Darkness came over me and troubled me, but hardly had I felt this when the light became more and more oppressive to me, and the heat wearying me as I walked, I sought a place where I could receive shade... Most if not all of our DJs view their music as a vital conduit for collective resistance and individual healing, and approach music, art, and DJing from anti-racist, feminist, q***r, anti-ableis
t, and anti-capitalist perspectives. We also believe in the importance of providing cultural and historical context for the music that we air, especially to the extent that it enables listeners of privilege to consume music mindfully. At the same time, since material change will not come solely from within the club, the art gallery, or the Internet (*gasp*), we strive to empower movements for justice with all the tools at our disposal. Especially in the chic worlds of music, fashion, etc., there is a danger in using the rhetoric of resistance to systematic oppression for selfish purposes that are antithetical to real social and political change. This includes the social capital that comes from appearing to be "on the right side of" various struggles. F**k any media outlet that profits from the cultures of marginalized groups while reinforcing systems of oppression. In acknowledgement of this tendency toward commodification, this platform will remain ad-free and not for profit. We reject the music industry's flagrant nepotism and gatekeeping (as Tomu put it) and invite anyone who shares our values to become part of the station and make use of our resources. We’re here to collaborate on radio shows, long-form audio pieces, original music, events, journalism, and design. Our pop-up party, Night Sweat, aims to provide an accessible space for performers of many musical backgrounds, while doing our best to maintain a safe environment for everyone who’s there. Many of the people who run this station are artists themselves, and are fed up with exploitative practices like offering gigs “for exposure” as well as racism and sexism in nightlife spaces. We’d rather build a community out of friendship and respect for each other’s work. We appreciate all donations regardless of amount, and do not offer special rewards to those who can afford to pay more. Donations enable us to continue funding the various overhead costs of running an internet radio station and website--including eventually compensating those who contribute for their work--while trying to make high-quality audio/broadcast/design resources available to people who might not get them otherwise. To get involved, please contact us at:
[email protected]
facebook.com/sweat.fm
