Director Positions Open!

Hey, all! The end of the semester is just around the corner, finals are piling up, blah blah blah
But WBCR has a totally sweet opportunity for you!
There are director positions opening up for next semester. SO, if you are interested, check for our box by the mail center for the app and be sure to fill it out and get it back to us by THIS FRIDAY, 12/12. Email us at WBCRFM@gmail.com if you'd prefer a digital format.
The positions we need to fill are:
Programming Director
Assistant Public Affairs Director
Assistant Web Director
Chief Engineer
Folk & Blues Director
RPM Director
Please get these in by Friday. There will be a very brief (5 minutes) interview on sunday evening and we will train you during the first week of next semester.
Good luck with finals. And join the board of 'BCR!

RECORD SALE

Hey, all. This is just a quick reminder that the WBCR record sale Part II is going down TODAY from 4 until 6 in the C-HAUS. Bring a buck and you will get a bag to fill with as many records and CDs as you can fit inside. There are also sweet t-shirts, artsy bowls made out of melted records, and super sweet beer specials.
Bring a buck and a friend!
and, remember, WBCR OWNS YOUR MOM!

Security!

Hey guys,
For the 75th time this semester, I've been contacted about the studio being found unlocked. Security has found it open in the morning, directors have walked in to find it unlocked and vacant in the evening. This is absolutely unacceptable. Not only does it leave our entire studio susceptible to theft, it is an FCC rule that the studio must be locked at all times. Another large fine could very well mean the end of WBCR.
In the meantime, if the studio is found unlocked again this semester, security will have to take further action. And I'm pretty sure whatever that action is, whether it is charging everyone with a key or just shutting WBCR down, we're not going to like it.

I encourage all of you to make sure both doors (studio and hallway) are locked at All Times, especially when you leave. If you know of a programmer who may have missed this message, please pass it along. And let us know if you have any questions. Thanks.

Station Clean Up

Hey Everyone,

We love you dearly, we really do but we are NOT YOUR MOTHER!!! So that being said please will you put things back where you got them from after your show and not throw them on the table? We have a hard time trying to figure out what was in the new music pile and what we were weeding out and our librarian doesn't need any more work because you didn't take the few minutes to put things back. So please if you really cannot put it away fine but otherwise put the stuff back and don't leave trash around clean up after yourselves we're not your mother. This station is very near and dear to us and we don't have the money to replace things because people weren't willing to clean up and put things away. Alrighty? So we love you all we really do but clean up the station when you're done. :)

Fall Break Shows

Hey!

So for those of you who will be around Fall Break and still wanna do your weekly show that's totally cool with us, just make sure to get a key from security and turn on the transmitter etc to get your show to broadcast. And when you're done make sure to turn it off since not everyone will be around :) Otherwise if you won't be around you won't need to find subs, we know people won't be around so on breaks we don't require them. Otherwise we hope you have an amazing fall break either here or at home and if you're gonna be home relaxing try to tune in! See what your fellow 'bcr folks are doing :)

Heather

Few Reminders.....

Hey Everyone!

Just a few reminders make sure that the winamp is open when you do your show that way it can go over the webstream-and if it's not working contact Sam don't try to fix it yourself that just makes things worse :) Don't forget to make sure the transmitter is on too so it can go over the airwaves. And if you get a phone call during your show make sure to answer with 'Hi this is WBCR 90.3FM Beloit College Radio' that way they know who they're talking to and don't forget to send your directors your playlist and play 2 PSA's each hour because it is an FCC requirement and we don't need to pay fines because you didn't play any PSAs-use the 360 Machine or look under the PSA playlist on itunes and they're all labeled nicely for you so you know what is what. Otherwise just make sure to announce your show title and that people are listening to WBCR 90.3FM at the top of each hour that is also an FCC req alrighty? You're all amazing and I wish you all great shows for the week, good luck on mid terms and have an awesome fall break!!

Heather :)

Web Update 2

Okay, all! I've finally gotten access to the web site, so you will hopefully be seeing more and more changes being made over the first few days. The main changes are update the Director's page and the schedule.
PLEASE send me your show titles and descriptions. You only need a few lines explaining the type of show it is and maybe a few bands you expect to play. Email those to the web director.
Also, the webstream is back up and running. If there are any issues in the future, please contact me rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Other than that, nothing new to report! Keep up the good work, all. And feel free to contribute!

