Category: Blog

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Non-Music News

Spring 2012 DJ Training

WKNC 88.1 FM, the student-run radio station at North Carolina State University, offers volunteer on- and off-air positions to full-time N.C. State students with a 2.0 minimum grade point average. To qualify for an on-air position, you must first complete a six-week DJ training program and pass a written operator’s exam and demonstrative audio board test.

Anyone interested in becoming a WKNC DJ must attend one of our two interest meetings. They will be Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The location will be 201 Witherspoon. You only need to attend one of the two interest meetings. During the interest meeting, we will provide an overview of WKNC and its role on campus and in the community. You will also receive an application, which must be completed and returned to the WKNC studios at 343 Witherspoon Student Center by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13. Individuals interested in electronic, hip-hop, heavy metal and public affairs are particularly encouraged to attend the interest meeting and apply for a spot in the WKNC training program.

After reviewing all applications, our general manager will contact you via email to notify you if you have been accepted into the WKNC training program. Decisions will be made by the general manager and program director, in consultation with the student board of directors.

The DJ training class will be held Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, 2012. The location will be 201 Witherspoon. If you cannot attend five of the six sessions or need to come late/leave early, please do not apply for the training program.

Categories
Non-Music News

EOT78 Best of 2011 12/13/11

Over the Edge – Hosted by the Special Olympics, the program involves participants rappelling from high-rise buildings to help benefit the organization.

Bike Winner – One lucky man won a bike through a newspaper advertisement, and Chris brings us his story.

Soccer News – Where we usually offer a summary on the recent soccer games, this particular segment brings us some very unusual news from the soccer world.

Taco Trucks – In an award-winning piece, contributor Mark explains what taco trucks are all about and how they separate themselves from the other food trucks in the area.

Fearless Ranger – Jake premiers a very unique original radio play in which we follow the adventures of “The Fearless Ranger”.

Katrina Survivor – In light of North Carolina’s run-in with Hurricane Irene, Chris interviews a Hurricane Katrina survivor to get an idea of what she experienced in New Orleans.

Impromptu Musicians- Nick caught up with some students at NC State who spontaneously play their instruments around campus to find out more about what they do.

Reflection on Fall – Jake takes a minute to reflect on the coming of Autumn and both the personal and physical changes it brings.

American Muslims Reflect on 9/11 – Selma talks to local Muslims to find out what impact the events of 9/11/01 had on them.

Earthquake – In this segment, we discussed the earthquake that rattled the area last August.  In addition to capturing student reactions, we spoke to Dr. Karl Wegmann about the specific geological details surrounding the event and what we should be concerned about.

Election Soundbytes – When the Raleigh City elections came to town, we caught up with a few students to capture their elections-related feedback.

Pullen Park- Nick speaks with a Raleigh Parks and Recreation planner to get the specifics on what what changes were made to the Pullen Park amusement area that reopened this past Fall.

No Shave November-  If you noticed an increase in facial hair on some of our male students in November, that’s probably because we were right in the middle of No Shave November.  Dave got the lowdown on what’s going on.

Cub Scouts- The WKNC studio was host to some special visitors: a scout troop.  Chris has the story.

Listen to episode 78.

Categories
Concert Review

And More Black Metal for Raleigh

This has been a great week for Raleigh: a show Monday, Dec. 5, and then a show Saturday, Dec. 10. AND they worked out perfectly with exams! Following the Inquisition show on Monday, Herpderp Booking presented Old Painless, No Tomorrow and Mutilation Rites on Saturday.

Old Painless threw a little different vibe into the mix Saturday and played some convergent tunes. I didn’t have a chance to take any pictures as my camera was acting up. I’m glad I was out of the room when a drumstick went flying.

Next up was No Tomorrow. I have seen these guys a few times now, and they were so on point for this show. It was awesome. Crusty, destructive and heavy: these dudes from Wilmington ruled.

Again, last but not least was Mutilation Rites. Heavy hitting black metal from the bowels of New York City, these dudes were truly Satan’s sirens. It was a set everyone in and around the house enjoyed.

I hope this is a trend that continues. Two killer black metal groups in one week, excellent!

-It.

P.S.  Merry Whateveryoucelebrate, spread the love and come out to a show!! Here are some compiled by Vile Discourse!

