WTJU 91.1 FM

WTJU will Rock you to sleep!

Join Android and DJTJC for a retrospective on the many faces of Richard D. James. From his ambient early days to his unhinged breakbeats of the 90's to the acidic perfection of the mid-ought Analords to his experiments in maximalist composition that characterize his recent work, tune in to revel in the beauty and terror of one of electronic music's greatest innovators. recent work, tune in to revel in the beauty and terror of one of electronic music's greatest innovators.

Surfer noir and neo-psychedelia Seattle rock band La Luz formed in 2012 and is influenced by bands from Shannon and the Clams and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to Link Wray and the United States of America. La Luz is Spanish for The Light.

Calling all Joy Division & New Order fans: whether you're team Hooky or team Barney, there is little doubt that this indelible and creative crew has influenced indie and alternative pop, rock, and dance in every corner & era of modern music, and continue to do so. The proof is in the vast catalogue of covers of their work. Fontana Mercury takes you on a two hour deep dive into the best cover songs of your favorite darkwave dance pop pioneers alternative music pioneers.

Believe me, I like it loud. What better way to pay homage to WTJU and the annual Rock Marathon than with a show featuring the device that brings us all together, the radio. So many artists were inspired by, strived to be a part of, and made famous on the radio. Rocker Panels will be the leader of the show, keepin' you on the go as we celebrate this radio station we all love. This show promises to bring diverse perspectives from different eras and genres as it rocks and hip-hops for the duration. Lock it in and rip the knob off.

Feel it all around as we slow down the tempo and dream the day away. Chillwave, a short-lived “microgenre,” was born from and popularized by the Internet of the 2010s, embracing nostalgia and lo-fi aesthetics to counter the hyperconnectivity of the modern day. Its sound is defined by pop-rock and jazz samples, distorted effects, and mellow vocals. Clear your mind and get ready to relax - it’s time to chill.

Hailing from San Antonio, Garrett T. Capps is a saloon owner. By night he becomes a Cosmic Krautrock Cowboy. For two years, Capps and his band NASA Country have been galvanizing the ears of WTJU Rock DJs with their distinctive blend of psychedelic freak-out and country twang. Stevik and accompanying astronauts will give you the lowdown on the hoedown, with stellar NASA Country album tracks, live cuts, Capps solo selections, remixes and maybe even a word or two from the man himself.

1990s UK Electronica: Classics & Deep Cuts delves into the rich soundscape of 1990s UK electronica, uncovering both the genre’s defining moments and its hidden treasures. As part of Electronic Explorations, this show takes listeners on a journey through the beats, textures, and atmospheres that shaped the era, featuring iconic tracks from Aphex Twin, Orbital, and Underworld alongside deep cuts from the underground. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, this curated selection of classics and lesser-known gems offers a deep dive into one of electronic music’s most innovative and influential decades.

Olympia-based punk band Unwound released six seminal albums from 1993-2001 on Kill Rock Stars, and while they toiled in relative obscurity, they were as powerful, and ultimately more enduring, than their more famous peers from the state of Washington. "This band played with intention," said drummer Sara Lund, "never intending anything specific beyond honest expression." Although the band broke up in 2002, they have reunited 20 years later to play live for new generations that have discovered their unique vision that was decades ahead of its time.

We'll explore how hip hop has drawn from rock—whether through samples, production styles, or outright genre fusion. Expect everything from classic rock breaks that fueled golden-era hip hop to rap-rock anthems and unexpected crossovers.

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.

Back for its third year, the Euphoric Trance Show kicks off the morning with a fresh set of electrifying trance selections at the WTJU Rock Marathon.

Riding a wave of critical success, British New Wave stars Elvis Costello and his producer Nick Lowe (with Rockpile) bookended a live show with New York's Willie (Mink) DeVille on a US tour in the summer of 1978. Relive the experience with live and studio recordings from the period.

Celebrating the simplicity and depth of the duo, from the drums and guitar of The White Stripes to the psychedelic saturation of Moon Duo to the experimental sound collages of Broadcast. We'll feature two member acts as well as duo as the creative force behind larger projects.

Put away that Moby Dick! Artists are still making long, epic tunes that are worth hearing, and here’s your chance! Join Dave from Ye Olde Tuesday Afternoon Rocke show for 2(?) hours of music that is Too Long For Radio but worth your time and pledges.

The country side of the Stones and the bands and musicians that influenced Keith Richards

Exploring the major influence Rock has had on the Cinema. Music from the soundtracks of Easy Rider, The Big Lebowski, Juno and much more.