Sign in Sheet

Hey Everyone!!

Our amazing Program Director has made a sign in sheet and it is posted on the bulletin board in the station so please when you come in for your show initial under the proper date/and your name! It's really simple and it helps us with programming in the long run so please sign in when you get in!

Thanks,
Heather

IN-STUDIO TRAINING FEST '08

Programmers and Directors,
There will be in-studio training sessions at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (Sept. 24 and 25) for any programmer who is not yet familiar with the equipment.
There will also probably be candy.

Check your e-mail for details.
<3 Liz

Non-Music Programming and the Production Studio

Non-Music Programmers!!

Hey all of you who are non music programmers please get in touch with me (your public affairs director) so I can get your contact info, playlists and help you out with your shows and even using the production studio!! So email me wbcrpubaffairs@gmail.com and my office hours are 5-7pm on Fridays :)

Heather

FOR THE REST OF YOU: If you are interested in recording a show spot (ie advertisement for your show) or a show title/ending let me know and I'll make a list so once the production studio is up and running we can make your shows sound more amazing and get the word out!!

You all rock!

Heather Hoff
WBCR Public Affairs

Web Update

Hey, all.
You, me, and everyone else is mad about the website. The webstream is down. The content on the website is out-of-date. This does not mean that you should try to fix it yourself. The problem is a delicate one, most directly affected by our connection to the Belcon server. PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND REMEDY THE SITUATION YOURSELF! There will be posts here when the webstream is up and running. In the meantime, use this blog and its associated calendar (see sidebar) will have to do.

My most profuse apologies,

Sam, Web
WBCRWeb@gmail.com

Fall '08 Schedule IN COLOR

So I compiled all the apps and based on what people wrote I put them in a genre and then created a schedule for us to use on the front page of the website, on fliers, on facebook etc.
If I spelled anyone's name wrong or you want to be called another genre that is already on there (I could add jazz or classical) I can still edit it and issue it.

I think we should spread this as much as possible to get people informed about what kind of programming we will have. Also show descriptions (once in) will help me refine this so everyone send one to wbcrweb@gmail.com. '

Also I am putting up posters for my show (i'll put it here as well) on Saturdays 10pm-1am. You should all tune in, it will be good I promise.

Back to Beloit! Big meeting! On the air soon!

Hello, devoted listeners, programmers, and other assorted fans. WBCR is back, and ready to do some damage. We've been getting ourselves dusted off and organized for a couple of weeks, welcome some new directors to the board along the way, and now we're ready! For those who don't know: there is a MANDATORY PROGRAMMER MEETING.
Stats:
Monday, September 15
8:00 pm
DKs
EVERY Programmer must be there. We will be talking about the upcoming semester, going over the schedule, and helping everyone get acquainted with the studio, the board, and their respective music directors. If you didn't get the email, the schedule is embedded below. Any changes you'd like made should be presented at the meeting tomorrow night.
See you all there!

P.S Welcome back! You were all sorely missed.

Sam, web



(Click here to view calendar) (Click here to subscribe)

King Khan and the Shriiiiiines!!

I don't know if WBCR operates in some alternate universe wherein it takes weeks longer than usual to receive a simple goddamn piece of mail or if the creeps at Terror Bird promotions are just lazy a-holes that need serious prodding to give us anything, but we finally got what might just be the best album of the summer. Certainly the best album i've received all summer from those lousy promotions people. That's right kiddos: King Khan and the Shrines. Mmm. Tasty.
Seriously, don't just take my word for it. Take a look:
http://www.myspace.com/kingkhantheshrines

I mean, their music is like a throw back to 50s-60s psych/garage rock goodness with some excellent horns and the scratchy, uncontrollable voice of King Khan Himself. If you can, go see them.
and impress your friends! Listen to King Khan and the BBQ show, too! http://www.myspace.com/thekingkhanbbqshow

land of the freak baby!

Pay What You Want for the New Girl Talk Album

Pittspurg, PA based mashup artist Girl Talk has done something big. Fo years he has been combining the best of contemporary hip-hop, indie rock, and even some classic rock. Despite working on the touchy ground of remixing existing songs, his newest album, Feed the Animals, is being released under a Creative Commons 

Attribution, Non-Commercial license (i.e you can share it as much as you want, as long as you accredit it to Girl Talk and don't make any money off of it). He is also allowing listeners to pay what they want for it (a la Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, and other artists, businesses, and services)

The new album expands on Girl Talk's sound: great party tracks, really slappin', bouncin' sound, but with some unorthodox features: for example, he mixes The Band's "The Weight" with the T.I track "It's going down" to great success. Even better is when he mixes Cheap Trick with Missy Elliott on "No Pause" my favorite track. A full listing of the songs he samples can be found on Wikipedia.

