It’s hard to figure out how a farm kid who grew up on a ranch in Yuba City ended up spinning dance music in clubs all over. Maybe it was the first time he went to a dance club back in 1985? Or maybe it was when he first heard a DJ play two songs and was amazed that he couldn’t tell when one ended and the other began?

That kid from the sticks is veteran DJ Jon Williams, who is a master at reading the crowd and playing adeptly to their needs, keeping them happy and moving. If you haven’t heard him at one of his regular nights at Bacchus House, catch him there Saturday, Oct. 7.

Rocket: How did you get started DJing more than 20 years ago?

DJ Jon Williams: By accident, actually. I was working in a restaurant/nightclub and the DJ didn’t show. I said I could fill in, ran home and grabbed all the songs I had started buying. The first real gig was an 18-plus club in Sacramento that I worked my way into when I was 17. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I was in awe of hearing a dance club for the first time; music that blended together. I was hooked.

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

JW: I think out-of-town gigs are memorable in their own sense. It’s great to go somewhere new and hopefully bring the same with the music. But my gig with Barry Harris of Thunderpuss at Six Flags Gay Day really stands out. To work with someone I respected so much along with a massive crowd was mind-blowing. Start to finish was nonstop adrenaline. Also, the first time I DJ’d the Faces (Sacramento) Nightclub float on the back of a 55-foot semi truck in the S.F. Pride parade; hundreds of thousands of people in the same frame of mind, having fun and being themselves. I remember getting off the float and riding that high for a while.

Rocket: What’s your dream gig?

JW: Having my own nightclub someday. Not just to DJ, but the overall feel of creating a space that people enjoy. The next step I want to pursue is production work and remixing. Oh, and to appear as myself DJing in an episode of “Family Guy.”

Rocket: Who are your influences?

JW: Who isn’t? I can see things in everyone I hear during their sets that pushes me to drive harder. Ralphi Rosario, Paulo, Wayne G., Danny Tenaglia, Eddie X, Tony Moran, Chus & Ceballos, Tracy Young, De Leon, Peter Rauhofer [and] Victor Calderone, for example. I like to learn everything I can. While the styles of each are different, the message is the same in the music. The list is too long. But I can’t leave out my mom for instilling in me a love of life.

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

JW: I love progressive house, along with tribal and vocals. Plus, I’m a sucker for classic house tracks.

Rocket: What is it about your sound that sets you apart from other DJs?

JW: I like to start out light, take it harder, darker and deeper, then bring it full circle back to the beginning. Being able to shake up the course of the night by dropping in a few older classics or a new song I’m dying to see the reaction of the crowd [to] is a blast, too. I love it when I can sneak up on the crowd with something that just sends them over the edge. I like to think my style is my own, a little bit of everything that just fits the puzzle.

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

JW: Right now, I’m digging anything Freemasons. Their sound is very unique and such a classic house vibe. Song-wise, I love “Turn It Up (Peter Rauhofer Mix)” by Paris Hilton, “F*cking Boyfriend (Ralphi Rosario & Jody Den Broeder Mix)” by The Bird and the Bee, “Sim City (Chus & Ceballos Mix)” by Against the Grain, “Just Drums” by Peter Presta, “Sexy Dirty (Kobbe & Leeds Mix)” by Terranova and “Every Single Sound (Paulo’s 4am Tribal Mix)” by DJ Paulo.

Rocket: What is your all-time favorite remix?

JW: “High” by Lighthouse Family has been my closing song for many years. Everything about it is beautiful to me; the lyrics, arrangement and the feeling that it gives me. It has such a powerful message at the same time and it’s just simply put. Live your life, achieve what you can and make the most out of it. If you have heard the original album version, you can also see the excellent production that went into this song. I have wonderful memories of dancing to it the first time and feeling free, like everything falls into place.

Rocket: Who are some artists to look out for?

JW: Music-wise, I’m loving Pleasure Center, Spekrfreks, Katherine Ellis and Starkillerz. As far as DJs, DJ VanCronkhite (Atlanta) and Alexander (L.A.) are a couple to watch for headlining major events in the next year, I think. Thanks to the Internet, a lot of underground remixers have been popping up that hopefully will get the exposure to record labels for their productions: Ander Standing, Edson Pride and DJ Ranny, for example.

Rocket: What do you think of the current state of clubbing in San Diego?

JW: I think it’s great. Every club brings a different choice to the table. While music styles change fast, you have such a variety to choose from. With Bacchus House, I love the fact that we push to bring in some of the most talented top DJs on the circuit today. In a smaller club setting, the intimacy with them and the music is outstanding. Getting to work with them when they are in town is a dream, blessing and rush also. You can hear their skills and technique on their CDs and remixes, but to watch them work live is a whole other level.

Rocket: How do you split your time between San Diego and Sacramento?

JW: I’ve been doing the weekly flights for about three years now, and while I’m not a good flyer, I’ve gotten much better. My schedule is pretty set, so I can plan on downtime to relax and enjoy the things I’ve worked hard for.

Rocket: Any advice for aspiring DJs?

JW: Believe in yourself and never look back. Put your feelings and emotions into it. Learn and listen. Take advice and use it to your advantage. And never forget to enjoy yourself. The love of music is a passion that drives me. But never forget what takes you along the path. The sky is the only limit between you and the crowd, so reach for it every night.