VOICE OF THE MIDWEST
w/ Brumaire
A left-wing radio show which mixes music and education. The show's name is derived from the radio station harnessed by Gamal Abdel Nasser, "Voice of the Arabs," which broadcasted both propaganda and songs in an attempt to increase solidarity amongst the Arab peoples. The goal of the Voice of the Midwest is much the same, to offer a media "out" in the all too conservative Midwest.
Brumaire decides to celebrate April Fool's a few days late by looking into the classic anarchist prankster plunderphonics art project/band, negativland! Truly the pioneers of sentencing mixing and joking around, their sound and style is legendary, tune in for a lot of fun bits and glitzy mixing (not! this was recorded while traveling.)
The Commune saw its 155th anniversary this past week, to properly evaluate its memory, Brumaire critically reads a chapter of Marx's "The Civil War in France," as regards the Commune. Tune in for some thinking about the ever relevant first birth pang of the leftist project, that first bit of space liberated from the temporal domination of capital.
Brumaire features local activist Michael on the show to discuss his work in Cuba solidarity. She discusses his experiences in the country, and a bit more about the current situation with Cuba and some of its history.
This Week, Brumaire features her first Kalamazoo guest, Queenie T of the Frogs and Toads. Queenie and her take a deep dive into the former's catalog and some of her inspirations! Tune in for an incredible (and incredibly varied) catalog perusal
In an interview conducted in Chicago on 01/23, Brumaire talks with Anaïs — a Chicago-based musician who visited the Zapatistas during an Encuentro — about both her experience and the Zapatistas more broadly. Tragically, there is no news segment
In attempting to channel the anti-war energy of the moment, Brumaire recites a speech by Eugene Debs from the height World War One. In the process, she hopes she can convince you to organize!
Brumaire interviews an activist from Tanggol Migrante, a national Filipino coalition. Tanggol Migrante has been at the front lines of the labor and immigrant struggles, something which this show explores.
Brumaire kicks off the so-called new year with an interview with Muskegon based musician and friend of the show, Shelby Obzut. Shelby and her dive into both Shelby's catalog and influences, spanning from Michigan to Mexico, and beyond. A fun listen to start your year off!
Brumaire tries her best to do a Christmas show here, digging up music from the USSR in an attempt to invoke a wintry mood. The finest kids in the band room are sure to enjoy the choices of music in this show!
Brumaire, following a recent pilgrimage to Kansas, contemplates the life and work of the one cool white boy: John Brown. She does this by reading Henry David Thoreau's "Plea for Captain John Brown," stumbling and bumbling her way through it and the discussion afterwards. Hopefully it will prove enlightening.
Brumaire is joined this week by Rapidian staple Allison, to discuss her work in the journal and other media endeavors! Allison is a veteran reporter for the Rapidian, and works extensively with the Grand Rapids Media Center. A great show for those looking to get more involved in the electoral and journalistic side of things here in Grand Rapids.
Keaton and Brumaire discuss a wide array of music this show. After all, we here at Voice of the Midwest believe in two goods: good taste and good politics.
Brumaire, in celebration of Halloween, breaks many show traditions, and opens up new doors. Here she has on her first ever two-time guest, friend of the show Joe on to discuss happenings in Ann Arbor. Sit back and enjoy this special halloween show.
Brumaire has on friend of the show Ashten, who is based out of the East Coast, to discuss various topics on organizing. Ashten organizes for a wide variety of causes, including disability and queer rights, and for Palestine and applies a wide range of theoretical bases into his practice.
Following her usual news segment, Brumaire this week revisits an adolescent favorite of hers, Billy Bragg. In exploring his music, does it hold up?
Brumaire brings on friend of the show Doran to talk about their assessment of Muskegon's political and music scene. Doran is a Member of the Mollusks, a great goth rock band, give them a look!
Brumaire, following her news segment this week, reads a piece from the Substack "For by Art is Created that Great LEVIATHAN," from Rob Ashlar. Following that, she babbles a bit about the piece.
Brumaire may get a bit too close for comfort in this one, as in a move of nothing short of nepotism, her own father appears on the show to discuss his experience organizing with the Muskegon Parks Coalition, among many other topics.
In this show, Brumaire looks at the music of Revolutionary movements in the Caribbean, hoping to perhaps transfer that spirit to her own inland sea.
Brumaire and friend of the show Joe of Lansing (soon to be in Ann Arbor) discuss urban planning, local politics and academia in this particular show, while Brumaire messes up her mic quality.
This week, Brumaire revisits her alienation hour roots by looking at the music of the Spanish Civil War, a favorite topic of leftist losers of all stripes since time immemorial. She had previously discussed it as a college freshman, let's hope she has something new to add.
This week, Brumaire finally pays tribute to the show's name sake by focusing on Arab Nationalist music from the Nasserist period. Tune in this week to mourn the lost of world that was, and tune out the celebration of the great satan who destroyed that world.
In a first for the show, Brumaire features a guest to select music and to discuss it with. Her and Keaton Thomas Pfeifle, Unpublished Poet and Unaccredited Flanuer talk about Phil Ochs. For perhaps too long. Anyway, if you want to check out Keaton's substack, look here: https://apocalypticscenarios.substack.com/
After a brief read through the news, Brumaire reads through Engels' "Principles of Communism," a classic work which serves as a great introduction to Marxism
The show card image is originally from "The Gay Liberator," No. 42, December 1974
First time in a while where Brumaire doesn't have a guest! Who does she decide to enlist but none other than Pete Seeger himself! Enjoy a fun episode of folk and festivities, all to the soundtrack of Pete Seeger!
Brumaire has on yet another guest this week, this time to discuss Michigan Politics. Sam has been in working in the Michigan Legislature for some time now, and has been eyed on for a guest due to his insider baseball knowledge. Please two old friends discussing Michigan politics!
Another installment of the Voice of the Midwest, this time discussing the West Michigan Punk Scene. Join us as we talk with one of its major members, Esther of Violet Scum; Sherri and the Tomatoes and Underbelly. Check out the West MI Punk band camp, and each of Esther's Bandcamps. Showcard credit to Esther!
Voice of the Midwest features its first guest in this show, Nicolette, an up and coming scholar of Latin American Marxism, in a semi amateur interview. Please note that there is some notable choppiness during the interview, but otherwise enjoy!
Today's show will feature music regarding the 800 year struggle in Ireland, along with the usual news roundup! Image featured is of Provisional IRA female soldiers, circa 1977.
The First Episode of "Voice of the Midwest," featuring an introductory segment, the news, and a discussion of the music of Bertolt Brecht. Image Credit: Zander & Labisch/ullstein bild/Getty