Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

New & MidCoastal Releases + Enrique Chi + Alyssa Murray + Jillian Riscoe

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
   from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
   [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

2. Quite Frankly the Band – “Blue / Red”
   from: “Blue/Red”- Single / Quite Frankly the Band / May 14, 2021
   [In the dawn of 2016, shy but precocious middle schooler, founding member and bassist Scout Matthew, decided she wanted to try her hand at turning her musical ambition into reality by creating a band that would take her and her friends well beyond their beginning musical education at School of Rock. She began planning rehearsals out of her garage and within a short time, she convinced her supportive family to renovate their home’s basement into a rehearsal space. Ever since, Quite Frankly the Band has been committed to perfecting its sound, writing their own original music and adding amazing covers. // This young band is no longer just a student band, holding its own opening for, The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks and LA Guns! with several yers experience the band members have moved into high school and beyond, Jolson, Carolyn, Scout, Gavin & Eli have built an impressive resume. // The band gained attention by being the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018 and for being nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. They’ve played First Fridays in the Crossroads, Starlight Theater, The Rino, recordBar, Lemonade Park, Kauffman Stadium, Sprint Center with Big Slick and Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame. Quite Frankly the Band will be our guests on WMM on June 23. More info at: http://www.quitefranklytheband.com]

3. Olympic Size – “Sunshine”
   from: Long Soak / Olympic Size / May 11, 2021
   [We first discovered the music of Olympic Size on the 2007 OxBlood First Blood Compilation that feature them with The Republic Tigers, Ghosty, In The Pines, Roman Numerals, The Pedaljets, Ssion, American Catastrophe, Architects, Lovers in Transet, Ne/Non, Namelessnumberheadman and Softee. That compilation was an early roadmap to the area music community for my early years on WMM. The last official Olympic Size release we’ve played on the radio show was, You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone from 2008. Olympic Size provided the soundtrack to the independent film “We Will Make You Whole Again.” Their music was also played on MTV. Olympic Size: William Smith on guitar & vocals; Wade Allen Williamson on guitar & keyboard; Kirsten Paludan on vocals & keyboard; Christopher Tolle on bass, background vocals, 12 string guitar & percussion; Michael Walker on trombone, melodica, & percussion, with Chris Metcalf on drums for ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Train to Mexico’ and ‘Push Away’, Ryan Pope on drums for ‘I’d Rather Die’, Katie Benyo on violin & background vocals on ‘Train to Mexico’ and ‘Sunshine’ and Darren Welch on background vocals for ‘Train to Mexico’. // Olympic Size are proud to present ‘Long Soak’. Four lost tracks from our repertoire. We are honored to have the artwork of Anne Austin Pearce accompany these songs of our long winding, and often, dark exploration of the human psyche. // Dave Gaumé (Engineer for Garbage, Local Natives, Failure) has expertly mixed and mastered these songs back into existence, and even more, into modern climate relevance. Originally recorded in 2011 by Chris Cosgrove (KCPT, Thee Water MoccaSins, Zoom) ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Train to Mexico’ and ‘Push Away’ all feature the drumming of Chris Metcalf (Stella Link, The Life & Times). The final track, ‘I’d Rather Die,’ was engineered by Nick Day at the now defunct but ever legendary Black Lodge Studios in Eudora, Kansas. This song features Ryan Pope of The Get Up Kids on drums. Before the band could finish the essential tracking to these songs, they had fizzled out and began to focus on outside musical projects. // In 2016, Olympic Size rallied to join forces with David Moore of Merriam Shoal Studios (The Hearers, The Ants) to finalize and finish the guts of these previous recordings. Moore guided the band in capturing the essence and energy of each track. They quickly recorded vocal and instrument overdubs, but with band activity and no label outlet, these songs sat on the shelves … until now. // All proceeds of ‘Long Soak’ will go directly to Midwest Music Foundation to support KC musicians in their time of need. Info at: http://www.olympicsize1.bandcamp.com]

4. Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)”
   from: When I’m Gone – Single / The Record Machine / May 14, 2021
   [Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // 2020 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The group released Zen Diagram in May of 2020 as a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind. // This single is a follow-up to the December 18, 2020 released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich. Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram last year on May 1, 2020. Monta At Odd’s seventh full-length album, Peak of Eternal Light, is to be released in 2021 on The Record Machine. In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D

