April 23, 2020 at 4:46 p.m.
WXPR hosts 'Safer At Home Concert Series'
WXPR hosts 'Safer At Home Concert Series'
By Stephanie Kuski-
In an effort to spotlight those local artists and their videos, WXPR kickstarted a "Safer at Home Concert Series." It featured video submissions from local musicians performing covers in the comfort of their homes.
On April 16, WXPR also participated in the first-ever Public Radio Music Day sponsored by noncomMUSIC Alliance, a nationwide celebration of the special role noncommercial radio plays in local communities.
Local radio stations across the country celebrated Public Radio Music Day by featuring a range of local performers, special programming and curated playlists. WXPR participated by featuring video submissions from local artists on its Facebook and Instagram platforms throughout the day.
"Public Radio Music Day has been in the works for the past few months ... it just so happens that it falls during this time," Jared Kropidlowski, WXPR's director of business development, explained. "Basically, it's trying to unite radio stations from around the country. It's a great way to get everyone together and on the same page accomplishing a common goal with good music."
But with COVID-19 restrictions forcing WXPR to close their doors to the public, Kropidlowski said they had to get creative to figure out ways to spotlight local musicians without inviting them to the studio.
"As a vibrant music station, we're trying to think of ways to keep the music going," Kropidlowski said. "We're very community-based and we like to bring people together... We thought, why not a virtual way to show what other people are doing at home and still provide quality music."
Utilizing a virtual platform also allowed WXPR's followers to directly connect with the featured artists' social media pages, he continued. This adds another layer of exposure at a vital time for many up-and-coming artists who may be out of work. Although live performers are facing a quandary unique to the current predicament, Kropidlowski - a musician himself - noted that the current situation also offers artists ample opportunity to experiment with new sounds.
That sense of artistic experimentation was present right from the start of WXPR's celebration of Public Radio Music Day.
Multi-instrumentalist Chris Skinner kicked off the event with a comforting acoustic cover of "Sweet Child Of Mine" by Guns N' Roses.
With extreme precision and technicality, Skinner played the ten-string Chapman stick like a piano while simultaneously strumming the acoustic guitar with his free hand, putting an unexpectedly original twist on this famous rock cover.
Influenced by guitarist Eddie Van Halen in his youth, Skinner said his interest shifted from listening to music to creating it, ultimately inspiring his move towards the multi-instrumentalist realm later in his career. He said he's always been interested in experimenting with new and unconventional instruments, compelling him to make homemade flutes which he integrates into his music and sells on the side at Linds Joy Flute Company.
Skinner said he hopes his online videos provide inspiration for others to pick up a new instrument and try something new during the nationwide quarantine.
"I think it's a perfect time for people just to pick up an instrument," Skinner commented. "For people to be inspired to try new things and not be afraid of optimism, I think is huge right now."
He added that the extra time on hand can also be seen as a blessing in disguise. Skinner said he has had more time to work on the technical aspects of his music and is currently working on selling albums rather than booking live gigs. In this way, then, increasing his online presence also provides an opportunity for him to connect with a far-reaching audience.
Following Skinner, WXPR featured Minocqua-based singer/songwriter Bernie Thompson singing a soulful rendition of "Angel from Montgomery," a tribute to the late country-folk artist John Prine.
Thompson performed this heartfelt ballad from the comfort of his basement, encouraging others to practice social distancing as well. Although these restrictions hinder a performer's ability to physically reach their audience, in today's world, social media offers a simple solution.
The next artist featured, Stovepipe Stevens, is a local musician who submitted his video on board a cargo ship sailing the Ohio River, where he currently works as a chef.
Stevens changed the tune with a twangy cover of "16 Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford, delivering a foot-tapping jingle while showcasing his extensive range and original style. His innovative composition paid homage to the original artist while also delivering a one-of-a-kind sound uniquely his own.
Jaron Childs followed Stevens with a soft acoustic cover of "Arkansas" by Damien Jurado.
Childs' mellow bars contributed a soothing tone to the relaxing evening, offering a small token of artistic appreciation to his virtual followers.
Local sensations Santy & Son finished off the evening with a fun, upbeat cover of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." Singer/songwriter John Santy offered a sweet rendition of the favorite tune on lead vocals and guitar, while his father Jeff rocked out on the bass guitar and Pete Stoltman serenaded the virtual crowd on the drums and congas. In addition to playing many live gigs at local venues, the trio has produced two albums featuring original music.
While it's hard to compete with the experience of a live performance, John Santy commented on how music is a great connector that can keep people united during these isolating times.
"It's so wonderful to have these digital platforms that get us out there even though we can't be performing in front of live audiences," he said. "It's been neat to follow a number of different artists. Not only local artists, but all sorts of artists and seeing everyone's homes ... and see their style and music, and playing whatever they want to play."
With online accessibility at its peak, Santy said we are living in the digital golden age in which musicians and their fans can connect without ever physically meeting.
Although Public Radio Music Day has come and gone, WXPR is still featuring local artists on their social media pages as a continuation of their Safer At Home Concert Series.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to record a video playing a cover song and email it to [email protected].
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.