Many people forget about WRUB because it can’t be found on your typical FM dial. Anyone, however, can tune in at anytime, as http://www.subboard.com/wrub can be conveniently accessed from any computer without a UB-IT log-in. Run by studen-owned and operated Sub-Board, students, WRUB offers something for everyone. Mixing genres and favorites from different decades, as well as a few talk shows, it’s never as redundant as other stations. Junior communications student, Rebecca Hoy, swears by the Friday night 90s mix for a pre-game soundtrack. A full schedule can be found on the website, describing each themed segment broadcasted from the basement of Filmore in the Ellicott complex.
Mad Drive, hosted by Caution Sounds and Infrared Sounds DJs, Brendon George, sophomore management student Deji Lapite, sophomore occupational therapy student Glenn Francis, senior media studies student Kadeem Walters, freshman architecture student, and Sheldan Gardner junior business student, can be heard on Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. While both nights are open to requests, Thursdays consist of mostly reggae and similar Caribbean sounds. Sundays, on the other hand, start off with alternative rock and hip-hop, transitioning to smooth R&B hits to round out the weekend. Both nights are sprinkled with call-ins from listeners as far as New York City, Reggae artists, as well as local DJs. After local concerts, musicians have been known to swing by, like M.I.M.S. did after UB’s Springfest in 2008.
George, who is from Trinidad, alongside rotating DJs from both companies, brings a refreshing Caribbean sound to gloomy Buffalo with music similar to Bob Marley. Bringing this island influence to Buffalo is his goal, exposing us to music that can’t be heard on regular radio stations. Artists such as Movado and Collie Buds set a spring break-like mood each and every Thursday. While pleasant weather seems years away, why not turn up the Reggae and make strawberry daiquiris in the comfort of your own home before trudging through the snow to the Steer? Hip-hop artists such as Ron Brows are frequently played on Sundays before lighter hits conclude the segment, as well as most top 40 hits. What better way is there to wind down before starting a new school week?
I had the pleasure of sitting in the studio to experience the show live. The guys welcomed me with open arms and let me be a part of the show and get a feel for how everything goes down in the studio. The lines were hot, as one of Jamaica’s biggest artists, Ranx, called in for a brief interview, as well as antsy listeners with requests and shout-outs. The island hits and spunky DJs were refreshingly up-beat after a long day of studying, tests, and dreary weather. Recalling flashbacks of the beach at Sunset Bay, I called off of work to make tropical drinks with my roommates as soon as I got home. While most music played was cheery and invigorating, the DJs threw some baby-making slow jams in the mix. Occasional, hilarious, and unexpected interjections keep listeners on their toes, as well as battles with other local DJ groups on-air, as they did this past week with a group from Buffalo State College.
After listening live to the radio show this past Thursday, and then again on my laptop Sunday night, I plan on tuning in every week. I really liked the music that was played and the DJs that hosted the show. It was refreshing to listen to Caribbean beats instead of the same old annoying Beyonce and Pink hits repeated over and over again. My roommates also enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to students who like to have a good time, and relax on the weekend.
Those who tune in and enjoy the show as much as I did can hear the same type of music often around Buffalo in upcoming weeks. In conjunction with the Caribbean Student Association, they frequently throw parties such as the Culture Show last week, in hopes to expose UB students to more diverse forms of music that is hard to come by in Buffalo.
Phone-in requests to WRUB can be made by calling 716-645-3405. They also welcome beats from new upcoming artists looking to break onto the scene. Those looking to book an energetic, lively DJ for an upcoming party, can contact George at bgeorge4@buffalo.edu, or by calling in during the show.
Give this show a chance. Who couldn’t use some island sounds in the midst of Buffalo’s six-month-long winter?