5. Other Americans – “Kink Wave”
   from: Paranoid Fiction / Gran Calavera Records / February 9, 2021
   [8-song EP follow up to the band’s Oct. 19, 2019 release OA2. O.A. released their debut EP, Other Americans on June 29, 2018. Julie Berndsen on lead vocals, Adam Phillips on drums, Brandon Phillips on guitar, Michelle Bacon on bass. Produced by Brandon Philllips. Engineered by Joel Nanos. Recorded at Element Recording Studios in KC. All remixes by Mensa Deathsquad. Hailing from KCMO and Lawrence, KS, the electro-alternative OTHER AMERICANS are comprised of members of The Architects, Latenight Callers, The Philistines, Radar State and Brandon Phillips & The Condition. Other Americans is a virtual Midwestern supergroup. The cohorts first crossed paths in when a mutual friend and matchmaker introduced Brandon Phillips to vocalist Julie Berndsen “We were all looking for something new to do musically, recalls Brandon. “The way I remember it, a mutual friend (KC music producer Joel Nanos) told me that Julie was looking to start something new and I sent her a note about it. We had tacos to see if we liked each other.”]

[Other Americans play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Saturday, May 22, with Approach. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]

6. The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero”
   from: “Negative Zero” – Single / Center Cut Records / April 2, 2021 [remixed, remastered]
   [All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. This song was originally on the December 6, 2017 release, SEE NO EVIL The song was recently re-recorded. Band member Xavier Martin told us that, “Everything was done from the ground up. Remixing, rerecording, mastering, etc.” The Black Creatures wanted to released this as a single and video as a “part-two” to their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, which was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. The video for “Negative Zero” picks up where the video for “Wretched (It Goes)” left off, “so there is a conceptual thread between the two,” says Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records. All music produced, arranged, recorded, and performed by The Black Creatures. Engineering and Mastering by J. Ashley Miller aka Jametatone. The Black Creatures write, “We talk about it all the time, but ‘Negative Zero’ is the best example of this phenomenon; sometimes we come together with pieces of a song that fit together so perfectly the results surprise even us. So, conceiving a video that acutely paralleled the direness of the message was a huge deal for us. The process happened in a similarly fluid stride that furthered our awareness of the unfortunate necessity of art, media, and dialogue that exist in the same sphere. With that in mind, there’s some positivity we hope fans of The Black Creatures can also takeaway from this music video. // We had been sitting on this video for a while, already finished filming and that whole process was very fun and literally nourishing (because we got Fannie’s West African Cuisine to celebrate after filming). Like past music video releases, we worked with Rondevu Productions on this video—and it was a careful little gathering! We all got our ‘negative’ COVID test results within 48 hours of each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s go to the lake like a family,’ and we did. We spent two days filming on a freezing cold lake, dancing on cryptic constructions, and being outside way late at night. // We have set up this release to directly fund The Tamir Rice Foundation, founded by mother Samaria Rice. We also encourage others who can, to give to something that is centered around Black life.” // After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued Wild Echoes and began releasing singles. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. They released the album, See No Evil, December 6, 2017. The duo released the singles, “Elements” February 14, 2018; “Silver Tears” June 19. 2018; “Dare” a Gorillaz cover August 8, 2019. They released the album “Wild Echoes” September 30, 2019. The Black Creatures released the singles “Turn” October 30, 2019; “Quartz (Twilight)” November 13, 2019; “SHINE” December 11, 2019; Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” January 8, 2020; “To Whom It May Concern” January 22, 2020; “Arcade Love” February 5, 2020; and “Run Up” Feb. 19, 2020. The Black Creatures will join us live on WMM on May 26, 2020]

[The Black Creatures play in the Alley at The Ship, 1217 Union Ave. West Bottoms, Saturday, May 22, at 9:00 PM with Collidescope.]

10:28 – Underwriting

7. Making Movies –”La Marcha”
   from: La Marcha – Single / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021
   [Newest single from Making Movies both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio). Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (, love ballad Una Vida, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, February 5 through February 7. In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.” Making Movies is a Kansas City based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff.]

[Making Movies play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Thursday, June 3. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]

10:34 – Interview with Enrique Chi

Enrique Javier Chi is the lead singer of the international known band, Making Movies who are releasing a new single, “La Marcha”, on Friday, May 21, mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic Studio. The Kansas City based 4-piece band was nominated for a 2019 Latin Grammy for their collaboration with Ruben Blades from their album, ameri’kana. Enrique and Making Movies used the downtime of touring to bui;d the outreaxh of their music education non-profit, Art As Mentorship and the MAKEWAVES campaign to create The LAB, a state of the art recording studio to give young artists access to resources they wouldn’t have otherwise. Making Movies play Live at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming on Thursday, June 3, 2021. More info at: http://www.mkngmvs.com

Enrique Chi thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“La Marcha” mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon, tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio.

