Introducing Ensouled, a music label curated by the visionary Cee ElAssaad.
Our purpose is to resurrect the soul of music, transcending the limitations of genres, with an absolute commitment to excellence, Ensouled cultivates a haven for quality music, where artists are free to express their truest selves.
We invite you to join us on a transformative journey, as we infuse the world with soulful vibrations that resonate deeply within.
Together, let us reclaim the power and emotional depth of music, and witness the rebirth of a timeless art form.
Hi ENSOULED, Good to meet you! Who is behind the label?
Greetings. ENSOULED was born from the vision of two devoted Moroccan artists and kindred spirits. Chouaib ElAssaad, who breathes life into sound, and Yassine Ajnaou, who shapes the unseen into powerful visual narratives. Together, they fuse music and imagery into one soulful expression of art.
When was the first idea to create the label?
The seed of ENSOULED was planted by Cee ElAssaad, after years of releasing music under the banners of others. His journey was marked by a quiet struggle, a search for a home that could truly hold the depth and versatility of his sound, which refused to conform to any one genre or tradition. Out of this longing, ENSOULED was born, not just as a label, but as a sanctuary for artists whose music carries an authentic voice. Here, originality is the only currency, and the one unifying thread is soul.
What is the inspiration behind the label?
As we’ve said before, there is no singular source of inspiration, only the spirit that moves us. Guided by our mantra: FREEDOM, INNOVATION & RESONANCE, we follow the pulse of soulful expression, wherever it may lead. Our purpose isn’t rooted in profit; it’s rooted in connection. We’re not here to sell music, we’re here to share it, to give it space to breathe, and to let it find those who truly listen.
Do you have any statistics since the label was created—how many releases, how many vinyl, and how many units have been sold?
To date, ENSOULED has released 18 digital offerings—each a chapter in our evolving story. Now, we embark on a new and tactile journey: vinyl. Our very first physical release is a Various Artists compilation that carries the name of our guiding mantra—FREEDOM, INNOVATION, RESONANCE. Now available for pre-order on Juno, this record brings together some of deep house music’s most authentic and soul-driven voices: Trinidadian Deep, Boo Williams, Doug Gomez, and Cee ElAssaad.
Can you describe what a typical office life means for you?
As an artist, I used to see office life as something dull, something that stood in contrast to the freedom of the road or the creative solitude of the studio. But with time, I’ve come to appreciate a different rhythm. I’ve reached a point in my journey where even the quiet structure of the office feels meaningful. Organization, punctuality…These once felt restrictive, but now I see them as tools of purpose. Because in the end, it’s all in service of the music.
Do you produce yourself or are you a DJ?
As mentioned earlier, I’m an artist, DJ, and producer. My first release dropped in 2010, and over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of releasing a lot of music. I’ve worked with some of my favorite labels, including Ibadan Records, Yoruba Records, Shall Not Fade, and Nervous, just to name a few. I’ve also collaborated with incredible artists like Louie Vega, Nickodemus, Anthony Nicholson, John Beltran, and many more. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and the best is still yet to come.
Which distribution channels do you use?
For digital distribution, I go through LabelWorx. I just love the platform – it’s super user-friendly, and the team is always quick and responsive. For vinyl, we work with Juno, and we’ve been really satisfied with their service so far. Fingers crossed, our records will conquer the world soon! Haha.
Where do you find hungry and ambitious artists?
Since launching the label, I’ve been lucky enough not to have to actively search for artists, people have been reaching out to us. That said, we’re always excited to discover fresh talent. If you think you’ve got something unique, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you!
What impact does Spotify streaming have on the economic location of an indie label?
As an underground music label, we don’t rely on streaming platforms. We’ve learned to navigate things our own way, but honestly, it’s never been a focus for us. We all know how the algorithms work, and let’s be real, it’s rarely about the music or quality. It just doesn’t align with our core principles.
If you’re looking for new music, what are the key elements and factors you’re looking for, apart from the fact that it’s obviously a great track?
For us, it’s not just about the track, it’s about the artist too. We’re all about soulful music, and that comes from honest, dedicated, and passionate creators. Even if the track itself is great, if the artist doesn’t resonate with us, we won’t move forward. We’re drawn to artists who are committed to building something lasting, something meaningful.
How would you describe the label’s style and vision?
Our vision is simple: to keep sharing soulful music in a world where too many are blinded by money and fame. We want the next generation to feel the same emotions we’ve felt through music. It’s not easy, but that’s the mission.
For the producers out there who send their demos via email, what tips would you give them if they send their tracks?
Treat your email with the same care and attention you give to your music. Take the time to introduce yourself and properly describe your project. If you don’t respect your own artistic work, don’t expect anyone else to
and then