Live, Local, Legendary: UGA’s WUOG and a rich musical history

Founded in 1972, WUOG 90.5 FM is the University of Georgia’s student run radio station. Nearly 54 years later, the station is still entirely staffed and operated by students. A lot has changed over the years, but WUOG’s main goal has not: to showcase local and independent artists. 

WUOG hosts several regular events to expose the UGA community to local talent. Through its weekly Live in the Lobby performances and album clubs, WUOG engages Athens’ vibrant music community.  

UGA students William Sealy and Josie Tunis serve as the local music directors for WUOG. In their position, they connect WUOG members and listeners to local artists by curating a local music collection to play on the radio station, as well as coordinating Live in the Lobby events with local musicians.  

Through WUOG, Sealy connects with people who love music just as much as he does. 

“WUOG is very important to me because frankly these are my people,” Sealy said. “It has given me a way to express myself, as I get a few hours on air being a DJ, playing some of my longtime favorite songs, or some new hits.”  

As a local music director, Tunis appreciates the talent platformed by the larger Athens community, with its lively musical culture and countless venues. She urges those interested in music to embrace the talent that surrounds them and attend live music events. 

“I cannot stress enough how accessible going to see live music is in Athens. Nearly every night of the week there are multiple bands playing around town,” she said. “At WUOG, for example, we have weekly concerts that are completely free and open to the public. I think that going to a local show, even if you are not familiar with the artist, and talking to people is all it takes to truly get involved.” 

Second-year student Lane Whitley embodied this advice during her first year on campus. This Fall, she joined WUOG after attending several Live in the Lobby performances last year. She enjoys the exposure to local music that WUOG contributes to her life. 

“As someone who is interested in joining the music industry myself, I think that this exposure is crucial to supporting talent,” she said. “I became a fan of Lunar Vacation after going to their Live in the Lobby performance last year.”  

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Lunar Vacation is an indie rock band that frequently performs in Athens.  

Most known for being the birthplace of famous bands, such as The B-52’s, R.E.M., and Widespread Panic, Athens is a unique city with a robust music scene. Here at UGA, WUOG sheds light on local talent through its radio station and live performances, an exemplar of the rich musical culture that cultivates an artistic community in Athens.