WMSE
1025 N Broadway
Milwaukee, WI  53202

What is your format?
WMSE has no set format, and the genre of music changes every three hours. The music we play includes rock, blues, jazz, hip-hop, electronica, metal, reggae, punk, World, new age, avant garde, Americana, prog, Spanish language, and most everything in between. Individual DJ’s are on once each week, but their timeslot each day is more or less similar throughout the week, Monday-Friday. WMSE has no traditional Program Director deciding on playlists, so it is up to the on-air DJ’s to determine what goes out over the airwaves. If you’re lost, check http://www.wmse.org/schedule.php to find out what to expect when you tune in. A handy one-sheet with the entire week’s schedule is available at the office, or by calling (414) 277-7247.

I heard a song on WMSE and I want to know what it is. How can I find out?
The best way is to call the DJ right away at (414) 799-1917. Be aware that our on-air personalities are doing all of the show’s production as well, and that they receive a number of calls during their programs, so they may not answer immediately. Additionally, some programs are pre-recorded. In this case, you can listen for the DJ to read back their selections. If you have web access, you can download the archive of any show from the past year at http://www.wmse.org/schedule.php. Just click “display” under the desired show, and choose the date on which you heard the song. If worst comes to worst, call the WMSE office at (414) 277-7247, and we’ll try our best to hunt it down.

Can I be a DJ?
Yes, provided you are patient. At the moment, we have no available time-slots and a lengthy waiting-list. However, if you are willing to take graveyard shifts, and to help around the office when needed, you’ll quickly move to the front of the pack. Many applicants imagine we’ll call them up one day and ask them to be on from noon-3pm, but priority is given to those who have done time late at night and who have the experience to do well in a prime-time slot. If you are flexible, excited, and willing to do more than the bare minimum, then we’ll be more inclined to find a spot for you in time. Understand, though, that once DJ’s get on the air, they tend to stick around for a number of years, so we have very low turnover.

What bands should I be listening to?
How much time do you have? If you like what a DJ is playing and want to find something new, just give him or her a call. More often than not they will very excited about something, and are only too happy to recommend it. Ask the person behind the counter at your local record store what they’re listening to. They hear a lot of new music, and can work with you to find something new that you might like. Beyond that, we can’t encourage you enough to go see live music. If you’re there to see a headliner, make sure to check out the opening bands. Some of our favorite artists are ones we found by accident. Most bills are assembled to include bands which sound similar, so if you love one, you just might enjoy the rest of them. Hey, you’re paying ten bucks at the door no matter what. If you see one band or three bands for your money, that’s up to you.

I want to see more bands, but I won’t know anyone at the club. It’s really intimidating.
Don’t give it a second thought. If you’re into the band, you’re going to be surrounded by likeminded people who are there to have a good time, too. Just like you, those people are there to support the musicians and to hear some great music. The artists will appreciate the fact that you came out to see them more than you’ll ever know. They love meeting people who really enjoy the music, and who care enough to give up their time and money to come out.