For years, KDRU has been “The Voice of Drury University.” But who actually gives that voice its—well, voices?

Voices on air

Two of those voices are Emily Collier and Lyndsey Standage.  The two ladies got their start in Dr. Groves’s radio activities class, and from there discovered a love of being on the air.  They made it their mission to bring the music they love to the ears of Springfield. Said Collier, “I’ve always loved hearing and sharing new music, and a radio show [allows] me to do that.”

Collier in the studio (Photo via Emily Collier)

Collier’s show, “Your Land” (named for Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land”) covers the folk genre.

“I grew up in a family that listens to a lot of bluegrass and folksy music, and I wanted to bring that kind of music to more people. I noticed that there seemed to be a lack of folk shows or stations in the Springfield area, as well. So my show fills a niche in the Springfield community while helping me stay true to my roots,” explained Collier.

On Standage’s show, “Sweet Tracks,” she focuses on feel-good music. “I mainly play happy, upbeat songs that give you a home-by-the-fire feel,” she said.

Standage on air (Photo via Lyndsey Standage)

Both of the hosts enjoy having a show that has a message. Standage explained, “I wanted listeners to end on a happy note at the end of their day leaving school or leaving work. I love songs that make me feel good because music really is such a defining part of my mood for a day. I wanted others to have that as well!”

For Collier, it is more about her show’s civic message.  “Every week I end the show by reminding listeners that this is their land, and they should treat it like that. I always hope that this inspires people to maybe be a little kinder and have a sense of belonging in our community,” stated Collier. At the end of every broadcast, she plays a version of “This Land is Your Land” to reinforce this message.

Tune-in

KDRU offers an invaluable opportunity to its student bodies. Other KDRU hosts are Claire Ellerman and Rin Colwell. For Emily Collier and Lyndsey Standage, that opportunity has offered them a chance to share their musical tastes with an audience and hone their curation and performance abilities. To hear the two shows, tune in to 98.1 FM from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays for “Your Land” and from 3-5 p.m. on Thursdays for “Sweet Tracks.”

Written by Jacob Maher.