From Chicago to the World: Avi Sic Marks 100 Episodes of Musical Discovery with ‘Late Checkout’

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Avi Sic, the talented DJ and producer behind the acclaimed radio show ‘Late Checkout’, celebrating its 100th episode milestone. With a career spanning over 15 years as a club DJ, Avi Sic’s foray into radio has been a refreshing avenue for her to share her eclectic taste and passion for Electronic music. With top-tier guests on the regular, from Nicky Romero to Don Diablo, Bingo Players, BLOND:ISH, Jack Wins and marking the 100thepisode, The Chainsmokers, this radio show has become a staple for Electronic Dance music lovers across the globe. In this interview, we dive into Avi Sic’s journey, from the inception of ‘Late Checkout’ to the remarkable lineup of guest artists and the creative process behind each episode. Join us as we explore the beats and stories behind one of the most exciting electronic music shows on airwaves today.

Hi Avi Sic, congratulations on 100 episodes of ‘Late Checkout’! How do you feel about reaching such a milestone? 

AMAZING! Thank you, yeah it feels great. Honestly, hard to believe how far I’ve come with this project. I’m proud of myself for sticking with this, it’s something I look forward to every week. I love digging for new music, making the mixes and connecting with so many like- minded artists and listeners. 

Can you take us back to the start and what the initial inspirations were behind creating the radio show?

I wanted to showcase my style, taste, and discoveries on a regular basis. Instead of just releasing a random mix every so often, a weekly show sounded like a great challenge. Creating something consistent and branding it has been a fun experience. I’ve made a career out of being an open format club DJ for the past 15+ years but never had a platform where I could be my authentic self 100 percent of the time. Sometimes, I have to play music that I don’t love in a live setting to please the crowd or the venue. This was an opportunity to put myself first, without rules or limits. The show definitely has a Dance forward vibe, but I’ll play anything – any genre – as long as I connect to it. It’s pretty wild to witness firsthand how universal Electronic music really is. The show is syndicated worldwide on over 60 live stations weekly. The reach has been incredible. 

What have been some of your favorite moments to date on ‘Late Checkout’? 

The guest artists have been a huge highlight of the show for me. Every other week I showcase someone new. They play the first half of the show (usually 30-40 minutes) and then I close it out. The Chainsmokers joined me for my 100th episode which was WILD and Nicky Romero was my 50th episode guest. But even in between those milestones, the talent bar is always high. I seek out a variety of guests from different genres so it’s a totally different show every other week. 

I’ve had mainstage guest sets from Don Diablo, Bingo Players, and Quintino. A Hardstyle set from Mariana Bo and Sikdope. Tech House and Melodic forward mixes from EDX, MOTi, Leftwing:Kody, Wave Wave, Jack Wins, Saffron Stone, Nome., and Mesto. Bass House forward sets from some of my favorite up and comers like Casmalia, Steff Da Campo, and Adrien Toma. Even Ibiza vibes from Blond:ISH and Alar. SKIY brought a Techno set. Just so much variety, truly anything goes. I also make it a point to feature fellow club DJ’s on the rotation. Guys in my circle and other artists I appreciate. I’ve had Rick Wonder, Chachi, Mister Grey, Konflikt, Spryte, Trentino, Danny Diggz, Cream…they all make fire edits and produce original music too. 

Can you give fans an insight into your process for crafting your episodes? How do you approach creating your mixes? 

Once a week I carve out time to listen to new promos. Stuff I’m sent by labels and also by new artists and independents that end up in my inbox. I make a folder of tracks I want to play on the show out of those and also incorporate new mashups, fun SoundCloud edits and more. I try not to play the same track more than twice, so the tracklists remain fresh and exciting. I don’t have a solid plan going into the mix, but I do choose from my shortlisted folder. 

When it comes to the guests on the show, you have had a collection of impressive stars take to the decks; can you share how these features have come about? How do you approach inviting such striking talents onto ‘Late Checkout’? 

Definitely spoke on that above a bit but yes, this year I’m approaching artists that I really dig and vibe with. More artists that make music in the Bass House and Tech House genres like myself. I approach the people I’ve networked with during live shows and from social media, etc. I have Wednzday, Rihannon Roze, LittGloss, NuKey, and Tungevaag & SMACK on deck to take us through the Spring. Many DJs have heard of the show, so it takes less convincing now, which is a great place to be at. It took a lot of building and consistency to get to this point. There is no shortage of talent out there and everyday, I discover new people I want to have on.

Do you have any particularly memorable or funny anecdotes of a time when you were working on the show that you can share with us now?

My cat, her name was Trouble – she was 19 and recently passed. She was always by my side when I’d be making mixes. At the start of every show, I record a live intro and it was never one take because she would be meowing or making so much noise in the background lol. I had to constantly re-record. I really miss that. Maybe I’ll do an outtake reel of those for my 150th haha. A little tribute. 

How would you describe the show to someone who is yet to tune in? 

It’s an Electronic forward show but multi-faceted. Genres don’t matter – as long as the record bangs. I love high energy, dirty bangers, but I’m also a sucker for some easy Melodic House. Funk, Rap, Rock mashups … even a Hardstyle or Dubstep track if it hits the spot.

What keeps you motivated to continue creating episodes? 

I just really enjoy discovering music and more importantly – sharing it. It’s hard to incorporate every track I’m digging because the next day my promo box is full again, but I do my best to choose a variety of music to showcase on a weekly basis. 

Who would be your dream guest star?

Chris Lake. He has such a distinct style, but also has the ability to switch up genres. He creates and mixes totally different sounds which is fitting to the overall mantra of the show. 

What are you hoping to achieve during the next 100 episodes of ‘Late Checkout’?

Ultimately, I’m just happy to have a platform to continue to showcase my favorite songs and artists. I’m always open to discovering music – if you’re a producer you can send me promos via this link on my website https://www.djavisic.com/book. Make it a personal note to better your chances! And of course, tune into new episodes every week. All episodes are available for streaming on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Mixcloud. Tracklists are posted weekly to 1001Tracklists.com also. Check it out here https://li.sten.to/latecheckout.

We wrap up this interview thanking Avi Sic for her time, while also congratulating her for this big milestone reached with her show, with ‘Late Checkout’ reaching its 100th episode, she continues to push boundaries, showcasing her unique style and connecting with listeners worldwide, making of ‘Late Checkout’ a must-listen for Electronic music enthusiasts. Make sure to follow her across social media to remain updated on her latest releases and new episodes of the show.

Avi Sic Online

Website | Soundcloud | Instagram

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