USD Radio’s 2022 live session
Student performers take over the SLP for the first time post-pandemic
JESSICA MILLS / ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA
After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USD Radio returned to campus this semester and held their first live session in front of the Student Life Pavilion (SLP) on Nov. 29. Students danced, sang, recorded and cheered on student performers — keni can fly and the wings.
USD senior and Director of USD Radio, Nick Brumbach, took inspiration from the well-known KEXP and Tiny Desk live sessions and prioritized working with student artists. Brumbach was thrilled with the performance’s turnout and success.
“It was a big process, getting everything together [for the show] beforehand,” Brumbach said. “But the day of, everything went very smoothly — the set up and keni’s performance was awesome.”
USD senior Kenny Pich performed for USD Radio’s live session with his band keni can fly and the wings, which features students Coleman Fannin, Matteo Woods, Riley Conway and USD alumnus Josh Thompson.
“I think it went well,” Pich said. “I really enjoyed that it was at school and in the middle of a school day, while students were just walking around.”
USD alumnus Josh Thompson plays the bass for the band and described their laid-back dynamic.
“I really just see [the live performances] as an extension of the jams we started doing in our living room,” Thompson said. “That approach has taken a lot of the stress off of performing for me.”
USD senior and Marketing Director of USD Radio Austin Smith hosted and helped conceptualize the show. Smith sees a lot of value in having events such as the live session on campus.
“We don’t really have a way to showcase student artists unless they’re directly involved with some university program,” Smith said. “Otherwise, we don’t showcase our student talent.”
As their first semester back on campus, USD Radio has faced several challenges. Many executive members and involved students were anticipating the radio live stream — which allows one to independently broadcast music via the internet. However, due to changes in equipment and IT, they’ve had to put these streamed shows on pause until next semester.
“I want students to have their shows,” Brumbach said. “I ended up just drawing the line and [telling everyone] ‘we’re not going to have shows this semester, but we’re working really hard to have them next semester.’”
USD senior and Program Director Katherine Ely is also looking forward to the shows that will take place next semester.
“With radio you have the freedom to play whatever you want, as long as it’s clean,” Ely said. “It doesn’t matter if people are listening or not, this is your show. You get to play whatever you want. I love that freedom.”
Once they’re up and running, students will be able to listen to the shows directly through the USD Radio’s website, where articles about music can be found.
Despite setbacks, Ely values all the achievements they’ve made this semester.
“It’s a little frustrating about shows and technology [issues], but it’s also our first semester doing this after the hiatus, so I kind of expected there to be some hiccups,” Ely said. “Even though we haven’t had many shows, I’d say it’s still a big success.”
With various events planned for next semester, Brumbach is excited for what’s to come.
“I want as many people to join USD Radio as possible,” Brumbach explained. “I’ve been really surprised how many people show up and are continuing to come to our meetings, especially with the lack of content we have right now.”
Those interested in joining USD Radio, hosting a show or performing live can connect with the organization via their Instagram, @usdbeats, and find additional information on their website, uofsdmedia.com/category/usdradio.com/.