Meet Jason Rodriguez!
He still presses "pause" and "play" to bring you The Mixtape!
1. Is this your first time producing a radio show or have you done a program before?
I started in radio running the board for several live and syndicated radio shows aired on WOSO, an AM radio station in Puerto Rico. Years later, I lived in Pennsylvania and was fortunate to produce, host, and run my own show called Latin Jams on WDCV, a college radio station. I then produced and hosted a podcast called Unplug & Play before jumping back into radio with The Mixtape on WMNF.
2. How did you first discover WMNF, and what do you think we add to the community?
I discovered WMNF one Christmas season while driving. I remember scanning the radio stations because there was nothing interesting on the radio. All of a sudden, Latino Christmas songs came on and a super energetic guy called Speedy Gonzalez was hosting the show. I was very entertained and researched to see if I could get involved in the station. Long story short, I guest-hosted Latin Jazz & Salsa, and Speedy allowed me to help him. Other DJs also gave me opportunities to sub for them, which expanded my music knowledge and allowed me to improve my skills. I love that WMNF opens its doors to everyone who wants to help - that's how communities are really built. Having that platform where everyone can express themselves in a respectful manner and can learn from each other is invaluable to the community.
3. The Mixtape lives up to its name, playing everybody from Donna Summer and the Kingsmen to Bruno Mars and Fantastic Negrito. Where do you get the idea for your mixes?
The ideas for each week's mixtape really come from everywhere. Sometimes I'm watching a show or a movie and hear a song that reminds me of three other songs. Other times songs just randomly pop into my head and then from there I think of two or three more songs that could pair well with that first one. And I also have to credit our listeners and my friends because they make great requests and/or tell me names of bands I should check out. But the music from different cultures is all around us in Tampa Bay so that provides a wide range of music to select from.
4. Going back to the 80s or 90s, did you used to make actual mixtapes for your friends?
I sure did a lot of mixtapes. I lived through the transition from cassette tapes to CDs, so I remember recording a lot of music. Back then it was how we shared with others what we were listening to and how we shared a lot of underground music (especially early reggaeton) that would not even air on radio stations. And, of course, it was also my way of trying (keyword trying) to impress girls since I love music but don't really play any musical instrument. Putting together a few songs was a conversation starter or could connect us more, so the mixtapes worked with the girls from time to time.
5. Is there anything you’d like to add?
Thanks to WMNF and the other WMNF DJs (past and present) for allowing me to have fun on the radio and learning more and more each time I step into a studio. I'm very grateful to be part of WMNF.
