WIUS on a mission

This spring, students who want to gain some first-hand experience as a DJ and learn more about the business aspects of radio are looking to WIUS -- "Pure Student Radio" (AM1570). The completely student-run station recently finished taking applications for its spring program schedule.\nFor those of you who might not know a lot about what WIUS has in store for the upcoming spring months, the station will have a new programming rotation. \nEvery semester the program director rearranges show times, and this spring it will host some programming firsts. The station will continue to involve itself prominently with several independent music shows. Musical director David Rosenstein adds that the airwaves will host a show that discusses and reviews newer albums.\n"We also will have two sports shows, not including covering basketball, baseball, soccer and football games and the Little 500," Rosenstein says. \nThis spring the station will also hold new programming for shows that include jazz, hip-hop and punk. "Rock Awesome," a show that features the voice of Cody Leitholt (a.k.a. "CJ the DJ"), looks to showcase newer indie punk bands.\nThe most important "mission" that WIUS is undertaking this spring is to support independent rock, and this is what listeners can specifically expect from the upcoming programming. The station has always considered it important to broadcast bands that might not otherwise have a chance to be heard by many open-minded music fans. And Rosenstein says this spring will be no exception. \n"Commercial radio doesn't have a place for independent music, and we fill that niche," he says. "We try to get the word out on underexposed artists." Pavement, Built to Spill, Guided by Voices and The Pixies are a few new names that listeners might hear the station showcase. \nDJ Jordan Webb says that although it is helpful to those underexposed groups, focusing on mostly indie music is a format that can also be something of a limitation for many students. \n"The radio station itself, because of this format, tends to exclude a large group of people who might want to DJ," Webb says. "I think of the radio station as an opportunity and teaching tool for all IU students. So, it seems that I will always have this disagreement with the students in charge of WIUS." \nLucy Robinson, who will be broadcasting a program called "Watch Us Jumpstart," is one DJ who relishes the opportunity to support indie music. "Being a DJ on 'Watch Us Jumpstart' enables me to promote some lesser-known bands that I want to see succeed. That is why I do it," Robinson says. \nRobinson looks forward to her tenure as a DJ who handles "Watch Us Jumpstart" with vigor. It is one program that will be broadcasted in WIUS's primetime spot and will usually air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. \n"We are trying to format the show with news segments, label spotlights, giveaways, contests and lots of indie rock," she says. The show will feature such bands as The Flaming Lips, Ben Folds Five and Liz Phair.\nSo what can new DJs expect? For better or for worse, it's a one of a kind learning experience. DJ Alison Grant says those interested should take the good with the bad. \n"Sometimes I'll play a CD and really dislike it, but more often than not, I find a group that I really enjoy," she says. \nTime slots can have their ups and downs for beginners as well, DJ Krissy Wynkoop says. "I had a 6 to 7 a.m. DJ spot on Mondays, and I was all by myself. Walking to the station at 5:30 in the morning on Monday wasn't all that great, but I was willing to do it since I was a rookie," she says. \nWebb says there are a few troubles starting out behind the mic with almost no prompting. "They do tend to just throw you right in. It can be nerve-racking especially when you forget which button to hit and you need to hit it right then." \nWebb also says that beginners tend to get ahead of themselves.\n"That is, you are trying to think about what to say next before you finish what you're saying -- you stutter and get lost. It takes a little practice to get over," he says.\nBut new DJs can expect a laid-back atmosphere in which to make their voice known. Located on 815 E. Eighth St., it's a casual, welcoming, home-like environment with band posters and flyers haphazardly decorating the walls and mountains of endless CDs covering the floors and tables. Upon first glance you might think it's refuge of a music-crazed hermit instead of the home of a radio station. \n"The station itself is a house," Robinson says. "Literally. It's a big, comfy, old house." \nThe station currently has 70 spots in its spring rotation. If hired, DJs can expect two- to three-hour shifts. Rosenstein says that to be hired, students don't always need a "booming" voice so often found in commercial DJs. And while musical savvy is something that the station does prize in potential DJs, it is certainly not a prerequisite. \nSo happy DJing and listening. Who knows, maybe one day you could be one of the next voices of Bloomington's only "Pure Student Radio." \nStudents can learn more about WIUS at www.indiana.edu/~wius/.