WPGU'S Kim Nguyen caught up with DJ Elise. This is what she had to say:

1.) How long have you been interested in becoming a DJ? Also, what inspired you to become one?

I can’t really set a number on how long I was interested in becoming a dj, but I do know that I have been very interested with working with music since I was in fourth grade. Basically what inspired me to become a part of the DJing community was just buying records and hearing different ways of blending them. I felt that I could do that with what I already know and have (records) and do something different to stand out from everyone else. I’m not trying to say I’m great or sooo special, but I don’t want to follow any other musician’s path. Music speaks the soul, and so far I only understand my soul.

Another inspiration came when I would go to Chicago and see some pretty big named Djs at the time play. I would see their energy being poured into the crowed, and them feeding off of the crowd. I knew that that was what I needed. I needed to feel that freedom.

2.) Are there any particular DJs that have influenced you?

Definitely there are a few names I can recall like Mark Farina, DJ CAM, Miguel MIgs, etc, etc. Yet the only one that stands out to me is the ones that can change a mood and not only create house, but also downtempo, hip hop, and brokenbeat. Individualism.

3.) What kind of music do you usually listen to? Do you have a preference?

I basically listen to mostly house I could say, but my favorite is listening to electro-house/chick bands that have crazy ass bass lines, and nutty smooth synths. I will occasionally though listen to some Etta James or Curtis Mayfield. Nothing better than to hear that on a Sunday afternoon after tearing it up the night before. It does, so to say, massage my mind. As for preferences, I could see as many would agree, anything that touches me in some way...whether it be soulful or silly. There are so many creative people out there!!! It’s so beautiful!

4.) What do you think about the Champaign-Urbana music scene?

To be quite honest, it still has potential. There are a substantial amount of people that come out and get into what we could call "underground" scene. And like I said I’m gonna be honest and this may be brutal, but sometimes people just can not let go of the classic tracks. They are good, but I feel with me, music is a way of release. And to hear something new and fresh and updated is more open minded to me than hearing "I wanna rock with you" or "I can't go for that". Those are amazing tracks, but it’s just so close minded to always expect to hear those songs and get off. Even most of these tracks are sampled anyways in most electronic music.

Yet, however, I have to admit it is a lot of fun to get together! with her and play some of that old gems that has a lot of nostalgia.

5.) What is the best thing about being a DJ?

Being able to make people feel what I feel. And feel what they feel. It’s all a matter of friction and energy. I’ve had a few times where I have had people clap at the end of my set on a Saturday night. I was so out of it, and then I look up and there are a whole bunch of smiles and laughter. That is one of the best things about being a DJ.

6.) What is an aspect of being a DJ that you find particularly challenging?

Trying to please everyone. Slowly but surely I've realized that I can not do that. It used to tear me apart. Then someone once told me "Play every gig like it's your last one...” It just makes sense. If someone makes a request I'll listen, but they have to understand...I can not pull tracks out of my ass. I bring what touches me, and for others that get it.

7.) How does it feel to be recognized as "Best DJ" in the Local Music Awards?

I feel very touched, and happy to know that in my own hometown I can be recognized. I know that I can leave happy about what I did and hope that the new peeps coming in will maintain the scene, and make it even better. You can only keep growing.