Bird Lives! August is one of the most special times of the year for us, because of its deep ties to the music that makes WKCR such a special place. On the air, we will be having our (second!) annual Louis Armstrong birthday broadcast on August 4th, as well as our annual Charlie Parker and Lester Young festival from August 26-28, bringing you 72 straight hours of music from Bird + Prez. Rest assured—we will be putting our heart and soul into these broadcasts, just like every year.
August is also special for reasons found within these pages. Live music continues to fill the city streets and warm our ears on a consistent basis. Teddy Wyche and Natalie Najar review some of the city’s best free shows from July, as August is set to be another wonderful month of music in the city. We also hear some wise words from our Director of Operations Ben Erdmann who graces us with a drop of their unbounded wisdom.
Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our listeners who contributed to WKCR’s recent fundraising efforts. Our programming would not be possible without generous support from listeners like you and we deeply appreciate all of the donations we receive, especially during flash fund drives like the one held in July. Music. No commercials. Forever.
Peace and love,
Ted Schmiedeler
Station Manager
Cover photo of Lester Young at the Spotlite, NYC, ca. September 1946. Photo by William P. Gottlieb.
FEATURE PIECE
O24 Hours, One DJ
by Ted Schmiedeler
n Sunday, July 14, 2024, I was on the air on WKCR for 24 hours straight. I did this for no other reason than because I wanted to.
Radio is a medium primed for lengthy broadcasts. WKCR is no stranger to long marathons, and we have often gone days playing a single artist, such as the time we played 360 straight hours of Billie Holiday [in 2005]. However, with multiple DJs rotating in and out, a broadcast like this can continue as long as there is music to play. The real challenge is singular battles of endurance, just DJs vs. themselves. In 2022, two DJs at WJCU, the college station affiliated with John Carroll University, engaged in a 25 hour, 35 minutelong interview, breaking the world record. In 2016, a Jordanian radio team broke the talk show record, speaking on the station Sawt El Ghad for 61 hours straight. The group had doctors on standby to monitor their health and had prepared 1,200 pages of reports to read alongside listener calls and comments. In 2020, Mario Blanco Real from Spain spent a whopping 207 hours 1 minute and 16 seconds on air for Radio4GVitoria 98.3 FM during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a monumental feat—over 8 straight days on the air.
My own humble attempt at 24 hours came with much lower stakes than these marathon runs, just a midnight-to-midnight dash on a summer Sunday. I stayed up the day before, just living my normal life, but by midnight I had records picked out, food gathered, and books selected to help carry me through the night. It was a joy to bounce from show to show, one after another, record after record. Some of the shows I even hosted for the first
time, such as Amazing Grace [8:00-10:00 AM] and Field Trip [6:00-8:00 AM].
Time passed slowly, but the shows went by fast. Often, I would lose my train of focus and suddenly I would be programming country instead of jazz; other times, I would watch the timer slowly tick down on the CD player. I barely saw the sun and got no fresh air. The food I got was rough, to say the least, but enough to keep me fueled. Physically, I could feel myself losing a touch of vocal clarity around 7:00 PM and by 11:00 PM I was ready to hit my pillow. However, the biggest struggle was not physical, but mental.
It can be lonely to broadcast for 24 hours on the radio. Company in the early hours was few and far between, as I went for 8 straight hours unaccompanied until someone joined me for Amazing Grace. These hours were long and sleepy, and as interesting as the music was, I had little else to entertain me. After that, I had visitors around 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and a group to help me bring it home around 9:00 PM. Seeing a new face with high energy would lift my spirits and carry me through my current show.
However, the real joy was hearing from listeners calling in. They were the fire that kept me going. A listener called in during my Sunday Profiles episode on three separate occasions to keep me company and chat about my progress. I got a call in the dead of the night that both surprised me and gave me a spark of energy. Best of all, a listener tuned in all day with me once they heard the announcement of the broadcast. I got a call in the morning during Amazing Grace, an update around 7:00 PM, and a big congratulations right at midnight.
Apparently I had been on in the background all day, something that touched my heart and kept me going.
