Beatport recognised Soul n Pepa’s latest release, “Oulala (The Remix” by Ignace de Souza & Boddhi Satva, with an Afro House banner. We spoke with the producer and label head Mind Street to find out more about the history of Soul n Pepa and where they’re headed in 2021.
How long has your label been in operation?
The label officially launched on February 2019. However, I’ve been working on the Mind Street project separately. Soul N Pepa’s first release was in March 2019. “It’s Alright” by Mind Street ft Cinnamon Brown, with a remix from Groove Assassin.
What inspired you to set up the label in the first place?
After several years of producing music for different artists and having created Mind Street with two friends, I thought it was time to challenge myself again. It also allows us to be able to have a free spirit for creation and production, and to be able to manage the whole process.
Quite naturally, some producer friends learned that we had assembled Soul N Pepa, and asked if they could be signed with us. The process is quite natural and this has allowed us to expand our musical offer in different styles.
How would you describe your musical philosophy and creative vision?
We really like productions with singers, and we will continue to develop this, but we are also interested in different genres. Whatever musical style you do, I think there is always a part of the soul in the style that you produce, if in addition you put a touch of madness and groove, that could interest us. This is also why we have signed different genres and styles of electronic music. Music is a joy, so we just produce what we love and enjoy!
“Do it for love first, as that will always shine through.”
Tell us about your first release – what was special about that one?
Our first release on the label is Mind Street with Cinnamon Brown, we wanted to have a remix of Groove Assassin, like the first Mind Street release when it was premiered on the KSS label in New York.
“Feed your spirit and be true to yourself.”
What’s been the highlight of your journey so far as a label?
Having the chance to hear other artists succeed on the label, like 84 Avenue, Systemfunk and others has been really great. Some major radio stations and DJs have been playing our productions around the world. We try every time to do our best to highlight our artists.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
Be patient, be very patient, keep going, make sure you release some good music, and in time you will see some success, but it definitely takes time. Do it for love first, as that will always shine through.
With persistence, originality and quality; over time you will succeed in ways that will be a mix of business and self-fulfillment. Feed your spirit and be true to yourself.
What lies ahead for your label in 2021 and beyond?
We will try to do more consistent projects, such as an EP or album with 84 Avenue, a French producer. We also have some great remixes to come from our catalog in afro house and deep house. We will also have some original tracks with Pete Simspon and Kenny Thomas, Andrea Love with Mind Street, which are both in the works. We also have few big singer-songwriter tunes coming from Pete Simpson, and Kenny Thomas with Mind Street.