Host Of: Lazerbacon’s Snaq Attaq (Saturdays 10 pm – 12 am)
On Freeform Portland Since: 2020 or 2021
Instagram: @officiallazerbacon
Tell me about the role that music plays in your life and why it’s important to you.
Music and radio have always been a constant. It’s what brings everyone together from midwest polka weddings to the dudes smoking weed in their mom’s basement…
How did you discover Freeform and why did you decide to volunteer with us?
It was the pandemic… I think I got to the end of the internet and moved onto the radio. Freeform Portland was like a voice crying softly in the ether.
Tell me about your show.
It sucks! 🙃
Ummmm, it’s constantly evolving. The original idea was quiet storm music, but somehow, I got distracted and started on this weird intergalactic journey passing across musical planets of interest. But mostly whatever I’m listening to at the moment… join the ride!
Finish this sentence: “Freeform is…
Vitally important in a quasi-neo-fascist-america? I truly appreciate how Freeform Portland actively rebels against the status quo and the homogenization of culture.
Three songs you’re digging right now (include YouTube links)
- This whole mixtape (Erykah Badu “You Caint Use My Phone”). She is a witch that plays crystals and 808s. It is enchanting.
- This popped up in the algorithm. Joey Valence and Brae sound like if the Beastie Boys traveled to the future.
- This is a great start to a cultural rabbit hole (Flagboy Giz and COLORS).
Can you share a favorite musical memory (could be a song from childhood, a show, a transition that you killed)?
- The first time I heard the DX theme… driving overnight to Milwaukee to see Jimmy Page smoking weed with The Sword.
- In NJ, Samba Mapangala the day after the ’08 election.
- The Phish light show @ Moda Center in 2024🫠.
Tell me about some musical artists that inspire you.
People that are passionate, unrelenting, and honest, but positive, progressive and humble.
If you could create your own personal concert, including artists who have passed, who would be some of the headliners and why? OR if you could meet any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I don’t know, it seems kinda reductive. Wouldn’t it always be great to see a great artist in their environment to maximize awesomeness? I guess that’s my way of saying… I don’t know.
Why is freeform, community radio important to you? To your community?
It’s a great creative outlet! I find a lot of mental and emotional grounding in my efforts around Freeform Portland. It can help put things in perspective, put you outside your boundaries, and just help you grow to be a better person.
What is a genre/artist/record that some might be surprised to find in your collection?
I own more than one Will Smith album. Albeit, one is DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (featured second).
Given everything happening in the world today, what’s one song you turn to for comfort or inspiration?
“War/No More Troubles” by Bob Marley. I’ve been playing it at the beginning of every episode since the Russian invasion of Donbas. Way back in 2001, a really great Reggae/Dancehall/Coca show called “Huracan Caribe” started playing it during the invasion of Iraq. I don’t know, it seemed fitting. It’s a good way to ground myself at the beginning of the show…
Tips for aspiring DJs?
Keep going. Every show gets better, more fun, easier. Perseverance. Things will start working themselves out if you stay engaged.
