Following a recent discussion over on the Hands Up board, I figured it'd be a good time to post this. Pretty much everybody in town who likes music knows KTRU, the Rice University radio station that lives at 91.7 FM -- whether you love it or hate it (and people seem pretty much to fall in one camp or the other), if you're at all obsessive about music, you've probably heard it.

What you may not realize, however, is that while KTRU's primarily student-run, they do have non-student DJs. And yep, you too can be one of 'em. The station's currently accepting applications, and while they prefer Rice students, H-town residents at large are eligible to apply, as well. Obviously, if you're a newbie you certainly aren't gonna get the cream evening slot or anything -- in fact, you're likely to get a 1-7AM shift, at least at first -- but hey, that's how it works. The people who've paid their dues get the good shifts. For more details on what to expect, look here.

Of course, since school's still in session, there's a good chance that the schedule will be all filled up by either existing DJs or newbie student DJs, but what the heck, it's worth a try, right? Doesn't cost a thing. It's usually somewhat easier to apply for the summer session, by the way, since that's when most students aren't around. I'll try to post here when they open that up in late spring...

You don't need to be some kind of obscure-music genius/elitist who sneers at all things rock and only listens to Can or Javanese gamelan music, either. Hell, I was a DJ for several years there, both during student-hood and after, and I think I put both Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers down as two of my favorite bands. (It was the '90s, before the RHCPs really started to blow.) The only real requirement is that you need to be open to all different kinds of music.

Anyway, if you're interested, just fill out an application and turn it in sometime between January 7th and January 28th at 5PM up at the station (the Rice student center, 2nd floor; once you get to the student center, just ask a friendly Rice student where it is). You have to go up there in person -- they don't take emailed applications -- and sign up for an interview when you turn it in.

That's about it. I had a blast DJing up there, myself, and I'd highly recommend it. And to all the KTRU-haters out there, remember: if you don't like the way something is and you don't at least try to get in there & change it, that means you're just a whiny-ass little bitch.

(No offense meant to any HUH posters, mind you, as they were all very cordial and curious about how the station works; I'm just addressing the seemingly large "KTRU Sucks!" chorus that rears its ugly, spiteful head every few years. Put up or shut up, fuckers.)

Labels: H-Town News, Musical Crap, Public Service Announcements

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