In our 15 years of being involved in KMSU, we’ve faced a number of challenging circumstances heading into our annual spring pledge drives. We’ve had to stare down increasingly loftier goals in order to replace outdated equipment and transmitters to keep us on the air. In 2016, we had to kick off the pledge drive on the same day that MN music legend, Prince, passed away. It goes without saying that nothing we’ve been through even comes close to what we are all living through right now. People are sick; people are struggling; people are scared. But, people are also pulling together to support one another and to support the things that matter to them. We are seeing that on a daily basis here in our own community, and KMSU has been there through it all to provide updated and meaningful information and to offer a sense of community and consistency during this time. It is with this kernel of hope that the station is humbly proceeding with its annual spring pledge drive. 

Like the reality that so many families and businesses are facing right now, the station is scaling things back considerably to focus on the essential needs for keeping us afloat and on-air. A typical spring pledge drive would involve a 10-day, $40,000+ goal push capped off by the Shuffle Function 24-hour, on-air marathon of shenanigans fueled by caffeine and rock ‘n’ roll. Let’s be honest, that sounds like A LOT of fun right now, right? However, it’s not really the socially responsible approach we need to be taking as a station right now either. This year’s spring pledge drive will run for one week, May 15-22, with a goal of raising $25,000. Yes, there will be plenty of laughs, quirky pledge drive bits, and wildly eclectic music. This is still KMSU! This is challenging radio for challenging times!! We are, though, taking a more noticeably measured approach. We hope that if you have the financial means and believe in what we are doing that you’ll consider supporting the station during this year’s spring pledge drive time.

Once again, the station has a number of cool thank-you gifts for people that make donations at different amounts.The Kat Baumann-designed t-shirt and the Mod & Northern Soul cd box set are a few of our favorites. Free Form Freakout will also be offering some exclusive LP bundles that the good folks at Mississippi Records were generous enough to contribute to. If you’re not familiar, Mississippi Records is a reputable label that has been active for over 15 years issuing primarily affordable vinyl reissues with a focus on Americana, international, and punk music. They have put out numerous essential compilations, along with key works from a diverse range of artists such as Dead Moon, Michael Hurley, The Staple Singers, Abner Jay and many more. For a donation of $50, you can get a surprise selection of 3 different LP titles from the Mississippi Records catalog [pictured above]. We only have a limited number of these bundles available, so if you’re interested we strongly encourage you to visit the KMSU giving page now and make a donation for one of these. 

Free Form Freakout will be doing a remote, live on-the-air broadcast during our usual 2:00 p.m. time slot on Thursday, May 21st to talk up this special premium and to take your pledges. You can give us a call at 507-389-5678 or 1-800-456-7810. We’d really love to hear from some of you out there because, let’s face it, this social isolation stuff has really started to take its toll. But, you don’t need to wait until then to pledge. You can make a donation through the KMSU website by clicking the ‘Support KMSU’ button at any time. Whatever amount you can swing, from $5 to $50, is all greatly appreciated. It all helps to keep our station up-and-running and to keep us offering the unique and challenging programming that you’ve come to expect.

We hope that you’re staying healthy and doing well, and we hope to hear from you during KMSU’s Spring Pledge Drive.