From Hip Hop to House: Papa Lu's Journey as a Bay Area DJ and Producer
Papa Lu chats with 6AM discussing music, inspiration, and more.

Papa Lu, originating from the diverse musical backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area, developed his passion for music through the local Hip Hop scene. Starting his career by organizing Hip Hop events featuring iconic artists, he soon found himself at venues that also hosted pioneering house music DJs. This exposure prompted his shift towards producing house music events, notably his Night Moves party at Monarch SF.
His latest single is Rave, a sleek tech house track designed for late-night dancefloors. With a minimalist approach, it pairs subtle basslines with precise rhythms and an earworm vocal, reflecting Papa Lu's mastery in creating mood-driven music. Papa Lu's solo career began to take off with his 2019 release "Dança"; on Savia Park, featuring a deep acid groove. This was followed by more solo projects, including "King" in 2020 on Desert Hearts records, and another track in 2021 with Music is 4 Lovers. His most recent work includes a release on Popgang Records in March 2024, with more expected in the near future. As he continues to innovate and perform, Papa Lu remains a dynamic force in the music industry, both locally and internationally.
Sit back and enjoy as Papa Lu gets down with 6AM about his journey through the industry and his artistry!
Hi Papa Lu! Thanks for talking to 6AM how are you doing?
I’m great! I’ve been very busy in the studio for the last year or more straight. And now these tracks are starting to get signed and it seems like people are liking the music so that’s really nice. I’m excited for what is to come.
To get started, you began your artist journey in the Bay Area hip hop scene, but what drew you to switch gears and focus on house music? Were there any particular house DJs who inspired you during that time at the venues?
Back in the day, I was throwing hip hop shows at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco and at the time there was a legendary house party named Remedy happening at the DNA Lounge every Friday. So, naturally I would attend those parties because DNA was like home base to me. I remember hanging out in the upstairs balcony and just watching the OG djs lay it down from the balcony. I was definitely inspired by Mark Farina, Doc Martin, Derrick Carter, Miguel Migs, Colette, Heather, Diz, there’s too many to name but those are some of my favorites that played DNA during that time period.
And still focusing on your beginnings, you've transitioned from event organizer to successful producer. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in that shift, and how did you overcome them?
The learning curve of music production by far has been the biggest obstacle. It’s actually a never ending thing. I always say music is endless. Well, so is music production lol. There’s always something new to learn.

Your solo career started with "Dança" in 2019, since then you’ve explored different sounds within the tech house genre. What inspires you to experiment and evolve your sound with each project?
I think maybe just being the type of person who has a broad taste in dance music. When people ask me what I dj,I respond with, “I play everything from Disco to Techno” which is very broad. I think because of that is why I like to take risks musically.
Your latest track "Rave" takes a minimalist approace. Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting tracks designed for late-night dancefloors?
Generally, no matter what vibe I’m shooting for I usually start a new project with a vocal. If I find a sample that I really like or maybe a small verse that I wrote for myself or someone else to recite and record. Then I build the rest of the track around that bit. I try to match synth sounds with the sample or vocal recording. If I’m trying to make it designed for late-night dancefloors I will put a lot of work into the baseline to make it sound dark and gritty. But other than that, I’m just going with the flow in the studio. Trying things that might not work. If they work, great! And if they don’t, oh well. That’s just part of the process. You have to have patience in the studio.
Papa Lu - Rave
San Francisco's music scene is incredibly diverse. How do you feel your Bay Area roots influence your sound, and do you see that influence evolving as your career progresses?
I think my deep roots in House music in San Francisco will always be a part of me and my style. But yes, I do see that influence evolving. I have music that I’ve made and music that I’m currently working on that has a more techno side to it. But the one thing that is consistent is that there are still house elements within those tracks.
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to our audience. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have a big show at the Midway in San Francisco on May 17th. It’s a Factory93 show and I’m opening up for Jamie Jones and Loco Dice. If you’re in the area, come check it out!
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