DJ Theory tips into 2012

GUARDIAN PHOTO BY MIRISSA NEFF

Tropical sounds are once again moving crowds. Moombahton — the curious new dance music genre that started when DJs slowed hyperactive Dutch house music down to a reggaeton-like groove — is definitely having a moment, and steel drums are skittering high atop whomp-whomp beats. DJ Theory (www.facebook.com/deejaytheory) is one of the Bay's main proponents of this tropical bass movement, but his unflagging energy and genre versatility placed him firmly on our 2012 breakthrough list. "As a teen, I wore out the repeat button on my Discman to Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb,'" the 26-year-old Massachusetts native told us, as he sipped from a raw coconut, no lie. "But a list of music that means the most to me would include Bob Marley, Augustus Pablo, Wu Tang, and Operation Ivy."

Besides throwing down ubiquitously at Bay Area joints, Theory hosts a regular party called the INTL at Public Works, and is in the process of releasing a slew of remixes and tracks (www.soundcloud.com/deejaytheory), including some tasty collaborations with SF production hero J-Boogie.

Description of sound: All genres aside, I'm simply going for something that hits me in the right spot, and can hopefully turn others on too. I like to think of it as music for the body and the dancefloor. It can be very soulful, but often heavy and throbbing with bass. I love all kinds of music. With so much inspiration out there it's hard to classify "my sound".

What do you like most about the Bay Area music scene? There's something there for everybody, and a deep appreciation for many different styles of music. Even in a small city like SF, there's an overwhelming amount of music and nightlife at all times, from the underground to the high-end — and tons of options in between. There's also a fiercely independent hustle when it comes to Bay Area artists and industry professionals, and I definitely dig that.

Favorite local dish Cubano sandwich and sangria from Parada 22 in Upper Haight.

Who would you most like to tour with? Buraka Som Sistema from Portugal. Their live show is out of this world.