Exciting US artist Proppa continues to cut through the masses with a distinct style that maintains drive and an accessible vibe. His latest release on EXCEED was heavily supported by DJs and radio across the world, including plays from Paco Osuna, Ming, DJ EZ, Marco Faraone, Richie Hawtin, Don Diablo, and Joachim Garraud. The Aussie label (an offshoot from the iconic Vicious Recordings) told us how incredibly hyped they are about landing the Chicago native’s new single “Techno Lady”!
Delving deeper, Proppa’s production prowess and energy was first heard across a host of killer bootlegs that circulated the world. None bigger than his massive take on Missy Elliot’s “Get U’r Freak On”… before releasing “It’s Proppa” on EXCEED’s sister label Vicious back in 2022… On his latest single he dropped another cracking original cut in the form of “Techno Lady” delivering tough rolling Tech House styled drums, squelching synths and a big, bold, chunky bassline bumping continuously underneath. The hooky vocal instantly thrived on top of the almighty tune sharing … “She’s a techno lady, she drives me crazy…” which continues through his building acid synth lines and poignant drops, with devastating effect…
Lyrics: She’s a techno lady And she drives me crazy Puts 4 to the floor But her vibe is shady She’s a techno lady And she likes it fast She’s a cat in boots I got boots n’ cats
He’s always 100% on point with his sound, instantly connecting with today’s dance floors, and showcasing that Proppa has a long sustained career ahead. Stay tightly tuned to his socials for studio insights and sneak previews of his forthcoming remixes, bootlegs and originals!
Get To Know PROPPA | Interview Mode
Introduce yourself in a few short sentences
Hi I’m Proppa, I’m a House Music Producer and DJ with an insane dedication to my craft. I love music and I love making people happy, so I combined the two and here we are.
Where do you currently live?
Chicago, IL, the Birthplace of House Music
What first kickstarted your interest in producing music?
In school I actually really wanted to be a rapper (lol). I was also in a band playing drums. I wrote lyrics to Youtube beats until I was about 15 or 16 and wanted to start making the beats myself. As I realised I wasn’t cut out for being a vocalist, my passion for production kept growing.
Name three artists that inspire you to make music
Josh Butler, James Hype, and from left field, Lil Wayne.
How would you encourage other artists coming through?
I currently mentor a handful of students in production and industry related things. I think the most important thing for everyone to know is that everything takes time. Even if you can produce good music, it could still take many years. But the wait is worth it.
Which DJ’s would you love to perform alongside and why?
Even though I’m pretty sure he hates B2B’s, I’d love to spin with James Hype.
Name a track you love to hear on a sound system?
I Remember – Kaskade x Deadmau5
Tell us about your first performance opportunity and how it fuelled your fire?
Many firsts – my first as a drummer, first as a rapper, first as a DJ, and first as an Electronic Artist. My true first REAL performance as an Electronic Artist was in 2015, opening for Lost Kings at Canopy Club in Urbana IL, as part of the I’m Shmacked Halloween College Tour. At the time, the I’m Shmacked Tour was extremely popular and so were the Lost Kings, there was definitely around 1000 people. I probably played a horrible set, but there wasn’t a single dull moment with the crowd and it was confirmation in myself that I could do this.
What’s your favourite piece of equipment in the studio –
My hands. Not to be cliché, I have some gear but nothing major. I think people use gear as a crutch sometimes, I try to keep things basic and in the box.
Tell us your honest thoughts on sampling?
I can’t have any negative thoughts on sampling, my fanbase was built off of sampling popular music and putting the remixes on Soundcloud. I think that there’s an obvious line to draw, but sampling is good for most parties involved. It helps out the up and coming artists, and it helps give old songs new life and expose them to new audiences. The only people who will disagree are the major labels who aren’t profiting off of it. It’s up to them to some day figure out that the producers sampling these songs would gladly release all of the rights for their fan base to be able to hear it. Some day.
Are there any labels you regularly feature in your playlists?
I think we all have a little too much Repopulate Mars in our playlists. Really hard not to; plus—CHICAGOOO.
What excites you about club culture or festivals?
I don’t want to regurgitate the same “love and energy in the room” answer as everyone else. Because I’ll be quite honest, it’s no secret that club culture in the US is NOT in its renaissance. Being around it for a while now, I’ve seen the different phases of it. I think a lot of people forget that you could just enjoy DJ sets rather than trying to network the whole night or put up a facade. Despite that, there are nights, cities, clubs that break the mold and still bring a really pure experience. I love when everyone in a club checks their ego at the door and just vibes. You know it when you’re in that kind of room and it’s really special, certain DJs invoke that vibe and I’ll see their sets every time.
Tell us your favourite clubbing memory
I worked as a manager/artist liaison at a nightclub in Chicago called Sound-Bar. We had a residency with John Digweed to come about 2-3 times per year. One of the nights was either during Miami Music Week, or some other festival that caused a mass exodus of Electronic Music fans from Chicago over the weekend, causing all clubs in the city to be slow. John came alone, and due to all these circumstances I was able to pretty much stick by his side the entire night, whereas I was usually running frantically around the club. He played a 4-5 hour extended set, and sitting behind to watch was an absolute masterclass in how to work a crowd. That night really helped me understand how to conduct myself.
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
I have a decent case of social anxiety, so I don’t love reaching out to people unless I have something to offer them. That said, I am a nerd with production when it comes down to it. I care deeply about the art and the science of it, and when I meet people that share that mutual passion I tend to keep them close. 99% of my industry relationships have been built around music production rather than the club. When I’m at the club, I like to vibe.
Tell us something we don’t know about you
Before music I was an extremely high level competitive gymnast for 14 years, I think that’s where I picked up my work ethic and ability to overcome my ADHD.
Share an outlandish rider request
I ask for Miller High Life and that’s pretty much it. But when I was doing Artist Relations work at the club we had DJs order very specific things from high end grocery stores, like ginger shots, exotic veggies, exotic dips.
Explain yourself using a famous quote “I have no idea what I’m doing, but I know I’m doing it really really well” – Andy, Parks & Rec
If you could play any event, which one and why?
ADE of course!
Which song do you wish you’d written?
Carl Cox – I Want You (Josh Butler Remix)
One song you couldn’t live without
Oliver – Night Is On My Mind
Music is….. (explain more)
As complex and beautiful as the rest of nature. Much like how we enjoy food, we don’t realise the scientific phenomenon of good music and how it makes you feel. When you start looking deeper into it, the understanding is amazing.
Tell us more about your plans for 2023?
I have spent years hitting Soundcloud hard with remixes, but this year I have many originals and official remixes hitting all platforms! I hope to get a bunch more official releases under my belt put my name on the map and get on the road!
Proppa – Techno Lady Released – 07-04-2023
EXCEED Catalog – EXC011
Stream / Listen / Download
https://exceed.lnk.to/TechnoLady
Find Out More & Follow
Social Media Links
