Unlocking Blu Thunder Disco

We handed the keys to someone who embodies the soul, sound, and spirit of Disco. Better known as Blu Thunder Disco, Jesse unlocked his insights on DJing, Producing, and the San Diego scene through his eyes.

What inspired you to enter the music space?

I got all of my inspiration for music after attending my first festival, Electric Forest, in 2016. I had never been introduced to electronic music before then but had always held a space for dancing and expression. That was when a lot of things began to make sense for me.

Talk us through your favorite genres to produce

I've bounced around a number of genres while learning music production and trying to find my sound. The ones that give me the most satisfaction are disco house, breakbeat, and grime (140 UK stuff). I don't have a great understanding of music theory still, but as I learn more and find my sound, I plan to direct my focus on soulful disco and house music.

With so many newly opened venues and recently started events, the San Diego dance scene is growing rapidly. What are your thoughts on the scene & community here?

I love it. The bigger the community, the better the events become. After quarantine it worried me to see so many San Diego venues closing down with little hopes of them coming back... the industry was struggling and it was obvious the community needed music. Over the last year we've seen an amazing comeback, BASSMNT becoming Bloom, Insomniac bringing Nova to Gaslamp, all things that have reignited a spark in this community. I feel like there's something for everyone in San Diego.

You moved to San Diego during peak Covid and joined the Bang Bang team. How was San Diego been for you and how did Bang Bang impact your experience?

Yes, what a crazy time. I packed my entire life up March 2, 2020 and drove to California with my Pops and little brother. Three days after I got here was when talks of COVID got serious and the world was beginning to realize what was about to happen. I remained unemployed for about three months until my savings were used up and I got a job at a sex shop (s/o Barnett Adult Superstore). Through loopholes, it was technically an essential business so I worked there for over a year while most of the world was shut down. Around the new year, an amazing friend who I'd met at Electric Forest years back told me he was moving out here to reopen Bang Bang and I was immediately on board. I helped clean the abandoned venue up for about a month and once we opened I learned almost all the roles of the business. Bussing, expo, VIP bottle service, hosting, and eventually became the server manager. The responsibilities Bang Bang gave me helped me grow as a professional in so many different ways, I truly owe so much to this business and plan to help them grow for years to come.

You recently went to Burning Man, how was that? Can you tell us a bit about the music and experience?

Ugh, it's truly hard to explain what the burn did for me. To sum it up, I haven't loved myself like this in over 5 years. It was physically and mentally the hardest thing I have done, but it instilled so many important values into me that I plan to carry with me for the rest of my life. The afterglow I currently have doesn't have an expiration date. I have an infinite amount of love to spread with each and every single human. Music wise, Justin Martin had the best set I've seen in years, but I found myself spending a lot of time exploring the camps and art installations rather than chasing all of the amazing sets over the week on the playa.

What's been your favorite venue to play in San Diego?

Truthfully, I have had very few gigs outside of Bang Bang... not by choice, but I'm having a little trouble making the right connections out here. I had an awesome time playing at 1835 Studios for my friends HighGlow Event last summer, and also through my own birthday renegade at Sunset Cliffs, which was super special. I would love to expand to more venues like AC Lounge, Bloom or really any venue that will let me throw a sexy disco party.

Can you talk about music and the community as an outlet for self expression and authenticity?

The music community is so important for radical self expression. I tell everyone that the high I get from dancing with a crowd is the best high I can achieve, and I think a lot of people can agree. Music dates back to the earliest times in every culture, so it's deeper than just some boots and cats. It's something we can feel and it lets our inner child out to play which is so important in a world that glorifies hustle culture and "taking no days off". Enjoy music. Dance your little heart out. Connect with others. Memories are priceless.

Who are your 'ones to watch' from the San Diego scene?

JesusDaPnk has been one of my biggest inspirations in this city. Constantly infusing funk and soul with his amazing house style. Don't sleep on the man. Soraya (read our interview with her here) has also become an amazing friend of mine and everyone of her sets has had my booty moving left to right. Boiz House and MNTRA are also at the top of my list. I fell in love with the Boiz my first week in San Diego when I saw them play at Henry's Pub before CRSSD. They remind me of my favorite artist/band of all time, Justin Jay's Fantastic Voyage, as they provide a live performance of instruments, DJing and singing which brings so much joy to the crowd they are in front of. Never miss a Boiz House set.

If you could play anywhere, at any venue in the world tonight, where would it be?

If you're talking about any venue that's ever existed, you will find me at Studio54. Otherwise, a dream will always be Red Rocks.

In what ways can the San Diego dance community support you or collaborate with you?

Just come to one of my shows and you will understand what I bring to this community. Humble brag, but the energy and love I feel at my performances is honestly elite and I've made so many deep connections after my sets with the people that gave me a chance up there. Every person in the crowd is a friend of mine, or at least they can be, all they gotta do is come dance and spread some love with me.

What are your future plans, and what should we look out for from you?

I've been so musically inspired lately and have been collaborating with a number of people from different cities. Expect at least 2 releases before the year ends and hopefully I can find some venues that want to throw some disco parties. At the end of the day, I'm in no rush with this project. Good things take time and I'm continuing to learn more every day. I'm just truly happy to be a part of this community and hope the community is happy to have me.

You can keep up with Blu Thunder Disco:

on Instagram,
SoundCloud,
& at his Bang Bang shows (Use his code 'BTDISCO' for 10% off)