The Shadow People Ep19 - DJ Soul Sister

Listening to DJ Soul Sister talk about music feels like stumbling upon a secret library filled with records you've only ever dreamed existed, each groove worn deep by a thousand loving spins. In this episode of The Shadow People, hosts Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman sit down with the beloved New Orleans DJ, whose encyclopedic knowledge of funk, soul, disco, and R&B is matched only by her passion for the craft.From her earliest days falling in love with Kool & The Gang as a child, to lugging crates of irreplaceable records across airports and clubs around the globe, DJ Soul Sister shares stories and insights that capture the rare thrill of analog authenticity. She reflects on her teenage years obsessing over Parliament Funkadelic, dressing as George Clinton for Halloween, and why “feeling the feeling” of the music--barefoot, bass-heavy, and blissful—is fundamental to her performance style.(00:40) Nigel and Derrick introduce the legendary DJ Soul Sister, calling her “the greatest DJ on planet Earth,” a compliment she humbly accepts while the hosts insist on its truth.(04:55) DJ Soul Sister explains how her lifelong love of records began at age five, sharing charming anecdotes of early record-store adventures with her father.(07:20) She opens up about the physical art of DJing with vinyl, describing the sweat, skill, and sacrifice required to blend two records into one seamless musical experience.(12:50) DJ Soul Sister recounts her pivotal Cool & The Gang discovery, a happy accident that set the tone for her musical journey.(17:00) High school memories surface as she reveals her deep teenage fandom for Parliament Funkadelic, including dressing up as George Clinton and recruiting classmates into "Uncle Jam’s Army."(21:45) Her first real DJ gig in 1997 is remembered fondly, crediting her friend Sarah Fritz for pushing her from radio airwaves onto the live stage.(23:15) The philosophy of “feeling the feeling” is unpacked, emphasizing her barefoot performances and the spiritual need to physically feel the bass vibrations.(27:10) Nigel and Derrick discuss the crossover between musicians and DJs, with Soul Sister offering friendly wisdom for those venturing into her territory: "love the music, and no train wrecks!"(32:45) An illuminating discussion unfolds around the age-old DJ dilemma: playing for the crowd versus playing for oneself, with DJ Soul Sister firmly defending artistic authenticity.(42:00) Essence Fest’s recent controversies prompt a conversation on professionalism in music events and the importance of treating artists properly—lessons everyone in the industry could benefit from revisiting.(54:30) The hosts challenge Soul Sister to pick her desert-island top five albums, leading to a vibrant exploration from Grover Washington Jr. to Slave and the Meters.(1:03:00) The episode then dives into favorite film soundtracks, touching on classics like Shaft, The Wiz, and the moody brilliance of Three Days of the Condor.(1:10:00) A passionate tribute to Washington D.C.’s Go-Go music follows, highlighting cultural parallels between DC and New Orleans, especially their shared commitment to community-driven live performance.(1:19:00) The show wraps up with laughter and gratitude as DJ Soul Sister receives an exclusive Shadow People t-shirt, fittingly described as "one-of-one" for a DJ whose record crates overflow with singular treasures.This episode of The Shadow People celebrates music as an ongoing conversation between artists, listeners, and those hidden grooves where the truth lives and dances. It’s a rich, funny, sometimes absurd exploration of why music matters, delivered through stories and perspectives as rare as the records spun by DJ Soul Sister herself.#djvinyl #neworleansmusic #funk #gogo #vinylcommunity #ShadowPeoplePodcast #DJSoulSister