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FREE YR RADIO IS...

A program created by Toyota Yaris and Urban Outfitters to support and publicize the importance of independent radio. Free Yr Radio comes to life through a series of events developed to generate awareness and support for a handful of partner stations.

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Free Yr Radio is again poised to grab the attention of music fans nationwide with free shows by artists celebrated on independent stations. Check out the lineup and get yr free tickets!

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SXSW LAUNCH PARTY

SXSW LAUNCH PARTY

We kicked off Free Yr Radio 2008 at SXSW with a massive party at La Zona Rosa. Hosted by our beloved Austin station, KVRX, the crowd warmed up with some Southern food, a few drinks, and the turntable mastery of DJ Dave P.

Come show time, the crowds flocked in for Times New Viking’s epic lo-fi distortion. Yeasayer was up next, treating the crowd to their signature genre-bustin’ rock. Finally, as the wee hours of the morning crept up, Simian Mobile Disco blew everyone away with their thumping electronic dance tunes and accompanying light show.

By the end of the evening, we had only enough energy left to scribble two words onto our figurative notepad: TOTALLY AMAZING!

Click the thumbnails below for full-size images!

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WHITE WILLIAMS IN BOSTON FOR WERS

WHITE WILLIAMS IN BOSTON FOR WERS

White Williams kicked off the Free Yr Radio concert series with a free show in Boston for WERS. More than 200 people hung out in the rain to wait for the performance. But they weren’t just standing there — our Boston partner station WERS plied them with tons of freebies including WERS lip balm, stress radios (so damn cute — picture one of those squeeze balls shaped like a boombox), pens and the latest WERS compilation while talking about the importance of independent radio and WERS.

Earlier in the day, the folks with Ice Cream Man blew through WERS for a tour and showered the staff with free ice cream. They were at the event too, doing what they do best: “slingin’ cream and livin’ the dream”. When White Williams finally took the stage, the slightly soggy crowd let out a collective “Woo hoo!” The band’s 40-minute performance was the perfect beginning to a concert series packed with amazing artists and phenomenal stations.

Free Yr Radio 2008 is officially underway! We can’t wait ‘til Columbus!

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!!! IN COLUMBUS FOR OHIO.FM

!!! IN COLUMBUS FOR OHIO.FM

OHIO.FM is a small internet-only station based out of the Ohio State campus in Columbus. They “broadcast” strictly over the internet and have a wonderful staff of DJs who do a fair share of footwork to help promote the station and build awareness on and around the Ohio State campus. Free Yr Radio decided to join in and help them out as well, hooking them up with a station-hosted free concert by !!! on June 14 at the local Urban Outfitters.

As people lined up, the OHIO.FM street team dove into their pitch, chatting about what it means to be a DJ and OHIO.FM’s take on the future of independent radio. When people weren’t stepping out of line to grab a free ice cream bar from the Ice Cream Man Yaris or getting their photo taken in the GOODmatters Photo Booth Yaris, they were chatting it up with DJs and eagerly awaiting entrance to the !!! show.

Once on stage, the band gave a few shout outs to the station and Free Yr Radio before playing songs off their latest album, Myth Takes, out now on Warp Records. The more than 250 people in attendance danced like crazy as they enjoyed the free show. We think the pictures speak for themselves…

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NO AGE & MUDHONEY PERFORM IN SEATTLE FOR KEXP

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YEASAYER PERFORMS IN TWIN CITIES FOR THE CURRENT

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!!!

!!!

When !!! turned Stephen Merritt’s morose indie staple “Take Ecstasy With Me” into a eight-minute long acid house classic that dive-bombed out of club speakers worldwide, it was easily one of the best singles of 2005. But now this dancefloor-destroying Pan-American eight-piece have taken their trademark dance-funk sound off into previously unimaginable new territories. The ten tracks on their third album, Myth Takes, are more dense, layered and groovy than ever before. It’s also no exaggeration to say that there is no music like this being made anywhere else on the planet at the moment. With Myth Takes, !!! have stretched themselves so far that they’ve become truly peerless.

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MUDHONEY

MUDHONEY

Worldwide lovers of the finer things are rejoicing at the news that Mudhoney, yep Mudhoney, is back in vinyl and digital action in 2008 with The Lucky Ones, the band’s eighth full album in a mere 20 years of triumphant rocking. The Lucky Ones redefines stripped-down, “back 2 basics” ramalama, certainly when it comes to Mudhoney’s recent past. This new one is deliberately and aggressively raw.

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NO AGE

NO AGE

No Age: the name alone suggests multiple meanings and possible interpretations—timeless, ageless, anonymous, free from restriction, something positive from something negative… a profound strength in its simplicity. Likewise, the Los Angeles duo consisting of drummer/vocalist Dean Spunt and guitarist Randy Randall is many things at once even as it embraces its minimalism. Their live shows are an exploration of possibilities: a guitar laid over a resonating drum head, effect loops woven together like beautiful harmonies, pop songs as performance art, a duo that sounds like the gale force of rock history delivered through a wind tunnel.

