Julius Papp

Interview & Guest Mix

Some names just signal quality, more often than not, they are the one’s you’ve known over the years or just manage to deliver a sound that connects with you. Julius Papp is one of those names for me. One of the legends of my own record collection, I bought everything he did and played it to death. His disco roots and deep/soulful sets and releases have graced my sets for the past few decades. So I was thrilled when he accepted the request for a chat and a guest mix!

I thought we’d start with what drew you to house in the first place, listening to legends like Larry Levan and David Mancuso surely was the spark?

Well, I wish I had the pleasure of hearing Larry Levan and David Mancuso live. I did not, but did read about them in articles which were always eye-opening. Both Larry and David were pre-house djs creating their legacy in the 70’s. Their sound crafted from Disco/Soul/Funk/Rock etc. Larry Levan did extend his Paradise Garage residency until about 1987. I was exposed to club culture in the Disco era of the late 70’s. It groomed me for my future.

You were born in Canada but lived in San Fran - what is it about the place that creates so much quality house music?

Yes, I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. Again, the place I first fell in love with ‘dance’ music. I now live in San Francisco and before that San Jose and Los Angeles. For me, San Francisco has its own ‘sound’ - a West Coast House Music sound if that makes sense. A distinct sound that is unique but in fact, my sound is more influenced by East Coast producers/dj’s.

You’re an avid vinyl collector - do you still find time to crate dig these days?

Oh yes, I am an avid collector. There has been a revival the last few years and it keeps growing. More releases from house music artists to pop stars and jazz legends. It’s quite fascinating to see a new generation very much into the vinyl format. It’s a positive sign that people are starting to ‘listen’ to music AGAIN. What do I mean?? I think there has been way too much mediocre music released in the last 20 years plus, and it has diluted the market, which has caused plenty of excellent tracks to fall through the cracks undiscovered and under-exposed. At any rate, I have regular vinyl only sets about twice a month now (pre-Covid 19). It’s a different approach to programming your sets. Your selection is limited to the records with you. When I play digital files from my USB drive, I have access to thousands of songs instantly. A very different approach even though you are doing the same thing in the booth.

What’s been the DJ highlights for over your career?

Oh boy, I’ve been all over the world with so many fond memories but certainly have to include playing at Pacha in Ibiza for the Ministry Of Sound, followed by the actual club in London (Ministry Of Sound). Also in London, playing at Ben Watt’s ‘Lazy Dog” event was a treat and playing for Bobby and Steve are great memories. So many really, from cities in Asia to Eastern Europe. Then you have less obvious places like El Paso, Texas! Yes! Played there several times and there’s a special something-something there that was unique. Can’t pin it but a special place for me. Of course, many times locally in San Francisco/San Jose with many pleasant memories.

How would you categorize your musical style other than eclectic?

Well, it really is eclectic but rooted in Soulful House and I pull from many styles including: Disco, Funk, Soul, Electronic, Alternative/New Wave, Classic Rock, Acid Jazz etc.

What were your greatest influences, DJ’s, people, labels form those early days?

Early influences include hearing and watching djs in the booth doing their thing, which certainly pushed my button initially. Early house music from Chicago rang my bell musically and so did the soulful sounds of New York. Early house music labels like Trax/Nervous/Strictly Rhythm were favorites.

I think the dynamic duo known as The Masters at Work should be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!! Indeed! Their musical output in quantity AND quality easily qualifies them for that honor…we’ll see how that shapes up.

What’s the most treasured vinyl you have in your collection?

I have to cop out of this question because I treasure ALL my records :)

What’s your usual preparation for a set? Pick tracks, sleep, meal and a drink?

I keep it simple - I don’t generally drink, so I usually take an energy drink with me in case I need a late night boost. That tends to be an organic energy drink. I’ll organize some new tracks the day of a gig. I play so many styles that It depends on what the music style of the show is. Mostly house music is programmed but anything from Nu Disco to Deep House usually gets people moving.

Which DJ’s do you love to hear play?

I love DJs who tell a “story” through their music selection. I think it’s not hard to program the most popular tracks from download sites and simply “kill it!” That would get boring for me. I think it takes a bit more effort to drop tracks that are not typical yet manage to uplift a crowd. Those are the DJs who truly inspire. Younger DJs should dive deeper and study the roots of dance music etc. You simply have to respect your parents (classic club music). I hope that makes sense?

In the early 90’s you moved into production, how did it come about?

