DJ Feature:
Sunny Cheeba
BIO
Sunny Cheeba is a New York native, fully invested in the community and music scene of the Bronx. Co-operating Uptown Vinyl Supreme, a dj collective dedicated to vinyl records and their playing of, she has thrown a number of memorable dance parties-garnishing a reputation that precedes her. As a local voice and activist in her community, she works in many ways to empower the youth and bring change around her movements-teaching about the history of djing, hip-hop, the Bronx and even gardening. Yes, a secondary passion of Sunny’s is plants, running a community garden near her place that provides fresh produce to locals and a place to escape the city into a bit of nature. Her mixes span all genres, with a natural feeling connection between each track.
@sunnaay
Listen to Sunny Cheeba’s Series Shift all 7” vinyl 45s mix:
Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where are you based now?
I’m from the Bronx, New York where I grew up and still reside. I also acknowledge the fact that I am on stolen Lenapehoking territory.
How long have you been collecting records, djing, etc?
My love affair with collecting records and playing them out began in 2015 so about 6 years.
First record? Gifted or bought?
I purchased my first record from a street vendor on the corner of 161st and Gerard Ave, across the street from Yankee Stadium. It was Angela Bofill’s self titled album Angie. I later found out that she was from the Bronx making that first record very special to me.
What are your favorite spots to go digging and why?
The first shop I started frequenting was Disco-Rama before they shut down. I used to go to the lomography store on West 8th St. to develop my film and Disco-Rama was right across the street. Once I started getting into vinyl I would go there after every film drop off or pick-up and spend hours downstairs listening to records on their really shitty turntable. Most of the time it was only me downstairs digging and I really loved that. In addition, A-1 records is a favorite spot because it is a NY staple. Being around since the 90’s you can probably bump into one of your favorite producers or DJ’s digging for hidden gems. I remember walking in there for the first time and falling in love with the records stapled along their walls and ceiling with the shopkeeper playing abstract instrumentals. You could go there on a budget or ready to spend because they have pretty epic dollar bins. Turntable lab was another favorite because they had such a well curated vinyl selection along with DJ gear. I got a lot of my new 45’s from them. I believe they recently shut down their store in the East Village but still operate online. Besides those shops I would support local street vendors and thrift stores whom you’d be surprised can have some really good stuff for a good price.
Do you find you’re more emotionally attached to a particular record depending on where you got it from?
I never thought about that but I can most definitely resonate. Last February I went to Borinken to ground myself in my family's homeland. I reached out to RadioRed to see if I could play a set while I was out there. They excitedly accepted and invited me to their shop to stream my set. Before going I passed by Old San Juan to bring flowers to Pedro Albizu Campos’s grave. When I arrived at the cemetery it was closed so I ended up climbing over to bring those flowers. When I got to RadioRed I was a bit shaken from that moment and started to browse their 45 selection. I immediately fell in love with the cover of one particular record. It was a black and white photo of a band with the Borinken flag and red splats over the photo. The track I love in particular on the record is “Yankee Go Home”. That record means so much to me because it reminds me of my intentions behind that set. Visiting one of our beloved freedom fighters to playing records in Borinken for the first time.
“I tend to freestyle all of my mixes and sets. My process includes digging through my crate and asking the wax who wants to be played and trying to create a conversation from those records that stand out.”
Can you tell us a little bit about the mix you’ve put together for us (where it was recorded, the vibe, etc.)?
I tend to freestyle all of my mixes and sets. My process includes digging through my crate and asking the wax who wants to be played and trying to create a conversation from those records that stand out. I wanted to start the set off really slow and felt “I’ll erase away your pain” was perfect for how I’ve been feeling. It’s me telling myself don’t change cuz I love you just the way you are. To be honest, this whole set was probably a lover letter to myself and in turn to anyone listening. This is my first recorded mix since healing from a surgery I had back in September. A stella got her groove back kind of vibe.
