Meet The Staff: Sara Schmatz

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

I started with WNRN at the end of April. I’ve been in the nonprofit sector for more than a decade, and have been fundraising for the last 5 years. I’ve been a member of WNRN since 2020 and have always loved the station – I’m thrilled to join the team!

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

I’m the Director of Fundraising. I work to ensure that everyone who supports the station feels valued and connected, and that we build meaningful, authentic relationships with current and potential supporters across our community.

3. What’s your favorite recent music discovery?

I’ve been loving Uwade, Tennis, Jontavious Willis, and Momma!

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

As a recovering theatre major, I have a LOT of musicals in my library – don’t underestimate the power of the Phantom of the Opera to level up your yard work.

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

My very first concert was *NSYNC at the Pontiac Silverdome for their No Strings Attached tour (shout out to my dad for sitting through that one). My early “adult” shows included Paul Baribeau, Regina Spektor, Bright Eyes, and The Format.

The first albums I purchased were your typical commercial pop stuff: NSYNC, Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, Coldplay. In my defense, it was 1999 and I was 10!

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?

“The Sunset Tree” by the Mountain Goats – This album was released in 2005, just before I turned 16 and right after I had moved across the country – it hit me at the right time and it really resonated. It’s always been one of my “no skip” albums.

“Once I was an Eagle” by Laura Marling – I had the immense privilege of seeing Laura perform this basically front to back while on a solo tour just before the album dropped. Ever since, it’s always held a special place in my listening library.

“The Serpent’s Egg” by Dead Can Dance – Timeless, atmospheric, almost mystical (and a little bit weird). A soundtrack for my inevitable WILSONNNNN!!! moment on the desert island.

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

I have a 2 year old daughter who keeps me extremely busy. Other than making sure that she stays alive, I love to garden, do crafts, and bake.

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

Stoked for Lucy Dacus at the National, Sierra Ferrell on Brown’s Island, the Mountain Goats at the Broadberry, and Palmyra + Vampire Weekend at Iron Blossom! And, not a live show, but I am SO looking forward to the new wet leg album!!!