WMM Playlist from August 16, 2023 with Jocelyn Olivia Nixon + The Black Mariah Theater + JNabe

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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, August 16, 2023

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon & Amplify Lawrence + Sophia and Analiese of The Black Mariah Theater, Asian Rap Music Wunderkind…JNabe + New & MidCoastal Releases

  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]
  1. Monta – “Mobius Trip (fest. Your Friend)”
    from: “Mobius Trip )Feat. ” – Single / The Record Machine / July 14, 2023
    [Monta has reteamed with Domino Records artist Your Friend — who previously joined the band on their classic Argentum Dreams album — for the spiraling and hallucinatory “Mobius Trip.” The song was originally recorded by the psych-rock band H.P. Lovecraft in 1968, meant to convey the world’s turmoil in a plea to unite global citizens in mutual understanding. Now it’s 2023 and, unfortunately, the tune still has purpose. Thus, Monta and Your Friend’s collaborative version, modernized and techno-sized with electronic rhythms and bold synth chords, transfers the message into today’s relevance. Your Friend’s dreamy vocals once again complement Monta’s sonic miasma and post-punk guitar riffs, inspiring a collective trip that aims to project beauty across all colors and cultures. The journey continues. // It’s a strange time to be making music at all. In the midst of this bizarre attention economy, it’s hard to retrain our minds to sit still for an entire song. We are in constant states of flux. Kansas City’s resident post-punkers Monta find themselves in that same state of change now. The band is finding freedom in the moment, wherever it takes them. // Monta means “to climb higher.” Through lineup changes and scenes ebbing and flowing, this band continues that climb. Monta has grown into its own community with a rotating cast of musicians and characters. Krysztof Nemeth and Lucas Behrens play guitars. Dedric Moore experiments with synthesizers and electronics. On drums, Matthew Heinrich is the heartbeat of the band; keeping everyone in time and allowing for spontaneous musical moments. Joined by songwriter and vocalist Mikal Shapiro, Monta is now able to take their noisy, pulsing soundscapes and pair those with pop hooks. With friends and other collaborators making appearances, Monta expand and contract to fit the need of the song. // This shift towards melody is audible in their newer material. “Everybody’s Baby” is a dark-wave rager, perfect for the back room of a dimly-lit club. “Looking Back” is an uplifting synth pop groove mixed with contemplative thoughts about the past. // On March 24, 2023 Monta released their 4-track EP, Crystal Momentum. The EP hones the Kansas City band’s mastery of electrified dreamworld post-punk, presenting four spacious songs to accompany out-of-body explorations. Monta’s core players — Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth and Lucas Behrens on guitars, Dedric Moore on electronics, Matthew Heinrich on drums, and Teri Quinn with additional vocals — accompany their visions with a groovy flow that rings with subtle tensions, introspective instrumentation, and chorus-fed uplifts. // Found within are “Everybody’s Baby,” an otherworldly adoration of unnamed strangers set to transfixing melodies and a snake-like groove; the buoyant “Looking Back,” which shines a danceable, sonic brightness through a haze of ecstatic reminiscence; the inspired “Perimeter Dancer,” an ode to those who fight for the cause, accompanied by a punky disco beat and a chorus that launches the song upward to a mirror-ball-lit sky. And then there’s “Luna Lost In Your Gaze,” a righteous desert sleepwalk of a tune that recalls the spaghetti western tones of Monta’s past while remaining on the current trajectory. // With the Crystal Momentum EP, Monta grabs the moment, further defining the distinctive mix of synth-pop and dark psychedelia that’s become the band’s trademark. Take a leap and fall into their world. // This shift towards melody is audible in their newer material. “Everybody’s Baby” is a dark-wave rager, perfect for the back room of a dimly-lit club. “Looking Back” is an uplifting synth pop groove mixed with contemplative thoughts about the past. // Peak of Eternal Light, released in 2021, alternates between dreamy post-punk and dark synth pop with no missteps in between. Dedric remarks that the band is in the process of “simplifying the song down to what it needs.”The band has honed-in on this approach, and are making some of their most interesting material to date.Their songs beg us to dance away the darker moments of our lives. By dredging up these murky memories and setting them against a backdrop of groovy, angular post-punk, Monta helps us to make sense of this cold, bleak world. In a cultural ocean with ever-changing waves, it’s nice to know that some things are still built to last. Monta is here to stay, even though they won’t ever remain the same. // Peak of Eternal Light, released in 2021, alternates between dreamy post-punk and dark synth pop with no missteps in between. Dedric remarks that the band is in the process of “simplifying the song down to what it needs.”The band has honed-in on this approach, and are making some of their most interesting material to date.Their songs beg us to dance away the darker moments of our lives. By dredging up these murky memories and setting them against a backdrop of groovy, angular post-punk, Monta helps us to make sense of this cold, bleak world. In a cultural ocean with ever-changing waves, it’s nice to know that some things are still built to last. Monta is here to stay, even though they won’t ever remain the same. Info at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co]
  1. Timbers – “Time’s Stinger”
    from: “Time’s Stinger” – Single / Timbers / May 27, 2023
    [Aaron Mitchum on vocals & guitars, Devon Teran on guitar & pedal steel, Riley Taylor on bass & BGV, Nathan Lewis on drums, cover art, Jilliann De Jong on vocals. All songs written by Timbers. Earlier this year Timbers released the single “Breakers” on January 18, 2023. Engineering, Mixing, Mastering by Joel Nanos. Recorded at Element Studio in Kansas City, MO. Timbers was formed in 2013, their music is blend of rock & roll, country, soul. Follow up to the band’s self titled 2018 EP Timbers.]