This is the main takeaway from my 24 hour broadcast. Radio is a community, and it takes a community. I do not see the broadcast as a show of sheer determination to fight against one’s body or a radical act to entice people to listen. Radio brings people together in a way no other medium does. Streaming services are hyper-
individualistic, from the playlist we listen to to the algorithms that feed us new music, to the AI that now unfortunately serves as DJ (if you let it!). Art is human, and presentation of art is done best—in my opinion—when it too is human. Every listener out there was connected to me and each other through a shared listening experience; we actually embarked on the journey together, whether you tuned in for one minute or 24 hours.
The Operating Log of a one-man broadcast over 24 hours. Operating log and photo by Ted Schmiedeler.
MEET
A MEMBER
IInterview with Ben Erdmann
by McKenna Roberts
sat down with former New Music Head and current Director of Operations Ben Erdmann. Ben wears many hats at the station, and theirs is the first in a series of interviews with the seniors of the class of 2025 at WKCR.
What up, Ben. What up.
Well, thanks for sitting down with me. You're the first class of 2025 senior interview that we're doing, so that's special. Can you talk about how you first got involved with WKCR and what motivated you to do so?
Sure. Well, thank you, I'm excited to be the first 2025 interview as well. I first got involved with WKCR maybe two years ago, when somebody else was hosting me and a friend to do DJ sets on Workaround and Live Constructions. I enjoyed that so much that I wanted to get licensed and start doing shows, and since then, I have been the department head for New Music (briefly), as well as the Director of Operations, which I am currently.
Can you walk me through your trajectory of coming into that role? Did you know you wanted to be in a leadership position when you joined the station?
No, I did not. I really just wanted to do my shows and not have to be responsible for anything else. But I think as I learned more about how the station works, I was just excited about the opportunity to get more involved and spend more time talking to people like label representatives, or bands here for Live Constructions; and maybe, just naturally, wanting to get more engaged over time led me to want to also have more official responsibilities.
When you first came to college, did you always want to get involved with college radio? Or was this something that you kind of just stumbled into?
No. I think if you told freshman year me that I would be in WKCR, I would be surprised, because I like to listen to music but I didn't know anything that I thought was worth sharing. And I think more than anything, because I didn't initially plan on being a part of WKCR, or even know about it, what made me excited to be a part of WKCR after spending time here was just the community and how welcoming people are… Even if you’re like me and spent all of high school listening almost exclusively
Art by Tanvi Krishnamurthy.
to trap music.
So, who's your favorite trap artist? Well, the best, of course, is Future.
Outside your leadership role at WKCR, you also DJ outside of the station, regularly host Workaround, and do DJ sets on Live Constructions. When did you first start DJing? Honestly, probably about the same time or a few months before I joined WKCR. I guess my friends encouraged me to because I already listened to a good deal of electronic music. And it's been a lot of fun since then. I'm thankful to have an outlet for that at WKCR, because there are not so many DJ outlets for creative expression.
Unless it's your own birthday party. Well, of course.
You were also involved with WKCR’s coverage of the protests that engulfed Columbia's campus this past semester. What was that experience like and how do you think that's changed your relationship with the station? The word that comes to mind is difficult. It was unlike anything I'd ever done before. From the moment we decided we were going to preempt all regular programming—for the following 48 hours I was awake, and the near month we were doing active coverage—it just [became] really difficult to navigate something that none of us had really experienced before and had to figure out along the way. But I think that may go hand in hand with how it changed my relationship with the station. I was already very thankful for the people at WKCR, but even more so after that, where there were, like, 20 people figuring things out together. I think I was reminded of how much I love WKCR by people choosing to sleep here overnight in case they needed to pick up the tip line phone—or being willing to be trapped on campus for 72 hours, unfortunately. More than anything, it made me appreciate the existing dynamics at KCR, and just how prepared we are to respond to something like that now.
What does being so heavily involved in a radio station, and WKCR specifically, mean for you? To some degree, I'm thankful for it. Because I study urban studies, I don't often have a chance to talk, discuss, and think rigorously about music, art, and culture. So, personally, it's just my favorite place to, at least, do that. I'm very thankful for the opportunity and community.
As you look ahead to both your final year at Columbia and at WKCR, how are you feeling about the year ahead? And is there anything specifically that you're hoping to do before you graduate?
