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AARON POPE (Erase Records, San Francisco)

Ahhh, control tower this is flight 479er. I’ve got a bogey; looks like a breakbeat jammer. Ahhhh, flight 479er, that’s no breakbeat jammer; its a tech-funk slammer from Aaron Pope. Yes, friends. Aaron has landed again at Jungo Road with beats far and wide; plus we got the 411 during an interview with him.

Aaron, where do you live? Tell us something about it.
San Francisco, California. SF has places where people still want to dance to good non-commercial music with a variety of styles. I’ve been lucky enough to have several residencies where I got to play long DJ sets with that diversity.

When did you get interested or exposed to electronic dance music?
Probably sometime in college. I went to some good underground parties; really started enjoying just spending time on the dance floor. I used to dance for hours and hours. I never studied music or played any instrument until I was about 28; when I started learning how to spin.

What was that like at the beginning?
A friend of mine basically forced me to try and beat match two records. Up until then, I had been really afraid that I would mess up the music and was reluctant to touch the equipment. But, when I finally started playing around on some turntables, I got really hooked.

What kind of music do you play?
I think I’m known for playing a pretty diverse array of high energy breaks, electro and house, with some surprises thrown in. I always need a certain groove or funky feeling; that moves me a bit and brings good energy; an uplifting feeling to it. I love, and spin, many different styles of music, but everything I love has to have a certain movement to it. I usually stay away from really dark music. I love bangin’, strong beats. I also love to play mid-tempo sets when I can. They include old-school hip-hop, latin, breaks, funk, indy, reggae, etc.

What do you like about DJing?
I love to pump up a crowd. I love that I am able to dance and play music at the same time. I love the creative possibilities available as a DJ. It’s just a great experience and has been a very positive part of my life. Electronic dance music (EDM) has inspired more emotion and positive energy out of me than any other type of music–far and away. The fact that it inspires just as much emotion in my friends means I can combine all my favorite things. Plus, it’s impossible not to want to dance when a good DJ is throwin’ down in many different styles.

What do you not like about DJing?
There is not much I don’t like. Sometimes, I think the need for everyone to categorize, and often prejudge, different types of music gets a little silly. But, in general, I’ve got nothing but love for the dance community and culture.  I’ve met some really amazing people through my music; a lot of great moments with friends and sharing great trips in search of amazing music.

Do you produce your own music?
Yes. I started about five years ago and started to work much harder at it two years ago. My first release that I really felt proud of was Bassline on Exceptional; written with my production partner Chad North. We have two other releases, The Grind and You Got What, on Erase Records; both of which I think are pretty good. The Grind went to #20 on Beatport’s breaks chart.

Do you have any creative process in producing music that you want fans to know about?
All of my ideas flow best when I am in front of the computer in Ableton Live with all the plug-in’s and effects available to experiment with. I really enjoy using it; it feels very intuitive and creative. There are so many other great options when it comes to music production that you really just need to pick what works for you. I usually start with beats and a bassline, unless there’s some sample that I’m really lovin’. I don’t have any formal music training, although, I’m certainly learning more and more music theory all the time. I wish I had played an instrument when I was younger.

What other DJs and music producers do you admire?
There’s a tremendous amount of great music being produced and played right now, with lots of barriers being broken. It’s inspiring. Some of the current producers and DJs I’m diggin’ now include Peo de Pitte, Zodiac Cartel, Sinden, A Skillz, Krafty Kuts, Chu Fu, Foamo, Nextmen and Wolfgang Gartner.

What are some highlights that we should know about you?
I’ve been at this for ten years. I’ve had gigs in New York, Miami, Chicago, Brazil, the Caribbean and Ibiza. I’ve spun alongside Roger Sanchez, The Chemical Brothers, Jo Mills, Derrick Carter, Felix the Housecat, Scumfrog, The Breakfastaz, DJ Dan, Lee Coombs, D-Fuse, Adam Freeland, Nick Thayer, Stanton Warriors, Bassnectar and Freq Nasty. In 2004, I won Scion’s DJ of the year award. In 2006 was voted “Best San Francisco DJ” in the Bay Guardian’s reader poll. And, 2005-07 was voted one of San Francisco’s top 20 DJ’s in Nitevibe’s DreamTeam poll.

What the best venue you played at in the world? And in NYC or SF?
Easy. The Deep End Camp at Burning Man where I was the first resident DJ and booking manager. It’s the most amazing crowd and setting in the world, and certainly most of my favorite sets have occurred there. I also achieved a personal goal by playing on the Terrace at Space in Ibiza. The Sullivan Room is a favorite in New York. In San Francisco, my favorite venue has got to be at Whisper during Breakfast of Champions, but I also love to spin at Shine because so many friends hang out there.

You can catch Aaron Pope at the following upcoming performances: Friday October 9th Project Ahimsa benefit @ 111 Minna Gallery (111 Minna St., San Francisco); Thursday October 22nd @ California Academy of Sciences NiteLife residency (San Francisco).

More about Aaron Pope on Facebook and at his podcast.
Booking: Click to reveal email

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1. D’ Secret Svc – Tight Jeans (Fukkk Offff Remix) [Coco Machete Records]
2. Beach Boys – Good Vibrations (Stanton Warrior Remix) [White Label]
3. Drumattic Twins – Crazy Love (Peo De Pitte Remix) [Finger Lickin' Records]
4. Brodinski – Eurostar (Last Japan Remix) [White Label]
5. The yank – We Can’t Be Stopped [Gung Ho! Recordings Ltd.]
6. Splitloop – Party People (Adsorb Remix) [Against the Grain]
7. Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning (High Spies vs Sam Norling Remix) [White Label]
8. Calvertron – Doggy Style (Zodiac Cartel Remix) [Jack Knife Records]
9. Para-Beats – Put the Needle on the Record [White Label]
10. Splitloop – Party People (Rico Tubbs Remix) [Against the Grain]
11. Big Deal – I Wish I Was Taller [Big Deal Records]
12. Rico Tubbs – Ghetto Funk Baby (High Rankin Remix) [Menu Music]
13. Booty Luv – Say It (Nero Remix) [White Label]
14. Gramophonedzie – Why Don’t You [Guesthouse Music]
15. Sinden – Y’all Want Mo [Cheap Thrills]
16. CagedBaby – Forced (Foamo Remix) [White Label]
17. Last Japan vs Crispin J – DJ Saved My Life [White Label]
18. Tittsworth – WTF feat Kid sister and Pase Rock (Deekline & Tim Healy Remix) [Rat Records]
19. Hostage – Hangin’ [White Label]
20. Jono Fernandez – Girls Vs. Boys [BamBamMuzik]
21. The Body Snatchers – We Here (Mickey Slim Remix) [Passenger]
22. Drummatic Twins – Crazy Love (Peo de Pitte Remix) [Finger Lickin']