Soulection Celebrated 15 Years in Los Angeles
The music collective marked its 15th anniversary with a star-studded festival at Reframe Studios Outdoors.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in R&B
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Joe Kay and his influential brand Soulection held a festival in Atwater Village to commemorate 15 years of operations. The event featured performances from artists including Kaytranada, Sango, and DJ Miss Milan.
Why it matters
The festival marks a major milestone for the collective, which began as a college radio show and evolved into a global platform for R&B and electronic music. It highlights the sustained influence of the brand in shaping modern music discovery and independent artist development.
The Soulection Apple Music radio show has produced nearly 750 episodes over its lifetime. The organization has also maintained a touring presence spanning 30 cities worldwide.
The players
Joe Kay
He is the founder of Soulection and a prominent radio host and music curator.
Kaytranada
He is a Grammy-winning producer and DJ known for his distinct blend of electronic and hip-hop influences.
The details
Founded by Joe Kay in 2011 at Cal State Long Beach, Soulection has grown from a radio show into a multifaceted entity encompassing a record label, event promotion, and apparel. The current festival serves as a platform for the organization to showcase its current roster while looking ahead to new initiatives like the dance music concept, Tempo.
Timeline
2011: Joe Kay debuted Soulection as a radio show.
2015: Joe Kay began visiting South Africa.
2025: Joe Kay released his first music project.
October 2026: Soulection celebrates its 15th anniversary with a festival.
Industry Dynamics
The anniversary celebration highlights the continued dominance of curator-led collectives in the digital streaming era. Soulection reflects a broader industry shift where radio-based platforms successfully pivot into multi-hyphenate lifestyle and event businesses.
Fans can continue to access the collective's music through their ongoing Apple Music programming. The organization remains active in live event promotion across international markets, providing opportunities for listeners to engage with their roster of artists.
The takeaway
Soulection demonstrates the longevity potential for independent music curators who diversify into live events and apparel. Followers should watch for the upcoming launch of the Tempo sub-label as the organization expands its focus into new dance music territories.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving sound of R&B in the modern era.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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