Over the past decade trance has moved from an underground, hypno-musical phenomena to background shopping tunes at the local Target. But despite the inevitable move to the mainstream, John “00” Fleming has managed to do the impossible: achieve commercial success without turning his back on his roots.

J00F is making the rounds state side, and we got a chance to ask him some questions before his upcoming show at 1015 Folsom on October 24th. Check out what he had to say.

You've been involved with the trance scene for over 20 years: what has been the most interesting change/trend you've noticed during that time?

J00F: I think the main [change has been] going very commercial. Trance got it's name because it used to send you into a tranced-out state, and the music used to reflect this. Today's version of Trance should be called Euro dance, as it's more like pop music. Trance grew to a huge peak from 1999-2003 and everyone started cashing in on it, hence why real Trance music got turned into a commercial commodity. I vow never to go that way, don't worry!

<Which kind of crowd do you prefer to play for: huge ones like at Cream, or ones at smaller venues?

J00F: Both are special in different ways. I can't hide the fact that it's an amazing feeling playing to thousands of people especially when they are vocal and show their appreciation. Usually at these events I'll be on a line up of other DJ's, so you have to play a little safe musically knowing that some of the crowd are there for other styles [and] DJ's. At a small club where I'm the only guest DJ of the night, i know the crowd are there to see me and understand what I do musically, meaning I can play from my heart and they will follow me.

How have the massive technological changes that have taken place over the last few years affected the way you make music, if at all?

J00F: Oh yes completely, and I've embraced it. My studio no longer has hardware, keyboards etc. I now do everything inside the computer. The power of laptops also means I can take a project with me on the plane while touring, so I can continue to work wherever I am. A few years back I was restricted to the studio environment only, meaning I had less time to work on music.

What songs have been stuck in your head lately?

J00F: None as I drive them away! I work with music constantly so [I] need to take a break, otherwise my ears, brain, mind, start to ache.

Who do you think would win in a fight: Batman or Bruce Lee?

J00F: None of them, because James Bond will swoop down and bust both of them...remember you're speaking to a '00'!!

John "00" Fleming will be performing Saturday, October 24th at 1015 Folsom. Pre-sale tickets are available for $15.00. To buy your tickets, click here.