[Timbers play Nighthawk, 1228 Baltimore Ave., KCMO, Thursday, August 17, at 9:00 PM.]

  1. The Roseline – “Seven Hundred Second Chances”
    from: Constancy / RPH Records / November 5, 2021
    [First single from the band’s 8th album CONSTANCY. The track features Colin Halliburton on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, & aux percussion; Bradley McKellip on mandolin & electric guitars; Colin Jones on bass; Jim Piller on drums; Chase Horseman on piano and organ; and Heidi Gluck on background vocals. It was recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. Lead singer and songwriter Colin Halliburton writes, “This song came together relatively quickly when I brought the acoustic skeleton to the band. It has a comfortable groove and familiarity to it, but we tried to make it all our own with little sonic touches like the sustaining fuzz note and the chimey, vintage vibe of the bridge. Lyrically, I’m exploring the corruptibility of humans and examining my own privilege, while also noting that we should all be aspiring to the greatness of teachers.” // The Roseline are a Lawrence, KS, based alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 7th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2020. The Roseline released BLOOD on September 29, 2017; and TOWNIE on June 19, 2015. The band has toured the US and Halliburton has completed two European solo tours thus far, taking him through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. // Eight albums into their career, the Lawrence band has crafted a songbook that is at once familiar and singular. The Roseline founder and principal songwriter, Colin Halliburton, began the project as an acoustic folk trio. It has since evolved into the five-piece heartland rock band of its current form. // Kind foreign press and high charting on the Euro Americana Chart (“Lust for Luster,” “Blood,” “GOOD/GRIEF” and “Constancy” all charted in the top 10) led to a deal in the Benelux with Dutch label King Forward Records. The band also released “Vast as Sky” in 2012 with the Bay Area label Ninth Street Opus (home to Sarah Lee Guthrie and Carrie Rodriguez). Aside from those, the project has largely been a truly DIY, independent venture. // The Roseline has had the good fortune of landing placements in indie movies and major network television shows such as ABC’s “Nashville” and “Resurrection,” as well as USA’s “Queen of the South,” Netflix’s “Virgin River” and MTV’s “Teen Mom.” The band’s work has been featured on NPR, “Pop Matters,” “American Songwriter,” “The Bluegrass Situation” and “No Depression,” among others. The band closed out 2022 by releasing two new singles, “Hot Dice” and “Saber Rattlers.”Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com/%5D

[The Roseline play Midwest Trust Center for the 2023 Light Up the Lawn Concert Series, at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS, Friday, August 18, at 8:30 PM]

