Joe Kay Releases Debut EP ‘If Not Now, Then When?’

Joe Kay, DJ and founder of Soulection, has unveiled his debut EP, If Not Now, Then When? 

The six-track set features an eclectic mix of collaborations with emerging voices in R&B, including Amaria, Arin Ray, Dylan Sinclair, Isaiah Falls, Karri, and Sinéad Harnett.

Falls appears on the D’Mile-produced lead single, “Slow It Down” with Cruza, and the penultimate track “Moonlight,” alongside Merges. 

“If Not Now, Then When? represents my first-ever music project, a deeply personal and collaborative body of work,” says Kay. “Over 14 years of curating and shining a light on others have led me to this moment, where I’ve brought together incredible artists and producers who align with my vision.”

Among the project’s highlights is the opening track, “Hesitation,” with Karri. Here, Karri professes his feelings to a love interest over a velvety smooth production. “No hesitation / I be so patient / For you, I don’t mind waiting,” he croons. 

Speaking on the track, Karri notes, ”Hesitation’ is a song from a guy’s perspective about not knowing if a girl feels the same way. I was going through that at the time, so Budgie, Malik, and I wrote it, and it turned out amazing.”

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As indicated above, Kay released “Slow It Down” on Feb. 28 as the EP’s first single. “‘Slow It Down’ marks the start of a new chapter for me — an evolution beyond DJing into fully stepping into my own sound as a true tastemaker and artist,” Kay said.

He added, “With D’Mile, Isaiah Falls, and Cruza, the track blends classic R&B with a modern yet timeless feeling, embodying Soulection’s signature sound. This single is just the beginning of what’s coming next.”

Kay will support his new project on his If Not Now, Then When? Tour, which kicks off April 25 in Charlotte.

The 11-city outing will make stops in Philadelphia, Detroit, Orlando, Las Vegas and more before concluding June 14 in Sacramento. 

Stream Joe Kay’s EP If Not Now, Then When? and see his 2025 tour dates below.

Joe Kay’s If Not Now, Then When Tour Dates

Apr 25 – Charlotte, NC @ Underground

Apr 26 – Philadelphia, PA @ TLA

May 2 – Phoenix, AZ @ Walter Where? House

May 9 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick

May 10 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

May 17 – San Diego, CA @ Beach House at Belmont Park

May 23 – Orlando, FL @ Celine

May 24 – Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum

May 25 – Austin, TX @ Concourse

Jun 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Substance

Jun 14 – Sacramento @ Ace of Spades

Get tickets at joekay.com.