Yes, my first production was released in 1994. For awhile, I was fascinated by the production of music. I was very interested in recording a track. I kept “hearing” ideas in my head and finally made it into a studio. More ideas keep coming, which I’m grateful for. It keeps me hungry and excited to keep producing.

How does your production process work - do you set time aside or wait for inspiration?

Well, I’m always inspired. Frankly, I never have enough time to produce as much as I’d like to. Initially, I would start and finish everything in a studio working with an engineer. These days, I generally start at home and get ideas going then move the project to a studio with an engineer. That flow keeps working for me. Although, during Covid-19, I’ve also ZOOMED and simply collaborated online which can be convenient for long distance projects.

What’s your production set up?

At my home studio, it’s quite simple. I mainly use Pro Tools and sometimes Ableton Live. I have plug-ins that enable me to do what I need to do at home before final mix downs with an engineer.

You founded your own label - NeoDisco - was that about having a creative outlet you had total say on or just the natural progression?

Starting my own (small, independent) label was really about having an alternate option for my own releases. There are pros and cons to releasing your own music. With a small label like mine, promotion is sacrificed a bit which is not ideal. You retain control of your own music and grow your catalogue but in my case, I tend to under-promote the releases. Nonetheless, I’m happy to keep adding to my discography which is always favorable.

Do you dedicate a lot of time to social media, or do you put your time into other things to promote what you’re doing?

Thankfully, social media can be a friend when promoting a release or a show etc. I have a profile on most media platforms from Facebook to Instagram to Soundcloud and a web site.

I can’t say I’m as active as I could be on social media but that ends up being a job all by itself! It can be overwhelming at times. I still have a life to live so I’ll do enough to make my shows and releases visible which is fine by me.

What’s on the cards for the next while - gigs to watch out for?

Even through our health situation, I’ve been keeping busy in the studio. I have a new release coming out on Traxsource.com. It’s a 2020 ReTouch of a track I did in 2018. Changed up the drums and percussion and did some rearranging for a nice update. Also finishing up with my down-tempo project. That’s my ‘lazydaze’ alias of mellower grooves, perfect for chilling out. I have also done several virtual sets, after which, I upload the audio set on Soundcloud for those interested in listening.

Where can people follow you?

Facebook

Instagram

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Julius Papp

Interview & Guest Mix

Some names just signal quality, more often than not, they are the one’s you’ve known over the years or just manage to deliver a sound that connects with you. Julius Papp is one of those names for me. One of the legends of my own record collection, I bought everything he did and played it to death. His disco roots and deep/soulful sets and releases have graced my sets for the past few decades. So I was thrilled when he accepted the request for a chat and a guest mix!

I thought we’d start with what drew you to house in the first place, listening to legends like Larry Levan and David Mancuso surely was the spark?

Well, I wish I had the pleasure of hearing Larry Levan and David Mancuso live. I did not, but did read about them in articles which were always eye-opening. Both Larry and David were pre-house djs creating their legacy in the 70’s. Their sound crafted from Disco/Soul/Funk/Rock etc. Larry Levan did extend his Paradise Garage residency until about 1987. I was exposed to club culture in the Disco era of the late 70’s. It groomed me for my future.

You were born in Canada but lived in San Fran - what is it about the place that creates so much quality house music?

Yes, I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. Again, the place I first fell in love with ‘dance’ music. I now live in San Francisco and before that San Jose and Los Angeles. For me, San Francisco has its own ‘sound’ - a West Coast House Music sound if that makes sense. A distinct sound that is unique but in fact, my sound is more influenced by East Coast producers/dj’s.

You’re an avid vinyl collector - do you still find time to crate dig these days?

Oh yes, I am an avid collector. There has been a revival the last few years and it keeps growing. More releases from house music artists to pop stars and jazz legends. It’s quite fascinating to see a new generation very much into the vinyl format. It’s a positive sign that people are starting to ‘listen’ to music AGAIN. What do I mean?? I think there has been way too much mediocre music released in the last 20 years plus, and it has diluted the market, which has caused plenty of excellent tracks to fall through the cracks undiscovered and under-exposed. At any rate, I have regular vinyl only sets about twice a month now (pre-Covid 19). It’s a different approach to programming your sets. Your selection is limited to the records with you. When I play digital files from my USB drive, I have access to thousands of songs instantly. A very different approach even though you are doing the same thing in the booth.

What’s been the DJ highlights for over your career?

