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. Jones (Co-Founder, EDM.com)

-DJ Soto(DJ, Producer)

-Eric Gussin (Founder, Trio)

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 what “real fans” actually look like in 2026, to why the algorithm probably isn’t your biggest problem.

We also talk about branding, artist development, the death of the old SoundCloud playbook, and the moment Goshfather realized that people didn’t even understand what his project was — even while he was dropping music every single week.

This one is honest, funny, super practical, and packed with gems for anyone trying to turn momentum into something sustainable. Here’s my conversation with Goshfather.

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 from the company he created and begin a new chapter on his own terms.

That chapter is Wrong Number—his most personal project to date. It's a reflection on reinvention, creativity, and having the courage to make decisions that don't always make sense on paper.

In this conversation, we dive into the story behind leaving Dirtybird, the making of Wrong Number, what it means to stay authentic when everyone has an opinion, and the lessons he's learned from a career spent building one of dance music's most recognizable brands.

This is an ICONIC episode.

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-Founder, EDM.com)-Angelo The Kid (DJ, Producer)-Eric Gussin (Founder, Trio)Enjoy

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 how ads, audience building, and artist development all play into the bigger strategy.

This episode will give you everything you need to know about event and artist marketing.

Enjoy!

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 expanding the mission. Taking everything he’s built in dance music and asking a bigger question: what does it look like when purpose, faith, and club culture exist in the same space?

Rave Jesus reflects a desire to see God’s presence permeate every corner of the music world — regardless of what you believe, we have all felt something special on the dance floor. T

oday, we’re unpacking the strategy, the responsibility, and the reality of stepping into a new chapter — creatively, professionally, and publicly.

Welcome back to the show… King Topher.

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, reflective, and packed with gems — let’s tap in.

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 experience everywhere. This was a really fun episode and I'm so excited to share.Let's go!

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 into a legit culinary movement.But here’s where it gets special — Tony’s family was in the city for his birthday so we decided to have his dad and grandpa join us. Three generations, one family, and enough stories to serve the whole restaurant.So grab a slice, pour yourself something questionable, and enjoy one of the most fun and authentic convos I’ve ever had on the show.