Have you noticed the buzz around the glass radio studio (called “The Fishbowl”) in the middle of Dutch Hollow? There’s a reason for that. Almost all college radio stations have undergone quite the evolution since their 1920s beginnings and WRUC 89.7FM is no different.
As the probable “first station in the nation” (a nickname the station has kept part of its brand since its founding), WRUC has a long-standing tradition of excellence and alumni support that has allowed it to thrive even into the streaming era. But legacy aside, WRUC is revamping its brand and the spaces that host it in an effort to create a campus culture of music appreciation — and that means all genres and subcultures.
Getting some less sensational news out of the way first, WRUC is completing longoverdue renovations with the rest of this year’s budget. Its two studios on the first and fourth floors of Reamer currently have all the eclectic charm of college radio culture, however, the club is looking forward to overhaul the spaces with new machinery while keeping their original coziness, i.e., keeping the bright blue and green of the walls and the posters of musical greats that adorn them.
The club will also be investing in equipment like microphones and stands for the events with which they help with around campus, such as Homecoming, open mics and various student theatrical performances.
WRUC also has a number of new and exciting projects up its sleeve for the short and long term, one of the biggest being their plans to expand the Reamer fourth-floor studio’s technology to accommodate recording capabilities for Union’s student talent. From hobby bands like “No Wonder” to classical music majors looking to develop their abilities further in a roommate-free practice space, Dutchmen of many different strokes will benefit from WRUC’s incorporation of a new state-of-the-art recording program.
The club had a meeting earlier this term for students interested in recording next year, but if you’re intrigued while reading this, look out for more information and training sessions at the beginning of fall term!
Also on WRUC’s list of priorities is promoting the evolution of its brand, to the extent that radio clubs are generally seen as outlets for less socially- active students.
While WRUC clearly welcomes all personality types to its meetings and events, it does hope to bring a certain outgoingness to the club in the coming years. After all, the concept of a DJ is not unlike that of a socialite — they must be comfortable in the spotlight and have extensive knowledge of and passion for something most people only dabble in.
With more and more creative minds, athletes and Greek life participants joining the club every term, this goal seems to be within close reach. Other campuses like Skidmore and Fordham have pulsing radio communities, and WRUC at Union has a very real chance of following suit. Over the course of this year, it has hosted listening parties (social events by radio stations and other influencers modeled after album release parties) for artists like Tyler the Creator as well as live music events with local bands held at Ozone House for the enjoyment of Union’s music junkies.
This term they’ll be DJing and facilitating the tech for Re- Union Weekend, Lobsterfest, Multicultural Greek Council’s Yard Show and much more. All this has culminated in a larger presence of the club as a sponsoring organization of trending events, not unlike a fraternity or other social club.
Overall, WRUC appears to be on the up-and-up, with updated technological and cultural parameters like you’ve never seen before.
Watch out for them in the coming terms, because you might just find yourself participating in something they’ve created, in hopes that you’ll admit you love music just as much as they do. Keep an eye out for shows happening in Reamer throughout the week.