Download and share this album: promote the artist, the genre, and maybe even throw Gregg Gillis some scrilla for his efforts and risks.

Girl Talk is touring this summer, including a performance at Lollapalooza on August 1st. The full schedule is on Myspace.

Girl Talk has done some amazing things with this album: I imagine news articles, lawsuits, and bitchin' dance parties will be the result.

OK. The new WEEZER album kind of sucks. but here's a video of them playing Radiohead's Creep:
http://www.pampelmoose.com/mspeaks/2008/06/weezer-perform-radioheads-creep-at-hootenanny-exclusive-video

also, if you want to download the New Girl Talk album (which you do) here's the link to do that:
http://www.myspace.com/girltalk
it's pay what you want!

The Best Day of Your Life

OK, Clones. It's your lucky day. The webstream is back up! you know what that means? It means you can listen to your favorite station (WBCR) wherever (there's a computer with internet connection) and whenever (there's a show on)!
So Just Do IT!
(www.beloit.edu/~wbcr)

What About Bob?

Perhaps you've heard him on the air: Bob. Or maybe his distant relative, Jack. Either way, you know what I'm talking about: obnoxious radio stations that play voice overs in between songs and commericials that let you know that he is just playing "whatever the fuck he wants."
Cool.
Bob seems to care so little about what other people think of him, he must be cool, right?
Wrong.
Bob (and Jack) are the least cool stations and program formats out there. He's like that annoying kid in 2nd grade who would stick tatter tots up his nose in the lunch room at the behest of other, more popular, more attractive kids. He would do it and everyone would laugh, but nobody would seriously like him.
What became of this kid? Probably he was the originator of the BOB "playing what we want" format.

My own feelings toward the station went through a myriad of emotions; from utter disgust to bewilderment, frustration followed by acceptance, a brief flirtation with actually trying to listen to the damn thing, and, finally, a feeling of even more resentment than I thought possible during my first stages of cognizance of BOB.

My initial disgust with BOB was mostly a lashing back at the condesending notion that an iPod plugged into a computer in a studio somewhere and set on random could replace the human touch. I, for one, am not excited by a robotic holocuast, waged at the elimination of the human species. But then, I was like "fuck it. it's the future, man. and DJ's are fucking stupid, too." I tuned in. Sure, I'd hear some 80s hits now and then. Some flock of Seagulls, some Thomas Dolby. And, hey, they might even play some songs from widely different genres or time periods (like, an 80s song followed by a song from the 90s!) in a row. Bob truely was a wild and crazy guy, playing what he wanted.
but then something happened. I realized that, actually, all the songs Bob was playing sucked.
What was Bob doing? He kept playing songs that I had never heard before, songs that had been (rightly) forgotten in the anals of radio history. And they all sucked.
I realized that, to some people, these were actual songs that were actually played when they were actually younger and that, while they totally suck, they bring them back to that time and place. A special place indeed.
But something has happend since then: they've gone on to get full time jobs, had four kids, bought a mini van and grown a butt the size of Montana. they are not cool anymore.
yet whenever they here the siren call of Bob, they are so taken over at the joy they recieve from being able to escape their mind-bendingly awful and dull lives in favor for the distant memories of a different, more youthful time in their lives. being so blinded by this singular disre to escape the excrusiating pain of their current existence, they fail to realize the songs being played actually suck.

And so I say: Enough Bob! Quit playing what you want to hear! Start playing what I WANT TO HEAR!!!

Sexfist at the CHaus TONIGHT

The Henhouse Prowlers are back! Campus favorite bluegrass balladiers/rockers Sexfist make their triumphant return to the CHaus. Whether you are an avid Bluegrass fan, or a total n00b, you'll love to hoot and holler and shake yer bottom at tonight's show. Show your support for one of Chicago's best bands, and one of Beloit's regular gigs, by showing up TONIGHT, THURSDAY, at 10PM.
It'll be a knee-slappin' good time.

Show of the Week!

