“The history of music and its roots are beautiful, we intend on preserving our inspirations, but also constantly being ahead of the curve, whether it be music, technology, fashion or events.” – Julio Galvez Director of Worldwide Bookings and Strategic Partnership at Soulection
If you aren’t familiar with Soulection and what they’re doing across the globe on both a music and brand level, study up. In the meantime, I chopped it up with Julio Galvez (The Whooligan) and asked him some questions about Soulection’s stature as one of the biggest internet labels in the game right now, traveling the world, and being a cultural influencer.
RTT – How did you get involved in music and who were your biggest influences?
The Whooligan – Music came early early on – at birth. My parents listened to everything from classic soul to folk to cumbia. My brother and sisters always put me on to the newest hip hop, house and R&B. Low key, we lived in a tiny house growing up and I shared a bed with my older brother. He wouldn’t let me fall asleep unless I recited all these lyrics. I’m talking Warren G to Bobby Caldwell. It was intimidating, but shit, I felt so cool as a youngin! I was practically raised on records, red wine and family gatherings. My family is my biggest influence.
Tell us about Soulection as a collective/brand/label and your role within the crew.
In a nutshell, business and labels aside, Soulection is a family. That family includes our management staff, our artists, our community, even you. We are a collective of hard-working and open-minded individuals who can soak up game better than anyone I’ve ever met. Everyone on the squad is a quick learner, we’re adaptable, we’re dedicated and passionate. We love our friends and our supporters. I think it’s safe to say that everyone who meets us can say the same. It’s all love, good vibes only. Some of us are from the hood, some of us are from the hills, it makes no difference – we’re connected by this music, driven to achieve success and learn as much as we can along the way. This whole thing is just an extension and representation of our own lives. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful to be leading the front with my team and artists and DJs. My role by definition: I direct worldwide bookings and strategic partnerships for Soulection, but that encompasses a lot. We all have ‘roles,’ but the work and output is far beyond that. Wearing many hats is an understatement. I’m proud of everyone.
How did you first link with Soulection/Joe Kay?
I met both Joe Kay and ESTA at the same time, in my living room, during this artist-to-artist interview with URB Magazine. The homie Phil Nacionales made the whole thing happen. I was coming back from tour or something and my SF roommate (at the time)/brother from another, Mikos Da Gawd, let them all in. I walked in and everyone was lampin’ in my living room. Long story short, Joe and I just clicked. We clicked on records, music, the art and photography around my apartment, just vibes. I forgot we were even in an interview, it was mad casual and cool. Joe and ESTA are far beyond their years, younger than me by some years, but still cooler than ice. I saw a bit of my earlier years in Joe, even though he was far past that.. he already felt like a brother to me. Couple weeks pass, we talk some business, I meet the rest of the team and the rest is history.
What has been the most inspiring moment since joining Soulection?
I would say joining the team is my most inspiring moment. I’ve never felt more determination in my life than joining the tribe. Soulection has given me the opportunity to dream big and make it happen without having any reservations or regrets. The fact that everyone on the team allows one another to make their aspirations become realities, as well as for of our artists and DJ’s, is a blessing. I used to have this map pinned up in my old apartment in SF. I told myself that one day my team and I and everyone we fuck with was going to hit every continent on that map. The tacks were white and I wrote an “S” on the heads… since putting that map up we’ve traveled to 6 continents and over 100 countries worldwide.
What do you think your and Soulection’s impact is on culture and society? What are you intentions with your impact?
I believe our impact on culture and society is major. But at the same time, I also feel we’re merely torch bearers. We’re a little of both, making waves with some of the flyest and most progressive soul music to date, but also respecting and nurturing that of our musical ancestors. The history of music and its roots are beautiful. We intend on preserving our inspirations, but also constantly being ahead of the curve, whether it be music, technology, fashion or events. People have hit us all up individually telling us how we changed their lives. I mean, to me, I never imagined having that much impact on someone. If we can do that every week, every month, every year, then yeah, I think the purity in our intentions is evident.
What music are you vibin’ with the most these days?
I love jazz music. Big band, old school, basement blue light soul special vibes. Being from San Francisco though, house music will always have a place in my heart. And it goes without saying, but hip hop and R&B will always be my go-to. Shout out to Brooklyn, New York.
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CHICAGO – Catch The Whooligan THIS FRIDAY making his Chicago debut @ Canvas as part of the Too Future Series!
“Let’s stop the hate, increase the peace, and the way people judge these (talented) youngsters. We can change the game on an international level, move culture and live successfully, all from just opening our laptops and spinning records.” – Julio Galvez
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