DJ Rob Klaproth is a California boy through and through, with a passion for anything tech-related and DJ-ing. Originally from Long Beach, Rob lived in Seattle and Salt Lake City before eventually settling down here in San Diego. His passion for DJ-ing spawned in Salt Lake City, when he was 21. He was mesmerized by the local DJ and the encouraging screams of club-goers. Since then, Rob’s musical influences have developed from ’70s disco and classic rock with artists that include Fleetwood Mac, ELO, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles and Chicago.

GLT: How long have you been a DJ?

Rob Klaproth: Well I’m 34 and I have been a DJ for almost ten years.

GLT: What inspired you to become a DJ?

RK: I’ve been playing with music since I was little. My mom would remember how I’d be dancing and singing all the time and I’d be playing with cassette tapes. When I turned 21, I went to my first nightclub in Salt Lake City. It was called The Sun. I remember I was standing by the DJ booth watching the DJ spin, and I was totally mesmerized at how he was mixing and the crowd’s reaction. That’s when I decided to become one.

GLT: Are you from San Diego originally?

RK: No, I was actually born in Long Beach, moved to Seattle when I was three, moved to Salt Lake City when I was fourteen and moved back to San Diego about ten years ago.

GLT: Why did you decide to come back to California?

RK: When I was living anywhere else I would see the ocean on TV, and it drew me back. I also love the weather and the community here in Hillcrest. I love it here.

GLT: Do you have any favorite artists you like to spin?

RK: I have the typical artists that every DJ spins like Madonna, Lady Gaga or Britney Spears. But I like to introduce people to artists they haven’t heard before, like Kristine W or Deborah Cox. I try to get a blend of mainstream and dance artists.

GLT: Are there any DJ’s that you look up to or are inspired by?

RK: Absolutely. I befriended Steve Oliveri, he’s always been a mentor to me, and he’s taught me a lot of what I know. I spent a lot of time with him in the DJ booth at Urban Mo’s. But in terms of bigger name DJ’s, I’m a big fan of Ralphi Rosario and Paul Oakenfold.

GLT: Are you excited to be playing at Pride?

RK: I’m totally thrilled to be playing Pride! I did it last year and everyone loved it. The venue and the energy were amazing. Plus, don’t forget all the beautiful boys of course. I just love what Pride does and it’s a great cause.

GLT: Are there any venues that you’d like to play that you have not done yet?

RK: Well, here in San Diego I’d like to have a residency at Spin and Rich’s. Even in New York, I would love to play at a club called M2 Ultralounge. It’s simply an amazing space for any DJ to play.

GLT: Do you have a partner?

RK: Well, I’ve been dating someone for a couple of weeks but we haven’t said the “L” word yet. But I’m totally out. I try to go to the different community events we have and I’m out to family, friends and some co-workers too.

GLT: Do you spin at a lot of GLBT based events?

RK: Yeah! Those are actually my favorite events to work. I have one coming up on the 24th with the SAGA. But overall, I prefer to do the gay events because a majority of the music I play at those events is the music I love.

GLT: Do you think San Diego is the greatest city ever?

RK: Oh, It doesn’t get any better than San Diego. Especially with what I’ve heard about the weather on the east coast.

GLT: If you could work with any artist, who would it be?

RK: You know I haven’t really thought about that too much. I’d probably work with Kristine W, who is more of a down to earth kind of artist that I could relate to.

GLT: Have you played at any venues outside of San Diego?

RK: I haven’t, but I’d definitely love to.

GLT: What do you like to do in your spare time?

RK: I have a Golden Retriever, so I go to the beach and play with him. I’m also a techie, so I love to play with my iPhone and watch movies with friends. I also like to work out and I do it 5 days a week.

GLT: What is your favorite iPhone app?

RK: Wouldn’t you like to know (laugh). There are so many I use everyday, but I’d have to say Grindr. That’s actually how I met my partner.

GLT: What’s your favorite movie?

RK: More recently, I’d say the Blind Side, but my all time favorite movie is Some Like It Hot, one of Marilyn Monroe’s best performances and a drag classic!

GLT: Is there any other industry that you would work in if you weren’t a DJ?

RK: I actually already work in the IT industry, so that pays the bills right now.

GLT: Is DJ-ing your dream job?

RK: Yeah, I’d love to do that full time.

GLT: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

RK:(Chuckle) One time, I DJ-ed at a naked pool party in the nude. Nothing at all! I was behind the DJ booth, so that was my only cover.

GLT: Is there anything else that you’d like to add or something you think our readers should know?

RK: Yeah actually, I love sharing my mixes with my fans, so if everyone goes to iTunes and searches for DJ Rob Klaproth, they can download my podcasts for free or I’ll start putting links on www.djrobsd.com and they can download my mixes there.

Thank you Rob, for taking the time to talk with us and for giving us the opportunity to learn more about you and your music. We look forward to hearing your mixes at Pride and will be happily following your long and successful career.