You know those incredible people who seem to be everywhere, forever? DJ Omar is one of those. The darling of insanely popular, indie-leaning weekly Popscene at 330 Ritch, which he launched more than a decade ago with Live 105's Aaron Axelson, Omar hardly has enough fingers for all of his pies. Besides running Popscene (www.popscene-sf.com), which books some of the most up-to-the-minute underground bands on the planet, he also recently opened for Yaz and Hercules and Love Affair, threw a bang-up shindig for the lovely Italians Do It Better label, and is involved with a slew of parties, including Leisure at Annie's Social Club (www.anniessocialclub.com), Concrete Jungle at the Knockout (www.theknockoutsf.com), Shutter at Elbo Room (www.elbo.com), and Suspiria at Harlot (www.harlotsf.com). Soon he'll launch another project called, titillatingly, Full Frontal Disco.

Omar's been tagged as the reigning king of indie dance and is often associated with Brit pop. Yet he's oh so much more. "I prefer to play around with a variety of styles and stay out of genre lines," he says. "If it sounds good, and I'm dextrous enough to mix it, I'll play it. I think this sundry approach resonates with certain people whose tastes may be equally as broad." You can check out more of Omar at www.myspace.com/clubmouthwash.

SFBG Your style mixes retro sounds with up-to-the-minute tracks, yet it still seems so smooth — and unclassifiable. It also somehow goes beyond the whole lazy iPod DJ thing.

OMAR I grew up in Washington, DC listening to a steady diet of go-go, New Wave, Chicago house, and Fugazi. That was the springboard for the eclectic slant I bring to mixing records today. I also think that's why I'm able to remain a career DJ in San Francisco — I'm not above any genre. I'm open to it all and I'm a passionate record nerd.

SFBG You've been promoting, booking, and spinning in SF for more than a decade now, and your big club, Popscene, is 18-and-over. I'm in no way calling you old here, but the kids are getting younger all the time, no? Do you find that they're not as receptive to some of the more retro tracks you play?

OMAR The kids have always been the same age. I was sneaking into Red Zone in New York and Tracks in DC when I was 15 and the multivariate approach those DJs took back then made a huge impact on me and, in turn, the excitement and energy from kids like myself inspired them. I think it's the same now, I'm just on the other side of the DJ booth.

SFBG What are your top records right now?

OMAR I currently love "Veronica's Veil" by Fan Death, "The Visionary" by Casionova, "Voulez Vous" by Abba, Motörhead's Motorizer, "Homocompatible" by Discodeine, and the After Dark triple LP from Italians Do It Better.

SFBG Any thoughts on the future of your scene?

OMAR I hope that I don't have a scene. By that I mean, I hope that the people coming to my parties continue to have fun, dance to music they love, and get turned on to something unexpected without too many social restrictions. Also, Italo Disco and Heavy Metal will finally unite and become Metalo-Disco. *

PHOTO: Pat Mazzera

INTERVIEW: Marke B.

LOCATION: 330 Ritch, www.330ritch.com

CLOTHING + ACCESSORIES: Harputs, Zara, Diesel, Technics