Josh Mason-Quinn on Rituals, Discovery, and the Human Side of Music

For over nine years, Somewhere Soul has quietly become one of the UK’s most vital voices in underground music, championing talent across jazz, soul, and electronic realms. Founded by Josh Mason-Quinn, the platform has grown from a passion project into a tastemaking powerhouse, connecting over a million music fans with the artists shaping the scene. With the upcoming release of Rituals – Volume 1, a double-vinyl compilation tracing a 24-hour sonic journey from dawn to dusk, Josh demonstrates not just his ear for incredible music, but his commitment to community, ritual, and the human connection that algorithms can’t replicate. The compilation features twenty fresh tracks from luminaries like Allysha Joy, Blue Lab Beats, Amanda Whiting, Finn Rees, Chip Wickham, and more, blending home listening and dancefloor-ready grooves into a coherent, emotionally resonant story.

Below, Josh talks to us about the evolution of Somewhere Soul, the philosophy behind the compilation, and why nurturing artists and audiences in equal measure is more important than ever.

1. Somewhere Soul has grown into a major force in underground music. When you started, did you ever imagine it would reach this scale, and how has your vision evolved?

Honestly, when I first started posting music recommendations online, there wasn’t really a vision—it was just a passion project away from my 9-5. DJing and playing in bands had always been my creative outlet, and moving to London inspired me to share music I loved. It wasn’t until I did A&R for an indie label that I realised how broken the industry can be. That’s when I pivoted Somewhere Soul into a platform that supports artists while still connecting with music fans. The viral growth of the account over the last year showed me that it’s much more rewarding to champion the music rather than try to teach artists industry mechanics—they’re already busy being incredible at what they do.

2. In an age of hyper-digital music and streaming algorithms, why do you prioritise community and artist support over clicks or virality?

Music has had a huge impact on my life, so I feel a deep responsibility to artists. Album formats, painstaking work, and live shows are increasingly undervalued. A playlist skip isn’t just a missed song—it’s a missed connection. I see buying records or going to gigs as an investment in the artists’ ability to keep creating, and in my own wellbeing. Building Somewhere Soul around those values feels like a way to fight against the culture of instant consumption and ensure that music continues to be respected and cherished.

3. The Rituals – Volume 1 compilation spans a full 24-hour cycle. How did you land on that concept?

The idea came to me while soothing my daughter with an Ezra Collective track. It struck me that music is always there for us—from waking up to going to bed. That inspired a compilation that mirrors my own listening rituals: spiritual jazz and slow soul in the morning, groove-heavy jazz and hip hop during the day, cinematic and psychedelic sounds at night, and dancefloor tracks for DJing. Once I had that arc in mind, it was about finding artists whose music fit both the sound and the ritualistic journey.

4. The compilation features artists from all over the world. How did you choose them, and what unites the collection?

I wanted the compilation to be a listening experience, not just a playlist. Every artist featured has been part of the Somewhere Soul story—either through live shows, personal recommendations, or collaborations. Opek was handed to me at a writing camp in France; Marla Kether I saw live at We Out Here and later booked for a show. It’s about celebrating music as a human connection, and the thread that unites the compilation is that sense of shared community and joy in discovery.

5. How do you see the role of tastemakers evolving in an algorithm-driven music world?

Algorithms are limited—they can only show you things similar to what you already like. Human tastemakers can surprise you, connect you to music you’d never find otherwise, and communicate why a track matters. Music is about energy and emotion, not just data points. My role is to keep that human connection alive, to champion artists, and to make sure discovery remains personal, passionate, and meaningful.