RSU Radio and the Student Broadcasting Association presented Chillout 2020 virtually this year. Concertgoers who missed seeing live music were excited to see sets from three unique artists – all from their couch.
The communications students planned, shot and produced the unique event, which brough more than 200 viewers in the first night and nearly 500 in the first four days.
“We picked a sleepover theme to match dead week and to give all the viewers a calming, pleasing aesthetic experience,” Caleb Broeker, a freshman from Glenpool, OK, said. “The was a perfect fit for the series as the community watched the concert from home in their pajamas.”
Broeker conducted interviews of the band members. The three bands, Stepmom, Kodos and Pets, performed through a YouTube link. Stepmom’s sound is orchestral dream punk, a mix of indie rock. Kodos performed a stripped-down acoustic set with the help of their tape machine beats. Pets is an indie rock band featuring members of Candyfly and Men of Action.
“The best thing about Chillout being virtual is that the audience gets to see a perfect product, exactly how we want them to view it. The mistakes and breaks can be edited out and we can add graphics, intros or other pieces that add to the experience,” Broeker said.
Premier viewers had the chance to win prizes from local businesses including Josey Records, Clever Fox Coffee, and FTW Games. One grand prize viewer won a $100 cash card courtesy of RCB Bank.
“I can’t fully express how proud I am of the students involved with this. Many people underestimate how much time and effort goes into a production this big, and the Student Broadcasting Association and RSU Radio students stepped up and did some great work,” RSU Radio General Manager Tip Crowley said.
Maria Turley, a junior from Copan, OK, designed the poster for the event and operated the camera for the activity and interview segments.
“I loved the music, each band had something really special to bring to the table. There were several moments where we were all close to tears but had to stay quiet so the microphones wouldn’t pick up our laughter,” Turley said. “I haven’t seen a live band in nine months. It was a cathartic experience for me and a couple of people in our crew. The cherry on top was knowing that we would get to share these stellar performances with the world.”
Claremore native and sophomore Luke Huen was the activities host and video editor. Creating a perfect event for viewers was an important aspect of the experience.
“Because the concert series was virtual, we were able to create a flawless presentation. As editor, I loved getting to meet the bands. They were fun people to talk to and learn about. Being a part of anything RSU Radio does allows me to share music with others,” Huen said.
RSU Radio and the SBA prepares students to become the next generation of broadcast professionals. Internships, electronic media scholarship opportunities and guest speakers allow RSU students to learn from the best and surround themselves with likeminded professionals.
“I have a passion for music and sound, and RSU Radio and the SBA allowed me to be more involved in those fields than ever before. I am surrounded by wonderful people who also have the same passion,” Broeker said.
KRSC-FM 91.3 has been promoting community and culture over the airwaves in northeast Oklahoma since 1980. In April, the station celebrated its 40th anniversary. Since its inception, the station has seen students win scholarships and production awards from the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
For more information about KRSC Radio or to listen to the station, visit rsuradio.com.