Last Week WIDR FM kicked off the school year with an outdoor concert in the amphitheater between Knauss and Dunbar Halls. We had live performances from Grace McElhone, Harvey Waters and Dovie Gee. Here are some pictures to commemorate the occasion! Photo Cred: Peter Warner A big thanks to all who volunteered, performed and attended the event.

Mike Reiter How long have you been volunteering at WIDR? I've been volunteering about 6 weeks I think. What is your most memorable moment at WIDR? My most memorable moment at WIDR was the first time I got to help with the basement show setup, and then hear the band play on air. Which bands make up your dream lineup? Dream lineup: Yes, Hendrix's Ghost, Pink Floyd, Protest the Hero What does WIDR and Radio Evolution mean to you? WIDR and Radio Evolution mean expanding our worlds of music.

This month brought WIDR’S rotation rack some amazing tunes from every genre. Our WIDR staff had a hard time narrowing down our favorites to make a playlist. Some contenders that didn't make the list where “Witch Stomp” , by Guantanamo Baywatch off the album Desert Center and “Arizona Stars”, by The Accidentals off the album Odyssey. But the songs we picked for our August playlist fits that end of the summer nostalgia that's kicking in right now. 1. “Creature Comfort” , by Arcade Fire off the album Everything Now This song comes first on the album giving off some hard 80s electro vibes. Arcade Fire’s new album is art rock disco and gives nodes to a lot of older artists in song titles and samples. So it’s fitting that a song that carries with the vibes of old time begin our summer nostalgia playlist. 2. “Bad Boy” , by Dan Croll off the album Emerging Adulthood Our second song comes with some popy guitar and easy lyrics. It’s a smooth alternative song that kinda feels like Bleachers. It 3. “This Year” , by Beach Fossils off the album Somersault “Beach Fossils Starts their album with a jingle jangle of a song with This Year”, writes our Music Director for his review of Beach Fossils new album. The songs laid back feel is perfect follow up the upbeat melodies of the previous song taking our playlist into a chiller direction. 4. “Out Worn”, by Soccer Mommy off the album Collection Following the laid back chill vibes we have this soft rock track by Soccer Mommy. The song is filled with light chords and airy vocals. It’s sweet melody is a perfect fit for our playlist bringing nostaglia feel ever more present. 5. “King of a One Horse Town” , by Dan Auerbach off the album Waiting on a Song As front man of the Black Keys, Dan Auerbach new bluesy electro song is not too far of a stretch from his Black Keys days. A bit softer in tone and bit more folkys this song feels like an end of the movie ballad. 6. “In and Out” , by Beth Ditto off the album Fake Sugar Adding a little bit of stronger sense of guitar, vocal power, and sass this song by Beth Ditto is the movies title song that plays after Dan’s song finishes. With credits rolling it's easy lyrics feels like a sweet ending for the summer and our playlist.

YBOT & WIDR present Music at the Library. The new "Tiny Desk" inspired series showcases WMU music artists performing in a very raw and stripped down environment

Based out of Portland, Oregon Guantanamo Baywatch was formed in 2009 by Guitarist Jason Powell and Bassist Chevelle Wiseman. The forming seem to have been composed of wise people indeed, bring ruckus surf rock, and garage flavor. Attacking their home region after forming Guantanamo Baywatch has been bring back greasy, hard hitting rock and roll. If you enjoy Ty Segall, Chastity Belt, La Luz, or even the Ventures this will be an album for you! “Desert Center” is Guantanamo Baywatch’s 4th record to date, and is full of powerful guitar, precise drums, and ripping bass. Giving me everything I’ve wanted to date from a modern group. Also impressing about this album is the depth. You start with a Blazing fast instrumental “Conquistador” into a Lo Fi, 50s sounds of “Neglect”. As you move through the album you will notice elements of surf always, but it is what they add to that surf constant that make every song a different motif. Finishing up the album is “The Australian”. Another instrumental bookending the album that starts off with an instrumental as sonic as “Conquistador”, “The Australian” seems to counter that nicely. If Guantanamo Baywatch’s 4th album “Desert Center” is your first exposure to the group, the slap factor of the opening of the album alone should draw you in, but if that doesn’t make you want to rip through the rest of the album, fear not. “Desert Center” is chop full of slow doo wop like songs, medium indie surf, and blazing fast instrumental goodness. No matter what the tempo or style, Guantanamo Baywatch can find the sound that makes me want to tap my foot, and bang my head. Favorite Tracks- 1- “Conquistador” 2- “Neglect” 6- “Blame Myself” 7- “Area 69”