I feel excited. I'm almost regretful that I did not join WKCR earlier because I feel like I've only been here for so long and now it's already my last year! I'm excited about the way we are using the experience of protest coverage to inform WKCR’s mission moving forward. I'm excited for the general body to return to campus and to have a little bit more of the community that has been missing over the summer. And my biggest goal may seem like a small one, but it’s to reorganize the hallway in WKCR outside of the library. We have so much stuff in the library, and we have zero space for new items, but we need space for new music and new stuff. So my goal, which will likely take a full day or several of work, is to make more space for more exciting music.
Is there anything else you'd want to share with On Air readers?
I would like to share how thankful all of us are for the listeners. Some of my favorite WKCR moments are getting any kind of calls from listeners saying the music reminds them of high school or stuff like that, which is always so nice to hear. And I would also say that you should stay tuned in the year to come. Exciting things are happening. New news ideas, new programming ideas, maybe even new broadcast mixers if we can. So yeah, it’s going to be an exciting year for WKCR.
And an equally exciting year for Workaround listeners.
Hell yeah. Or, heck yeah.
Sin Fronteras
Jazz Alternatives
+ Arts Programming
Nueva Canción Som do
Special Broadcasts
SPECIAL BROADCASTS
Louis Armstrong
Sunday, August 4th, all day
It simply would not be a WKCR summer without our two Louis Armstrong broadcasts. Enjoy another 24 hours of musical goodness from the one and only Satchmo!
Lester Young
Tuesday, August 27th, all day
In celebration of a composer and musician with an expansive and highly influential repertoire, WKCR pays homage to the great Lester "Pres" Young with 24 hours of his music on August 27th. You know the end of August is approaching when Pres is on KCR for 24 hours.
Pres + Bird
Wednesday, August 28th, all day
You know the end of August is approaching when you keep hearing Pres on KCR but now you’re also hearing Charlie Parker.
Charlie Parker
Wednesday, August 28th, all day
You know the end of August is approaching when, after a day of hearing both Pres and Bird on KCR, you hear 24 more hours of just Charlie Parker. Such traditions come but once a year!
THEMED SHOWS
SUNDAY PROFILES
Sundays 2:00-7:00 PM
Pharrell Williams
August 11th, 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Host: Teddy Wyche
Charles Mingus (featuring Mingus Big Band musicians)
August 18th, 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Host: Rachel Smith
TBD
August 25th, 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Host: Stephen Park
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Saturdays 9:00 PM-12:30 AM
Host: Ale Díaz-Pizarro (remote from Mexico City)
Carmen (Bizet)
Berganza · Domingo · Cotrubas · Milnes (1977)
The Ambrosian Singers & the London Symphony Orchestra, cond. Claudio Abbado (Deutsche Grammophon 2010)
The core of our jazz offerings, these three programs span the entire range of recorded jazz: everything from New Orleans jazz, jazz age, swing era, bebop, hard-bop, modal, free, and avant-garde. Hosts rotate daily, offering an exciting variety of approaches, some of which include thematic presentation, artist interviews, or artist profiles.
Birdflight, Tues.-Thurs. 8:20-9:30am
Archival programs from the late Phil Schaap, one of the world’s leading jazz historians, who hosted this daily forum for the music of Charlie Parker for about 40 years.
Now's The Time*, Fri. 8:20-9:30am
The newest show from WKCR Jazz is dedicated to jazz as a living art form, providing a weekly space to listen to the young and current musicians pushing the genre forward.
Traditions in Swing, Sat. 6-9pm
Archival programs from the late Phil Schaap, this awardwinning Saturday night staple presents focused thematic programs on jazz up until about World War II. Schaap presents the music, much of it incredibly rare, from the best sound source, which is often the original 78 issue.
Phil Lives*, Mon. 3-5am
Archival broadcasts of longform programs from late NEA Jazz Master Phil Schaap.
CLASSICAL
Cereal Music, Mon.-Thurs. 9:30am-12pm
An entirely open-ended classical show to start your weekdays. Tune in to hear the most eclectic mix of classical music on the New York airwaves!
The Early Music Show, Fri. 9:30am-12pm
Dedicated primarily to European medieval, Renaissance, and baroque music, all from before 1800 (±50 years).
