Fordham University’s public radio station WFUV (90.7 FM) is known for eclectic and varied programming that can’t be found elsewhere on radio. The station expanded its offerings even further this week with the launch of The Alternate Side, an indie music destination at www.thealternateside.org and on HD radios at 90.7 FM WFUV-HD3.
The station will highlight up-and-coming talent from the New York City area, including Santogold, MGMT and the Menahan Street Band, alongside more established acts like TV on the Radio, the National and Sonic Youth.
“New York has always been known for its musical exports. But unless you happen to live here and be an avid venue-hopper, it’s almost impossible to keep up with all the new music,” said Rich McLaughlin, content director for The Alternate Side.
“For the first time, there’s an Internet site and HD radio channel devoted to emerging New York City artists and bands,” he said. “And the best part is that people in Los Angeles, Düsseldorf or Tokyo will have the same access to the local music scene as someone in Williamsburg.”
The site takes full advantage of opportunities afforded by the Internet. In addition to a full-time music stream, artist interviews, broadcasts from local music venues and videos, the site features the latest Web 2.0 tools such as blogs and user-generated concert calendars. The site’s social networking platform gives musicians the ability to upload and share music, and allows listeners to play disc jockey by building custom mp3 playlists from a database filled with local talent.
“With its launch of The Alternate Side, WFUV has become a kind of multiplex for music lovers,” program director Chuck Singleton said. “If you’re already a fan of FUV, we’re bringing you more flavors of music, with new choices across three Web streams and HD radio channels. If you’re new to FUV, it’s another reason to get acquainted with New York’s go-to station for musical discovery.”