Twist A Go Go- "Playing all forms of music genres, and playing music outside the mainstream box." Monday evenings 5-7pm We sat down with Napoleon Solo and asked about his experiences here at WIDR FM. How long have you been DJing at WIDR? I've been DJing at WIDR for 10 years. What is your most memorable moment at WIDR? In 2010 I did a phone interview with Tom Kirby, who played in a 1960’s garage rock band called Tonto & The Renegades. They were from the Grand Ledge area, and played some shows at Western back in the 60’s Who would be your dream guest to have on your show? Wolfman Jack What does WIDR and Radio Evolution mean to you? Playing all forms of music genres, and playing music outside the mainstream box. Exposing listeners to various kinds of music they probably wont hear elsewhere

YBOT & WIDR present Music at the Library. The new "Tiny Desk" inspired series showcases WMU music artists performing in a very raw and stripped down environment

Briana Marela is an Indie Rock artist based out of Seattle, Washington and her newest album, titled “Call It Love”, is her fourth so far. Though it is only her second album released under Jagjaguwar Records, you can tell from her matured yet vibrant sound that she is certainly not lacking in experience as a musical artist. One factor that adds to this artist’s polished sound comes from the fact that she was educated in audio production. While a formal musical education is by no means a prerequisite for being an accomplished musical artist, Marela’s precise understanding of what she wants her music to be is clear when listening to “Call It Love.” One song on this album that stands out is the song it was named for. The song “Call It Love” begins quick and eager, and demonstrates clearly the image of new love that was Marela’s inspiration for the album. This song invokes emotions of the naivete and excitement that accompanies a first love, and in setting out to capture the very essence of this the artist has very much succeeded. Another standout song on the album is “I’m Sorry.” This song exemplifies the artist’s ethereal sound the best, and hammers this feeling home with repeating electronic beats in the background. Marela’s vocals in the song float in and out of the forefront very prettily, turning what are somewhat serious lyrics into something dreamy and calm. The sound of the album is, as a whole, very dreamlike and surreal. One thing this album does well is blending electronic sounds in the background of the music with Marela’s voice. On her official website, http://www.brianamarela.com, her sound is described as having two sides to it. To quote, “Marela's original vision for this album was to dig into the two poles of her songwriting styles: her ambient, ethereal side and her brighter, beat-driven pop leanings.” This description sums up “Call It Love” well, but the only way to truly get an understanding of this is to give the album itself a listen. “Call It Love” is out August 4th, 2017. Best Songs: “Call It Love,” “I’m Sorry,” and “Last Time.”

