Broadcasting online, the frequencies of Vancouver’s No Fun Radio deliver eclectic musical bursts of electronic, psych, trap, ambient, kraut-rock and even the odd video game soundtrack. Much like its programming, No Fun Radio is the result of diverse sensibilities coming together as one.
No Fun Radio is a nonprofit run by directors Corben Winfield, Javan Avent and Takaaki Okada, with the help of program co-ordinators Derek Duncan and Matthew Owchar. At its essence, the station is a celebration of Vancouver's artistic identity, which is more often celebrated from a far more than it is at home.
We spoke with the station's director and co-founder, Corben Winfield, formerly of Hi-
VIA: What is the origin story of No Fun radio?
Corben Winfield: I took possession of the space in February 2015, whereupon I ran a tiny grilled cheese sandwich take out window until Aug 2017. As a fan of internet radio stations like The Lot, NTS etc, and lifelong musician and appreciator of music, I fantasized about turning the grilled cheese into a similar radio station, but struggled with the reality of closing a viable business to make it happen.
I knew Vancouver had the talent to support a station like the one I envisioned, and I knew it was only a matter of time until someone made it happen. When a close friend (and former bandmate) approached me with a proposition to turn the space into a radio station, the fire was quickly stoked. It was a sign! We had to do it. We began putting together a plan of action, and with the help of another friend of ours, started buying equipment, designing our logo, website & app, and teaching ourselves the back end of running an internet based station. August 25th marked the last day of grilled cheese sandwiches, and by September 25th we began broadcasting.
VIA: What do people not know or misinterpret about Vancouver’s art/music/culture scene?
CW: Vancouver is beginning to get recognition abroad for being a hotbed of musical talent, which is great, but that recognition is largely serviced by the sound of house and electronic music. Obviously there is a greater depth to the scene here, and it is our goal to showcase the city's diverse range of musical tastes and sounds.
VIA: Do you believe Vancouver is the ‘No Fun’ city?
CW: I do not. I understand why it has been given this name, but there are so many great and talented people doing cool things here. You have to dig a bit to find it, but I like that about this city.
VIA: What can the city and/or citizens do better to support local music?
CW: Vancouverites are pretty supportive of local music. People are keen to check out shows, and go to events and parties. The city however, has become almost impossibly expensive, and creative space and music venues have become sparse. This can be an impenetrable barrier for artists and musicians who need space to create but cannot find it or afford it. The city is beginning to address this issue, but change is slow to come.
VIA: How can people get involved with No Fun Radio? Do they need a previous DJ’ing experience?
CW: One doesn't necessarily need to be a DJ, but experience is always appreciated. More important than being a veteran of the club, party or radio station circuit though is the show concept, ones depth of knowledge and appreciation of music. We can teach people how to use the equipment, but not how to select great music.
VIA: What are your wildest hopes and dreams for No Fun?
CW: We aim to be here long term. We want to continue providing a platform for local selectors to broadcast their sound into the ether, and become a destination for touring artists and musicians. We want to continue to increase our listenership locally and globally. We want to travel to other cities to broadcast, participate in and host festivals, organize events and work more closely with people struggling in our community, the DTES.
Tune-in to No Fun Radio HERE.
