script type="text/javascript"> /**** window.onunload=unloadPage; function unloadPage() { alert('Our tower is off due to scheduled maintenance. You can still listen in on our web stream.'); }
Illinois State University's Student Radio Station - WZND

 

Wake Up Normal

Taylor’s LAST Tirade!

 

What will Taylor miss after graduation? What WON’T she miss? Check it out on Taylor’s LAST tirade!

 

Taylor’s Tirade: Angelina and Brad Engaged!

Angelina and Brad Pitt finally decided to put a ring on it. Check it out.

April 19

Taylor’s Tirade: KimYe!

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West? Say it isn’t so! Check it out on Taylor’s April 26th tirade.

How the Tupac hologram worked at Coachella

If you haven’t seen the ‘performance’ from Tupac at this years Coachella, it is definitely worth a watch, the video is below in this post. But if your like me your wondering how the heck they were able to pull that off, well here’s how.

weareclosedgtfo.tumblr.comSorry to burst your bubble but if you thought that the Tupac performance was made from a prior performance, your wrong. According to Rolling Stone, it was all computer generated, but at least it was very well done CGI. They went on to say that the total price for the creation of that CGI Tupac was somewhere between $100,000 and $400,000 and I think it was well worth the money. If your going to bring someone back to life, you might as well do a good job at it. Plus I thought it looked believable from the video, so I can only imagine what some of the audience members at the show who ‘celebrated’ before the concert were thinking.

One more bubble to burst, you know how everyone is calling it a hologram? It wasn’t even a hologram. Well, Adam, then it must be a really cool new way of making dead people perform on stage then, right? Wrong again, it is actually based off a mid-19th century optical illusion called “Pepper’s Ghost”. It works off of the fact that glass is both see through and reflective.  So basically it was a 2D video of Tupac displayed on a really expensive see through, reflective screen on stage.

Bonus round: This was the first time this has happened at Coachella right? Wrong again. The Gorillaz did this too with their avatars, the video is below.


Click here for Wake Up Normal stories.

WHAT'S UP, ZND?

Cathy goes to the Grammys!

‘Music’s Biggest Night’: My Experience at the 54th Grammy Awards

Here is the rundown of the most amazing experience of my life/ the 54th Grammy Awards.

Things that surprised me during arrivals, preshow:

-The amount of people eating McDonalds and other food at the concession stands in the Staples Center before the show stared… in black tie formal wear. I was hungry too, but not that hungry.

- That Mumford and Sons had to wait in the same line as us to get into the Staples Center! Sigh No More was the soundtrack to my life for an entire summer; so needless to say, meeting Marcus Mumford was probably one of the most exciting moments of my life so far.

Favorite moments during the show:

- Seeing the show live! It was really cool to see how they operate the stages and set changes. To be able to coordinate that many performances alternating between two stages and one outdoor performance area must be an incredibly difficult process, especially because of the elaborate sets!  Every performance has a different set and crews were hard at work throughout the entire show changing sets out.

- Chris Brown’s mad parkour skills. His back flip off a 12 foot platform made up for the fact that he wasn’t actually singing during his performance.

- Coldplay! They have defiantly mastered the skill of using lighting effects to captivate an audience. Their light-up bracelets were a great way to make thousands of people a part of the performance. Now only if I could figure out a way to make it light up again…

- Best New Artist winner, Bon Iver, surprised us with his win and the acceptance speech that followed. He was clearly uncomfortable accepting the award. Which leads me to wonder who entered him into the category to begin with?

- Nicki Minaj’s performance was…..well interesting that’s for sure. My jaw was dropped for the entire performance! Everyone expected something crazy, but I don’t think anyone was prepared for anything that weird.

- Dave Grohl’s remarks on the how important the “human element” is in music. I wanted to stand and clap for him, but was too scared I would fall down the 300 level’s concrete stairs. Rock on Dave!

- Katy Perry debuted a new song. “Part of Me” clearly takes aim at a certain someone who just broke things off with Perry.  “So you can keep the diamond ring, It don’t mean nothin’ anyway, In fact you can keep everything, except for me.” Wonder who she is referring to…

- Jennifer Hudson’s tribute to Whitney Huston was absolutely beautiful.  She was the perfect choice to perform the last minute tribute. The Staples Center was dead silent for the first time in the evening as Hudson gave everyone in the crowd Goosebumps.

- At first, I was getting annoyed with how many times Adele was winning. However, her sweet and very down-to-earth acceptance of the awards made me a little less bitter. As she received the final award of the evening she even commented on how there was snot running down her face. Adele keepin’ it real!

