Joe Kay of Soulection
Summary
Questlove interviews Joe K, founder of the Selection movement, at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. They discuss Joe K’s musical upbringing, his early DJing days, and how he built a global network of producers through his podcast before launching the Selection label. The conversation covers his DJ techniques, his move to Miami, and his philosophy on curating music that blends R&B, soul, and global electronic sounds. Joe K also reflects on the artists he helped launch, such as Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz, and his recent focus on pressing vinyl records.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and show intro
Host introduction and guest welcome
Defining the Selection movement
Guest's musical upbringing and influences
First records and early DJ experiences
Mentorship and early creative projects
Discovering Dilla and production styles
Curating mixes and driving playlists
DJ set preparation and structure
Sponsorship break and mood check
Reading the crowd and go-to tracks
DJ methods and closing sets
Watching the crowd and early career
Origin of Selection and early formats
Vinyl revival and pressing records
Genesis of the Selection coalition
Moving to Miami and community building
Challenges in different music markets
Sponsorship break and creative hobbies
Categorizing genres and new sounds
Pivoting sounds and artist discovery
Cosigning emerging artists
Travel, inspiration, and presence
Meditation and routine
Roots Picnic planning and expansion
Learning to listen fully
Radio show logistics and fan appreciation
Credits and final sponsorships
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