SOUNDCHECK

Pivot to Score: DJ Asia Shabazz on Risks, Hustle, and Finding Her Beat

Ready for a masterclass on reinvention, resilience, and extraordinary hustle? In this episode, Asia Shabazz shares her game-changing journey from childhood dancer in Los Angeles, to struggling artist, to commanding the decks as one of the most intentional and authentic DJs around. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: * Reinvention Is a Superpower: Asia reveals how she went from tap, ballet, and jazz classes at age four to commercial hip-hop, girl groups, singing, and finally, DJing, proving that every creative leap came with skeptics and gatekeepers, but never stopped her. * Surviving the Industry’s Brutal Pressures: Get the inside story on intense image standards (“I had to lose 20 pounds and I was already 120!”) and why she boldly walked away from traditional artist paths to define success on her own terms. * “I Was Broke; It Was Only God”: Hear the candid truth about what it’s like to struggle financially as an artist and how faith, grit, and family support pulled her through the hardest moments. * Why Nightlife Is “the Devil’s Playground”: Asia lifts the veil on the realities of nightlife culture: temptations, burnout, and the importance of boundaries, mental health, and self-care. * Owning Your Brand As a Creative: Discover Asia’s secrets to building a powerful, authentic personal brand, from visual identity and intentional curation to the real meaning of showing up for yourself and your community. * Financial Literacy for Creatives: For the first time, Asia shares her vision for a financial literacy series specifically for artists and creatives, exposing the gaps in how we talk about money and success in the arts. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone considering a big life pivot, Asia’s revelations about climbing back from rock bottom, the discipline behind her success, and the courage to “pivot to score” will motivate you to find your own beat, whatever your field. 🎧 New episodes drop weekly ✅ Subscribe for bonus content and updates: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571231%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw35ytGlr5VRr5bRW0iktVm3&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577141&usg=AOvVaw1LDJuketnHx5GmxpBaWrNySoundcheckWithBA.Substack.com [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571322%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0uUp1IvS_XINkM62fTY5vW&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577214&usg=AOvVaw3eRiVs6i1MRu8dDGekYRr3] https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571368%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0sGk6GeKSj6DZmK0JK_K88&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577289&usg=AOvVaw2mYa013pHgsnnD3oZsseBE 📩 Contact us: SoundcheckWithBA@gmail.com 📸 Follow on IG: @SoundcheckPod 👑 Hosted by: @MrBrandonAnthony 🎛️ Produced by: @NowInfluencing Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

DJ Sidney Perry: Catch One, Gospel House & LA’s Legacy

Step into the heart of LA’s house music scene with this week’s special guest: DJ Sidney Perry. In this inspiring episode, Sidney takes us behind the decks and into the city’s most iconic clubs (including Catch One, The Horizon, Circus, Arena and The Abbey) and pays homage to the DJs and spaces that built a movement. Sidney shines a light on his roots with The Baka Boyz and shares incredible stories, including LA legends like Billy Long, Michael Yarn, Bobby Martin, and Frank Del Rio and their impact on house music’s West Coast legacy. From humble beginnings at school dances in Bakersfield to pioneering soulful sounds at legendary venues, Sidney Perry has shaped LA’s dancefloors and created space for the city’s House scene and for the Black LGBTQ+ community. Discover how gospel, disco, and house music became inseparable influences in his sets. Sidney offers an exclusive look at what “gospel house” means, why the genre matters, and how it continues to uplift club culture today. Inside the episode: - The origins of LA house and legendary venues like Catch One, The Horizon, The Abbey, The Caper Room, and Foster’s Penthouse - How DJ Sidney Perry blends gospel, disco, and house into an unforgettable sound - Shoutouts to DJ icons including Billy Long, Michael Yarn, Bobby Martin, Frank Del Rio, and The Baka Boyz - Building community and legacy as a founder of Qubonix label and a true West Coast architect - Stories of hope, reinvention, and the resilience it takes to thrive behind the booth - Why gospel house is a movement, not just a genre PLUS: Don’t miss the exclusive DJ set at the end of the episode, featuring new, unreleased Sidney Perry tracks that bring soulful energy straight to your speakers. Whether you’re a dedicated house head, a dance-floor regular, or just discovering the roots of LA nightlife, this conversation will open your ears (and your heart) to a new side of club culture. 🎧 New episodes drop weekly ✅ Subscribe for bonus content and updates: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571231%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw35ytGlr5VRr5bRW0iktVm3&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577141&usg=AOvVaw1LDJuketnHx5GmxpBaWrNySoundcheckWithBA.Substack.com [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571322%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0uUp1IvS_XINkM62fTY5vW&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577214&usg=AOvVaw3eRiVs6i1MRu8dDGekYRr3] https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571368%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0sGk6GeKSj6DZmK0JK_K88&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577289&usg=AOvVaw2mYa013pHgsnnD3oZsseBE 📩 Contact us: SoundcheckWithBA@gmail.com 📸 Follow on IG: @SoundcheckPod 👑 Hosted by: @MrBrandonAnthony 🎛️ Produced by: @NowInfluencing Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

