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What does it mean to truly connect cultures through music? GabSoul, the self-described "eclectic selector," offers powerful insights into this question as she shares her journey from basement parties to international stages.

Growing up between Trinidadian and Guyanese heritage in New York, GabSoul absorbed musical traditions from her DJ father's extensive record collection while developing an instinctive understanding of party dynamics from attending gatherings since her early teens. Despite initially being told "girls don't DJ," she found inspiration in emerging female DJs during college and eventually convinced her father to share his technical knowledge.

The conversation explores what makes GabSoul's approach distinctive—her ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating musical journeys that reveal connections between Caribbean sounds, R&B, soul, and various African diaspora traditions. She articulates how combining technical precision with feminine intuition creates a unique energy, allowing her to take risks that more traditional DJs might avoid. "I love anything soulful with a good groove," she explains, describing how she connects disparate genres to tell stories through her sets.

Beyond her technical skills, GabSoul's community-building initiatives stand out. Through events like "We Ting," "Auntie's House," and "Riddim and Soul," she creates spaces that embody Caribbean hospitality while celebrating music that often gets overlooked in mainstream venues. These platforms serve her deeper mission of helping people connect with cultural heritage while breaking down artificial barriers between diaspora communities.

We discuss GabSoul's reflection on her purpose: "To spread love and be an example of love." As she navigates the music industry with spiritual grounding rather than purely transactional relationships, she offers wisdom about staying present, practicing gratitude, and remembering that authenticity isn't something to strive for, but is something already in our possession if we're brave enough to embrace it.

Listen now to discover how music can bridge worlds while staying true to its roots, and why sometimes the most powerful selector is the one who remembers why we gather to celebrate sound in the first place.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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Konshens returns to the Style & Vibes podcast to reveal the perfect timing behind his fifth studio album "Pool Party." Following the viral "Back That Azz Up" freestyle he seized the momentum for an album where the songs were complete, but not fully compiled into a project. We discuss the importance of embracing the moment and staying prepared in the music industry.

The inspiration behind the album, in such turbulent times? Konshens explains how watching the news during his creative process made him realize he didn't want to add to listeners' burdens. "I don't want to be the person that come and remind you that your life is stressful," he shares with refreshing honesty. Instead, he created "Pool Party" as a therapeutic music release with the same healing energy that classic dancehall has always provided.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media

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Hector Roots Lewis shares the fascinating path that led him from being a touring drummer to emerging as a compelling reggae solo artist. Born to a recording artist mother, Lewis was immersed in music from his earliest days, eventually studying at Jamaica's prestigious Edna Manley College before embarking on an extensive touring career with Chronixx Zinc Fence Redemption band that spanned over a decade.

Lewis opens up about the transformative experience of portraying Carlton Barrett in the "Bob Marley: One Love" film, revealing how stepping into the legendary drummer's shoes deepened his understanding of Bob Marley's revolutionary approach to music and business. "Bob is our overall inspiration," Lewis reflects, explaining how Marley's unwavering purpose and bravery in breaking new ground have profoundly shaped his own artistic vision.

The conversation takes a particularly illuminating turn when Lewis discusses his new album "Cosmic Roots," a collaboration with producer Johnny Cosmic that represents a significant evolution in his sound. Unlike previous projects, Lewis played multiple instruments throughout the recording process, bringing his percussionist expertise to the forefront while crafting songs that flow intentionally from introspective reflections on pandemic isolation to celebratory expressions of Jamaican party culture.

Highlighting tracks like "Peace of Mind" and "Strength" and it's intentional connecting with listeners navigating their own challenges. His thoughtful approach to crafting not just songs but complete musical experiences reveals why Lewis has successfully made the leap from supporting player to compelling frontman worthy of a proppa listen.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media