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Hers is a dedication that has driven Colette’s career for more than 15 years and counting. Never one to chase perpetually fleeting trends of dance music, her love and devotion to the authentic house sound of hometown Chicago has never flagged, and generations of diehard fans never fail to appreciate it.

A pioneer in combining live vocals with DJ set, Colette’s singular sound still continues to evolve. Over two highly successful full-length artist albums — HYPNOTIZED (2005) and PUSH (2007) — for legendary San Francisco imprint OM Records, she’s shown the panoramic range of her musical influences. Shades of soul, house and funk found on Colette’s full-length recordings reveal an artist open to infinite possibilities.

Far from anonymous dance beats, original tracks like “What Will She Do for Love” and “Feelin’ Hypnotized” have become instantly recognizable signature songs and enduring fan favorites. “If” has the distinction of hitting No. 5 on Billboard’s Dance Club Play chart.

It’s a sophisticated mix that’s been a perfect fit for big-budget Hollywood soundtracks like “Sex and the City” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” both of which featured Colette’s music prominently.

Releasing her debut single in 1995 (Mazi & Motion’s “Moments of Epiphany”), Colette’s recording and touring schedule has remained relentless ever since. From the groundbreaking formation of the all-female Superjane collective in 1997, she’s become a fixture at high-profile clubs and events around the world. Asia, South America and the Middle East have all played host to DJ Colette on the decks.

Famous for her jazzy, alto voice, Colette’s exemplary DJ skills have been well documented. With the release of her first mix CD, IN THE SUN on underground Chicago label AfterHours in 1999, her tireless work ethic and crowd-pleasing sets culminated in Colette winning the “Breakthrough DJ” award at the 2003 US Dancestar Awards in Miami.

Colette’s music has found many fans in the world of advertising as well. “Feelin’ Hypnotized” has been prominently featured in a global Motorola campaign alongside legendary DJs Felix Da Housecat and Paul Van Dyk. The spot walked away with the “Best Song in a Commercial” award at the 2004 US Dancestar Awards.

A restless spirit always seeking new ways to share her love of genuine house music, Colette co-hosted the nationally syndicated radio show “Maximum Rotation.” She and on-air partner Kevin Dees produced the show from the highly influential KIIS-FM radio station in Los Angeles from 2001 through 2004.

That same spirit has led to Colette’s latest achievement: Successfully launching the fledgling Candy Talk record label, a goal Colette has had for the better part of a decade.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a lot like why I started DJing. It allows me to have more creative control,” she enthuses about her fledgling imprint. “I only work with producers I genuinely like. Whomever I’m playing the most in my DJ sets, that’s the person I seek out to work with on Candy Talk,” she says passionately. “It’s just another aspect of the industry for me to learn.”