The music industry is full of people who were dissatisfied with the status quo of the music around them, people who wanted something different, and weirdos. I love all of this most about music, and hope to oneday complain about what I see unfit ironically through music. From the Wu Tang to Richard Hell this playlist is the music to my revolution. “Protect Ya Neck” , by Wu-Tang Clan off Enter The Wu-Tang Clan - 36 Chambers The Wu-Tang Clan’s first album Enter The Wu-Tang Clan is a masterpiece of hard hitting lyrics, minimalistic beats, and the anger of an group of young men from New York City. The Wu always speaks out against a system they have seen from the underbelly, sending a message to the world that the Wu-Tang Aint Nuthing ta F’ Wit. 2. “Looking For A Kiss”, by New York Dolls from their self titled album New York Dolls The Proto punk darlings New York Dolls might have had a quick flight, and sudden crash, but their rough rock and roll, glam looks, and punk attitude was something unseen at the time. Looking for A Kiss talks about life within rundown, bankrupt New York City during the 70s, and life within the glam community. 3. “Vietnow”, by Rage Against The Machine off Evil Empire As their name suggest Rage is not about the status quo. Led by Zack de la Rocha angst filled lyrics damning a country he see as a shell of what is presented to the public. Rage covers topics of Propaganda pushing, Warmongering, and Institutionalism. This is them yelling to the rafters “WAKE UP” 4. “I Don’t Wanna Hear It”, by Minor Threat off First Two Seven Inches One of Two Minor Threat tunes on this playlist this blazes into the playlist, and doesn’t let you forget the topics meant to be disgusted, if you can understand them. Straight Edge hardcore punks have little time for listening to what they deem useless, and Minor Threat has never been afraid to speak their mind. 5. “California Uber Alles”, by Dead Kennedys off Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables The Dead Kennedys have been getting a lot of attention for their song “Nazi Punks F*&% Off” because of recent events within the United States, and I wanted to give people more. Jello Biafra’s animated vocal stylings and pointe lyrical content has given the Dead Kennedys a special place in my heart. 6. “911 Is A Joke”, by Public Enemy off Fear Of A Black Planet Public Enemy hit the american public over the head with their music and antics during the late 80s. 1990s Fear OF A Black Planet ensured this would continue into the next decade. Promoting unity among his community, and implore the public to look for the real enemies behind the scenes. Public Enemy made wakes within america, and within myself. 7. “Teenage Lobotomy”, by Ramones off Rocket To Russia The Ironic telling of Joey Ramone's Lobotomy at the hands of his bassist Dee Dee. The Ramones have always been known for delivering commentary within a fast, funny, ironic tone. Bring to life the idea that songs don’t have to be an eternity, the Ramones were some of the first punks. 8. “Who Says?-It’s Good To Be Alive?”, by Richard Hell and the Voidoids off Blank Generation Going for the deep cut off Richard Hell’s 1977 punk hit Blank Generation. Richard Hell formed the Voidoids to promote his musical work, and as a platform to speak out to the world about his Nihilism and drug addiction. New York City in the 70s was a rough world, and Richard doesn’t see the world through flowery glasses. 9. “The Message(Feat. Melle Mel & Duke Bootee)”, by Grandmaster Flash off The Message This is a song many people would have heard, and if they haven’t they should. The pressure of urban decay, gang violence, and rampant drug use would be enough to crack any human, but to add the horrific racial divide that exists within our country, could push anyone to the edge. Grandmaster Flash tries to present the public with a look at life from a side that many can’t relate, to bring attention to problems that others pass over with unseeing eyes.

WIDR FM Volunteer Peter Warner traveled to the East side for Waking Windows Festival in Detroit and got some sick shots of his favorite acts! (Car Seat Headrest) (CW Stone King) (Jeremy Gara) (Mount Eerie) (Rough Francis)

Jen Cloher is a musical artist based out of Melbourne, Victoria. She’s known for her down to earth Folk-Rock sound and has frequently collaborated with her partner Courtney Barnett. She got her professional start while touring with her band “Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea” from 2006-2010. If you enjoy artists like Courtney Barnett, Feist, or Big Thief, Cloher is worth checking out. Certainly no stranger to the Folk-Rock scene, Cloher has just released her latest album styled after herself, being titled simply “Jen Cloher.” On top of being a brilliant artist, Cloher is an outspoken advocate for artist’s rights, a label boss, and a band leader. This album may be her best work yet, and showcases the very best of what Cloher does as an artist. Out of all the songs on the album the only two currently released to the public via streaming services like Spotify are "Regional Echo" and "Forgot Myself." These choices seem to be very intentional indeed, as they highlight what the album does best. "Regional Echo" is slow and lazy, getting where it needs to go on its own time and making you appreciate it all the while. "Forgot Myself" on the other hand starts off with a bit of a slow build that ultimately pays off as the beat picks up. These two songs end up being the perfect choice to whet the listener's appetite for the album in full because at the end of listening they leave you wanting more. They represent two ends of the artist's personal spectrum while still showcasing her own unique style. At the end of the day, Jen Cloher is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.

