Have you been searching for the musical experience that “transcends those superficial sound holes and goes straight to the heart of your brain”? Have you wanted to be exposed to new and interesting sounds as well as some psychedelic music you’ve never heard? Do you have one free hour a week you could devote to this endeavor? If so, DJs Freaknik D’Angelo and Mr. Mirth have you covered.
Their show, Psyche 101, according to Mr. Mirth (known outside the studio as Kevin Hess), aims for this goal. Their “duodenal” and “spiritual” mix of songs explores every nook and cranny possible of experimental and psychedelic music. They do the scouring and searching of those neglected gems hidden in the past and present in order to bring listeners “hand in hand” into a “circle of sonic glory.”
A listener would have to wonder where and how these DJs are able to find such a diverse mix of music, from the more familiar Flaming Lips to less well-known acts like Vashti Bunyan. Mirth says that he mostly finds recommendations for the more obscure through reading band webpages (specifically those of Devendra Banhart and Ben Chasny). Freaknik likes the recommendations of the band Animal Collective and draws a lot of material from his personal record collection. They bring their findings together to get a good idea of what they would like to play on the show, often with disagreement.
The meeting of Freaknik (a.k.a. Turner Williams) and Mr. Mirth is a complex story. Kevin’s is a more mystical version involving a majestic oak tree, while Turner indicates that they live in the same dorm and shared a common interest in music and bringing it to others. Both wanted to be college radio DJs and have now been able to realize this goal. Psyche 101 has only been on the air for three weeks but has already hosted a dance party in the studio.
Freaknik D’Angelo and Mr. Mirth are very excited about their show and encourage everyone to join them on this aural journey. Mirth likes to bring his “folkier tendencies” to the mix and Freaknik brings the “heavier, more experimental stuff.” You may not have heard of anything they play on their show, but this should not be a deterrent. These DJs are eager to include everyone and insist that your soul will be touched “in a non-sexual but not necessarily harmless way.”
In addition to listening to Psyche 101, Mr. Mirth and Freaknik both recommend that everyone attend the concert that The Wrens are giving during KWUR week. According to Mirth, “they write great songs, create some unique harmonies and add layers to what otherwise would be traditional indie rock.” Freaknik expressed an interest in caravanning to see Animal Collective, who are on tour this spring, and the upcoming Fiery Furnaces show at the Gargoyle.
The enlightening adventure that is Psyche 101 is on the air from midnight to 1 a.m Friday nights. Freaknik D’Angelo and Mr. Mirth eagerly extend their invitation to listeners of all degrees of sobriety and musical familiarity. They also welcome you to stop by the studio. Come with open ears and prepare to have your mind blown.
Tune in at 90.3 FM or www.kwur.com. Call at 935-KWUR.
Mix Tape:
Mr. Mirth
1. Audrey Hepburn – “Moon River”
2. Animal Collective – “We Tigers”
3. Six Organs of Admittance – “Elk River”
4. Joanna Newsom – “Sadie”
5. Simon Finn – “Jerusalem”
Freaknik D’Angelo
1. Os Mutantes – “Panis Et Circensis”
2. Can – “Oh Yeah”
3. My Bloody Valentine – “To Here Knows When”
4. Animal Collective – “Two Sails On A Sound”
5. The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows”