“New View” by Eleanor Friedberger is a solid representation of her work as a whole. “New View” has a sound that evokes the styles of artists like Courtney Barnett and Fleetwood Mac. She released her first solo album in 2011, after splitting from the group “The Fiery Furnaces” which her older brother Matthew Friedberger was a member of. New View is her third album, and feels like she’s nailed the balance between playful and straightforward honesty. Most of the album has a very laid-back vibe. Many of her songs remind the listener of relaxing with a good book and warm drink, yet also manage to convey feelings of a spontaneous summer road trip. The song “Cathy With The Curly Hair” isn’t exactly slow, but does have a calm feel to it. This is a song that begs to be put on as you and your friends cruise down the highway on a last-minute evening excursion. Another song on the album to keep an eye out for is one called “Two Versions of Tomorrow”. While a bit slower than other songs on the album, it still manages to keep with the overall feel and theme. While perhaps not an album to rock out to, it is definitely one to consider wrapping up your night with. Its beats are mellow, and in general it almost encapsulates the whole sensation of coming down from the high of excitement. Best Songs: Cathy With The Curly Hair, Two Versions of Tomorrow, He Didn’t Mention His Mother

Alex Kuriatia Production & Live Sound Team Member We sat down with Alex and asked about his experiences here at WIDR FM. How long have you been volunteering at WIDR? I've been volunteering at WIDR since August of 2016. What is your most memorable moment at WIDR? My most memorable moment is between playing the basement show with 4 Guys 3 Beards OR helping run sound for the kiva sessions for Battle of the Bands. Which bands make up your dream lineup? My dream lineup would be 4 Guys 3 Beards and Gary Clark Jr opening for the The Black Keys. What does WIDR and Radio Evolution mean to you? WIDR's a place where I feel like I can be myself and express my creativity without judgement. I've also met a great deal of friends working here, so it means a lot me.

For this month's DJ Playlist, Turtle the DJ decided to put together "a hand-selected playlist of 20 tunes -- bonafide college radio 80s interwoven with contemporary tunes that demonstrate the lasting influence of Echo & the Bunnymen, Missing Persons, the Cure + more!"

As someone who has such diverse musical taste Pitchfork Music Festival can be a big ol’ cup of fresh water. Spanning such a large array of genres over three days with some of the best up and coming and classic artist. The 2017 Pitchfork brought the people the hits! From Angel Olsen to Vagabon, S U R V I V E to Nicolas Jaar, The Funkadelics to Solange. If you were at the fest you already know bands came to give their fans a good time (Tribe)! Looking back on it now I realize how much of a sensory overload that whole weekend was. Getting the opportunity to see so many of the bands I've been listening to for the past few years was something out of a dream. Like S U R V I V E a band from Austin Texas who helped write the soundtrack to the Netflix series Stranger Things, and performed on one of the smallest stages on Saturday night. The crowd for them was probably on the smaller side for the weekend, but made for a very chill intimate electronic performance. Followed by one of the hypest, “most lit” sets by A Tribe Called Quest. Saturday was a pretty crazy day I got to see Mitski for the first time, and be apart of her Q&A. Where she told everyone to stop being so pretentious about pop music (there was so much more to that). Which was cool to hear from an artist playing Pitchfork which is known to have the snobs of music connoisseurs present (me being one). That same day I was introduced to a cool haired one show man Frances and The Lights who blew me away. Colin Stetson!!!! If you like noise or any type of ambient music this is the guy to check out. Stetson was the second person to play on Sunday, and oh boy was it dope. Another one man show, just him and his baritone saxophone a drum machine and a loop pedal. So Simple yet so great! Following him was a must see band NE-HI who performed on the main stage, and was also here in Kzoo at Shakespeare's Lower Level a few months ago with a few local bands. Their performance was killer, but the best part was watching the band and the Pitchfork sound crew flawlessly deal with an amp malfunction in the middle of their set. Later on that Sunday I also got to see Pinegrove another Kzoo frequent visitor that not to long ago was playing the Kzoo house show scene. If you know of them you already know they killed it! The bittersweet part of the Sunday was the fact that The Avalanches dropped from the show two hours before they were to go on stage. This did give way to a very beautiful new artist named Jamila Woods who was meant to be on the smaller stage around the same time as The Avalanches. Following Jamila was the great electronic artist Nicolas Jaar who had to of brought some extra sub for his performance because the bass was ah freakin’ kickin’! Then to end Pitchfork we had the new love of my life Solange come out and literally destroy everyone! As of right now at the age of 23 years, she was the best performance I ever seen. There is truly nothing like her stage presence and the skill of her band. I was floored from start to end, and am so thankful to of had the opportunity to see Solange and all of the amazing performances at Pitchfork. Also realize we are in a golden age of music. With so many talented individuals out here trying to get their voice heard. I would like to thank Pitchfork for giving the voice to so many women and people of color this 2017. Here is hoping to more great shows in the future. Photo Cred:

