Since popping into the scene in 2014, Matt Sherman, better known as Sherm, has been on an unwavering mission to leave a lasting impact on both dance music and the community that fuels its culture.
Known for his high-energy sets, a deep discography of club-ready bangers, and an unshakable authenticity, the Indiana-born, Chicago-based artist has carved a lane of his own while rising as one of the most influential names in electronic music.
While most artists mask themselves behind a moniker, Sherm stays true to himself. The Sherm you see on stage is the same Sherm you’ll meet in real life. As it’s written on his website, there’s “only one Sherm.”
But who is Sherm? To some, he’s a Malört-drinking house DJ from Chicago. To others, he’s the Joe Rogan of EDM, a dedicated A&R on DJ Susan’s record label Hood Politics, or simply a guiding influence for the next generation of artists.
But, as a man of many hats, it’s not one singular aspect of his music career that defines him, but a culmination of it all, intertwined with a dedicated love for basketball, a passion for making real connections, and a constant drive to stay true to oneself while having a damn good time along the way.
Whether he’s ripping sets in Chicago and throwing down at festivals like North Coast, interviewing artists like Levity and Max Styler on his Sherm In The Booth podcast, watching a Pacers game, or turning a bedroom producer into the next Hood Politics artist, it all comes back to one thing: elevating the people, the music, and the culture he believes in.
Following a massive headlining set at Denver’s Larimer Lounge on May 17th, The Daily Frequency caught up with Sherm to talk about the performance, reaching 250 episodes of Sherm In The Booth, his dedication to dance music, and so much more.
Check out our exclusive interview with Sherm below.
DF: Thank you for talking with us! You’re just coming off a massive performance at Larimer Lounge in Denver, which you’ve deemed one of the best sets of your life! What made the night so special?
Sherm: Sometimes you can just feel it in the moment. The track selection, the mixing, the crowd work, the lines on the mic, it all came together. I played songs I’ve never played before, and not one of them missed. Love Denver!
DF: You have such a fun and infectious stage presence! Do you think an artist’s energy on stage has a direct correlation with the energy of the crowd?
Sherm: Yes, people are BEGGING to be entertained, and I don’t think music can deliver the full experience unless you’re giving it your all. It doesn’t have to be done by getting on the mic, but my personality is interaction, and I love making people feel special in the crowd. I can only do so much from the stage, but the people in the crowd are the ones who are spreading the energy on the dance floor.
DF: You’ve become a driving force in the dance scene, not just as a DJ and producer, but also as an A&R and podcast host! How do you manage to balance it all, and what advice would you give to someone who’s starting to feel burnt out?
Sherm: It’s not easy, and each aspect of my life can take a back seat at any given moment. I try not to put the pressure on myself to do it all every single day because you just can’t, you’ll run out of energy. Just prioritize what’s important and do that at your own pace.
DF: On top of Larimer Lounge, you just completed 250 episodes of Sherm In The Booth! How does it feel to reach this incredible milestone, and did you anticipate this kind of long-term success when you started the podcast back in 2016?
Sherm: It feels incredible. The fact that it’s happening 10 years into my music journey feels like perfect timing for me to have clarity on my “why.” I love creating a space and platform for creatives to tell their stories, and there’s nothing I love more than a genuine 1-on-1 conversation about their journey. I learn so much on each episode. Although I always intended to stay consistent, I couldn’t have imagined making it to 250 episodes.
DF: While podcasts are a massive form of media today, back in 2016 they were much more niche, and a podcast focused on dance music was almost unheard of! As an aspiring artist at the time, what inspired you to start a podcast in the first place?
Sherm: It was the best way for me to break into the Chicago scene! I had zero connections as a college EDM DJ coming from Indy. It gave me the chance to meet talented people in the scene outside of the club, which led to friendships, partnerships, opportunities, and so much more. I get so much in return by giving people the space to be themselves.
DF: You’ve interviewed so many incredible artists across those 250 episodes! Would you say speaking to such a wide range of artists has helped shape your own artistic direction?
Sherm: We talk about stories of failure more than success. I’ve learned valuable lessons and avoided darker paths because of my guests’ vulnerability and willingness to share. I’ve also dug deep into discographies and learned firsthand that where you start is certainly not where you finish. Just enjoy the process and have fun.
DF: From the outside, one of the biggest reasons Sherm In The Booth has been so successful is your ability to genuinely connect with the artists you interview. Why do you think you’re able to resonate with them on such a deep level?
Sherm: As opposed to other podcasters, media outlets, and interview-based platforms, I’m in the same boat as these creators. I’m trying to build a career in the music industry and share their feelings of frustration, loneliness, and sometimes regret. It’s also a super small scene, so having a mutual connection or experience helps a lot with establishing trust immediately.
DF: Three of our first-ever interviews at The Daily Frequency were with Flynninho, JWILLI, and Jake Shore, all of whom mentioned you as a major influence in their music careers! What first inspired you to help other artists, especially within the Chicago scene, instead of focusing solely on your own brand?
Sherm: Love those guys! I’ve always been someone who looks to lend a hand because I believe in paying it forward. I’ve had so many people help me along the way for what felt like no reason, but when you have the opportunity to give, you understand that it’s because you see potential. You see purpose. You see someone with aspirations to push themselves and make a difference with their art. It all comes back around in some way. That’s fulfilling to me.
DF: You’ve helped build such a strong sense of community within the Chicago scene. It feels like you all lift each other up instead of competing against one another. How important is it for an artist to find that sense of community?
Sherm: We’re in the Midwest, and that’s just how we do it here! We hold the door open too long, we cover someone’s tab, we invite someone to a pregame we just met, we give someone an opening slot at a club because we have a mutual friend. It’s in our DNA to feed the community in Chicago, and you can find it so quickly here.
DF: As an A&R for Hood Politics, what’s the most important trait you’re looking for in an artist?
Sherm: Someone who gives a f***. Literally, that’s it. Do you show up for yourself day in and day out when no one’s watching? Do you go out of your way to help others even when it might not benefit you? Do you go hard in the studio for YEARS because you love what you do and believe one day it’ll pay off? There’s a ton of talent out there, but not nearly enough people who follow through. That’s what Hood Politics is about, showcasing the underground and giving those people the chance they deserve.
DF: Outside of music, you’re an avid basketball fan! Is there anything you’ve taken from the game that you’ve applied to your music career?
Sherm: I don’t want to say the music industry is competitive in the same way basketball is, but there is a mentality to being an athlete that I think every producer needs. Michael Jordan didn’t make his high school basketball team. Tyrese Haliburton wasn’t scouted in high school. Guys like that believe in their game and know it’s going to take relentless effort to achieve their dreams. Honestly, it’s better if people don’t believe in you at first, it gives you drive and willpower and a chip on your shoulder that’ll take you the distance. No one believed in me or even understood what I was doing coming from where I’m from. Now they do.
DF: Everything you do, from the music you produce to your podcast, to your content on social media, feels uniquely you. How do you stay so authentic in a scene that’s constantly shifting with trends?
Sherm: Find the flow and build a version of yourself that’s still you, but can be marketed. You have to show yourself 360 degrees because people relate to the struggle, the passions, the ups and the downs. Quantity over quality (with a lot of quality sprinkled in), but just try different things and go for it 200%.DF: Lastly, what can fans expect from Sherm for the rest of 2025?
Sherm: More music and leveling up what a Sherm set looks like! I’m leaning into the headliner mentality and want people to come to a show to see me be me. As much as I love opening for amazing artists, I need to focus on building my fanbase and serving them in a way that makes them feel special. I care so much about what I can give people through the way I express myself. Time to fully unlock that!
