WBAR
Encyclopedia
WBAR is the college radio station of Barnard College
in New York City
. Currently online-only, WBAR was developed as a freeform
alternative to WKCR
on the Columbia University
campus. In addition to broadcasting an array of shows, WBAR hosts several shows per year in Morningside Heights, including the WBAR-B-Q, a free showcase of bands and food. Recent performers have included Real Estate
, Gavin Russom
, Cold Cave
, Gang Gang Dance
, and more.
WBAR also used to host Radiothons, a fund-raising week-long series of live shows, interviews and give-aways, held in the WBAR studio. Alcohol was served. Dirty Projectors
headlined 2005's Radiothon closing show, supported by Akron/Family
, Other Passengers, R. Stevie Moore
and The Shot Heard Round the World. The show was held at The West End Basement on 03/05/05.
WBAR and NYU also held a Battle of the Bands on 10/25/02.
, Calvin Johnson
, Bikini Kill
, and Daniel Johnston.
03/05/96: Bikini Kill
play at 1020 bar
11/11/02: Allergic to Whores, Witch Hunt, Gorefist play at Lower Level McIntosh Hall.
26/03/03: The Intima, Young People, V for Vendetta, The Shame play at Prentis Hall.
25/10/03: Off Minor, The Fiction, Sequoia, Birthday Boyz, A Day in Black and White play at Prentis Hall.
20/02/04: Animal Collective
, Need New Body Magic play at Prentis Hall.
9/11/04: Blood on the Wall, Tunnel of Love, caUSE co-MOTION!, Isle of Citadel, The Return play at Lower Level McIntosh Hall.
18/11/04: The Blow, YACHT, Knife Skills, Dear Nora play at The West End Basement.
15/10/08: DMBQ, Pit er pat, Scary Living play at ADP.
06/02/09: Woods
, Wavves
, Nodzzz at the Underground Lounge.
, Liturgy
, Cold Cave
and Real Estate
.
2006: Fixations, YACHT, E*Rock, Bobby Birdman, King Kong Ding Dong, O'Death, Lucky Dragons, Midnight Hours, Man Man.
2007: ONEIDA, Dark Meat, caUSE co-MOTION!, Public Record, Soiled Mattress & the Springs, Vampire Weekend
, Nat Baldwin & Sam Rosen, The Shot Heard Round the World, Yan Yan.
2008: Wizards of the Coast, Bear, Food Will Win the War, Liturgy
, Thee Yetis, Les Sans Culottes, MegaFaun, Takka Takka, Tickley Feather, Crystal Stilts
, Cause Co-Motion, Awesome Color, The Skaters, Videohippos, Japanther.
2009: Fitz, Jerome Ellis, Acrylics, Liturgy
, Metalux
, Xeno & Oaklander, Free Blood, PackFM, Soft Circle
, Gang Gang Dance
.
2010: Cold Cave
, Blues Control, Liturgy
, Burning Star Core, Jana Hunter, Twin Stumps, U.S. Girls, Think About Life
, Prince Rama Of Ayodhya, Old Men.
2011: Real Estate
, Blondes, The Crystal Ark, Arp, Lauryl Halo, Big Troubles, Grooms, Beige, Julianna Barwick
.
Barnard College
Barnard College is a private women's liberal arts college and a member of the Seven Sisters. Founded in 1889, Barnard has been affiliated with Columbia University since 1900. The campus stretches along Broadway between 116th and 120th Streets in the Morningside Heights neighborhood in the borough...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Currently online-only, WBAR was developed as a freeform
Freeform (radio format)
Freeform, or freeform radio, is a radio station programming format in which the disc jockey is given total control over what music to play, regardless of music genre or commercial interests. Freeform radio stands in contrast to most commercial radio stations, in which DJs have little or no...
alternative to WKCR
WKCR
WKCR-FM is a radio station. Licensed to New York, New York, USA, it serves the New York area. The station is currently owned by Trustees of Columbia University in New York.-History:...
on the Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
campus. In addition to broadcasting an array of shows, WBAR hosts several shows per year in Morningside Heights, including the WBAR-B-Q, a free showcase of bands and food. Recent performers have included Real Estate
Real Estate (band)
Real Estate is an Indie rock band hailing from Ridgewood, New Jersey now rooted in Brooklyn, N.Y.-Band members:* Alex Bleeker – bass, vocals* Martin Courtney – guitar, vocals* Matthew Mondanile – guitar, vocals* Jackson Pollis – drums...
, Gavin Russom
Gavin russom
Gavin Russom is a musician and artist signed to DFA Records. Over the years, Russom has released music under various guises, including Black Leotard Front, Black Meteoric Star and The Crystal Ark, as well as collaborative work with Delia Gonzalez...
