This Tuesday

As most of you are probably aware, CJAM 91.5 AM is no more due to a signal change to 99.1 FM. We still are retaining the CJAM logo and the amazing hyper-specialized content; the only thing that's changing is our spot on the dial. With that said, this Tuesday will be the first broadcast of New Pulse at this new frequency, and because I've had a week off for station maintenance, the show will be unreal. I don't want to fully give away what I plan on blasting at you folks, but I assure you I've had two weeks of musical preperatory work to ensure an extremely energetic show.

So be sure to tune in on Tuesday October 13 for an amazing lineup and many Tuesdays to follow at New Pulse's and ultimately CJAM FM's new home at 99.1 FM.

Tonight

Tonight is the second-last episode of New Pulse on CJAM's current signal of 91.5. A lot of great new music tonight including Zero 7, Kelpe and Do Make Say Think. So tune your asses in.

The 2009 CJAM Jammy Awards

'Twas Friday night,
The lights had dimmed,
The FM Lounge
All Neatly trimmed.

And inside the bar
There arose such a clatter.
I put out my cigarette
To see what was the matter.

Volunteers packed
Into all nooks and crannies.
And thus commenced
The 2009 Jammy's.

This year, the 2009 CJAM Jammy Awards did not fail to outside the last one and impress the guests, as the hard work of the stations management and volunteers really showed. The night began with food, drink, and plenty of conversations about music, the meaning of life, and how much each programmer wanted to walk away with an award for his or her show. The Locusts Have No King played the shit out of that venue also; they were amazing as per usual.

I had managed to take first blood, seizing The Prodigy's "Invaders Must Die" as the first raffle prize (which someone hated me for). But the huge surprise came when New Pulse won for "Best Electronic Show". I don't know how it happened, how many people tune in each week, or how many votes the show ended up getting. The fact of the matter is it was enough. I extend my deepest appreciation for the show's listeners and voters; this award is for you guys.

And congratulations to all of the winners and runners-up; I know all of CJAM's volunteers do a damn fine job, and each and every one of them deserves just as much credit as anyone else.

CJAM Jammy Awards

Vote New Pulse for "Best New Show" and "Best Electronic Show"! (it takes 20 seconds)

Underrated

Recently Chris White, CJAM's music director, sent out an email to all of the programmers here at the station with an idea that was presented by Joe McGregor (host of The Best Show Ever):

"How about inviting volunteers to make their own "best of" CD for bands that they think are under-appreciated or have vast amounts of records missing from the library. It might make people take an interest in a band that they had initially dismissed, if someone was actually willing to take the time to make a best of record."

Obviously I had to jump at this opportunity to spread the word about under-appreciated and obscure artists not only to the other programmers here at the station, but to anyone who has an open mind about the electronic genre.

And so, the New Pulse mixtape escapade had begun. The draft of the artists I wanted to include on the album was extensive (over twenty-five songs), however I had to whittle it down to fit an eighty minute CD-R. I had to take into account which artists received the least amount of play time (if any at all) at the station while at the same time being the more talented of the lot. It wasn't easy, but I narrowed it down to this final track list:

01 Danger - 19H11
02 Just a Band - Burn it Out
03 Apparat - Komponent
04 Tycho - Systems
05 Squarepusher - Illegal Dustbin
06 Yuksek - Tonight
07 Vibrasphere - Breathing Place
08 Ellen Allien - Come
09 Moderat - Rusty Nails
10 Dat Politics - Wish Ya
11 Photophob - Because We Like the Rosary
12 Helios - Velius
13 Rex the Dog - Circulate
14 E*Vax - We Believe in Broken Bones
15 Minotaur Shock - My Burr

Despite having to cut out at least ten tracks, the end result was fairly illustrious. I also did some work in Photoshop, deciding that a burned CD in an empty jewel case wasn't very aesthetically pleasing.

In the end I hope anyone who catches wind of my mix enjoys the tracks I've chosen and expands their taste, and also that the other programmer's submit mixtapes soon, as I'm always interested in a new musical experience.

A Night in the Studio

A session in the on-air studio during New Pulse's radio show is anything but smooth. From start to finish there are always miss-haps, CDs that don't work or are missing from the catalogue, even (language as a demonstration of how frustrated I potentially become) equipment fucking up. However heavy the stress, broadcasting the music I love is definitely worth it. The show has taken off well within the CJAM world and I hope it continues to grow in popularity. Artists such as ones previously featured on this blog plus tons more are regularly played on the show, also accompanied by new releases every week.

Don't get me wrong, it is more complicated than merely pressing Play on one of the decks. Being a DJ requires proper attention to song formation, time constraints, potential commercials and station identifiers to be aired, and an effective blend of music and spoken word. Again, it's all for the music. The show is another way to reach out to the re-established fans of the genre, perhaps providing a fresh take on artists, and also an attempt to solidify the opinions of those who remain unfamiliar with it. Overall it's an excellent experience and fun every week. Be sure to tune in and give me a shout if there is anything you would be interested in hearing.


These pictures were taken by my compatriot Matt Ray who is getting into the world of photography (as if doing graduate work in Engineering isn't enough).

New Pulse on CJAM

Tune in Tuesday, January 20 from 10:30pm - 12:00am for some fashionable and impressive electronic, hosted by yours truly.

CJAM 91.5 FM -- Redefining radio in Windsor and Detroit.