WRMC puts new spin on its image 91.1 FM goes on the record as an indie but non-exclusive organization

Author: Melissa Marshall

"WRMC 91.1 is committed to providing an alternative to mainstream music programming in the Champlain Valley," reads the mission statement of Middlebury College's student-run radio station. "We uphold this commitment largely through our passionate support of independent music that we feel to be exciting, experimental, and new." This markedly democratic declaration promoting the individual's right to a mélange of music seems to fall right in line with the emphasis on free thinking and broad horizons that are typical of the college experience. But the operation that broadcasts from Proctor Redfield is often viewed as less of a beacon of egalitarian ideals and more of a tyranny - one that domineers the airwaves armed with the repetitive riffs and wavering vocals associated with "indie rock." But just because an artist or band is labeled as independent, that is to say not signed with a major label company, does not necessarily mean that it is elitist.

"We are aware of our reputation on campus," said Sage Bierster '07.5, "and the attitude this year is to get people to participate. WRMC is a wonderful resource on campus." The best way to increase student involvement is by piquing student interest, and there is no better method to do so than speaking the language they understand, or as the case may be, by playing the music they identify with. Last year's General Manager Conor Stinson '07 attempted to make WRMC more of an eclectic station, placing heavy emphasis on the diversity of shows. Besides having blocks dedicated to the world, folk, blues, jazz, metal, electronica and hip-hop genres, 91.1 FM also features an increasing popular Radio Theatre as well as the syndicated "Democracy Now," whose more liberal attitude towards politics is balanced by two more conservative talk shows featured in the station's fal semester line-up.

This freedom of programming - a direct result of being an independent and student-run organization - is an obvious draw for students, as was demonstrated by the over 140 DJ applications received for the fall semester. But what is even more surprising than the number of student applications is the fact that every hopeful was offered a show - not a statistic that one would necessarily expect from an alleged persnickety organization. And as Professor of Film and Media Studies Jason Mittell pointed out, "College radio is its own genre of radio and is part of what makes the college community vibrant. Even if it doesn't serve certain listeners, it seems that with the surge of online radio and MP3s, college radio is less about providing alternate music and more of an outlet and an opportunity for students to be heard, to express themselves and to gain valuable experience in the communications field."

One cannot deny, however, that there is a certain thick-rimmed glasses, tight-pant stigma associated with WRMC, and although the occasional theme party in Lower Forest or sporadic demonstration outside of Proctor helps raise awareness, they are not enough to convert a campus. The station has been relatively quiet this semester as well - a WRMC-sponsored concert has yet to grace the famed Coltrane Lounge. When asked if this was perhaps a residual effect from the recent budget cuts, General Manager Tomie Peaslee '07 graciously replied, "I think we've been flexible across the board, and this just forces us to be more creative."

Peaslee and the rest of the executive board made a bold decision, however, by moving the station's annual festival, Sepomona, to Dec. 1st instead of its usual time during the spring semester.

"We are excited about Sepomona being moved to the fall. We think it is a better time for our annual concert series, both for increasing our listenership and attendance. Putting on a great show is always a challenge, and with the budget cuts this year it was even trickier, yet we managed to arrange an amazing line up. We expect this year's Sepomona to be one of the best ever: Andrew Bird is a tremendous and popular act and we expect the student turnout to be overwhelming."

WRMC's largest event of the year will also feature the Massachusetts-based Mobius Band as well as the offbeat, cabaret-lounge stylings of New York's Baby Dayliner.

91.1 FM certainly realizes that the majority of students may never have heard of an obscure indie band from outside Boston or an alternative rapper; however, WRMC's mission statement is not concerned with placating the masses but with broadening musical horizons.

"We don't have the same M.O. as, say, MCAB," said Bierster. "Their approach is about pleasing as many people as possible, while we can afford to take more risks. But we do have very similar goals of wanting to bring entertainment to campus." And just because they are not focused on headlining the most recognizable names does not mean that the executive board isn't interested in scheduling crowd-pleasing acts.

"The most important thing we consider before bringing an act to campus isn't the name, but the quality of the show. Even if you've never heard of a band before, you can still have a great time at the concert if it's a quality act. That's why Ratatat was so successful a few years ago and why people are still talking about it. It was entertaining, it was a performance," said Music Director Jordan Nassar '07.5.

WRMC is decidedly attempting to reach beyond Proctor and the hipster niche it seems to embody, but a broadcast is only effective if the student population is open and willing to turn its dials to 91.1 FM.