Build it, and they will come—a subtle yet potent mantra employed by those who manifest dreams of creating something more significant than themselves.
As a multi-talented DJ, event producer, and co-founder of the storied Los Angles-based music collective Soulection, Andre Power has applied this creed to his over a decade-long career. Tailoring music, spaces, and content to audiences longing for authentic connection, Power leverages his altruistic perspective to cultivate a community of voices outside the mainstream.
“When I got into the industry, I never had this need to be on top,” Power states candidly during our exclusive sit-down conversation. “There was never any real pressure or expectation for things to be a certain way. ”
Hailing from Philadelphia, Power once viewed himself as an outsider to the game, unfamiliar with the codes and procedures that ruled the industry at the time of his arrival. However, instead of relentlessly chasing inauspicious standards, the calculated auteur focused on bringing to life a platform that offered different voices a chance to be seen and heard.
Beginning with Soulection in 2011, Power formed a dream team that included like-minded individuals Joe Kay and Guillaume “96” Bonte to share a new form of creative expression with the world. With no rigid structure or format, Power and team championed a DIY approach to building their innovative platform, embracing the continuous cycle of trial and error that would eventually lead them to influence a whole generation of DJs, musicians, and creatives.
On supporting the learn-as-you-go mentality, Power says: “Whenever people ask me, "How'd you get to this point?" I always say, "Just do it. Don't let anybody say you can't” because whatever you touch will be a reflection of you.“
After hundreds of shows, a myriad of compilation mixes, and a couple of tours around the world, Power is still far from satisfied. With his latest venture, Link Up, the recognized industry figure provides a peak into his mind, curating events that reflect his evolving tastes and interests. As part dance party, part fashion bazaar, and part whatever else he wants it to be, Link Up is Power coming into his own, crafting spaces that promote expression through relatability and interconnectivity.
“I'm no different than each person that walks through the door.” Power thoughtfully shares. “I want [everyone] to feel like we’re one, like we're family.”
The fruits of Power’s labor seek to serve the masses. As he continues to evolve, the versatile talent hopes to use Link Up as a rallying flag, uniting individuals worldwide under one banner.
Moving into the next phase of his career, Power looks fondly at his past accomplishments while focusing on achieving everything ahead of him. Maintaining an unwavering love for his work and a genuine desire to connect with those around him, it seems that the best is still yet to come from Andre Power.
Check out our full conversation with Power below:
How would you define Andre Power at this particular point in your career?
That's a big one. I see myself as multifaceted. Before all of the music stuff, I did fine art. I want people to know and understand that I'm not just a DJ who throws parties. I really care about every single detail of what I do and what I put out. I try to really put a piece of myself into everything I touch.
When you first began your career, you championed this DIY mentality. How has that helped guide you through your journey?
Whenever people ask me, "How'd you get to this point?" Or, "Do you have any advice?" I always say, "Just do it. Don't let anybody say you can't because whatever you touch will be a reflection of you."
I love looking at a blank canvas and thinking, “How can I transform this space into something that represents me?” I'm having so much fun with it. Ever since day one, it's just been about having fun.
Of course, with growth comes more expectations, but I try to keep the same energy because, ultimately, it’s not up to me how things are going to turn out.
With all of the success you’ve seen, what does the new standard look like for you? What is the next goal you’re trying to reach?
It's always been about connecting with as many people globally as I can. Right now, a lot of my focus, time, and energy has been put into my event Link Up, taking it to more cities and more countries around the world so people can feel what we feel. I think that's always going to be what drives me. How can I reach more people so they can share the energy and joy that we feel at these events?
What distinguishes Link Up from other parties or events?
I curate certain DJs that I know are going to bring a certain energy, I put them at a certain time to build this thing up. I've done this party for two years now, and it's rare that there's a DJ that has played more than once. I want to give everybody an opportunity to connect with my community. Again, it goes back to the details of everything that we do and all the aesthetics.
I love style. I love fashion. I love design, art, and natural wine. I love people. I want them to feel that connection, like they're in my home for six, seven hours. There are events that are very similar to Link Up, but this is mine. This is something that I created. Everything that I'm into and all the things I've picked up traveling, I bring all that energy back into Link Up.
How do you maintain this light and positive energy around everything?
When I got into the industry, I never had this need to be on top. Where I'm from, I worked a regular job. I had a pretty normal childhood. I’m from Philly, and I went to school in Delaware. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve lost family members, I’ve lost friends coming up. There was never any real pressure or expectation for things to be a certain way.
Sometimes I say, "I'm not sure if I'm even supposed to be here.” So I’m so grateful to be able to live my passion, to be able to travel and connect with people and share these moments and experiences.
Talk to me about the legacy of Soulection. How do you look back on everything now that so much time has passed?
What's cool to me is people have always said that you guys created a genre, and I think that's the most beautiful shit. For people to look at what we started and say, “This is Soulection,” is wild to me because that's something that will never die.
Even when we started in 2011, I felt like there was no one doing anything close to what we were doing, and that's what really made Soulection special.
Not only were there fans of all the music, but you also had the kids making beats in their bedrooms whose dream it was to hear their music on Soulection radio or at one of our events. To be able to say we had that level of impact is crazy to me.
So in your mind, DJing and event producing should be a community-serving and selfless undertaking?
Absolutely. Anything I’ve ever done or will do will never be about Andre Power. I'm just the vessel to bring all these people together to have fun.
What's something about Andre Power that you think is important for people to know before they come to one of your events?
I'm literally no different than each person that walks through the door. I work really hard to create these spaces for people, so I want them to feel like we’re one; like we're family.
We're here for the same reason. We're living in the same times. We all have our struggles. We all have our ups and downs, and we all battle with all types of stuff.
What more do you see for yourself as you continue to build your career?
I want Link Up to be a flag. I want to plant this flag in as many places around the world as possible and bring those different cultures of people into my own personal community.
I also want to keep giving people a chance and a platform to showcase their talents and abilities. That, to me, is extremely special. And I've been doing that since I've been in the industry.
What’s been the most memorable moment since starting Link Up two years ago?
I think it was whenever Virgil passed. It was just a weird weekend. But sometimes, when things happen, people need those joyous, uplifting moments, and my event has always been that for people.
So at this event, one of my homies brought Kaytranada along, and I got him to do a set at the party. He brought the craziest energy to a space that was already popping. He also premiered a song he had with Anderson Paak, so that was definitely a moment too.
I really care about those raw moments; that’s why I try to not have too much of a format because you never know what can happen. Just being open to these experiences and situations that might arise and just rolling with the punches is the whole joy of it.