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WHITE WILLIAMS

WHITE WILLIAMS

24-year-old Joe Williams, noise-rock dilettante and White Williams' mastermind, made a name for himself with the release of his debut album, Smoke, and his extensive touring of the U.S. with Girl Talk, Dan Deacon and Battles. Recorded in various sublets over two years in Cleveland, Cincinnati, New York, and San Francisco, using a laptop, analog synths and a mutable selection of studio equipment, White Williams' Smoke is nostalgic, laid back and colorful art-pop.

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SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO

In the late 90s, James Ford and Jas Shaw joined fellow Manchester University students Simon Lord and Alex MacNaughten to form a band they dubbed Simian. As a side project, Ford and Shaw booked DJ slots while touring, and jokingly called that act “Simian Mobile Disco.” The name stuck, and as Ford and Shaw moved away from rock and into electronic, Simian Mobile Disco became their primary gig. Today the duo is known for their electrifying party dance tunes and live shows.

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YEASAYER

YEASAYER

Upon the release of Yeasayer’s All Hour Cymbals, the band caught everyone by surprise for their seemingly indefinable play on genres we once found so static and rigidly limiting. Each song is as unique and dynamic as the individuals that make up the band: Yeasayer was formed by half a barbershop quartet and then followed by a rhythm section. “2080” and “Sunrise” are some of our favorite tunes from the past few months and are definitely worth a download.

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TIMES NEW VIKING

TIMES NEW VIKING

In their Matador Records debut release, and their third long-play overall, Times New Viking set out on a new journey when Rip It Off hit stores this past January. Known for their epic distortion and lo-fi sound recordings, Times New Viking hails from Columbus, OH and features Adam Elliot on percussion and vocals, Beth Murphy on keyboards and vocals, and Jared Phillips on guitars.

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DJ DAVE P

DJ DAVE P

DJ Dave P has been producing Making Time since its inception in May of 2000. To this day, Making Time remains one of America's most acclaimed and longest-running indie dance parties. He is also known for his hyped DJ sets, his skilled remixes and his label, RVNG International, which releases specialty edit 12” singles for DJs.

Good Matters
IN THE BACKGROUND:
!!! FOR OHIO.FM
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
COLUMBUS, OH 6.14.2008
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!!! for OHIO.FM in Columbus

The Free Yr Radio concert series continued with an amazing show by !!!, all to benefit internet station OHIO.FM in Columbus. More than 250 people showed up for the free show and we were joined by the fine folks at Ice Cream Man, who gave away 350 ice creams. We believe some lucky people took two...

IN THE BACKGROUND:
WHITE WILLIAMS
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
BOSTON, MA 5.21.2008
CLICK!

White Williams for WERS in Boston

White Williams kicked off the 2008 Free Yr Radio concert series with a free performance featuring tunes from his recent album Smoke for WERS in Boston. DJs and volunteers from WERS chatted with people waiting in line, discussing the importance of independent radio and talking about WERS as an integral part of the Boston community. They even had WERS lip balm to give out!

IN THE BACKGROUND:
YEASAYER
AT LA ZONA ROSA
AUSTIN, TX 03.12.2008
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Yeasayer for KVRX at SXSW Launch

Yeasayer took the middle spot at our SXSW party, giving us an incredible set featuring songs off their debut album, All Hour Cymbals. (If you have not yet purchased this album, what are you waiting for?!?!) They’ll be joining us again in the Twin Cities to benefit The Current.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
FREE YR RADIO BROADCAST CORNER HOSTED BY THE CURRENT
AUSTIN, TX 03.2008
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Free Yr Radio Broadcast Corner hosted by The Current

Our friends and Twin Cities partner station, The Current, played host to the Free Yr Radio Broadcast Corner. The three intense days of live broadcasts at SXSW included more than 20 bands from hyped new artists like White Williams to old favorites like Billy Bragg. We all braved the scorching heat, but seeing our favorite artists perform in such an intimate venue was well worth it!

IN THE BACKGROUND:
SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO
AT LA ZONA ROSA
AUSTIN, TX 03.12.2008
CLICK!

Simian Mobile Disco for KVRX at SXSW Launch March 12, 2008

For the late night set at our SXSW party, Simian Mobile Disco took over the stage, treating the crowd to one of the most crazy awesome light shows we’ve ever seen. As Simian Mobile Disco’s electronic beats hypnotized the crowd, the scene transformed into a frenetic dance party.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
TIMES NEW VIKING & DJ DAVE P
AT LA ZONA ROSA DURING SXSW
AUSTIN, TX 03.12.2008
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Times New Viking & DJ Dave P for KVRX at SXSW Launch, March 12, 2008

At SXSW, we celebrated the return of Free Yr Radio with an amazing party at La Zona Rosa. Co-hosted by our friends (and partner Austin station) KVRX, we were treated to some unforgettable performances. As the evening kicked into gear, DJ Dave P spun records before Times New Viking’s set of catchy lo-fi distortion wowed the crowd.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
ANNUALS
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
DURHAM, NC 5.9.07
CLICK!

