The incredible beats of five outstanding local bands could be heard this past Saturday night at the first annual KLSU 91.1 FM fundraiser at The Spanish Moon. Shows included music from To Apeiron, Tabernacle, Terror of the Sea, Fred Weaver and Secret Annexe. Jennifer Pearce, KLSU station manager and mass communication junior, said the fundraiser for the University radio station – which is completely run by students and plays an eclectic combination of indie and underground music – hoped to raise money and spread awareness of the station. “Basically, we want to raise money for the station, but we’re trying to get the KLSU name out there and also to bring people together to check out some awesome local bands,” Pearce said. Pearce said the biggest goal of the KLSU fundraiser is to gain the support for local music. “Baton Rouge has some really good stuff going on right now, and we at KLSU want to make sure that everybody knows it,” Pearce said. “It’s really hard for these guys to make it on their own, and we wanted this event to be something that everyone would get something out of.” Jeremy Baptiste, music education senior and guitarist of local band To Apeiron, said college radio is the music that shapes the music to come. “None of us would be around if it wasn’t for college radio stations,” Baptiste said. “Nirvana wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for bands like Sonic Youth, and bands today wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for music from Nirvana. So, it’s like a trickle-down effect.” Matt Heroman, University alumnus and drummer for the indie/rock band Fred Weaver, emphasized the importance of exposing the public to music that it would not hear otherwise. “Our band benefiting from this event isn’t even an issue,” Heroman said. “I think it’s more important that we’re pulling together to keep something going that is good and benefits everybody. We’re just here to have fun and to do our part to make sure that KLSU keeps going.” Baptiste said he was performing for the sole purpose of having his band and the four others be seen and heard. “We’re not doing this for money,” Baptiste said. “It’s a totally pro-bono opportunity to get up on the stage, play our best and really have some fun.” Heroman said for every 1,000 musicians there are, only one is really going to gain the support of a major label and radio stations. “It’s awesome that KLSU is here for us artists who are passionate about our craft and putting our hearts on such a risky line. They really are supporting our success,” said Heroman. Pearce said there were many things that KLSU had in mind for the use of the funds raised. “We want to make sure people know that LSU does have a student radio station,” Pearce said. “We want to get our name out and expand the musical interests of the LSU community.”
—-Contact Cathryn Core at [email protected]