DJ Data: Ian Uponen

Welcome to “DJ Data,” a collaboration between the Vanguard and KPSU, Portland State’s 24-hour, student-run radio station. Each week, DJ Data will shine the spotlight on an individual KPSU DJ and give that DJ an opportunity to give a small taste of what his or her radio show has to offer.

This week’s DJ is Ian Uponen, host of “Ian’s Hour of Musical Power,” which airs Tuesdays from 12–1 p.m. on KPSU.

“I play a wide variety of tracks in a myriad of genres,” Uponen said in an email. “I like to provide some information about the artists and tracks themselves, while also examining how and why certain songs connect with us.”

Uponen also enjoys hearing from his listeners.

“I openly invite your input anytime,” Uponen said. “Feel free to submit tracks, theme suggestions or even whole playlists to [email protected].”

This year, “Ian’s Hour of Musical Power” is planning to feature frequent in-studio appearances from PSU students–both musicians and fans.

“Let me know if you ever want to join me in the studio,” Uponen said. “I love to do in-studios and am looking to do lots this year.”

Uponen’s playlist features both recent tracks (Band of Horses’ “Knock Knock”; The Avett Brothers’ “Pretty Girl from Michigan”) and classics by Dylan and the Patti Smith Group.

“This playlist is representative of my show,” Uponen said. “You’ll notice that the first half is more recent, while the second half has been around a while.

“My point is: everywhere you look, there is always so much enticing music to get excited about,” Uponen said.

Uponen’s playlist for the week of Oct. 9, 2012:

First Aid Kit, “King of the World”
The Avett Brothers, “Pretty Girl from Michigan”
Band of Horses, “Knock Knock”
Justice, “Parade”
Herbie Hancock, “All Apologies”
Wes Montgomery, “Jingles”
Bob Dylan, “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”
The Velvet Underground, “Pale Blue Eyes”
Patti Smith Group, “Revenge”

You can listen to this week’s Spotify playlist below or visit his KPSU DJ page at kpsu.org and tune in to his show every Tuesday. Don’t have Spotify? You can get it free at spotify.com