Jim claims he's in the back on this picture somewhere, but just in case, we'll update this post frequently and add our own pictures. They're more wild than this. They include big randoms, Ghost Busters, and alcohol.
Well folks, while you may have been relaxing on a blistering hot beach gazing into the deep blue sea, or just getting fat, sitting on your couch watching re-runs of Maury, selected members of KUR (including the Never Mind the Mainstream crew) attended the 60+ Anniversary of the IBS Conference in New York City for March 2009 (at the Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan). Right across from the world's most famous arena: Madison Square Garden! It's a major highlight, not just of the school year, but it's so awesome; it's a huge convention that expresses the current time and place of college radio & broadcasting in society. Sounds important? It is. And it was.
This was my 3rd year going. I've been lucky enough to attend the past 2 with a ton of KUR members, past and present, however, despite all the great memories and new experiences of yesteryear, this past conference was the absolute best. It really squashed the other years. The sessions were sharp and informative, even though we got there late on Friday. The hotel itself was not up to par (flooding toilets make for an interesting stay) and we may have drank and spent a little more than we should've (no surprise there), but the whole experience was great. Every single person there had something to bring to the event and we all learned from each other. We're all struggling in this market and it helps to know we're not doing this all in vain. There's no city quite like NYC, and the panelists who invaded the convention were major movers and shakers in the biz. Also, there were Over 1,100 IBS Member broadcasters from coast-to-coast USA attending it! Shit, that's a lot.
Here's the list of the sessions I attended:
1. Friday, 5:00-5:55 - Social Networking & College Radio
*One of the pannelists favorite bands was The Replacements. I was sold. What a great pace setter.
2. " ", 6:05 - 9:00(?) - Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame Annex
*A must see if your in the city. Huge exhibition on The Clash, "the only band that matters".
3. Saturday, 9:30-10:25 - Voice Workshop
*Don't drink milk or soda before going on the air. Good, simple advice.
4. " ", 10:30-11:45 - Independant Labels & Your Station
*So indie.
5. " ", 11:45-12:40 - An Audience with the Pros: On-Air Personalities Roundtable
*WPLJ (my summer internship station) had its afternoon-drive DJ Race Taylor (great dude) and KROC's Chris Booker (former MTV VJ and a regular guy on VH1 "I Love The Whatever" shows) talk about being an on-air pro. Terrififc insight.
6. " ", 1:20-2:15 - Careers In Broadcasting
*Basically, I have a lot research to do when it comes to finding a job.
7. " ", Making Your Name in Broadcasting (Featuring Lynn Hoffman)
After all the seminars has concluded, fellow KUR DJ Jon Durand and I broadcasted an hour-long, commericial-free quick show on WIBS radio! From 8-9 PM, we owned the airwaves. And we had a very odd setlist, but hey, it was spur of the moments. Here's what we played:
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Justice - Never Be Alone
M.I.A. - Paper Planes
Bloc Party - Signs (MMMatthias Remix)
Bloc Party - Always New Depths
Nine Inch Nails - Discipline
Purified In Blood - Twisted Skull(?)
Soundgarden - Spoonman
Flo Rida - Right Round
R.E.M. - Radio Song
& then some fun group-rap tune that Jon played. Is not obvious who played what? Haha. I loved it. Such a hybrid show that made no sense. It helped to have a drink or two before we went on the air. Mine had soda in it...woops.
After that, we met up with the Tampa, Flordia kids at WUTT ("what, what?") in Tampa, who we met before our mini show and wanted to hang out in the hotel later. So we did that and just had a great time, networking and drinking. Nothing better than that. After staying up late both nights, got denied access into SOME bars (damn), having deep crew-to-crew, heart-to-hearts about our station itself, and drinking until we 5 AM (Thanks, Spring Ahead!), our time at IBS was over. We walked our hungover asses back to Port Authority, hopped on our bus back to nowheresville, PA and passed out. IBS had minimal drama, much money spent, and a great time with great people had by all. I cannot wait until next year. What a perfect ending to a work-a-holic Spring Break; for me at least. Hopefully, the connections we made will help of us at KUR find our way to success. Only time will tell, my friends. Only time will tell.
Another city landmark for KUR should be the Blarney Rock Pub on 33rd Street. I mean, we spent enough cash on beer and food to pretty buy a solid gold statue for the place, anyway.*Jim's take, pictures, stories, and sober realiziations to come later! I love college radio!