Sun Seeker, a band based in Nashville, demonstrates an intriguing blend of styles that comes to fruition as something entirely new. A quartet of friends who have been together since middle school officially launching themselves in 2013. This EP 2017 has been a long time coming. Their sound is described by their label as “Cosmic American Music”, and with regards to that expectation their debut EP “Biddeford” doesn’t disappoint. They obviously have drew from 70’s country-rock in style and lyrics. This band may utilize traditional components of music making like vocals, drums, and guitar, but their inclusion of synth sounds propels their music into a realm not many other artists have been able to pull off. They are described by their label as exploring “nostalgia, melancholy, and emotional turmoil via laidback psychedelia pollinated with tight harmonies, classic folk songcraft, and country rock spirit, an ageless approach that is simultaneously archetypal and now utterly their own.”, and songs like “Churchill, “Won’t Keep Me Up At Night”, and “Sunny Day Girls” emphasize this. Though folksy in a way, these songs delicately layer on synth in a way that creates a sound that can only be described as aesthetically pleasing. They conjure feelings of nostalgia for moments one isn’t completely sure they’ve even experienced, suggesting a calm yet wistful feeling. Their core is entirely psychedelic indie rock and worth a listen to this summer. Best Songs: “Churchill, “Won’t Keep Me Up At Night”, and “Sunny Day Girls”

Lucid Dreams- A mix of dream pop, bedroom pop, and alternative R&B "My goal is for every show to be the perfect soundtrack to a day spent lying in bed daydreaming about your unrequited crush." Friday mornings 10am to noon! We sat down with DJ Blue Velvet and asked about her experiences here at WIDR FM. How long have you been DJing at WIDR? I've been DJing at WIDR since March of this year. What is your most memorable moment at WIDR? My most memorable moment at WIDR was probably my final training session as a DJ, in which I shadowed DJ Peach Pit on her show (which you can catch on Thursdays from 1-3 pm!). The first time she let me pick some songs and get on the mic to speak was such a thrill, and it made me so excited and inspired for my very own show. Plus we got a call in request for the song "Chinese New Year" by Sales, which I heard for the first time that day, and I totally fell in love with the track--that song and the album it appears on have become a staple on my show. Who would be your dream guest to have on your show? I would love to have Steph Knipe from Adult Mom on my show. I've been a huge fan of their music for a few years now; I would love to ask them deeply intimate questions about their creative process and then maybe we could cry about our exes together on air. Steph, if you're reading this, call me on the studio line on Friday morning! What does WIDR and Radio Evolution mean to you? ​To me, WIDR represents independence and community simultaneously. I love having the freedom to choose the music for my show and to give my opinions on new releases, yet also having a team to lean on and learn from. I love being in the know about local concerts and opportunities because of WIDR, and being able to keep the Kalamazoo community informed about those things, too, by talking about them on air. It's a simple concept, but it's very meaningful to me, and I like to think it's meaningful to the greater community as well.

This month brought WIDR’S rotation rack some poppy guitar and sweet layered vocals. Our WIDR staff picked some of their favorites for a July playlist that would fit any hot afternoon or beach day. 1. “Don’t Take the Money” , by Bleachers off the album Gone Now This song comes first on the album giving off some fun summer pop vibes. With the lyrics that make you want to shout them out loud, it’s a song that most people at WIDR can’t stop playing. A full album review is available on WIDRS blog by DJ Annie. 2. “Feel It Still” , by Portugal. The Man off the album Woodstock This super feel good song, comes in with simple fun lyrics and a blaring trumpets. It’s jam that makes 3. “Hard to Say Goodbye” , by Washed Out off the album Mister Mellow Fading into a slower but still upbeat synth-wave song with some great samples, this song feels cool. It feels like taking a dip into the water after sunbathing, it’s refreshing and new. And in true Washed Out style you don’t really know what they are saying but it all sounds so pretty. 4. “In Undertow”, by Alvvays the single from the album AntiSocialites coming out soon Ridding off of the synth we have a Alvvays new single. Everyone at the WIDR office is waiting for Alvvays sophomore album, so this single has been on constant replay. Alvvays style reigns melodic with sweet vocals and a surf rock electric guitar. It’s a song that will hold nostalgia for July when the summer fades. 5. “My Lover Cindy” , by Marika Hackman off the album I’m not your man The simple guitar riffs and sweet low vocals of this song feels so relaxing it’s like stepping into warm sand. The song is littered with great pops of color in its lyrics, harmonies, and instruments. 6. “Different Nowt” , by Chasity Belt off the album I used to Spend So Much Time Alone Echoing off the simple indie guitar in “My Lover Cindy” comes this amazing little guitar tune by the Chastity Belt’s. They prove once again they know how to use their guitars with addicting chords and melodies. It fits in our summer playlist with it’s easy summer feel perfectly. 7. “Heartbreak Summer (feat. K.Flay) ” , by RAC off the album EGO Our finale song on our playlist lyrics are perfect for anyone who is over summer, and is also perfect for anyone looking for some more surfer rock melodic summer jams. It’s a perfect song to end the day at the beach with a feel good chorus and raspy vocals. It’s like getting an ice cream or slush after a long day in the sun.

