Built from Soul: The Rise of Sorley and SOUL93
From the North East with Groove
Hailing from the North East of England, Sorley—real name Loui Brown—didn’t enter the scene in the traditional sense. Before he was packing clubs and pushing out powerful releases, he was a promoter, throwing parties that tapped into something raw, emotional, and real. That early connection to the dancefloor still drives his music today, giving it that unshakable pulse and focus on crowd energy. “It’s my language,” he says, talking about his lifelong connection to sound. “Even now I just appreciate all great music.”
Built from Soul
"Soul to me is pure authenticity," Sorley tells us. “Living, breathing, and embodying that feeling of soul means expressing your true self. Putting the ego and bullshit to one side, tuning into yourself, and following what sets you on fire.” That quote sums up everything you need to know about his energy. It’s what led to the creation of SOUL93—his label, clothing line, and creative outlet rolled into one. Whether it’s a vinyl drop, a tee, or a tune, the message is the same: create what feels honest.
His 2023 merch drop—the SOUL001 T-shirt—sold out before he’d even fully launched the brand. He approaches clothing like he does music: “I just make pieces I’d want to wear.” The overlap is no accident. “It’s all an expression of who I am, the things I love, the styles I’m feeling, and what’s inspiring me in the moment.”
Sound That Moves You
Sorley’s music sits at the intersection of tech-house, deep house, and funk-driven rhythm, but it’s his ability to inject soul and personality that really sets it apart. His productions are filled with rich basslines, layered synths, and vocal hooks that sound familiar, yet fresh. He has a sharp ear for vocal samples and unexpected flips—drawing inspiration from the sounds of his childhood. “My mam was a raver… she’d play Derrick Carter and Mark Farina on school runs,” he laughs. “Turns out I was kicking to the beat in the womb.”
The result is music that lands in the club but feels bigger than that. There’s groove, there’s story, and there’s intent. “With music, I make tracks that light me up,” he says—and that joy comes through on every release.
From “She Freeks” to Streetbox
Sorley’s debut She Freeks EP dropped in 2019 on Snatch! Records, the label helmed by Riva Starr. It was a gritty, percussive release that caught ears and opened doors. From there, the momentum was real: Solid Grooves, Cuttin' Headz, Knee Deep In Sound, DFTD, and Revival New York all followed.
Tracks like “Selfish” and “We Go Deep” became club staples, solidifying him as more than a buzz name—he’s a consistent voice with range. “I make tracks that feel right to me,” he says. “I’m not trying to follow anything.”
In 2023, he took things full circle with Streetbox, a 15-date tour across the UK and Ireland, bringing back that DIY rave spirit. Small venues, no ego, pure vibe. It was less about spectacle and more about community—a throwback to how it all started.
Raised on Hip Hop, Built on Raves
Long before the artist persona, Sorley was a fan. “I’ve always been a hip hop head. Kanye, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick, Cole… Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey, Deadmau5, Plan B, Dizzee Rascal—I could go on for days.” That wide-ranging taste has shaped the eclectic, groove-rich palette you hear in his sets and productions.Even his name carries meaning. “It’s the name of the street I used to live on when I started this journey, and I love that connection. I used my real name at first, but as things grew, I wanted something that felt more like a brand.”Whether it’s a limited tee, a soulful roller on SOUL93, or a late-night set in a packed warehouse, Sorley shows up with heart. He’s not following formulas—he’s building a sound, a world, and a message that’s entirely his.This is SOUL93. This is Sorley. And this is just the start.