For the Record: Paul Popa & Teodor Ghita digging for each other
Not favourites. Not classics. Not flexes.
Just records they believe the other one would feel, relate with, or take somewhere unexpected.
Teodor, pick 3 records you think Paul would play better than you, or play completely wrong, in a good way.
Alliens Dont Exist - Krak Street Boys
It’s a moody tool. Straight to the point. Paul’s more of a main-slot kind of guy, high energy behind and outside the booth, so I’d like to see him handle something this restrained. I see it at the afters. The driving bass would sit well with his usual selection and let him build tension properly instead of going straight for impact.
Мы не роботы (220V Mix)
I actually think he might play this. Not sure about the vocals though. It’s versatile, could fit in a lot of moments if you place it right. For me, it feels like a track that hints at heavier things coming. In his hands, it could foreshadow a proper run of bombs.
World Wide Web · Rector Scanner
Another chatty one. Vocals in electronic music are sensitive territory.. everyone has their own taste when it comes to what works and what doesn’t. I’d drop this at peak or at the afters, but I lean toward late. A vocal telling you to “look inside” makes more sense when the night’s already deep. For Paul, this could open the electro side of his collection a bit more.
Paul, choose 3 tracks that would push Teodor slightly out of his comfort zone or that he would enjoy, make him laugh, or surprise people with.
Jor-El – Elektrotrans
I like the rawness. It carries a lot of energy without being overly dynamic, and that’s the charm. Slightly mechanical, driving, timeless electro feel. I think Teo would enjoy it because it’s a proper tool, stripped back, atmospheric, built to lock the floor in. It could easily sit in his collection. I’d like to hear him push more in this direction.
Russian Girl (Paul’s edit)
I recently made an edit of a 2000s Romanian electro-house track. Haven’t really found the right context to play it yet. The buildup, bassline, even the cheeky vocal, it fits with what Teo usually plays. It’s one of those Romanian 2000s tracks that unlock core memories without being cringe. I think he’d know where to place it.
Ghost – Lyrical Tempo
I’ve heard Teo play some proper UK garage from time to time. I grew up on that sound. This could slide into his sets naturally while shifting the energy a bit. It’s a small left turn, not a drastic one.
Final Question: Which track would you never expect the other to play, and why would you love to hear it anyway?
Teodor → Paul: Krafty Kuts – Dangerous
High-energy breakbeat. I rarely hear Paul go there. That’s exactly why I’d want to hear it. Main slot energy. He takes a lot from the UK scene, so this could open that door properly.
Paul → Teodor: Evanton – Super Disco Beach
This feels like a lift inside a darker, trippy set. I’d like to hear more of those contrasts in Teo’s sets, moments where things suddenly open up. It would surprise people without losing depth.
On February 28, they meet behind the booth, b2b, as part of TRAILS pres. Anthony Rother at the club. Get tickets.