Tune in tomorrow, Friday, April 4th, to hear "Friday Night Beats with DJ Repercussion." Nachiket Karnik has a way with the DJ table, friends, and you'll be hard pressed not to bop around uncontrollably when you tune in. The show starts at 9 PM - perfect for pregaming, primping, or whatever you do at 9:00 on Friday nights.

As always,
90.3 FM
www.beloit.edu/~wbcr


Also, keep an eye out for PIMP MY RADIO. Details coming soon.

Rockin' the Coughy Haus, Plus some other Trash

Is this false spring getting you down? Have no fear, this is going to be a great weekend for music at the Coughy Haus.
Tonight, friday, there is going to be a metal/hardcore/grindcore showdown: campus band Siege of Antioch is opening for Plaguebringer. Both promise to slay. Siege goes on at 10:30, Plaguebringer at 11.

Tomorrow, Beloit's tried-and-true favorite the Dethholz is staging its triumphant return. From the wikipedia page:

While the eclectic nature of their songs prevent a definitive categorization, they are frequently listed as an alternative rock or a New Wave outfit, and Devo is often cited as an influence

Also, campus rockers KOHIMA have agreed to open for them! The show starts at 10:15.

Two sweet Chicago bands with two sweet Beloit bands opening for them? Does it really get better than this?

To keep up on upcoming shows at the CHaus, join the "I want to know what bands are gonna be at the C-Haus" facebook group.

P.S Check out this track (mp3 link) from the new Stephen Malkmus Album, Real Emotional Trash.

Show of the Week!

The WBCR board is pleased to announce that our SHOW OF THE WEEK is "Mellow Gold" with Meagan Goodman.

Tune in Sundays at 8:00!

Her show description, straight from our website:
8:00 PM || Mellow Gold with Meagan Goodman
Listen up for choice indie-pop tunes. Featuring artists like: andrew bird, the go! team, sunset rubdown, pavement, camera obscura, beirut, jens lekman, and yo la tengo.

We listen to her show during board meetings, and always stop every once in a while (often midsentence) to say, "Ooh, good choice, Meagan." Trust us. She plays some sweet tunes.

Webstream update

The webstream has been suffering a lot this semester. First, someone thought they knew our hardware configuration better than our brilliant engineer, Luke Yates, and unplugged something that shouldn't have been unplugged. Then, the BelCon server was hacked by lowlife from Eastern Europe with too much time on their hands. After switching over to an XServe, however, that shouldn't be an issue. More recently, someone figured out the password for our webstream client (something far too simple, which hadn't been changed in two years) and started streaming a really awful song. Over and over. Some thought that it was Celine Dion, but it is in fact "A Song for Ireland" by Mary Black from Raised On Songs and Stories: Collected Irish Ballads.   Click here to hear it. That error, however comical, has been corrected, and everything should be back to normal.

If there are any issues with the webstream in the future, please let me or one of the other directors know. I apologize to all of the programmers whose shows were not streamed. The FM signal was unaffected, but few people actually listen to the radio on campus and many people tell friends and family from home to tune in online.

BTW, most definitely check out the show at the C-Haus tonight. According to the Facebook event page:

Buckman Page is a not-quite-folk rock/indie band out of Valparaiso, Indiana. Their sound bears resemblance to a rich Decemberists/Dispatch bouquet with overtones of Jack Johnson, a Bob Dylan undercurrent and occasional lighter kazoo notes. It’s simultaneously electric and acoustic, and a blend of distinctive voices adds depth and an easy charm.

Thats all for now.

Sam

Post-break radio frenzy

Hey there, radio junkies. After cooling our heels for spring break, WBCR is back on the air. Shows are resuming today at two o'clock. Other delicious radio news:

• There will be a wicked cool record sale on Friday from 11am til 3pm. As of now it's going to be in DKs, but that is open for change, I suppose. Check the facebook event page for updates.
  
• Starting soon, there is going to be a Show of the Week, chosen from the shedule by the station directors. Those shows will be featured on this bog, as well as on a fancy, new display in the Java Joint. Have any faves to suggest? 
  
• There is going to be pizza party for the WBCR family (that's you!) on March 23 at 6pm in the clubhouse. More details will be coming soon. 
  
• Spring Fling party is in the works. Have any suggestions for planning a radio party? Let us know!
  
