Where did you grow up?

Staten Island, NY.

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

I can't exactly remember when I made the decision to make this my career. It was probably when I realized that I loved what I was doing and I could make a good living from it. You could say it just happened.

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

There have been so many influential people in my life. Of course my family have always been behind me 100% and all of the other producers and Dj's who have helped me and guided me in on my way.

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

I think whenever somebody starts out to become a dj, they listen to a lot of different styles of other dj's and take in all of what they do and combine it and twist it and turn it until they finally develop their own distinct style.

For me, learning how to read a crowd is something very important as a dj. I guess I would have to say that I base my sets on that. Getting a feel for the crowd determines how I will play that night. If I feel the crowd is a little laid back, I'll play a little more groovy or disco house. If I see the crowd is all out nuts, I won't hold back and I'll play all my latest imports.

Then, of course, if the crowd is a bit commercial, I won't hesitate reaching in my bag and pulling out an old vocal classic.

I guess, in essence, my main goal for any night when I dj is just to make the crowd dance and that has never changed.

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

That would have to be my trip to Japan last Thanksgiving. I played in Club Code and the people there were out of control. They were a really fun crowd to play for and it was very motivating. Besides the people on the dance floor, I actually had people asking me to autograph copies of my albums they had bought over there. It just goes to show you how far and wide my music goes. It still amazes me.

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?

As I said before, I always feel my crowd and give them what they want. As far as requests, I'm usually not in a position to take requests at the clubs I play at. It's just not something that's done.

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

Of course there's always that crowd that just isn't into anything. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth and it really gets me frustruated, but as with anything, you take the good with the bad. When you have a crowd that knows their music that is the best.

What do you consider to be the most influential records in both your own style and the scene in general?

I feel records that are original and have their own distinct sound and style are really the ones that influence me most because I really admire the creativity and it just really pushes me to want to do more and expand my sound.

What brought about your decision to begin a production career?

I guess in the beginning it wasn't thought of as a career for me. I really just did it for fun. I had no idea how it could bring me to the next level as far as my career. Being a dj/producer gives you so much more credibility than just being a dj.

What steps did you take when setting out to make your first track?

It was a techno remix of Old Dirty Bastard's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya". A friend and I just sat down in the studio and about 2 hours later we had a track. It was made with just an Atari computer, a sampler and a Mackie 1604 mixing console (those were the days).

Which has had more influence: DJing on your production career, or Production on your DJ career?

Definitely production on my dj career. I've spent so much time and put so much effort into this that djing to me became instantly inferior. I've only recently started really getting back into it. Djing is where I started and it will always remain a passion for me.

What do you feel separates you from the rest, in a city filled with people trying to establish themselves in the Music Industry?

I honestly feel that I have a different style of production. I just have more of an edge, in my opinion. But as for trying to get established in the Music Industry, it's what we all are doing.

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

My main goal is to grow with the music, and to keep up with the ever changing dance music scene. I'm 25 now, and I enjoy what I do so I hope to keep making people dance with my productions and djing. Its one thing to just listen to whats going on in music and copy it, but its really something to be an innovator in the scene and have everyone looking to you to lead the way. That's my goal.

Do you have any upcoming appearances or projects that we should be looking out for?

I'm working on a few tracks now (getting ready for the WMC 2001) and have some remixes in the works. As far as Djing, I'm currently promoting my cd album so we're in the middle of a mini club tour.

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

Thank you... I really want to just thank everyone out there for supporting me. I appreciate all the feedback from my website and all the credit. It means a lot. And don't forget my first full length cd, "In 2 The Future" is in all major record stores now!!!

interview by Jay Matassa

photography by Brian Stefanelli