Show Spotlight: Bangers and Mashups

You haven’t run into radio interference if you think you’re hearing two stations at once on Sunday nights; it’s just DJ Winkle’s supreme mix show, Bangers and Mashups! Crafting one tasty party playlist by blending and fusing genres and songs that probably shouldn’t even sound good together, DJ Winkle makes ‘em sound great together!

Jam to Bangers and Mashups live every Sunday from 11 PM – 1 AM or listen anytime on Radio Free America’s archive.

What can you not stop listening to these days?

I love big beats and what I call “Goosebump” music (tracks that make the hair on your arms stand up). Diplo has been a massive influence on why and how I DJ. His album, ‘Diplo x Santigold’, is a masterpiece and really made me want to start DJing and playing out. Artists I currently have on repeat are Run the Jewels, DJ Premier, and of course the Global Mashup Community.

Producers such as Happy Cat Disco, Grave Danger, YITT, DRA’man, MsMiep, Satis5d, DJ Schmolli, Bootie Collective, Oki, Pom Deter, and many more are in my regular rotation. These people collaborate on amazing projects and it is a great honor to be in their circle and feature the top Mashup producers each and every week. They are unbelievably creative, talented, and kind people..

What is going on in the Treasure Valley that you’re excited about?

I also co-host a local Hip-Hop show with Andy O right before Bangers and Mashups called Krush Korner [Sundays at 10 PM]. We play only the latest and greatest in Idaho made Hip-Hop. We recently celebrated our 100th show and it’s been amazing to connect with rappers and producers from all over the state.

A great thing happens when you tell artists that they will be played on the radio. I love to share in the joy and showcase the deep Hip-Hop talent that exists here in Idaho. What really excites me is to see this talent base grow and community members becoming aware, participating, and embracing Idaho made Hip-Hop.

On the Mashup side, the skill of these producer cats is unreal. I get my mind blown every week when I find a track that I would have never thought would work as a mashup. I love listening to multiple tracks at the same time mixed perfectly in key. When done well, Mashups are a beautiful art form.

The Idaho music scene has been growing by leaps and bounds and it’s great to see the talent that is coming into town and the great local artists that are creating amazing music.

Do you have a ritual surrounding your show? You know, a ritual meal or a certain artist you have to play?

Sure, I must eat a massive helping of sausages and mashed potatoes before every show… [Editor’s note: This dish is that Brits calls “bangers and mash” for some reason.]

Joking aside, I love to beat match and make seamless transitions between tracks if possible. After six years of doing the show, I have made direct connection with many Mashup producers and often receive tracks directly from the source. The community is so strong that I have access to an incredible pool of talent.

I build my shows with themes or around mini-sets as well. It can go from a Hip-Hop block, to tropical house, classical music trap remixes, to Reggae, or even 8-bit. If it’s a big beat and it can make you laugh or question what you are hearing, I am really into it.

How long have you been doing Bangers and Mashups? What drew you to take on this show?

My first show September 1, 2012, which was my birthday: best present ever. Back then I was on from 1-3 AM Sundays after High, Wild and Free with Bret Netson. I was drawn to the station from a friend’s recommendation.

I was just starting to DJ and had a few live gigs under my belt. Learning to use my mixer and wanting to send positive energy to others was my main motivation.

For those who may not be familiar with your show, how would you describe the Bangers and Mashups sound?

It’s can be described as all the sounds… at the same time. To clarify, a mashup is a stem or piece of a song that is mixed with instruments or samples. Combining the lyrics of one song with the beat of another. In can get much more complicated, but essentially you’re listening to multiple tracks at once. I have been accused of ruining pop music, but it’s fun to throw curve balls at the listener.

A good mashup will start with a recognizable song then go in a totally different and sometimes absurd direction. It is quite fun to have the freedom to play all genres. You name a genre and it can be remixed or mashed up and I’ve most likely played it.

How did you discover Radio Boise?

A friend took me to the station in summer of 2012. The station looked much different back then but I knew something amazing was happening when I first walked in. I wanted to further help out the station with production and have aided Wayne Birt and staff with underwriting and show promos [ever since]. It’s been great to learn studio production and hear something I produced played on the radio.

My time spent at the station has been invaluable and from this I have gained a tight group of friends, and now even a fiancé!

What other Radio Boise shows do you listen to?

So many! I love the Rapture with Nichole Marie, Necessary Luxury with Night Nurse, The Chowdah with DJ Tanner (new and amazing), and Spoonful with Jason Beek. Mad love to all the Sunday programs.

Truly, every show is on Radio Boise is quality. The new “voices and podcasting workshops” are very exciting. These programs encourage community members to work on unique radio pieces and give us perspective into new and interesting topics.

What other kinds of things keep you busy outside of radio?

I stay quite busy with working in the liquor industry, playing music live, and volunteering. I recently attained the Certified Spirits Specialist within the state liquor division. I have my band Gigglebomb that plays music weekly around downtown Boise. I also volunteer with the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, and am planning a wedding for 2019.

Why do you believe volunteering for community radio is important?

Volunteering for any cause you believe in can be extremely rewarding. It’s as Paul McCartney said, “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”.

The amount of social, educational, and emotional rewards I have received from Radio Boise could never equate to a dollar amount.

This place has allowed me to truly break out my social shell and meet so many joyful, creative, and passionate people that I may not have had the opportunity to meet. The inclusive nature of the station and the amount of raw fun we have is truly unique and special.

DJ Winkles hosts Bangers and Mashups every Sunday night from 11 PM – 1 AM.