Featured Insight in Influence Magazine

Diane Hinds explores how dynamic websites enable record labels and PR teams to take control of their narrative in today’s fast‑moving digital landscape.

This article was featured in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ Influence Magazine and highlights the strategic value of adaptable, content‑driven platforms for modern communications.

Read the Article

Media Feature

Featured Insight in Influence Magazine

Diane Hinds examines how dynamic websites empower record labels and PR teams to take ownership of their narrative in an increasingly fast‑moving digital environment.

Published by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, this article in Influence Magazine highlights the strategic importance of adaptable, content‑driven platforms for effective modern communications.


Luxury Soul Weekender 2025 Flyer

Luxury Soul Weekender 2025

The Grand Hotel, Blackpool

Live in Concert: Dexter Wansel • Patrice Isley • Cornell CC Carter

Blackpool’s iconic Grand Hotel takes center stage on January 3, 2025, as the highly anticipated Luxury Soul Weekender opens with an exceptional evening of live soul music. This unmissable highlight brings together three internationally respected artists whose collective legacies span decades of timeless music and cultural influence.

Dexter Wansel

Headlining the event is Dexter Wansel, the legendary Philadelphia recording artist, producer, and musical visionary whose work has shaped the global soul and R&B landscape. A Grammy Award contributor on Lou Rawls’ Unmistakably Lou, Wansel also served as conductor of the iconic MFSB Orchestra and A&R Director for Philadelphia International Records.

His enduring influence includes nurturing classic releases by MFSB, The Stylistics, and many others, as well as writing and arranging the timeless soul anthem “Nights Over Egypt” for The Jones Girls.

Patrice Isley

Joining Wansel is Patrice Isley, a standout voice from the legendary Isley family legacy. Patrice’s career began behind the scenes as a sought-after background vocalist for over 30 multi-platinum, Grammy Award–winning artists, including Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass, Philip Bailey, Barry White, Ashford & Simpson, and many more.

Her television appearances on Soul Train alongside artists such as El DeBarge, Jermaine Dupri, and Coolio established her reputation as a commanding performer. As a solo artist, Patrice has delivered powerful interpretations of classics including “Free”, “I Want You For Myself”, and the Isley family’s “Harvest For The World”.

Her debut album Believe In Love (2016), along with forthcoming releases produced with Julian Jonah for Expansion Records, highlights her songwriting depth and emotional range. Fresh from her Las Vegas debut at The Composers’ Room, Patrice Isley is set to deliver a captivating performance at the Grand Hotel.

Cornell CC Carter

Completing this outstanding lineup is San Francisco–based soul artist Cornell CC Carter. His latest album, Expressions of Soul, released on Expansion Records in July 2024, has been widely praised as one of the year’s most compelling soul releases.

Mentored by acclaimed artist, writer, and producer Narada Michael Walden, Carter’s rich vocal style and authentic songwriting have earned him international recognition and a devoted following over the past decade.

An unforgettable celebration of soul music awaits.

Secure your tickets now and experience a night of timeless performances at the Grand Hotel Blackpool.

Media & Press

  • Interviews Available
    Patrice Isley is available for press interviews ahead of the event.

Downloads

Access press materials and high‑resolution images here .

Media Inquiries

Diane M. Hinds, MA
The Entertainment Bureau

Contact Me

Interview with Kim Davis at BBC Radio London studio

Interview with Kim Davis

BBC Radio London


Expansion Records Logo

Vinyl’s Resurgence Drives Demand for Soulful Sounds

London, UK

In an era increasingly shaped by digital streaming and instant access, vinyl records have staged a notable and sustained comeback. Music enthusiasts are once again embracing the format for its tactile appeal, nostalgic value, and distinctive sound quality. This revival has proven especially beneficial for niche genres such as soul, with specialist labels like Expansion Records experiencing renewed interest and growth.

Vinyl sales have risen steadily over the past decade, driven by collectors and new listeners alike. Factors contributing to this growth include the physical ownership experience, the ritual of playback, and the warmth and depth often associated with analogue sound. Limited-edition releases such as Cornel CC Carter’s Expressions of Soul, vinyl-only tracks including Output/Input’s Here We Go Again, and Marvin Gaye’s 7” single Where Are We Going have further intensified demand among dedicated soul aficionados.

Soul music, renowned for its emotional richness and timeless artistry, is particularly well suited to the vinyl format. The analogue medium enhances the genre’s expressive vocals, layered instrumentation, and authentic production, offering listeners an immersive and emotionally resonant experience.

Expansion Records, the UK-based label that has specialised in soul music for over 35 years, has seen its profile rise alongside the broader vinyl resurgence. By curating both classic catalogue titles and contemporary soul releases, the label continues to attract discerning collectors and new audiences alike. This growth has been further supported by the introduction of new website technology provided by iNterGine.com, with ongoing support from site-spark.website. As a result, Expansion Records has reported increased monthly unique visitors and improved search engine rankings across a number of its current and back-catalogue releases.

“Our previous website was static, and as a small label focused on delivering quality music to its core fans, there was no budget to hire specialists. When we first heard about this new technology, we were sceptical. However, we are delighted with the results and the wider audience we are now reaching.”

