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After launching this project, I applied for a Kresge Foundation Community Arts Grant. A couple of weeks ago I took a call from Kresge's grant coordinator. She told me that my grant had been selected for funding and that formal announcements would be preceded by an official contract from the foundation. Just this week we got the contract in the mail.
Besides helping me assemble a low-rent studio, this grant will fund a program which will enable 10 to12 high school students produce community arts radio segments for air in Southwest Detroit and Hamtramck.
CAID, my fiduciary, has arranged for the placement of a second transmitter at their Ladybug Gallery on Porter Street in Detroit. This represents the genesis of a new AM network which is still in the idea phase.
Even though this Kickstarter project only saw 26% of funding needed to succeed, I consider it a success regardless. When I was attaching my transmitter to the gable end of my house, I couldn't imagine where this project would lead.
Sincerely,
Steven Cherry
AM1610 THE STATION
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I launched THE STATION May 1st, 2009. It's a Low-power AM station broadcasting in beautiful Hamtramck, Michigan: a city having the rare distinction of being surrounded by Detroit, though I prefer the term "hugged".
On good days, my signal reaches most of Hamtramck and parts of Detroit. I'm also streaming on the Internet seven days a week. This isn't pirate radio, THE STATION complies with all FCC "part 15" regulations and is completely legal.
I feature independent Michigan music and I'm soliciting material from Michigan artists on an ongoing basis. I've created a number of shows for different types of music, which play from randomized playlists. The Dr. Morel Show, which plays twice a day, is Michigan Folk, Country, and Bluegrass. The Thanatron 2012 Show, also airing twice a day, is death metal. Sugar Beats is my favorite, which features rock from around the state. The entire schedule is available here:
http://station.hamtramckstar.com
I'm asking for your backing because I'd like to build a studio in which I'd produce a weekly two-hour radio show featuring techno and electronica from Detroit and Michigan. To do this I'll need to build a low-rent studio in our space and obtain ASCAP and BMI licensing.
All I need is a second turntable, a turntable mixer, a mic mixer, a couple of microphones, and licensing. I'll set it up in the empty store font attached to my house. The transmitter is on my roof.
I need:
1 turntable: $550
Two or more microphones: $400
1 mixing board: $500
1 turntable mixer: $100
1 signal compressor for AM: $200
1 year of LPAM ASCAP/BMI licensing: $360
- Miscellaneous cords and gear: $200
The only ongoing costs are my annual licensing of $360/yr, equipment maintenance, and electricity. I think I can cover that with t-shirt sales and my hobby budget.
Sincerely,
Steven Cherry
AM1610 THE STATION

Project location: Hamtramck, MI

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Project By

Steven Cherry

Hamtramck, MI

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I'm a 37-year-old computer programmer, tinkerer, activist, and lover of music, especially local music. I operate AM 1610 The Station in Hamtramck, MI.

1. station.hamtramckstar.com