Extended Technique*, Wed. & Thurs. 3-6pm
WKCR’s first interdepartmental show (in the New Music and Classical departments) dedicated to contemporary classical music. You’ll hear everything from 12-tone and minimalist compositions to film and video game scores, and all things in between.
Afternoon Classical, Fri. 3-6pm.
Similar to Cereal Music, most of Afternoon Classical has no restrictions on what type of classical music to play. The last hour of the show, however, is dedicated fully to the music of JS Bach.
Saturday Night at the Opera, Sat. 9pm-12:30am.
One of NYC’s longest running opera shows, Saturday Night at the Opera is a 3.5 hour show that allows operas to be played in their entirety, with room for commentary, descriptions, and some history.
NEW MUSIC
Afternoon New Music, Mon. & Tues. 3-6pm
Our daytime new music program features a wide variety of music that challenges boundaries and subverts categorizations. Shows include everything from seminal new music compositions to the most challenging of obscure deep cuts and new releases.
Transfigured Night, Tues./Thurs./Sat. 1-5am
Our overnight explorations into the world of new music, Transfigured Night rewards our late night listeners with a wide range of sounds and experimental music.
Workaround*, Fri. 9-10pm
WKCR presents live DJ sets from Columbia students and local artists.
Live Constructions, Sun. 10-11pm
This weekly program features a live in-studio performance or a performance pre-recorded specially for the show.
AMERICAN
Honky Tonkin’, Tues. 10-11pm
One of WKCR’s longest-running American music programs, Honky Tonkin’ lands in the harder side of Country music. Emphasizing the greatest voices in the genre, Honky Tonkin’ is a country music dance party every Tuesday night.
Tuesday’s Just as Bad, Tues. 11pm - Wed. 1am
Tuesday’s Just as bad explores the world of blues prior to World War II. Shows weave their way through the first decades of recorded music history and turn to the postwar years in the final half hour.
* Indicates show was created after January 2022
LISTINGS FOR LISTENERS
Night Train, Wed. 1-5am
All aboard! One of our two overnight programs in the American department, Night Train rolls through the postwar R&B and soul tradition, from the genre’s emergence in the 1940’s and 50’s through the funk revolution in the 1970’s. Shows often feature extended live recordings and concerts.
Offbeat, Fri. 1-5am
Offbeat is committed to broadcasting undiscovered new hip hop music. Shows typically focus on exposing underplayed or up-and-coming new artists, including experimental instrumental artists not typically played on mainstream hip hop radio.
Across 110th Street, Sat. 12-2pm
Kicking off our Saturday afternoon American music run, Across 110th Street airs soul, funk, and dance music from the 1960’s through the 1980’s and 90’s.
Something Inside of Me, Sat. 2-4pm
Something Inside of Me is WKCR’s Saturday afternoon blues show, focusing mostly on the electric and post-war styles.
Hobo’s Lullaby, Sat. 4-6pm
Rooted in the folk revival of the 1950s and 60s, Hobo’s Lullaby airs American folk and traditional music styles from the early 20th century through the present day. From old staples like Leadbelly, Elizabeth Cotton, and Woody Guthrie to contemporary stalwarts like the Carolina Chocolate Drops and lesser known artists, domestic traditions are alive and well on Hobo’s Lullaby.
Notes from the Underground, Sun. 12:30-2am
Notes from the Underground showcases contemporary hip hop and rap music with an emphasis on emerging and experimental artists. The program also hosts local and visiting artists for interviews, freestyles, and guestcuration.
Amazing Grace, Sun. 8-10am
Greeting listeners on Sunday morning, Amazing Grace shares with listeners the world of the African-American gospel tradition.
The Moonshine Show, Sun. 10am-12pm
On the air for nearly 60 years, The Moonshine Show showcases the American Bluegrass tradition, from the earliest roots in vernacular string-band music, through
* indicates show was created after January 2022
the genre’s pioneers in the 1940s and 50s and advancements in the 60s and 70s, through the leading innovators and stars of today.
The Tennessee Border Show, Sun. 12-2pm
One third of WKCR’s country music programming, along with Honky Tonkin’ and the Bluegrass Moonshine Show, Tennessee Border highlights the singer-songwriter tradition, from Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt to Lucinda Williams.