Categories
Concert Review

Here is My Inquisition

Black metal in Raleigh. Sorry if you missed out cause it RULED.

Old Painless, Double Negative and Inquisition played at Six Forks Pub Dec. 5 for a last minute show put together by  some excellent people in Raleigh.

Old Painless started the show off with destructive grindcore. They played a short set but it was pure brutality.

Next up was a Raleigh classic, Double Negative. If you haven’t heard these hardcore hitters you should step up your game. Last year they ripped it apart with Corrosion of Conformity; this year it was Inquisition. Awesome each and every time.

Finally, Inquisition. Pure evil with corpse paint and all. This two piece played for probably close to 45 minutes or more and they typically play bigger venues like  Maryland Death Fest and Chaos in Tejas. It was super cool to hear their strange vocals and destructive drumming and guitar from so close.

If you missed this sorry sucker, it was awesome.

-It.

Categories
Concert Review

High energy Kooley High show a success

There are about 465 words I’ll use to describe the energy at the Kooley High CD Release party this past Saturday night at The Pour House.  Not only did Lazurus, Actual Proof, King Mez, and Kooley High deliver, they all captured the crowd’s attention throughout the entire show.  Each set was quick, to the point and fun – something I often miss at an indie rock show.

I arrived at The Pour House around ten to find a healthy throng of people smoking their last cigarettes before the show started.  King Mez was standing outside and hyped up the show by telling us how pumped he was for it tonight.  Just seeing his energy got me excited to see what would happen inside.  Lazurus took to the stage right on time.  This guy is a super hyped-up MC that had me laughing and throwing my hands back and forth with the crowd.  He started his set with some a cappella rhymes and then brought out the beats for about thirty minutes.  He wrapped up his set with a gift for the fans– T-shirts and albums.  Luckily, I managed to snag an album.

 

Actual Proof set up shop next.  These two young guys from Raleigh’s own Enloe High School killed it on stage.  Not only did they look fresh, but they sounded smart, fast, and just plain good.

In between sets I had to fight my way back to the bar to refill my drink.  That’s a good thing when it comes to local music shows.  All kinds of people were coming together for this show and everyone was pushing for a place near the stage.

I made my way up to the second story to capture the energy of King Mez.  The picture below captures the best point of the night in my opinion.  Everyone watched as the rapper performed solo.  I loved his introductions to his producers and shout outs to his friends.  His personality shone through his entire set.

Lastly, Kooley High performed against the festive decor surrounding the stage. Female emcee Rhapsody put the Christmas lights to shame in her performance with fellow group members Charlie Smarts and Tab One.  The group was celebrating the release of their new album “Kooley High Presents… David Thompson” which is available digitally here.  Kooley High has a lot to celebrate, including the success of their show.  They got at least one new fan who walked away from the venue still humming their beats in my head.

Categories
Non-Music News

EOT77 N.C. Christmas Trees 12/6/11

Young Americans for Liberty – Jay highlights the Student Libertarian organization on campus to see what they’re all about.

The Library – Jake takes a look at the atmosphere within one of the most-used buildings on campus, especially as finals week approaches.

Christmas Trees in NC – The Christmas tree industry is alive and well in North Carolina, and Mark set out to see how big it really is.

Gardening Minute – Chris offers tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy garden, even in an urban environment.

Listen to episde 77.

Categories
Concert Preview

Kooley High celebrates release of new album at The Pour House

David Thompson is an N.C. State basketball legend. He led the Wolfpack to its first NCAA championship in 1974, and he graces the cover of Raleigh-based Kooley High’s newest album, Kooley High Presents… David Thompson.  This Saturday, Dec. 10, hip-hop enthusiasts will celebrate the release of this new album with a CD release party at The Pour House in downtown Raleigh featuring Kooley High, King Mez, Actual Proof, and Lazurus.  The show is 21+ and doors open at 9 p.m.

I’m what you might call a hip-hop novice. I set my Pandora to Mos Def and I’m good for hours. Kooley High Presents… David Thompson is definitely helping me branch out into the genre.  The group of former NCSU students layers funky beats and clever rhymes to create a sound that I’m not quite used to, but I’m definitely into.  I’m especially a fan of track six, a special anthem titled “Dear Raleigh” that actually makes me feel attached to the red-brick ocean that is NCSU.  New Raleigh blog agrees that Kooley High does Raleigh justice.

