Iris Berkeley likes to connect the dots — between forever favorites and fresh new releases, between unexpected genres and categories, between local darlings and new sounds from across the globe. Iris cut her teeth in radio as one of the first DJs at the launch of legendary CU-Boulder college station KVCU Radio 1190 way back in 1998, with later adventures as a selector and music journalist taking her to LA, Boston, and a magical handful of years in London in the early oughts. Fast-forward to today, and she’s on KGNU for a regular first-Tuesday slot on the Afternoon Sound Alternative, second Tuesdays on Sound Lab, first Mondays for A Classic Monday, every Monday for Modern Jetset on KGNU Music, and a number of other KGNU shows across the music schedule. She’s also twice been voted Readers’ Choice for Best Radio DJ in Westword’s Best of Denver poll. Anything is fair game when Iris is behind the decks, but no matter where it goes, it’s guaranteed to be a good ride!
What shows do you host on KGNU and how long have you been with the station?
I’ve probably hosted almost every show on KGNU at some point or other … but my usual haunts are Afternoon Sound Alternative (first Tuesdays), Sound Lab (second Tuesdays), A Classic Monday (first Mondays), plus Musica Mundi, Electronic Air, and Under the Floorboards (all every two months or so).
Who is your favorite artist and/or album of all time?
The impossible question! But my desert island artists would definitely include Brian Eno, Stereolab, LCD Soundsystem, Bill Nelson, Jorge Ben, anything the Habibi Funk label issues … I should probably just quit while I’m ahead.
What is your Zodiac sign and what (if anything) does it say about you?
Cancer sun, Virgo moon, Leo rising … which pretty much means I’m entirely overprepared every time I go on air, but it’s all with a ton of love, and if you call me in the studio I’ll probably natter on until I have to rush back on mic. You’ve been warned.
If you could have any musician’s record collection, whose would it be?
John Peel. No question. Though probably someone would find me months later buried under a pile of vinyl. (Not a bad way to go!)
What song do you never get tired of playing on air?
The title track of Television’s Marquee Moon. But at almost 11 minutes, I can’t get away with it too often!
What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
In a previous life, I was a competitive ballroom dancer. (Today, you’ll never see me in high heels.)
