Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Burton.
Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in the midwest with a mother who loved a large eclectic range of music, a step-father DJ, a brother who was also a DJ, and an Uncle that played multiple instruments that was smooth as whipped butter, it was inevitable I would be influenced by their passion for music. I am not a classically trained musician nor do I know how to play multiple instruments. That was never the case for me, but I LOVE MUSIC! It is who I am and I learned everything from those around me. I remember being a young teenager playing records on my step-father’s turntable while he was at work and breaking a needle from scratching on my first record of UTFO’s Roxanne gifted to me by my brother…. and this is how I started catching the DJ itch!
Going into high school, I recall working odd jobs like mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other things to purchase my first turntable which was a rotary dial pitch-controlled Technics SL 1600 and a Radio Shack Realistic Mixer. My mother, Schaunita Lett, had always introduced me to a wide array of music, but she was an entrepreneur in the making at the time. She’s one of the biggest reasons I do what I do and really had me thinking about the business side of music and how to make it a career! What started out as “just DJing for friends,” became a career I’m still passionate about and LOVE to this day. She would say, “Love what you do and you won’t work a day!”
As high school came to a close, I honed my skills and had the opportunity to visit Germany in 1997 and play several events. It was there that I was introduced to a broader range of electronic dance music and The Love Parade. On my return home, I started infusing my hip-hop roots with electronic dance music which wasn’t much of a thing then. From 1997-2014 I was blessed with many long-term residencies within central Indiana, countless guest DJ sets at festivals, concerts and venues around surrounding states, and performing for international brands and acts.
A few years prior to my move to Texas in 2015, a DJ mentor and friend, Simon “Prepmode” Gottfried, had been trying to persuade me to move to Austin. At the time, I had just accepted a residency at The Vogue Theater in Indianapolis. I’m a firm believer in divine timing and at that time, the timing wasn’t quite right yet. Though, after just a couple of years of those midwest winters, we were ready! My wife and I decided to relocate to Austin to enjoy warmer living and to expand my DJ career in a new region. 2015 was a year of new beginnings – new residencies and a new market to build in. Little did I know, Crohn’s disease and cancer were about to change my life and my fast-paced run and gun approach to my DJ career. In 2016, I was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease which is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the gastrointestinal system. What started out as small things turned into serious health issues that left my doctors baffled. It took 6 years of continuous testing and surgeries before a diagnosis and any sort of true treatment would happen.
By 2016, I’m DJing the local circuit but travel is minimal due to the overwhelming amount of strain on my body. Continuing to build my brand in central Texas I pressed on as my body continued attacking itself, losing half my body weight, and then also finding out of my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Pushing through, I continued building momentum. I became a preferred DJ for companies like Austin’s Best DJ’s & Quiet Events. Quiet Events is a silent disco, where the partygoers are given headphones and have the option to listen to three different DJ’s playing simultaneously, each playing a dedicated genres. The headphones light up in the corresponding color of each DJ and you can change ‘channels’ from your headphones. The DJ’s and fellow partiers can visually see what the other attendees are listening to. This creates a friendly competition of crowd control among the DJ’s and how they interact with the crowd! Quiet Events has blessed me to perform at many events throughout Texas including the Austin’s City Limits Festival 5 years consecutively (minus the bleep year of covid, LOL).
Any time you relocate to a different region as an artist, networking and making strategic moves is key! Perseverance, my love for music, faith/spirituality, and my support system – especially my wife and my mother, may she Rest In Peace (11/17/17) – kept me focused. Being able to establish myself in the Austin nightlife and to continue to progress to the surrounding areas has been a process, one that is growing more organically now that my Crohn’s disease is more manageable. I’ve had the opportunity to spin regularly at such clubs as V nightclub, Chuggin Monkey, Indian Roller, along with iconic meccas like Barcelona and Plush to name a few. I’ve had the opportunity to be an official artist at SXSW through my side project and ACL multiple years. The first 2-3 years were a consistent grind attending clubs and events and supporting my DJ peers and the music scene that is deep in my soul. I managed to do all these things, while the cards seemed stacked against me. I focus on putting positive energy out into the world and I strive to help others. And, of course, no matter the event, have fun and get lost in the moment!
Currently, I host a stream on Twitch on Tuesday evenings at 9pm CST called Beeps, Bleeps & Things (www.twitch.tv/djsteadyb ) which is dedicated primarily to underground electronic dance music. I continue to DJ a diverse array of events throughout central Texas from private events to festivals. I’m just recently coming off of ACL Festival, Liberty Hill Festival, and Halloween at The Belmont with Quiet Events. Going into 2023, we will continue spreading good energy, love, and health through music!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every aspect of life can possibly be a struggle. It’s really how you press through, how you adapt, pivot, and make adjustments. Throughout my career, none of it has been easy. My support system, staying in my faith, staying positive yet realistic, and believing in why I DJ have gotten me through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a professional DJ that works independently with agencies, mobile DJ services, and Quiet Events silent discos. Some would say I’m an open-format DJ. Others say I’m a House music DJ. Some might say a party rocker.
To be honest, to have a single moniker and to be able to do everything from underground electronic music events to a club night, to even a wedding or high-end corporate event, is not common. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had an issue being able to be diverse and chameleon like. I would say for electronic music events, my wheelhouse would be House music. In a club or a silent disco, throwbacks, flashbacks and classics are my lane. Any time music gives me that nostalgic feeling, I feel like I am doing my best.
I am very proud so many moments during my career, but a few key memorable events have been playing for the NFL Super Bowl, NCAA, F1, SXSW, ACL Festival and opening for acts like Snoop Dogg, Mix Master Mike, Marsha Ambrosius, Derrick Carter, and others. They all hold something special for me.
Today, it seems DJing is something everyone is now picking up. But there is a craft and skill to it and it has to be in your soul. It’s not just one thing. I feel I have a complete package of skill from crowd control, engagement on the mic, to track selection. I even add a little extra flare with a scratch or two. There is a time and place for everything and how I curate or program my sets, I believe I do that well.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Houston, see you on New Year’s Eve at The Brass Tap!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djsteadyb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djsteadyb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJSTEADYB
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dj_steady_b
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djsteadyb
- Other: www.twitch.tv/djsteadyb
Image Credits
Joseph Franklin of Studio 77
Navone Ellis of Navonellis.com
