Keep "New Sounds" On the Air

We write to you as a group of artists, presenters, curators, critics, and most of all listeners of WNYC’s New Sounds, hosted by John Schaefer, to join in a chorus of voices outraged by the decision to “sunset” the show. We think you grossly underestimated the oversized impact this show has had for nearly four decades, and which it continues to have today.

Since it began broadcasting in the early 80’s, New Sounds has been a massive ear and mind opener, introducing countless listeners to quintessential New York composers and performers before they became the iconic master artists they are now recognized as today, defining the arts of the late 20th and early 21st century internationally. New Sounds is also a central source to bring the sounds of the world to New York, expanding the musical palette available to listeners and playing an important role in cross-cultural understanding.

Both through its radio show, and its ongoing New Sounds Live performances, New Sounds has directly impacted the programming at landmark New York cultural institutions. It has helped move contemporary composers and performers from the margins to the center of the performing arts field, championing artists who have subsequently been recognized by Pulitzer Prizes, Oscars, MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships, and Grammy Awards. By giving a platform not just to established artists, but instead showcasing a wide swath of musicians from different backgrounds and at different stages of their career, New Sounds has reflected the breadth of New York’s musical scene more fully than any other cultural outlet. Indeed, it is a quietly central part of what has made New York a continued hub for interesting and important music, even as the city itself has become hostile to artists in so many ways.

Not only does this cancellation harm listeners, but it does irreparable damage to the music community of New York by eliminating perhaps the single most important platform artists have had to reach the world’s stages. This impact has gone on to resonate globally, as these artists now form the backbone of programming for concert halls, performing arts centers, museum performance series, alternative arts spaces, nightclubs and festivals around the world. The road from New Sounds to international venues is a direct one.

WNYC’s decision flies in the face of its responsibility as a public radio station, ostensibly existing to benefit the people of New York. The recent announcement has caused a seismic shock in the artistic community, who are well aware of the amplifying effect of this open and influential platform. John Schaefer has been one of the most stalwart champions of emerging artistic voices, and helped steward a myriad of diverse artists to greater recognition. It would be hard to overstate the reverberations of support from New Sounds, a resonance that far exceeds the listener count, ratings, or direct donations pool. New Sounds’ contributions to the larger cultural economy are massive.

As members of the cultural community, we implore you to rethink this decision.