Chicago’s vibrant music scene has long been an incubator for talent, birthing countless legends and fostering an atmosphere of unbridled creativity. At the heart of this dynamic landscape is the city’s beloved artist and DJ, Sherm. Known for his genre-pushing work both behind the decks and in the studio, Sherm has crafted an indelible legacy that is deeply interwoven with the city’s rich musical heritage. Having established one of the largest electronic music podcasts, Sherm In The Booth, and secured prestigious bookings alongside industry heavyweights, Sherm continues to push the boundaries and raise the bar with his passion for music and his dedication to the Chicago music scene.
Sherm’s musical journey continues with the release of his latest single, “No Tomorrow In Chicago,” a track that resonates with the heart of Chicago and echoes the beat of its people. This anthem, featuring the mesmerizing vocals of MANSHN, further amplifies Sherm’s connection to his city and amplifies his signature blend of driving rhythms and captivating melodies. A sonic love letter to Chicago, the track comes hot on the heels of his reimagining of Frank Sinatra’s classic “Chicago”, a heartfelt tribute that bridges the city’s past with its present through an enticing dancefloor-ready groove.
In the following interview, Sherm dives into his connection with the Windy City, reflects on his musical journey, discusses his experiences in the music industry, and shares some insights into what’s next for him. He provides a unique perspective on the pulsating energy and magnetic charm of Chicago, and how this environment has shaped him as an artist. As he prepares for an exciting lineup of upcoming tour dates, Sherm continues to embody the spirit of Chicago’s music scene, and his work serves as a testament to the city’s enduring influence on music and culture.
Your latest single “No Tomorrow In Chicago” is phrased as “an anthem dedicated to the people of Chicago.” What is it about the city and the people that has fostered and grown this love and appreciation?
I believe in “it’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with” and the special thing about Chicago is you can actually get both here. The culture comes from the people – from music to sports to food, everyone who lives here loves it. We love what we love, we love what we hate, and we all collectively share these experiences together.
You just put out a free edit of the Frank Sinatra Classic, “Chicago”. Why is that song special to you?
Most people think of Sinatra as a New Yorker but he actually performed in Chicago more than any other city. I grew up in Indianapolis but have made my home Chicago. He made his name here in music just like I am trying to do. It is also dedicated to my grandma who passed away in April this year. She was a huge influence on me in both music and life and was the biggest Sinatra fan. I think they would both love my remake of it too!
As a DJ and entrepreneur who has created a successful music podcast, Sherm In The Booth, what are some memorable moments with your guests or even the process of building this podcast that have had a lasting impact on your artistic journey?
SITB started as a way for me to meet other creatives in music outside of the club or a concert. 1-1 conversations focused on an artist’s journey has given me an “auto-biographical” perspective on what it takes to make it. I have done 220 episodes over the course of 6+ years which has instilled a consistent work ethic and true passion for building a future in music.
How have your experiences performing at major music festivals like North Coast and Miami Music Week influenced your career trajectory as an artist?
I have proven to myself that if you keep going things will just eventually happen. However, the only way to keep going and growing is to truly love what you do and be genuinely passionate about that is – find your “why”. It could take a year, it could take 20 years but your journey is your own and you have to enjoy the ride. I’m sharing this ride with my family, friends and fans – it is absolutely electric and my trajectory has no limits as long as I stay in tune with my “why”.
In your experience as a A&R, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in this role, and how have you overcome them?
There is SO much good music out there and it can be very difficult to sort through the clutter. Hood Politics Records is founded on giving a platform to both upcoming and established talent to have their music heard. That said, we listen to every single demo that comes through – thousands of them. We have built out a team and created a multi-step approval process through Trackstack that helps us sort through the demos. It is incredibly fulfilling for the artist and our label to go through the entire release process together – from release date, to artwork/video assets, to promotion, to release parties. My goal is to give every artist a best-in-class experience to deliver on the Hood Poli promise of “showcasing the best of the underground”.
What are some things you look for when considering whether or not to sign a track?
We have two ways we release music – the typical Spotify/Apple Music/Beatport but also through our free download series on SoundCloud. There are over 200 originals that we’ve released along with 100+ free downloads. Through these outlets, we are able to widen the net on what we find to be different or unique.
Hood Politics certainly has a sound – high-energy and memorable house music that fans love and DJ’s download but also outside of the box music like you’ve never heard before. We are only looking for music that showcases an artist making something that they love.
What’s next for you that you can share with our readers?
New music, massive shows, and live podcasting. There’s a saying – “gradually, then all at once”. I can feel it happening around me with my best friends in music. We have been hustling for 10+ years and now our efforts are paying off and our passion is shining. The rest of 2023 is dedicated to setting up for the biggest year ever in 2024. Hop on my energy bus with me!
