Radio DePaul Interview Series: Anthrax

The past few years Radio DePaul has frequently conducted interviews with current bands and artists from all kinds of musical genres. Listeners are able to tune into these podcasts from the station’s interview blog at http://radiodepaul.blogspot.com. There are five episodes available to choose from which include Her Daily Obsession, Owen, Bayside, Anthrax, and Bottle of Justus. For this week’s blog entry I will concentrate on two of these bands to give listeners a brief background on what they are all about.

First, I’ll start with Anthrax. Anthrax is a New York City-based heavy metal band that released its first full-length album in 1984. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene and is notable for being the first to combine heavy metal with rap music. The band has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and is classified as one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer.

Anthrax was formed in mid-1981 by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker. They found the band's name in a biology textbook and claimed it because it sounded sufficiently evil to them. John Connelly (Nuclear Assault) jammed with them a few times while trying out for the band, but never actually joined. John Connelly ended up being a roadie for the band for many of their early shows. Drummer Dave Weiss and a bassist named Kenny Kushner were other original members. Kenny Kushner was replaced very early on by Paul Kahn, who was found to be insufficient as well, so Lilker chose to take over on bass and Greg Walls joined as lead guitarist and vocalist Neil Turbin, who the band found after going through a series of temporary vocalists (including Ian's 14-year-old brother Jason). Weiss left and was replaced by Greg D'Angelo (White Lion) on drums, who left the band in spring of 1983 while recording the second demo.

Several members have launched affiliated side projects, such as Scott Ian's project with Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, original Anthrax bassist/lead guitarist Danny Lilker and Billy Milano called Stormtroopers of Death. After leaving Anthrax, Joey Belladonna began a series of solo albums, Belladonna, Spells of Fear, and 03, and John Bush is involved with his former band Armored Saint and Original Anthrax vocalist Neil Turbin has been touring Japan, Europe, Mexico and US with his band Deathriders and recording their debut album "Back With A Vengeance" slated for release sometime this year.

Radio DePaul: Meet a D.J. (Part 2: Dan's Contest)

As mentioned in the previous post, Radio DePaul DJ Dan McMahon has a new show from 9 A.M. to noon on Mondays. During this weekly program (entitled "ELPEEZ") he will showcase three complete albums (LPs) for all three hours. On this week's show Dan played albums from TV on the Radio, Kings of Leon, and Kill Hannah. However, he also gave details for a new contest. Here is what it's all about from the words of Mr. McMahon himself:

"in case you missed the show this morning, i'd like to inform everyone about what i am calling the UNFREEZE dan's brain project. here's the deal. i have some probably frigid-weather-related writer's block and would like the fans of ELPEEZ to help me undo this unfortunate affliction and make some musical art. the great ben kweller, in an interview i recently read, said that he used a certain brainstorming method to write the title track to his record "on my way". it involves picking three random words and connecting the dots to create the song concept. so help me friends and listeners of radio depaul. take these simple steps.

1. write three words on the ELPEEZ group wall (facebook group "ELPEEZ with dan mcmahon") and include your email address. 

2. check your message inbox to see if i liked your choices. if so, i'll record a song based on your ideas and air it on that week's show.

3. once i've gotten enough songs together for a full length record, i'll air the entire masterpiece on a special addition of ELPEEZ. 

note: if i see a workable idea using more than one submission, i may even use as many as a billion otherwise disjointed words to create each song. and of course, i'll certainly shout out everyone who contributed on the show and talk about how genius said contributers are. the winners might be surprised with some free tickets to one of a number of rocking shows obtained by our fearless street team leader, chris taylor. tune in next week to hear more details."

Radio DePaul: Meet a D.J.

As mentioned before, one of Radio DePaul's missions is to play anything and everything. Whatever the listeners and DJs want to play is fair game (taking appropriateness into account). Consequently, listeners and DJs are a vital aspect of keeping Radio DePaul up and running. So meet one of these DJs: Dan McMahon. 

Dan has only been involved in Radio DePaul since the fall quarter, but he really feels like an essential part of the team. He said "Its really been an awesome experience and everyone at the station has shown me how to progress as a DJ." This quarter Dan has a new time slot from the 10-midnight sunday slot he had last quarter. Now listeners can tune-in to his show from 9 A.M. to noon on mondays. 

"The show will no longer be called the sunday funcast for obvious reasons, but will now be called ELPEEZ for less obvious ones," Dan said. He has decided to dedicate all three hours to showcasing three complete albums (LPs). Stay tuned for more information on Dan's radio show from this morning and some ways to get involved in his program. 

More on Radio DePaul...

Radio DePaul can be found in University Hall's basement, however, it not possible for just anyone to stop by. If anyone is interested in checking out where the station broadcasts from you can just make an appointment (this is for security purposes). Tours of the studio are available, but a one week "heads-up" must be given in writing to the General Manager. 

To work at Radio DePaul  is an opportunity for everyone no matter what major. A training program is required in which any students can apply for. When it comes to content over the radio's airwaves, they follow the same rules as those required for commercial radio stations. Radio DePaul cannot be found on FM frequency because of the amount of broadcast stations coming out of the Chicago area. As a result, the station has not been able to obtain a license. 

Tune in to what Radio DePaul is all about...

Radio DePaul, found on Apple's iTunes, is DePaul University's award-winning radio station which aims to inform and entertain listeners by offering "around-the-clock" programming. It consists of various musical styles, talk shows, and news reporting.  

In addition, Radio DePaul supports the university community by promoting its events, activities, and services. The station works along side other groups and organizations on campus in order to assist and contribute to certain student endeavors. Furthermore, Radio DePaul seeks to train and educate students who show interest in radio as a potential occupation. 

The station is a member of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System and College Broadcasters, Inc. On numerous occasions it has been up for nomination in the area of national radio production. However, in 2007, Radio DePaul was awarded the Grand Prize for Best Promo.