Last week, the show “RU Listening” had their third live show of the semester. This show featured a well known Rowan band named The Estrogents, and the show also had the largest audience it’s seen so far. “RU Listening” had hosted The Estrogents before, during its first few episodes, and now, as they come back, they have a much bigger audience than before. The audience was dancing and singing along with the music. At one point, there were students gathering in a circle to dance with each other. The growth of “RU Listening’s” audience, plus the expansion of the kinds of music they will be featuring, can only mean good things for this show. 

“Even though it [the show] is in a studio, the energy is still there. The energy is there if I’m in the crowd or even on camera, I can always feel it,” said Terry Harris, a Radio, Television, and Film (RTF) student at Rowan. 

Artists of all genres have been featured in “RU Listening,” and they have all spoken positively about their experience. They enjoy the experience of performing the show but also the experience of working with the people behind the scenes. The crew is the heart of the show, and they provide for a positive atmosphere just as much as the musicians do. Whether it be the tradition of signing the “RU Listening” sign at the end of the show or getting a series of artsy photos from the performance to showcase the artists performance, the show and all that goes on to give the band a great time is shaped by the efforts of the crew. 

“The environment here is so welcoming, and the mixes are always top tier. Here on campus, we get to interact with a lot of the music industry people. Getting to interact with the students in the Radio, Television, and Film program is really nice to do,” said Jack Darishuck, the drummer of the Estrogens, when asked about the performer experience at “RU Listening.”

The show also offers many opportunities for behind the scenes roles to students a part of the Radio Television Network. The show does a rotating camera crew each show, where about 3-4 students get a chance every show to experience working on the set, whether that be working the door, being a camera operator, or being the photographer for the night. The experience to work on a live show is so important for RTF students. 

“We thought that our show was a great opportunity for people to get experience and for lots of new people to come and work every show. We consider our show more of a field shoot; every concert we have, we bring in all new crews,” said Adam Reim, producer of “RU Listening.” 

The goal for “RU Listening” is to have many opportunities for each field of the show. The show started with the indie rock scene featuring bands such as Spudmack, Lvna, and the band most recently featured, Estrogents. While that was the focus for a while, they plan to expand their show to every artist in the Glassboro area, no specific genre required. Any artist or band is welcome to play their music on the “RU Listening” platform as it continues to grow. In the upcoming show, they plan to feature a jazz quartet, which is very different from what they have done so far. With featuring something this different, they will attract a whole new audience to come out and watch their show live. 

“It’s a surreal moment to see an audience that big because it feels like we are running our own concert venue. We’re presenting music, and people are enjoying it. Tonight was a great example. I think that was the most energetic crowd we’ve ever had …we put it together and it’s very fulfilling,” said Reim.

“RU Listening” has only grown since its start about a year and a half ago, and it will only continue from here. The endless opportunity that is available for artists and students alike is something you cannot find anywhere else. The next show is Nov. 9, offering a Jazz quartet and a good time with good music, show your support to the hardworking students who put these shows together, and one of the best shows on Rowan Television Network.

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