Music
The Prime: Alt Through the Ages
Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Alternative
Subgenre: Psychedelic rock
RIYL: The Electric Prunes, The Velvet Underground, The Yardbirds, Temples
The birth of psychedelic rock can be traced back to the mid-1960s, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Byrds incorporated elements of psychedelic music into their sound, experimenting with unconventional song structures, mind-expanding lyrics, and the use of mind-altering drugs. The genre reached its peak with the iconic album “The Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd, released in the late 1960s.
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SOTW: Quantic – “Run”
Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin Llanusa
Song of the Week: Quantic – “Run”
Released: November 2023
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Kraak & Smaak, Nightmares On Wax, Xenia Rubinos, Son Little, Connie Constance
The new album by Quantic is based on 70s disco, soul, and pop. The song “Run” features Andreya Triana‘s vocals which complement the disco vibe of the album. The lyrics make the song even more powerful. This track showcases a woman who is struggling to find her identity and wants to be able to love herself, but there are so many obstacles that she has to overcome, first. The melody contributes to the lyrics by giving off a peaceful sense. The author feels that everything will be good in the end even if she “keeps on falling”.
This song portrays a very relatable feeling to anyone who might listen. The upbeat sound changes your mood to a happier one and the lyrics make you feel less alone in the struggle of learning how to love yourself. Highly recommend!
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On This Day: December 7
Thursday, December 7th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Let’s check out some of the top 5 coolest events on this day in music history…
1. 2019: Ozzy Osbourne offered $25,000 as a reward for the return of stolen instruments previously owned by his late guitarist Randy Rhoads after the Musonia School of Music in N. Hollywood, was robbed on Thanksgiving night. The stolen instruments included Rhoads’ first electric guitar, a 1963 Harmony Rocket, as well as a rare Marshall prototype made specifically for Rhoads.
2. 1995: American rock band The Grateful Dead break up after the death of Jerry Garcia.
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The Prime: Alt Through the Ages
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Alternative
Subgenre: Grunge
RIYL: Smashing Pumpkins, Temple of the Dog, Bush, Mudhoney
Alt-grunge holds a relatively recent birthday, arising in the early 1990s as a subgenre of alternative rock. Drawing influences from punk, hard rock, and heavy metal, alt-grunge presents a broad range of distorted and angst-ridden sounds. The music often features heavy guitar riffs, powerful drum beats, and emotionally charged vocals that range from melodic to guttural screams. Its rebellious and introspective lyrics explored themes of alienation, social criticism, and personal struggles, resonating with a generation looking for music that mirrored their disillusionment and frustration. Alt-grunge continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
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On This Day: November 23
Thursday, November 23rd, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Let’s check out some of the top 5 coolest events on this day in history…
- 2015: Taylor Swift dominated the American Music Awards, winning three prizes, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. One Direction was named favorite group and artist of the year, for the second year in a row and Ariana Grande was the surprise winner of Best Female, beating Taylor Swift.
- 1992: Miley Cyrus is born Destiny Hope Cyrus in Franklin, Tennessee. Nicknamed “Smiley,” later shortened to “Miley,” she is the first child of country star Billy Ray Cyrus. She also has a famous godmother: Dolly Parton.
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DJ Spotlight: The Discovery Hour
Friday, November 17th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
Show Name: The Discovery Hour
DJ: Ellie Reynolds ’25
When: Wednesdays @ 3PM
Q: Name of your show, short description:
A: The Discovery Hour is a show covering alt-rock and indie pop from the 90s-2010s that airs every Wednesday from 3-4PM The show will have you dancing to M83, then laying on your floor listening to Arctic Monkeys and experiencing every emotion in between. There’s a little something for everyone on the Discovery Hour, and you might just discover something yourself.
Q: Why did you choose to host a show at WLOY?
A: I started as a first-year when WLOY roped me in at the club fair and I fell in love with college radio! It is such a cool and unique opportunity to share the music that I love with the world. It is such an awesome creative outlet for me.
Q: What are the top artists played on your show?
A: Cage the Elephant, The Black Keys, The Wombats
Q: Piece of advice for prospective DJs?
A: Don’t take yourself too seriously- WLOY is fun!
Q: Additional comments:
A: John Devecka is a superhero.
WLOY thanks Ellie for his mutual love of music and dedication to the station! Tune in to “The Discovery Hour” on Wednesdays from 3-4PM. 🙂
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Winterpalooza 2023 is December 8th!
Thursday, November 16th, 2023 by The Professor
Celebrate the end of classes with a FREE giant holiday bash featuring live music and free stuff! Performances from Battle of the Bands 2022 winners Crown Me King, fantastic Baltimore bands Natural Velvet and Super City! Free hot cocoa, ugly sweater contest and MORE!!
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DJ Spotlight: The Power Hour
Friday, November 10th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
Show Name: The Power Hour
DJ: Ben Ostrowski ’24
When: Thursdays @ 5PM
Q: Name of your show, short description:
A: “The Power Hour,” playing the best of the alt-rock and pop-punk worlds
Q: Why did you choose to host a show at WLOY?
A: I was inspired by the video game Forza Horizon 3 to do my show. While I drive around in my fancy cars, the in-game radio station I tune into is an alt-rock station playing the likes of blink-182 and The 1975. The commentary given by the host was always funny and witty to me, and I wanted to be the funny/cool guy talking on the radio, so here I am! There’s nothing better than sitting in the studio jamming out to my favorite songs and being able to share my music with the world.
Q: What are the top artists played on your show?
A: Waterparks and The Maine
Q: Piece of advice for prospective DJs?
A: Don’t worry about if you won’t be “good enough.” Yes, it’s a new skill you must acquire, but we’re here to enjoy ourselves more than anything!
WLOY thanks Ben for his mutual love of music and dedication to the station! Tune in to “The Power Hour” on Thursdays from 5-6 PM. 🙂
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AOTW: The Everettes – “Soul Steps”
Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin Llanusa ’25
Album of the Week: The Everettes – “Soul Steps”
Released: April 28, 2023
Rate: 7.5/10
RIYL: Amy Winehouse, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, Sharon Jones
The Everettes blended classic soul and gave this album a modern twist, making “Soul Steps” a unique musical experience. “Soul Steps” is a captivating album whose sound revolves around 70s soul music.
My favorite song on this album is definitely “So Many Ways”. The band could pay tribute to these old soul songs and all their musical influences while keeping their unique touch. Other songs that I enjoyed were “Red Flags” and “Heads Up High.” They have the same vintage style that predominates in the album. However, although the album captures an old soul vibe, the sound gets slightly repetitive. “Soul Steps” by The Everettes is a fantastic and unique modern soul album. The album features beautiful melodies, and amazing vocals, creating a captivating musical experience.
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SOTW: HeatBack – “Something Nothing”
Monday, November 6th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Song of the Week: Heatback – “Something Nothing”
Released: May 2023
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, A Giant Dog, The Suburbs
Featured on HeatBack’s debut album, “HeatBack,” Something Nothing is easily my favorite from this record. The track starts with a groovy guitar line, which is then accompanied by a fun and addictive drumline, all leading to the vocal entrance. Catchy and hypnotic beats pull you in and before you know it, you’re bobbing your head and tapping your foot along with the song. When you reach the bridge, you are met with what seems to be a conversation between the drums and the guitar, going back and forth, until they seamlessly come together to finish out the rest of the song. Towards the end, the tempo slows down and the vocals pick up as they make their final statement. The track ends with a creamy blend of all the instruments, helping create a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion. (more…)
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