LATIN
Caribe Latino, Mon. 10pm-12am
Caribe Latino is a music program that features the diverse, upbeat music from numerous Latin communities in the Caribbean. Popular Latin rhythms such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Latin Jazz take center stage throughout the program.
Urbano Latinx, Tues. 12-1am
A weekly Latin show airing contemporary sounds from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the diaspora, Urbano Latinx features mixes of salsa, merengue, Latin punk rock, and more.
Sin Fronteras*, Wed. 12-3pm
Falling in the space of Out to Lunch on Wednesday afternoons, Sin Fronteras explores the tremendous Latin Jazz tradition.
Nueva Canción, Wed. 10-11pm
Nueva Canción is an exploration of protest music created throughout Latin America during the 60s and 70s and its numerous other manifestations throughout other countries and time periods.
Som do Brasil, Wed. 11pm - Thurs. 1am
From samba and bossa nova to MPB, hear the numerous and enchanting sounds and rhythms of Brazil.
Sonidos Colombianos, Fri. 10-11pm
Sonidos Colombianos presents music from one of the most culturally diverse countries of Latin America: Colombia! Our bilingual musical tour is guaranteed to include not only cumbia, but also the guitar-based bambuco from the Andean region, the harp llanero music from the Eastern Plains, the marimba-infused currulao from the Pacific Region, and the accordiondriven vallenato of the North Atlantic Coast.
LISTINGS FOR LISTENERS
The Mambo Machine, Fri. 11pm - Sat. 2am
The Mambo Machine is the longest running salsa show in New York City. The program presently plays a wide spectrum of Afro-Latin rhythms, combining new and old into an exciting, danceable mix.
El Sonido de la Calle*, Sun. 2-4am
A companion show to Saturday night’s American Notes from Underground, El Sonido de la Calle highlights the diverse world of contemporary Spanish-language hiphop and dance music.
IN ALL LANGUAGES
The Celtic Show, Mon. 12-1am
Music from across the island of Ireland throughout the era of recorded music, particularly focusing on traditional folk and vernacular music forms.
Coordinated Universal Time, Mon. 1-3am
Coordinated Universal Time brings our listeners the latest cut of music from anywhere in the world, especially highlighting music that does not get attention in America. Our programming tries to bring the hottest and the most recent tunes to WKCR’s airwaves.
The African Show, Thurs. 10pm-12am
The longest running African music radio show in the United States, the African Show brings you a variety of music from the entire continent of Africa.
Middle Eastern Influences, Fri. 12-1am
During the hour-long show, Middle Eastern Influences features a wide range of beautiful tracks from regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and even, at times, South Asia.
Sounds of Asia, Sat. 6-8am
Rechristened from Sounds of China, Sounds of Asia explores the recorded musical traditions and innovations of Asia and the Pacific islands.
Eastern Standard Time, Sat. 8am-12pm
One of New York’s most popular Reggae programs, Eastern Standard Time takes listeners through Saturday morning from 8 am to noon with the hypnotic sounds of Reggae and Jamaican dance music.
Field Trip, Sun. 6-8am
Field Trip focuses on the music and practice of field recordings: music recorded outside of a studio. Tune in and you may catch field recordings that were recorded fifty years ago, others that were experimented with by your favorite Afternoon New Music artist, or even those documented in New York City by WKCR itself.
Raag Aur Taal, Sun. 7-9pm
Raag Aur Taal explores the sounds and rich cultural heritage of South Asia. The term “Raag Aur Taal” roughly translates to “melody and rhythm,” indicating the classical nature of this program.
Back in the USSR, Sun. 11pm-12am
Back in the USSR features music from across the former Soviet Union and soviet states across Eastern Europe and East and Central Asia, from the mid-20th century through the present.
NEWS & ARTS
Monday Morningside*, Mon. 8:30-9:30am
Monday Morningside is WKCR’s morning news broadcast to kick off the week, featuring news segments on events around Morningside Heights and upper Manhattan. If you’re not an early bird, all episodes are available as podcasts on Spotify!
Free Samples*, Mon. 9-10pm
Explores landmark hip hop albums and their place in history and music at large by playing a selection of songs and breaking them down into the samples that make them up—meaning this show often crosses over with other genres, such as jazz, soul, and funk.
