You’re reading a story from Sidelines 100, a project showcasing a century of student storytelling at Middle Tennessee State University. Sidelines 100 plans to highlight 100 stories from the newspaper archives this fall and spring.
This story originally ran in the March 1, 2001, edition of Sidelines. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all things Sidelines 100.
Being able to hear all types of music on one radio station is one of the best things about college radio. Hip-hop might be on in the morning, electronica in the afternoon, and then, indie rock at night. There’s something for each person to listen to throughout the day.
However, you don’t have to wait a few hours to hear different kinds of music because it all gets mixed together.
Such is the case of “The Shroom Room” with Randi, which airs every Monday morning from 10 a.m. to noon on 88.3 WMTS.
Maranda MacBeth is the host of “The Shroom Room” and divides her show into two parts: one hour of rock and one hour of acid jazz.
“Even though those two styles of music don’t really have anything in common, I love having the opportunity to play them both altogether on one show,” she said. “It’s great being able to hear everything that I listen to on the radio.”
MacBeth is a junior from Maryville, Tenn. and is a public relations major in the recording industry. This is her second full year at WMTS and she was recently elected the new promotions direction for the station. Judging by her take-charge attitude toward the position, you can expect to hear more about the station over the next year.
“There hasn’t been too many benefit shows lately, and I plan on booking a lot more so that people are reminded about the station,” she said.
MacBeth also said that she’s almost sure her show is the only one that combines the styles of rock and acid jazz together. She doesn’t strictly focus on just those styles either.
On the rock portion of the program, you might hear more indie music – Buffalo Tom and Huck – and harder sounds from bands like Incubus, Deftones and NOFX.
While diving into the acid jazz hour, a variety of electronic music can be heard – LTJ Bukem, Radiohead, The Cinematic Orchestra and Portishead.
Without a doubt, almost anyone is bound to hear a song they like during “The Shroom Room” with Randi’s two hours of airtime.
So don’t forget to tune in to 88.3 WMTS to help cure the Monday morning blues every week.
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