News
Staff Picks: July
Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
WLOY loves nothing more than being able to share some of our favorite tracks with you guys. Let’s welcome August with July’s hottest hits as we present some monthly staff picks! (more…)
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Alumni Spotlight: Anthony Medina (2013)
Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
Anthony Medina, a graduate of Loyola University in 2013, reflects on his career, life, and time spent at Loyola. Medina shares some updates on his life while cherishing his WLOY days.
Q: Can you tell us about your show at WLOY? (name and theme, genre of music)
A: I co-hosted a show on WLOY with one of my best friends, Jeff Poulos AKA Dj Pool Party Poulos. We called the show Know Your Role after one of Dwayne “The
Rock” Johnson’s famous catchphrases from the late ’90s. I’ve always been a diehard professional wrestling fan and Jeff and I bonded over our love of some of the all-time greats. I actually think he came up with the name. We played classic rock and had gimmicks like top 5 lists and running jokes. And at the end of every show, we’d tell someone that needed to hear to know their role. All the bits and banter and promos were such a fun and creative outlet for us. But it was really just another excuse to spend time with my friend. And I think our friendship was the cohesive element of the show that made it work. People picked up on our connection and friendship and I think it made those who listened smile.
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SOTW: James & The Giants – “Bless This Mess”
Friday, August 4th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: James & The Giants – “Bless This Mess”
Released: June 30, 2023
Rate: 7/10
RIYL: Wooden Wand, My Morning Jacket, Strand of Oaks, Cass McCombs
Kill Rock Stars is excited to announce the release of James & The Giants’ self-titled album. This project represents the collaborative efforts of James Jackson Toth and his long-time partner Jarvis Taveniere, over the past four years. The album is a blend of newly written songs and ones from past decades, even featuring talented musicians from various eras associated with Wooden Wand. “James and The Giants” showcases a reflective and unintentional self-discovery journey, really exploring personal history to offer fresh perspectives on the memories they hold.
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The Prime: Pop Through The Ages (Pop-Punk)
Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Pop
Subgenre: Pop-Punk
RIYL: Sum 41, The Offspring, Green Day, Avril Lavigne, Paramore
Pop-Punk emerged in the late 1970s as a fusion of punk-rock and pop music elements. It combines the rebellious, DIY ethos of punk with catchy melodies and accessible song structures found in pop music. The genre’s roots can be traced back to the early days of punk rock when bands like the Ramones and Buzzcocks were experimenting with pop hooks and shorter, more pop-like songs. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Pop-Punk truly came into its own and gained widespread popularity.
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SOTW: Alice Phoebe Lou – “Shelter”
Friday, July 28th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: Alice Phoebe Lou – “Shelter”
Released: March 2023
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Faye Webster, Nico, Lucy Dacus, Alvvays, Haley Heynderickx
Alice Phoebe Lou is a singer-songwriter known for her soft vocals and resonant lyrics. Born and raised in the coastal town of Kommetjie, South Africa, Alice’s love for music began at a young age. Her adventurous spirit led her to Berlin, where she found creative freedom and a community of like-minded artists. (more…)
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Alumni Spotlight: Jeffrey Poulos (2013)
Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 by Liz Kosik
Jeffrey Poulos (Right), a class of 2013 graduate, discusses his experiences at WLOY and shares some charismatic advice for college students.
Q: Can you tell us about your show at WLOY? (name and theme, genre of music)
A: The name of our show was ‘Know Your Role’ which received its name from the famous wrestler, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who would tell his opponents to know their role during his promotion videos before a match. I co-hosted the show with my best friend, Anthony Medina ’13 (Left in Photo), who also shares a similar passion for classic wrestling theatrics and storylines from The Rock’s era. More specifically, the show featured flashbacks of classic rock including, Black Sabbath, CCR, The Beatles, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and even lighter tunes from Cat Stevens, to Jim Croce and everything between the late 1960s through 1980s. Every show ended with either Anthony or I agreeing to tell a person, place, or thing to ‘Know Its Role’. Some examples included the weather (depending on the day), midterms/finals, and or a specific sports team. At times, we also called out slow walkers on campus and even John Devecka who never fixed the servers in time when we broke them due to the listeners we had tuned in across the world! I kid. (more…)
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AOTW: Mainland Break – “One Way Ticket to Midnight”
Friday, July 21st, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: Mainland Break – “One Way Ticket to Midnight”
Released: July 21, 2023
Rate: 7.8/10
RIYL: Yam Haus, Desert Mambas, The Thing With Feathers, Mae Mae
Mainland Break is a rising band that finds inspiration in the Jangle Pop side of Indie Rock. Their music pays homage to influential indie bands like R.E.M. and The Feelies, while infusing contemporary beats reminiscent of Australia’s Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Based in Denver, Colorado, the band is composed of Evan Oliver, who handles vocals, acoustic guitar, and keyboards; Kevin Kohl, contributing vocals and bass; Travis Rice, skilled in guitar and synthesizer; Ian Gassman on guitar; and Steven Hennig as the drummer. Following their initial EP release, “Short Stay,” in 2019, the band went on a hiatus. However, they are now making a comeback with the exciting announcement of their debut album, titled “One Way Ticket to Midnight.” (more…)
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SOTW: Cable Ties – “Time for You”
Monday, July 17th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: Cable Ties – “Time for You”
Released: June 23, 2023
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Private Function, CLAMM, Sweeping Promises, Blonde Revolver
Australia’s hottest trio, Cable Ties, is back with its newest album and ready to make a statement. Formed in 2015, Cable Ties emerged as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s feminist punk movement and by 2017 had released their self-entitled album “Cable Ties.” In March 2020, they unveiled their second album, “Fair Enough,” which claimed the coveted Best Rock/Punk Album title at the prestigious 2020 Music Victoria Award. Flashforward to 2023, Cable Ties has released its 9-track album, “All Her Plans,” addressing the trials of life and the blessings of love. (more…)
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Arts Fishing Club In Studio Today!
Thursday, July 13th, 2023 by The Professor
Tune in around noon today as Song of the Week winners the guys from Arts Fishing Club are swinging by on the way to their show at MilkBoy in Philadelphia! Rumor has it they’re going to do something live too! If you miss it, don’t worry, we’ll post photos and the interview soon. Check out Instagram for updates today!
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SOTW: Babe Rainbow – “Sunshine”
Thursday, July 6th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: Babe Rainbow – “Sunshine”
Released: June 23, 2023
Rate: 8.2/10
RIYL: Tame Impala, Mac Demarco, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Pond
Babe Rainbow is a psychedelic rock band originating from New South Wales, Australia. Formed in 2014, Babe Rainbow consists of Angus Dowling, percussion and vocals; Elliot (Lulu) O’Reilly, bass, keys, and vocals; and Jack Crowther, guitar and vocals. The group has their attention on the 60s and 70s harmonies, creating a retro surf-pop sound. Babe Rainbow has held a notable presence in the music scene since their 2017 self-entitled album “The Babe Rainbow,” featuring sounds like “Peace Blossom Boogy” and “Fall in Love.” Flash forward to 2023, Babe Rainbow has recently released its newest album “Fresh As A Head of Lettuce.” (more…)
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