Send us a text Join Max Soul and Mello Soul as they dissect the foundation of Symphonic Soul by celebrating two legends whose very voices were a cultural revolution: Isaac Hayes and Barry White. These weren't just singers—they were master architects who took the raw heart of R&B and dressed it up in a tuxedo, creating the blueprint for Progressive Soul. We dig deep into: * 🎻 The Power of Orchestration: How Hayes's "massive backdrop of strings and horns" and White’s 40-piece Love Unl...

Send us a text She was a classical prodigy who became a revolutionary force. In this episode, Max and Mello dive deep into the extraordinary legacy of Nina Simone, an artist who remains a masterclass in uncompromising integrity. We unpack the essential lessons every modern R&B and soul artist can learn from "The High Priestess of Soul," including: * The Business Trap: How her initial, costly mistake of signing away the rights to her debut album, Little Girl Blue, serves as a stark, ...

Send us a text This week, Max & Mello (Soul of Soul & the New Vibe) dive deep into the blueprints laid by two of Soul's most brilliant, yet tragically complex, figures: Donny Hathaway and Amy Winehouse. This is more than a tribute—it’s a masterclass in musical sophistication. We explore Donny's profound genius for blending gospel, jazz, and R&B, and analyze Amy's raw, witty, and unapologetically honest lyrical storytelling that ignited the retro-soul revival. We reveal the direct ...

Send us a text This Week Max and Mello dive deep into the genius of tenor saxophonist and bandleader, King Curtis (Curtis Ousley). A towering figure whose groove is woven into the fabric of popular music, Curtis was a master session player ("Respect," "Yakety Yak"), the musical director for Aretha Franklin, and a solo star ("Memphis Soul Stew," "Soul Serenade" Ever wonder about the unsung heroes of Soul music? The artists who didn't just sing, but fought for their sound, their vision, a...

Send us a text Join Max Soul & Mello Soul of Soul & the New Vibe as they peel back the layers of soul music's golden era, focusing on the dynamic forces behind Atlantic Records and the legendary Muscle Shoals sound. In this part 2 of the episode, “The Atlantic Sound” Max and Mello explore the genius of industry titans like Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Wexler, and Tom Dowd, and Arif Marden whose visions forged an unstoppable movement. They then journey south to the hallowed grounds of Muscle S...

Send us a text Join Max Soul & Mello Soul of Soul & the New Vibe as they peel back the layers of soul music's golden era, focusing on the dynamic forces behind Atlantic Records and the legendary Muscle Shoals sound. In this episode, “The Atlantic Sound” Max and Mello explore the genius of industry titans like Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Wexler, and Tom Dowd, whose vision forged an unstoppable movement. They then journey south to the hallowed grounds of Muscle Shoals, revealing how Phil Walde...

Send us a text Welcome to "Max & Mello's Architects of Soul"! Join your hosts, Max Soul and Mello Soul of "Soul & the New Vibe," as they pull back the curtain on the silent forces behind the music. In this episode, they dive deep into the genius of The Funk Brothers, the legendary studio musicians of Motown, and the visionary writers and producers who crafted hits for titans like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations. Discover how these "Architects of Sound" revolutionized p...

Send us a text Welcome to "Max & Mello's Architects of Soul," the podcast that explores the foundations of soul music. In this episode, "The Sound of Philadelphia," we journey back to the legendary Sigma Sound Studios to uncover the genius of producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, along with the incredible house band, MFSB. Join us as we break down the lush, orchestral sound that defined an era, and discuss the invaluable lessons these musical giants taught us about craftsmansh...

Send us a text Journey into the heart of soul music with Max & Mello as they unravel the legendary story of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In this episode, "The Muscle Shoals Sound," your hosts dive into the pioneering spirit of producer Rick Hall and his iconic FAME Studios. Discover how a group of young, talented white musicians—the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, later known as The Swampers—created the gritty, raw backbone for some of the greatest Black soul artists of all time, including Areth...

Send us a text Join hosts Max and Mello on a soulful journey back in time as they explore the legendary Chess Records. In this episode, "The Blueprint of Authenticity," they dig into how this iconic Chicago label, home to blues pioneers like Muddy Waters and rock and roll legends like Chuck Berry, laid the foundational grit and emotion for modern soul music. From the fearless evolution of Etta James to the undeniable vocal power of Fontella Bass and the rhythmic swagger of Bo Diddley, Max and...

