Seattle parody songs about Trump, the Jungle, and Bertha

Jun 26, 2016, 1:32 AM | Updated: 1:33 am

Former MyNorthwest Content Editor

It happened in 10 minutes. And it is the most popular thing he has done at KIRO Radio.

“When I get an idea, it’s like an itch I just have to scratch,” said KIRO Radio’s Podcast Director Aaron Mason. “Three of my favorite things are music, comedy and radio, so it’s just a natural thing for me to do.”

It usually takes a little while to craft some lyrics and lay down a song. But on June 3 while Ron and Don were talking about the controversy over the naming of the Jungle — Seattle’s infamous homeless encampment along I-5 — inspiration struck.

Don noted that the show will need a new song to introduce conversations about the Jungle — they typically use “Welcome to the Jungle,” by Guns ‘n’ Roses. Mason ran into a neighboring studio. A couple minutes later he walked out — problem solved. It was a hit among the Ron and Don crowd.

But his parody song “Welcome to the I-5 East Duwamish Greenbelt” wasn’t his first time at the mic. He has crafted a few parody clips in his spare time, many having to do with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and others about Seattle’s woes.

“Ron and Don are both really great guys, and have been incredibly supportive of my nonsense,” Mason said.

For Mason, the songs stand as their own — he may not support any view expressed within them. Unless, of course, it’s a jab at Trump — he’ll stand by that.

“I definitely write lyrics that don’t reflect my personal opinions,” he said. “For me, the goal is to make the song as good as it can be, not try and put my personal views out there. Some parodies are funnier if they come from a place or take a position on an issue that I wouldn’t necessarily, and it’s my responsibility to stay true to that. Each song is like a different character, and the best actors are the ones who disappear behind their roles.”