 

The official Grammy after-party was a perfect way to wrap up the evening. After sitting in a stadium chair in the Staples Center for over three hours, through many boring commercial breaks; we were all very ready to dance, eat, drink, and listen to more music of course! The official after-party held next door to at the convention center had performances from Kenny Loggins and OneRepublic. The party was very colorful and tropical themed with numerous cirque du soleil type performers throughout the room. I’ve never really been a big fan of OneRepublic, but they put on an outstanding show for the thousands of people at the after-party.  The mixing skills of DJ Michelle Pesce kept the party going late into the night.

Overall, attending the Grammy Awards was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Just being in the same room as so many wonderful musicians was incredible. The weekend as a whole was the ultimate music experience; from seeing upcoming artists at the events during the weekend to watching the larger-than-life show on Sunday night. It was a weekend I will never forget!

 

Whitney Houston to be Honored at Tomorrow Night’s Grammy Ceremony

With the shocking news of the death of Whitney Houston many are wondering how she would be honored with the awards just hours away. Tonight is the annual Clive Davis’s pre-grammy party in Beverly Hills. It is reported that the bash is still currently sill going on, although Davis is not in attendance. Whitney Huston has been a big part of the party for many years and was reportedly scheduled to perform tonight. Clive Davis has been given the credit for discovering Huston.

Currently, it has been confirmed that Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to the pop star at tomorrow night’s awards.

‘One Night Only’

LA has been nothing short of amazing; the weather is a perfect 70 degrees and sunny! We spend most of the afternoon yesterday laying out under the warm sun at the pool. Do I really have to come back to Normal? I heard it was snowing yesterday…

Well anyway, to recap on The Grammy Foundations “One Night Only”; the event on Thursday night focused on the importance of live music and the preservation of historical music and video. The night opened with remarks from CEO and president of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, sharing his experiences with live music and the importance of musical performance everywhere; from the local coffee shop to high school gyms to major concert festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

The hosts of the evening, Sharon Osbourne and Steve Vai, gave deep (but clearly scripted) insight into why the cultivation and preservation of live music is so important. The pair commented on the most powerful of music experiences in historical and modern day America. Sharon Osbourne shared how her passion for music, rock especially, led for her to be the founder of Oz Fest. Steve Via, having toured with groups such as Frank Zappa and David Lee Roth, spoke on his experiences as a live performer and of the power of the stage to transform someone to becoming larger than life. Unfortunately, Via did not perform.

Kristen Madsen, senior Vice President of the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares closed the evening by stating that we are all a part of the live music experience. She commented that all performances, from small gatherings for house shows to sold-out arena tours, have a significant impact on modern day music and deserve preservation and appreciation. She then went on to introduce the final performance of the evening by welcoming Brett Michaels to the stage who performed a few of his hits from the 80’s including ‘Ever Rose Has It’s Thorns’.

My favorite performance of the night was by newcomer L.P. (You may have heard her song ‘Into the Wild’ in a recent
commercial for Citi Bank). Last night she performed ‘Into the Wild’ as well as a cover of the Radiohead song ‘Creep’.

I can’t believe the Grammy’s are Tomorrow! Yesterday we took a trip to The Staples Center to pick up tickets and caught a glimpse of the MusicCares event honoring Paul McCartney as the 2012 Person of the Year. The gala last night to honor Paul McCartney raised a record setting $6.5 million dollars for the Recording Academy’s foundation that provides medical care to musicians in need.

 

Let the Countdown Begin (4 more days till the Grammy’s!)

Ever since I found out that I could have a job in the music industry, without being a performer, I knew that my dream job one day would be in the music business. I have always loved music (who doesn’t?), and have taken a special interest in live music and the recording process.

This year I am very privileged (and beyond excited) to attend what is arguably the most important event of the year in the American music industry. In just a few days I have the incredible opportunity to attend the 54th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

First off, let me answer a few questions that I have been asked a thousand times this week already: ‘How do you get to go to The Grammys?’, ‘Why are you going?’ And ‘Are you excited?!’

I received my invitation back in December because I am a member of Grammy U. The Grammy U organization offers college students the opportunity to participate in networking and social events that are organized by The Recording Academy; the annual Grammy Awards being one of these events.  My sister and I, along with a friend, decided to go this year to celebrate our final year of college! And because I think I’ve earned a nice vacation. As far as being excited about going to the Grammy Awards?….OF COURSE I’M EXCITED!

We are kicking off the weekend in LA with The Grammy Foundation’s, Music Preservation Event taking place tonight at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills taking. Many people don’t realize that the Grammy Awards telecast is only one of the events during the week to celebrate the awards. The theme of this year’s Grammy Foundation event is “One Night Only: A Celebration of the Live Music Experience”. The evening will explore the history and evolution of the concert experience; events and artists who influenced current American live music. This year’s Preservation Event is co-hosted by Sharon Osbourne and guitarist/songwriter Steve Vai. The evening features historical footage of influential concerts and music festivals along with live performances by Grammy winning artists. Performers who have been announced include: Robert Cray, Jonny Lang, Shelby Lynne, Mavis Staples, A Fine Frenzy, the Colburn Orchestra, Tyrese; and current Grammy nominated artist Dave Koz and Ledisi. Poison vocalist and Rock of Love star, Bret Michaels will perform the closing set of the evening.