DJ Ivy Unfiltered: Music, Fashion & Secrets From 22 Years Behind the Booth

In Episode 5, Brandon Anthony sits down with powerhouse DJ, creative, and unapologetic trailblazer DJ Ivy. Get ready for a deep dive into music, culture, and the wild ride of building an authentic DJ career. From Cleveland’s rave roots to LA nightclub residencies and festival stages with legends like Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, DJ Ivy has done it all. In this unfiltered conversation, she opens up about: • How she broke barriers and made a name for herself in a male-dominated industry • Defining moments behind the decks, from playing after-hours parties to controlling crowds of thousands • Her journey from roller skating and voguing to headlining in the hip hop & dancehall scenes • Balancing dual passions as a DJ, fashion designer, and even her time as a dancer • The real challenges women DJs face (and what most people still get wrong about the craft) • Her approach to reading a room, blending genres, and those controversial song requests • Lightning-round: Should DJs play tracks twice? What about full glam in the booth? And more! Plus, don’t miss DJ Ivy’s exclusive live set at the end. This one’s got bounce, nostalgia, and fresh energy from start to finish.  🎧 New episodes drop weekly ✅ Subscribe for bonus content and updates: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571231%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw35ytGlr5VRr5bRW0iktVm3&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577141&usg=AOvVaw1LDJuketnHx5GmxpBaWrNySoundcheckWithBA.Substack.com [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571322%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0uUp1IvS_XINkM62fTY5vW&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577214&usg=AOvVaw3eRiVs6i1MRu8dDGekYRr3] https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571368%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0sGk6GeKSj6DZmK0JK_K88&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577289&usg=AOvVaw2mYa013pHgsnnD3oZsseBE 📩 Contact us: SoundcheckWithBA@gmail.com 📸 Follow on IG: @SoundcheckPod 👑 Hosted by: @MrBrandonAnthony 🎛️ Produced by: @NowInfluencing Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

DJ Mike Taylor - The Power of Collaboration

In this episode of Soundcheck with Brandon Anthony, we dive deep into the creative journey of Philly-born, LA-based, DJ, artist, producer, creator and songwriter, (and clothing designer), Mike Taylor. With millions of streams and collaborations with legends like Afrojack, DJ Vice, and Unlike Pluto, Mike opens up about the real stories behind the music. Brandon and Mike break down the art and vulnerability of true collaboration. From his days cutting his teeth in Philly’s iconic music scene to building community on dancefloors and in the studio, Mike reveals how intention and connection shape every partnership. He shares his evolution from rapping and scriptwriting to hit-making, and how the most memorable tracks come not from chasing trends, but from honest, unguarded moments. Stick around for Mike’s live in-the-mix set, showcasing his signature sound, infectious energy, and undeniable vibe. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist or a dedicated music lover, you’ll be inspired by Mike’s devotion to freedom, authenticity, and leveling up together. 🎧 New episodes drop weekly ✅ Subscribe for bonus content and updates: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571231%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw35ytGlr5VRr5bRW0iktVm3&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577141&usg=AOvVaw1LDJuketnHx5GmxpBaWrNySoundcheckWithBA.Substack.com [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571322%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0uUp1IvS_XINkM62fTY5vW&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577214&usg=AOvVaw3eRiVs6i1MRu8dDGekYRr3] https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571368%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0sGk6GeKSj6DZmK0JK_K88&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577289&usg=AOvVaw2mYa013pHgsnnD3oZsseBE 📩 Contact us: SoundcheckWithBA@gmail.com 📸 Follow on IG: @SoundcheckPod 👑 Hosted by: @MrBrandonAnthony 🎛️ Produced by: @NowInfluencing Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

DJ Josh Peace - The Soul of Underground

In this episode, Brandon sits down with DJ Josh Peace, a trusted selector, longtime LA staple, and one of the most respected names in queer nightlife. With a career that spans decades and dancefloors from Silverlake to DTLA, Josh opens up about returning to the core of what first moved him: house music. From classic late ‘80s and early ‘90s grooves to the regional sounds of Chicago, New York, Baltimore, and Miami, his musical DNA is both expansive and deeply rooted. The conversation explores his evolution as a DJ, his thoughts on genre-blending, and what it means to move through scenes with both reverence and reinvention. Josh reflects on his early days of crate-digging, the communities that shaped him, and why the soul of underground music still hits hardest. Soundcheck is more than a podcast. It’s a celebration of the culture, history, and heart behind the decks. Hit play for a real conversation about legacy, identity, and the music that never lets go. 🎧 New episodes drop weekly ✅ Subscribe for bonus content and updates: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571231%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw35ytGlr5VRr5bRW0iktVm3&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577141&usg=AOvVaw1LDJuketnHx5GmxpBaWrNySoundcheckWithBA.Substack.com [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571322%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0uUp1IvS_XINkM62fTY5vW&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577214&usg=AOvVaw3eRiVs6i1MRu8dDGekYRr3] https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://soundcheckwithba.substack.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1752712682571368%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0sGk6GeKSj6DZmK0JK_K88&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752712682577289&usg=AOvVaw2mYa013pHgsnnD3oZsseBE 📩 Contact us: SoundcheckWithBA@gmail.com 📸 Follow on IG: @SoundcheckPod 👑 Hosted by: @MrBrandonAnthony 🎛️ Produced by: @NowInfluencing Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!