, Cold Cave
Cold Cave
Cold Cave is the experimental musical project of Wesley Eisold based in New York City and originating in Philadelphia and is described as "a collage of darkwave, noise, and synth pop"...
, Gang Gang Dance
Gang Gang Dance
Gang Gang Dance is an American experimental music band based in Manhattan, New York City. The band is known for its distinctive sound which features synthesized electronics and percussion, plus the varied vocal styles of singer Lizzi Bougatsos...
, and more.
History
WBAR was formerly located in Barnard College's McIntosh Hall before it was moved by the administration to the basement of Sulzberger Hall in the spring of 2007, pending demolition of McIntosh.WBAR also used to host Radiothons, a fund-raising week-long series of live shows, interviews and give-aways, held in the WBAR studio. Alcohol was served. Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors
The Dirty Projectors aka David Longstreth includes Amber Coffman , Angel Deradoorian , Brian McOmber , Nat Baldwin , and Haley Dekle during live performances...
headlined 2005's Radiothon closing show, supported by Akron/Family
Akron/Family
Akron/Family is a folk-influenced experimental rock band that formed in 2002, and its members currently live in Portland, Oregon , Tucson, Arizona and New York City, New York.-Music and history:...
, Other Passengers, R. Stevie Moore
R. Stevie Moore
Robert Steven Moore is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. In addition to having numerous albums released on labels around the world, the prolific Moore has self-released over 400 cassette and CD-R albums since 1968, as well as dozens of home videos, mostly through the R. Stevie Moore...
and The Shot Heard Round the World. The show was held at The West End Basement on 03/05/05.
WBAR and NYU also held a Battle of the Bands on 10/25/02.
Notable Shows
WBAR has a history of putting on shows that feature up-and-coming live acts, as well as on-campus talent. Among past performers include Ari UpAri Up
Ariane Daniele Forster , better known by her stage name Ari Up, was a German-born vocalist, best known as a member of the English punk group, The Slits.-Career:...
, Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, music producer, and disc jockey born in Seattle, Washington, USA...
, Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill was an American punk rock band formed in Olympia, Washington in October 1990. The group consisted of vocalist and songwriter Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and drummer Tobi Vail. The band is widely considered to be the pioneer of the riot grrrl movement,...
, and Daniel Johnston.
Daniel Johnston
Daniel Dale Johnston is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and artist. Johnston was the subject of the 2006 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston. He currently lives in Waller, Texas....
03/05/96: Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill was an American punk rock band formed in Olympia, Washington in October 1990. The group consisted of vocalist and songwriter Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and drummer Tobi Vail. The band is widely considered to be the pioneer of the riot grrrl movement,...
play at 1020 bar
11/11/02: Allergic to Whores, Witch Hunt, Gorefist play at Lower Level McIntosh Hall.
26/03/03: The Intima, Young People, V for Vendetta, The Shame play at Prentis Hall.
25/10/03: Off Minor, The Fiction, Sequoia, Birthday Boyz, A Day in Black and White play at Prentis Hall.
20/02/04: Animal Collective
Animal Collective
Animal Collective is an experimental psychedelic band originally from Baltimore, Maryland, currently based in New York City. Animal Collective consists of Avey Tare , Panda Bear , Deakin , and Geologist...
, Need New Body Magic play at Prentis Hall.
9/11/04: Blood on the Wall, Tunnel of Love, caUSE co-MOTION!, Isle of Citadel, The Return play at Lower Level McIntosh Hall.
18/11/04: The Blow, YACHT, Knife Skills, Dear Nora play at The West End Basement.
15/10/08: DMBQ, Pit er pat, Scary Living play at ADP.
06/02/09: Woods
Woods (band)
Woods is an American lo-fi folk rock band from Brooklyn, which formed in 2005.The band's membership now includes singer-guitarist Jeremy Earl, tape-effects technician G. Lucas Crane, bassist Kevin Morby, and multi-instrumentalist Jarvis Taveniere....
, Wavves
Wavves
Wavves is an American surf pop/noise punk band based out of San Diego, California.-History:Wavves started in 2008 as the recording project of Nathan Williams. Wavves released several 7"s as well as a cassette leading up to the first two releases 'Wavves' and 'Wavvves'...
, Nodzzz at the Underground Lounge.
WBAR-B-Q
Since 1993, WBAR has put on its annual WBAR-B-Q each April. Held outdoors on Barnard College's Lehman Lawn, the day-long show is free, all-ages and open to the public. Food is usually available, and in the past, alcohol has been served. Past line-ups have included Vampire WeekendVampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend is an American indie rock band from New York City that formed in 2006 and signed to XL Recordings. The Band has four members: Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio. The band released its first album Vampire Weekend in 2008, which produced the singles "Mansard...