Despite the 14 month pandemic shut down of the music touring industry, Enrique has stayed very busy.

Tomorrow Enrique Chi will be part of the panel of artists participating in Brave Troubadours – How Artists Are healing Our Country May 20, 2021 at 8:00 pm ET /7:00 CT More info at: https://bravetroubadours6.paperform.co

ART AS MENTORSHIP UNVEILS 2020 IMPACT REPORT

AND LAUNCHES ‘MAKE WAVES’ FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR ‘THE LAB’

Kansas City, MO – In the face of COVID-19, Art as Mentorship didn’t turn inward, but outward, growing in ways the organization hadn’t yet experienced. They weathered the storm that 2020 brought, doing what they set out to do since 2011 — lift up the voices of historically underrepresented youth. Now they’ve begun a fundraising campaign for their new state-of-the-art recording studio, The Lab located in the InterUrban ArtHouse in downtown Overland Park, KS.

Art as Mentorship founder, Enrique Chi, explains “as we’ve grown we now support a small staff of working artists who are helping us impact so many more young people. Giving youth access to a world class music lab will expand and deepen our impact in ways I couldn’t have imagined a few years back!”

During 2020 Art as Mentorship, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, achieved their mission to empower young people, through music, to write their own success story by unveiling three new programs:

• Rebel Song Academy LIVE!: (RSA Live) A weekly virtual program spearheaded by Making Movies frontman and Art as Mentorship founder, Enrique Chi.

They brought in professional mentors, including: Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, Andy Vargas of Santana, GRAMMY winners Black Pumas and local heros, Kevin Morby to work directly with young artists of all backgrounds.

Rebel Song Academy LIVE! reached

• 54,000 livestream views
• 300 unique participants
• 53 young artists from across the U.S.
• 27 weekly RSA Live! Events

Rebel Song Academy is now archive at http://www.bridge909.org

• The Lab: Art as Mentorship is building a state-of-the-art recording studio to give young artists access to equipment and resources they wouldn’t have otherwise. The six-hundred square foot space will serve as a pilot to demonstrate what a full Art as Mentorship production studio and media lab could do for young artists. In 2020, AM raised $27,000 toward The Lab, reaching more than 25% of the goal required to complete it. They’re now starting a fundraising campaign to complete the studio.
• AMERI’KANA: The pandemic forced Art as Mentorship to find new ways to build community with an audience they could no longer see in person. The answer? AMERI’KANA, a virtual festival celebrating the diversity of American music and its history reaching 5,200 unique LIVE viewers via Facebook . Students would interact with artists from a wide range of genres and backgrounds, hear their story, see themselves represented and collaborate with them. AMERI’KANA will be held in a hybrid format the weekend of 9/25/2021, with the goal of an in-person festival in 2022.

The MAKE WAVES campaign is named for Art as Mentorship’s core values:

We are all mentors and students.
Art is imperfect, progress is perfection.
Vulnerability is powerful and to be celebrated.
Encourage those around you.
Self discovery is a worthwhile journey.
For press inquiries contact:
addie@artasmentorship.org Marketing Director at Art as Mentorship

Making Movies wrote on their facebook page:

“Our business was decimated but our community stepped up to support. Right as the lockdown began, we were set to perform at SXSW 2020 as part of NPR’s Alt.Latino showcase.

“As we look forward to a future with concerts we have to give thanks to some folks who really helped us through this difficult time ✨ Scott and Amanda Jolley ✨ who run SJPS Productions stepped up in multiple ways to help us create art and share stories with you all.” A duo version of our song “Delilah” was recorded at Studio Joy as part of what was to be the virtual version of the showcase. we wanted to share it with you all. Sincere thanks to them & all the folks who helped us get through. and Kansas City, we will see you June 3rd. PS. to our supporters on Patreon we’ve uploaded a bonus song for you from this set. 👉 http://patreon.com/makingmovies. Making Movies perform a duo version of “Delilah” live from Studio Joy, filmed by Scott Jolley & Max Jolley & mixed by Diego Chi.

Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?”, love ballad “Una Vida”, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, Feb 5 through Feb 7.

In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.”

