ABOUT

Alán Hensley is a music playmaker known for his work as a DJ/producer under his stage name Soul7, as well as a Marketing Director and A&R for EMPIRE, one of the largest independent music labels and distributors in the Untied States. Originally born in Mexico City, D.F., Soul7 moved to Northern California at a young age where he grew up listening to hip-hop, punk rock, and pop music along with the traditional Latin songs his mother played. As a kid, he was actively involved in music doing everything from playing clarinet & baritone in his middle school band, to creating his own beats and performing in high school.

Soul7 attended undergraduate school at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where he earned a dual degree in Music Management and Marketing while also being voted Student Body President. It was there he was introduced to the world of DJing by his mentor DJ Kaku and instantly fell in love with turntablism. After graduating, Soul7 began throwing parties with his friends from Pacific called The GetDowns. These underground events led to Alán joining his now business partners in the development of the DJ collective and events company Plural Music.

In 2014 Soul7 attended Berklee College of Music’s Global Entertainment and Music Business Master’s program at the sister campus in Valencia, Spain. During his time in Spain, he continued his DJ career under his stage name Soul7 and played at venues throughout Spain, including 2 tours in Ibiza. Soul7 believes that his work as a DJ greatly contributed to the development of his ear for musical talent as an A&R.

Today, Soul7 lives in California’s Bay Are where he works leading the daily operations for EMPIRE’s Latin music division EMPIRE Latino. During his 6 years at EMPIRE, Soul7 has been integral in the department’s growth which has led to the label’s reception of 2 Latin Grammy wins and several Grammy/Latin Grammy nominations. His keen ear for identifying talent has been instrumental in signing EMPIRE’s biggest Latin artists such as DJ Nelson, Javiielo, Yung Beef, and reggaeton superstar Jay Wheeler. Alán has also led the marketing campaigns for EMPIRE’s first 2 RIAA Latin platinum singles with Jay Wheeler.

Soul7 continues to work with Plural Music (which has grown into a full fledged music company with verticals in event production, artist management, and record label) leading the music strategy and development of their burgeoning boutique label. He remains an active DJ performing throughout clubs in the Bay Area. Outside of music Soul7 is a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, which he joined during his time at the University of the Pacific, and an avid public speaker, inspired by his 2015 TEDx Talk “The Assets in Adversity”.

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