Chelsea Bossert

How did you first hear about WXOU? How long have you been involved there and when did you become MD?

I first heard about WXOU when I was assigned to cover it for OU’s student newspaper. They were doing a back-to-school event for the beginning of fall 2023. I thought they were cool and apparently they liked my coverage so much they said I should apply to work there as the News Director. I originally was not up for it but I also heard that the Music Director Position was open and I was immediately sold. I applied and got the position in October of 2023.

Tell us about the duties of your job as MD and what part of it you love the most and what you find the most challenging.

As MD I have around 10 hours of office time per week and 2-5 hours of event set up, DJing and tear-down a week if there is an event that week. I separate my time into three 3-4 hour shifts. The first shift is on Monday/Tuesday where I take calls and create my ADDS and Top 30 charts for the week. Wednesday/Thursday I usually make playlists for new music which is then uploaded to our automation software. Finally, Friday I meet with my music team and go over the new ADDS for the upcoming week and hand out assignments. I lead a team of 4-6 (depending on availability) who all love music as equally as I do. The part that I love most about my job is talking (through email and over the phone) to my lovely team of music promoters across the country! (Shout out Luke, Doug, Emma, Mak, Kayla, Skylar, Robb and Jerry!!!!!!) The most challenging part of my job honestly is dealing with the technological mayhem that is our automation software.

What do you do to ensure the new music that is sent you by labels and promoters gets played by your DJs?

I usually send out mass emails to promoters and agency reps that then respond to me either through email or over the phone. They send me stuff and then I make sure everyone else is aware of the awesome new stuff. If people also have questions about new stuff I am pretty active on the station’s discord and am available during office hours.

Who is an artist or band that you’ve discovered in the past year or so that has become one of your favorites? What is it about their music you love?

Quannnic is a new favorite of mine, they make such awesome music. The sounds and vibes are just immaculate. I was introduced to them last year through MD contacts. Highly reccomend their 2023 release Stepdream.

Do you have an all-time favorite artist or album you never get tired of listening to?

I am going to give y’all two. My favorite jazz record of all time that I listen to pretty frequently is “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady” by Charles Mingus. My second favorite record and my favorite indie record of all time is “Teen Dream” by Beach House. Love those two so much!

What 2024 release has excited you the most so far?

“Where we been. Where we go from here.” by the Chicago band Friko. Bailey and Niko are so good together and I am so glad that I have been introduced to them through college radio. Fav tracks from there are “Chemical” and “For Ella.”

Who is an artist or band totally outside the realm of the music you play on WXOU that people might be surprised to know you love?

We really don’t play a lot of metal in the station but my favorite metal band is System of a Down! Serj Tankian is such a funny little guy!!! I’m generally a pretty calm and down to earth person but SOAD is some of the most bat-sh*t-crazy music of all time.

If you had the power to instantly change one thing going on in the world at the moment, what would it be?

I would try and change the discomfort and situations that a lot of trans youth find themselves in all around the world but especially in certain parts of the US. I am a trans woman but I grew up frankly privileged and I have been accepted by my whole family. Most trans kids don’t get that opportunity. I would try and help them be as comfortable as possible with themselves and potentially even get them proper healthcare and surround them with people who love them for their authentic selves.

What event in your life would you say has shaped you the most as a person?

Ooooh. This is a toughie. I am going to get personal but it was when I first dropped out of college. I originally went to Kalamazoo College out in Kzoo, MI (shout out WJMD!) It was a good school filled with incredible people but I was super unhappy with myself and I had pretty poor mental health. I decided along with my loved ones that it would be best for me to come back home to Oakland County, MI and go to Oakland where I could stay close to home. I was homesick and struggling. If I didn’t decide to transfer I have no idea where or even if I would be here today.

If you could choose, what time period in the past would you most want to travel back to visit and why?

I would love to go to the 90s. Best decade for live and recorded music IMO.

Do you have a favorite Detroit restaurant that you recommend people try?

Shout out Coney Islands first and foremost. Get three things. Breakfast skillet, coney dogs with the works and a cup of chicken lemon rice soup. Banger.

What in your life brings you the most joy?

My partner and love of my life, Ivy.

Lightning Round :

Dog or Cat? CAT (meow)
Morning Person or Night Owl? Mourning person
City or Country? City
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Watch TV or Read A Book? Read a book
Sunny or Rainy? Sunny
Restaurant or Home Cooking? Home cooking
Pants or Shorts? Pants
Warm or Cold drinks? Cold drinks 🙂

Do you have any current favorite shows you’re enjoying/binging? How about a movie (new or old) that you’ve watched recently that you loved?

I don’t really watch any new shows unfortunately, I spend the majority of my time watching my favorite shows and movies instead (the old reliables,) Bojack Horseman is a consistent favorite of mine. I also recently re-watched “Me Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)” and I think its probably the best book adaptation of all time – if not the best indie movie of all time.

Finally, If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be?

Probably a lifetime supply brand new fighting game box controllers (no sticks.)