• And don't forget: extreme tightness is coming to the C-Haus. Hip-hop/neo-soul Grieves comes to the C-Haus on Saturday, accompanied by DJ Swervewon.

Keep listening, keep posting, and keep it real!

Sam, kingpin of the intrawebs

P.S Right now, I can not get enough of this Shuggie Otis album. Definitely give it a listen, especially the first track and "Ice Cold Day Dream" 

Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis

Nerd Alert!

Dear Programmers and Beloiters alike,

Moments ago, I saw a poster telling me that NPR's Neal Conan will be in Eaton Chapel this Friday at 8PM. Neal Conan, guys. The real Neal Conan. As in Talk of the Nation's Neal Conan. This is a big deal. If you like public radio at all, even a tiny bit, you should run (don't walk!) to see him.

I, on the other hand, will be performing in The Vagina Monologues in Wilson Theater that night, so I can't join you guys. Please, someone, go see Neal, and tell me all about it. Please, please.

(Also, The Vagina Monologues features two WBCR board members and several programmers; you should go see it. Friday and Saturday, Wilson Theater, $3, 7:30.)

love,
Amelia
Promotions/Assistant Public Affairs

Hip-Hop Hottness

what's good peoples! peace to y'all who venture to our new blog, and to all the listeners and programmers of our beloved WBCR. as of right now there's some great stuff up in the studio, but not enough of i want to be there. still, of the things i've gotten, make sure to check out OneBeLo's new album, The R.E.B.I.R.T.H. OneBeLo is a member of Binary Star, a historic group out of the Detroit area, and if you haven't heard of Binary Star, you need to check that shit out, ish is classic.
on a completely different note, if you're a fan of Cage or Slow Suicide Stimulus check out Yak Ballz, some truly white-boy hip-hop thats decent, but gets tiring cause there isn't enough variety (still its worth checking out at least one track). dude is from NY, but it feels like everyone is sometimes.
a solid album on the new rack is Troublemakers, by Breeze Evahflowin & Dirt E. Dutch. its nothin too original or groundbreaking, but its definitely got some jams to check out. I don't know much about those fools but their album is legit.
Mike Ladd is up there too, he's a producer based in Paris mixing it up big time. Nostalgiator is full of live instruments, spoken word, and originality. I've haven't seen anything like this before, and thats meant in the best way possible, shit is off the hook if you're itching for a new kind of joint.
Cadence Weapon, a canadian rapper on Anti-/Epitaph, hit the station last week. dude's got some weirdness goin on, but he's different, which means something for sure. super loud, clubby, synth beats, with an original laid back, strange ass flow. kinda reminds me of Busdriver, but i don't know if you could classify or compare either of them.
Akrobatik has a new album out too, but i haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but i'm sure this follow up to Balance is not gonna disappoint.

And if you want something dope just to have and bump, that isn't necessarily brand-spankin new, check out some of my favorites:
Black Milk-'Popular Demand',
Jaylib (J Dilla & Madlib)- 'Champion Sound',
Boot Camp Clik- 'Casualties of War',
Big City- 'The City Never Sleeps',
Blue Scholars 'Bayani' or 'Blue Scholars',
Babbletron- 'Mechanical Royalty,
Copperpot- 'WYLA?',
Cunninlynguists- 'Piece of Strange' or 'Southernunderground' or 'Will Rap for Food' (their latests release 'Dirty Acres' was disapppointing in my opinion),
People Under the Stairs- 'The Next Step' or 'O.S.T.'.

As always there are the classics:
Notorious BIG- 'Ready to Die',
Eric B. & Rakim- 'Paid in Full',
The Freestyle Fellowship- 'To Whom it May Concern',
Fugees 'Blunted on Reality',
Young MC- 'Stone Cold Rhymin',
The Pharcyde 'Bizarre Ride II'

I'm leaving out a TON, but this should suffice for now. check that shit out fools.

-fIMO aka Ben Naparsteck, your friendly neighborhood hip-hop director

A world of change

This marks the beginning of the WBCR blog. I've been trying to further the station's web presence, and this is the first step. All directors are welcome to post. Just email me if you want an editor's account. All programmers, students, and listeners are free to contribute as well! Just email one of the directors and we would be glad to post any music-related content (good music sites, shoutouts to your show or someone else's, etc.). 

I'd like to keep this project alive, so please write as much as possible.

Any questions, comments, or ideas should be posted here!