VOICE OF THE MIDWEST
w/ Brumaire
AIRS FRIDAY @ 12:00 (GRAND RAPIDS)
BIO
A left-wing radio show which mixes music and education. The show's name is derived from the radio station harnessed by Gamal Abdel Nasser, "Voice of the Arabs," which broadcasted both propaganda and songs in an attempt to increase solidarity amongst the Arab peoples. The goal of the Voice of the Midwest is much the same, to offer a media "out" in the all too conservative Midwest.
Air Date
Mix Name
THE CANTON OHIO SPEECH
rock
talk
In attempting to channel the anti-war energy of the moment, Brumaire recites a speech by Eugene Debs from the height World War One. In the process, she hopes she can convince you to organize!
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THE STRUGGLE FOR FILIPINO RIGHTS
Brumaire interviews an activist from Tanggol Migrante, a national Filipino coalition. Tanggol Migrante has been at the front lines of the labor and immigrant struggles, something which this show explores.
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OBZUTING CONTENT AHEAD
indie
talk
folk
rock
Brumaire kicks off the so-called new year with an interview with Muskegon based musician and friend of the show, Shelby Obzut. Shelby and her dive into both Shelby's catalog and influences, spanning from Michigan to Mexico, and beyond. A fun listen to start your year off!
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM UNCLE JOE
soundtrack
talk
Brumaire tries her best to do a Christmas show here, digging up music from the USSR in an attempt to invoke a wintry mood. The finest kids in the band room are sure to enjoy the choices of music in this show!
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A PLEA FOR CAPTAIN JOHN BROWN
new-age
talk
South Asia
Brumaire, following a recent pilgrimage to Kansas, contemplates the life and work of the one cool white boy: John Brown. She does this by reading Henry David Thoreau's "Plea for Captain John Brown," stumbling and bumbling her way through it and the discussion afterwards. Hopefully it will prove enlightening.
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THE MUNICIPALITY MASH
indie
talk
rock
pop
Brumaire is joined this week by Rapidian staple Allison, to discuss her work in the journal and other media endeavors! Allison is a veteran reporter for the Rapidian, and works extensively with the Grand Rapids Media Center. A great show for those looking to get more involved in the electoral and journalistic side of things here in Grand Rapids.
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ALL LARKS ARE POLITICAL
rock
talk
folk
punk
Keaton and Brumaire discuss a wide array of music this show. After all, we here at Voice of the Midwest believe in two goods: good taste and good politics.
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RANCID REGENTS, ZOMBIE-LIKE!
folk
talk
rock
Brumaire, in celebration of Halloween, breaks many show traditions, and opens up new doors. Here she has on her first ever two-time guest, friend of the show Joe on to discuss happenings in Ann Arbor. Sit back and enjoy this special halloween show.
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THIRD COAST/FIRST COAST SOLIDARITY
talk
folk
Brumaire has on friend of the show Ashten, who is based out of the East Coast, to discuss various topics on organizing. Ashten organizes for a wide variety of causes, including disability and queer rights, and for Palestine and applies a wide range of theoretical bases into his practice.
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MIXING POP AND POLITICS
folk
talk
pop
rock
Following her usual news segment, Brumaire this week revisits an adolescent favorite of hers, Billy Bragg. In exploring his music, does it hold up?
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OUT OF OUR SKEETOWN SHELL
rock
talk
post punk/new wave
Brumaire brings on friend of the show Doran to talk about their assessment of Muskegon's political and music scene. Doran is a Member of the Mollusks, a great goth rock band, give them a look!
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AGAINST WESTERN MARXISM AND FOR GAZA
SWANA
talk
Brumaire, following her news segment this week, reads a piece from the Substack "For by Art is Created that Great LEVIATHAN," from Rob Ashlar. Following that, she babbles a bit about the piece.
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WATERFALLS, A GARDEN OF EDEN
central american
rock
talk
Brumaire may get a bit too close for comfort in this one, as in a move of nothing short of nepotism, her own father appears on the show to discuss his experience organizing with the Muskegon Parks Coalition, among many other topics.
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A TOUR OF THE REVOLUTIONARY SOUTH SEA
talk
rock
caribbean
reggae-dub
In this show, Brumaire looks at the music of Revolutionary movements in the Caribbean, hoping to perhaps transfer that spirit to her own inland sea.
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WE BUILT THIS CITY ON HAMMER SICKLE
rock
talk
jazz
Brumaire and friend of the show Joe of Lansing (soon to be in Ann Arbor) discuss urban planning, local politics and academia in this particular show, while Brumaire messes up her mic quality.
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WHOLE BATCH OF FOLKS WHO LOST
jazz
talk
folk
rock
This week, Brumaire revisits her alienation hour roots by looking at the music of the Spanish Civil War, a favorite topic of leftist losers of all stripes since time immemorial. She had previously discussed it as a college freshman, let's hope she has something new to add.
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STRIVING TOWARDS THE GREAT HOMELAND
talk
SWANA
rock
This week, Brumaire finally pays tribute to the show's name sake by focusing on Arab Nationalist music from the Nasserist period. Tune in this week to mourn the lost of world that was, and tune out the celebration of the great satan who destroyed that world.
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A PHIL OCHS BANDUNG
rock
talk
folk
In a first for the show, Brumaire features a guest to select music and to discuss it with. Her and Keaton Thomas Pfeifle, Unpublished Poet and Unaccredited Flanuer talk about Phil Ochs. For perhaps too long. Anyway, if you want to check out Keaton's substack, look here: https://apocalypticscenarios.substack.com/
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PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNISM
indie
talk
rock
folk
After a brief read through the news, Brumaire reads through Engels' "Principles of Communism," a classic work which serves as a great introduction to Marxism
The show card image is originally from "The Gay Liberator," No. 42, December 1974
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LISTENING FROM THE GOSPEL OF PETER
folk
talk
First time in a while where Brumaire doesn't have a guest! Who does she decide to enlist but none other than Pete Seeger himself! Enjoy a fun episode of folk and festivities, all to the soundtrack of Pete Seeger!
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TALKING LANSING BLUES
talk
folk
pop
Brumaire has on yet another guest this week, this time to discuss Michigan Politics. Sam has been in working in the Michigan Legislature for some time now, and has been eyed on for a guest due to his insider baseball knowledge. Please two old friends discussing Michigan politics!
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EMPHASIS ON FRUITPORT AND FERRYSBURG
folk
punk
rock
talk
Another installment of the Voice of the Midwest, this time discussing the West Michigan Punk Scene. Join us as we talk with one of its major members, Esther of Violet Scum; Sherri and the Tomatoes and Underbelly. Check out the West MI Punk band camp, and each of Esther's Bandcamps.
Showcard credit to Esther!
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VIVA EL PUEBLO!: A DISCUSSION OF LATAM MARXISM
south american
talk
rock
Voice of the Midwest features its first guest in this show, Nicolette, an up and coming scholar of Latin American Marxism, in a semi amateur interview. Please note that there is some notable choppiness during the interview, but otherwise enjoy!
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UP THE RA! A LATE ST PADDY'S DAY CELEBRATION
rock
talk
folk
Today's show will feature music regarding the 800 year struggle in Ireland, along with the usual news roundup!
Image featured is of Provisional IRA female soldiers, circa 1977.
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IN HONOR OF THE EXILE BRECHT
other
folk
The First Episode of "Voice of the Midwest," featuring an introductory segment, the news, and a discussion of the music of Bertolt Brecht.
Image Credit: Zander & Labisch/ullstein bild/Getty
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