She Did It Her Way: The DJ Sundance Interview

DJ Sundance is more than a name in the music industry — she is a movement. As Chicago's first female DJ on all-urban radio, Sundance has broken records and boundaries, becoming a trailblazer for women in hip-hop, radio, and beyond. In this candid interview with Dale & Co. Media, she opens up about her journey, setbacks, victories, and why doing it her way wasn't just a choice — it was a calling.

From Drums to Decks Sundance's musical journey began not behind the turntables, but behind a drum kit. Raised in church and surrounded by music, she developed her rhythm early. She dreamt of becoming a professional drummer, and while life had other plans, the passion never left. Even though she eventually gave her drums away, her love for music never faded — it simply evolved.

Get On Up — and On the Map At just 16, Sundance was featured on the 1989 gold-certified single "Get On Up." Fresh from California and newly arrived in Chicago, she entered a music contest, won it, and caught the attention of Jammi meal to entice Bulu Master to her home, where he discovered her DJ setup. That meeting sparked a mentorship that taught her the technical mastery needed to excel.

Breaking Barriers in Radio Sundance became the first female DJ on all-urban radio in Chicago, holding positions at WGCI, V103, and Soul 106.3 over a span of 26 years. Despite resistance from early program directors who didn’t believe in female DJs, she persisted. Her visibility helped pave the way for other women in the industry, reminding them: "You are standing on my shoulders."

Corporate Gigs and Television Appearances Her influence extended beyond radio. Sundance DJed for brands and appeared on major TV shows like Windy City Live, thanks in part to long-standing friendships and her undeniable talent. Each appearance reinforcen' Jack Starling, who connected her with Fast Eddie. That opportunity catapulted her into the industry and laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic career.

Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Purpose Sundance is no stranger to challenges. After a stint in a homeless shelter and a pivot to cosmetology school, she began to rebuild. But it was a conversation with her grandfather, following surgery, that reignited her musical purpose. He told her: "Whatever it is in life that you want to do, do that... it will haunt you forever." That advice launched her DJ career.

Mentors, Fried Chicken, and Technical Mastery Mentorship played a pivotal role in Sundance's development. She credits DJs like Steve Maestro and Bulu Master for shaping her skills. In a story as soulful as it is strategic, she recalls cooking a fulld her staying power and broadened her audience.

A Moment on Rap City: Tha Basement For Sundance, one of the proudest moments was flying to New York to appear on BET’s "Rap City: Tha Basement." Though the show no longer airs, the experience remains a powerful milestone. As she puts it: "Mama, I made it."

Legacy, Authenticity, and the Future Now a lifetime achievement award recipient from the Core DJs, Sundance continues to be a beacon for authenticity. She speaks out against gimmicks and reminds aspiring DJs that there are no shortcuts: "You can’t cheat the sport." Her core audience is women of all walks of life, and she takes pride in connecting with them genuinely.

Final Words When asked about her legacy, she says: "I did it my way." And it shows. Through resilience, rhythm, and raw talent, DJ Sundance has carved out a space entirely her own. She didn’t wait for permission. She showed up, she stayed in the game, and she did it her way.

Watch the full interview on Dale & Co. Media’s YouTube channel.

To stay connected with DJ Sundance, visit filthyte.com or follow her on social media at @ChicagosTightest.