It’s guaranteed to be an exciting weekend here in the City of Angels! Be sure to check back this week for more updates on the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.

 

Check Out Our Sponsors!

Concerts in the Area

Area concerts happening in your neck of the woods!

  • Wiz Khalifa
  • The Joy Formidable
  • R. Kelly
  • Cage the Elephant
  • And more!

View a full schedule of well-known artists playing in the area

WZND Contact Information

Request Line:
Phone:(309) 438 -2171
Text: 71857 "WZND [song request]"

Phone:
(309) 438 -5491

Location:
Fell Hall 007
More contact info

News

ISU Introduces New Basketball Coach Dan Muller

Normal – Illinois State announced the hiring of new head men’s basketball coach Dan Muller on Tuesday afternoon. Athletic Director Gary Friedman made the announcement inside of Redbird Arena in front of a crowd filled with media and fans. Muller becomes the 19th men’s basketball coach in ISU history.

The 37-year-old Muller returns to his old-college stomping grounds where he played for the Redbids from 1994-98. He had a great career for the ‘Birds, scoring more than 1,400 points, earning the MVC Defensive Player of the Year twice and helped lead ISU to two MVC championships. He currently ranks no. 10 in career scoring at ISU with 1,445 points. In 2009 Muller was inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame.

Prior to being named head coach of ISU, Muller spent 12 years with Vanderbilt as an assistant under head coach, and former ISU head coach, Kevin Stallings. Since 2006 Muller held the responsibility of  recruiting coordinator for Vanderbilt and the school has seen some of the highest rated recruiting classes in it’s history. Muller was regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country.

It only took Friedman two weeks to fill the coaching vacancy left by Tim Jankovich, who left to take the coach in waiting job at Southern Methodist on Aug. 26.

Friedman said, “After talking with several basketball people across the country it was evident that Dan was the complete package, in terms of academics, recruiting, evaluation, player development, in-game coaching and game preparation. He also brings a strong coaching pedigree and a love for this institution and program. We are thrilled to have Dan back home to lead our men’s basketball program.”

Muller agreed to a five-year contract with a salary of $375,000 per year.

“It is an honor to be here today,” Muller said. “It’s good to be home. This is the ideal situation for me.”

Muller stressed winning championships, recruiting and graduating talented players and scheduling.

“We want to have an RPI that would put us in position for an at-large bid if we don’t win the league tournament,” he said. “We want to bring in opponents to Redbird that fans can be excited about and to go places where our student-athletes can have great experiences.”

ISU’s non-conference schedule has been among the weakest in the MVC under Jankovich. With games still needing to be scheduled for the 2012-13 season, Muller will have a chance to immediately come through on his promise.

Although Muller didn’t go into detail on what kind of  playing style he will implement, he did say they will run a “winning system.”

ISU will be returning all their players from a team that came up short in the MVC championship game last year. So, the expectations for next season are high and winning a Valley championship and heading to the NCAA tournament will be part of these expectations. Muller seems to be fully aware and prepared to fulfill these expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

BREAKING: Former ISU Star Dan Muller to be Named Head Coach

NORMAL-Former Illinois State University basketball star Dan Muller will be introduced Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Redbird Arena as the new head basketball coach.

Muller played for the Redbirds from 1995-98 and will fill the vacant position left by Tim Jankovich, who took a position with Southern Methodist University. Muller has served as an assistant coach for Kevin Stallings, who coached Muller at ISU, the past 12 seasons. The last time ISU made the NCAA basketball tournament was 1998, Muller’s senior season.

The press conference on Tuesday will be open to the public.

Multiple Involved in Bloomington Shooting

Bloomington – Shots were fired in the same neighborhood of south Bloomington for the third consecutive day. Police and witnesses believe as many as two shooters were involved.

The latest incident happened at 11:03 a.m. Thursday, around the same time police received reports of shots fired on Wednesday. Shots were also fired around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. No injuries have been reported, and police do not have any suspects in custody.

The previous shots fired reports on Tuesday and Wednesday were located in the 900 block of S. Center.

Bloomington Police Spokesman David White said Thursday’s incident of shots fired was located at 1008 S. Main.

Police interviewed witnesses and they said two-black males were armed and fled the scene of the crime.

The suspects left on foot to the northeast and might have left the scene in a vehicle.

WZND will update this story.