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! (Priests) (Margaret Glaspy) (Julie Byrne)

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

We're so excited for Mo Pop this weekend... we decided to make a Mo Pop inspired playlist full of bands we can't wait to see!!!

Beach Fossils starts their album with a jingle jangle of a song with This Year. The next two songs Tangerine and Saint Ivy stay with this similar sound. Acoustic guitar, strings, light non obtrusive drums fill the mix, with the ethereal vocals playing the overarching glue to the sound. The bass guitar line that fills space in the 4th track May 1st! With percussive shakers, this song moves along as if it belongs in Morning Phase from Beck. The non lyrical chorus ahh feel right in place throughout the song, while also giving us more guitar sounds then previous. May 1st transitions perfectly into Rise. A slow spoken word jazzy mid album slow down. This is one of my favorite moments within the album. A serious separation from previous motifs. Sugar is 6th on the album, and we start to explore more psychedelic, modern indie. Background drumset part feels great, and you can really hear a lot of different bands within this sound, while also sounding unique to this group. Closer Everywhere gives us a harpsichord to start, and if that doesn't follow the Beatlesness of this group, I don’t know what does! Other than surprise use of a older instruments, this song has some gold hidden inside. Social Jetlag is our next sound, and it feels much like previous songs on the album. The keys give this sound a wonderful lightness. The horns too are quite something. Down The Line is next, and is one of the most uptempo songs to be heard. Be Nothing is second to last, and it is the longest song on the album. With the drawn out chorus, and simplistic lyrics make this all work. Closing this album is the aptly named That’s All for Now the closer gives us much of what we’ve come use to from the album, but throwing a couple songwriting flairs within this upbeat, fun, indie closer! I loved my first experience with this group, and look forward to more.

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

DJ Contra Asset has put together a playlist full of songs he's been jamming to this month!

This year WIDR is proud be working press for Pitchfork 2017. We will be up close and personal with bands and guests. If you are going to be at the festival try and find us and say hello! Here is a little playlist of bands play Pitchfork from the WIDR Directors to you. Please Enjoy!!! LCD Soundsystem “American Dream” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML1MUKOJIIo Dirty Projectors “Little Bubble” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IG5f50olZA Frankie Cosmos “Too Dark” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZv4K7JawbI Vince Staples “Norf Norf” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb6Jc4juSF8 Priests “JJ” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbWfKVBpvZY Angel Olsen “Forgiven/Forgotten” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PinTAGbIsV4 Mitski “Happy” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ0O2vDT0VE Vagabon “The Embers” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTo_Dsa8ijM S U R V I V E “Copter” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GxTBxSntLw A Tribe Called Quest “Dis Generation” – https://youtu.be/kQaSDJYwdh4 George Clinton & The Funkadelic “Bring The Funk” – https://youtu.be/CiTh8BQ4oVU Nicolas Jaar “Mi Mujer”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Upj_Ib30K4 The Avalanches “Because I’m Me” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu0KsZ_MVBc Pinegrove “Old Friends” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkb26vFEp94 NE-HI “Turncoat” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPJK6Qkbb6E Colin Stetson “Spindrift” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJHr2DlRog8 Solange “Cranes in the Sky” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0qrinhNnOM

He’s written for pop musicians like Taylor Swift, Lorde and Sia. But expanded outside of the top 40 world to work with Grimes, Troye Sivan, and St. Lucia. His 80’s inspired slow building synth beat’s all leave hints in his other works, and their lyrics have a poetic quality that captures a feeling rather than a scene. Lorde credited him with giving her the best song writing advice ever by saying “Happiness is a for tourist write you little f*****”. So it’s no surprise that Jack Antonoff album number two captures that eighties pop bliss without it being overdone and lyrics sits in the perfect of spot of crazy and sane. I feel like everyone does an 80’s inspired pop ballad today. It can be easily overdone but Bleachers doesn’t take that route. This album is such a pop album, which isn’t a bad thing. There’s a question and answer format with the riffs with a lot of songs that grab your attention. But the real quality of the album lies within its lyrics. They are easy lyrics something you can memorize within 3 listens of a song. But the simplicity and ease of the lyrics are what make some of the best lines on the album. The raw honest that doesn’t grab at details but rather an emotion makes the song feel like it can become anybodys. In “Everybody Lost Somebody”, there’s a cool little saxophone riff, but the song has such belt your heart out vibe. It’s pop-ease makes the harsh reality of the lyrics feel fun, it’s like laughing at your own sadness. In one of my favorite songs “Don’t Take the Money” Jack doesn’t mention any pronouns. He doesn’t call out a specific gendered romantic interest that he’s singing about, even though the song is very much a heartbreak new love song. This breakaway from details, which normally makes lyrics and writing so relatable and special, allows for a new freedom of interpretation. Best tracks: Don’t Take the Money, All My Heros, Everybody Lost Somebody