Unlocking Poppa

We handed the keys to Aaron Papa, also known as Poppa, to unlock what it's like to be an up-and-coming producer and DJ in San Diego.

What inspired you to enter the music space?

Music has always been an accompanying factor in my life for as long as I can remember. From listening to Kid Cudi in grade school, to Skrillex and Flume in middle school, and now everything in between, I constantly surround myself around music. I was the kid with headphones on almost 24/7.

With my entrance into college, I quickly adopted DJing as a hobby after throwing parties with some friends. I realized that I wanted to be the person controlling the music and making sure everyone else was having a good time, so my passion for producing and DJing grew from there.

Talk us through your favorite genres to produce/ DJ

While I'm still fairly new to producing, I have definitely found myself making house music most of the time (specifically tech house). The groove, grittiness, and energy that tech house offers is what inspires me to create my music. I have also been into minimal house recently and am obsessed with how simple, yet effective it is to catch a groove. Even though house music has my heart, I like to experiment with my production genres because it keeps me on my creative toes.

What brought you to San Diego?

Being born and raised in San Diego, I have grown fond of what this city has to offer. Beautiful beaches, weather, people, and music are what make me proud to be from San Diego. Seeing how the direction of the dance scene is going, I find it very difficult to want to live anywhere else.

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

Because of my age, I am still a youngin when it comes to the nightlife scene, but I have gotten my feet wet at a variety of venues and nightclubs. As far as the community goes, I have only had amazing experiences so far. Whether it’s meeting new local DJ’s or dancing alongside other partygoers, I have strong faith in the growth of the dance scene here in San Diego.

What is your process for preparing for a set?

If I am preparing for a set, I usually start with a long session of crate digging. This allows me to not only find tracks that are currently poppin, but also find some hidden gems to make my set fresh and unique. I also think it’s important to consistently practice, so it’s not uncommon for me to be playing solo sets in my bedroom.

What's your dream venue to play in San Diego?

Most definitely Waterfront Park where the popular CRSSD Festival is held. I have attended that venue a few times since the pandemic ended and every time I am stunned at how beautiful the environment is. The ocean and the skyscrapers offer such an unbeatable vibe that I think no other venue creates.

When you're going out dancing in San Diego on a night off from producing/ DJing, where will we find you?

You can often find me getting down at Bang Bang on the weekends. Bang Bang has been delivering some of the hottest lineups for quite some time now, ranging from underground house to thumping techno. The dark and intimate atmosphere that thrives inside of Bang Bang is what keeps me coming back.

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

For DJ’s I would keep an eye on Kashed. They've been going up recently around San Diego, serving heaters at any set they play. The peeps over at YoonFest have also been going off with their shows and fests. They have one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases which really sets them apart.

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

Because I am still new to the dance scene around here, my main goal is to learn as much as I can about the culture. Whether I am playing a set or producing songs, I want my music to be exactly what the culture needs. I also plan to release music more consistently, including edits, originals, and hopefully some collaborations. Be on the lookout for my tunes as I continue to grow my discography.

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

If I could play anywhere in the United States I would for sure pick The Brooklyn Mirage. I’m a sucker for crowded outdoor shows, so I’d love to get down at a venue like that. If I could play anywhere outside of the United States, I would go with Elrow Ibiza at Amnesia. Although I have never been, that place looks like it’s not even on Earth. The vibrant colors and decorations that surround the venue make me want to experience what it’s all about.

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

As of right now all my tracks are posted on Soundcloud, feel free to give them a listen. One of my favorite things is meeting new people, so if anyone wants to collaborate or connect don’t be afraid to hit me up.

Lastly, what’s a track you want to share?

This song is an edit I recently released of Travis Scott’s “SDP Interlude”. I chose this song because I love the original track so much and felt like I had to throw my own spin on it. The original song has such a euphoric and psychedelic vibe that I thought would go hard on a house beat. Give it a listen on my SoundCloud!

You can keep up with Poppa: