Sherm In The Booth

We brought the Hood Politics Community Link up to Charleston and people showed out! Topics included: -What Talent buyers look for in new acts -Throwing your own events -Breaking through locally -Getting signed to labels -Connections or talent Panelists included: -Sherm (DJ, Producer, A&R Hood Politics) -DJ Susan (DJ, Producer, Founder Hood Politics Records) -Ryan Williams (Project 91) -Kyle B....

If you’re an artist, producer, or DJ trying to build something real right now, this episode is for you. Goshfather has spent years figuring out what actually works in today’s music landscape — not just getting streams or chasing a viral moment, but building a project people actually care about. And in this conversation, we get into everything from why most artists are posting the wrong content, to...

Claude VonStroke built what many people consider the most influential house music label in American dance music history. Through Dirtybird, he didn't just release records—he built a movement, launched careers, and created a community that helped shape an entire generation of dance music culture. Then, after nearly two decades of growth and success, he made the difficult decision to step away f...

A top question from any aspiring producer... and we answered with the honesty that needs to be shared.-How to build relationships with labels-Developing your sound -Finalizing tracks for submission-How to stand out Thanks to Fame Sounds and Tony H for being part of this and everyone who came out!

We brought the Hood Politics Community Link up to Charlotte and the turnout was incredible! Topics included:-What Talent buyers look for in new acts-Breaking through locally-Getting signed to labels-Connections or talentPanelists included:-Sherm (DJ, Producer, A&R Hood Politics)-DJ Susan (DJ, Producer, Founder Hood Politics Records)-Stu Hackley (Insomniac Talent Buyer)-Kyle B. Jones (Co-Founde...

What happens when you take a Luke Combs singalong, drop it into a Calvin Harris-style DJ set, and turn it into a national touring brand? Boots ’N Beats is one of the fastest-growing live event concepts in North America right now — and today I’m joined by co-founder Ryan Sterne to break down how they scaled the idea across 50+ cities, what’s actually working in live event marketing right now, and h...

Every artist hits a moment where the question isn’t how do I grow — it’s what do I stand for now. This is our third time sitting down with King Topher, but this conversation marks a real next chapter. Because what started as a private prayer call for the music industry back in 2019 has quietly evolved into his latest project: Rave Jesus. At its core, this isn’t about changing lanes — it’s about ex...

I’m sitting down with Iman Tucker — an Indy-based DJ and producer who’s also a fashion designer and the official DJ for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indiana Hoosiers. We talk about how sports culture influences music, what AI means for creativity moving forward, and why being honest with yourself might be the most important skill you can develop. This conversation is real, reflectiv...

From the Midwest to the heart of LA’s dance music industry—today we’re sitting with Ryan Roth, also known as Roy LaCroix and Driver405. He’s a DJ and producer who packed up from St. Louis, took a massive risk, and now works inside the world of Pioneer DJ—helping shape the future of AlphaTheta. We’re talking Midwest roots, house music obsession, and how he’s working to elevate what DJs and fans exp...

Only in Chicago do you get a world-class pizza chef, his dad, and his grandpa — all talking family, legacy, and the culinary arts… all while Professor Pizza and I throw back Malört like it’s holy water. This is just one of those episodes. I had the pleasure of sitting down with my guy Tony Scardino, aka Professor Pizza — a chef, creative, and hometown hero who’s turned his obsession with pizza int...

What do sports media broadcasters and DJs have in common? A nonstop grind fueled by passion and a love of the game. That’s the thread running through today’s episode — and the crazy part is, this story starts in the same place. Tony East and I both grew up in Zionsville, walked the same high school halls, and chased completely different careers. He went all-in on sports media and became one of the...

Episode 182 features the one and only Tyler Morris AKA Westend!! I caught up with this tech house stallion last week while he was at home in NYC and had so much fun getting his full story. 📖In 182 we discussed:•Early inspirations and influences: Westend was born and raised in NYC and grew up surrounded by tons of different music and cultures. In high school, he was exposed to DJing and electronic...