Top few favorite records to play on the regular?
Jungle Fire - Chalupa
James Brown - Soul Power
Santana ft. Buka - Breaking Down The Door
Kaleta & Super Yamba Band - Mr. Diva
Alicia Myers - I want to thank you
Frankie Cutlas - Puerto Rico
Eddie Palmieri - Spirit of Love
Tell us an interesting story about a 45 in particular.
I have a story about an array of 45’s that happened to fall from the sky. I woke up one morning in January of this year really missing the excitement in finding new records in person. I haven’t gone digging since that trip to PR last year. Would you believe that later that day my roommate came home with a box full of 45’s they found in an abandoned cart down the block from our apartment. I couldn’t believe it! I felt like I manifested them in my life that morning without leaving the comfort of my home and for free 99. I put some of them in the mix.
What has been one of the most memorable sets or parties you’ve played?
One of the most memorable sets I played was a First Saturday at Brooklyn Museum in 2019. I had no idea I was the headliner until they told me the line-up schedule. I started off my set with an honor to Yemaya flowed into some break beats and then climaxed into Afro-beat and world house. The last song I played was “It’s alright, I feel it” by Nuyorican Soul wrapping up my entire sentiments on my journey with music. The lyrics go “ Music in my life has kept me through all of the changes the world has put me through. The feeling that you get has changed me. The power of the room will always see me through. Let nothing block your way, cause this is your day. Stand up and be free is all they got to say. It’s alright, I feel it.” It was also the first time my mom ever witnessed me play live and seeing her in the sea of the audience was so affirming for me.
How do you see the music you play and djing as a whole impacting the broader audience of today’s music listeners?
As a DJ and crate digger I have this analogy that I am an archaeologist of some sorts. Uncovering sounds from the depths of thrift stores and records left on the street. I believe that I bring my listeners through different dimensions with sounds that can come from the 70’s or today. I have never been the Dj that can play top 40 or anything that you can hear the minute you put on the radio. I like to think of my records as a spaceship that allows the listener to boogie through this portal we call life.
What is something you want a listener to walk away from this mix or you playing live and think or feel?
When I was making this mix I really wanted it to feel like a hot toddy on a cold winter today. A virtual hug to remind you that you are doing great. There is so much going on and loving yourself and your process is a radical act. I want people to leave my live sets or mixes feeling liberated from the mental shackles we tend to put ourselves in.
What do you think or what do you hope for the future of vinyl and djs playing records?
You know, part of me has stopped thinking about what the future for Djs look like. What I do hope is that we can continue to use music as a tool for liberation and even education. Music has been stripped from the people in so many ways over the centuries because of the magic it possesses and the power it has to move the people. It is the universal magnetic that transcends time and space. May we never forget that.
“To be honest, this whole set was probably a lover letter to myself and in turn to anyone listening.”
Sunny Cheeba Series Shift Track List:
1. I'll erase away your pain - Whatnauts
2. Goin' out of my head - The Lettermen
3. You're gonna need me - Galaxy Sound Co.
4. Something for nothing - MFSB
5. Sun Goddess - M. White x J. Lind
6. Hearts Desire - D. Blackman
7. The Highest Bidder - Gordon Henderson & U-Convention
8. Do it any way you wanna - Peoples Choice
9. For those who like to groove - Ray Parker Jr & Raydio
10. Keep On - "D" Train
11. Watching You - Slave
12. Wanna be where you are - Zulema
13. Super Soul Sister - Heatwave
14. Soul Power 74 - James Brown, Maceo and the Macks
15. Super bad, Superslick Part 1 - James Brown
16. Lucumi, Macumba, Voodoo - Eddie Palmieri
17. Dolor De Rumba - Carlos Santana, Boika, Ebo Taylor
18. Shakara Oloje - Fela Ransome Kuti & The Africa 70'
19.Tattletale - Antibalas
20. Hungry Man, Angry Man - Kaleta & Super Yamba Band