Sounds with S.O.U.L

Music is an inherent part of the dynamic culture of Charleston that adds to its colorful charm. Cody Dixon, the founder of S.O.U.L. Power Productions, has leveraged his own musical talents to give back and inspire our youth, as well as the talented musicians who are rooted in the eclectic music scene right here in our backyard.

Is there a meaning behind your artist name, Slim S.O.U.L?

The acronym for “soul” ties into the non-profit I started out of college, Soul Power Productions. S.O.U.L stands for Sounds of Universal Love because I feel music is one of those universal languages.

What role does music play in your life?

Music plays a huge role in my life. I teach, play, and produce, so it’s in all aspects of my day to day. I love being around it in any capacity. It’s how I make a living. It’s how I calm down and relax. It’s how I express myself and help others do the same. It’s been a major part of who I am since I was a young kid.

What’s unique about the music scene here in Charleston?

Charleston’s music scene is so diverse and eclectic—if you know where to look. We have such a rich history and cultural roots that bring a huge audience to gather and enjoy shows. We also have many talented musicians and artists that build a foundation for projects you see around town for all genres, which is really cool.

Can you speak on the projects you’re working on through your organization S.O.U.L. Power?

S.O.U.L. Power is an educational resource as well as a production company. My main goal has been to reach underprivileged youth as well as up-and-coming artists to help them grow. We’ve done a lot of S.O.U.L. Power camps throughout the Lowcountry, bringing music technology and the love of music to community centers and after-school programs. We hosted a lot of showcases with Charleston Pour House for rising hip-hop and R&B performers to use our platform to learn and build a fanbase. I’m teaching a lot now but I hope to start some more campaigns for summer camps or workshops where we provide instruments for kids who want to learn but can’t afford the instrument or lessons. This is our newest program I hope to get started by the summer called “Pass the Beat”, where you can sponsor a young student or donate an instrument that we then pass on to the youth of the Lowcountry.

How can local creatives get involved with your cause?

There is so much local creatives can help with, including volunteering at events, donating time and expertise to come and talk to kids about careers in the arts, and playing at our shows. I would love to have a network of musicians and kids who want to learn the craft. There is a lot that I know now, that I wish I knew when I was a young musician.

What can we expect from your new album, “Sounds of Universal Love”?

You can expect a lot of collaborations. I’ve been working on this album for a while and it’s taken so long partly because I don’t want to include multiple artists. I want to work with all the musicians in this town that have inspired me and pushed me to keep going. Cam Wescott from The Psychedelics and Oleg Terentiev from Little Bird are helping a lot with the production of this project. I’m excited to have a lot of work with local rappers and producers that I’ve met over the years. This album is going to be a mix of soul, jazz, and R&B, and represent what I’ve experienced during my time in Charleston.

For more information about S.O.U.L. Power Productions, visit www.dot.cards/soulpower or follow Cody on Instagram at @ slim_s.o.u.l.

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