From Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us to Christian hymns, it's anyone’s best guess as to what the day’s music will be in WU. The widely-recognized random music choices then bear the question, who controls the music in WU?
These workers — who can be found at the Conference and Event Services Desk across from Café — are most notable for selecting the music, but are primarily responsible for setting up events, dealing with the lost and found and answering questions.
As employees rotate throughout the day, so do the music choices. The “DJ” often chooses an internet radio station, such as Top 40 or Latin Beats.
The desk uses a tablet that only plays from Pandora, SiriusXM and internet radio. According to senior Carlie Williams, who has worked at the desk for the past three years, Duke does not pay for Pandora Premium or SiriusXM, which explains why students hear frequent ads.
“We probably need a better music setup because the internet radio only has … five stations,” she said.
The tablet controls the volume of music that plays in specific parts of the building. This leads to music being louder in some areas — such as the bathrooms — versus Café.
Early in the day during opening shift or late before closing, Duke Dining employees will request certain genres, like reggaeton or Bollywood.
Though, dining areas including The Commons and The Devil’s Krafthouse control their own music.
Jay Singletary, the bar manager at The Devil’s Krafthouse and 27-year Duke employee, curates the restaurant’s music by queuing songs on Spotify.
“[The music] depends on how people are today — the mood,” he said.
Singletary typically chooses a blend of R&B, hip hop and Latin music. Krafthouse employees and diners also contribute to the queue.
Many students have asked for a playlist, and Singletary said that he hopes to create one in the future.
Eric Watson, the front-of-house manager for The Commons, is responsible for choosing music. He noted that he typically plays jazz music since the restaurant “is a mellow location,” though he’ll play reggae or soft rock “if it seems like a more upbeat day.”
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.