By Crystal Harrell
Elevate your spirit at Souleye Fest on Saturday, October 26, taking place at Four Twenty Bank in Palm Springs, where art, music and plant medicine converge to inspire holistic well-being. Recognized by The Source as “one of the most inventive hip-hop artists of his generation,” Souleye has redefined the genre with his unique blend of conscious lyrics and genre-bending sound. With over two decades of experience and more than a dozen studio albums, his versatility and longevity stand as a testament to his influence in the music industry. Throughout his career, Souleye has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including his wife, seven-time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette, and prominent figures in hip-hop and electronic music such as Sunspot Jonz, Esjay Jones, and Random Rab.
Souleye’s vision for Souleye Fest goes beyond music. He aims to create a transformative experience that integrates the healing power of plant-based medicines and a healthy lifestyle with the unifying force of music and human connection. He is proud to support local charitable initiatives, with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter chosen as the beneficiary of donations throughout the day. Souleye festivities will include activities like Sound Healing with SuzE Q (Holistic Attunements), Ganja Yoga with Tammi Sheridan (Flutterpace), Kintsugi Ceremony with Robin Sol (Lifehoney), Cooking for Self Care with Chariya Leeds with a live demonstration and Q&A (Chef for Ricki Lake & Alanis Morissette), Cold Plunge (Blue Cube Baths), ;ive DJ’s (DJ Stu Nibbley, Eko Zu, DJ Jedi), a live performance by Souleye, live painting by Rob Prior, local vendors, and discussion panels including Anmol Singh (author of 10 Keys to achieving success in life), Esjay Jones (Grammy featured record Producer and Founder / CEO of KittiePIG Non Alcoholic Beer), Garry Embleton (Founder / CEO of Jag Provisions), Chef Chariya Leeds and more.
Coachella Valley Weekly got the chance to speak to Souleye about the event and what festival-goers can look forward to.
CV WEEKLY: Thank you for joining us, Souleye. With Souleye Fest coming up so quickly in Palm Springs, what inspired the creation of this event in the first place?
SOULEYE: There’s something truly magical about collaboration and synergy! My dear friend Esjay Jones recently reached out to me with this exciting idea of putting on a show in Palm Springs, and her enthusiasm was contagious! I recently jumped back into live performances after taking an eight-year break to support my wife Alanis Morissette and our 3 children, so when Esjay reached out to me, I was totally on board! I had just wrapped up an exciting series of shows across the country with DJ Jedi, and I was buzzing with energy. I really wanted to create something special—something that took all the incredible elements I’ve experienced over the past 25 years of performing at festivals and events. My goal was to give back to communities, bring people together, and spread knowledge. I wanted this to be a space where meaningful connections could flourish and everyone could be part of something fresh and inspiring.
That’s when Esjay and I brainstormed and came up with this fantastic concept—imagine a vibrant farmers market vibe, complete with vendors whose products are uplifting inspiring and impactful and set up areas for people to have new experiences.We’re talking about everything from healing sound baths to engaging talks with speakers who share their wisdom on a variety of topics. Picture one-on-one conversations about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and healing through plant medicine and running a business, and of course, cooking some amazing food.
But wait, it gets even better! I wanted to explore ways to make this event accessible to everyone. How cool would it be to offer experiences like a cold plunge or an ancient Japanese Kintsugi class?
So I teamed up with some amazing sponsors. A big thank you to The X5 podcast, The Pink bows Foundation, and Brēz drink. Esjay also connected with the Local Palm Springs Animal Shelter. We are able to make this a complimentary event, inviting people to come and experience something new. Honestly, just thinking about all the amazing people who are saying “yes” to being part of this brings me immense joy. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!
CV WEEKLY: And was there a specific reason to hold it at Four Twenty Bank in Palm Springs?
SOULEYE: It all just fell into place perfectly! Esjay was connected with Four Twenty Bank and its beautiful spacious venue and as one of the largest medical dispensaries in America, they truly understand the healing powers of plant medicine. Plus, they’re one of the very few dispensaries in America with a stage set up for live music! So, partnering with them felt like a no-brainer. We knew we could create an amazing event that would be fun for everyone in the community, both new faces and familiar friends alike and I felt that it was a way that I could be of service.
CV WEEKLY: Awesome, and what can attendees look forward to at the festival?
SOULEYE: Attendees can expect a truly enriching experience at the festival! Upon arrival, you will be given the option to experience a cold plunge with an amazing company and some of the best craftsmanship and ice therapy technologies named Blue Cube. Driving baths down from Bend, Oregon, will be out front offering lessons and guiding people through the life changing healing benefits of cold plunging.
Around 12:30, Stu Nibley, the Community Director at Summit Series and a talented DJ producer, will take the stage to kick off the event with an engaging introduction and an inspiring opening ceremony. Souleye Fest will have a vibrant array of vendors showcasing products that I use and that inspire me personally. This is a chance for attendees to discover new items from vendors and also familiar local vendors that promote wellness and creativity within the community of Palm Springs.
There will be music performances that will create an uplifting atmosphere from Noon to 10 p.m. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to reconnect with my audience after my eight-year break and meet and connect with new people, and I can’t wait to share that energy with everyone.
One of the highlights will be the healing sound baths—participants can immerse themselves in these sessions, which are designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. We’re also featuring a
series of informative talks and workshops covering a range of topics, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship to the healing benefits of plant medicine. It’s all about fostering personal growth and encouraging knowledge sharing.
We’ve planned some unique interactive experiences as well, like cold plunges and an ancient Japanese Kintsugi class. These activities will allow attendees to dive deep into new experiences while learning something valuable.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a space that brings together both new faces and familiar friends, fostering relationships and a sense of community. It’s all about holistic well-being, with various activities designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. I truly believe it’s going to be an incredible and memorable experience for everyone involved!
CV WEEKLY: What do you hope for the future of Souleye Fest?
SOULEYE: I have to say, it’s been an incredible journey organizing Souleye Fest, and I’ve truly enjoyed every moment of orchestrating the day. The thought and care that went into creating a smooth and enjoyable flow for everyone involved has been so rewarding. It’s amazing to see how this event has come together, and I feel like I’ve found a natural rhythm in overseeing and leading something as vibrant and exciting as this festival.
Looking ahead, I’m already in the planning stages for the next Souleye Fest, which will take place in early 2025 in downtown Hollywood. I’m really excited about this new location and the unique energy it brings. Each Souleye Fest will embody the vibes of its setting, highlighting local vendors, artists, and the distinct flavor of the community.
One of my core beliefs is that giving back is essential, so I’m committed to finding a charity that resonates with the community we’re in for each festival. It’s important to me that we not only celebrate the arts and music but also contribute to the causes that matter to the people who attend.
My hope is for the festival to continue growing and evolving, becoming a cherished event that brings people together—both old friends and new faces—while promoting healing, knowledge-sharing, and joy in every aspect.
Overall, I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and can’t wait to see how Souleye Fest continues to develop into something truly special for the community.
Attendees can reserve their spot at Souleye Fest on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/souleye-fest-tickets-1038331346007.
