Wes Hall, aka Infrared, is the host of the TranceFusion Revolution on Tuesday nights from eight until ten as part of the After Hours segment on WKNC. The show consists mostly of various flavors of electronica including experimental, live trance, dubstep, and space rock. You can find the TranceFusion Revolution on MySpace and Facebook.

GNR: How long has the TranceFusion Revolution been on WKNC? Were there any shows prior to you coming on board that were similar?

Infrared: I started TFR a couple of weeks after I officially became a DJ in April 2006.  That first summer and fall semester of 2006, the show was Saturday night midnight until 2 AM. It was fun, but everyone was out partying.  So, at the beginning of 2007, we changed it to Tuesday night where it has stayed.  Before I came to WKNC, there weren’t any DJs focusing on “trancefusion” or live electronica, although there were (and still are) some great After Hours DJs focusing on house, D&B, downtempo, trip-hop, etc.  As far as I know, I’m still the only DJ at the station playing in the genre, except when Ol’ River Haynes throws some in on the Hippie Hour.

GNR: I know that you’ve been involved with jam/electronic music for a long time. What inspired you to become a DJ?

Infrared: I’ve always loved sharing the music that I’m passionate about with people.  Back in 2006 I was really excited about all the new music I was seeing and experiencing, so when my friend, Johnny C (former After Hours DJ), told me that the sign-up for that semester’s DJ class was happening, I jumped at the chance.  I took the class and passed the written and on-air tests, and was Johnny C’s training monkey that spring.  The rest is TFR history.

GNR: What is your typical routine before a show? How do you get prepared for your set?

Infrared:  I made Monday and Tuesday my weekend this summer.  I have those two days to compile what I’ve been listening to and taking notes on all week. I try to know when to start a transition, what song goes best where, etc.  Sometimes I just bring my laptop and my CDs and completely wing it.  Usually about a hour or two before the show, we go up to the Farm House on Hillsborough St. and eat cheese steaks while downing some beers.  Only then am I ready to rage the airwaves.  If I don’t get Farm House beforehand, TFR usually suffers.

GNR: What percentage of your show comes from requests? How else do you incorporate requests in to your show?

Infrared: Because a lot of my shows are semi-planned out for smooth transitions, I don’t take too many requests.  But when people call in with a request that will fit in some way, I try to incorporate it into the mix later in the show.  Occasionally, I will post on PhantasyTour-Bisco a day or two in advance and take requests from listeners.  I enjoy doing this because listeners are how I find out about new music, and it makes them happy to hear their request on air.  People also IM, text, and send requests to TFR’s MySpace.

GNR: How do you involve the various web communities that you are a part of in to your show?

Infrared: The online community is such a crucial part of my show.  I post every week on PhantasyTour-Bisco right before (or sometimes days/hours before) TFR starts.  I get a lot of good requests, suggestions, and criticism from those listeners.  PhantasyTour also has given me a lot of listeners from up and down the East coast mainly, with some listeners all over the country.  WKNC’s live internet stream allows my friend in South Korea to check out the show, although its 9 AM there.  Nothing like some nasty untz to get you going in the morning.  The CrunchyGroove guys are awesome – they posted a couple recordings of my shows up there.  I haven’t worked with them as much as I should be, though.

Also, having a MySpace page dedicated solely to TFR has helped me to get some new artists on the air that have never had air time. It has also helped me get in touch with bands and DJs about their music and shows.

GNR: How much longer do you anticipate being a part of the WKNC community?

Infrared: Well, I am graduating this semester… finally!  It’s been fun, but some people get a doctorate in the time I’ve been in school.  Its really only because I really like being a DJ at KNC and I don’t want to leave.

KNC lets alumni keep their shows if they want for a little while.  So, after an epic New Years in NYC, I think I’ll keep TFR on the air as long as I’m Raleigh (March-ish?)

GNR: You referred to your show as the “TranceFuture Revolution” in your most recent set. What does that refer to and does it reflect a change in your style of music that you share with listeners?

Infrared: It reflects on my mood while I was putting that show together.  I wanted to focus on music that evokes the feeling on being somewhere intergalactic – like an alien bar in some far galaxy, or being chased through space, or floating peacefully amongst the stars.  I try to give each show some kind of overall feel even if not everything fits together perfectly.  The TranceFuture Revolution show did get me thinking and I think I may try to develop that theme a little more and help bring the feel of the future a little closer – I mean, it is 2008 – where’s my hoverboard?