Send us a text Join Max & Mello in this episode of "Architects of Soul" as they pay homage to the legendary house band of Stax Records: Booker T. and the MG's. Discover how this influential group defined the gritty, soulful sound of an era by providing the musical foundation for countless hits by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and others. Max & Mello explore the band's groundbreaking collaboration, iconic instrumental tracks like "Green Onions," and the enduring lessons about rhythm, u...

Send us a text Welcome to Max & Mello’s Architects of Soul, the podcast that honors the legends who built the foundation for modern soul music. In this special Episode 10, hosts Max Soul and Mello Soul dive deep into the life, music, and enduring legacy of the one and only Otis Redding. Discover the timeless lessons behind his raw authenticity, his collaborative genius with the Stax house band, and his powerful ability to break down barriers. Max and Mello explore how Redding’s work ethic...

Send us a text Step into the soulful soundscape with Max & Mello’s Architects of Soul. In this episode, "The Unforgettable Impact of Jackie Wilson," hosts Max and Mello Soul take a deep dive into the life and legacy of "Mr. Excitement" himself. From his electrifying stage presence and jaw-dropping four-octave vocal range to his pivotal role in bridging the gap between R&B and the birth of soul, this is a masterclass in musical history. Discover how Jackie Wilson's early hits with a yo...

Send us a text Still wondering how the smooth, sensual sound of Al Green continues to shape music today? On Episode 7 of "Architects of Soul," Max Soul and Mello Soul unravel the genius of the Reverend himself! From the luxurious Hi-Fi production to his breathtaking vocal range and the daring fusion of gospel and secular themes, Al Green built a foundation for soul music that remains as powerful as ever. Tune in as Max and Mello break down his enduring impact, share vital lessons for contempo...

Send us a text Step into the timeless world of Soul & R&B with Architects of Soul! 🎙️ We’re Max and Mello, your hosts and the artists behind ‘Soul & the New Vibe,’ and we’re digging deep into the incredible journeys of the genre’s true pioneers. Discover their fight for control, their trailblazing impact, and how their legacy continues to shape the music you love – and the music we create. Today we shine the light on Max & Mello's Architects of Soul' isn't just a podcast...

Send us a text Step into the timeless world of Soul & R&B with Architects of Soul! 🎙️ We’re Max and Mello, your hosts and the artists behind ‘Soul & the New Vibe,’ and we’re digging deep into the incredible journeys of the genre’s true pioneers. Discover their fight for control, their trailblazing impact, and how their legacy continues to shape the music you love – and the music we create. Today we shine the light on …… Max & Mello's Architects of Soul' isn't just a podcast – ...

Send us a text Step into the timeless world of Soul & R&B with Architects of Soul! 🎙️ We’re Max and Mello, your hosts and the artists behind ‘Soul & the New Vibe,’ and we’re digging deep into the incredible journeys of the genre’s true pioneers. Discover their fight for control, their trailblazing impact, and how their legacy continues to shape the music you love – and the music we create. Join Max Soul and Mello Soul of "Soul & the New Vibe" on this episode of Max &...

Send us a text Welcome to "Architects of Soul"! In this episode, your hosts Max Soul and Mello Soul of "Soul & the New Vibe" delve deep into the life and revolutionary business acumen of a true music visionary: Sam Cooke. Beyond his angelic voice and timeless hits like "Wonderful World" and "A Change Is Gonna Come," Sam Cooke was a trailblazer who dared to demand ownership of his music, establish his own publishing, and forge a path that few artists, especially Black artists, had ever wal...

Send us a text Tune into Max & Mello’s Architects of Soul as The Soul Brothers, Max & Mello Soul of Soul & the New Vibe, celebrate the indelible impact of Curtis Mayfield, the ultimate DIY Legend and Cultural Narrator. This episode unpacks Mayfield's revolutionary journey, starting with his groundbreaking decision to found Curtom Records in 1968. Discover how this act of defiance gave himself and other Black artists unprecedented control over their production, marketing, and publi...

Send us a text Join The Soul Brothers, Max & Mello Soul, on Max & Mello’s Architects of Soul as they honor the unparalleled legacy of Marvin Gaye, the Soul Poet and Studio Auteur. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into Gaye's audacious artistic leap with the iconic album What's Going On, exploring how he defied Motown's conventions to infuse soul music with profound political themes and jazz-influenced arrangements. Discover the epic battle he waged for creative control, a fight ...