“Fifteen years ago, there wasn’t anybody playing rap music in Sioux Falls,” said Wes. “We were born out of the punk rock scene, and grew up going to shows and skateboarding. We embraced that culture and put our own little spin on it.”

Soulcrate found inspiration from the rap scenes in larger cities, and from groups like Rhymesayers Entertainment, an independent hip hop record label in Minneapolis.

“We were seeing what was happening in other cities, saying to ourselves, ‘Why can’t this happen here?’” said Wes. “We were fans of music and still are. I traveled to Chicago a few times to see shows, I travel to Minneapolis all the time. It was very inspiring to see people who were like us, but doing things. We took that back home and tried to figure it out some more.”

In essence, Soulcrate created something out of nothing. They started producing rap music when not many other people in Sioux Falls were.

“It was a very exciting time in my life to do something and not really know what you’re doing, and to get a little bit of a reaction from your community and see people coming out to shows,” said Wes. “It was an organic thing.”

Starting out, they would host shows at the late Black Sheep Coffee, or house shows with crowds of 30-40 people. In 2007, Soulcrate went on their first tour with Grieves and Mac Lethal, playing 37 shows in 39 days. They continued to go on tours through 2012, from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.

“That was a big step for us. It was like we jumped another ring, getting out of our hometown and not just being local anymore,” said Wes. “Those are great memories. We were touring pretty hard. We have taken a step back and try to do a little more quality over quantity at this point.”

After years of touring, Soulcrate started hosting That Sounds Decent concerts downtown. This year will be their fourth time hosting the free, all-ages event on August 26.

“We always wanted our own little festival. To me, it’s about adding value to our community,” explained Wes. “I wanted to throw a show in downtown Sioux Falls that people would be happy to pay $20 to see, or even drive to another city, [but] I wanted it to be free.”

Prof, Soulcrate, Denham, Tuff Roots, and Elsa Rae will all be playing this year at 8th & Railroad. Fans can expect a different vibe this year, Wes said.

“I’m trying to step it up and make it more of an experience,” he said. “I’m really trying to transform 8th & Railroad into a vibe. We’re doing a bit more on the production end. The hallmark of it, like no matter what it is, it has to be free.”

Soulcrate has been a learning experience for Wes. He said he owes a lot to Soulcrate and the Sioux Falls scene when it comes to his photography skills and his company with Gerlach, The Breaks Coffee Roasting Co.

“Running the Breaks or my photo or video business, it’s all because of Soulcrate,” he said.

For more information, visit soulcratemusic.com.

LISTEN TO SOULCRATE NOW

Available on iTunes

All Day
The Kick Rocks Collection

Believe It (feat. Prof)
The Kick Rocks Collection

Clouds in my Head
The Heartland Panic

Electric Heavy Glow
The Heartland Panic

Keep Hope Dead
The Heartland Panic

Learn from It
The Heartland Panic

Made it Break
The Heartland Panic

Novocaine Rain
Cardboard Cut Outs No. 1

Rap Music from the Middle of Nowhere
Cardboard Cut Outs No. 1

See Today
The Kick Rocks Collection

Sleep Awake
The Heartland Panic

Shot in the Dark (feat. Grieves)
Welcome Back from Wherever You’ve Been

Wherever You’ve Been
Welcome Back from Wherever You’ve Been