Dusky Durango graces the airwaves every Wednesday afternoon (noon – 3pm), helping us all make it through the mid-week slump with his grab bag of rock-inspired tunes. Sometimes, you’ll even get to hear Dusky’s young son come in to co-host, which always chases away the work day doldrums! Dusky’s repertoire, combined with his Southern laid-back spirit, gives Dusky Durango’s Caravan the feel of your favorite road trip soundtrack.
Here Dusky gives us a little insight into the inspiration behind his show…
What can you not stop listening to these days?
I always have my obsession with obscure late 60’s and early 70’s psych music and krautrock, but in all honesty I’ve had Solange’s new album on repeat.
What is going on in the Treasure Valley that you’re excited about?
Radio Boise ever expanding outward (of course)! It’s nice to see the developing wave of Treefort and the notoriety that’s carried with it.
Do you have a ritual surrounding your show? You know, a ritual meal or a certain artist you have to play?
Every Tuesday night I sit and drink coffee and finish my playlist. It’s a meditation really, one of the few quiet times I get. My show is very free-form, so it’s hard to pin down specific rituals, but I often play Super Furry Animals. I do pay attention to my segues and try to keep a certain flow going. The whole thing is a meditation.
How long have you been doing Dusky Durango’s Caravan? What drew you to take on this show?
I’m coming up on five years. I always dreamed of having a radio show. When Radio Boise went terrestrial I submitted a program proposal and did not hear back. A few months later I submitted another one, and this time I wrote a novel. I got a call within a couple of days, came on board, and started training.
For those who may not be familiar with your show, how would you describe Dusky Durango’s Caravan‘s sound?
An eclectic mix of rock-based psych that’s not afraid to veer into twang or marching bands?
How did you discover Radio Boise?
That radio dial
What other shows do you listen to?
Sunday Soul Party, Sunday Sound System, Drift Correction, Guilty Pleasures, and really just about all of them. Sometimes I’ll adjust the dial to another station for a reference point.
What other kinds of things do you do in your life?
I read constantly. I enjoy working in the dirt and outside. I’m a musician and always enjoy playing. Nature in Idaho is pretty amazing.
Why do you believe in volunteering for community radio is important?
Keeping a non-commercial voice on the airwaves is essential for the survival of humanity. And having good tunes to listen to. Seriously though, I can’t express enough the importance of having a strong community media presence on the airwaves. It’s the people’s radio.
What sounds do you find yourself inexplicably drawn to?
Everything. It would almost be easier to say what I’m not drawn to, which is the overproduced kitsch of the mainstream commercial market. I love roots music, jazz, blues, r&b, rap, psych rock, Afro beat, reggae, country, everything that I deem “good” from my highly subjective yet informed viewpoint.
Listen To Archives of Dusky Durango’s Caravan
Dusky Durango has THE BEST show on Radio Boise, and that’s saying a lot! I’m always amazed at the depth and eclecticism of his program, and yet it never sounds forced, and everything flows and stays connected. Helps me get through my work week, every week! Hope he stays on the air for the next, oh, 50 years or so!