In the 80s and 90s there were many examples of combining House music and Hip-Hop, many one off acts and a trend here and there. Come explore the history of this forgotten sound, and maybe hear a few you remember along the way!

A deep dive into the wild, weird, and wonderfully obscure world of rock ‘n’ roll’s strangest record collection! Lux & Ivy Favorites is a hand-picked selection from the legendary playlist that’s been floating around the internet for two decades—featuring rare, offbeat, and forgotten 45s that Lux Interior (RIP) and Poison Ivy of The Cramps championed in interviews and claimed as personal favorites. These are the sounds that shaped The Cramps’ signature style—primitive rockabilly, sleazy R&B, twisted novelty tunes, and raw garage rock. Tune in for a romp through the strange and savage underbelly of rock ‘n’ roll!

The late Noel Scott Engel remains one of rock’s most enigmatic figures, having started in the 1960s as a boy band pin-up with the Walker Brothers and ended as a mad genius presiding over experiments in pork punching. All told, he’s still your favorite artist’s favorite artist. Let DJ Malpaso take you on a whiplash-inducing tour of Walker’s canon, from the accessible (rakish, velvety melodrama) to the challenging (descent into the bowels of hell). You’ll find yourself asking: "WHAT’S UP, DOC?"

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.

Sixty years ago, popular music was in a state of flux. The British Invasion had landed, but other genres were vying for attention on the airwaves -- American pop, garage bands, country, folk, jazz -- and even easy listening! Hear the Beatles and Jack Jones, the Kingsmen and James Brown, Ramsey Lewis and Bert Kampfert -- and more! Join Ralph Graves for a look back at the wild and wonderful world of Top 40 radio, 1965 -- complete with vintage ads and audio clips!

Ray Davies has always been a man out of time, and many of his best songs with the Kinks reflect this world view. Now more than ever many of us would like to sail away to a distant shore and “live like an apeman”. So join Gary for a nostalgic trip to the Village Green and the way things used to be. Requests with donations appreciated.

Although Richmond is only an hour east of Charlottesville, the vibe of each place – and the music scene is very different. 64 East is a survey course in the Richmond music scene (clubs, bands, labels, studios, house concerts) focused mostly on what’s playing right now all over town, but with just enough landmark tracks to help give the current scene some context and to help examine how Richmond’s rock scene has evolved.

DJLP, Nowhere Girl, and Zostress present favorite 80s songs they listened to. . . in the 80s!

Their greatest achievement was getting banned from SNL, and you won’t find them in any of the 50th Anniversary back-patting programs - tune in to WTJU to find out why this is a travesty of justice.

Richard Berry's 1957 R&B single "Louie Louie" is one of the most recorded tracks in rock music history. From The Cramps to the Rice University Marching Owl Band, from Bill Orcutt to Black Flag, tune in to hear dozens of renditions of the song, each one (relatively) unique.

EJ Trice and Leslie Scott-Jones pull together premier musicians for a live experience that will traverse the musical bridges that lead to american rock n roll. Lock in for a trip that only the co-hosts of The Black Beat can take you on.

The Psych Doctors are in and and are exploring psychedelic music created under imperialism. From Latin America to Eastern Europe, America to Africa, Greece to Indonesia, they'll open up their medicine bags and offer a fantastic sampling of global psychedelic rock to ease nerves, raise consciousness, and bring hope.

Journey into the abyss as we explore the introduction and rise of black metal in the U.S. during the early-to-mid-2000s. Inspired by the European scene, this uniquely American take on the genre blended raw aggression with atmospheric soundscapes, fierce vocals, and suffocating riffs. Through the works of artists such as Wolves in the Throne Room, Krallice, Vanum, and Deafheaven, we’ll trace the evolution of black metal in the U.S. and uncover the ethereal side of an otherwise menacing genre.

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.

Join your Radio Freedonia hosts for another tour of the silky soul that makes flowers talk at break of dawn.

Also known as Andalusian rock. In Spain, flamenco is still a very popular genre but Rock has nevertheless rolled in via electric guitars, non traditional instrumentation and vocal styles since the 1960's, peaking in the 1980's and right up to the present! This show will feature a variety of groups that represent this sub-genre.

In addition to books that have been banned, music too has been subject to censorship by radio DJs and others throughout American history. Listen to selections that DJs have refused to play, songs written about censorship, and songs that bands have self-censored—songs that bands just don’t want to play!

Join the Carry the Zero hosts on an odyssey featuring the most rocking songs accompanied by 14" of silver or gold. Prepare to get a blast of sounds this woodwind creates in the vein of the rock and roll that your band teacher never played for you at school. Don't be shy! You'll shriek at the whistle of these toots and trills.