Making Movies play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Thursday, June 3. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

The boys are back in town! Making Movies play Lemonade Park on June 3.
The band writes: “I am excited, anxious and overcome with feels. We will be performing our first show at home in a year and half on Thursday June 3rd at Lemonade Park. Lemonade Park is a new socially distanted concert venue created by our friends over at the RecordBar, We are grateful that they have created a safe way for folks to come out and enjoy live music and we couldn’t be more excited to play music for you all. There are multiple VIP packages available. “

Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel” from La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021

Enrique Chi thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

10:47

8. Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel”
   from: La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021
   [Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), love ballad Una Vida, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, February 5 through February 7. In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.” Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we’ll have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff.]

[Making Movies play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Thursday, June 3. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]

9. Cory Phillips & The Band of Light – “Fit You (Radio Edit)”
   from: Fit You (Radio Edit) – Single / Cory Phillips / April 23, 2021
   [Cory Phillips is a sultry tenor & moody jet-setter who lights dangerous fires with erotic poetry and bedroom soul funk. Michael Hamm on guitar (Play Dead, the Band That Saved the World), Nate Holt on keyboards (Asterales, Approach), Mario Vlasic on bass, Chel Rich on drums (Half Tiger Half Bear, Red On Yellow, Stone Cutters Union) are the Band of Light. The group spans from southern rock to classic soul and disco to jazz in the same movement, mirroring Phillips’ fire dance with their own seasoned acrobatics. Their seductive live shows are consistently epic funk and disco parties, the excitement and prowl of which were miraculously captured on this new studio album. With SEX THIRSTY LOVE HUNGER, Cory Phillips & the Band of Light take us to their party, get us naked, and remind us that there is something perfectly spiritual in our appetite for hedonism.. // Cory Phillips definitely has something to prove. The entire collection is brimming with summer party gold. It’s been over 10 fast years since he released anything larger than a single, and this long-awaited follow up to Phillips’ self-titled 2009 debut is meant to make up for lost time. // When asked why it’s been so long, Phillips laughs it off, “No one was ready for this yet. I think people now are dying to groove and be sexual again.” // Phillips and his bands have played coast to coast for a decade, amassing fans drawn to his erotic singing and bedroom funk. Yet only the time that Covid-sequestering afforded him allowed for the definitive recording of his decade’s better work. // The new album is an effort in innovation. In the midst of the health crisis, new freedoms and limitations developed for the musician with a secret life pursuing his PhD in climatology at the University of Kansas. Gigs cancelled, tours off, Phillips converted part of his house into a recording studio and brought in his Lawrence/Kansas City-based ‘Band of Light’ along with wizard engineer Robert Rebeck (Tech N9ne) to complete the 14-song hitlist of retro-tinged solid gold. // Each song on the quasi-concept album is a testament to love and sex based on hard-lived experiences in Phillips’ own life: loves gained and lost, the joys and costs of being a habitual pleasure-seeker, longing and courtship, even carnal moments in real time. The content always exudes refined wisdom and sensitivity but dips into the dark waters of illicit love equally. The dirty bouquet of groove, funk, soul, and classic pop Phillips & the Band of Light developed is a horny blend of vintage spice. On this album the mature music man has learned how to communicate more info in his poems, and this book of songs is a tantalizing read at the turntable. // The album’s first single, “Fit You”, is a foray into their musical boudoir (dudeoir?). Evoking Sade and Michael Jackson, Phillips pits Feminism against Machismo as he tries to make sense of a friend/lover. Ultimately we discover which role wins, instinctively, as the song concludes with commanding sexuality.]

[Cory Phillips and The Band of Light play an Album Release Party, Friday, May 21, at Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS.]

10. Passerine Dream – “Driver”
    from: Passerine Dream / DistroKid / May 3, 2021
    [Sidelined from touring in 2020 like everybody else, KC based musician Dave Tanner began demoing new songs and spent the first few months of the hiatus contributing bass and vocals to other people’s recordings. By fall, a routine of tracking and writing evolved into making a solo album, of sorts. As songs were coming together from new and existing material, a few friends offered, or were asked, to lend a hand in their respective areas of expertise. Nine heartfelt songs and a handful of special guests later, the Passerine Dream album was completed in April 2021. “As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope.” // Appearing on certain tracks are power-pop artist Erik Voeks; Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends; John Perrin of NRBQ; Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper; Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles; and John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet. // Digital release on May 3, 2021 also kicks off an advance-order campaign for CD and vinyl via bandcamp and at passerinedream.com. // All songs written by Dave Tanner. Additional performing credits are listed in individual track information on bandcamp. // Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering.]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Alyssa Murray – “two peaches”
    from: Half and Half / LYSSA / May 14, 2021
    [2nd single from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 through January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com ]