, Liturgy
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
, Cold Cave
Cold Cave
Cold Cave is the experimental musical project of Wesley Eisold based in New York City and originating in Philadelphia and is described as "a collage of darkwave, noise, and synth pop"...
and Real Estate
Real estate
In general use, esp. North American, 'real estate' is taken to mean "Property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this; an item of real property; buildings or...
.
2006: Fixations, YACHT, E*Rock, Bobby Birdman, King Kong Ding Dong, O'Death, Lucky Dragons, Midnight Hours, Man Man.
2007: ONEIDA, Dark Meat, caUSE co-MOTION!, Public Record, Soiled Mattress & the Springs, Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend is an American indie rock band from New York City that formed in 2006 and signed to XL Recordings. The Band has four members: Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio. The band released its first album Vampire Weekend in 2008, which produced the singles "Mansard...
, Nat Baldwin & Sam Rosen, The Shot Heard Round the World, Yan Yan.
2008: Wizards of the Coast, Bear, Food Will Win the War, Liturgy
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
, Thee Yetis, Les Sans Culottes, MegaFaun, Takka Takka, Tickley Feather, Crystal Stilts
Crystal Stilts
-History:Crystal Stilts was formed in 2003 by Brad Hargett and JB Townsend. After releasing one single and an EP, the pair expanded to five members before signing to Slumberland Records in the US and Angular Recording Corporation in Europe and releasing their debut, Alight of Night, in 2008...
, Cause Co-Motion, Awesome Color, The Skaters, Videohippos, Japanther.
2009: Fitz, Jerome Ellis, Acrylics, Liturgy
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
, Metalux
Metalux
Metalux is a noise band consisting of M.V. Carbon and J. Graf, both members of Bride of No No. They are occasionally joined by Nautical Almanac member Twig Harper...
, Xeno & Oaklander, Free Blood, PackFM, Soft Circle
Soft Circle
Soft Circle is the project of New York City based musician Hisham Bharoocha. His debut album, Full Bloom, was released January 23, 2007, on the Eastern Developments Music record label. His sound is characterized by looped guitar riffs, drums, and repeated vocals.In 2009 Ben Vida joined Soft Circle...
, Gang Gang Dance
Gang Gang Dance
Gang Gang Dance is an American experimental music band based in Manhattan, New York City. The band is known for its distinctive sound which features synthesized electronics and percussion, plus the varied vocal styles of singer Lizzi Bougatsos...
.
2010: Cold Cave
Cold Cave
Cold Cave is the experimental musical project of Wesley Eisold based in New York City and originating in Philadelphia and is described as "a collage of darkwave, noise, and synth pop"...
, Blues Control, Liturgy
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
, Burning Star Core, Jana Hunter, Twin Stumps, U.S. Girls, Think About Life
Think About Life
Think About Life is an indie rock band from Montreal, Québec, Canada, formed in 2005 by drummer Matt Shane and keyboardist Graham Van Pelt.Think About Life's third member, vocalist Martin Cesar, also records and performs as Dishwasher. He has released a CD-R on Pink Triforce Tapes...
, Prince Rama Of Ayodhya, Old Men.
2011: Real Estate
Real Estate (band)
Real Estate is an Indie rock band hailing from Ridgewood, New Jersey now rooted in Brooklyn, N.Y.-Band members:* Alex Bleeker – bass, vocals* Martin Courtney – guitar, vocals* Matthew Mondanile – guitar, vocals* Jackson Pollis – drums...
, Blondes, The Crystal Ark, Arp, Lauryl Halo, Big Troubles, Grooms, Beige, Julianna Barwick
Julianna Barwick
Julianna Barwick is an American musician who was born in Louisiana and raised in Brooklyn. Her music is built around multiple loops and layers of her voice...
.
Notable DJs
- Chris BaioChris BaioChristopher Baio is an American musician, best known for being the bassist for the New York City-based indie rock band Vampire Weekend.-Early life:...
, former WBAR College Rock Music Director and current bassist of Vampire WeekendVampire WeekendVampire Weekend is an American indie rock band from New York City that formed in 2006 and signed to XL Recordings. The Band has four members: Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio. The band released its first album Vampire Weekend in 2008, which produced the singles "Mansard... - Amy Phillips, News Editor at Pitchfork MediaPitchfork MediaPitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
- Shirley BrahaShirley BrahaShirley Braha is an American TV producer. She created the music television show New York Noise, which ran on NYC TV from 2003-2010.-Early life:...
, creator of New York NoiseNew York NoiseNew York Noise is a one-hour indie-rock music video television program which aired from 2003–2009 on NYCTV in New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut. It was created, produced, and edited by Shirley Braha and funded by New York City under the Bloomberg administration... - Adam Shore, First WBAR Music Director and former General Manager of Vice Records