Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brooklyn, lived there until I was 13 then moved to Staten Island where I've been trying to establish myself as a DJ/Producer.

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

I was always very big into music since I was little. I started out very young always interested in my older brother and his friends who were wedding & club DJs and since they first put me behind the wheels/decks it hasn't been the same for me. I then pursed into buying and running my own mobile DJ business from when I was 15 until I was 22 , I was constantly DJing every weekend twice a day I would go from wedding to club to work and then venture afterwards to afterhours to hear the likes of Junior Vasquez, Victor Calderone, Danny Tennaglia and Eric Morello. I gave up the party business at 22 (even though the money was great) because that wasn't really where my heart was. It was my love and devotion for music and how it was made... not just how to play it.

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

There are just so many talented mentors out there that it would not be fair to name only one, but if I had to pick some influential DJs/Remixers I would pick Hex Hector, Junior Vasquez, Victor Calderone, Anthony Acid, Danny Tennaglia, Eric Morello, Harry Cho Cho Pauloak, Steve Lawler, Roger S., Pete Tong, DJ Scott, Sasha and Digweed, Carl Cox the list goes on and on...

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

That is a really good question and I have the answer! A good DJ always evolves with his sound I feel there is always a need to progress, forward change is always for the better.

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

Metropolis in Rhode Island, out of all the major hot spots and large venues I have done since my DJ career took off there's always that one club that shines through and in my case Metropolis is that club because the vibe when I play there is nuts and the energy level is retarted. I am now a resident guest DJ there at Metropolis. Also Club Level in Miami I did the party once and hope to be doing it again in the future, the turnout was amazing and the vibe was fierce.

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 take a gig and put 110% effort into making sure I turn it so I get rebooked... and my crowd leaves happy. Usually before the audience can get a chance to request something I might have already played what they wanted to hear or along the same lines of type of gender of music that they were looking for and when you establish a following it gets easier because your crowd knows what to expect from you.

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

No.

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

Hard records that work (not cheesy) tribal records, great vocals and minimal records with a banging vibe. As long as they feel you anything goes. Versatility is the key.

What brought about your decision to begin a production career?

My need to take my love of music to the next level, a higher level you could say.

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

And which track was that? Through alot of sleepless nights and much reading material I tried to keep my head up high. My friends in the business gave me some helpful words when I thought that it wasn't going to work out for me. They told me to stick with it and don't give up and I took there advice and it worked. Keep focused. (First tracks: Ride the Trip, Take Me to the Top.)

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

Production has helped my DJing become more noticable but I look at it like one hand washes the other if I was never a DJ I would not have been able to put together everything to make it complete. You not only need a love for music but you need to have a general sense of direction when arranging a song. Also my DJing career has always been a tremendous influence on how I put my songs together.

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

I don't look at it like that. I try to stay away from the drama, keep my head up high and continue to do what I love best, make music.

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

I hope to eventually make it big in the underground over seas, not just here but in the UK and the rest of the world as well as having some big radio hits under my belt, and of course, I want to do a continuous mix cd of my selection twice a year.

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

I should be getting a web page done shortly and I hope you would post my address so I could be contacted by anyone who has questions about the business or my upcoming gigs. When my page is up and running I will let you know.

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

Stay strong, keep at it for those just starting out and remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Everybody plays the system game stick with what you believe and not what you are told, and you'll have no problem succeeding in this business.... peace, love and music.

interview by Don Daszkowski

photography by Brian Stefanelli