MUSIC Area radio station changes format
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » One local radio station has taken a new direction with the recent launch of Alt 105.7.
Earlier this month WQSH 105.7 FM changed identities from Rewind 105.7 to Alt 105.7, now playing alternative music rather than its previous format of hits from the 80s, 90s and more.
The station, based in Schenectady, is run by Townsquare Media, the third largest owner of radio stations in the country.
“Alt 105.7 is an alternative station playing the best alternative music for Albany,” said Steve Richards, Townsquare Media Albany operations manager and brand manager for the new station.
Currently, until further notice, Alt 105.7 is playing constant commercialfree music, with disc jockeys and programs to be announced in the near future.
Artists played regularly on the station include Imagine Dragons, Beck, Rise Against, Foster The People, The Killers, Pearl Jam, 30 Seconds to Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blink-182, The Black Keys, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day.
“It’s the biggest alternative songs with a mix of some classic alternative as well,” Richards said. “The songs you loved growing up on CDs in the 90s, stuff you listened to on mp3s in the early millennium, the 2000s - and then whatever the future brings in great music, alternative music.”
He continued, “What’s hot now and what’s coming. New music discovery.”
On why Townsquare Media switched formats for WQSH 105.7 FM, Richards said the decision came after some research in which the company heard from listeners that they wanted alternative music.
In its first few weeks on air, “The feedback is very positive,” Richards said. “The format is doing well.”
Listener Danielle Scacchetti of South Glens Falls said what she’s heard from the new station is pretty good so far. “I like that I can hear some rock on there,” Scacchetti said, mentioning bands like Nirvana, Metallica and Tool.
Part of Alt 105.7’s goal is not only to offer great music, but to be community focused. Richards said the station will be heavily involved in live music at all of the area venues, bringing some of the station’s featured artists to the Capital Region. “Another thing the market needs is more live music,” he said.
“Were all very excited here at Townsquare for this new station and looking forward to what the future brings,” Richards said of Alt 105.7’s launch. “It’ exciting to bring it to Albany, and bring exciting events around it.”
More information about Alt 105.7 is available online at www.facebook. com/alt1057albany or alt1057albany.com. Listeners can tune in to the station from this website, as well as on the ALT 105.7 mobile app.