  1. Mikal Shapiro – “The Situation”
    from: The Crow, The Lark & The Loon / Independent / 2008
    [Artist, Singer & Songwriter, Mikal Shapiro was our guest live in the studio on March 3, 2008. She has been one of our most frequent guests appearing on our recent 1000th show. Her recording The Crow, The Lark & The Loon made our list of The 100 Best Recordings of 2008. She has recorded several solo and collaborative recordings and performs in many different venues in Kansas City Mikal Shapiro is founder of State City Films creating documentary and experimental filmmaking practices. // Mikal studied Film History, Film, & Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She received her MFA in Film/Video/New Media/ Animation from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012. Artist, filmmaker, puppeteer, ring-leader, Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. She has toured extensively across the United States and has recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums Mikal also performs with Shapiro Brothers, and Monta At Odds. Mikal was the original co-host and co-creator of River Trade Radio. She is also the creator and co-host of Siren Song, Saturdays at 11:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI KC Community Radio. Mikal also serves as Coordinator of Kansas City Folk Fest. // Mikal Shapiro released her critically acclaimed album The Musical II on May 26, 2018 which included “Everybody’s Baby” her pop song she wrote that got a lot of radio play, but all the songs on The Musical 11 are great. The Musical is Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Recorded separately and with social distancing. The Musical II is the sequel to Shapiro’s 2015 concept album, “The Musical.” Along with Mikal Shapiro, Chad Brothers, Johnny Hamil and Matt Richey, special guests include: Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Tina Bilberry on viola & violin, Damon Parker on keyboards, and Lauren Hughes on vocals. Engineered and co-produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios. Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. She has toured extensively across the U.S. and has recorded five critically acclaimed albums. KC Star and Tim Finn declared her album “The Musical” to be one of his top five releases of 2015. A third generation storyteller, she draws inspiration from her travels, love life, and the state of the Union.]

[Mikal Shapiro & There Musicalplay Mike Kelly’s Westsider 1515 Westport Rd. KCMO, Saturday, Aug 19, at 7:00 PM]

Crystal Rose Photo by Kate Lamendola
  1. Crystal Rose – “Goddamn You Kansas City (Live at Ocean Way Nashville for Ultimate Playlist)”
    from: “Goddamn You Kansas City” – Single / rosebud / June 9, 2023
    [Crystal Rose is a singer song-writer formerly based in based in Kansas City, shhe moved to Nashville two years ago. // (From Michelle Bacon for The Bridge 90.9 – Since leaving KC for Nashville during the pandemic, Crystal has begun carving out a space for herself in a city where that’s tough to do. Her latest single is “Goddamn You Kansas City,” a poignant reflection of her experience in a place she still calls home, but with an acknowledgment of its setbacks. Some of those moments are outlined in “The Secrets of Hillsong,” a recent Hulu documentary where Crystal spoke out about the racism she experienced as a worship leader at a local Hillsong church.) // Her EP, ARENA was released September 18, 2020. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. // In 2019 she was featured on the nationally televised NBC reality – competition program The Voice. At a young age she was Influenced by powerhouse vocals like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera. She has since drawn much inspiration from blusey and folk centered artist like James Bay, James Vincent Mcmorrow and Johnnyswim. Crystal Rose released her debut single “Come Alive” on May 6, 2016. Earlier this year Crystal released the single “Not Leaving (Stripped)” on January 30, 2020.Crystal is a Kansas City based singer songwriter and UMKC journalism student who has played solo and also with Paige Turner on guitar. To listen to more Crystal Rose please visit: http://www.crystalro.se]

[Crystal Rose plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, Saturday, August 19, 7:00 PM with Julia Cannon, Stephonne, and Pure XTC.]

