Podcasts//
The Soul Files

The Soul Files

Every great record holds a story, and soul music's most incredible tracks were often created in high-stakes, turbulent worlds shaped by fierce rivalries, sudden breaks, and fleeting chances at glory. Written and hosted by Bernhard Schmitz (DJ Burn Hard), The Soul Files is a music documentary podcast series exploring the raw, human, and often cutthroat realities behind mid-century soul. Each episode opens a dedicated case file into an iconic track, forgotten artist, or influential label—digging past nostalgia to reveal the personal struggles, studio secrets, artistic rivalries, and the cultural background that shaped these timeless pieces of music.

Subscribe to The Soul Files

The Soul Files Episodes

Darrell Banks – “Open the Door to Your Heart”

01, October 2026

A breakout hit, a friendship torn apart over songwriting royalties, and a fatal encounter on a Detroit sidewalk. When Darrell Banks released “Open the Door to Your Heart” in 1966, it launched an iconic indie label and announced one of the most electrifying voices in soul music. In this opening case file of The Soul Files, […]

View Podcast Details

Return to all Podcasts