RPGG Ep. 4 - The College DJ and Algorithm Fatigue

This episode we use as our guide an April 1 substack (emwhitenoise) post from Emily White: “10 Albums in Rotation on College Radio in 2026 (So Far)”. White makes the claim that college radio is reviving because Gen Z suffers from algorithm fatigue. They are seeking human connections, post-Covid. So they prefer music recommendations from real people. Is this a resurgence (albeit a small one) of a shared culture, something broadcast radio and TV gave us a couple of generations ago? We discuss this trend in the context of DJs past and present, and we listen to some tunes selected by college DJs from White’s article.

SHOW NOTES

RPGG Ep. 4 – The College DJ and Algorithm Fatigue

Emily White Substack, Apr 1, 2026: 10 Albums in Rotation on College Radio in 2026 (So Far)–Recommended if you like: music discovery, human curation, independent artists and the “random brilliance” of college radio

Emily White Substack, Oct 1, 2025: Gen Z’s College Radio Revival–Reports say Gen Z isn’t discovering new artists. But college radio stations are overflowing with new DJs. As young listeners reject algorithms for analog—the industry should pay attention.

The Reality Reports, January 13, 2026: Algorithm Fatigue Is Changing How People Use Social Media

Potions on Bandcamp, released Feb 6, 2026: Stumbled Across

Cootie Catcher on Youtube, posted Nov 30, 2025: No Biggie

Heel on Youtube, posted Jan 15, 2026: Through Me

Buck Meek on Youtube, posted Jan 7, 2026: Gasoline

Cities Aviv on Youtube, posted Mar 10, 2026: Concrete Masks

friends& on Youtube, posted Mar 17, 2026: I Walk the Line

Endive on Youtube, posted Aug 29, 2015: Sink