  1. Kelly Hunt – “How Long”
    from: Even The Sparrow / Rare Bird Records / May 17, 2019
    [The daughter of an opera singer and a saxophonist, Kelly Hunt was raised in Memphis, TN, and grew up performing other people’s works through piano lessons, singing in choirs, and performing theater. “It was a very creative, artistic household,” says Hunt. During her teenage years, influenced by musical inspirations as diverse as Norah Jones, Rachmaninov, and John Denver, she began writing her own songs on the piano as a creative outlet. After being introduced to the banjo in college while studying French and visual arts, Hunt began to develop her own improvised style of playing, combining old-time picking styles with the percussive origins of the instrument. “I’m self-taught, I just started letting the songs dictate what needed to be there,” she says. “I heard a rhythm in a song that I wanted to execute, so I figured out how to do it on the drum head while still being able to articulate certain notes in one motion.” After college, Hunt followed a rambling path that took her through careers in acting, graphic design, traditional French bread making, and medicine, all the while making music as a private endeavor. “I wanted to get serious about a responsible career choice, but music kept bubbling up. I was writing a lot and playing a lot and started to not be satisfied just playing to my walls of my room.” After moving to Kansas City and discovering her mysterious Depression-era tenor banjo, Hunt began recording Even The Sparrow in Kansas City alongside collaborator Stas’ Heaney and engineer Kelly Werts. “It took almost two years to record,” she says, “learning how to let the songs dictate the production.” Having finally come to light, the album displays Hunt’s penchant for masterful storytelling and intriguing arrangement, as researched and complex as they are memorable, punctuated by her articulate melodies and a well-enunciated and creative command of lyrical delivery infused with deft emotional communication. While reminiscent of modern traditionalists such as Gillian Welch–a number of her songs even borrow titles and phrasing from traditional American music (“Back to Dixie,” “Gloryland”)–Even The Sparrow reveals an ineffable quality that hovers beyond the constraints of genre, à la Anais Mitchell and Patty Griffin. In “The Men of Blue & Grey,” what begins as a Reconstruction-era ballad about the repurposing of Civil War glass plate negatives in a greenhouse roof soon becomes a meditation on the hope that growth and life may one day be able to emerge from the ruins of suffering and haunting of violence. “Across The Great Divide” turns an otherwise traditional accounting of spurned love into a philosophical epic of the ethics of forgiveness and freedom, evoking the ideas of Søren Kierkegaard and Walt Whitman.] [Kelly Hunt’s EVEN THE SPARROW was in the TOP TEN of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019.]

[Kelly Hunt plays an Album Release & The Matchsellers 10 Year Bandiversary at The Warwick, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, Friday, August 18, at 6:00PM to 10:00 PM]

10:29 – Underwriting

  1. JNabe – “Ramen (feat. Jawny BadLuck)”
    from: “Ramen (feat. Jawny BadLuck)” – Single / JNabe / May 26, 2023
    [JNabe is Kansas City’s premiere Indie Asian Rapper. JNabe started rapping in 2020. He loves making music and strives to make songs that connect with people. // JNabe met his mentor Nawlage a Dancehall artist in 2022. Together they made an album called NAMEGAH coming out in August 18, 2023. // From jnabeofficial.com: “JNabe is a reputable Rapper who began their exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery in 2020. Since then, they’ve used constant collaboration and experimental sound exploration to shape the signature sound that echoes with their inspiration from the streets of Kansas City. In the music world, there’s no standing still. You must constantly learn about new techniques and continue honing your musical craft.” // Inspired by the work ethics of fellow musicians he met along his musical journey, JNabe moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in rapping. In 2022 JNabe released 110 singles! So far in 2023 Jnabe has released 10 singles. Last year, JNabe met his mentor Nawlage, a Dancehall artist, together they made an album called NAMEGAH that is scheduled to be released on August 18, 2023. More info at: http://www.jnabeofficial.com]

11:34 – Interview with JNabe

Kansas City’s premiere Indie Asian Rapper, JNabe is also know as Justin Watanabe. He started rapping in 2020. Jnabe is a Hip Hop Artist, Voiceover Artist, and Radio DJ. JNabe was born in New Jersey, and raised in Pennsylvania where he began his musical journey playing the piano. At a young age he gained experience playing piano recitals in front of audiences. JNabe enrolled in Choir, Orchestra, and Band while in middle school, doing all three programs for 4 years. When JNabe was 14 years old he won his first singing competition. Inspired by the work ethics of fellow musicians he met along his musical journey, JNabe moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in rapping. In 2022 JNabe released 110 singles! So far in 2023 Jnabe has released 10 singles. Last year, JNabe met his mentor Nawlage, a Dancehall artist, together they made an album called NAMEGAH that is scheduled to be released on August 18, 2023. More info at http://www.jnabeofficial.com

JNabe thank you for being our guest on WMM

We just heard “Ramen (feat. Jawny BadLuck)” a new single released on May 26, 2023 This single will be on JNabe’s upcoming album.

