Stu McAfee
Programming Director 2007-2010
What made you first want to join Radio UTD?
There was a pretty rad booth at orientation with some dudes that tooootally didn’t care about anything. It was Shil and a dude named Brandon (I think) that I never met again. They were probably the only people there that weren’t in-your-face about what they were promoting. I think the atmosphere there has changed a lot since then (for the best), but I have to admit I was drawn to that laid back vibe. All they had was a laptop with an awesome playlist and these weird promotional mini frisbees.
How did Radio change from when you started to when you left?
I think it became more inclusive, although I think a lot of people would contest that. Our programming goals moved from mostly ska before I got there, to 90s/00s indie rock when I started, to eventually not having genre guidelines. When I was programming director I wanted to get DJs that had a refined taste in music, no matter what they were into. We did a lot of interviews, and my biggest concern was whether or not they had tried to explore music on their own beforehand, on the internet or at record stores or whatever. Exploring music is what being a DJ is, really. We also became more modern as far as our equipment and broadcasting capabilities. I feel like our website let us feel like we had a “brand” and we started to develop an aesthetic.
What were your favorite albums in the years you were a DJ?
Ok, I’m pretty sure everyone knows me as the guy who loves corgis and the Glow Pt. 2 by the Microphones. It was rereleased while I was programming director and I pushed that one HARD. It’s still my favorite album of all time. As far as music that came out while I was a member, the ones that left the biggest impression on me really expanded my taste to new genres and subgenres. Liars Drum’s Not Dead, Joanna Newsom’s Ys, Clipse Hell Hath no Fury, Blackout Beach Skin of Evil, Titus Andronicus The Monitor, El Guincho Alegranza, and Destroyer’s Rubies all come to mind. I was mostly into mellow folk rock when I joined.
What were your favorite new discoveries in the years you were a DJ?
Good beers.
What were some of your favorite memories being in Radio UTD?
I liked meeting with the other managers because we always had such big dreams for what Radio could become… But we were kind of lazy and overwhelmed with school so we had about a thousand ideas for every decision we actually carried out. We became really good friends too. I miss that.
Where do you see Radio UTD being 10 years from now?
That’s really hard to tell because it seems to have a huge growth spurt every few years. I visited after graduating and was amazed by the new station and the amount of space and resources there. When I started, that room in the lower level of the student union was our studio, tech room, office, and storage. I don’t think we’ll ever have FM broadcast, but as time goes on that seems outdated and over-restricted. The website is lightyears ahead of its former self and I can imagine it becoming a resource for general entertainment and Dallas culture, beyond music.
What were your favorite (or most memorable) events during your time in Radio UTD?
My favorite would have to be our first dance party. We felt like we were going out on a limb since we had no idea if the average UTD student was interested in dancing un-ironicly, completely sober… but it ended up being an overall success. I remember some of the students coming up to us afterwards and telling us that it was the first time they actually had fun on campus. That was kind of a shock, and it made me realize that there were plenty of students who wanted a campus life instead of just a convenient parking space. We had a lot of trouble getting money for events until then because the administration viewed them as a waste. Booooo, down with grown-ups! We always wanted money for decent bands to come in and stuff, but we had to start small with low-budget dance parties until we could prove that we’d draw a crowd. I think that was the breaking point when events became easier to throw. Prom was really awesome to see in action, but was hard to pull off the first time.
Garrett Burnett
Promotions Manager 2009-2010
What made you first want to join Radio UTD?
I came to UTD as a transfer student who didn’t really know anyone except Agata, who happened to be a DJ at Radio UTD. I always noticed band posters through the glass studio windows and wanted to be involved. Once applications for DJs came around I applied and was happy to make new friends who shared similar interests. I really appreciate that Radio UTD helped me find my place at UTD and make some great friends.
How did Radio change from when you started to when you left?
I was only at Radio UTD for 2 years, but I think the school became more aware of our activities while I was there. We had good attendance for dance parties and concerts (Especially Prom 2009. Anyone remember those balloons falling from the dance floor?), but we also started gaining attendance for our lectures. It was great to see a wide variety of students from outside the radio organization get involved in our events!
What were your favorite albums in the years you were a DJ?
Chad VanGaalen – Soft Airplane
Tallest Man on Earth – Shallow Grave
Women – Women
Desolation Wilderness – White Light Strobing
King Kahn & BBQ Show – Invisible Girl
Born Ruffians – Red, Yellow, & Blue
The Antlers – Hospice
Real Estate – Real Estate
What were your favorite new discoveries in the years you were a DJ?
Chad VanGaalen for sure. I had no idea who he was and Soft Airplane quickly became one of my favorite albums. Discovering more than current music through lectures and other DJs was great too, as I was introduced to some of my favorite bands like My Bloody Valentine and Joy Division.
What were some of your favorite memories being in Radio UTD?
I love remembering the beginnings of life-long friendships and I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds. I really appreciate everyone I worked with at Radio UTD and I am glad I could be a part of it all. Also getting to meet Michael Cera and Mark Wahlberg was pretty cool too.
What were your favorite (or most memorable) events during your time in Radio UTD?
I really enjoyed the Homecoming 2009(???) parade where we all painted our face and dressed up like Ziggy Stardust. I think the highlight was Jason Parry as Ziggy Stardust on roller blades. I also loved helping out with the end of year Proms, no matter how stressful their planning might have been.
Where do you see Radio UTD being 10 years from now?
I hope Radio UTD can continue to thrive and become more of a tradition at UTD. I know how beneficial it was to me and I hope it can continue to have a positive impact on UTD students in the future. (Also…I can dream of a radio signal, right Dr. Daniel??)
