WJHU "evolves" with successful radio show
While WJHU radio's popularity has been in decline, the new hit show The Evolution of Sound with Jai L just may be the stimulus needed to return the station to its former glory.
The show, which premiered with the highest number of listeners since the station's transition to web streaming, has experienced an increase in listeners over the past three shows, with even higher forecasts for the next segment.
"The second episode had over 70 listeners during the hour, something that no other show on the station has been able to boast," said the show's host, sophomore Jai L.
But why exactly has Jai's show generated a larger audience and fan base than any other WJHU broadcast?
Jai attributed his success to the heavy advertising he does before each show.
"[My genre] isn't as popular as hip-hip or rock," he said, which makes listeners curious to listen to something different.
Additionally, word-of-mouth advertising encourages listeners to tune in.
Hosted weekly by Jai L, the show broadcasts recordings and mixes of today's hits in electronic, house and techno, all types of music that Jai listens to and creates off-air himself.
Yet while Jai's own music preferences influence the show, he never keeps the music aired limited to any particular genre.
The Evolution of Sound, which airs on Monday nights at 10 p.m, features tracks from some of the most popular DJs of today, including Armin Van Buren and Tiesto. At the same time, Jai uses the show as a medium to, "showcase some of [his] own works, as well as the music of others."
The very first episode of The Evolution of Sound debuted a new song by Hopkins student sophomore Roy Swanson, labeled "La Tocada," meaning "The Jam" in Spanish.
"It's really exciting," Swanson said when interviewed about hearing his song on-air. "It's really cool that Jai has provided me with a medium through which to get some of my songs out there."
Jai was very enthusiastic about this possibility and the following week he had Swanson, along with Peabody sophomore John Dannenhoffer, perform a live session in the studio.
"I was really happy to have the two on the show. I was even asked for recordings of their session," remarks Jai.
He also added that, "The Evolution of Sound doesn't only include techno. It also includes any type of music that I feel will appeal to the listeners."
"[I am] always looking for people who are willing to play some of their music, whether they want to perform live on the air. or play a track that was previously recorded," Jai said.
He invites musicians who want to play music on-air or who are trying to appeal to a larger audience to feel free to contact him.
Indeed, The Evolution of Sound is all about its listeners.
Every week inside of the studio, Jai L is joined by friends and listeners who spend the hour inside the studio with him while he is on-air.
While Jai is working the turntables and mixing board, his companions listen, show their support and generally have a good time.
"Having my friends in the studio each week is really nice. I mean, not only do I have someone to talk to while the songs are playing, but it's also very cool to know that people are actually listening," Jai said.
"I let each of my friends get a chance to talk on-air. When it comes down to it, the show is really only as good as its listeners think it is, so I work really hard to make sure that the show is as great as I can make it."
Jai has made it easy to access some of the mixes and recordings of music that he plays on his show.
He reminds his listeners that he is always open to suggestions. Listeners can go here to check out the music or to get in contact him.
The next episode of will showcase a freestyle competition among several competitors that Jai knows personally or who have contacted him.
"I love making music," Jai said.
"I love being able to share music with others. I think the show is just a great opportunity for me to pursue one of my passions outside of my academics."
The Evolution of Sound may be just the type of evolution that WJHU Radio needs.
The show, which premiered with the highest number of listeners since the station's transition to web streaming, has experienced an increase in listeners over the past three shows, with even higher forecasts for the next segment.
"The second episode had over 70 listeners during the hour, something that no other show on the station has been able to boast," said the show's host, sophomore Jai L.
But why exactly has Jai's show generated a larger audience and fan base than any other WJHU broadcast?
Jai attributed his success to the heavy advertising he does before each show.
"[My genre] isn't as popular as hip-hip or rock," he said, which makes listeners curious to listen to something different.
Additionally, word-of-mouth advertising encourages listeners to tune in.
Hosted weekly by Jai L, the show broadcasts recordings and mixes of today's hits in electronic, house and techno, all types of music that Jai listens to and creates off-air himself.
Yet while Jai's own music preferences influence the show, he never keeps the music aired limited to any particular genre.
The Evolution of Sound, which airs on Monday nights at 10 p.m, features tracks from some of the most popular DJs of today, including Armin Van Buren and Tiesto. At the same time, Jai uses the show as a medium to, "showcase some of [his] own works, as well as the music of others."
The very first episode of The Evolution of Sound debuted a new song by Hopkins student sophomore Roy Swanson, labeled "La Tocada," meaning "The Jam" in Spanish.
"It's really exciting," Swanson said when interviewed about hearing his song on-air. "It's really cool that Jai has provided me with a medium through which to get some of my songs out there."
Jai was very enthusiastic about this possibility and the following week he had Swanson, along with Peabody sophomore John Dannenhoffer, perform a live session in the studio.
"I was really happy to have the two on the show. I was even asked for recordings of their session," remarks Jai.
He also added that, "The Evolution of Sound doesn't only include techno. It also includes any type of music that I feel will appeal to the listeners."
"[I am] always looking for people who are willing to play some of their music, whether they want to perform live on the air. or play a track that was previously recorded," Jai said.
He invites musicians who want to play music on-air or who are trying to appeal to a larger audience to feel free to contact him.
Indeed, The Evolution of Sound is all about its listeners.
Every week inside of the studio, Jai L is joined by friends and listeners who spend the hour inside the studio with him while he is on-air.
While Jai is working the turntables and mixing board, his companions listen, show their support and generally have a good time.
"Having my friends in the studio each week is really nice. I mean, not only do I have someone to talk to while the songs are playing, but it's also very cool to know that people are actually listening," Jai said.
"I let each of my friends get a chance to talk on-air. When it comes down to it, the show is really only as good as its listeners think it is, so I work really hard to make sure that the show is as great as I can make it."
Jai has made it easy to access some of the mixes and recordings of music that he plays on his show.
He reminds his listeners that he is always open to suggestions. Listeners can go here to check out the music or to get in contact him.
The next episode of will showcase a freestyle competition among several competitors that Jai knows personally or who have contacted him.
"I love making music," Jai said.
"I love being able to share music with others. I think the show is just a great opportunity for me to pursue one of my passions outside of my academics."
The Evolution of Sound may be just the type of evolution that WJHU Radio needs.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
sona
posted 11/16/09 @ 6:44 PM EST
Well done Jai! Very proud of you! You handle the show with sophistication and ease.
Adam Attas
posted 12/28/09 @ 1:51 PM EST
This is a funny article coming from the newsletter. Who reads it anyway?
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