Sherm Talks ‘Standing Ovation, Sherm In The Booth, ADE And Hood Politics Records
Matt Sherman, better known as Sherm, has never stopped in his never-ending mission to create energetic, authentic and uncompromising Sherm music since its inception in 2014. Sherman is more than just a taster: he hosts a podcast series called Sherm in the Booth. He moderated a panel discussion at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) and worked in A&R at Hood Politics Records. He's definitely established himself as a multi-faceted creator, staying on top of the world's hottest trends and helping to influence what's next in dance music.
On Friday, December 15, the artist once again showcased his production skills with the release of Standing Ovation, an album co-produced with Chris Diaz and distributed through Candy Flip Records.
The song features a cool bass line, gliding and shimmering synths, a haunting build, a nice drop, a haunting yet impenetrable high line, and rolling drums. Warming House is definitely a club for those who like to have fun on the dance floor.
According to Sherman, he originally wrote the song in his spare time, experimenting with different sounds, before deciding to put it aside for a while. He said sometimes that's what producers want to do because they can come back with a "fresh ear." He then sent the song to Diaz for feedback and to see if Sherman didn't hear anything.
"For me, sometimes the funnest part of working together is when you think the song is done, but you send it to someone else who says, 'I know exactly what I need to do to take it from A to A+ or even over 100.' ..% Sherman said. “If you know me and Chris from our music, you can hear a perfect 50/50 mix of our styles. Chris is very melodic and you can hear that in some of the chords and synths he uses. I'm definitely more focused on groove percussion because my roots are here in house music. We both like to pump up the crowd, so the chant was "Put your hands in the air." We recently played live together in Amsterdam and it was great because the audience reacted the way we expected, which was a standing ovation.'
"Standing Ovation" was released on Candy Flip Records. Imprint is a highly respected international label with a strong presence in South America and Europe. Sherm added that the song not only has an American sound, but also an international style, due to the different instruments used by the two artists. Additionally, the single captures the well-known Chicago techno house underground sound, as the song combines his vocals with Diaz's, which is part of Chicago's history and is well-known in the city today.
Sherman often pays homage to his Chicago roots with more than a standing ovation. The sound engineer has lived in the Windy City for eight years, six blocks from The Warehouse. This place is notable because the iconic club was home to Frankie Knuckles, also known as the "Godfather of House Music". Sherm says he listened to house music for years, and it influenced him, gave him experience. Classical house music, he says, evokes a nostalgia for the early days. His goal is to create music that "takes you where you want to go", offering an experience to both listeners and viewers. Working in the famous Illinois city, from a six-hour show to 5,000 people in front of Armin van Buuren, his music remains loyal to the city that helped define his style.
"I always pay homage to Chicago, definitely with my sound," Sherman said. "Now the sound has evolved a lot since the 80s, but when I don't necessarily think about the sonic identity of house music, but more about the message and the feelings and the energy that goes with my music, you can close your eyes and go wherever you want."
The singer continues to inspire people to learn more about dance music by talking with other influential artists on his Sherm in the Booth podcast. He gave the show for more than seven years, with more than 200 episodes. Sherm in the Booth was originally created as a way to connect with other Chicago DJs, learn more about their music and creative processes, and build your own network in the music world. He then began interviewing more famous artists, especially during the adjustment period, as the pandemic caused a hiatus in his tour. So he's making bigger calls, including talking to producers like Westend, CID, HoneyLuv and Max Styler, who he says are "very cool at the moment". He says he chooses his guests based on who he's interested in getting to know, whether it's because he's a fan of their music, their message, their brand, or who they are as a person outside of music. Although he has interviewed impressive names, the podcast is "never about how big you are or how many views we can get on YouTube." It is important to build individual relationships that resonate with him, allowing him to befriend many of his guests.
"I'm sure what we're talking about is really accurate and not very balanced because I'm an artist who always wants to evolve," Sherman said. “I'm also someone who is very interested in the music industry and its ins and outs. I almost had an out of body experience. When I listen to this [podcast], what do I want to make sure I get out of it?
Beatmaker's "The Tech/House Scene in the US: What's in It for You?" he offered a panel and performance at this year's ADE. Tech house is a subgenre of house music that combines elements of techno and house with the use of melodic synthesizers, vocal sounds, steady rhythms and bass lines. Fisher, John Summit, Solardo and Green Velvet are some examples of today's tech houses. Moderated by Sherman and featuring Case, DJ Susan and Carissa Schloss, the panel explored how to start a relationship with a US label, grow a following, host a successful event and develop a profitable US relationship. The discussion focused on how foreign labels and artists can capitalize on the growing techno/house market.
"Some of the biggest tips were how to get a show in the US, how to do it with a label and how to build relationships," Sherman said. "I want to make sure people get real, tangible information and next steps on how to enter the US and position themselves in the local tech market."
In addition, many local broadcasters also credited Sherman for helping them get opportunities at prestigious clubs and getting them noticed by Hood Politics, where he was an A&R. The artist said he likes to "give back" to the music world and "pay it forward" when people helped him when he started his music career. Some of the ways I can help aspiring artists is by talking on the phone, doing something as simple as having a beer with them, giving them advice on their brand, and connecting them with people who can help. them and vice versa. . .
"I started somewhere, like many artists, and I still have a long way to go, but there are many people who have paved the way for me, who have given me good advice and who have given me opportunities. I've been fortunate enough to put myself in a situation where I've had a platform, whether it's through a podcast, booking someone or booking them on Hood Politics, all the things that have changed as I've grown," he said. It's very important to me to bring the next generation."
In fact, Sherman immersed himself in the scene, positioning himself as one of the most influential pillars of dance music. But underneath it all is one key word that can be used to describe his sound: relentless.
"When I became an artist nine years ago and started creating my own music and shows, I realized it was just a pity. That's why I chose Sherm," he said. "I don't have a nickname, no mask, nothing. I'm the person you know as an artist and a person, and it really fits. This is my motivation because I believe this is what will take you far. If you love what you do, be yourself and have fun doing it, then it will last you a lifetime. But if you're trying to be something you're not, time is limited.'
