Two crates of classic hip-hop, a bit of jazz and a little emergency stash of reggae 45s are all DJ Sopa needs to keep the party live.

D-town's newest trendsetter is making it happen in the clubs and galleries the old-fashioned way. That means vinyl-only DJing. No CDs, no Mp3s, no iPods and no filler tracks.

We caught up with Sopa earlier this week via e-mail to talk about his new gig in the Bishop Arts District and his unusually strict adherence to vinyl. Here's what the crate-digger had to say. Q: You supported the local dance scene for a long time before getting behind the decks as a DJ. What made you finally drop the money on turntables and a mixer?

Sopa: I've always picked up vinyl here and there, even before I got my tables. I knew early on that DJing was something I had to get into. I watched St. Louis' DJ Alejan do his thing ... and I was hooked.

Q: Who were some other DJs to inspire you, and what were some things that stood out about each one?

Sopa: DJ Alejan's "Originality is a Must" was the first mix tape I ever heard. It was the first time I heard reggae and hip-hop mash-ups. It totally blew my mind that raps and "riddims" could sound so sexy together. DJ Honda always comes correct with his music selection. I'm on the hunt for original samples 'cause of that dude. DJ Sake1 from the West Coast keeps me on point with salsa cuts.

Q: You're one of the only DJs around that strictly plays vinyl. What made you go in that direction?

Sopa: It's much more of an intimate relationship to the music. I couldn't just dive straight into DJing without paying respect to the whole vinyl record culture. People approach me all the time, commenting about my vinyl. It seems to make them appreciate the music more when you can hand them an album sleeve and give them a visual to complement the sounds.

Q: You've got a new monthly jumping off at Studio 410 in the Bishop Arts District. Tell us a bit about the night and the spot.

Sopa: The Bishop Arts District is starting a first-Thursday event spotlighting the local galleries, shops and restaurants. It's an opportunity for neighbors and visitors to come out and take in this flourishing community. Studio 410 is a barber shop/beauty salon that pushes the boundaries beyond that of your run-of-the-mill hair spot. You can listen to all sorts of music, take in the colorful murals on the walls, all while getting your hair done.

Real name: Miguel Donjuan

Age: 25

Styles: I usually hold it down with reggae, jazz, funk and hip-hop.

Where to hear him: Every first Thursday at Studio 410 in the Bishop Arts District, starting Oct. 1.

Contact info: myspace.com/ sourgrapescrew

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