JNabe met his mentor Nawlage, a Dancehall artist, together they made an album called NAMEGAH that is scheduled to be released on August 18, 2023.

JNabe was born in New Jersey, and raised in Pennsylvania where he began his musical journey playing the piano. At a young age he played at piano recitals with fellow musicians and displayed his musical prowess. JNabe enrolled in Choir, Orchestra, and Band while in middle school, doing all three programs for 4 years. in front of audiences.

JNabe moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in rapping.

Some of the artist JNabe has recorded with this year include: The Real Tez, NuSince, Julia Reynolds, Sa!txero, Canibus, Rick Ross, and I Am Justified

Jnabe released “Ballin and Blowing featuring Rick Ross” on April 19, 2022. And today JNabe released the single, “So Alone” on April 27, 2022.

When we interviewed JNabe last year on April 27, 2022 he had released 13 singles so far that year, and by the end of 2022 JNabe released 110 singles!

So far in 2023 Jnabe has released 10 singles.

More info at: http://www.jnabeofficial.com

JNabe is Kansas City’s Premiere Indie Asian Rapper. JNabe started rapping in 2020. He loves making music and strives to make songs that connect with people.

JNabe thank you for being our guest on WMM

In 2022 JNabe released 110 singles! So far in 2023 Jnabe has released 10 singles. Last year, JNabe and Dancehall artist, created the album NAMEGAH, scheduled to be released on August 18, 2023. More info at http://www.jnabeofficial.com

11:50

  1. JNabe – “2002 Acura”
    from: “2002 Acura” – Single / JNabe / August, 2023
    [JNabe is Kansas City’s premiere Indie Asian Rapper. JNabe started rapping in 2020. He loves making music and strives to make songs that connect with people. // JNabe met his mentor Nawlage a Dancehall artist in 2022. Together they made an album called NAMEGAH coming out in August 18, 2023. // From jnabeofficial.com: “JNabe is a reputable Rapper who began their exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery in 2020. Since then, they’ve used constant collaboration and experimental sound exploration to shape the signature sound that echoes with their inspiration from the streets of Kansas City. In the music world, there’s no standing still. You must constantly learn about new techniques and continue honing your musical craft.” // Inspired by the work ethics of fellow musicians he met along his musical journey, JNabe moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in rapping. In 2022 JNabe released 110 singles! So far in 2023 Jnabe has released 10 singles. Last year, JNabe met his mentor Nawlage, a Dancehall artist, together they made an album called NAMEGAH that is scheduled to be released on August 18, 2023. More info at: http://www.jnabeofficial.com]
  1. Sylvan Esso – “Ferris Wheel”
    from: Free Love / Loma Vista – Concord / September 25, 2020
    [3rd studio album by indie pop duo Sylvan Esso, from Durham, North Carolina, formed in 2013. The band consists of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn. They made their debut with the single “Hey Mami” and released their eponymous debut album on Partisan Records on May 12, 2014, which reached No. 39 on the Billboard 200. They released their second album What Now with Loma Vista Recordings on April 28, 2017, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. Lead singer Amelia Meath, who was at the time involved with her trio, Mountain Man, created the vocals to the song called “Play It Right”. She later met electronic music producer Nick Sanborn (who played bass in Megafaun) in Milwaukee at the Cactus Club, performing at the time solo as Made of Oak, and asked him to make a rendering of her single, Play It Right, in his own way. From 2012 to 2013, the band slowly formed. Meath returned from a year-and-a-half tour w/ Feist and was looking for an affordable place to live, landing in Durham with Sanborn and began making their album, with all of their songs being recorded in Sanborn’s apartment bedroom. // On May 19, 2022, the band released the single “Sunburn” on streaming services, with album artwork including “Sylvan Esso IIII”. In an interview with Stereogum Sanborn described the first three Sylvan Esso albums as “a completed trilogy, with “Your Reality” as a first glimpse at a new chapter for the band.” On July 24, 2022, the band released “Your Reality” and announced that their fourth studio, titled No Rules Sandy would released on August 12, 2022. The album title is a reference to Nick Sanborn’s nickname and the band’s ethos for writing the album. The album was recorded in January 2022 at a makeshift studio in a rental house with pickups recorded at their North Carolina studio named Betty’s. The album received generally positive reviews, with a score of 75 on Metacritic and Jon Pareles of The New York Times describing the album as having “spirit of try-anything, knob-twirling whimsy. // Sylvan Esso is an American electronic pop duo from Durham, North Carolina, formed in 2013. The band consists of singer Amelia Meath (born July 2, 1988) and producer Nick Sanborn (born March 8, 1983). Amelia Meath performs vocals, production, lyrics. Nick Sanborn performs instrumentals, and production. Meath and Sanborn married in June 2016 They made their debut with the single “Hey Mami” and released their eponymous debut album on Partisan Records on May 12, 2014, which reached No. 39 on the Billboard 200. They released their second album What Now with Loma Vista Recordings on April 28, 2017, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. // Lead singer Amelia Meath, who was at the time involved with her trio, Mountain Man, created the vocals to the song called “Play It Right”. She later met electronic music producer Nick Sanborn (who played bass in band Megafaun) in Milwaukee at the Cactus Club, performing at the time solo as Made of Oak, and asked him to make a rendering of her single, Play It Right, in his own way. From 2012 to 2013, the band slowly formed. Meath had returned from a year-and-a-half tour with Feist and was looking for an affordable place to live, thus landing in Durham with Sanborn and began making their album, with all of their songs being recorded in Sanborn’s apartment bedroom. The band derived the first part of its name, “wikt: sylvan” from a character in an early iOS game titled “Sword and Sworcery”.]

