San Francisco native Bobby Puma was always known for writing house bangers. A “producer's producer,” he makes music that bends and fuses genres. “The best way to describe my music is by saying that the bass and the kick do the most talking,” Puma says. “I love to keep a deep funky groove going, and I am all about that deep house nowadays.” His style has led to collaborations with Chuckie, Kate Rockwell and Tiesto, and releases on labels such as ArmadaDeep, Doorn Records, Musical Freedom or Smash The House.

After spending years in the studio, Puma started touring last year. He talks to Myspace about his musical roots, being buds with Tiesto and the crazy things that happen at his shows.

Hometown: Born and raised in San Francisco!

Homebase: Now I live about 45 minutes south of where I was born in Saratoga. Love the peaceful vibe around these parts.

Does living in Northern California impact your sound and the way you make music at all?

Being from the bay, we are always ahead of the curve. With technology, culture, and especially with music. I am surrounded by some great musicians here and am always being influenced by the innovative culture I live within.

How did you end up becoming a producer? Did you come from a musical family?

Music was definitely always an important part of my life. No matter what I would be doing, from my homework to exploring around town, I would always be jamming out and listening to Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin. My pops was such a classic rock freak and turned me on to that at a young age.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

The older house guys, Frankie Knuckles and Louie Vega especially.

Your track "Deeper Than Love" (featuring Katt Rockell) features more of a melody and is a departure from your traditional straight-up house style. Can you talk about how that song evolved?

Most of my music is deep. And by that I mean heavy bass lines and deep kicks. I wanted the title to reflect my style of music while also encompassing the song theme that is inspiration. Maybe last year's opening parties in Ibiza had something to do with it too.

Is Bobby Puma your real name? What does it mean?

Bobby is my real name, but Puma is a pseudonym. I chose Puma because I enjoyed the strong connotations associated with it. I thought that it would resonate well with fans.

What’s your favorite place in the world to perform in?

Amnesia in Ibiza for sure. Great venue, great vibe, great staff.

You have a new track with Tiesto—how did you end up working with him?

Tiesto and I go way back. We have been good pals since before our first collaboration “Someone, Somewhere.” We are always bouncing ideas off each other and will always be good friends.

What’s a little known fact about you?

Whenever I get a free chance, the most fun thing I can do by far is cook. I love to cook! I was actually self-taught and worked in many restaurants when I was younger. The next thing would be boating, followed by traveling.

Tell us the craziest thing that’s ever happened at a Bobby Puma show.

When this couple started stripping at one of my earlier shows...together and on beat.