How did you start DJing? When did you start?

when i was at uni my friends bought crappy decks and learnt to mix happy hard core in our garage but even though i'd always wanted to dj, it just wasn't the right time for me to get into it, and i wasn't into the music. when we got campus radio at uni i did a couple of weekly radio shows with friends which was great because i could put some of my music to use finally. in 1999 i started going to latin clubs most nights. i loved the music so much and i was so inspired by one of the djs, who was so energtic and creative and would mix traditional latin and house with such passion. that i was hooked. i decided i wanted to be the first female latin house dj in australia, ignored what an expensive hobby buying records and djing is and just bought the decks in may 2002. through DJ friends i got my first gigs in november that year and subsequently scored a radio show 'The J-Spot' on Bondi FM and it's just grown from there

How did you get your first gig and where was it?

My first couple of gigs were at Minc Lounge in the club and for some of their private parties. I knew the promotor from when I used to go dancing there on latin nights plus my then-boyfriend was djing there

What makes a good DJ?

i'm really into mixing so i think that's important. so is passion, energy and creativity. you've always gotta do something a bit different and interesting cause there are so many djs out there. people can be technically good but i think it matters too that you play music you're passionate about or it doesn't produce the same feeling

What makes you a good DJ?

i am more diverse than just playing every hit under the sun. i put a lot of emphasis on the music flow and the mixing and i play stuff a bit different to others if i can. my music is sexy and uplifting- mostly quite summery- which makes people feel good and outgoing rather than introspective

Who inspires you in the local industry and why?

Jools for his candour, instinct, feeling and commitment to underground house, Dante Rivera for his unflailing passion, energy and creativity with his music, and Illya for his craziness behind the decks

Who is the best DJ/artist in the world and why?

I used to really like erick Morillo. now the music he plays is too hard for me but as a dj i still admire him...he's seamless. Louie Vega is probably the best for me. his music has more soul and live elements which i love and he is both an amazing dj AND producer

What makes you different from other DJs?

the house i play has lot of real latin in it. I'm probably the only DJ in sydney who has samba'd in a sequined brazilian bikini and headdress

Why do you DJ?

because i love music and good mixing turns me on.

What is your DJing goal?

To be an International DJ and to really make it my career. at the moment i'm part time but i'm getting there. I'm spending this summer DJing in Europe and Ibiza for the season. I've been wanting to do it for the last couple of years so I'm excited. This time i'm paying for the flights but next time...

What are your regular gigs at the moment?

Bungalow 8, The Civic, The Steine Thursdays and Downtown@Deck Bar (monthly). I also do my radio show 'The J-Spot' every Thursday 4 -6pm on Bondifm

Do you have an Internet site / Homepage?

No. (how about http://www.thefunkyway.com/dj/babyj/index.htm? -Ed.)

What is the best venue that you've played at and what made it a good venue?

In Sydney it would be YU. It's got a decent sound system and a comfortable booth. the crowd really got into the music which is great. F4 in Melbourne is a great little club with a good set-up and funky, music-loving crowd, same with Yum Yum (Melbourne) and The Embassy in Townsville

What is the worst DJing moment that you've had?

warmimg up for the DJ who inspired me to start mixing and playing one of the worse sets and not leaving him a dancefloor (admittedly the joint was on the quiet side to start with)

What is best venue you've been to as a patron and what made it great?

Crobar in Miami would be the best based on the venue itself. The sound system was unbelievable, the design, lighting. Incredible.

but for fondest memories my favourite club will always be BJs because the latin music was incredible and it was always packed and everyone having so much fun every week. i would dance for 5 hours straight. Sweat dripping from the ceiling is the sign of a good time! The lighting and decor were terrible but it didn't seem to matter. I always left with my ears ringing...but happy.

How do you find new music?

mostly looking in record stores. i receive emails with charts from some dj/producers/labels i like so i always check out that stuff

What are your fave tracks at the moment? (top 5)

Something (To Make You Feel All Right)- Silosonic- Lowered

Back in My Life - Chuck Love feat Fourfeet - Salted

Slippery Heights – Asad Rizvi – Soco Audio

Kalakuta – Pepe Link - MoreHouse

Clap Yo Feet (Paul & Scott’s Freakin remix) – Lavish Habits - Select

What do you do when you're not Djing?

teach Salsa dancing. Buy records. listen to music, do crosswords

What is the most important thing that you've ever done?

followed my dreams.

You're about to head to Europe for 6 Months, it is your first venture over seas as a DJ? Where are you heading?

yes first time. I've got gigs in Hong Kong, London, Paris and Barcelona and then I go to ibiza for the entire season to dj. will stop in Italy and Thailand on the way home in sept/oct.

What does 'funky' mean to you?

time to move my hips