DJLP and Ciclamino celebrate nearly 40 years of Teen-Beat Records! Dive into the quirky, cool world of this legendary indie label—where art-rock, pop experimentation, and DIY magic collide.

Why should October have all the fun? Since we all need a little autumnal chill in our springtime, Mr. Owl teams up with his radio ancestor, former Cadmium host Jeremy Bacon, to bring you the spookiest movie-related sounds around.

This rock marathon show will take a deep dive into hip hop, R&B, and soul music classics that helped shape the musical landscape we live in today.

A deep dive into horn-y, chank-y, skank-y, music that doesn’t really fit in…

A brief history of dance music from House music to Techno

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.

Rockers, we've had a CORPORATE FORMAT CHANGE! Don Arlo, Uncle Bert, Tad the Intern and Windy the Weather Girl will now start your day with a two-tone BANG as they leave that CLASSIC CROCK to the dinosaurs and play two hooky, combustible hours of "the best power pop of the 70s and 80s." That means Joe Jackson, Blondie, The Knack, Cheap Trick, Big Star, Dwight Twilley, Devo, Elvis Costello, The Shoes, Raspberries, the Cars, Game Theory, the dBs, XTC and more. (Note to listeners: The wearing of your WTJU Rock Smock is still encouraged but, to qualify for valuable pledge giving, you must also sport a skinny tie during the broadcast.) POWER POOP 91.1 FM!!

Feeling blue? Tired of those blue bloods at the club? Can't find your favorite blue jeans? Bluetooth won't sync with your streaming service? Blue lights in your rear view mirror? Whatever your state, you will find your place with DJ Brian of The Jazz Messenger Show as we delve into the deep (blue) sea of blue songs and bands. A plethora of that cool color that soothes and grooves. Join the fun and pledge to the 2025 Rock Marathon.

Before progressive rock hit the mainstream, college radio stations like WMUC were experimenting with bold new sounds, serving as a training ground for future broadcasters—including punk scene leader Skip Groff and journalist Connie Chung. While WHFS later gained recognition in the DC area, it was WMUC and early upstarts in other cities like San Francisco, NYC, and LA that pioneered the format, even as 75% of Americans still tuned into commercial AM radio. This special Rock Marathon show revisits the golden years of 1967-1970 with music that reshaped the airwaves—The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Hendrix, Traffic, Cream, Velvet Underground, and more. Tune in and re-live the era when college radio dared to be different!

In the year 2000, Yo La Tengo released their ninth album, a brooding, meditative work accented with drum machines and vibraphones. It continued the band's penchant for turning in-jokes into bangers, and it arguably was the apex of the mainstream media's attention on Hoboken's finest. We'll dig deep into the album's mysteries, including live tracks, b-sides, and inspirational tunes.

Follow the smoke to the riff filled land with DJ AL and Truckstop Willie!

Never not relevant and rocking. Join Dave and friends for 2 hours of their faves from the massive roster of artists that comprise the BRC. Another proof of concept that There Is No History Without Black History.

Repping the Shenandoah Valley's crown jewels of Lexington and Staunton, The Unmastered Masters bring their heavy campfire songs to The Looking Glass at IX Art Park for a live performance. Steve West (Pavement, Silver Jews, Marble Valley, Contoocook Line) anchors this quartet, along with members of Baroness and other swell bands.

How many lady DJs can you fit into one broadcast studio? Tune in and find out during Boss Lady Beats, where the Women of the WTJU Rock Department take over the airwaves! Get ready for two hours of pure magic, fearless song choices, and a spellbinding mix of rock & roll from the WTJU Rock & Roll Coven of Feminista Spinners.

A celebration of queer trans community joy. A necessary reminder in these times where we are being actively erased.

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.

From the shimmer of Lithuanian-Belgian duo "Merope," to the thrum of "Animal Collective" and the yowl of "Dirty Projectors," this show examines the sounds of ambient psych folk in its many guises. The show will meander across countries, continents, and genres, to explore the selected bands' themes of nature, romanticism and folk yearning. Tune in for instrumental and vocal tracks that give you a spaced out fuzz for a moody trip.

ALL ABOARD the WTJU EXPRESS with your CONDUCTORS, DJ alums DJ EVP and DJ LPI. They will FERRY you through 2 hours of MULTIMODAL music–songs that celebrate the experience of COMMUTING, ROAD TRIPPING, moving from point A to point B. From Queen to Kraftwerk, from Drexciya to The Doobie Brothers, they're QUEUING up their favorite TRACKS celebrating all modes. DON’T BLOCK THE BOX, tune in and donate to WTJU’s 2025 Rock Marathon.