Oh boy, I’ve been all over the world with so many fond memories but certainly have to include playing at Pacha in Ibiza for the Ministry Of Sound, followed by the actual club in London (Ministry Of Sound). Also in London, playing at Ben Watt’s ‘Lazy Dog” event was a treat and playing for Bobby and Steve are great memories. So many really, from cities in Asia to Eastern Europe. Then you have less obvious places like El Paso, Texas! Yes! Played there several times and there’s a special something-something there that was unique. Can’t pin it but a special place for me. Of course, many times locally in San Francisco/San Jose with many pleasant memories.

How would you categorize your musical style other than eclectic?

Well, it really is eclectic but rooted in Soulful House and I pull from many styles including: Disco, Funk, Soul, Electronic, Alternative/New Wave, Classic Rock, Acid Jazz etc.

What were your greatest influences, DJ’s, people, labels form those early days?

Early influences include hearing and watching djs in the booth doing their thing, which certainly pushed my button initially. Early house music from Chicago rang my bell musically and so did the soulful sounds of New York. Early house music labels like Trax/Nervous/Strictly Rhythm were favorites.

I think the dynamic duo known as The Masters at Work should be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!! Indeed! Their musical output in quantity AND quality easily qualifies them for that honor…we’ll see how that shapes up.

What’s the most treasured vinyl you have in your collection?

I have to cop out of this question because I treasure ALL my records :)

What’s your usual preparation for a set? Pick tracks, sleep, meal and a drink?

I keep it simple - I don’t generally drink, so I usually take an energy drink with me in case I need a late night boost. That tends to be an organic energy drink. I’ll organize some new tracks the day of a gig. I play so many styles that It depends on what the music style of the show is. Mostly house music is programmed but anything from Nu Disco to Deep House usually gets people moving.

Which DJ’s do you love to hear play?

I love DJs who tell a “story” through their music selection. I think it’s not hard to program the most popular tracks from download sites and simply “kill it!” That would get boring for me. I think it takes a bit more effort to drop tracks that are not typical yet manage to uplift a crowd. Those are the DJs who truly inspire. Younger DJs should dive deeper and study the roots of dance music etc. You simply have to respect your parents (classic club music). I hope that makes sense?

In the early 90’s you moved into production, how did it come about?

Yes, my first production was released in 1994. For awhile, I was fascinated by the production of music. I was very interested in recording a track. I kept “hearing” ideas in my head and finally made it into a studio. More ideas keep coming, which I’m grateful for. It keeps me hungry and excited to keep producing.

How does your production process work - do you set time aside or wait for inspiration?

Well, I’m always inspired. Frankly, I never have enough time to produce as much as I’d like to. Initially, I would start and finish everything in a studio working with an engineer. These days, I generally start at home and get ideas going then move the project to a studio with an engineer. That flow keeps working for me. Although, during Covid-19, I’ve also ZOOMED and simply collaborated online which can be convenient for long distance projects.

What’s your production set up?

At my home studio, it’s quite simple. I mainly use Pro Tools and sometimes Ableton Live. I have plug-ins that enable me to do what I need to do at home before final mix downs with an engineer.

You founded your own label - NeoDisco - was that about having a creative outlet you had total say on or just the natural progression?

Starting my own (small, independent) label was really about having an alternate option for my own releases. There are pros and cons to releasing your own music. With a small label like mine, promotion is sacrificed a bit which is not ideal. You retain control of your own music and grow your catalogue but in my case, I tend to under-promote the releases. Nonetheless, I’m happy to keep adding to my discography which is always favorable.

Do you dedicate a lot of time to social media, or do you put your time into other things to promote what you’re doing?

Thankfully, social media can be a friend when promoting a release or a show etc. I have a profile on most media platforms from Facebook to Instagram to Soundcloud and a web site.

I can’t say I’m as active as I could be on social media but that ends up being a job all by itself! It can be overwhelming at times. I still have a life to live so I’ll do enough to make my shows and releases visible which is fine by me.

What’s on the cards for the next while - gigs to watch out for?

Even through our health situation, I’ve been keeping busy in the studio. I have a new release coming out on Traxsource.com. It’s a 2020 ReTouch of a track I did in 2018. Changed up the drums and percussion and did some rearranging for a nice update. Also finishing up with my down-tempo project. That’s my ‘lazydaze’ alias of mellower grooves, perfect for chilling out. I have also done several virtual sets, after which, I upload the audio set on Soundcloud for those interested in listening.

Where can people follow you?

Facebook

Instagram