"From Hip Hop Roots to House Grooves: An Interview with Papa Lu on Crafting Minimalist Masterpieces

About Papa Lu

Papa Lu, a DJ and producer from the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, has carved out a unique space in the electronic music scene by blending his deep roots in hip hop with the evolving sounds of house music. He began his journey organizing hip hop events that featured legendary acts like Gang Starr and Digital Underground. His exposure to house music pioneers at venues like Monarch SF inspired him to transition into the electronic genre. Today, Papa Lu is renowned for his signature minimalist, mood-driven tracks that resonate on late-night dance floors worldwide. His recent work continues to showcase his ability to innovate while staying true to his musical roots.

In this interview, Papa Lu explores how his Bay Area hip hop background influences his approach to sampling and beat-making in house music. He discusses his method of blending hardware and software, incorporating 90s house and 00s minimalism, and crafting mood-driven tracks like "Power." He also shares insights into his production techniques, sound design, and the influence of legendary house pioneers on his work.

How has your background in the Bay Area hip hop scene influenced your approach to sampling and beat-making in house music?

I actually started as an urban or hip hop DJ when I was very young. Up until now I still think this has taught me valuable skills. But the first electronic sound I ever heard was Benny Benassi’s „Satisfaction“. This song was my first contact point with electronic music after starting off as a Hip Hop DJ. My sister constantly listened to it during our summer holiday. 

I didn’t have an understanding for electronic music back then so it seemed annoying to me. But after getting back from the summer holidays, I heard this track in a nightclub in Munich and started to understand the energy that electronic music can inherit. How the combination of a powerful drop with a melancholic break can move the crowd was surprisingly new to me.

Can you describe the role of hardware versus software in achieving the minimalist sound that characterizes your tracks like "Power"?**

For "Power," the keys were played on hardware, while many of the drums were made using samples. I don't usually plan to prioritize one over the other for any particular project—I just go with the flow, trying different things to see what works. But my taste in music production usually leans toward sleek sounds, which can come from either hardware or software. These sounds tend to create that minimalist feel I'm known for.

How do you incorporate influences from 90s house and 00s minimalism into your production process, particularly in your track "Power"?

I love the vibe of 90s house, so for "Power," I drew on that vibe and feel for the vocals, while the drums and bassline are more modern. Combining these elements is something I do often.

What techniques do you use to create the oceanic basslines and subtle vocal elements in your House productions?

How do the soundscapes and environments of Burning Man and The Kazbah influence your studio workflow and sound design?

Honestly, not much. I might have been influenced by some sets I've heard there in the past, but I really stay true to the styles of house music that I've always loved.

In what ways have the teachings of house pioneers like Mark Farina and Derrick Carter shaped your use of groove and rhythm in your productions?

Their pioneering work with classic house sounds is something I grew up with, and I keep it embedded in my productions to some degree. I mix those classic sounds with more modern elements as well.

Can you walk us through your process for developing mood-driven tracks that maintain both energy and subtlety, as heard in "Power"?

I usually start with a vocal sample I want to use, then build the track around it with a nice kick and snare. Next, I chop up the vocal in multiple ways to use different sections of it throughout the track. After that, I program a bassline to fit with what I've made so far, and then add pads or keys. Finally, I fill out the details with different hi-hats and effects to shift the energy of the track throughout.

What software plugins or effects do you rely on to craft the atmospheric and restrained qualities of your late-night dancefloor tracks?

I actually don't use too many plugins. I rely on different pieces of gear for the main instrumentation, like the Roland Fantom 6, which is one of my current favorites. For effects, I use FabFilter, and to tighten up basslines, I use Dist Tube.

How do you approach the arrangement of your tracks to balance minimalism and dynamism, especially in a club setting?

If I'm designing a track specifically for a club setting, I make sure not to overdo the length of the breakdowns and build-ups. I feel like long breakdowns are better suited for festivals.

What advice would you give to producers looking to infuse their music with the same depth and restraint that defines your recent works?

I spend a lot of time on music production every week. Not every session will produce your favorite work, so you just have to keep working on music consistently. I also suggest collaborating with other producers—I’ve learned a lot of cool production techniques from them.

Papa Lu – Power is out now on Paradise The Label.