SUNDAY PROFILES
Sunday Profile, Sun. 2-7pm*
A WKCR staple, programmers use five hours to showcase longform profiles of pioneering artists. While the primary focus remains on jazz music, we also feature other styles and traditions from across WKCR’s different programming departments.
* indicates show was created after January 2022
Sister Nancy & Shaggy at SummerStage
by Natalie Najar
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Federation Sound, I attended their SummerStage event at the Coney Island Amphitheater. Founded in 1999 by Max Glazer and Kenny Meez, Federation Sound is renowned in the New York dancehall and reggae scene. The duo is celebrated for their dedication to expanding the reach of reggae and dancehall music across New York City.
The Coney Island Amphitheater proved to be the perfect venue for SummerStage: spacious, with ample seating, and—crucially—offering shade, a much-needed break from the muggy New York City heat. Given that ≈20% of New York City's 8.8 million residents have Caribbean roots, and neighborhoods such as Flatbush, Church, Nostrand, and Utica Avenues are often called Little Caribbean, the venue buzzed with vibrant energy. Attendees waved their home country flags with pride, and while seating was available, many chose to stand and immerse themselves in the experience. It was a stunning display of dancehall, reggae, and roots music
enthusiasts coming together in one passionate celebration.
The songs that generated the most energy included Red Fox and Naturalee’s performance of “Down In Jamaica,” Dawn Penn’s iconic “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No),” and Marlon Asher’s hit “Ganja Farmer.” A special mention goes to Tanto Metro and Devonte for their performance of the major hit “Everyone Fall In Love.” This track, which topped the Billboard reggae charts, has cemented their place in the pantheon of essential dancehall music. The evening was packed with performances of the biggest reggae and dancehall hits.
No surprise is that my favorite performance of the night was by Shaggy, a master at energizing the crowd. He gave a huge shoutout to Flatbush and Crown Heights, and the love for Brooklyn was tangible in the venue. As he performed hits like “Bombastic” and “Angel,” the crowd sang along and raised their hands in unison. When "It Wasn't Me" started playing, I was instantly transported back to when I was 10, singing along to the song despite probably not fully grasping its lyrics. Shaggy's performance of the track sent the energy in the venue soaring to new heights, and the audience's flags were waving with even greater enthusiasm.
With just 10 minutes remaining in the event, British singer and rapper Estelle came out on stage. She warmly gave her respects to Sister Nancy as one of her inspirations and welcomed her onto the stage, saying, “I came here to introduce the queen,” and added, “Are you all going give her jewels, the one who came before me?” Unfortunately, Sister Nancy's performance was brief due to Shaggy's
Photo by Natalie Najar.
extended set. Throughout her performance, she repeatedly emphasized the words “original” and “originality,” underscoring her pivotal role in dancehall and reggae music. Sister Nancy, the first female dancehall DJ and a "dominating female voice for over two decades," delivered an unforgettable performance. Witnessing her greatness firsthand was a privilege. She closed the night with standout performances of "Bam Bam'' and "One Two," capping the event perfectly. Shaggy and Sister Nancy were perfect headliners for this SummerStage.
MIKE’s Young World IV
by Natalie Najar and Teddy Wyche
On the way to MIKE’s Young World IV SummerStage festival, Lafayette Avenue was bustling with enthusiastic Hip Hop fans disembarking from the B98 bus. According to the Summer Stage website, MIKE is celebrated as a local hero for nurturing a dynamic hip-hop community through his annual Young World festival. This year’s event, featuring Earl Sweatshirt as the headliner, took place on Saturday, July 13th at Herbert Von
King Park in Bed-Stuy.
The first performance was delivered by Sideshow, a rapper born in Tigray and raised in the DMV area. As one of the early acts of the event, he captivated the audience with his compelling presence. Known for his storytelling ability, Sideshow made his debut in 2020 with the album Farley. He set the tone for the evening by performing his track "Kings of Different Things," where he skillfully wove vivid imagery into his melancholic lyrics. Additionally, Sideshow used his platform to speak out against the ongoing genocide targeting Tigrayans in Ethiopia. As his career continues to flourish, Sideshow remains dedicated to refining his craft and expressing himself through his art.
Despite the air growing muggy and the heat intensifying, the audience remained dedicated in their spots within the crowd to witness MIKE’s performance. The host with the most, MIKE is known for his experimental music style, a prominent figure in the abstract and experimental hip-hop scene. He first gained attention in 2012 with his cover of MF DOOM
Photo by Natalie Najar.
