J Stephan Grondin is very much a local phenomenon. Since he started spinning records years ago, he has spun the globe and affected many with his unique style. He has held a few residencies, namely at Unity II, with monthly gigs at Fly in Toronto and Red Lite in Montréal.

Grondin has made appearances at such clubs such as Miami's Salvation and London's Ministry of Sound. More recently, Stephan Grondin manned the decks this week at Sonic for its Halloween feat, and I managed to secure some interview time with him on the day of the mayhem at Sonic.

Kevin Dass: So, M. hotstuff, I know that your father was also a DJ, can you remember when you first started noticing music as a part of life?
Stephan Grondin: Oh, for as long as I can remember – since the beginning. I started playing instruments, drums then the piano, started when I was like, 5 – my parents always had a bunch of instruments around the house.

KD: What was the first piece of music that you bought? And I hope it wasn’t Bryan Adams’ disco song Let Me Take You Dancing.
SG: Ha ha, no – it was Donna Summer – Could It Be Magic.

KD: Was it vinyl? What was your first vinyl?
SG: Yes it was – that was my first vinyl.

KD: So what was the first song you remember that just drove you mad you liked it so much!
SG: Oh my god … so many… don’t remember – the Donna Summer – that was one for sure.

KD: Who have influenced you most whilst developing the unique style that you bring to the public?
SG: At first it was producer Peter Rauhofer – from Austria off of BMG –he had the track: Unique, under I.R.S. Records, before Club 69. Danny Tenaglia, Victor Calderone … DJ Vibe from Portugal – he’s my favourite.

KD: When did you get your first set of turntables? Do you remember the brand?
SG: My father was a DJ – so they were always around – many different ones, and mixers. I would do my homework and then go downstairs and practice. I was very fortunate.