Shanna Delaney is a singer-songwriter for the husband-wife indie pop duo known as By Light We Loom based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Although the group founded in August of 2014, Shanna has been making music and playing in various groups for over ten years now.

Jenna Fournier is a singer-songwriter and guitarist most known as the front-woman for the shoegaze/dream pop band, NIIGHTS also based out of Cleveland, Ohio. The band is currently signed to both an American and Japanese Record Label. 
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Q: Have you faced any challenges being a woman in the music industry? If so, what are they?

Delaney: Yes, many. Where do I start... There have been several challenges, but the one that comes to my mind has more to do with music professionals, such as sound technicians and band managers, and their interactions with me. Sometimes I feel like sound guys talk down to me like I do not have knowledge of musical equipment or technology. Some will even be rude or try to tell me what I want or need on stage. I have found that I have to go in really confident from the start with them and, unfortunately, be a bit curt in order for them to respect what I am saying and what I would like. The greatest example of rudeness from a male in the industry I encountered was when we were opening for a rather big band (I'll leave out their name). The band was really nice, but their manager was extremely arrogant and rude. We had been at the venue for three hours, and we were two hours past our soundcheck time due to his inefficient methods. When we finally got on stage to sound check, he came up to me and told us he did not want us to sound check now and instead line check right before we played. Then he very rudely, and super slowly, started explaining to me what a line check was, indicating that he thought I had no idea what it was and this was my first time ever performing. I had been in a band eight years at this point. 

Fournier: Venues will sometimes bill my band with other bands simply because both are female fronted. I wonder sometimes if they even listen to the music. I have also had stalker-types to deal with, and received inappropriate messages from both ‘fans’ and men who actually work with the band in one way or another, and often have men lingering at the merch booth not buying anything.

Q: Have you ever received any special treatment or privileges based on your gender?

Delaney:This may have happened, but I am not aware of it if it has. However, I may have had special treatment from the audience before, offering to buy me a drink or something like that.

Fournier: Sometimes men offer to help carry gear, but I prefer to load my own stuff so I know it’s accounted for. I don’t know if you’d call that special treatment though.

Q: Do you feel pressured to change your appearance or behavior because you believe it is crucial for your success in this industry?

Delaney: I would say yes and no to that. No in that the genre in which we are in is pretty open to personal style and attitude. I think if I were in the pop genre, there would be a lot more pressure on appearance for sure. However, there is pressure in general for a band to have what is called "a brand" by marketing professionals, and in that, there could be pressure to look a certain way depending on what the marketing firm has decided your brand should be.

Fournier: I don’t personally feel pressured to change my appearance, but I’m not interested in pop-stardom commercial success. I do believe that women in music are often expected to be young and attractive, and they will be picked apart for their looks. A male musician once told me that he gets angry when he sees a girl on stage in jeans and a hoodie, which made me angry to hear. I’ve also heard men comment about girls playing in mini-skirts, accusing them of using their bodies to sell their music. So, it feels like we can’t win. We will be stereotyped or judged however we dress. Woman are objectified in general, but especially so in the entertainment industry. As far as behavior, I do feel the need to demand respect, because it’s not always given to me, and when a woman is assertive, she is called a bitch. When a man is assertive, he’s called confident.

Q: What is the best part about being a “successful” female musician?

Delaney: The best part about being a musician in general is getting to meet and talk with people about their lives. I have also felt honored by people who have told us our stories mean something to them or that they do not know why, but my singing made them feel something. Emotional response is one of the reasons musicians do what they do. In addition, it is always fun to see little ones in the audience look up at you mesmerized, and it reminds you that they are watching everything you say or do, and in that moment, you are a role model for them.

Fournier: It’s amazing to me to be able to travel and share something I created with people all over the world. Music has been so therapeutic for my and brings me so much joy, and if I can inspire other people, especially young girls, to play or create, that makes my heart smile.

Q: In your experience, has the music industry changed for women in recent years?

