Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dj Soulful Desire. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

DJ Soulful , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was about 10 years old I developed a big passion for music.In the 6th grade I begin playing the trumpet.By 13 I had learn to play trumpet and trombone.Also during that time at 12 my grandmother bought me a piano , because I had an interest in piano.I begin to teach myself by ear.My parents put my brother and myself in piano lessons for about a year and a half.I learned how to read for piano.At 12 years old my passion was so big for all of these instruments , that I would later begin to write music through songs and poetry.One of my biggest inspirations was my home church family Ambassadors Cathedral and my mother. My home church allowed me to play trombone for the youth choir for a few years.My mother (Sophia Kennedy) had a radio show for 12 years called Gospel Expressions. Her showed aired on Saturday morning’s on Winston Salem State University 90.5.During this time frame tape cassettes was out.I would ask her to go the store to buy me tapes and I would record her shows from the cassette player.So beyond all of the many passions of playing instruments, writing music and poetry , I felt then I had more passion to learn more in the engineering side.We owned a packard bell computer , it came with a little white microphone.I would take and record poems and music through that mic.So now we have instrument playing , poetry, writing music , recording on cassettes and now basic recording.At the age of 12 , I said one day I want to grow up and own a record label business.I went own through school and marched in Carver High School marching band and later had obstacles.Getting through those obstacles ,I still graduated high school and attended college and obtained a degree in Criminal Justice Latent Evidence.My first passion was to study music, however my parents wanted me to focus on a primary career.I never gave of the art of music but I focused on my major studies.In my late 20s I came back and begin to DJ.My younger brother(Robert Kennedy Jr.) bought a DJ controller and he would show me basic skills.After about 8 months or so I developed a real passion to learn.I went and bought me a controller and then would practice.I would post these videos up on social Media.One of my friends seen me one day and inquired about DJing his wedding anniversary cookout.I was completely shocked.I literally DJ’d my first even with one speaker an IPAD with head phones.Absolutely nervous about the crowd reaction, I pulled off a successful event.The following month I went and purchased a MacBook an speakers and knew then I wanted to continue DJING.Lets take a step back in 2012 I was writing a lot of poetry and my stage name was Soulful Desire.I came up with this name because I always loved all genres of music.Jazz is my favorite genre but always loved Neo soul type of music as well..That’s where Soulful came from.Desire came from my desire and love for music.So when thinking of a DJ name it became fairly easy. Later on I was asked by rent Manager To DJ a pool party. After this time I met with my mentor 10K Raww and he developed as a skilled DJ.Raww taught me the proper way to do DJ.The rest is now history as weddings,engagements, birthday parties , baby showers and so much more I was booked for..
After some time it was important for me to brand my name and business.Also in 2012 not only with my artistry name I was given the vision to name my Business Unique Sounds of Soul.I believe there is Soul in every genre as Artist pour there hearts in music.Unique came from the various genres of music and talents.As of Today , Unique Sounds of Soul LLC has been in business and legally registered in the state of North Carolina and active as of December 29,2022.I like to consider I run two business in one.I have the DJ side which is managed with contracts and other marketing .I have the Record Label side which I have expanded more in late 2023. As of January 2025 , I have three artist signed to Unique Sounds of Soul and one independent artist.My 3 Artist consist of a rap Duo Trellinium and my Reggae Soul Artist A’elle.They are all great there music can be found streaming on Apple Music,YouTube and Spotify and can be used on social music as background Music.My independent artist Solus is also wonderful.He will be joining the label January 2026 as an official artist instead of independent.He also is a rapper and very creative. I have worked with most genres and hoping to work with a country artist soon.Currently I’m still DJING but love more of the Producer side.I have been blessed to be able to work with one of the biggest Triad producers ED.E Ruger.Ed currently lives in NC but has written music for the tv show breaking bad, worked with Jelly Roll closely and so many other bigger artist in the industry.Its been a blessing truly to DJ shows for talented upcoming artist.Some of those artist has been my artist signed to the label.There is so much in
store for Unique Soul of Sounds and I’m excited about it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I know answered a lot in the previous with many questions.Beyond my brother , who help shape me in the DJ world.My producing and engineering started at Black Smoke Recording studio.I learned to Record and engineer through pro tools.Later on I learned Logic Pro.Logic Pro and Pro Tools are the main two out of many that many artist of today use.Im also an audio engineer as well.I currently run Audio at my church.This is a skilled that was learned as well and has helped me a lot in producing.Being able to have an ear is important. My artist often say I have an OCD ear.Lol.As the music industry is very competitive ,I think what sets me aside from most is my true passion.In my studio we don’t do what most typical studios do.Although I’m a producer, I consider myself as a coach.I want to bring out the best in all of my artist and associates who record under me.Beyond the music being write the lyrics and sound is important to me.Most studios you go to they have appointments lined up they get you in and move on to the next person. With very little feedback.Thats cool and all , but I’m going to coach and give feed back.No I don’t like to run over time in the next session.One thing I do know is when Artist leave the studio they will be satisfied with there song and work.Believe it or not most artist appreciate it even though it came be frustrating for some.They know they are getting top notch services.Also on the other side of the studio is a green room where artists can have live shows streaming along with practicing for upcoming shows and other things.For anyone new coming in, I always give them a tour and allow them one free sample to take home.The sample is unmixed and a take even with mistakes.People usually love the set up and energy and always come back.I can’t think of one artist who hasn’t returned.Most studios don’t give tours or a sampling.People are fascinated by this.Also for me I’m more a behind scene person so I have had to come out of my shell and market more .Its beautiful when people start to recognize your talents.business and artist.I want my fans and followers to know they are appreciated

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My Goal and mission is to reach people all over the world with my Artist music.All of my artist are different and they truly speak about life and helping others.I want people to feel empowered and encouraged to want better for them self in life for music.Although my company Unique Sounds of Soul is often referred to as USS.We also have a second acronym UNITY, SERENITY, SURVIVAL.We came up with this acronym as part of what we represent not only as artist but apart of living!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think society can be supportive of understanding and respecting artists craft.Artist take so much time to create and pour the heart in there music..Sometimes society can be negative and don’t give artist an honest chance.They think a song is not great or it doesn’t have the best lyrics or flow.We honestly have to be better about opening our ears and hearing the heart of artist.Everyone will not always agree with your music or point of view.However , I think people should have a profound respect for artist.I takes a lot of courage for artist to create and express there self to the world.I think of it as opening up a part of yourself that no one new about and telling your story to help others .Being able to play an artist song whether you like it or not is considered a view.I look at a view or listen as support.Artist market they music through merchandise and other things to get people to listen and support.Society should be more open in supporting artist from all angles.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsoulful?igsh=MWlyMXRiamN1dzl3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15jEPgrA1g/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulfuldesire
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/tYH5uH7ssaPKCicR7
• Other: Tik tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@only_1_soul4lyfe?_t=ZT-8u4ouUVOuaY&_r=1

Image Credits

Cali Graphics