 


Click here for complete news coverage

Sports

ISU Introduces New Basketball Coach Dan Muller

Normal – Illinois State announced the hiring of new head men’s basketball coach Dan Muller on Tuesday afternoon. Athletic Director Gary Friedman made the announcement inside of Redbird Arena in front of a crowd filled with media and fans. Muller becomes the 19th men’s basketball coach in ISU history.

The 37-year-old Muller returns to his old-college stomping grounds where he played for the Redbids from 1994-98. He had a great career for the ‘Birds, scoring more than 1,400 points, earning the MVC Defensive Player of the Year twice and helped lead ISU to two MVC championships. He currently ranks no. 10 in career scoring at ISU with 1,445 points. In 2009 Muller was inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame.

Prior to being named head coach of ISU, Muller spent 12 years with Vanderbilt as an assistant under head coach, and former ISU head coach, Kevin Stallings. Since 2006 Muller held the responsibility of  recruiting coordinator for Vanderbilt and the school has seen some of the highest rated recruiting classes in it’s history. Muller was regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country.

It only took Friedman two weeks to fill the coaching vacancy left by Tim Jankovich, who left to take the coach in waiting job at Southern Methodist on Aug. 26.

Friedman said, “After talking with several basketball people across the country it was evident that Dan was the complete package, in terms of academics, recruiting, evaluation, player development, in-game coaching and game preparation. He also brings a strong coaching pedigree and a love for this institution and program. We are thrilled to have Dan back home to lead our men’s basketball program.”

Muller agreed to a five-year contract with a salary of $375,000 per year.

“It is an honor to be here today,” Muller said. “It’s good to be home. This is the ideal situation for me.”

Muller stressed winning championships, recruiting and graduating talented players and scheduling.

“We want to have an RPI that would put us in position for an at-large bid if we don’t win the league tournament,” he said. “We want to bring in opponents to Redbird that fans can be excited about and to go places where our student-athletes can have great experiences.”

ISU’s non-conference schedule has been among the weakest in the MVC under Jankovich. With games still needing to be scheduled for the 2012-13 season, Muller will have a chance to immediately come through on his promise.

Although Muller didn’t go into detail on what kind of  playing style he will implement, he did say they will run a “winning system.”

ISU will be returning all their players from a team that came up short in the MVC championship game last year. So, the expectations for next season are high and winning a Valley championship and heading to the NCAA tournament will be part of these expectations. Muller seems to be fully aware and prepared to fulfill these expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

BREAKING: Former ISU Star Dan Muller to be Named Head Coach

NORMAL-Former Illinois State University basketball star Dan Muller will be introduced Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Redbird Arena as the new head basketball coach.

Muller played for the Redbirds from 1995-98 and will fill the vacant position left by Tim Jankovich, who took a position with Southern Methodist University. Muller has served as an assistant coach for Kevin Stallings, who coached Muller at ISU, the past 12 seasons. The last time ISU made the NCAA basketball tournament was 1998, Muller’s senior season.

The press conference on Tuesday will be open to the public.

The Red Zone’s Take on Jankovich’s Departure

It was announced Thursday that Illinois State Head Coach Tim Jankovich will be leaving the Redbirds for Southern Methodist University to become the coach-in-waiting behind Larry Brown.  Before Jank’ left 103.3 WZND’s The Red Zone talked about the former Redbird leader.

 

 

Make sure to tune into this year’s last The Red Zone this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on 103.3 WZND.


Click here for complete sports coverage

Local Weather

wznd knows good music

Check out the new album review this week:

“Blunderbuss” – Jack White

Album: Blunderbuss

Artist: Jack White

Released; April 24th

The White Stripes may have broken up last year but that does not mean that Jack White’s career is on hiatus. As a member of The Raconteurs, Dead Weather, and not to mention collaborations with Bob Dylan, Insane Clown Posse, Alicia Keys and Loretta Lyn, Jack White has been keeping himself busy. To add on to this artist’s impressive resume, he decided to release his debut solo album, Blunderbuss.

“Sixteen Saltines” has that toe tapping acting with all its promising drum and guitar action. Very fast paced and easy to listen to. “Love Interruption” will leave the heart yearning for more with its alternative/ country sound.

This album is chalk full of that blues and rock sound, with just a hint of country. It will definitely leave the fans of Jack White’s work very pleased. Aside from that, there isn’t much to say about the album. There wasn’t anything spectacular and it just sounded like Jack White being, well, Jack White. Regardless of being predictable, it’s still a stellar album.

Recommend Tracks: Sixteen Saltines, Love Interruption

Final Score: 7 out of 10

-Priscilla Perez


Click here to read every review!

Make a request

WZND's sound combines the best music from all genres. Whether it's country, hip-hop, pop, rock, or your favorite classic hits, you'll hear it on WZND. The best songs you know and love, right here on WZND Fuzed.

Our full program schedule goes into greater detail of what you can hear when.