Irene Trudel

Senior Broadcast Engineer

In the summer of 1994, Irene Trudel began her long and happy run as an engineer with a passion for live music at New York Public Radio (then WNYC). In addition to her many tasks at New Sounds/Soundcheck, which includes mixing all the audio for live performances and editing podcasts, she is an occasional member of the concert crew for WQXR live music broadcasts and recordings.

In the summer of 1994, Irene Trudel began her long and happy run as an engineer with a passion for live music at New York Public Radio (then WNYC). In addition to her many tasks at New Sounds/Soundcheck, which includes mixing all the audio for live performances and editing podcasts, she is an occasional member of the concert crew for WQXR live music broadcasts and recordings.

A lifelong radio/music fanatic, the broadcasting bug bit Irene in the 1970s while attending Morristown (N.J.) High School, which owned a 10-watt student-run station, WJSV. Around that same time she took her first steps toward becoming a recording engineer by taping local folk singers at a coffeehouse for later broadcast.

Years later, following a grossly unsatisfying stint in the commercial broadcast world, Irene realized her heart was in non-commercial radio and never went back. Preceding WNYC, in 1986 she joined the DJ staff at WFMU, quietly producing the kind of creative radio that has sadly disappeared from most other stations. Irene has been hosting shows at WFMU for over 30 years, still finding great music and live bands to share with listeners.

Irene's home is in New York City with husband Peter Keepnews and their three kitties.

Irene Trudel appears in the following:

New Sounds Year in Review 2022: 1

Thursday, January 05, 2023

New Sounds
Technical Director/Sr. Broadcast Engineer Irene Trudel's 2022 new music best-of list features many talented guitarists, chamber rock group caroline, and sax/reed man Shabaka Hutchings. 
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The Pioneering Techno of the Carl Craig Synthesizer Ensemble

Monday, April 25, 2022

Composer, DJ, and techno pioneer Carl Craig joins us with the Carl Craig Synthesizer Ensemble.

Encore: Violinist Annelle Gregory

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Tonight, we look back to when violinist Annelle Gregory and pianist Hyun Ju Jang visited the Young Artists Showcase for a program of Russian violin music. 

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Encore: Violinist Danbi Um and Pianist Orion Weiss

Wednesday, February 02, 2022

On the Young Artists Showcase tonight, a studio visit from the violin-piano duo of Danbi Um and Orion Weiss.

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New Sounds Year in Review 2021: 3

Sunday, January 02, 2022

New Sounds
Technical Director/Sr. Broadcast Engineer Irene Trudel reluctantly pares down her year-end list to 10, including The Vijay Iyer Trio, harpist Brandee Younger, and guitarist Guy Buttery.
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Today at 4 pm on New Sounds Radio: Pianos, Percussion and Prog Rock

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Hear recent fiery chamber-funk from the Vijay Iyer Sextet, piano-based chamber-jazz with a little harpsichord by McCoy Tyner, plucked and bowed guitar music by Seabuckthorn, and more.

Author Jacqueline Woodson

Monday, May 07, 2018

National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson sits down with host Helga Davis to talk about the power of family – the so-called alternative ones she was born into and made for herself.

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In-Studio: Matt Herskowitz Trio with Philippe Quint Bring Jazz to Bach

Saturday, October 03, 2015

The Matt Herskowitz Jazz Trio came to the WQXR performance studio with two violinists from the classical world – Philippe Quint and Lara St. John – to swing Bach.

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In-Studio: Alina Ibragimova Performs Bach and Ysaÿe

Monday, August 17, 2015

The Russian-born violinist Alina Ibragimova in recent years has developed a following in Europe, especially in the U.K., where she studied and came of age. Here's why.

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A Flavor Chemist Explains Burger Toppings

Monday, June 22, 2015

The order of your toppings affects how your burger tastes. We find out why, and dig into the science of burger smashing.

Pete Seeger in Conversation with Steve Post

Monday, March 16, 2015

WNYC
Legendary folk singer Pete Seeger reminisces about life, politics and narrow escapes.
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Yo La Tengo Says Goodbye To Maxwell's

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Maxwell's is closing in July. Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan, Soundcheck's Irene Trudel, and listeners share their memories of the beloved venue.

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Maxwell's Moments: Looking Back At Hoboken's Music Institution

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Maxwell's, the internationally renowned rock club in Hoboken, N.J., is closing its doors for good after July 31. Soundcheck's Irene Trudel shares some of her favorite musical and pers...
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Irene Trudel's 2012 Music Survey

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Soundcheck's technical director shares her favorite music and moments of the year.

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