News

WFMU Fundraiser Takes Shape

5:25 p.m. · March 10, 2009 · by Nick Earhart

The stakes are high this year for WFMU. Facing equal pressure from the FCC and New Jersey landlords – I don’t know which is more intimidating – the venerable freeform station has to raise an especially large sum to keep operations afloat. Fortunately, indie rockers are a compassionate bunch, and several of the good ones have offered a hand.

Death Cab for Cutie and Ted Leo each donated a track to an exclusive tribute to Paul and Linda McCartney’s 1971 album, Ram, which can be purchased during tonight’s episode of “The Best Show”; Aimee Mann will appear on air, performing songs in exchange for donations; and, of course, Yo La Tengo, whose Ira Kaplan is a longstanding WFMU contributor, are doing their part – for the right price, users can call in a request for any song, and the band will have a go at it. Many more artists are involved, so check out the station’s website for specifics.

The charitable fun culminates in a celebration at Maxwell’s in Hoboken on March 15, featuring a live band made up entirely of WFMU employees. Surely, they’ll play the deep cuts, so check it out. [Pitchfork]