Meet The Staff: Leanna Schafer

1. How long have you been with WNRN and how did you get started?

1.5 years, I moved into my role from marketing & communications in the museum field

2. What is your role at WNRN and how would you explain what you do?

Underwriting Associate. I connect with local businesses, community organizations, and nonprofits who want to reach WNRN’s audience of arts & culture lovers while supporting Virginia’s thriving music scene.

3. What’s your favorite recent music discovery?

This past year: Fontaine’s DC, Future Islands, Brigitte Calls Me Baby

4. What might be an unexpected artist on your personal playlist?

Avicii

5. A couple of firsts: What was the first concert you ever attended? What was the first
album you ever bought?

MGMT was the first concert I bought tix to. Can’t remember the first album, but remember having Paramore’s RIOT! and burning a lot of CDs in high school.

6. What would be your 1-3 Top ‘Desert Island’ albums? The ones you would want with you if stranded on a desert island. Why?

Third Eye Blind’s Out of the Vein, The Killers’ Battle Born, Blink 182’s Enema of the State. Comfort music I can sing to while surviving on an island!

7. What are some of your favorite hobbies/things to do outside of music and radio?

Being outside, hiking, attending events in town, traveling

Extra: What shows are you looking forward to in 2025 / What were some of your favorite shows in 2024?

2025: Fontaines DC, 2024: Third Eye Blind