Are you tired of the same old radio stations? If so, maybe you should check out UR’s very own WRUR 88.5 FM. Founded in 1947 in the basement of Burton Hall, WRUR came into being as a lonely AM channel with few listeners.
However, when they moved to Eastman in 1950, they sought to bring a student’s perspective, as well as musical interests, to campus life. In 1955 WRUR made its last move and today resides in Todd Union on the UR River Campus.
If you do happen to tune into WRUR, you will hear a variety of different genres of music – from R&B to pop to electronic to techno. Students are able to call in and request music or simply share a thought; WRUR is truly dedicated to its listeners.
“We’re always looking for students interested in music in general,” general manager of the station and senior C. Mike Lindsey said.
In affiliation with WXXI, a public access channel in Rochester, WRUR works to cross promote with various clubs located both on and off campus. “It’s not a typical radio station,” Lindsey said. WRUR is also responsible for many of the “open mic” nights held on campus, and with the new fall schedule about to premiere, WRUR is sure to please.
Fortunately for campus life, WRUR is also celebrating its 60th anniversary. This can only mean one thing for the students and listeners around the University: more sponsored events, such as dance parties.
Many may think that WRUR is simply a radio station; however, that is where most of us are wrong. WRUR is more than just a station streaming along at 3,000 watts airing on 88.5 FM; it also doubles as a private recording studio.
The station can be rented out for less than $30 and used to record musical workings of students. The station also offers a DJ service for $25 an hour. So if you are looking to cut a demo or host an event, look no further than the basement of Todd Union.
You may also think that being a DJ means that you have to follow a structured and very rigid regimen. However, DJs at WRUR, after completing the mandatory training sessions, are encouraged to develop their own artistic ways. This means that they can play what they please within the boundaries of the Federal Communications Commission and University regulations. Students can get a first-hand look at the freedom that DJs have, primarily after 8:00 p.m. when students usually take over the station.
“I’ve been listening to the radio station more and more, and I really like how you can hear more than just the typical music you hear everyday,” sophomore Max Letaconnoux said.
So remember, if you’re looking to DJ, review, get involved or are simply interested in music, make sure to check out Rochester’s very own WRUR, at either WRUR.org or by tuning into 88.5 FM. If you don’t have a radio nearby, you can download the WRUR radio station feed directly to iTunes so that you can listen anytime and anywhere you would like.
Roman is a member of the class of 2010.
