Tune into Max & Mello’s Architects of Soul as The Soul Brothers, Max & Mello Soul of Soul & the New Vibe, celebrate the indelible impact of Curtis Mayfield, the ultimate DIY Legend and Cultural Narrator.

This episode unpacks Mayfield's revolutionary journey, starting with his groundbreaking decision to found Curtom Records in 1968. Discover how this act of defiance gave himself and other Black artists unprecedented control over their production, marketing, and publishing, fundamentally reshaping the industry. We then delve into his iconic cinematic soul aesthetic, a unique blend of deeply socially conscious lyrics, lush orchestration, and his signature wah-driven guitar, best exemplified by the legendary Super Fly soundtrack.

Max and Mello trace Curtis Mayfield's profound industry legacy, revealing how his pioneering spirit laid the blueprint for today's independent artists and producers like Questlove, Raphael Saadiq, and Tyler, the Creator. Join us to understand how this true architect of soul built a path for authentic expression and artistic ownership that continues to inspire the current crop of soul artists, following directly in the footsteps of the greats.

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Join The Soul Brothers, Max & Mello Soul, on Max & Mello’s Architects of Soul as they honor the unparalleled legacy of Marvin Gaye, the Soul Poet and Studio Auteur.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into Gaye's audacious artistic leap with the iconic album What's Going On, exploring how he defied Motown's conventions to infuse soul music with profound political themes and jazz-influenced arrangements. Discover the epic battle he waged for creative control, a fight that not only reshaped his career but fundamentally altered the label-artist dynamic for generations to come.

Learn how Marvin Gaye's courage opened the floodgates for artists like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, inspiring them to use their albums as personal and political statements, cementing his place as a true visionary and trailblazer in music history.

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Step into the gritty, visionary world of James Brown with Max & Mello in "Architects of Soul"! This episode kicks off our deep dive into the Godfather of Soul's unparalleled career, focusing not just on his music, but on the revolutionary blueprint he laid for artistic independence and business innovation.

Forget what you think you know. We're going beyond the stage theatrics to uncover the shrewd mind behind the iconic performances. How did a young James Brown, facing immense racial and economic barriers, begin to craft a path that defied the music industry's norms? From his relentless work ethic to his groundbreaking self-ownership of his masters and publishing, we explore the foundational decisions that transformed him from a talented performer into an unparalleled mogul and an innovator who forever changed the game.

Join Max & Mello as they dissect the early strategies, the fierce dedication, and the audacious vision that allowed James Brown to become the ultimate independent artist. Discover the genesis of his genius and the unwavering spirit that made him a true "Architect of Soul."

In this episode, you'll learn about:

* James Brown's early struggles and his unyielding ambition.

* The pivotal moments that shaped his independent mindset.

* His pioneering approach to owning his music and creative output.

* How he built his brand from the ground up, against all odds.

Tune in and discover "The Blueprint for Independence and Innovation" from the man who wrote the book on it.

Connect with us: @maxsoul56

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