From Duke Reid to BlueBeat, JA to the UK to this very day, Trojan REcords was the main competitor to the mighty Studio One, amassing hits from the dawn of Jamaican popular music and continuing to release rare gems from the Golden age of ska, rocksteady and roots music.

For the past two decades, right under the nose of the star-making machinery, Los Angeles has spawned a stunningly creative music scene where superstars and secret stars blur the lines of R&B, hip hop, jazz, and funk. Tune in Radio Freedonia to sample the heady brew coming out of 21st-century L.A.

Of all the radio joints, in all the towns, in all the world, Spot waltzes into this one. And that dame is trouble, right from the start. She’s got plans. Plans to play some crazy Rock Noir. Bands like Flat Duo Jets, Big Lazy, Alan Vega, Squrl, Phantom Surfers and Zocko. You can sit in a smoky bar and brood, or dance around your living room, but tune in and don’t forget to donate. It’s a far, far better thing that you do.

Timothee Chalamet does a decent Dylan in A Complete Unknown, but the award for best Dylan impression goes to Cate Blanchett in I’m Not There. We feature soundtrack selections from the two Dylan movies plus originals.

Shagwüf live at the Looking Glass at IX Art Park, Charlottesville

In 20th Century France, come explore the synthy side of music sure to make you Dance and say "J'adore WTJU"!

In observance of the 30th anniversary of Three 6 Mafia's gamechanging debut Mystic Stylez, Mr. Owl is your guide through the vast discography of the infamous lords of Memphis rap.

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.

Mabel "Big Maybelle" Smith and "Little Esther" Phillips -- née Jones -- carried the torches of earlier, Blues-based stylists into a new era and jointly influenced rock and soul in a way that cannot be rescinded. But their short lives and personal struggles have dimmed their spotlights, however.

Lift up your hearts and sing me a song that was a hit before your mother was born, said the Beatles. Let’s do it, said Annie De Blanco and Devon Sproule as they play songs to singalong to from before and after their mothers were born. A long, long time ago.

Discover lesser-known rock operas or “concept albums” in addition to rock opera masterpieces like Tommy, Quadrophenia, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Selections from rock operas and concept albums by Green Day, David Bowie, and others will be curated and played. You’ll also hear songs by current artists that are heavily influenced by opera.

A live showcase of talent from Charlottesville's Music Resource Center.

A survey of the musical hotbed that is Manchester, England.  We'll take a trip into the history of Tony Wilson/Factory Records/The Hacienda and all the incredible and influential music that grew out of that scene. Starting with early influencers like The Fall and Joy Division, to the heydays of the Happy Mondays and New Order, to The Smiths, Charlatans, Stone Roses, and Pulp; from the britpoppy-shoegazey guitars of Doves, Stones Roses, and Inspiral Carpets to the block rockin' beats of the Chemical Brothers, whether you’re team Oasis or team Blur, we’re sure you’ll be Mad for Madchester in WTJU!

Sometimes we discover that the otherworldly sound we love in a song is coming from an apparatus we’ve never encountered before. Soon we find ourselves down a delightful rabbit hole. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What on earth is Jonny Greenwood fiddling with now?”, accompany DJ Malpaso on a scenic route through rock & alternative songs featuring early electronic instruments like the theramin and the ondes martinot. (Also, be warned: several Hammond organs were harmed in the creation of this show.)

A contemporary of Nick Drake, Bridget St. John released four albums from 1969-1974 that met with little fanfare but have been massively influential. All these years later, Bridget St. John is enjoying a career renaissance, thanks in part to being heralded by musicians like Steve Gunn who were impacted by her (the two released a song together in 2023). This show will feature tracks from the brilliant set of records St. John released more than 50 years ago that still reverberate today.

The saxophone: once an instrument ubiquitous in pop music, saw an inexplicable yet rapid fall from grace in the 1990s. Discordant guitar solos replaced those earnest, jazzy tones, and though no less than the President of the United States worked to salvage its cachet, the sax faded from the zeitgeist. UNTIL NOW. The sax, my friends, is back. Join the Radio Wowsville crew -- Rick, Ciclamino and Don -- as they take a deep dive into the cool, cool waves lapping onto the shores of a modern pop landscape that has re-embraced the mighty saxophone. We'll pay tribute to punk and post-rock saxists such as Morphine and James Chance, and spotlight the new guard, from Alex Lahey to Party Dozen, Dragon Inn 3 to Deerhunter and many more.

WTJU will Rock you to sleep.