Annuals for WKNC

One of the best parts of the 2007 concert series was getting bands to play a free show in their hometown. The Annuals\' homecoming show to support Raleigh\'s WKNC was especially memorable.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
SONIC YOUTH
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
SANTA MONICA, CA 7.21.07
CLICK!

Sonic Youth & Dntel
for KXLU
Santa Monica, CA
July 21, 2007

No doubt the most anticipated show of the 2007 Free Yr Radio concert series, Sonic Youth performed a benefit for Los Angeles\' KXLU. As an added bonus, we got KXLU alumnus Jimmy Tamborello from Dntel and The Postal Service to kick it all off with a sweet DJ set.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
MAN MAN
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
BOULDER, CO 5.19.07
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Man Man for KGNU
Boulder, CO
May 19, 2007

Man Man is one of the more unique bands around today. After touring with Modest Mouse, Man Man drove out to Boulder to play a wild free show benefiting KGNU.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
ROGUE WAVE
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
SANTA CRUZ, CA 5.25.07
CLICK!

Rogue Wave for KZSC
Santa Cruz, CA
May 25, 2007

Performing in support of Santa Cruz's KZSC, Rogue Wave's intimate set concluded with a track that can be found on our 2007 benefit compilation. It's one of our favorites as Zach Rogue makes a plea for the audience to support independent radio!

IN THE BACKGROUND:
TAPES 'N TAPES
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 6.5.07
CLICK!

Tapes'N Tapes for
The Current
Minneapolis, MN
June 5, 2007

Tapes 'N Tapes are currently one of Minneapolis' most celebrated indie bands. The guys have played benefits for 89.3 The Current before, but they still jumped at the chance to do it all again for Free Yr Radio.

IN THE BACKGROUND:
THE LONG WINTERS
AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
SEATTLE, WA 5.1.07
CLICK!

The Long Winters
for KEXP
Seattle, WA
May 1, 2007

KEXP has always championed local band The Long Winters. On the first day of May last year, The Long Winters gave back by playing an unforgettable set at the Capitol Hill Urban Outfitters in Seattle.

TUESDAY, JUNE 03, 2008: Boston Photo Strip Images Up!      MONDAY, JUNE 02, 2008: FREE COLUMBUS TICKETS AVAILABLE      TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008: Big Free Yr Radio Announcement!!!      WEDNESDAY, APRIL 09, 2008: You Could Win A Yaris! Visit FreeYrRadio.com/win-yaris.html to enter the sweepstakes and read the official rules.      SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008: Free Yr Radio Broadcast Corner hosted by The Current: Day 3     

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KIWR is a 100,000 watt non-commercial radio station owned by Iowa Western Community College. It is like no other college or commercial radio station; they are an Alternative radio station that leans Active Rock and spotlights the local/regional music scene.

KIWR has several specialty shows that put the emphasis need to Indie, AAA, Metal, Jam Band, Punk Rock, Electronic and Trance as well as Christian music, Blues, Jazz and Folk. One of the station's biggest highlights each summer is River Riot, KIWR's outdoor festival that is in its 5th year with over 18,000 in attendance in 2007.

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OHIO.FM is an emerging broadcaster poised to ignite the Columbus music scene. Highlighting artists selected exclusively by a diverse group of student DJs, OHIO.FM is your source for the best new music from across the street — and across the pond.

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Miami is known for it's rich diversity and infamous party culture. University of Miami's student radio station WVUM, broadcasting on 90.5 FM and the world on wvum.org, follows suit with an eclectic mix of music, thought provoking news and comprehensive coverage of campus sports. Current musical obsessions include underground disco, minimal techno, mind bending indierock and forward thinking hip-hop supplemented by specialty shows specializing in jazz, world music, dark wave, vintage retrospectives, progrock and psych. Always active and represented in the community, WVUM was The Miami New Time's pick for best radio station in 2007, and won the reader's choice the year before.

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In the early 1970's, WVKR Vassar College Radio was born. Starting as an AM current carrier station, WVKR broadcast up to twenty-one hours per day via a campus-only closed circuit. With the emergence of broad popularity for FM broadcasting, Vassar petitioned for and was granted an FCC license to switch to FM and broadcast on 91.3 MHz over an 18 mile radius via a 10 watt transmitter. Since 1994, WVKR has been broadcasting at 3400 watts and the transmitter sits on the west side of the Hudson River. In addition to Vassar students, DJs also come from the surrounding community. WVKR’s mission is "to promote music not heard elsewhere and to serve the community interest through eclectic radio programming". Via broadcast, WVKR has been heard in five states (NY, MA, CT, NJ, and PA). Via webcast from the WVKR home page, people in Japan, Sweden, Brazil, and outposts unknown have tuned in for WVKR’s great programming.

