Fitzroy – The Soul Survivors Show
After much food for thought, in July 2006 my partner Anna and I decided to launch The Soul Survivor Magazine as the info provider for the Soul Survivor. It nearly didn’t happen after I was hospitalised with a broken ankle sustained in a major car accident one week before we went to print.
Our ethos was based on both our passion and experiences in loving our era of Funktastic music. I was educated on the London Underground circuit championed by DJ’s like George Power, Paul Anderson and Cleveland Anderson. Anna frequented the Kent/Essex, South East arena championed by Dj’s Chris Hill, Froggy and the rest of the Funk Mafia. Even though we were both miles apart at the time, we digested the same food within those two separate slices of that Soul sandwich….. surfing the airwaves listening regularly to Greg Edwards, Robbie Vincent and Radio Invicta shows.
With Anna’s business and publication experience and my established musical journey as a radio/club DJ, we felt we could fill the void amongst the Black music journals already out there, as none was aimed specifically at those who embraced the Jazz Funk and Soul music bestowed upon them as teenagers during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
After deliberating over a few names we decided on a chosen one. Our confirmation in choosing that came a few days later when I found my DVD of James Brown’s history aptly titled Soul Survivor. In fact it was his passing on the 25th December 2006 that inspired our publication towards a new direction when we did a feature on his legacy, with contributions from Dj’s and music enthusiasts in Issue 5.
Since then we have established the formula of a comprehensive lifestyle magazine full of news, reviews, interviews and adverts for those still passionate about that nostalgic era we come from and what has derived from it since. We have been blessed to interview a few of the many individuals who have contributed to the Soul world, be it a DJ, dancer, artist, musician, producer or songwriter.
Jocelyn Brown, Beggar & Co, Tashan, Dr Bob Jones, Omar, Leroy Burgess, Jean Carn, DJ Dez Parkes, DJ Chris Hill, Jeffery Daniel, DJ George Power, Melba Moore, Robert Khalis Bell (Kool & The Gang), Amp Fiddler, Frankie Beverly, John Legend, The Brand New Heavies, DJ Colin Curtis, Gwen Dickey (Rose Royce), Tommy Stewart, Larry Blackmon (Cameo) and Barbara Roy (Ecstasy Passion & Pain) have all expressed one definitive factor, and that is the dominance of Black music in their lives and on millions universally around the world. Coming from different walks of life they eloquently convey their personal history and journey’s. In some ways it’s been very rewarding and in many ways some have suffered unjustly for the love of their art, within a racially discriminating and corporate music arena. These varied interviews give an unbiased and a more informed balanced account of what was happening outside our own backyards.
Anna and I have spent countless hours and money travelling and promoting, flying outside clubs, venues, concerts and weekenders around the country, attracting potential members and advertisers which help to fund running the magazine. We have had some fantastic support from those who love our concept.
We have our own merchandise shirts, record bags and sports tops as well as a limited edition mixed CD exclusive to members only. We also send out a weekly “Something for the Weekend” email to our large database, detailing forthcoming events and info/links to those who advertise in the magazine.
Our current 3rd Anniversary Issue 18 has five interviews with Bluey (Incognito), Leon Ware, Hil St Soul, Lenny Williams and Eric Benet as well as our regular features established over the past three years….. plus adverts for four not to be missed concerts.
To become part of the Soul Survivor’s go to our website www.thesoulsurvivors.co.uk or call 01732844246 and subscribe for £20 membership to receive the magazine hot of the press and obtain your free mixed CD and the varied discounts available.
Peace Fitzroy (Soul Survivors)…the info provider for the Soul Survivor
Listen Now To Fitzroy’s Soul Survivors Show Now On Nuwaveradio.co.uk
R.I.P Michael Jackson 2009
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