SXU’s radio station WXAV 88.3FM now has a show highlighting Chicago and its local bands.
“773 Sounds” began on Tuesday, Sep. 16 by featuring the Irish folk band Cicada Summer. The DJ is none other than the Director of Student Media, Peter Kreten, M.Ed.
When asked what inspired “773 Sounds,” Kreten said the following: “We really want to get back to our roots at WXAV and really start highlighting all these unknown, unsigned artists.”
Kreten explained that the original foundation of WXAV was trying to make local bands heard. However, Kreten believes the station has fallen off-course.
“There’s too much broad, popular music being played,” he said. “It’s time to bring the spotlight of local bands back to WXAV.”
Throughout the early 2000s, WXAV focused primarily on local bands and hosted countless interviews. Kreten and a few others had a show called “the Sunpalooza” where local musicians were featured.
Many of these interviews were done via phone call, but some bands opted into coming to SXU’s campus. Now, in the era of online work, interviews for “773 Sounds” have solely been done on Zoom.
So far, Kreten has interviewed three bands via Zoom for “773 Sounds.” First, he interviewed Cicada Summer for the Sep. 16 premiere. He then recorded interviews with the Raspberry Jams and Phil Yates and the Affiliates which will be played on-air on the following Wednesdays.
Kreten went on to talk about the local bands for those unfamiliar with them and their discography. “Cicada Summer is a great Irish folk and bluegrass band from the North Side of Chicago,” Kreten revealed.
“On the 23rd, we have the Raspberry Jams, which are an all-female punk rock band.” When asked about if their discography is enjoyable, Kreten couldn’t help but say they are really fantastic.
“The week of September 30th, we’re going to be featuring Phil Yates and the Affiliates which have a very classic indie alternative sound.” Kreten said that the sound is somewhat similar to that of Elvis Costello or even the Lemonheads.
Songs of each artist will be played throughout each airing of the show, bringing what Kreten said was authenticity to Chicago on radio, rather than mainstream hits that people are tired of hearing.
“773 Sounds” can be heard on WXAV 88.3FM or by scanning the QR code at 6 p.m. CST, with Kreten usually hosting and DJ-ing. The show time is subject to change, and more hosts are to come in the future of the show.
