Where did you grow up?

I was born in Jamaica, Queens then moved to NJ where I live now.

When in your life did you realize that DJing was the career that you wished to pursue?

The second I saw my cousin cut up two records! I was about 10-11 years old and my cousin (Desi) was a very big Rave DJ. That Thanksgiving after leaving his house I told my Dad I wanted turntables. I got them that Christmas. There was something about learning how to mix that was very addicting. I come from a musical background, my dad's a musician, my grandfather was a musician, I play the drums and sax, so mixing came very natural for me. When I told my dad I wanted to be a DJ he flipped! He said there's no future in that, but look at me now!

Who has been the most influential person in your life thus far?

My family and my friends play a very big part of who I am today. They really help me by making me work hard and never slack. They keep me on my toes and that's what I need, good people! On a music standpoint... there are 2 DJ's who really turn me out, Victor Calderone and Junior Vasquez. I love the fact that Victor is a straight DJ that play's for the gay community. That's one of my ultimate goals. But Junior really turns me out. When he works his tracks, it's really incredible. No effects...just mixing three turntables, sampling, riding mixes, I could go on and on. But the creativity is what really gets me. Being a DJ is a way to express yourself and your feelings, Junior is the most creative DJ I've heard in a while.

How has your style evolved since you first embarked on your career as a DJ?

When I first started spinning records I spun jungle and breaks. That was the music that was available to me because my cousin started me out. Then when I got a little older I started spinning hip hop. I used to battle and go by the name "A to Z" and play at every hip hop venue there was in NJ. I always loved house music. I kept up on all the latest jams then like Aly-Us, Cajmere, Barbra Tucker, Athea McQeuun everything. So little by little I was getting more house gigs then hip hop. Slowly but surely I just started spinning strictly house music. Then over the years sounds change and I went more towards the progressive end of it.

What has been your favorite venue/crowd to DJ for?

I've been very fortunate and blessed to play at the best clubs that NYC has to offer. I am only twenty two years old and got to play the main floors of Sound Factory, Roxy, Limelight, Webster Hall, Cheetah, Roseland. My favorite crowd to play for is Sound Factory . They were the most reactive crowd I have played for. They scream and chant at every break in the record, there's a ton of energy and it's an unbelievable feeling when you hear a whole club chant "Mendez! Mendez!"

Do you ever interact with your crowd and take suggestions in style or music, or do you rely more on your ability to move the crowd in the direction you choose?

I get that question a lot. I take suggestions, requests, and constructive criticism all the time. It is very important to stay in touch with your crowd. Every time I play, I always put myself mentally in the dance floor and I say to myself... "What do I want to hear." I just try to put together a great sounding and energetic set that I hope all of the people would enjoy.

Have you ever felt that a crowd just didn't get what you were trying to accomplish with your set?

Oh Yeah! It's very hard for me sometimes. I play in New York all the time and I have my weekly residency at Metro Lounge in New Jersey. It's very hard to separate the two because when I play in New York it's balls out. I play whatever I want to play and I know the crowd will have a good time. Making the transition to New Jersey is tough because New Jersey is a very commercial oriented. Sometimes I get a little crazy there and the people sometimes don't get it.

Have you ever considered pursuing a production career?

Yes. I am in the process right now. I am really in no rush to start producing. I'm young, having a great time in my life and I know when the production aspect of my life comes I'll be ready to tackle it head on. Right now I just want to perfect my DJing first. I don't want to DJ half ass and produce half ass. If I were to start producing now that'll be the effort behind it because I'm not ready yet. I'm fine where I am for now, it'll come... mama always said "good things come to those who wait..."

In which direction do you plan to take your DJ career in the future?

I plan on pushing the boundaries of my DJing career. I am always looking to do something different from everyone else. When I get my records I listen to them and I say to myself, "How can I work this record." A lot of DJ's just pancake flip. I don't want to be one of those. I'm not afraid to mix three tables and throw a a capella on CD right in. I want people to say after listening to me, "Did you hear what Mendez did tonight?" I work very hard and love what I do. And all I want to do is give back to everyone who comes and listens to me. Whether there's 5 people in the club or 3000 people...I'm going to try and turn it out.

What, if anything, would you like to change about the New York City nightlife scene?

I'm not going to "playa hate" but I'd really like to see the scene become less drug oriented. Sometimes I feel that people go out just to do drugs. Why can't people go out to do music! We all do our share of going out. Do what you have to do to have a great time, but be smart about it. Drugs took away the best club in New York City, Twilo. I hope that people learn from that and party get smart because it can happen to any club.

Thank you for taking the time to share some information with our users. Are there any parting words you have to offer?

Thank you for having me on this interview it was very fun. I just really want to thank everyone who comes and listens to me play. I try my best and work real hard for you guys. Deep down in my heart it makes me happy that I can make all of you dance, laugh, and have a good time.

interview by Jody Rodd