By Dominique Wald
KZUU 90.7 FM, Pullman’s only non-commercial radio station, is gearing up for its first Kazzuzapalousa Music Festival on Saturday at the Pullman Bell Tower Concert House.
KZUU broadcasts from the Washington State University campus and prides itself in being the only WSU student-run radio show that broadcasts over the air.
The college radio station was established in 1979 as an alternative to corporate-controlled music, and it lives up to that standard by promising to play music you normally wouldn’t hear anywhere else.
KZUU does not play music listed on the Top 40 Pop Charts, past or present, which includes popular artists like Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Nirvana, Daft Punk and Radiohead.
On Saturday, alternative “underground” bands featured on the station will have a chance to play live in front of Pullman listeners and fans.
Here’s a 360 roundup of what to expect:
Chastity Belt Hailing from Walla Walla, the band includes Julia Shapiro on guitar and vocals, Annie Truscott on bass and Gretchen Grimm on drums. The rock ‘n’ roll band is now based in Seattle and its members list “sex, violence and Nickleback” as their influences on their Facebook page.
Corey J. Brewer Brewer is native to the Pacific Northwest and is described as “hardline transcendentalism and post-romanticism.” His latest recording, titled “Charmed, I’m sure,” was released in January.
Childbirth The punk rock group was formed in 2012 and is signed with Help Yourself Records. Its latest album, “It’s a Girl,” was released in January of 2014.
Daniel Halligan Based in Seattle, Halligan has set up a Kickstarter to fund the production of his newest recording, “The Staircase.” The album combines rapping, singing, saxaphone, piano and strings.
Youryoungbody The dark electronic duo of Killian Brom and Duh Cripe has been making music since 2012. The duo’s latest album, “Hashira,” was released in 2014.
Blackwater Prophet Formed in 2011, Blackwater Prophet is a psychedelic rock and blues band from Spokane. Featuring Bryan Coats on drums, Beav Parker on bass and Garret Zanol on guitar and vocals, Blackwater Prophet is currently unsigned and just released its debut self-titled album in September.
SMASHCLUB The Seattle-native garbagerap group was formed in 2011. Its latest E.P., “The Hype,” was released in August.
Local artists Ray Lechlet, Seth Goler, Katelyn Rochelle and Nik Radford will take part in Kazzuzapalousa as well. Festival manager Sasha Gonzalez says KZUU plans on making Kazzuzapalousa a yearly event.
If you go WHAT: KZUU 90.7 FM Kazzuzapalousa Music Festival WHEN: 2 p.m.-midnight Saturday WHERE: Bell Tower Concert House, 125 NE Spring St., Pullman COST: Tickets can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Advance tickets are $8 for students and $10 for general admission. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for students and $12 for general admission.