Photo by Natalie Najar.
and Madlib's "All Caps." Influenced by Odd Future during his youth, it was especially meaningful to host the event on MF DOOM's birthday. Furthermore, MIKE’s connection with Earl Sweatshirt as a mentor and friend brough a full-circle element to the evening and his career. Like Sideshow, MIKE crafts storytelling music, channeling his personal experiences into his bars.
Soon after MIKE’s performance, Stacy Epps, who collaborated with Madlib and MF DOOM on their 2004 track “Eyes,” dedicated her set to honoring MF DOOM’s legacy and birthday. Her performance was specially curated to pay homage to the legend himself. From playing unreleased tracks the two had created to share fond memories of him, her performance was greatly centered around the man she described as a “big brother.” Stacy Epps would also follow up her remarks on Dumile with calls of love and support for the communities of the world facing oppression, such as Palestine.
As Earl Sweatshirt took the stage, the Manhattanhenge (Manhattan Solstice) framed the backdrop, creating a bittersweet moment as he was the final performer of the night. Earl Sweatshirt, born in Chicago and raised
in Los Angeles, where he became part of Tyler, the Creator’s rap collective Odd Future. This affiliation paved the way for the release of his debut studio album, Doris, in 2013. Earl Sweatshirt drew the largest crowd of the evening, creating a magical atmosphere where being surrounded by fellow fans who shared a love for a specific artist felt truly special. One word to encapsulate the night is “community.” The energy throughout the event was exuberant, particularly during Earl’s performances of "Riot" and "Molasses," when the crowd moved in unison, bobbing their heads to the beat.
The event's afterparty was held at Paragon and hosted by the Dweller collective, a group dedicated to celebrating the Black historical roots of the genre while featuring a diverse lineup of innovative Black artists and DJs. It was an incredible way to cap off the night. Leaving the venue, it was thrilling to find all the artists outside recording a music video, including a special appearance by Rico Nasty. After spending the evening immersed in Black talent and community and being up close with Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, the hourlong trek to Brooklyn was more than worth it.
Manhattanhenge over the venue. Photo by Natalie Najar.
SUPPORT WKCR
TOP 5 REASONS TO DONATE TO WKCR
1. You’d be helping a student-run, listener-funded, and volunteer-based radio station continue to bring you the absolute best in what radio has to offer. Music, arts, news, and sports— we’ve got the works!
2. You wouldn’t be a free-rider anymore.
3. WKCR donations are tax-deductible (so make sure you donate before tax season). For more info on that, or anything else business-related, email business@wkcr.org
4. Being “the Original FM,” our equipment is getting a bit old. Thanks to your 2023 donations, we were able to retire Buzz, the hamster that ran the wheel powering us. But our new hamster, Roach, needs to start saving for retirement... and can you blame him?
5. Isn’t OnAir cool? Without proper funding, projects like this can’t come to fruition and, if they do, don’t make it very long. Donate to allow the little OnAir minions to stay in the job (we are all OnAir minions).
HOW TO DONATE TO WKCR IN 4 STEPS
BY MAIL
Step 1: Locate your nearest checkbook
Step 2: Indicate “WKCR” as payee and fill out as usual
Step 3: Mail check to CU Gift Systems, 622 West 113th Street, MC 4524, New York, NY 10025
Step 4: ...and VOILÀ! Just like that, you have become a WKCR supporter!
WKCR also accepts checks to our direct address. Just follow the same steps listed above but mail the check to: 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
ONLINE
Step 1: head to www.wkcr.org
Step 2: Click the yellow “DONATE TO WKCR” banner at the top of the page
Step 3: Fill out the form in the giving portal and enter your information...
Step 4: ...and VOILÀ! Just like that, you have become a WKCR supporter! Did you know you can make recurring donations to WKCR when you donate online?
Just indicate your frequency preferences on the giving portal when prompted!
On Air 's editorial board is Ale Díaz-Pizarro, Isabelle
to
Fishbein, & McKenna Roberts.
Special thanks
Ben Erdmann, Natalie Najar, Ted Schmiedeler, & Teddy Wyche.