Delaney: Again, in certain genres, I do not think so. However, I think with the increased popularity of indie music, the presence of a strong female lead who looks and acts the way that is true to herself has become more popular and accepted, maybe even admired. I do think the industry has seen some progress in the fact that we see more female role models in all areas of the industry: musicians, writers, producers, managers, sound engineers, etc., and unlike past decades, such as the 50s, 60s, and 70s, these women are being taken more seriously and receiving credit and admiration for their work.

Fournier: I think it has gotten better, but there is a long way to go before I would say it’s an equal playing field for men and women. However, women are able to get some recognition & exposure because of the internet, and movements like Riot Grrl, in a way that they couldn’t in the past. People are talking about feminism, and I hear men comfortably and proudly identifying as feminist. Female artists and all-female bands are making great music and getting noticed.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring female musicians?

Delaney: I think the advice I would give to any musician is to just stay true to yourself. It sounds cliche, I am sure, but it is true. Write the music that you want to write, the music that is in you, and perform in a way that demonstrates who you are and in a way that feels most comfortable and freeing to you. At the end of the day, you will have people that love you and people that are critics, but if you can look at yourself and be proud of your art and who you are, that is all that really matters. Truly.

​Fournier: Stay true to yourself. Learn your instrument and all your gear inside and out, and keep challenging yourself. Be confident and just make the music you want to make and share it. 

 "I'm with the Band," I thought as I posed awkwardly with the Punch Drunk Taglongs

In case you missed it, Cleveland's famous Brite Winter Art and Music Festival on the West Bank of the Flats was this past Saturday. I almost froze but it was totally worth it to hear some incredible local music and experience all the Cleveland scene has to offer. At the festival I had the opportunity to meet and see The Punch Drunk Tagalongs. Their sound is all over the place with elements of indie rock, grunge and shoegaze...but trust me, it's cool. Alisha Stahnke, the front woman of the group has the ability to whisper or shriek into the mic at a moments notice and along with their raw and fun energy, it's impossible not to have a good time seeing them live. They're also incredibly friendly and down to earth and it was great just to meet with them and hang out at the festival. Their performance was even better than I could have imagined and they didn't disappoint fans by playing their latest single, "Hazy." Although the band began in Akron they now reside in Cleveland and are quickly becoming a Cleveland favorite. If you missed them at Brite there's still plenty of opportunities to see them. They plan to release their first full length album on April 7th and will celebrate it with an album release party at the Grog Shop. They'll also be playing with another Cleveland favorite, Nights.

​If you want to hear more from Alisha of the Punch Drunk Tagalongs, check out our recorded interview on our SoundCloud. You can now listen to their latest single "Hazy" on their Spotify, Bandcamp or on WBGU-FM's local hour. But remember, you heard it here first. 

“Not Thrilled”?? Worst name for an awesome album that is definitely thrilling.

Fine China are indie rock band from Phoenix, Arizona originally formed in 1997. They have taken the indie stage this year with a killer comeback. I’m a typical indie rock/emo/new wave music fan and this has become the soundtrack of my life lately. I haven’t stopped listening to it since I discovered it. The band’s definitely got some Cure and Smiths influence but they balance it well with fresh melodies and riffs. Their guitars are seriously groovy and bound to make an impression on you.

Favorite tracks: “Anybody Else” is the first up. Great establishing track of the band’s sound and what’s to come. Chill jam that you’ll definitely be singing along to after one listen. “The Light of Spring” comes next and was the first song I heard off the album. Twinkly fast paced guitar and synths, what’s not to love? “Feel Not” might be my favorite, favorite. The chorus is crazy powerful. You can feel the energy through the track and It makes me want to belt it out with him every time I hear it. Sidenote: it’s super cool to listen to when you’re on a plane and taking off. “Iron is Your Love” is chill but insanely catchy. Rob Withem’s vocal range is seriously impressive and impossible to not fall in love with.

