If you're out and about in Fresno, chances are you've seen DJ Roman spinning.

He's keeps quite the full calendar, between his DJ duties at the open-until-4 a.m. Penthouse and a full arsenal of other standing gigs.

Last week, he helped start off the Thursday night Zen Factory at Crossroads.

And he's the first to be featured in fresnobeehive.com's "Hey DJ!" series, which profiles local DJs who are making noise around town. Question: Where can people find you spinning currently?

Answer: Pretty much in different parts of town. I currently have four residencies. Lush, every other Sunday night at The Starline, which has been my longest residency. Beat Street, every other third Saturday night at Palomino's. Gotta love the Tower District! The Penthouse, every Friday and Saturday night, except for the third Saturday, Downtown Fresno at the 600 Club in Chukchansi Park. Then the latest gig, Zen Factory, every Thursday night at The Crossroads.

What styles of music do you play? Do you have a favorite?

I play just about every genre out there, except for country! Seriously though, most venues I play at, the dancing crowds prefer to hear a lot of current top 40 and hip-hop. I also play different types of house music such as deep, electro, disco, funky, and commercial house. I've been known to play a bit of reggae, '80s, '90s, old school and alternative rock as well. I believe you have to be open to all types of music in order to get the full experience of what this craft has to offer.

My favorite genre of music is deep underground house. I love to listen to it and can't wait to play it!

What's your favorite song of the moment?

"What I Say" by Kaskade. It was released in May of 2001. Some time ago but I really love this song.

What inspired you to start DJing?

I have always had a love for music in general but my true inspiration for DJing came from watching various DJs play at the old Focus parties. It was a bi-weekly party held at Starline back in the day. Local DJs such as Bradley, Clint Storm and P-Rez, who are now close friends of mine, played with such passion, as they still do today. I had been to many clubs and parties, but had never seen any other DJs play like these guys. It was so interesting to me to watch them play with such heart and enthusiasm. I was hooked. I said to myself, I want to do THAT! So after seven years of playing, I'm just barely getting started.

What was your first gig?

Wow. My first gig? Well, I did have a lot of practice playing in front of my close friends for house parties. Notice I said close friends, so they wouldn't laugh too hard. My first actual playing out gig was at My Internet Café, which is no longer there. They were located right next door to Hooters in the River Park area. A small but fun little party. I remember there being a go-go dancer in an angel outfit swinging in a swing above me blowing bubbles. The bubble girl was the least of my worries. I was so nervous.

Records or MP3s?

I still play vinyl! I love the feeling of digging through crates. Yes, a laptop full of music files and MP3s is much easier and convenient, but where has the showmanship of DJing gone? I get tons of heat from other DJs saying "Dude, get with the times already!" I do play tons of tracks now off of CDJs to make things a little easier. After all, DJ is abbreviated for disc jockey, right? One day maybe you will see me playing off of a laptop. Maybe.

From a DJ's perspective: What's one thing you'd change about Fresno's night life?

I would like to see a better bond between promoters, club owners and DJs. Imagine if there were a perfect world where all of the above groups actually were on the same page. There would be a huge difference on the outcome of night life in Fresno. I think venues would thrive with business because of good positive promoting, along with a fairly paid, happy DJ and an honest owner wanting to see his place excel in the long run rather than make a quick buck.

Most of Fresno's clubgoers go out to have a good time, and I think that the night life presenters have forgotten that. Like I said, only in a perfect world.

* More: Read the entire interview at fresnobee hive.com and watch for further installments of the "Hey DJ" series.