[Sylvan Esso play The Midland Theatre, 1228 Main Street, KCMO, on Friday, August 18, at 8:00 PM. with indigo De Souza. Sylvan Esso’s No Rules Tour.]

  1. Alyssa Murray – “S.D.D.”
    from: S.D.D – Single / LYSSA RECORDS / August 11, 2023
    [The first single from Alyssa Murray’s upcoming album SCROLLIN’ to be released September 1, 2023. SCROLLIN’ is a sonic kaleidoscope of synth-tastic beats and experimental delightAlyssa Murray is a keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and producer who combines a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences, Alyssa Murray creates a satisfying juxtaposition of synth and song. The Kansas City based singer/songwriter, keyboardist, and producer takes after some of the very best art-pop mainstays, electronic wizards, and west coast beat makers. // Alyssa has been featured on the Los Angeles based ‘Beat Cinema’ and was noted as one of KC’s 90.9 The Bridge’s favorite of EPs of 2021. She was selected to collaborate with visual-artist Barry Anderson for Charlotte Street and Eddie Moore’s ProDo Lab Series and in 2022 was awarded a CFX Grant from the Creative Arkansas Community Hub and Exchange. // Always feeling a strong pull towards songwriting, Alyssa studied piano, voice, and guitar in her teens deep diving into such influences as Fiona Apple and Stevie Wonder. Further pursuing her passion for jazz and improvisation, Alyssa moved to Kansas City to study jazz-piano at the UMKC Conservatory while immersing herself in the local music scene. Her 2015 debut ‘As of Now’ showcases her ability to combine elements of jazz with the narrative sophistication of contemporary-folk. // In addition to performing, Alyssa is an experienced music educator and teaches 20+ private lessons a week covering subjects ranging from entry-level piano, ukulele, to jazz improvisation. // She also has years of experience as a dance accompanist with the Kansas City Ballet’s community-outreach program Reach Out And Dance and Owen/Cox Dance Group’s in-school program Take the Stage. // 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. // More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. The Black Mariah Theatre – “Shakedown”
    from: Mean To Be Mean / The Black Mariah Theatre / July 21, 2023
    [Twin sisters Analiese and Sophia make up the Kansas City based band, The Black Mariah Theater. Their sparkly witch-rock sound, as it’s been described, is genre-bending funky drum beats, jazzy guitar tones, and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics. Perfect for anyone who’s had a bad day, a lonely night or a broken heart. // Recorded and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. // released On The Black Mariah Theater released the single “Broken Bone” was also recorded, mixed, and mastered at Element Recording Studios by Joel Nanos. alternative duo female vocals garage rock indie rock Kansas City]