I’ve been a fan of Washed Out for awhile now. I was very excited for them to release new music as they haven’t put any real album in a very long time (since 2013 Paracosm). I’ve enjoyed watching their chillwave sound journey from ambient to california beach feel to a little bit more like a soundscape. This new album is a step into a new sound space featuring some low-fi samples, hip-hop beats, and overall this retro-electronic vibe. In true Washed Out style, the songs flow seamlessly into each other, making you feel like the album is one long song, with different pops of color and flavors of sound. Also in true Washed Out style, you can’t really understand what they are saying. But who cares, the harmonies and soft vocals are part of the appeal of the band. Making you constantly feel like you're in a dream state of the aesthetic they have created. Which brings me to the album name. Mister Mellow is the perfect title for this album encapsulating really everything this albums serves in sound and vibes. The only thing I dislike about the album, is how short it is, coming in at a total of 29 minutes with 12 songs. Most of the songs on the album are under 2 minutes. But pair that we the fact that they produced video to go along with the album, it can easily be forgiven. The CD came with both the DVD and the CD. I’m not exactly a film expert, but the DVD that goes along with the album is exactly what i expected. Full of color and moving psychedelic images. Each song was directed by someone different, but yet it doesn't show it still feels very whole. The first few songs are the expected weirdness, but after that it blends itself into a really cool moving art piece that feels a lot calmer. The best little video was “I’ve Been Daydreaming My Entire Life” as it had photos of Ernest Greene from out his life blured out with color. The whole visual journey of the album was very well done, and add an amazing layer to the spirit of the album as a whole. Best Tracks: Floating By, I’ve Been Daydreaming My Entire Life, Hard to Say Goodbye,

Here's what DJ Contra Asset has been bumpin' recently! Wipers - Nothing To Prove (Live) - Sub Pop 100 1986 Joy Division - Means to an End - Still Sonic Youth - Titanium Expose - Goo Pixies - Bleed - Doolittle Pavement - She Believed - Westing (By Musket at Sextant) Meat Puppets - Split Myself In Two - Meat Puppets II Lupe Diaz - Itsbema - Sub Pop 100 1986

