The Sound Tasters Podcast

This episode dives deep into soulful grooves that blend Neo Soul, Disco Funk, and fresh vocals you probably haven’t heard but will want on repeat. From slick K-POP hooks to obscure artists missing from the mainstream, Justin curates tracks that bring soul back into focus.

1. Dive – Adelyn Paik
   A jazzy, catchy K-POP tune with a keyboard hook that sticks. Justin’s kids loved it, and you might too. Girly? Maybe. Hooky? Definitely.

2. Paradise (I’m Taking You) – Shy5
   A silky Neo Soul groove with subtle percussive details and a smooth jazz vibe. Despite the artist’s near anonymity and scarce background info, this track’s velvety male vocals and light quarter-note piano pulses make it a hidden gem worth discovering.

3. At The Top Of The World – LaKesha Nugent
   Disco dance soul in the vein of UK legends Incognito and Jamiroquai, blended with classic American funk bands like Earth, Wind & Fire. Tight horns and an irresistible bassline—Justin’s looking for more U.S. acts with vocals this fiery.

4. A Bluff – Gloria Tells
   Dance-ready production with a killer build-up and chorus. Justin says this track is prime party-mix material, despite DJs usually favoring known hits. This one deserves a spot.

5. How Can I Get Through To You – John Runefelt feat. Luv Child
   A timeless-sounding soul track from 2024 that sounds like it belongs in another era. John’s classic vocal style pairs perfectly with Al Green-esque horns. The mysterious Luv Child adds a layer of intrigue with little known about their contribution.

6. Roses – mr.
   The episode closer and Justin’s personal favorite. Clean, refreshing, and reminiscent of Musiq Soulchild and Van Hunt. It’s romantic, soulful, and imaginative—a perfect blend of production and vocals that transports you.

Justin reflects on how these tracks evoke the vibe of late-90s/early-2000s listening stations at places like Virgin Megastore or Borders—those moments when discovering music was an event, not a scroll. The episode is a reminder that quality soul music is still out there, waiting to be found.

• Subscribe to The Sound Tasters Podcast wherever you listen.

• Share this episode with at least one friend who needs to taste what you just did.

• Got tips on great soulful music or acts like LaKesha Nugent? Email Justin at [email protected].

***EPISODE 1 MUSIC PLAYLIST

Want the tracks that go with Ep 1? Click HERE for the full playlist.***

Hosted by Justin Gaines | Where we surface the tracks you didn’t know you needed, but won’t want to live without.

New artists every other week—clean, focused, and built to last.

Opinions: we all have them. Hot sun or cool breeze, spicy curry or light seasoning—our tastes differ. Music’s the same.

Here’s the deal: Sound Tasters isn’t about arguing over music—

It’s about tasting it.

🎵 Episode 1 kicks off with one track:

“Wood Block Print” by Ennio Mano

Breezy and rhythmic, with that signature Bossa Nova + Samba energy that loosens your shoulders and lifts your spirit.

Whether you’re swaying in your chair or hitting your next playlist, this track sets the tone for what Sound Tasters is all about.

Hey everyone,

Welcome to the first episode of *Sound Tasters*! I’m

So, while I'm a little disappointed, I'm not going to

Here’s the silver lining: without being tied to Spotify

In this first episode, I’m diving into one of my

Apple Music Playlist: Listen here

Spotify Playlist: Listen here

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