Adam Kincaid will host the group on The Local Beat tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. I’m hoping to get a glimpse into Kooley High’s inspiration, their reasoning behind the iconic album cover, and hear more about their upcoming show.

Luckily for you (and me), I will be attending Saturday’s show and reporting back on Monday, Dec. 12.  Come back to the blog to read about my experience with four of Raleigh’s best hip hop artists.

Categories
Weekly Charts

Top 30—WKNC’s Top Albums of the Week 12/9/11

1. Icebird – The Abandoned Lullaby (RJ’s Electrical Connections)

2. Jeff the Brotherhood – "Whatever I Want" [Single] (Third Man)

3. Cass McCombs – Humor Risk (Domino)

4. Jane Jane Pollock – Jane Jane Pollock (Flea Ridden Kitten)

5. Korallreven – An Album By Korallreven (Acephale)

6. Wise Blood – These Wings [EP] (Dovecote)

7. Wooden Wand – Briarwood (Fire)

8. St. Vincent – Strange Mercy (4AD)

9. Tom Waits – Bad As Me (Anti)

10. Future Islands – On The Water (Thrill Jockey)

11. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute)

12. Real Estate – Days (Domino)

13. Wilco – The Whole Love (Anti)

14. Atlas Sound – Parallax (4AD)

15. Donora – Boyfriends, Girlfriends (Rostrum)

16. Megafaun –Megafaun (Hometapes)

17. Phantogram – Nightlife (Barsuk)

18. Dirty Projectors and Bjork – Mount Wittenberg Orca (Domino)

19. Dessa – Castor, The Twin (Doomtree)

20. Beets – Let The Poison Out (Hardly Art)

21. Spank Rock – Everything Is Boring And Everyone Is A Fucking Liar (Bad Blood)

22. Russian Circles – Empros (Sargent House)

23. Joker – The Vision (4AD)

24. Holiday Shores – New Masses For Squaw Peak (Twosyllable)

25. Orchestra of Spheres – Nonagonic Now (Fire)

26. Touché Amoré – Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me (Deathwish)

27. Neon Indian – Era Extrana (Mom And Pop)

28. Friends – College Sampler (Lucky Number)

29. Sparkadia – The Great Impression (Ok! Good)

30. Canyons – Keep Your Dreams (Modular)

Categories
Miscellaneous

DJs compete in Dodgeball Tournament, score: 88.1 to 0

Six WKNC DJs put the books down for a few hours Tuesday afternoon to hit the courts in this year’s Exam Jam Dodgeball Tournament, held at Carmichael Gym on NC State University’s campus. Sarahnade, Mollypop, The Chanellor, AudioRush, Muta, and DJ Megashark prepped by dancing to Zumba, playing video games with ROTC, getting massages from Campus Rec’s specialists, and practicing bravery in the wrecking-ball bounce house.

WKNC was the second team to play, matched against a fast-pitching team of NCSU students. The heart-wrenching match went on for a significant amount of time – both teams dodged, dipped, ducked, dove and dodged with grace. This included WKNC DJs jumping over balls as they sped towards them and retrieving the opponent’s missed throws in the blink of an eye. The last two standing were AudioRush and Megashark, being cheered on by the rest of the team. Unfortunately, despite their valiant efforts, they too were taken down after a few minutes.

Categories
Miscellaneous

Double Barrel Benefit 9 Poster Design Contest

Double Barrel Benefit, WKNC’s two-night benefit concert, is just around the corner. In order spice things up, we are taking after POSTERscotch and holding a poster design contest!

Artists can submit their work by Dec. 31 to be publicly voted on. The top five submissions will be printed and sold at the event. The winning artists will receive a pair of tickets to DBB9, a DBB9 t-shirt, a copy of their work, and their work will be featured on the WKNC homepage for two weeks.

Rules:

  • No fee to enter

  • Must contain the WKNC Logo

  • 300 dpi, CMYK in high-res pdf or jpeg format

  • Suggested Dimensions: 11×14 or 11×17

  • Must be original work, and no more than two entries per person

  • Submit your work to gm(at)wknc.org by Dec. 31 at midnight with the subject line “DBB9 Poster Competition”

  • Designs will be voted on publicly at www.wknc.org/dbb9 from Jan. 5-13

Good luck!