[The Black Mariah Theater play The Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, August 26. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. w/ Mitzi McKee, and Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders opening. ]

11:03 – Interview with Sophia and Analiese Motta of The Black Mariah Theater

Twin sisters Sophia and Analiese Motta are The Black Mariah Theater and are joining us LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Called a “Sparkly-witch-rock duo,” The Black Mariah Theater meld multiple genres into one band; with live shows full of angst, attitude, and powerful sound. The Black Mariah Theater released their first EP, BLACK HEARTS in 2017, their first full-length album, PATRON SAINT in 2020, an EP, ACOUSTIC COVERS in 2021, and they just released their newest album, MEAN TO BE MEAN on July 21, 2023. The Black Mariah Theater play The Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, August 26. The doors at 7:00 PM, the show at 8:00 PM. with Mitzi McKee, and Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders opening. More info at: http://www.theblackmariahtheater.com

Sophia Motta and Analiese Motta, Thanks for being with us as today on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Sparkly-witch-rock duo, The Black Mariah Theater, made up of twin sisters Sophia and Analiese, bring infectious energy on and off stage, that captivates audiences with their tightness as a group and seasoned stage presence. With carefully crafted, mean-spirited lyrics on top of jazzy guitar and funky drums, The Black Mariah Theater melds multiple genres into one band; with live shows full of angst, attitude, and powerful sound, fit for more than a duo!

The Black Mariah Theater released their first EP in 2017, first full-length album in 2020, an acoustic EP in 2021, and just released their newest album, “Mean To Be Mean” this summer! They have toured across the US performing at music festivals and conferences, and opened for some of their favorite artists like Olivia Jean, The Velveteers, Laura Jane Grace, Low Cut Connie, and Kiss the Tiger!

https://www.instagram.com/theblackmariahtheater/
https://www.facebook.com/theblackmariahtheater/
https://www.tiktok.com/@theblackmariahtheater

RIGHT CHORD MUSIC
The Black Mariah Theater Share Funk-Rock EP ‘Mean To Be Mean’
August 4, 2023

The Black Mariah Theater, a sister duo based out of Kansas City, have released an EP called Mean To Be Mean it’s their first since the release of their 2020 album entitled Patron Saint. With Analiease on drums and Sophia on vocals and guitar, these two bring retro energy to the modern music world.

Black Mariah Theater – Mean To Be Mean

Previously spotlighted on our First Signs of Love Feature, Analiese and Sophia aka The Black Mariah Theater have no doubts about their sound. The same 70s groove can be found in all of their work, coupled with vocals that ring similar to Amy Winehouse. Themes of desire and heartbreak-fueled emotions make their music easy to relate to, especially for young women. Their flashy clothing draws you in, but their vocals and catchy guitar rhythms make you stay.

Mean To Be Mean begins with a funky tune that confidently asserts an aching for attention. Entitled Gin & Attention, the lyrics perfectly encapsulate a drunken one-night stand. This song sets the stage for the theme of empowerment and sexual freedom that is consistent throughout the record.

The title track follows the leading song, which begged for a quick hit of attention. Mean To Be Mean does quite the opposite, expressing an aversion to a particular someone. With lyrics like, “But I guess you just bring out the worst in me” and “We were no good for each other / Always just pressing buttons / Fighting until we scream” this song casually confesses being over someone once and for all. Listening to this song inspires getting over your toxic ex as if they were a little speed bump in the road.

The final four songs of the album are more mournful and sentimental than the beginning tracks.

Shakedown starts with a quiet yet vengeful guitar strum, complementing the metaphorical lyrics that tell a story of being on the receiving end of cheating, lying and manipulation. It almost acts as a prelude to the previous songs; a reason behind the carelessness and need for quick love. After a period of mistreatment, one grows tired. Leaving is the only next step.

Broken Bone tells listeners how hard it was to initially break the ties of the relationship. Despite having a “heart made out of stone”, the singer’s lover still managed to gain enough power to break it into two and forever change them.

The next song is similar to the first song in its expression for attention but is more personable. Expensive Champagne is a song of jealousy, whereas the first one was a selfish fulfilment.

