The Boom Box: Shaun Asakura

Inside the Boom Box: Shaun Asakura’s Vision for Creative Autonomy in Denver’s Music Scene

For 15 years, Denver videographer and photographer Shaun Asakura has been behind the lens, capturing everything from sports and weddings to live music and entertainment. But last October, he launched something that’s quickly becoming his signature piece, the Boom Box series.

“It was inspired by On the Radar and series like that,” Shaun explains from his Colorado studio. “I really liked how it kind of forces the viewer to focus on the artist and the song.”

That focus is intentional. Unlike traditional music videos where artists can hide behind B-roll and cutaways, the Boom Box format strips everything away. There’s no distraction; just the artist, the microphone, and the performance.

“I tell artists when they come in, you know when you’re making music videos, you can hide some things in the performance. With videos like the Boom Box, the viewer is forced to watch the artist and focus on the song.”

A Canvas, Not a Cage

What makes the series stand out isn’t just the format, it’s the philosophy behind it. Shaun runs the project completely solo, which he says was a deliberate move after years of bringing other people’s visions to life.

“I’m restricted creatively in doing a lot of those things,” he admits. “I wanted something that I have full control over.”

But interestingly, that control becomes a gift to the artists. Shaun describes the Boom Box as a “canvas” or a “framework” where performers can express themselves freely, whether that means walking onto the set instead of standing still, bringing props, or adding their own movements. It’s a collaborative space where creative autonomy flows both ways.

A Rising Platform

Since its October launch, the series has already drawn artists from beyond Colorado. Touch Much came through from Sacramento. Tay Presents and Its Chess traveled from Mississippi, bringing unforgettable energy and a hilariously memorable post-performance photo shoot featuring “awkward couples photos.” Wyoming’s YO made the trip too.

Shaun notes that the consistent format creates something rare: a level playing field. Viewers become accustomed to the environment like a favorite TV show, and artists have started becoming competitive with one another, pushing each other to elevate their performances.

For new artists who might lack access to videographers, sets, or venues, Shaun sees the Boom Box as an essential resource.

What’s Next: The Lyrical Breakdown

Shaun isn’t stopping with the Boom Box. He’s already developing a new series he hopes to launch by summer; a lyrical breakdown format similar to Genius, but branded in his own unique way.

“I’ve heard so many rappers come through and talk about how badly they’re misunderstood,” he shares. “Especially in a state where it’s very easy to be overlooked. They’re like, ‘No, there’s a lot of substance here.’”

The new series will give artists space to unpack their lyrics, clarify misunderstood bars, and finally let the substance speak for itself.

Find Shaun’s work on YouTube at Shaun Asakura, and follow him on all platforms at @shaunasakura. The Boom Box series lives at boom box mic.