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As music press barely exists in Belgium, I’ve decided to make my own little contribution in 2010 by lauching URBAN SOUL. Based in Belgium, this blog is exclusively dedicated to what some people like to call “black” music: R&B, soul, rap, zouk, urban pop etc.
Through regular posts, this website features news about well-known but also up-and-coming artists, interviews, album reviews, live reports but also a full calendar uto keep the Belgian readers up to date with any events going on in their country (album releases, concerts, special occasions…).
Avoiding the traditional clichés often linked with the genre, URBAN SOUL is aiming to promote it beyond the radio and television by offering to the users a platform where they can share their tastes, good vibes and opinions with positivity.
My little soul thing
I’ve grown up with music. In our home, you could hear some Sade followed by Céline Dion and Kassav in the living room, then some heavy metalcore in my brother’s bedroom while my little sister used to be obsessed with these Disney Channel pop princesses and everything mainstream. I’ve often wandered myself from one genre to another and I’m still extremely eclectic today, even though I have a strong taste for soul and rnb.
I studied music (RIP, long weekly hours spent at the Academy). But I’ve also danced it, sung it, written it. It even became my job, to a certain extent, when I started as a showbiz journalist. Obviously, when I was asked to run an interview, it was only to know more about the artist’s private life rather than his professional one. But I chose to always mix both aspects and it was usually well appreciated. For example, I remember that Matthew Irons, Puggy’s singer, thanked me after our chat « because it isn’t everyday that you got the chance to talk about music and I’m tired of being asked about my outfits ». And it made me smile. Cause there’s nothing I’m more passionate about than art and I had managed to make it a treat for the both of us.
So, yes, I often spend hours looking for some new artists, researching, listening and being fascinated by the driving forces and visions behind an album, an image, a career. Therefore, on URBAN SOUL, you won’t find any gossip or clash report : music always sets the tone!
My editorial line
I spread love and positivity, not hate. If I don’t like something, then I just don’t write about it. Every post is always 100% my honest opinion and I only write on an impulse. Make my heart melt or beat faster and you’ll be featured onURBAN SOUL!
PR & artists
Artists, PR and music labels can submit their projects via an email to alison@urbansoul.be. If your track/music video/EP/mixtape/album speaks to me and will be the subject of one of my upcoming post, I will always let you know about it and inform you about a possible publishing date. Once the article is online, you will receive another confirmation email. As of now, I only translate reviews, interviews and the All eyes on… features in English. All the other posts are only written in French.
Regarding album releases and gigs, please note that only the dates and events concerning Belgium will be added to the URBAN SOUL agendas. Of course, albums shipping are welcome but they won’t imperatively be reviewed on the blog (cf. My editorial line).
Advertising and sponsored posts
URBAN SOUL gives you the opportunity to promote your artists, events and even your brand through display ads (player, banner within the articles and in the right column). Sponsored posts are also possible but only if it respects the editorial line, fits the target audience and features the « Sponsored » mention. If you’re interested, please send me an email to alison@urbansoul.be.
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Editor-in-chief
PIRON Alison
alison@urbansoul.be
Design
Wordpress theme Poserinka by Devilcantburn
Design adjustments, adaptation and integration by NOËL Maximilien and PIRON Steve
Hosting & programming
webmaster@urbansoul.be
