Do you turn down a lot of projects with the overabundance of offers you are receiving?

I don't turn down nothin' but my collar. I'm a working man so whatever comes my way, if the price is right, let's make a deal.

The sound of a lot of your work seems to be heavily New York influenced. Is that the case?

I'm influenced by a lot of people. There is a NY influence. The people that listen to me really inspire me to do what I do. I'm just trying to give back. I try and keep it versatile and appeal to everyone. There are a lot of different minds out there and everyone likes something different.

You recently played at DEEP in LA. How did the show go?

Wonderful experience! Getting that gig alone just comes from hard work. Good crowd, a bit different from Chicago. I appreciate them even bringing me out. The people there appreciate the music.

What other noteworthy gigs have you played recently?

I had a South African tour a few months ago. I also played in Napoli, Italy and Greece the end of last year. I should be going back that way in April for a few more shows. I like to play 3 gigs a month. I don't like to do too many and stretch it. I love Chicago; I like to be at home. It gives me time to produce more music.

Anything you don't like about Chicago?

[laughs] Are you asking me this question for real? I'm pleading the Fifth! That's the question I didn't want to answer! How about what I do like?

OK, keep it positive!

I like that there are a lot good artists here. There are artists that have the potential to grow, but I think they lack the dedication and experience. They may have made a few records but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone knows them.

I like the city. Everyone plays their own role with what's going on in the scene. I think a lot of people sell themselves short because they don't have people backing them and the motivational skills to work hard. They figure they make a track and they're good. In this industry, dedication is key. That's the only way you're going to get where you want to be. Some people have beer skills on a champagne attitude. I just think a lot of DJs need to step their game up. Think big, think outside the circle. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing or how someone else made a track. Who cares!? Just worry about you and build your craft and who you are.

As far as what I really don't like about here? The weather sucks! It kills the motivation of people to come out and support the nights. People need to support Chicago artists - when a DJ is playing, show love. He's there to do a job and entertain you and give something back to his city, but people are disinterested and act like they don't care. But if you had a DJ from out of town like Louie Vega they'd be roaring like a lion. You need to support the upcoming DJs because they'll be the next ones carrying the torch. There's a good chance they're going to another city and packing the house but here you can't get 15 people to show love.

Upcoming projects?

I have a remix coming out for Ursula Rucker called Journey's Prelude and it will be out in April on Vega Records. I just remixed Luisito Quintero as well and have some more projects in the works with him.

With all the stuff I have stockpiled, it's enough releases to hold me over for about a year. It's about 14 projects. Right now I'm really trying to focus on marketing my career. It's hard to do both at the same time. My current agent is Connected Music, and they've been helping me out a lot. I have 3 gigs through them in March as well as a tour in South Africa in May.