Local radio stations and venues help push the local music scene

Modern Rock 91.5 WMHW radio shows are doing their part to nurture the Mount Pleasant music scene.

Radio shows such as “Indie Queens” and “Under the Radar” have regularly featured various artists from Central Michigan University and the community.

Ryan Hoger, singer of local band Jetpack On!, said getting songs on the radio helps draw attention because of added exposure.

“It’s just another force that is helping promote us. When people hear you talk about a show, they’re like ‘oh yeah, whatever,’” the Commerce sophomore said. “But when it is reiterated on the radio it kind of reminds them, and our attendance at shows definitely shows that.”

“Indie Queens,” which runs from 9 to 11 p.m. Sunday nights, is hosted by Macomb junior Jamie Favazza and Waterford senior Joanna Weinreich and produced by Midland senior Hilary Farrell. It began airing this semester.

Favazza said a primary goal has been to promote local bands and their shows.

“One of the things I do on every show is a concert watch,” she said. “And while I do national acts, I also do local acts, people who play at Rubbles, at Justice (Records), at Riverwood and some Grand Rapids gigs at the DAAC.”

She said it is important for local bands to get exposure because it makes listeners more aware of local happenings.

“Under the Radar,” hosted by Howell sophomore Jay Gary, also focuses on playing local, “underground and unsigned music” from 8 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights.

Gary said “Under the Radar” has had a positive effect on the local music scene because not only is he reaching out to bands, but bands also are approaching him to have music played on the radio.

“If you look on our rotation list right now, there are three or four bands that are now on the regular rotation after being on ‘Under the Radar,’” Gary said.

Under the Radar is not limited to just promoting music via the radio, however. Gary said Under the Radar is now booking shows for local bands.

Local venues

Promoting local bands on the radio is not only helping musicians, but also local venues such as Justice Records, 617 N. Mission St.

Owner Brent Fisher said since the store and venue opened, good communication with WMHW has helped draw more people when it showcases bands.

“They’ve helped us promote shows and bands and between the radio and word of mouth, people seem to be showing up,” he said.

He said the radio promotion is good for the scene as a whole.

“Any sort of promotion for underground music is good because once you go to a show, you tend to go back,” Fisher said. “I am getting a sense that people are starting to want to support the local bands, which is good for the local scene.”