WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
The top four albums played on WDCE this week were: * Various Artists – Help(2) * Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me * Arlo Parks – Ambiguous Desire * Jose Gonzalez – Against the Dying of the Light
Exams are upon us and the spring semester is winding down.
If you are looking for a study break or just some good vibes, take a look at all the Parsons Playlists curated by our student employees this term — there’s bound to be something that will appeal.
Clicking on the links below will take you to each playlist post.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features a selection of house music tunes.
WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
The top four albums played on WDCE this week were: * Snail Mail – Ricochet * Various Artists – Help(2) * Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me * Courtney Barnett – Creature of Habit
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
The first vinyl piece started off with meditative sounds, which immediately relaxed my mood and body. Then, slowly soft violin and a faint piano start to play. Everything sounded very high-pitched, but it gave off a relaxing vibe. The violin would slowly stop playing and then gently start again. I would recommend this first piece if you are feeling stressed and want to listen to some relaxing music.
The second vinyl piece was a completely different vibe. It started with a very fast-paced string instrument that sounded like a cello. It gave off the feeling of an intense chase. The string instruments slowed down, giving me the feeling that I had run into the forest to hide. Then the rhythm started to speed up again. But this time, instead of running away from danger, it sounded like I was running towards safety. This piece gave me a very deep sense of meaning and emotion.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Laeticia (class of 2026) and features some Afrobeats and Amapiano tracks for your summer enjoyment!
Sounds Like Summer 2.0: Afrobeats & Amapiano
Spring is here, and honestly, my mind is already somewhere warm. I’m thinking picture-perfect weather, good vibes, and even better company. This time of year always has me reminiscing on my favorite summers, the kind filled with just the right mix of heat, laughter, and music that makes every moment feel like a movie scene. That music, for me, has always been Afrobeats and Amapiano.
If you haven’t been fully introduced to the world of African music yet, let me be the one to do it. Afrobeats and Amapiano have taken over dance floors, rooftops, and radio stations across the globe, and they deserve just as much shine here on campus. These genres are cultural, joyful, and layered with history, movement, and feeling. There is a richness to this music that goes beyond the beat, and once it gets into you, it doesn’t leave.
We’re deep in one of the most demanding stretches of the semester, and what better way to push through than with music that refuses to let the energy drop? I have put together the ultimate Afrobeats and Amapiano playlist filled with songs that carry that warm-weather feeling no matter what the forecast says. Think of this as your early introduction to the soundtrack of your summer. Every track on this list is one you will hear at a function, and you will want to know every word when that moment hits.
So consider this your invitation into the world of Afrobeats and Amapiano, and thank me later!
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer born in Venice in 1678. He was also a priest, known for his red hair, which earned him the nickname “The Red Priest.” For much of his career, he worked at the Ospedale della Pietà, a girls’ orphanage and convent with a renowned music program. There, he served as violin teacher, composer, and music director, writing a vast amount of music for the talented students to perform.
Vivaldi was incredibly prolific. He is best known for his set of violin concertos called The Four Seasons, which uses music to paint scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But that’s just a small part of his output. He wrote over 500 concertos for various instruments, nearly 50 operas, and many sacred choral works. His music is famous for its bright, energetic feel, memorable melodies, and dramatic contrasts.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Alexandra (Alex) (class of 2026) and features some songs that she deems to be “late night classics.”
WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
The top four albums played on WDCE this week were: * Various Artists – Help (2) * Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me * Arlo Parks – Ambiguous Desire * The Sophs – Goldstar
