Freeform DJ: Plastic Passion
Freeform Show Name: Pillbox Tales (formerly The Upstairs Room)
Freeform Day/Time of Show: Friday nights/Sat mornings 12:00am – 2:00am
Interview by: DJ Beanie
FF: What’s the premise of your show, and what do you want your show to communicate to the listener?
Plastic Passion: I like the challenge of having themed shows. I find that it allows me to be creative with my sets. I try to play pretty eclectic music: Post-punk, experimental, 80s r&b and 80s Japanese pop, shoegaze, soundtrack/score, etc etc etc (and The Cure, obviously). I’m getting ready to do another Lowrider Oldies themed show soon. I just want the listeners to find something they really dig.
FF: Where did you grow up and what influence did your upbringing have on your passion for music?
Plastic Passion: I’m originally from Tucson, AZ but i spent 20 years living in NYC and it definitely had a big impact on the music I listen to and love. My parents also had a big influence on my love for music. My dad was a bit of a beatnik when he was younger and used to sing “Barber Shop” by Tom Waits to my brother and I when we were getting ready to go to bed. We also listened to a lot of bossanova, jazz, Mexican music, and r & b.
FF: What’s your favorite music-related film or documentary?
Plastic Passion: I love 30 Century Man about Scott Walker, Fugazi’s Instrument, Bob Dylan: Don’t Look Back, The Cure’s In Orange…
FF: What do you like to do when you’re not at the station?
Plastic Passion: I am a docent at the Portland Art Museum and work in equity and inclusion, so art/equity is very important to me. I read a lot of non-fiction, listen to podcasts, make art, and listen to a ton of music.
FF: What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Freeform community?
Plastic Passion: Oh man, what a rad bunch of people we have in our radio family. I love meeting the DJs and learning about what they like/do/make. I’ve never had a bad encounter. Everyone is super friendly and unpretentious. It’s great to be a part of such a caring & positive community who love Portland and have such a passion for all kinds of music. I’m really thankful to be part of Freeform Portland.