Jonathan Zwickel lives and writes Seattle. For the last 20+ years, his work has appeared in the New York Times, the Seattle Times, SPIN, Rolling Stone, the Stranger, the Believer, and other publications. He's the creator of Let the Kids Dance, an NPR podcast about Seattle's infamous Teen Dance Ordinance, and author of Beastie Boys: A Musical Biography, published by Greenwood Press.
Jonathan graciously took on the challenge of having his guest DJ mix for Midnight in a Perfect World be the first to properly align with KEXP's Six Degrees Week theme of connecting songs through some shared affiliation! Here’s some words from JZ on what he’s pieced together for this special mix:
"Parliament-Funkadelic, Beastie Boys and Grateful Dead are the brightest stars in my musical universe, bands I listened to when I was 16 years old that I still hear with fresh ears today. On the occasion of Six Degrees Week, I made this mix that weaves them together in an unexpected but satisfying musical tapestry. The result ties them to the quintessential 90s alt-rock band, my favorite Seattle band, the Roots, Beyoncé and more. It's like pressing shuffle on the Celestial Jukebox and then hearing the story of your life."
| Artist | Title |
|---|---|
| Midnight in a Perfect World | Intro |
| Funkadelic | Can You Get to That |
| Young MC | Bust a Move |
| The Brand New Heavies | Soul Flower (feat. The Pharcyde) |
| Beastie Boys | Johnny Ryal |
| David Bromberg | Sharon |
| David Crosby | Laughing |
| Grateful Dead | Ripple |
| Jane's Addiction | Rock n Roll |
| Velvet Underground | Sweet Jane |
| The Maldives | Raven Riley |
| Sly and the Family Stone | Everyday People |
| The Roots | Essaywhuman?!!!??! |
| Beyoncé | Hold Up |
| Pointer Sisters | Yes We Can Can (prod. by Allen Toussaint) |
Midnight in a Perfect World, KEXP's weekly hour-long guest DJ show, airs Fridays at midnight. This multi-genre program features eclectic sets by a rotating cast of international and local DJ's, each building upon a party vibe to kick off your weekend. Midnight in a Perfect World is made possible with support from New Belgium Brewing.
Norwegian artist Neon Ion shares a moody guest DJ mix that navigates a sweet spot between jazz, R&B, and soul music.
Portland-based artist Kennebec shares a blissful and meditative guest DJ mix for Midnight in a Perfect World featuring artists and songs that have influenced his own music creation over the years.
German musician Apparat shares an immersive guest DJ mix that reflects his own adventurous and sophisticated electronic music.
