1996 I came up with the idea of Soul View Fanzine, prompted by the lack of info on the Scottish Soul Scene in other publications, all from south of the border, however, it was Manifesto that prompted me more than anything, their UK map was missing Scotland, as if Soul stops at the border! 

I realised that I was putting myself up for potential ridicule, especially being new to the scene but I went ahead regardless.  Issue #1 was a mess, typed out on a typewriter and lacking in any real information but there was a lukewarm response from those who received a copy.  I carried on and more and more people got involved, the layout improved massively when Paul Massey worked his magic and it totally transformed the fanzine, which began to sell really well all over the UK, and beyond. 

Trying to meet deadlines and forever being let down by people who offered contributions were the biggest problems, until I got regular contributors. 
I must also mention Andy Latto and his incredible artwork, the Soul View Man and Caricatures of DJ's who were featured in the "DJ Profile" sections.  Soul went on for 15 issues and within those numbers a lot of money was raised and given to charities, my primary school football team benefitted and received much needed equipment, also the British Heart Foundation and Motor Neurone Disease also received cheques courtesy of Soul View and all who contributed and bought the magazine. 

After SV #15 I gave up, there were a few reasons but mostly down to time and finance involved.  Then, I was asked by a friend if I could put something together to raise money for another good cause and I produced 'Life and Soul', then Soul View ll and by 2010 I had left the scene so no more fanzines. 

Fast forward to 2022 and back to attending soul nights after 12 years and I got the writing idea, this time, Soul View Revival, sold with money raised for the Cosmo Club, issue #2 given out free to a small amount of people I regard as good soul friends, and issue #3 is well under way. 

I love doing the fanzine, especially now as there are no deadlines and I don't have to rely on outside contributions, all my own work.

Write up and photo's by 
David Miller