A Candid Interview with DJ and Musician Brian Henry

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – In the ever-evolving landscape of Virginia's local music scene, few voices carry as much authenticity and insight as Brian Henry, known to many as Sober the dj or Dj Sober. Both a disk jokey and an aspiring musician, Henry has become an increasingly familiar name in the underground R&B and hip-hop communities across Virginia, navigating the complex dynamics of local music scenes in cities like Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. In an exclusive interview, he sheds light on the challenges and step-by-step wins of making it in this unique environment.

Brian Henry paints a picture of a divided music scene, where geographical boundaries within the state create distinct, almost insular musical communities.

"Virginia is another beast entirely," he says, describing the lack of cohesion between the music scenes of Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. "These pools of artists don’t really mix.  Making yourself known in Norfolk when you're from Va. Beach is like starting from scratch, just like you would in a completely new city."

This fragmentation has led Henry to wear multiple hats in the industry. Beyond DJing, he writes and performs his music, believing in the power of versatility to bridge these separate worlds. He's lent his DJ skills to a variety of  events, from D.C. to Richmond to Norfolk, aiming to shine a spotlight on local talent and foster networking  opportunities.

Sober's manager and friend, known as 'Product' or ‘Prduct', echoes this sentiment.

"When I see an artist putting out productive energy, I can't look away," he states. He views his role as a facilitator, building bridges and securing opportunities for artists to  connect and collaborate. His philosophy is one of action and unity: "If I can help build a bridge, I'll build a bridge."

During the filming of his soon-to-release music video, Henry discusses his dual identity as both a DJ and a musician, revealing a thoughtful perspective on his career and aspirations.

"The DJ is here to entertain the world. Sober the musician is here to tell you what Brian is thinking," he explains. This  dichotomy allows him to navigate different spaces within the music industry while staying true to his vision. "I push forward confidently because I feel connected to where I am going. I don’t just believe in where I’m going; I know it."

With a quick glimpse at @Soberthedj’s Instagram profile, we get the sense that there is a tremendous amount going on and that Brian is most definitely involved. What isn’t very evident however is that dichotomy that he mentioned. A part of him seems to go without mention with one recent exception which speaks to his perseverance and adaptability. Scrolling down to a recent post on November 11th, 2023, we get to see a single photo  of Specialist Brian Henry in military uniform posted for Veterans Day. In the description of this little portal to another time, Sober explains that he has “lived a lot of lives” in his 30 years on this earth and that serving his country was one of them.

Regarding Sober’s potential, Product says, “he truly is a talented guy and he's putting in work, doing what he loves. In the local music in scene, where there is always some type of hurdle and everyone is doing their own thing, what’s needed is collaboration and commitment. I’m committed to guys like this who are wiling to not  simply be participants and observers but also shapers. That’s how things change.” From high-visibility events such as the ‘Something in the Water’ performances to NAACP sponsored Soul Festivals, DJ Sober is often present.

As the Virginia music scene continues to evolve, Brian Henry is clearly a name to watch as he remains engaged in the community, moving confidently towards a future he’s not just envisioned but is actively creating.

For more information, contact James E Walker IV at Icon Paradigm Media.