He built a 10,000-person Santa-themed party… and that’s not even the craziest thing he’s done in the music industry. Today on SITB, Wes Berger—San Diego entrepreneur, event producer, and all-around legend—shares how he went from Chicagoland kid to running some of the wildest events in SoCal… and the insane stories that came with it. This San Diego-based entrepreneur, talent buyer, label manager, e...

It's been too long since I did an in person interview and I was quickly reminded why I love them so much - I had a BLAST getting the full story of one of Chicago's biggest rising acts in dance music, Levity! ⭐️John and PJ were kind enough to let me into their home for SITB 202 and we got it all in for this one In 202 we discussed:•Becoming Levity: John was born and raised in Chicagoland and PJ is...

Not gonna sugar coat how excited I am about this one for even a second!! Episode 172 features 2 time Grammy Award winning DJ/Producer/Label Head and all around good guy CID ! I have been following him for over 7 years and am genuinely a massive fan. Truly honored to have this legend on the show and it was a blast getting his full story. 🙌🏻linktr.ee/shermintheboothIn 172 we discussed:•Early inspi...

In September 2016 I started a journey that didn't have an end goal. I just wanted to do something that I would always enjoy and have no hesitation on consistency or passion. 249 episodes later I've interviewed over 200 guests ranging from DJs, producers, agents, talent buyers, entrepreneurs, and more. The most rewarding part is the relationships and friendships that have come from SITB. There has...

So you want to be a touring music artist? This live panel in Denver Coloardo will give you some perspective on how to make that happen. Featuring founder of 128 Productions and Denver talent buyer, Alex Padgett, DJ/Producer/Podcast Host Lizzy Jane, and DJ/Producer Housewife. This conversation goes into the realities on what it takes to go from a local DJ to a touring act and offers insights on how...

Episode 249 features Chicago based but Detroit rooted DJ Nanoos - a Palenstian Armenian DJ who is making a big splash in the scene. We had an absolute blast sitting down in person and getting her full story and perspective on some hot topics in the industry right now. Nanoos is a real one on so many levels and there's good reason for his quick rise in following - she's a really good select...

248 features an artist that I have over 50 tracks from and play at least 1 every set I perform. He goes by the name of BVRNOUT and if you aren't familiar with the name, I guarantee you've heard one of his remixes. Chris has an amazing story and it was so much fun talking about his journey from day 1 through now. He is a prolific producer with an expertise in remixes but has now started foc...

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to share this interview because I've been a long time fan of this amazingly talented DJ/Producer who goes by the name of Max Styler! 🎸I caught up with Max from his studio in Las Vegas and had such a blast getting his full story 📖In 203 we got it all in and discussed:•Journey Into Dance Music: Born and raised in a small town outside of San Luis Obispo in...

Our guest for today is Brad Sweet - the co-founder of Same Same But Different Festival and co-host of the Different Paths PodcastWe had such a great time getting into the origins of SSBD - for those that haven't heard of it, you need to. It takes place in Lake Perris, CA just outside of LA and San Diego. It's grown so much since their first run in 2018 and have had artists like Griz, Polo...

Episode 246 features SoCal based DJ/Producer XIE - We have been trying to line up a date for an interview for a minute and I'm so glad we found some time to connectXIE is truly a unique talent not just because of her history as a classically trained musician but also her approach and perspective on what her intentions are on her journey as an artist. It's all about the music to XIE and I c...

SITB 245 features Chicago House Music legend Terry Hunter - a 3x grammy nominated DJ, Producer and label owner who needs no introduction.  Many of you know how passionate I am about the history of Chicago House Music and to have a 1-1 conversation with this icon just a few blocks away from the Warehouse is truly surreal. Terry and I got connected through Chicago Music Nexus where he sat on a panel...

We have a returning guest and dear friend of mine who many of you know - the wildy talented Colton Bachar! Our conversation last year was so well-received that we knew it was time to run it back. Colton's experience as a videographer and editor goes far beyond the basic levels of creativity - he takes everything to the next level and it's been really special to see the work he has been put...

There is nothing better than meeting an internet friend, especially when it's the one and only R3Wire!! Timing worked out perfectly because he was playing in Chicago for his first ever US Tour and we got together on a Sunday afternoon to chat it up. What a great conversation from start to finish - he is seriously a real one on every level. He is one of the most prolific DJ's in the game an...