[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]

11:03 – Interview with Alyssa Murray

Alyssa Murray joins us to share details about her new EP, “Half & Half” that was released on May 12, 2021. Departing from her previous sound, the electronic, indie fusion of ‘Half & Half’ stands as a major shift in Alyssa’s artistic approach and perspective. Seeking full creative autonomy, she wrote, recorded, and produced all of the EP in her home studio. Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella. Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com

Alyssa Murray, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Welcome back to the show. Alyssa was last on WMM on October 21, 2015 talking about the release AS OF NOW from June 30, 2015 a recording that featured Alyssa Murray on vocals & piano, Joel Stratton on bass, Josh Blythe on drums, Matt Baldwin on tenor (tracks 1 and 2), Nate Nall on trumpet (track 1), Adam Schlozman on guitar (tracks 5 and 7). All songs written by Alyssa Murray, BMI alyssamurraymusic.com. Recorded February 8th, 2015 at Weights and Measures SoundLab Mixed and mastered by Duane Trower, wmsoundlab.com

With the new EP, “Half & Half” Alyssa departs from her previous sound, the electronic, indie fusion of ‘Half & Half’ stands as a major shift in Alyssa’s artistic approach and perspective. Seeking full creative autonomy, she wrote, recorded, and produced all of the EP in her home studio.

Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences, Alyssa Murray’s latest release ‘Half & Half’ is a satisfying juxtaposition of synth and song.

Written, performed, and produced by Alyssa Murray. Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3), John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab Kansas City MO http://www.wmsoundlab.com

Cover photo by Corey Martin http://www.coreymartin.co/about
Hair & Makeup: Liz Miller @beautybylizmiller
Styling: Eboni Fondren @jzzystyle

http://www.instagram.com/alyssamurraymusic/
http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtBh6PbNtqXyuxd5MqMVHMQ/featured
twitter.com/alyssamurray_mu
http://www.facebook.com/alyssamurraymusic

Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella.

Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO.

Alyssa Murray has worked as an instructor for The Music School, also as an accompanist for the Kansas City Ballet, and is an established freelance performer.

Alyssa Murray, is the songwriter, vocalist and pianist.

She was formerly the leader of The AM Trio with Joel Stratton on bass, and Josh Blythe on drums & vocals. The AM Trio’s debut EP, “As Of Now” was released June 30, 2015.

Alyssa Murray was influenced by contemporary folk artists: Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, and Rufus Wainwright. Can you talk about the mixing of Folk into your Jazz.

Alyssa Murray grew up in Hays, Kansas, do you remember the first time you heard music that inspired you to become a musician?

After graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Alyssa made Kansas City her home. UMKC and the Conservatory of Music are producing new generations of working jazz musicians and music makers, playing music venues, recording, collaborating within the arts community, keeping Kansas City’s rich Jazz heritage alive. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com

Alyssa Murray has worked as an instructor for The Music School and is an accompanist for the Kansas City Ballet, working with the KC Ballet’s R.O.A.D. program in multiple elementary schools.

Alyssa Murray has worked to teach Unity’s Youth Meditation on Sundays.

Murray is also an established freelance performer in her own right.

Alyssa wrote her first song at 16 years of age

Alyssa Murray thanks for being with us on WMM.

Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com

11:16

12. Alyssa Murray – “Thx”
    from: half and Half / LYSSA / May 14, 2021
    [1st single released April 2, from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 through January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com ]

[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]

13. Nick Siegel – “She’s Not the Girl”
    from: For You, Dear, Anything: Act Two [EP] / Darling Dear Records / November 27, 2020
    [Nick Siegel, is a KC piano rocker with influences such as Ben Folds, Death Cab for Cutie and the Mars Volta. Nick writes aggressive piano rock music. He grew up playing music in Chicago and moved to Kansas City in 2010 when he joined The Casket Lottery. Now on my own as solo artist, Nick has released his debut solo album, “Awake from the Golden State,” on Aug. 25, 2017. His 8-song EP, “For You Dear, Anything,” was released April 10, 2020. It is the first act, of three-act series, he plans to release. Act One, is a modern take on the vibe of the 1920s. Nick released For You, Dear, Anything: Act Two on November 27, 2020]. The first single from this EP was “No Love of Mine” was released November 13, 2020.]