Spokesperson, Expansion Records

As the vinyl renaissance continues to gather momentum, it is increasingly clear that the format is more than a passing trend. For listeners who value artistry, craftsmanship, and a deeper connection to music, vinyl remains a compelling and enduring medium.


End

Media Contact:

Diane M. Hinds
The Entertainment Bureau


Podcast Interview

Hold the Date

Join Florenza Lee of Authors On The Air in conversation with writer Diane Hinds.


Listen on: Spotify and all major podcast platforms

Brandon McPhee

New Website Launch 🎉

We are delighted to announce that the wonderful Brandon McPhee now has a stunning new website, proudly powered by Intergine.

Fans can now connect directly with Brandon through the site, and by adding it to their phone’s home screen, they’ll receive updates instantly as news is published.

Thank you for your continued support, Brandon — we’re thrilled you’re as excited about it as we are.


Diane Hinds in Conversation with Joe Cortez

Legendary Boxing Referee • Solar Radio Podcast

Listen to the Interview


Joe Cortez is widely regarded as one of boxing’s most respected and recognizable referees, known throughout the sport for his integrity, authority, and trademark phrase, “Fair but firm.”

Born on October 13, 1943, in New York City, Cortez’s journey in boxing began well before his celebrated refereeing career. As an accomplished amateur boxer, he compiled an outstanding record of 43 wins and just 2 losses, capturing six Golden Gloves championships. He later turned professional in 1963, retiring in 1971 with an impressive 18–1 record.

Cortez’s influence has extended beyond the ring into popular culture, with memorable appearances as a referee in major motion pictures including Rocky Balboa and Play It to the Bone. In this candid conversation, Diane Hinds sits down with Joe Cortez to reflect on the defining moments of his remarkable career, the challenges of officiating at the highest level, and the enduring legacy he has built through decades of dedication to the sport of boxing.


Featured Interview: Ashley Scott

Ashley Scott is a dynamic and accomplished vocalist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage.

With multiple globally chart-topping singles to his name, Ashley has established himself as a powerful and versatile artist whose sound transcends genre boundaries. His soulful delivery and contemporary edge have earned him international recognition, resonating with audiences across the world.

Ashley’s musical journey began at an early age, shaped by a deep-rooted family legacy in the music industry. He draws inspiration from his aunt, Helen Scott of the legendary groups The Three Degrees and The Delfonics, whose influence helped ignite a lifelong passion for performance and songwriting.

Today, Ashley Scott continues to evolve as a genre-defying artist, blending classic soul influences with modern production to create music that is both timeless and forward-thinking.


iNterGine Unveils a Next‑Generation Business Platform

Real speed, simplicity, and Optimised Intelligence Technology designed to drive measurable business efficiency.


In today’s competitive digital environment, a strong and technically sound online presence is no longer optional. iNterGine.com is redefining website creation with a next‑generation platform that prioritises performance, optimisation, and usability. The result is a solution that enables small and growing businesses to compete effectively for organic search visibility while significantly reducing reliance on paid advertising.

iNterGine’s approach combines intelligent automation with a streamlined architecture, delivering fast-loading, search‑optimised websites built for long‑term scalability and security.

Why iNterGine Is Disrupting the Industry

  • Web Design Automation® (WDA): A proprietary platform that integrates Artificial Intelligence with search‑optimised functionality, known as Optimised Intelligence Technology (OIT).
  • Built‑in SEO and Expert Guidance: Comprehensive SEO tools combined with professional consulting support, enabling users to achieve maximum ranking potential compared to traditional website providers.
  • Lightweight, Secure Architecture: A plug‑in‑free, modular‑free system with a minimal footprint, delivering superior performance, reliability, and security.
  • Device‑Agnostic User Interface: A browser‑based editing experience that works seamlessly across devices, designed for ease of use and validated by users in more than 150 countries.

Proven Results and Real‑World Success

iNterGine is backed by entrepreneurs actively using the platform, with documented case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in search engine rankings, organic traffic growth, and overall business performance. These outcomes consistently outperform users’ previous service providers and legacy solutions.

For further information or to discuss how iNterGine can support your business goals, please contact Diane.


Diane Featured on the Making Money in the Music Business Podcast

Diane joins host Kenya McGuire Johnson alongside Dr. William E. Smith for an in-depth conversation on the realities of building a sustainable career in the music industry.

In this episode, Diane shares practical insights into how she structured her business, navigated industry challenges, and persevered through setbacks with resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in her vision. The discussion offers valuable perspective for artists and entrepreneurs seeking to turn passion into a viable profession.

Listen to the Podcast
Diane appearing as a guest on the Making Money in the Music Business podcast

Diane Joins SolarRadio.com

Diane is delighted to join the premier UK soul station, SolarRadio.com, with her brand new show Moonlit Rhythms.

The show features a carefully curated mix of classic and contemporary soul, R&B, and smooth jazz, alongside her in-depth radio interview series, The Soundtrack Chronicles, celebrating the stories behind the music.

Listen Again
Solar Radio branding