to both range and restraint.

In this interview, I sit down with Opolopo to explore the nuances of his creative process, the evolution of his sound, and the broader cultural and technological shifts shaping the world of electronic music today.

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On Legacy, Lyrics, and Life After Midnight Star

When one speaks of funk royalty, the name Calloway carries weight, rhythm, and legacy. Reggie and Vincent Calloway—collectively known as The Calloway Brothers—have been architects of sound for over four decades. From their formative years as key members of Midnight Star to their chart-dominating run as Calloway, these brothers have not only witnessed the evolution of modern R&B—they’ve helped shape it.

In a rare and intimate conversation hosted by DJ Soulswede for SoulInterviews.com, the brothers took a reflective and inspiring look back at their journey through the music industry—offering stories, insights, and wisdom that only legends can.

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, the Calloway brothers came up in a time when music was analog and magic was handmade. Reggie, the trumpet-wielding visionary with an ear for production, and Vincent, the smooth-voiced showman with a charismatic presence, formed a dynamic creative force early on. Their work with Midnight Star in the early ’80s redefined the sound of electro-funk. Hits like “Freak-A-Zoid,” “No Parking on the Dance Floor,” and “Operator” blended synthetic grooves with deep soul roots, paving the way for a new sonic movement in Black music.

But the brothers didn’t stop there. As producers and writers, they lent their talents to a who’s who of R&B royalty—Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass, Natalie Cole, and Klymaxx, to name a few. Their fingerprints are all over the 1980s and ’90s—on the radio, in the clubs, and across award stages.

In the late ’80s, Reggie and Vincent branched out as Calloway, launching a successful solo act that further proved their hitmaking instincts. Their 1990 smash “I Wanna Be Rich” became an anthem of aspiration, combining catchy hooks with the same polished funk sensibility that had defined their earlier work.

During the interview, the brothers reflected on the grit and discipline it took to succeed in an industry known for its volatility. But more than anything, they credited their bond—as brothers, collaborators, and visionaries—for the staying power of their careers. Whether behind the mixing board or on stage, their synergy was always evident, built on trust, shared experience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

They also spoke passionately about the current state of music and their efforts to mentor new generations. Reggie, an advocate for artist rights and a tireless educator, has become a vocal presence in the push for music creators to retain control over their intellectual property. Vincent, ever the entertainer, remains committed to performance and inspiring younger artists through storytelling and stagecraft.

What stood out most in this soul-filled dialogue was the sense of purpose that continues to drive the Calloway Brothers. Their legacy isn’t just in the gold records or the platinum singles—it’s in the culture they helped shape, the artists they uplifted, and the communities they’ve served through music.

As DJ Soulswede wrapped up the session, listeners were left not just with nostalgia, but with renewed respect for two artists who never stopped evolving. The Calloway Brothers aren’t just part of music history—they are living proof that soul endures, funk never fades, and legends keep creating.

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In 2025, DJ Soulswede celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 20 years as a podcaster. At a time when podcasting was just beginning to emerge, he was already shaping the medium with his signature blend of soulful storytelling, authentic interviews, and deep musical knowledge. This isn’t just an anniversary—it’s a celebration of a legacy.

It all began in 2005 with the launch of “Soul Podder”, one of the very first soul-focused podcasts in the world. Long before the format became mainstream, DJ Soulswede was carving out space for artists, stories, and sounds that deserved global attention.

The journey continued with the creation of Soulinterviews.com in 2008, a groundbreaking platform that featured in-depth conversations with legends and rising stars in the world of soul, funk, and R&B. It became a trusted source and cultural archive for fans and musicians alike.

Today, that passion still lives on through Soulinterviews.com, where DJ Soulswede continues to connect generations of listeners to the heart and soul of music. His voice, his vision, and his dedication remain as powerful as ever.

This milestone would not have been possible without the help of some remarkable people. With deep gratitude, DJ Soulswede extends heartfelt thanks to:

• Björn Wiberg, for building the very first podcast site that helped launch it all.

• Claes Holmerup, for his mentorship and expertise in building the recording studios that powered the vision.

• And last but never least, Ms. Bonnie Cehovet, his longtime partner and friend, whose tireless work in media coverage and press has elevated every step of the journey.

Twenty years in, DJ Soulswede remains a true podcasting trailblazer—one of the originals who helped shape the medium before the world even realized its potential. Here’s to two decades of soul, storytelling, and sound—and to all that lies ahead.

This article was generated with the assistance of AI. Fact-checked and approved by author Bonnie Cehovet

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Writing the soundtrack of a generation

In this special conversation, DJ Soulswede connects with two dynamic and deeply respected voices in contemporary soul and R&B. Gordon Chambers, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer whose timeless pen has crafted hits for legends like Anita Baker (“I Apologize”), Angie Stone (“No More Rain”), Brandy, Tamia, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight (“Missing You”), Beyonce (“After All Is Said And Done”) — while also shining through his own celebrated solo albums. Known for blending classic soul textures with modern storytelling, Chambers remains a vital voice in the genre’s evolution.

Joining him is the exceptionally versatile Darien Dorsey — a multi-instrumentalist, string arranger, and vocalist whose work has graced numerous television shows, films, and major recordings. Among his standout achievements is his contribution as a string arranger and musician on Mary J. Blige’s Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated anthem “Mighty River.” Darien’s artistry weaves classical training with deep soul roots, creating a sound both cinematic and emotionally raw.

Together with DJ Soulswede, they discuss their creative journeys, current projects, and the ongoing legacy of soul music in an ever-changing industry. It’s a meeting of minds, melody, and meaningful conversation you won’t want to miss.

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I’ve recently produced this promo trailer that will be featured on the upcoming episodes of Soulineffect TV. You can watch the video below.

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Monte Moir

Grooves, Genius, and a Little Purple Magic: A Conversation with Monte Moir

When you talk about the Minneapolis Sound, one name inevitably comes up: Prince. But behind the purple legend was a crew of equally brilliant musicians shaping the future of funk, R&B, and pop—one of them being the incomparable Monte Moir. As a core member of The Time, a songwriter behind Janet Jackson’s The Pleasure Principle, and a producer with a golden touch, Moir helped craft some of the most infectious grooves of the ’80s and beyond.

So, what was it like working in the orbit of a genius? How do you write a song that stands the test of time? And does he still have that signature Minneapolis magic? DJ Soulswede sat down with Monte Moir to find out.

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