14. Andrea von Kampen – “Take Back Thy Gift”
    from: Take Back Thy Gift – Single / Fantasy Records / May 14, 2021
    [Released with, “Of Him I Love Both Day And Night” , Lincoln, Nebraska based singer songwriter with over 7 million Spotify streams Andrea von Kampen has quickly established herself in the recording studio and on the road. Her deft guitar work and intuitive song construction display striking maturity, and her effortless vocal delivery has been praised by Hear Nebraska as “soulful and worn-in.” Andrea has shared the stage with Tall Heights, Esme Patterson, Gregory Alan Isakov, Dead Man Winter, John Moreland, Dead Horses, Gaelyn Lea, and more. She was featured as a finalist in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, & won Eddie’s Attic Open Mic Night in Decatur, GA. Her recent midwest tour included a live session at Audiotree in Chicago. The resulting recording is now available wherever music is sold alongside Andrea’s studio EPs “Desdemona” “Another Day.”]

15. Approach – “Darling Niki”
    from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020.
    [Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kanss based emcee/producer Approach is Sean Hunt who’s been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000 that he helps curate the roster for. Info: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com ]

[Approach plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Saturday, May 22, with Other Americans. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]

11:28 – Underwriting

16. Jillian Riscoe – “People in The Real World”
    from: People in The Real World – Single / Avenue Record Company / March 5, 2021
    [Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]

[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]

11:34 – Interview with Jillian Riscoe

Jillian Riscoe joins us to talk about her newest single release, “People in The Real World”, and also her recording with the band Ondist. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. The KC Native has been singing since she was 7. Jillian has toured and performed across the United States and and opened for: Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, and Stabbing Westward. Info at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com

Jillian Riscoe, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Jillian is calling into the show, on her cell phone, in her car, outside of a school where she teaches Kindermusik, her last class just ended minutes go.

What can you tell us about Kindermusik? KC Native has been singing since the age of 7.

We just played Jillian Riscoe’s newest single release, “People in The Real World”

The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism.

Jillian has toured and performed across the United States, including major sporting events, and the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project.

She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and has opened for: Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward, and others. More info at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com

We interviewed Maya Coppola on the October 7, 2020 on WMM and she talked about how Jillian recorded “killer vocals” with the band Ondist, “Love is Gold (feat. Jillian Riscoe)” from their album, Mise en Place, released November 13, 2020 .

In 2020 Ondist released three full length albums: No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on August 14, and Mise en Place on November 13, totaling 41 songs, plus a 26 track Acapellas & Instrumentals release on July 3, plus a 4-song EP entitled Resound on February 28, plus 9 singles. Ondist is: Corbin Dooley, Nick Poortman, and Maya Coppola. Corbin Dooley signed Nine Inch nails to TVT Records in 1990. He managed Blur, and Tekronic. With divergent backgrounds rooted in Arkansas, New Zealand, and New York, the trio connected in Los Angeles.

Recording in Malibu, Dallas, Kansas City, and Las Vegas brought environmental influences to the center of the Ondist sound, which is united by its cinematic vision of hope.

Several of the tracks for all three albums were recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals.

Jillian Riscoe also plays with the cover band The Wannabes.

Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.

Jillian Riscoe, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

11:46

16. Jillian Riscoe – “Breaking Point”
    from: Breaking Point – Single / Record Company / November 15, 2021
    [Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]

[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]

18. Ondist – “Love is Gold (feat. Jillian Riscoe)”
    from: Mise en Place / Bikiniwax Records / November 13, 2020
    [In 2020 Ondist released three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on August 14, and Mise en Place on November 13 totaling 41 songs, plus a 26 track Acapellas & Instrumentals Release on July 3, plus a 4-song EP entitled Resound on February 28, plus 9 singles. Ondist is Corbin Dooley, Nick Poortman, and Maya Coppola are Ondist. With divergent backgrounds rooted in Arkansas, New Zealand, and New York, the trio connected in Los Angeles. Recording in Malibu, Dallas, Kansas City, and Las Vegas brought environmental influences to the center of the Ondist sound, which is united by its cinematic vision of hope. Several of the tracks for all three albums were recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals. Corbin Dooley signed Nine Inch nails to TVT Records in 1990. He managed Blur, and Tekronic. We interviewed Maya Coppola on the October 7, 2020 on WMM.]

[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]

19. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
    from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Next week on Wednesday, May 26 we welcome special guests: Dylan Pyles, David Luther, Remy Stryk, and The Black Creatures.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

Show #890