Was it through being brought up in a musical family?

No one in my family is musical, but they all have a deep passion for the music.
I play keyboards, write and arrange. I have no formal training, but years of experience have
helped me paved the way. I forced myself to learn so I wouldn't have to reley on anyone.

Was it through listening to your mother and fathers records,
or discussions as to why they liked?

My father was a electronics repairman and I was always around music and electronics so it was a natural extention for me to get further, involved in something I loved.

If I was influenced by my parents tastes I probably would be Harry Connick Junior, or something like that! They were big on Sinatra and stuff like that!

Who was your musical idol as a child?

Believe it or not, in my grade school book I wrote Elton John!

1. Was it James Brown,Marvin Gaye, Stanley Clarke... 2. The Commodores, Earth Wind and Fire, Fleetwood Mac, etc 3. Or a particular sound...for instances The Sound of Philadephia, Stax, Motown, or the Hiphop Influence. 4. Or was it Rock Influences..

My main influences as a producer today I have to say would be the Philly Sound, Salsoul, and to genralize, Soul/R+B

How did you get into the World of Djing?

One of the tech's at my fathers repair shop back in 1976, got me started. The mixers then didn't even have headphone jacks at that time. It was basically one slide control ( Radio Shack). From there on in I started collecting various tunes of the moment and a few rare pieces that would hold me in good stead along my choosen path. Then I graduated onto the mobile disco circuit within my area.

Around 1981, I became one of the pioneers of the Dj mix show on Radio.Then I join up with the original ,WKTU radio show in New York during 1992. That lasted three years, and then the station changed its format. It eventually became the home of that fuckin nut Howard Stern. It was one of the most exciting times of my life

After this starting point where did you take your
next line of advancement within the world of Djing!

I did the various clubs within New York City. Brookyln, Queens, The Bronx and Long Island.

How did your profession as a Dj/producer come about?

I was an envitable progression to go onto production from there.
Editing was real big in the early dance radio show days.
Mastering it meant that, any other skills such as remixing proved to be more easier to pick up and use.
Since I had the mix show going, record companies were now starting to pay me attention to what I was doing. I was offered remix work upfront because they knew there products would be on air, and exposed to a new market! Some of my first working experiences along these lines lay within working for labels such as Tommy Boy, Next Plateau and Vanguad Records

Has success of within the style of music surprised you?

Yes, but true longievity comes with hit songs and artists.
A stray track or 2 might blow up like the
Bucketheads ,but majors genearally don't take this stuf seriously.

Do you like the playing of Deep House (Jazz Fusion/style of House, but with mellow, melodic overtones) instrumetals.

I love House music that has a feeling and Human emotion as a basis.

Or do you prefer the playing of VOCAL style House music favoured by groups such as Blaze, Smack, David Camacho

I generally go for the vocal orientated stuff, but today clubs can't tolerate it.
Its part of the reason why dance music has a hard time crossing over.
I have to admit though I like alot of pumping tracks too.
Crowds really go off on that shit, but I believe in a balance.

It seems as if New York prefers great Instrumental House tracks whilst New Jersey prefers Vocal tracks.

I think thats a false hood that most Europeans would like to believe, but its not true. It seems as if Europeans would like to safety catergorize their music.

Am I right or am talking nonsense?

Nonsense.

What do you think of the scene within Europe? Is it encouraging, or do we still have a learn from the Americans? This includes djs as well as....producers!

I think its the next best to sliced bread! No, seriously, its Europe that has helped keep dance music alive! Because the state of affairs in the USA, is shitty. For clubs, radio and sales...

Is there any clubs or Djs that you like within Europe , Usa, or in the world generally?

I like Vinyl, Sound Factory Bar both in New York City. I like Ministry of Sound and The Hard Times in England and the East Side in Italy.

There are others I just can't think of on the spot. For instances Dj's such as Tony Humpheries, Little Louie Vega from the Usa, Boris Dglulosh from Germany and Claudio Cocoluto from Italy.
There are so many other talented guys I just can't think or right now!

What is the scene like within America? Is the scene House becomming more acceptable,

Its still very underground, but its recently showing a strong comeback. Hiphop is kind of leveling out about now!

Who do rate withion this vein of this music? Masters of Work, Tony Humpheries, Blaze, 95 North, Frankie Knuckles, Victor Simmonelli, Norman Jay or MK?

The Masters of Work, Todd Terry, Jazz N' Groove, Lee and Andrew, Mousee T, Grant Nelson, Dave Lee, etc

Who do you rate as one for the future? Who should we keep an eye on Europe or the USA. Dj or House music vocal diva?

I think the Usa artists will pull further ahead in innovaation within dance music.
But Europe is certainly not going to let up easy, there are very talented people across the pond!

When are you considering playing across Europe ( if this applies to you )

My next gig is at Pop Komm with Boris Dglulosh in Cologne, Germany. After that Brussels, then Switzerland.

What do you think about countries involment into the music such as France and Germany. What are you views?

I think this is excellant because, they all give their own interpretation of what they think the music should sound like, which helps give it diversity and helps keeps it alive and thriving!

Thanks for your time, Tommy!

Thanks Carl!