Meet Shannon DJ Steady B.” Burton | DJ / Remixer / Event Coordinator”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon “DJ Steady B.” Burton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon “DJ Steady B.”, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The biggest decision I made that impacted where I am today and honestly, set the tone for my whole career, was that being a DJ was not going to be just a side gig or a hobby. 25 years ago, I said that being a DJ was going to be my main job and source of income; it would be how I would support myself and my future family. If done well, it would be my legacy! It would not be something I would only give focus to on the weekends. I knew that I was meant to be in the entertainment industry and curating moments through music was my passion so I promised myself that I would devote my energy and focus to strengthening my skills, researching and learning music and business techniques alike, networking, and hustling!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an open format DJ with roots in old school hip hop, house & techno. My wheelhouse of choice would be Ghetto house, Ghettotek, Miami Bass, Baltimore Breaks, Electro, and Juke/Footwork. I take pride in how I program and layout my sets, my ability to know when to call an audible, and feeling comfortable on the microphone. Having good balance and understanding when to be on the mic, scratch, and use effects is important and I feel I have a good handle on that.

I’m definitely proud that I can do my live stream on Tuesdays dedicated to Underground electronic dance music and dj club events or private corporate events in the same week and feel just as comfortable at all three. Even though they are all different event types, when I’m behind the decks, I feel at home no matter the event. I also take pride in working with companies like Austin’s Best DJs, Quiet Events, and Eva, while being a preferred vendor. Having companies and CEO’s have so much faith and confidence in your work as a DJ is a big deal. Along with these agencies, the last few months I have been providing tunes for Spider Mountain Bike Resort here in Texas as well.

After the “bleep” covid years and having major surgeries in 2019-22, 2023 is technically my first full year back without anything slowing down my momentum. In 2015, I relocated to Austin, Texas from Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2016, My Crohn’s disease had really taken full effect over my health. So, Texas hasn’t really had a 100% healthy me! And I’m ready! This year, my focus is getting my calendar booked to where I feel it should be again. To be honest, I haven’t felt this well in years and I’m looking forward to crushing my own goals. I’m not competing with anyone but myself.

Over the years, I have learned to not be busy just to be busy. Being able to be selective on gigs I accept, on my terms, has given me so much peace! It helps me maintain a better balance and I’m able to more appreciate the important things like family, friends, and my health.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I like food, so I take people to spots that I’ve never been either. Texas as a whole has some REALLY GREAT FOOD! I definitely like to hit up spots that I may know the owner, head chef, and for sure non chains. As I’m performing more in HTX I need some recommendations – send them my way!

As far as entertainment goes, we are hitting a gauntlet of clubs that would vary from a normal open format club to a mid-week dive bar that may have some underground electronic music. If Squincy Jones was spinning somewhere, I would definitely go peep him out!

For my outdoorsy friends, I would definitely take them to Spider Mountain Bike Resort. The mountain biking community is so unique and some of the coolest cats around. Even if you’re not a pro, I’d definitely recommend a stop – check out a beginner trail!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For me, family & peers in this industry are a big part of my success. My mother Schaunita Falter-Lett was a major influence in how I started conducting my DJ business in a professional manner when I first started out as a teenager. This is where it all started; the seed was planted and it blossomed into what it is today. Watching her start her own business and watching the things she accomplished was amazing! I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better mother, business & spiritual mentor.

Then, you have fellow DJs and friends like Simon “Prepmode” Gottifriend, DJ Topspeed, DJ Stab, Hugh Jeffner aka DJ Orion, Paul Anthony of Gettoblasters and others that had been in the game that helped bring me up, mentor me and had me tap in to who I was as a DJ back then. I can’t thank them enough and the appreciation will last a lifetime.

Next there are DJs and artists like Cool Hand Lex, Action Jackson, Buck Rodgers, Jarrett Michael, Niko Flores, Edwin Koncept, Kewl Kris Vasquez, Abe The Ambassador Hernandez, and so many more that I met and immediately connected with and have much respect for. Some I even helped mentor which always gives me inspiration. I learn so much when I watch others grow and can be a part of that. Thank you all for being amazing at what you do!

Some of the biggest credits also go to my brothers from another mother, The Rat Pak break crew, who have always kept me grounded and have never been “yes men.” They have always helped keep any type of ego checked. Let me tell anyone reading this, “YOU NEED THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE.” We all grew up in the industry and the majority of us are still involved in each other’s lives in one way or another. A big Shout out to them Coddington boys though!! They can really bring you back to reality! LOL

Last but not least would be my wife, Amanda Burton. Being a DJ wife/partner can be difficult. She’s been through ALL the highs and lows with me, and she is my number one fan. I can not even say enough of what an inspiration she is. When I’m feeling deflated and low on motivation, she is there to boost me up. When I am working too much, she is the first line of defense for my mental and physical heath, which is especially important as I suffer from severe Crohn’s disease. I’m blessed to have someone like her in my life. I love ya boo – you’re my favorite!

Website: www.djsteadyb.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/djsteadyb

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/shannonburtondjsteadyb

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dj_steady_b

Facebook: www.facebook.com/djsteadyb

Other: www.twitch.com/djsteadyb  www.soundcloud.com/djsteadyb

Image Credits
Kris Sanchez Joseph Franklin