DJ Kio Kio is someone I’ve been watching for a while, and not just because he’s hot. In the relatively short time that he’s been spinning, his talents and creativity have taken him from Miami Beach to Los Angeles, where he is now one of the most sought out DJs on the West Coast.

I had the chance to catch up with him when he was in town last Sunday spinning at Stingaree.

Rocket: So Kio Kio, how did you get started DJing?

DJ Kio Kio: While living in South Beach, a friend of mine was opening a new nightclub called PUMP afterhours. He already signed Eddie X to the Sunday morning party and needed a resident for Saturday mornings. I had no experience but was practicing a lot. I was already one of the bartenders at the club. I guess to everyone’s surprise I played really well. Well enough to earn a spot at the club for two years.

Rocket: What’s been your most memorable gig to date?

KK: I have two memorable DJ gigs. The first being a recent gig I played in Vancouver at the Commodore nightclub over Pride a couple of weeks ago. Playing to a full club from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. and having the ability to create your own vibe is what DJing is all about to me. The second gig is an island party I played two years ago in Singapore. The experience was unique and the vibe of the party was overwhelming.

Rocket: What’s your dream gig?

KK: I don’t have a specific dream gig. But I do have a dream, and that’s having my own night at an intimate space where hardcore dancers can let loose and enjoy the journey. Having a residency is very important because it’s an outlet where you can be creative and responsible for making others have a good time. Of course, the night would entail a 10-hour journey into twisted house sounds as well as other surprises. This is my dream gig.

Rocket: Who are your influences?

KK: My influences include Danny Tenaglia, Roger Sanchez and Kerri Chandler. All of whom are incredible producers as they are DJs.

Rocket: What characterizes your style?

KK: Factors that characterize my sound are temp, bass and other unique sounds and patterns. My sound has evolved in a way to accommodate those that love to dance, and if you’re like me, moving the hips and shaking the ass are true signs of someone enjoying the music.

Rocket: What are your current favorite remixes and what about them do you like?

KK: There aren’t too many “current” remixes that impress me. I tend to stay loyal to older remixes that I’ve grown fond of. Danny Tenaglia’s “Pleasure Principal” [Janet Jackson], Timo Maas’s “Don’t Make Me Come to Vegas” [Tori Amos] and a white label of David Bowie’s “Lets Dance” are among my favorites. They are all unique and are truly representative of the artist and their sound. They actually fall into my sound as well.

Rocket: What is your all-time favorite remix?

KK: My all-time favorite remix is of course that of my favorite all-time song “Burning” by MK. The Klubbheadz did a remix that brings an afterhours party to its knees.

Rocket: How would you describe the genre of music you play?

KK: I am truly a house head and love all spectrums of house music. Whether it be tech house, deep house or tribal, they all fall into my night at appropriate times. Opening a night is fun because you can set the tone for a real sexy and funky night with a little deep house and then progress to tribal and tech, getting a little more intense as the night moves forward. While moving, taking people on the journey, you get opportunities to drop remixes and bring familiarity to the evening.

Rocket: What are your plans for the future?

KK: Plans for the future include lots of production work. I have a very creative mind and have touched a bit on the producing element. Once I harness that, I’ll be ready for… perhaps a residency of my creation! [Laughs] Getting on or having my own record label is also in the plans. Who knows where all this will take me!

Rocket: Any advice for aspiring DJs?

KK: Stay true to yourself no matter what! If you truly love DJing and playing a specific sound, then do it. Make it work. There is nothing worse than having a passion to do something and it getting killed because of lack of luck, of what people say and money. Find a way to make it happen!

Rocket: How in the hell do you keep up that rock-hard physique and where do you find the time?

KK: My secret to the body is lots of chocolate and plenty of time with the better half.