To make it in the cutting-edge world of club DJs and remixers you have to be versatile, innovative and adaptable. If you’ve been keeping up with the global club scene, then chances are your ears have feasted on the potent blends of dance, house and tribal rhythms served up by the hard-hitting, Miami-based Tracy Young.

Additionally, the energetic and wildly creative Young has worked her magic on a repertoire of remixes. As one of a handful of accomplished remixers in the world, she has infused her signature style into the Latin rhythms of Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan and Shakira, the eclectic sounds of the Pet Shop Boys and Simply Red, and has put a fierce dance spin on icons such as Christina Aguilera, Stevie Nicks, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, administering a musical symphony to the latter’s hit “Music” that Billboard Magazine called “an emotional masterpiece.”

Young’s path to becoming one of the first successful female DJs in the industry began in her hometown of Washington, D.C., while attending the University of Maryland. Her developing sound, at the time a unique blend of hip-hop, funk and old school, launched her as one of the hottest DJs in D.C. and landed her a mix-show on the “Donnie Simpson Morning Show.” In 1998, she relocated to Miami to work with Interscope Records and explore the booming music scene in South Beach.

Her musical tastes and styles continued to evolve, but her career turned the corner when she met club impresario Ingrid Casares and landed a residency at legendary South Beach club Liquid. Through respect, mutual admiration and a lasting friendship, Young and Casares developed a working relationship that allowed Tracy to deliver the beat and bring the house down for events, including parties for Lenny Kravitz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Ricky Martin, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Russell Simmons, Cher and numerous others. One such event, a millennium party attended by Madonna, would prove quite fateful. Madonna was so impressed with Young that she asked her to spin at her movie premiere for The Next Best Thing in New York and her CD release party for Music in L.A., and bestowed upon Young the honor of playing for her and Guy Ritchie’s wedding reception in Scotland.

Exposure to the pop idol enabled Young to get a shot at her first high-profile remix: the first single off Madonna’s album of the same name, Music. The track was an amazing success. She immediately followed that achievement with three more remixes for Madonna, including the “Greatest Hits Volume 2 Megamix.” With her artistic career in full swing, Young began to develop her true passion of remixing and producing music.

In addition to developing innovative material for her new label, Young has most recently completed a remix of the classical aria “Addio del Passato” from Verdi’s opera La Traviata, remixes of Madonna’s “Nothing Fails,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Walk On By” and a revamped version of INXS’ hit “New Sensation.” On the club front, Young kicked off the new year by playing to a packed crowd at Miami’s renowned Crobar on New Year’s Day, a gig that has already become something of a legend in club circles. When this talented artist isn’t in the studio, a live radio show on Miami’s Party 93.1 dance music channel and residencies at New York City’s Roxy and Miami’s Space keep her busy.

I had the opportunity to ask Young a few questions about her wildly successful career and upcoming San Diego appearance this Saturday, Oct. 14, at Bacchus House.

Rocket: How did you get into DJing?

Tracy Young: While working at WPGC radio station in Washington, D.C. I would try and submit tapes to nightclubs in the early ’90s and nobody believed that I was a DJ because I am a woman. Then I heard that a local radio station was looking for a female DJ because they thought it was something different, and I got the job.

Rocket: Who are your musical influences?

TY: John Lennon, Prince and Stevie Nicks.

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

TY: It’s hard to pick one. Cyndi Lauper sang at my 32nd birthday, which was such a thrill. But if I had to pick one, Madonna’s wedding reception is definitely in my top because it was such an honor to have her trust me with such a special day.

Rocket: What’s your dream gig and why?

TY I would love to play more in Europe. That is a goal I would like to achieve. I feel I have achieved a lot of my personal goals, which means I just have to make new ones.

Rocket: Is there anything about the San Diego crowd that you find distinctive?

TY: I am looking forward to coming back to San Diego and playing. Although it’s been a long time since I have played there, I remember the crowd liking a good mixture of uplifting vocals and beats. I am very excited to be back.

Rocket: How did you get into production and remixing?

TY: When I was working at WPGC, I would go and hang out in the DJs’ studios who were already producing. It all started there in the early ’90s, and then I took some classes at a local engineering school in D.C. From that point it evolved.

Rocket: What has been your favorite remix project and what made it so?

TY: They are all my favorite. I honestly can’t pick one. I would have to say “Lay Down” by Abigail is one of my current favorites and “Fly Like a Bird” by Mariah Carey.

Rocket: What is your all-time favorite remix and why? What’s your current favorite?

TY: It’s so hard to pick just one, but I love “Someone to Hold.” It’s timeless, and Johnny Vicious is brilliant. I also love Peter Rauhofer’s older stuff, like “Hurt so Bad.” Also timeless.

For more information about Tracy Young, visit her Web site online at www.tracyyoung.com. Be sure to check Young out at Bacchus House Oct. 14, and get reduced cover before midnight.