Trout God Hits the WPCR Airwaves

Trout God in the WPCR office (L to R: Killian Venman, Dave Walker)

Local radio is a staple of the American college experience. The freedom of a higher learning environment leaves room to push the envelope regarding censorship, as well as fuel and cultivate a passion for music and expanding musical knowledge. College radio stations are also hubs for fun, camaraderie and behind-the-microphone experience within the lives of those who love listening to, and even playing, music.

On Wednesday, March 14, Plymouth State’s radio station, 91.7 WPCR, had local band Trout God play and converse live on the air. WPCR DJ and PSU senior Bobby Schwartz welcomed the two band members, Killian Venman (drums) and Dave Walker (guitar and vocals) onto the air during his radio slot a little after 8:10 p.m. After rowdy greetings and witty banter, Trout God launched into their first track, an original song called “Sex Panther.”

Walker and Venman (both PSU seniors, as well) had both moved all of their instruments and musical equipment into the studio, and the space was cramped between the musicians, the DJ and a photographer and videographer. Despite the lack of open space, Trout God played their instruments mercilessly, with Venman delivering blistering blows onto his drum heads and Walker strumming with the utmost speed.

The second song played on the show was another Trout God original, “Wolves.” The song was a quick one, swiftly leaving more available airwaves for humor-riddled discussion. However, amid all of the jokes, there was some serious dialogue, too. The duo briefly discussed how they developed their unconventional name over time. Originally, the two called themselves Bible Camp. However, upon the request of their friend, and friend of many at PSU, Jake Nawn, they changed it to Trout God. It was a name that Nawn had apparently found humorous.

After DJ Bobby Schwartz and Trout God continued to joke back and forth for a few minutes, at one point to even lightheartedly ponder if trouts shower, the band launched into their final song of the night, “Trout Talk.” The song was followed by a finale-esque and in-the-moment jam, and the show concluded.

Schwartz, Venman and Walker all seemed pleased with the results of the on-air performance. Regarding the show, Venman said, “Well, I’ve always wanted to do a Tiny Desk [concert], and the radio station is a great place to do it.” Trout God and Schwartz had been trying to make a live show happen on air for a while. Schwartz said about the mentality behind setting the show up to be scheduled, “We have a time slot, let’s make the most of it.” Trout God most certainly made the most of their time ruling the PSU airwaves.

Check out Trout God on their official Facebook page, and listen to 91.7 WPCR today!