Deep Soul isn’t just a sound; it’s a feeling. It lives in the space between dancefloor energy and emotional release, where House, R&B, Jazz and global rhythms all intertwine. It’s the kind of music that breathes empathy, connection and intention — something The Whooligan has championed in his own sets and productions for years. The DJ, Founder of social impact group Room Service International and Music Director of Brooklyn-based creative platform Sauced, he’s completely tapped into all things Deep Soul, pushing groovy tones and textures through the airwaves and beyond.
We asked The Whooligan to trace the sounds contours, revealing how Deep Soul continues to evolve as both a mood and a movement.
The Whooligan – Redemption
In his own mix, The Whooligan takes us on a journey through deeper grooves and global Soul inflected by Latin, African and late-night house sensibilities. Described as “a mix for beloved South Africa,’” Deep Soul is re-imagined and given a groovy exterior. It allows you to dance away to the soft pull of the rhythms on show, with plenty of voices that hold you steady as you lose yourself to the music. The Whooligan’s own contribution to Deep Soul is an example of the sound’s more subtle, immersive side. Tune in for tracks by Peven Everett, Waajeed, James Dexter and other titans of Soulful House.
J Boogie – In The Mood
This mix by San Francisco-based J Boogie wears its heart on its sleeve. It contains smooth Soul grooves, delicate Funk inflections and that late-night tenderness you associate with Deep Soul. According to J Boogie, it was prepared for a Valentine’s-day party and invites you to “put it on and let it roll”. He gets to the emotional core of Deep Soul. The feeling-state when everything slows down, the voice and groove become intimate and the beat is a whisper instead of a stomp. Deep Soul in its most direct form.
Worldwide FM – Crazy P (14/06/2021)
On this 2021 episode of Crazy P’s show for Worldwide FM the UK-based group unleashes two hours of music described as “moody, soulful, invigorating yet never predictable.” There is a vibe for everyone, whether your tastes lean towards club music or more traditional Soul. This show breezes through Disco-inflected House, vintage Soul samples and ambient textures, all tied together with that ground-level emotional resonance. In other words: Crazy P is proving that Deep Soul doesn’t just sound warm; it feels warm.
Eaton Radio – The Whooligan – Room Service (06/11/2019)
This broadcast from Brooklyn via Hong Kong’s Eaton Radio captures The Whooligan serving another soulful set. With sounds spanning Deep House, Afro House and other House subgenres, his selections and the warming journey he takes us on emphasises how the genre is both local and global. A soul groove born in one place morphing through rhythms and sounds from another, yet still carrying that emotional gravity. The Whooligan’s role here is not just to play music, but to connect continents via the soulful pulse. Fair to say he did a pretty good job!
Worldwide FM – Gilles Peterson with DJ Harvey – (29/09/2017)
In this live radio session from 2017, Worldwide FM Founder Gilles Peterson invites the legendary DJ Harvey to contribute tracks from his then new compilation, The Sound Of Mercury Rising. There are some serious foot movers on show. DJ Harvey’s commentary offers the perfect context for the grooves and their place in Deep Soul.
This show is a reminder that the sound is not locked into one tempo or mood. It has exploratory wings. With two maestros collaborating, the genre surfaces in rare edits, Jazz-Soul elements and moments that feel like the after-party. Great for illustrating the genre’s depth and its willingness to reach outward while remaining rooted.