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KRCL is a listener-supported, community radio station broadcasting at 90.9FM in Salt Lake City and Park City, 90.5 in Logan, UT and worldwide via web stream at krcl.org. KRCL presents everything from indie to world, reggae to bluegrass, and is spiced with some local public affairs and the award winning Democracy Now!

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- WERS was founded in 1949 and became the First Non-Commercial Station in New England.
- The signal reaches all of the greater Boston area, including parts of Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and internationally, through iTunes and their website.
- The station has approximately 150,000 listeners each week.
- There are about 90 students who work at WERS each semester.
- Recent graduates include Kristen Kissenger heard now on Afternoon Drive at 92.9 KZZU in Spokane, Washington and Cindy Howes as the host of “Morning Mix” on WYEP 91.3 in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Past guests to the WERS Live Mix Studio include: Damian Marley, Regina Spektor, Willie Nelson, Tori Amos, members of Wu-Tang and more.
- There are only 5 full-time staff members – General Manager, Operations Manager, Chief Engineer, Membership Coordinator, and Underwriting Director.

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WPRB 103.3 FM is a community-supported, non-profit, student-run station that broadcasts 14,000 Watts of independent rock, jazz, and classical programming throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia metro area. WPRB's online web stream attracts listeners from all around the globe. Founded in 1940 and located on the Princeton University campus, WPRB is the oldest college FM radio station in the country. Their underlying philosophy is best summed up in the title of their longest-running program, "Music You Can't Hear on the Radio."

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KUCI was conceived in 1968 by engineering student Craig Will and was later turned over to Earl Arbuckle, KUCI's first Chief Engineer. "Sugar Sugar" by the Archies was the first song played. On November 25, 1969 KUCI was granted its official broadcast license, transmitting 10 watts of power at 89.9 FM.

In 1972 KUCI offered its first news broadcast, while in 1974 the station began broadcasting 24 hours a day. In the spring of 1979, an article in Billboard Magazine mentioned that KUCI airs jazz programming. September 1991, the FCC granted approval for the station to increase its power to 200 watts stereo, allowing KUCI to broadcast to more of Orange County and securing its place on the dial for future generations.

KUCI takes pride in setting trends, and in 1996 the station became one of the first to broadcast its signal over the Internet, opening KUCI up to a worldwide potential listening audience. As KUCI enters a new decade and a new millennium, the focus of the staff will be to continue to discover innovative and underrepresented music and information and to bring it commercial-free to Orange County and the world.

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KUSF® broadcasts at 90.3 FM in San Francisco, CA and streams online at KUSF.org
- Initial broadcast: April 25, 1977
- Licensed to: The University of San Francisco
- Programming: Community Service, New Music, Fine Arts, Multicultural

A Few Awards KUSF has Received:
- Recipient of the National Association of College Broadcasters' 1994 National College Radio Award for "Best Creative Production"
- National Association of College Broadcasters' 1993-94 "College Station of the Year"
- Attache magazine names KUSF one of the 20 best U.S. radio stations, July 2000

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Wherever it's heard - on the radio, online or through an iPod - The Current brings listeners the best authentic new music alongside music that explores roots and influences. The Current began broadcasting in 2005 as a non-commercial, member-supported radio station based in Minneapolis / St. Paul. Since then, the station has grown into a far-reaching community with members and listeners joining in from around the world. Tune in today to hear why they say Great Music Lives Here.

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KVRX 91.7 FM is the student radio station for the University of Texas at Austin, and Austin's only student-run station. KVRX's motto is "None of the Hits, All of the Time"; they strive to play music you won't hear anywhere else, which includes independent and local music from a variety of genres. KVRX also features community, news and sports programming with a student perspective.

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KEXP is an influential, non-commercial radio station based in Seattle and supported through financial contributions from listeners and businesses worldwide. Over the last three decades, KEXP has built a reputation as a champion of new and emerging artists and musical forms.

Today, KEXP programs a rare mix of music spanning multiple genres. The station brings listeners more than 400 exclusive live performances each year from the KEXP studios, as well as remote broadcasts from cities across the country including New York, Chicago, Austin and Portland.

KEXP has a mission to enrich people’s lives by providing a wide array of music and by exploring, developing and applying relevant technology to deepen and extend musical experiences. Listeners enjoy KEXP at 90.3 FM in Seattle, now at 91.5 FM Radio New York and around the world at KEXP.org and BLOG.KEXP.org.