WMTU 91.9 FM Houghton is a college-run radio station at Michigan Tech, operating since 1956. They partner with various music groups to promote engagement for small bands and foster involvement within the community. WMTU is more than just a radio station; it’s a family of students passionate about connecting the Keweenaw through music and audio production.
WMTU brings entertainment daily from their hard-working student staff. Various departments make their show possible. Students work as DJs, event coordinators, and broadcasting managers. Behind the scenes, others are hard at work pre-recording lines or managing marketing and finances. These students excel in their skills, allowing the show to run from morning to night.
Even though today’s music is largely digital, WMTU has a massive library of CDs. Dane Cucinelli, Head of Events, shares that the organization estimates having 20 to 30 thousand physical CDs. He says, “if you were to listen to every single song… it would take… from the time you’re born to just past the time you die.” They also have an extensive digital music library; Colten Baran, Head of Productions, estimates it to be around 230 thousand digital songs.
Collaboration with other organizations allows them to promote community engagement on campus and around the Keweenaw. Keweenawesomefest (K-Fest) gives small bands the opportunity to perform live for an audience and online. Audio services for events are also available. They’ve helped build the snow DJ booth for the Winter Carnival all-nighter, and currently help with WHSA’s Coffee House karaoke nights. Coming up, Soul Train Night is an event hosted by the Black Student Association, full of music and food.
Tune into 91.9 FM and listen to WMTU, or check out their website at wmtu.fm for a weekly schedule. Late-night DJ positions are available by emailing wmtu-bs@mtu.edu. Students can also book the WMTU recording booth free of charge for podcasts, music, and other recordings. Meetings are Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the basement of Wadsworth Hall.
