HUGH LAWTON: First of all, when and how did you first get into the scene, and following that when did you start djing?

DJ COLETTE: Growing up in Chicago, house music was on the radio all the time. Everyone I knew was into this music and by the time I was 16 I was out promoting and singing at parties. It wasn't until I was 20 that I started djing out at clubs.

HUGH LAWTON: What prompted you to start singing over records -- was it a deliberate attempt to do something different from other DJ's or just something that 'happened'?

DJ COLETTE: I used to sing over other DJs and thought it might be easier (and more fun) to sing over myself. It was never about trying to be different as much as it was about having more opportunities to sing.

HUGH LAWTON: How do you feel this industry has changed over the past few years -- could it possibly, for you, be moving back 'underground'?

DJ COLETTE: I don't think so. In the States dance music is popping up everywhere in the mainstream for the first time. The underground will always exist, but right now I think so many DJs want their music to crossover.

HUGH LAWTON: A lot of young people have jumped on the 'I wanna be a DJ' bandwagon -- what, for you, makes a good DJ?

DJ COLETTE: Someone who loves playing records for the pure enjoyment of it and not all the hype.

HUGH LAWTON: You've released some material of your own over the years, percentage-wise how important is producing to you versus djing?

DJ COLETTE: The studio work and the djing go hand in hand. I think performing live influences what I record in the studio, while working in the studio pushes me to be a better performer(dj). Djing gives instant gratification (which is always fun) but working in the studio allows you the time and freedom to make something exactly as you'd imagined.

HUGH LAWTON: Did you have any formal musical education as a child? If so, how beneficial was it to you?

DJ COLETTE: I studied classical voice for about seven years growing up. The most important thing I learned was how to keep my voice in good shape.

HUGH LAWTON: You've got a busy schedule, and you obviously have to look after your voice. Do you still allow yourself to let your hair down much after your gigs?!

DJ COLETTE: Sometimes! It really depends. I usually like to hang out before I play, so when I'm finished I'm almost always ready to sleep.

HUGH LAWTON: There aren't THAT many female DJ's out there compared to male DJ's. Why do you think this is, and have you ever experienced prejudice towards women in the industry?

DJ COLETTE: When I first started out I would definitely get comments like "your good for a girl." I think so many more women are playing now that it's all becoming quite irrelevant.

HUGH LAWTON: What advice do you have for young people trying to get into Djing and Production?

DJ COLETTE: Don't be lazy! The more time you spend with your craft, the closer you'll be to producing what you want. Don't be discouraged if it takes longer than you thought.

HUGH LAWTON: You spend a lot of time touring. How does this affect your personal life?

DJ COLETTE: Almost all my friends do what I do, so luckily we all have the same weird schedule. Monday night is the only night that I really have to go out.

HUGH LAWTON: Whats in store for Colette in the future?

DJ COLETTE: What do you aim to have achieved in, say, five years? That is always such a tough question. I hope to be making music. It's a lifelong continuing goal.

HUGH LAWTON: Finally, are you looking forward to your gig in Dublin, and have you been here before?

DJ COLETTE: I'm so excited to come to Dublin. I heard nothing but great things. It's my first time ever to Ireland. Thanks!