WSRU Radio Rocks the Web

By: Alaina Gizzo
Posted In: Campus News

More than just music, Salve’s student-run radio station, WSRU Radio, features in-studio dance parties where students rock out on air guitar, and karaoke contests where students belt out Taylor Swift for CD prize giveaways. Students can stream videos from in-studio events as well as listen live at www.wsruradio.net.

According to senior executive board member, Justin Wood, a philosophy and history double major, students started running WSRU radio again five years ago after the station temporarily shut down. Last year, the station began experimenting with new media and purchased new equipment, including speakers to broadcast on the first level of Wakehurst and added cameras for online video broadcast.

“Our main goal this year is to hugely broaden our audience,” Wood said.

In keeping with this goal, Wood said the station is attempting to reach out to the student body as a source of entertainment and information for the Salve community at large. The station will also provide prize giveaway opportunities for listeners, including concert tickets and CD packages.

On Thursday nights Wood co-hosts a radio show with junior psychology major, Nicole Baldassari, called “Awesomesauce with Minerva and the Boss.” For the second consecutive year, Wood and Baldassari provide the Salve community with eclectic musical taste, ranging from classic rock to metal, even some show tunes.

“I really enjoy putting music out to people that they might not have already heard,” Baldassari said. “I think we’re one of the most diverse stations around.”

After playing Korn’s version of “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” from the film Nightmare Before Christmas, Baldassari selected music from the female metal band, Arch Enemy. She also promoted the band Stolen Babies, a metal band that features accordion wielding lead singer, Dominique Pemquin.

“It’s nice to throw something new at people,” Baldassari said.

The two hosts don’t always agree on what to play, but it usually makes for some interesting talks during the segment. Wood and Baldassari demonstrate a sense of sibling rivalry as the two frequently tease each other on the air.

For the DJs, WSRU Radio works as a social space. Friends often stop by or students in the Wakehurst basement may wave at the DJs through the station window. Friends and family from home can even tune into on the Website to see and hear what their favorite Salve DJ is up to. Students participating in WSRU Radio agree that the station is a good escape from dorm-life and schoolwork.

“This was my way out of Toastmasters,” said Renée Kunz, a junior business administration major and rookie DJ. According to Kunz, her father wanted to find a way for her to overcome her fear of public speaking. For Kunz, hosting a radio show with her friend, Dana Lewis, a Salve sophomore, is less work than preparing a presentation.

The two host a show on Tuesday evenings called “Useless Information with Dana and Renée.” They cite random facts from the Book of Useless Information series between playing a mix of popular music, including artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Hinder and Nickelback.

WSRU Radio frequently has open DJ slots for any interested Salve students. DJ training lasts for about half an hour, but may require more time to fully become acquainted with the equipment.

The station isn’t only for media aficionados. Students from all types of majors and backgrounds come together and provide source of entertainment for Salve. Currently, the station is seeking individuals interested in publicity, web design, and art. Interested students can go to www.wsruradio.net and click “Get Involved.”