The Ricardo Wang Interview (#3)
I remember the day I met Ricardo Wang for the first time: August 2nd, 2005. He had begun to make inroads at KPSU – where I was Program Director at the time – and he was beginning
his training. He sat in with me one afternoon, after having listened to the show for a few weeks, which really impressed me. (Here was someone who actually listened to radio, and appreciated all the weird shit I was playing every week). He brought in and gave me a collection of psychedelic rock songs that were all great and out of this world, a disc that I still have and listen to regularly.
A few weeks later we had him on at 12 Noon on Saturday’s, and What’s This Called? has been on KPSU at that time ever since, where we have worked together producing countless episodes of experimental radio, hosting live music, and talking endlessly about recordings… over and over again.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Ricardo has also been involved in organizing the Olympia Experimental Music Festival since it first started, is a mover and shaker in the Portland music scene, and has 30+ years of stories to tell when it comes to living and working in this world.
For today’s mutation, we spend an hour with the elusive and compelling radio personality that is Ricardo Wang, and we get down to what really matters when it comes to art and radio. The world of broadcasting is full of characters that you will not find anywhere else – even at your average radio station – and even among these people, Ricardo is unlike anyone you’ve ever heard before. He is a bit of a character, and if this interview doesn’t paint a picture of him, then I’m not sure what else will.
As mentioned in the program, you should consider donating to The 2016 Olympia Experimental Music Festival #22 on their Indiegogo Page. And below is the video that Ryan Ray made, who’s voice was a part of today’s program, along with Ricardo’s.
Also premiering in this broadcast is part of a recording by The Dead Air Fresheners, a track that is from their forthcoming album that is not yet released. We’re very excited to have this as part of the show, along with all the great music in tonight’s show.
Get to know Ricardo, his radio program, and some incredible music, this week on Mid-Valley Mutations.
Enjoy!
The Ricardo Wang Interview
Part I: What’s This Called?
01.) Electric Cello 2014.3 * Derek M. Johnson * Soundcloud.com
02.) Expialatrocious * Ryan Ray * Recorded Explicitly For This Broadcast
03.) “What’s This Called?” * Ricardo Wang * 22 October 2005 KPSU Broadcast
04.) Laundry Room 2 * Uneasy Chairs * Alexander Hamilton
Part II: Ricardo On The Line
05.) Performance 2 * Fischkopf Sinfoniker * Live on “What’s This Called?” 27 September 2014
06.) Ja-maii-ca Suite [Excerpt] * Miserable Monokeys * Live 7 January 2016
07.) Performance 1 * LA Lungs * Live on “What’s This Called?” 16 September 2006
Part III: World Premiere
08.) Moment * The Giant Worm * Resting on Laurels
09.) Time to Say Goodbye * The Dead Air Fresheners *
10.) Parallel Universe No.3 * Serena Tideman * Live at Café-Club Fais Do-Do – Los Angeles CA – 25 February 2011
Mid-Valley Mutations 