PLACE OF BIRTH: Saint Louis, Missouri

DATE OF BIRTH: 3/13/69

PERSONAL MOTTO: “If you have any questions, there is your answer.”

STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): Honest, soulful, emotional, ancestral, melodic.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): Chameleon, roots, absorbent, enigmatic, alien.

 

From the age of 12, Osunlade, whilst growing up in legendary St. Louis, Missouri, was creating and producing music. In 1987, he embarked on a professional career, after meeting choreographer/performer Toni ‘Mickey’ Basil, leading him to develop projects for film and television. This took him on to Los Angeles, eventually landing him the opportunity to produce the first album for Interscope Records, which was then an independent label. After producing over 20 albums, Osunlade decided to move away from the corporate world and instead found spiritual solace, inspired by the Yoruba tribes of Africa. By 1999, Osunlade founded Yoruba Records, designed to create music that would elevate the spirit . It has now gone on to be recognised as one of the most important dance music labels worldwide. With the success of the label, Osunlade went on to release his debut album in 2001 on the Soul Jazz Records label , titled ‘Paradigm’, which went on to be one of the biggest house albums of that year. Since then, Osunlade’s label has moved to London and he still continues to produce and remix for other labels. He now also has a new band and is currently working on a new album project.

Rest, I’m not an exciting type of guy when it comes to nightlife , gigs and such, for me it’s part of my life and it’s very important to stay focused and healthy mentally and physically ...so rest is the all cure for me after a gig.

Waking up this morning!

Who are your musical heroes?

Anyone who has created music that has landed on the senses of my brain and ears, in other words, no heroes per se, but many humans have created amazing sound that inspires me, too many to mention though.

They are all mostly Yoruba Records artist projects, Nadirah Shakoor ‘Love Song’ single (featured on the Soul Heaven Mix), Nomumbah, group from Sao Paulo with their full length project of Latin, house, broken soul , Djinji Brown is completing a new album, as well as newcomer Afefe Iku, (remix also featured on the mix CD). There are many more, basically, my focus is on home, my own label, not so many outside projects.

I plan to create communication with others using music to make changes for the better of this planet . Other than that, my only plans include enjoyment of each moment I’m given breath and sound.

Not really. I’m not the kind of person that has those type of aspirations. I think when most people have those kind of desires, it’s from the standpoint of admiration, I like too many things to say that one favours another, so for me, it’s just understanding that the universe will provide me with what will challenge and allow my evolution.

Thom Yorke’s new album for the past week or so, but I like this new Gypsy Beats CD that Russ Jones put together. Also the Heritage Orchestra and Steve Reich.

My closest friends, new acquaintances, a love interest for the flirt effect, anyone that I think would bring a bottle of wine and or flowers.

Honesty, being able to wake up and look in the mirror as you brush and say, “you are a great person, I love what you represent.”

Life, music, nature, spirits, the moon, the unknown, meditation, communication, courage, food, photography, technology, everything, nothing.

Not much. Although cowards and people who are afraid to live life without fear bug the fuck outta me.

SOUL HEAVEN PRESENTS OSUNLADE AND DJ SPEN, WILL BE AVAILABLE ON DEFECTED ON OCTOBER 2ND.