Of all the music festivals I’ve been able to attend in my life, MoPop is by far one of the most interesting. More than just a music festival, it is an interesting exhibition of a cross-section of Detroit’s various subcultures, as well as a large slice of pop culture to boot. MoPop is truly a unique festival in its own right, and quite possibly the perfect initiation into multi-day City festivals. I'd never been to one, but I think this is one that everybody should check out, if only for one day! Here is a brief list of highlights from the weekend. The Environment Detroit’s famous West Riverfront Park was a great pick for a location to have this festival. Sitting along the Detroit River in the shadow of the skyscrapers and the Ambassador Bridge with Windsor clear across the other side, it made for a very nice overall atmosphere, albeit rather surreal, with another country just on the other side. In stark contrast to the bustling Detroit side of the river, there appeared to be very little activity at all on the other side. The crowd had nothing but smiles and good attitudes all around - everywhere, people were laughing, talking, and playing games with each other. Not a single person appeared to be having a bad time. There were lots of people, but it never felt overly crowded. The festival was very well-organized, and at times, security and staff appeared to be enjoying the festival just as much as the crowd was. The Music One of the most eclectic lineups ever conceived on the festival circuit, MoPop could almost be considered Lollapalooza Lite. The lineup included beach punk, rap, electronic rock, indie, soul, and more. There was truly something for everybody to enjoy on the lineup, or something for everybody to discover. Run the Jewels was one of the best sets of the weekend. Few people can get a crowd hyped like Killer Mike can - mosh pits and crowd surfers were commonplace for their heavily bass-driven rap show. Known for their activism in political matters, they took a minute to speak with the crowd, but in a classy and tasteful way - we all knew exactly what they meant, but they never mentioned the names of anyone in office. Instead, they said things like, “If you are here, then you are NOT one of the people who just sits in front of their TV and swallows whatever is in front of them.” Following Run the Jewels were New York-based Electronic Rock band Phantogram, who are infamous on the festival circuit for their diverse blend of dreamy electronic rock and atmospheric trip hop into a sound that’s hard to define. “Welcome to the sunset...set,” vocalist Sarah Barthel greeted the crowd. “This is the time when all music festivals start to change, and we are honored to be that band tonight.”Indeed, the further down the sun went, the more impressive their display became. Accompanied by bizarre kaleidoscopic visuals and images of jellyfish, the band was in full swing with their sound that has made them a festival staple. Despite apologies for having a strain on her voice, Barthel and vocalist Josh Carter sounded just as good as they did on record, as well as the rest of the band. Despite being a completely different style than Run the Jewels, it was an excellent choice to make the transition into Night One. On day two, one of the best sets of the day was also one of the most highly-anticipated: Tyler the Creator. The Odd Future founder was performing later on in the afternoon, in the same slot that Run the Jewels had the day previously. If Run the Jewels had been the hypest set of the weekend so far, Tyler took it up a notch. As soon as he took the stage, the crowd surged forward, packing in like sardines. The most pits and crowd surfers were more intense, and dust was flying everywhere, making it difficult to breathe at parts. The smart people and worn bandanas around their face. Joined by fellow Odd Future alumni Taco as DJ and Jasper as back-up vocals, Tyler's’ set actually consisted mainly of songs from his new album “Flower Boy.” He kept asking the crowd in between songs if it was okay that he kept trying out new songs on them, which the crowd excitedly agreed to. Tyler’s set was full of hilarious moments - for starters, he stopped his classic song “Yonkers” to apologize to Bruno Mars publicly, explaining that Bruno Mars still thinks Tyler hates him because of this song (he doesn’t). Afterwards, during “She,” some kind of glitch cause the beat to stop. Rather than stop himself, Tyler sat down on the stage and sang the whole song word-for-word with the crowd echoing the verses back at him acapella style. Who needs a beat, anyway? The Attractions and Activities There was so much to do, it was easy to forget that there was music going on. MoPop had one of the coolest attractions I’ve ever seen at any festival ever - a free arcade. Read again: a FREE ARCADE. I walked in with a bunch of singles looking for a dollar changer machine, but all the machines were set to free play. I got right to work playing Mortal Kombat II and was playing with total strangers for a half hour before I remembered I had to go and watch music. Elsewhere, various games and activities were set up. Faygo had a booth where they were passing out samples of a flavor advertised as new, but was actually a Faygo Throwback flavor: Arctic Sun, which tasted like a blue grapefruit. They also had a giant Faygo chair which made for lots of great photo opportunities. Ink Addict had a booth as well, and had set up a giant wall for people to sign. I’ve seen these guys at other festivals before, and was sure to leave my mark alongside thousands of others. There was also a giant game of Jenga for people to play. It was unclear exactly who set it up, but I spend almost 45 minutes playing with total strangers, and it’s actually a lot more fun than you might think. That game gets intense - REALLY intense. PBR had their own bar and relaxation area entitled the “PBR&R Cool Zone,” where there were lots of PBR cornhole tables set up. I’m personally not really a fan, but other people were clearly enjoying themselves. There was also PBR Minigolf. There was also a whole bazaar area for various Detroit craft and clothing vendors by Detroit Handmade. Dozens of art products and clothing items were on display and for sale, all made by the hard-working artists of Detroit. Conclusion This festival was a blast, and should be on anyone’s summer Festival list, if only for one day. To reiterate, the music is varied enough to appeal to anybody, there are plenty of activities to engage in between sets, and there is much, much more than just your standard festival and concert gear to take home with you. As someone who goes to festivals all summer long, and had never been to a city festival before now, I would highly recommend that concertgoers add this to the list for next year. This is more than just a music festival - this is an excellent chance to engage and experience in the Detroit culture as a whole.

YBOT & WIDR present Music at the Library. The new "Tiny Desk" inspired series showcases WMU music artists performing in a very raw and stripped down environment