Emily Teubner

How long have you two been involved with WRSU and how did you first hear about the station?

I first learned about WRSU by visiting an annual event hosted by Rutgers, called Rutgers Day. The station staged local bands at the event, and I knew it was a club I wanted to join. I got involved as a music department member my first week of college, back in September 2019. After a year of being a general member, I began DJing my sophomore year and worked as an assistant music director, before taking over the position last year.

What advice/direction can you offer other MDs as the best way to get their DJs to notice and play the new music your station receives?

In my weekly emails out to DJs, I always highlight my personal top picks of each week, from a variety of genres. Also, for each album, we have a “WRSU says” section with real comments on the albums from music department members. Our station also has a new music Spotify playlist that DJs often use for inspiration.

What is the part of your job you love the most?

My favorite part of the job is communicating with different promoters around the country. Not only are they providing the music that keeps college stations running, but they are inspiring to MDs that are aspiring to work in the music industry after college. It’s always a good time in my office hours chatting with different promoters. Through my position, I have also gained amazing career opportunities, like my previous digital marketing internship at The Syndicate and my current radio promotions internship at Terrorbird Media.

What was your favorite album released in 2021? Is there a 2022 release on the horizon you are eagerly awaiting?

My top album of 2021 has to be Mood Valiant by Hiatus Kaiyote. They were my first introduction to neo-soul back in early high school and there are no misses on the album. As for this year, I love a good pop record, and I’m really looking forward to Lizzy McAlpine’s upcoming record, Five Seconds Flat.

Do you have a favorite artist or album you never get tired of listening to?

I will never, ever, ever get tired of Yebba. Her runs are out of this world, and there is just something very gravitating about her music. The lyrics are very genuine, and the intricacies never feel forced. Specifically, her best song, in my opinion, is “October Sky.”

Which artist/band has put on the best live show you’ve ever seen? Have you attended a live show recently now that some tours are happening again? If so, how was it seeing live music again?

It’s difficult hard to pick a single best live show, but if I had to, it would probably be seeing Lawrence this past December at Terminal 5 in NYC. The band features a really strong brass section, and their soul-pop style is very unique and works amazingly in a live setting. I also got to attend Firefly Festival this past year doing media coverage, and that was a life changing experience. There’s always an underlying layer of nerves going to live shows in today’s health climate, but it just makes going to shows even more special.

Who is an artist or band totally outside the realm of the music you play on WRSU that people might be surprised to know you love?

Many are surprised to know I am a huge listener of worship music. I personally sing at my church, and love listening to worship collectives such as Maverick City Music, Housefires, and UPPERROOM. Side note: it’s been really cool to see mainstream artists like Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, and Kanye West collaborate with Christian musicians I listen to on the regular.

If you had the power to instantly change one thing going on in the world at the moment, what would it be?

I feel like the easy answer revolves around the pandemic; however, I think my change would be to end homelessness. What a dream it would be to see everyone in homes provided for, past the bare minimum.

What event in your life would you say has shaped you the most as a person?

I am very lucky that I was given opportunities to explore the creative arts from a very young age. My school districts theatre and music programs growing up really gave me the courage to pursue a career in something I love: music. Without seeing the adults I looked up to in my life making a living in the arts, I would be a very different, less passionate person.

If you could choose, what time period in the past would you most want to travel back to visit and why?

I never fully got a fan-girl experience as a younger teen, not counting a two-year obsession with One Direction back in early middle school. I feel like it would be the coolest, most exciting experience to go back to the sixties and live out my fan-girl dreams for bands like The Monkees, The Beatles, The Turtles, etc.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in town (dine-in or take out) that you recommend people try?

Rutgers New Brunswick students are blessed with the many eateries along Easton Avenue and George Street. My personal favorites have to be Ramen Nagomi (get the spicy miso ramen with an extra helping of noodles) and La Catrina (they have birria tacos and amazing chalupas.)

What in your life brings you the most joy?

I get the most joy from the experiences I have with the people I love. Nothing beats a coffee date with a friend, going to basement shows with station members, or late-night study sessions with people in the library. I just love being around the people I love.

Lightning Round:

Dog or Cat? Cats! I have one named Chester, he’s a cutie
Morning Person or Night Owl? Night owl, aspiring morning person.
City or Country? City!
Beach or Mountains? Beach, I live in the Jersey Shore waters every summer.
Watch TV or Read A Book? Watch TV, specifically Black Mirror.
Sunny or Rainy? Sunny, but I love an occasional cozy, rainy day.
Restaurant or Home Cooking? Restaurant!
Pants or Shorts? Pants, I live in flare jeans year-round.
Warm or Cold drinks? Cold drinks are superior, that’s what gloves are for in the winter.

Do you have any current favorite TV shows you’re enjoying/binging? How about a movie (new or old) that you’ve watched recently that you would recommend?

I will forever be the biggest Black Mirror stan. I would recommend the episodes, “Black Museum,” “Hang The DJ,” and “Playtest.” I wish I was more into movies, but my all-time favorite has to be The Truman Show.

With Valentine’s Day here this month, do you find the holiday to be a fun way to show the person you love just how much you love them or would you say it falls more under the guise of crass commercialism?

This is the first year I am even considering celebrating the holiday. I think it’s a cute excuse to celebrate your love for people, but I’m not the type to be into the teddy bear, chocolate boxes, overspending at a restaurant type of V-Day. My two cents, celebrate the way you can best show your love (look into those love languages friends ;)).