​Honestly love every track off the album and how often can you say that about a band? Even if you aren’t a huge fan, I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying something off this album. It’s easy listening at the very least. Check it out. If you don’t love it, you’re wrong. The album is available to stream on Spotify but you heard it first from WBGU-FM.

Watch the Falcon Flame Game! 
No Valentine’s Day plans? That’s a bummer. But wait! You can watch OTHER people find love this Valentine’s Day. Starting at 4:30pm, Falcon Media’s will be hosting The Falcon Flame Game, a remake of the 60s/70s dating game helping BGSU students find their Falcon Flame. The show will be recorded live in front out a studio audience and broadcast live on facebook.com/BGFalconmedia


Sponsors:

Cookie Jar
The Falcon Flame Game is brought to you by Cookie Jar.  Cookie Jar’s Valentine’s Day special includes a frosted sugar heart cookie and their signature chocolate covered strawberry cookies. They’re locally made with love in Downtown Bowling Green

Qdoba:

The Falcon Flame Game is sponsored by Qdoba Mexican Grill. 
Valentines day specials includes #QDOBAforaKiss.  Get ready to celebrate your love of QDOBA and No Kid Hungry on Valentine's Day. Stop by any participating QDOBA on February 14, purchase an entrée, share a smooch and get a free entrée - no coupon necessary.



BG Burgers
The Falcon Flame Game is sponsored by BG Burgers. Combining the American Classic with the Local Neighborhood staple from Bellville Meats to create the perfect little place to get that big juicy burger and more! BG Burgers also offers appetizers, salads, wings, and even something sweet like Cheesecake factory cheesecake! BG Burgers, where the Burger meats the bun!



Exhale and Create:  The Falcon Flame Game is brought to you by Exhale and Create.  A DIY inspired creative studio, Exhale and Create is a fun and creative space for group classes or private parties. Have a craft you have pinned on Pinterest but will never get around to making? Exhale and create can help! More information can be found at exhaleandcreate.com 


Falcon Swing Society:
The Falcon Flame Game is brought to you by The Falcon Swing Society, offering weekly lessons and informal dances every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m in the Anderson Arena Lobby. No experience or partner is necessary, they’ll teach you everything you need to know.  And your first visit is free! The Falcon Swing Society (FSS) is open to community members and students. After the first lesson, the Membership fee is only $10 a semester.

Ever watch a movie or TV show and wonder Why do I feel so nostalgic during this scene? Or so happy or so sad? 
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Chances are – it’s because of the music. Cinema Tunes is all about the music. And the cinema. Hosted by Maddy Grimm and featuring notable soundtracks and songs as well as up and coming indie artists who might just find their way into a soundtrack someday. Stay Cinema Tuned every Thursday 10pm-11pm on 88.1 WBGU-FM to learn about the connections between music and media.

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Aardvark Underwriting Spots Spot 1: Suzanna & Sam “The Vark”

Sam: Hey Suz, what’s up?
Suz: Ugh. My sorority is having a bar crawl and I don’t know what to wear.
Sam: Why not get matching t-shirts? That’d be funny
Suz: Matching shirts?? How can I do that?
​Sam: You know, the Vark…..Aardvark downtown. They make designs and shirts all the time for BG students. You can design your own artwork too if you want. WBGU FM is brought to you by Aardvark Screen printing and embroidery. Located at 123 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio and always open at aardvarkspe.com


Spot 2: Family WBGU FM is brought to you by Aardvark Screen printing and embroidery. Want to print a funny family quote on a mug? Or get some matching t shirts for a family reunion? Aardvark Screen Printing and Embroidery can help. A veteran-owned family business serving the community for over 25 years. Located on 123 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio and always open at aardvarkspe.com


Spot 3: Business WBGU FM is sponsored by Aardvark Screen printing and embroidery. Whether it’s a business card holder for your desk, holiday gifts for employees, or promotional materials, Aardvark offers a wide variety of custom made products for your business needs. Aardvark screen printing and embroidery. A veteran- owned family business located at 123 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio and always open at aardvarkspe.com