XPN Goes Back To School: What college radio is listening to in the upcoming semester
DJs from college radio stations around PA told us what they’re currently listening to, what albums they’re looking forward to, and what musical events around town they’re excited about.
Remember when fall meant more than pumpkin spice lattes and rewatching Gilmore Girls in the diminishing twilight hours? Like when it meant you had to hunker down again and start a new school year, buy all new textbooks, and crunch leaves under your boots walking around campus?
Our younger colleagues in college radio are having the latter experience these days. But like us here at XPN, they’re doing the joyful work of sifting through new music and determining which tunes fit their personal style and that of their stations.
Helping to keep us young and in-touch this semester are radio programmers from WXVU at Villanova, WIXQ at Millersville University, and WPTS at The University of Pittsburgh. DJs from all stations answered what they’re currently listening to, what albums they’re looking forward to, and what musical events around town they’re excited about. Read below to get educated, and to stream a curated playlist with the hottest recommendations.
New song recommendations
“To the Sandals” – Dove Ellis
“I randomly discovered this song, but it’s a multitude of genres mashed together in a beautiful way, perfect for my constant feeling of not knowing what to listen to.” — Mia Bertoldi (Promotions Director, WIXQ)
“Lost Scribe” – MIKE
“This album by New York artist MIKE is my album of the year for sure. Every track is flawless, pure art. This track is my favorite off of this project, the sample work and rapping off of this track connect perfectly.” — Jaxon Coulbourn (Operations Manager, WIXQ)
“Mirtazapine” – Hayley Williams
“[It] has a really classic 00-10s pop-punk/indie rock feel that I LOVE.” — Laura Norwood (News Director, WXVU)
“Rock A Bye Baby” – Jean Dawson
“It has this Prince-like vibe and dance energy that I’ve really been into lately.” — Avery Stout (DJ, WXVU)
On their collective recommendations, WPTS says:
“They all remind us of the the impending cold weather in Pittsburgh! The city is a magical place in the fall and winter, full of amazing musical opportunities.”
WPTS Radio | courtesy of the station
New and upcoming album recommendations
September 19
BLEEDS by Wednesday,
AM I THE DRAMA by Cardi B
I’m Only Fking Myself by Lola Young
Purity Ring by Purity Ring
Getting Killed by Geese
The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
COUNTRY! COUNTRY! by HARDY
October 3
Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift
October 17
And Your Song is Like a Circle by Skullcrusher
Deadbeat by Tame Impala
“Tame Impala has yet to release a project that disappoints me. I can’t wait.” — Kaya Wagner (Program Director, WIXQ)
October 24
Returning to Myself by Brandi Carlile
Covers, Collaborations & Collages by Serj Tankian
Oblivion by Alice Phoebe Lou
“I was thrilled with [Brandi Carlile’s] collaborative album with Elton John from earlier this year. But, I also missed her ability to create captivating music on her own.
This has been something that fans of hers have been waiting for 4 years. The wait is certainly proving to be worth it after she recently released the phenomenal title track [‘Returning To Myself’] from the album.” — Kevin Lynch (Station Manager, WIXQ)
October 31
Everybody Scream by Florence + The Machine
November 7
Chasing The Chimera by Del Water Gap
Mercy by Armand Hammer
November 14
All Washed Up by Cheap Trick
WIXQ | courtesy of the station
Concerts on the calendar
In Pittsburgh, WPTS is looking forward to shows from local break-out band Feeble Little Horse, Boyscott, and Short Fictions.
They’re also planning on showing up for Tate McRae, The Black Keys, Willi Carlisle, and Neko Case on tour through the burgh and surrounding area.
And perhaps most importantly, “we are asking Santa for a new house venue.”
Back in Philly, Villanova’s WXVU says they’re going to concerts by Irish musician CMAT, as well as Addison Rae, Ethan Regan, Lorde, Car Seat Headrest, and Lorde.
They also shouted out their proximity and affinity for Ardmore Music Hall, where they’re looking forward to seeing jazz group Hiromi’s Sonicwonder on September 28th.
Representing our central PA listeners, Millersville’s WIXQ is looking forward to seeing Dijon in concert, as well as Earl Sweatshirt.
Promotions Director Mia Bertoldi also added:
“I’m excited for women to dominate the music scene even more than they already have. It inspires me to see women using their voice, body, and influence to do the things they love.”
