Loud and clear

>> CISM celebrates a decade of alternative airtime

by LORRAINE CARPENTER

What started in 1985 as a typically low-budget, DIY campus radio station has blossomed into one of Montreal's most respected spots on the FM dial. This month, Université de Montreal's CISM (89.3) celebrates the 10th anniversary of its FM existence with a pair of concerts featuring the likes of experimental electronic act Freeworm, Biz and Chafik from Loco Locass and French music staple Didier Boutin. Other acts include post-rock band Below the Sea, indie rock/folk singer Eve Cournoyer, Québécois-meets-world-beat seven-piece la Chango Family and the fun, accessible house duo les Jardiniers.

Music director/programmer Étienne Roy stresses that the goal of CISM, aside from providing broadcast experience for students, has always been to offer real alternative programming, particularly where French music is concerned.

"Compared to commercial stations that play their French music at the end of the night, we try to represent French music--local and from everywhere--the best way possible," says Roy. This includes speciality music programs, French and English chart shows and exclusive interviews and performances by up-and-coming bands. Along with solid news and documentary-style programs, CISM is clearly a professional outfit, despite the amateur tag of college radio and a budget that's admittedly the lowest on the FM dial.

A proper budget may be an advantage for CISM's relatively new competition, the French alternative station Cool FM (98.5), but Roy feels that quality programming puts CISM ahead.

"We want to prove that we are an alternative," enthuses Roy. "You'll see we can give you good information, we play good music and we have very bright hosts and DJs."

While celebrating their past, the CISM crew is looking forward to a bright future. International broadcasting on Real Audio is already underway, with their Web site (www.cismfm.qc.ca) attracting approximately 4,000 hits per month. A campaign to reach out to the students at UQÀM and to present more shows and events around town are only some of the tricks up CISM's sleeves.

"CISM is full of potential," says Roy. "This year is going to be big for us. There are always ups and downs but we have a strong team now that's going to do really good things."

Below the Sea, Eve Cournoyer and Didier Boutin at Bistro Sanguinet on Thursday, March 15, 6pm, free. Freeworm, Biz & Chafik, la Chango Family and les Jardiniers at Club Soda on Saturday, March 17, 8pm, $17