After their first release, Amma 'Keep Hoping'. The Portsmouth based NYSoul Record label is getting some serious props from the house scene. With plays on House FM, Ministry of Sound Radio, Power FM and Solar FM the buzz is really building.
'Keep Hoping' can be found in the boxes of some of the worlds finest House DJ's, including - Kaskade, Ben Watt, Paul 'Trouble' Anderson, Jeremy Newall, Chrissy T, Rude Boy Rupert, Andy Caldwell, The Beard, Samba La Casa, DJ Boz, Funky P and many more.

DNRUK's Pierre John catches up with Matt Neale from NYSoul:

DNR: > "So, Who are NYSoul?"

MATT: > “Myself, Matt Neale – Production Director
Dj Boz – Creative Director
Chris McBean – Technical Director”

DNR: > "How did the Name NYSoul come about?"

MATT: > “It derives from our influences. The NY stands for New York, it’s a homage to The Paradise Garage where it all began. Our music style will change with time something which is a neccasary progression for all labels that want to stay on the forefront of a genre, but one key element will always remain. The music will always have soul, this is the feeling and emotion that can be encapsulated in music. Without soul there can be no connection with the listeners. Therefore the word soul needed to be in the label’s name, hence NEW YORK SOUL”

DNR: > "Who does NYSOUL aim its music at?"

MATT: > “Lovers of soulful house music. People who enjoy both listening and dancing to house. We want our music to reach both the clubbers and the home listeners.”

DNR: > "What are your influences?"

MATT: > “Larry Levan – Paradise Garage, Tony Humphries, Blaze, Paul Trouble Anderson, MAW, Basement Boys, Jeremy Newall, Frankie Knuckles,
Jasper St Co, Samba La Casa, The Beard, Danny Rampling, Neil Pearce, Dj Spen, Jamie Lewis,
Kenny Bobien, Kindergarten Club and many more. If I had to list all the labels influences then this interview would be too long!”


DNR: > "What’s on the release schedule for NYSoul?"

MATT: > A. “We are very excited about the new
D Soul project with their release Call Me. There will be
both a full vocal mix and a deeper mix. A new group we’ve also signed called ‘Urban Dance Institution’, proper soulful uplifting house featuring a big name remix…. keep your eyes peeled. Also some new stuff from NYSoul’s very own Chris McBean waiting in the wings”

DNR: > "What’s your current top 10?"

MATT: > “Tough question, there is so much good music about at the moment. This a reflection of what I am playing out currently. It is in no particular order, but I feel these records will stand the test of time and be classics in the future. Dj Spen – Music Man – CDR
Soulkhula – Deep N Low – The Beard Remix
Hi-fi Mike – Stereo Flavours – Purple
Hardsoul – Backtogether – Soulfuric
Dsoul – Call Me – NYSoul Records
UDI – Like Music – NYSoul Records
Classified – Sunshine – Morton Trust Rmx
Jasper Street Co – Joy – Basement Boys
Spen and Karisma – Put It On Paper –White
Mass Syndicate – You Don’t Know – Strictly Rhythm”

DNRUK: > "What’s your favourite house night?"

MATT: > “Soulheaven at Ministry of Sound. Its got the best DJ’s and feels like three clubs in one with The Babybox, The Bar and The Box each having a different vibe. You can’t beat the Box’s sound system. Where else in the UK can you catch DJs such as Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, Timmy Regisford, DJ Spen, Martin Solveig.
The line ups are always so good, and I love the surprise PA’s that you are privileged to witness at this wonderful night.”

DNRUK: > "Where can we find NYSOUL dj’s playing out next?"

MATT: > "NYSoul is looking at a very busy schedule in the next few months. It leaves very little time to sit down and organise parties like we want to. But we have just initiated a tour of the UK. This wont get into full swing till the beginning of next year, but it will be the NYSoul sound coming to the North of England, Midlands and all over London and the South.
Clubs on our list include – MOS, Ocean Rooms, Red Rooms, K Club and many many more.
We have also been doing some international gigs that include Sweden and Slovenia and we have a lot of Italian dates coming up.
We run an NYSoul night in Portsmouth, this is invite only and will feature a big name DJ. Small club, loud system and lovers of soulful house – gonna be a hot night!
On the local front, we have a party on October the 2nd at the White Room in High Wycombe. Joining the NYSoul residents will be the legendary Norman Jay M.B.E. This promises to be one hell of a party. With live musicians jamming along with the DJs.
Myself, I will be DJing the opening night of the Plush events on the 27th of September. You can also catch me at my residencies at the White Rooms every Friday night (House next door), and on rotation at the Toad in High Wycombe. I am also looking to confirm a London Residency, news on that coming soon.
Phew!

DNRUK: > "Tell me about your website, www.nysoul.co.uk"

MATT: > "The website is the place to go for NYSoul news. It features all the latest soundclips from the NYSoul label, features on the DJs, charts, info on tracks, scene news and up and coming NYSoul gigs. It also has a forum that
is regularly used by soulful house fans, a real community feeling – welcome any new users"

DNRUK: > "Any last words?"

MATT: > "Thanks to Pierre from DNR for the interview – a true supporter and contributor to the soulful scene.
Last word? I could get all deep on you, but I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. Keep supporting House, watch out for NYSoul Records and enjoy the music! Peace!"


Deep Natural Rhythms will be hooking up with Matt Neale NYSoul, so make sure you check www.dnruk.tk to keep abreast of all the action.