mm...mm...Music
<p>Pizza FM is an upcoming freeform, noncommercial, college radio station to be streamed via the internet out of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The student-run project came from the realization that the university lacks a core part of college culture, what would commonly be considered a “college radio station.” College radio comes in a variety of forms, but it’s typically noncommercial with some kind of “variety” format and deep connections to the local music sphere.<br /> <br /> While Champaign-Urbana itself hosts an incredibly active independent music community, the students at U of I aren’t necessarily exposed to it, and we aim to change that. By encouraging students to become more involved and aware of the local, national, and international independent music scenes, Pizza FM will be a key force in the Campus and Champaign-Urbana arts culture.<br /> <br /> The station will be a resource for students eager to explore music beyond Billboard Charts, whether they want to help run the station or just listen.<br /> <br /> An average Pizza FM day would highlight songs and artists putting out the latest in post-twee-lo-fi-garagecore, 40s jazz, ska, anything left out by your fully commercial stations, including your typical “indie rock.”<br /> <br /> Additionally, you’ll hear in-studio performances, talk, radio dramas, and whatever else we can think of.<br /> <br /> In its pre-stream infancy, PizzaFM.org functions as an online music magazine/blog dedicated to promoting the independent national and local scenes. This includes posting news articles, reviews, playlists, and an interview series called the “Weekly Mouthful,” in which bands stuff themselves full of pizza while answering questions. Original, right?<br /> <br /> Pizza FM also hosts a comprehensive local shows listing calendar online to make sure everyone knows who’s playing where and when any given week. Pizza FM has been consistently developing a presence on campus and in Champaign-Urbana. The project has received support from several local and national companies, organizations, and individuals including Polyvinyl Records, Exile on Main St., Mayor of Champaign Don Gerard, and Sub Pop Records.<br /> <br /> Agreements have been made, and moving has begun to fill our new space in the basement of Allen Hall, a living-learning community and housing complex at the University. Once it has launched, Pizza FM will provide a unique opportunity for students to get involved in the music community on and off campus. They can become DJs, work in promotions, help book shows, blog, work in video, audio, and anything else they feel like doing. Pizza FM also provides leadership opportunities as students will be able to fill roles including Music, Program, and Promotions Director.<br /> <br /> Because Pizza FM will be housed within Allen Hall, residents will have an immediate connection to the station. The project will support and broadcast the artistic endeavors of Allen Hall students and organizations, including Unit One classes, monthly coffee house performances, and the Guest-in-Residence program.<br /> <br /> Though, while Pizza FM is housed in Allen Hall, it’s important to understand that direct involvement is available to all UIUC students, full- and part-time, graduate and undergraduate. And even if you don’t fall under those categories, you can always listen and boogie with us on a regular basis.<br /> <br /> Why call it “Pizza FM”?<br /> The most frequently asked question, and something that can not go unexplained. Pizza FM’s name comes from a very well thought out philosophical concept: everyone likes pizza. It’s a food with countless variations, and at least one is bound to please (minus those physically unable to eat pizza, and if that’s the case, we’re very, very sorry).<br /> <br /> Pizza FM captures a similar idea, minus the worry of food allergies. It’s station with a diverse catalogue and appeal that is certain to have something for everyone.<br /> More Information!<br /> <br /> If you are interested in becoming further involved with the project, shoot an email over to Adam@pizzafm.org.<br /> <br /> We just need support, numbers. You know the drill. "Like" this page, and if you actually want to get involved, e-mail pizzafm@gmail.com<br /> <br /> Let's get this started.</p>