DJ DAO has been in radio for 15 years, residing at Utah's hip-hop station U92 (92.5 FM KUUU) for the past three. But his jock skills aren't limited to on-air mixing and remotes. You can also hear DAO on decks several times a week in local clubs.

What is your DJing style?

Turntables, live party rocker, cuts, breaks and scratches.

How did you get into DJing?

Was a part of the first hip-hop shop in Utah, Blastin' Productions. DJ'd on the first mix show with Shawn Phillips, DJ Fate and DJ Brisk on [the former] 94.9 KZHT.

What do you add to the atmosphere of the places at which you DJ?

Versatility. I like to bounce around, play everything. I make a lot of remixes -- I like hittin' those.

What are your influences and inspiration?

Got into DJing because of DJ Premier of Gangstarr and DJ Scratch of EPMD, and also, a local DJ here in Utah named Travis Maynard. He was the first dude I saw that actually had turntables.

What's your recipe for a good party?

Good sound, hype energy, fun crowd! If you're not fun -- DRINK UNTIL YOU ARE!

Do you do mixtapes? If so, where can people find them?

I have been doing mixtapes since the '90s. My first one was called "Play for Change." I did a local mixtape back in the day that I sold a lot of copies of in and out of state called "Double Sided." My new mixtapes can be found on my blog, www.djdao.worpress.com

Do you also create your own beats?

Yes. I put out a single in 2000 as the group Tha Product. Our single was called "Hall of Fame" and it featured Abstract Rude. I made the beats, Sam Eye Am was the MC and we both DJ'd. We did well with it; we got it in all of the US, European and Japanese stores, and it was featured as a Featured Artist for the Zumiez stores' lineup. I have also done beats for PSC of the Living Legends on his solo album "Extra Credit" he did under the name Lucky I Am; I did two beats, "Head First" and "Day Job." I had two beats on the Seedless Clothing Compilation. Recently, I made a beat for Boom Bap Project (of Rhymesayers Entertainment) on a track called "Wind."

Which brands of equipment do you love?

Technic Turntables is the only turntable, I like Vestax mixers the best, and I rock Shure needles and I prefer any headphones that I can get for free.

Where do you aim to take your DJ career?

I am happy right now! I am over the blow-up thing and I got over the fight-the-man-for-the-underground and realized that I play records for a living! I quit for four years because I refused to play Top 40 music. I came back because of the motivation from DJ Latu and DJ Brisk. They were able to give me exposure with U92 and they put me on! I am gonna keep pushin' the tables until they push me out the game!