“I know she’s harder to forget than me / Because I can’t stop thinking about her”

That final lyric repeats, highlighting the singer’s envy against her ex-lover’s new girl.
Ending with another heartbreak blues-esque song, Old Flame. This song reflects the overall back-and-forth emotion of the album. The song questions the singer’s own decisions regarding her past romantic interest. Why does she return to her ex despite knowing that it only leads to pain? Does she gain anything from running back? Just in the same minute that she calls herself out, she still plays around with the idea of going back to her so-called old flame, wondering if she missed the opportunity to do so.

The Black Mariah Theater keep 70s rock alive with their funky jams that call for dancing and groovy outfits. Undeniably inspired by that era of rock bands, these two sisters are taking a once male-dominated genre and making it their own.

In totality, this album is universally relatable as it has heavy themes of heartache, anger, regret and romantic yearning. Although there are a range of emotions in this album, the songs seem to be part of one storyline

11:11

  1. The Black Mariah Theatre – “Mean To Be Mean”
    from: Mean To Be Mean / The Black Mariah Theatre / July 21, 2023
    [Twin sisters Analiese and Sophia make up the Kansas City based band, The Black Mariah Theater. Their sparkly witch-rock sound, as it’s been described, is genre-bending funky drum beats, jazzy guitar tones, and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics. Perfect for anyone who’s had a bad day, a lonely night or a broken heart. // Recorded and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. // released On The Black Mariah Theater released the single “Broken Bone” was also recorded, mixed, and mastered at Element Recording Studios by Joel Nanos. alternative duo female vocals garage rock indie rock Kansas City]

[The Black Mariah Theater play The Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, August 26. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. w/ Mitzi McKee, and Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders opening. ]

11:13 – Interview with Sophia and Analiese Motta of The Black Mariah Theater

Twin sisters Sophia and Analiese are The Black Mariah Theater and afre joining us LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Called a “Sparkly-witch-rock duo,” The Black Mariah Theater meld multiple genres into one band; with live shows full of angst, attitude, and powerful sound. The Black Mariah Theater released their first EP, BLACK HEARTS in 2017, their first full-length album, PATRON SAINT in 2020, an EP, ACOUSTIC COVERS in 2021, and they just released their newest album, MEAN TO BE MEAN on July 21, 2023.

The Black Mariah Theater play The Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, August 26. The doors at 7:00 PM, the show at 8:00 PM. with Mitzi McKee, and Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders opening. More info at: http://www.theblackmariahtheater.com

Sophia Motta and Analiese Motta, Thanks for being with us as today on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Black Mariah Theater Discography

Mean To Be Mean – 6-track Album, released on July 21, 2023

“Broken Bone” – Single, released October 5, 2022

“Mean To Be Mean” – Single, released August 26, 2022

Acoustic Covers – 4-track EP, released July 16, 2021

“Play With Fire” – Single, released February 9, 2021

Patron Saint – 7-track Album, released February 14, 2020

“Winter Song” Single, released December 24, 2020

“Got No Luck” – Single, released November 29, 2019

BLACK HEARTS – 4-track EP, released August 18, 2017

Sophia Motta and Analiese Motta, Thanks for being with us as today on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Black Mariah Theater play The Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, August 26. The doors at 7:00 PM, the show at 8:00 PM. with Mitzi McKee, and Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders opening. More info at: http://www.theblackmariahtheater.com

11:21

  1. The Black Mariah Theatre – “Old Flame”
    from: Mean To Be Mean / The Black Mariah Theatre / July 21, 2023
    [Twin sisters Analiese and Sophia make up the Kansas City based band, The Black Mariah Theater. Their sparkly witch-rock sound, as it’s been described, is genre-bending funky drum beats, jazzy guitar tones, and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics. Perfect for anyone who’s had a bad day, a lonely night or a broken heart. // Recorded and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. // released On The Black Mariah Theater released the single “Broken Bone” was also recorded, mixed, and mastered at Element Recording Studios by Joel Nanos. alternative duo female vocals garage rock indie rock Kansas City]

[The Black Mariah Theater play The Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, August 26. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. w/ Mitzi McKee, and Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders opening. ]

  1. Saving Miles Lemon – “‘Til the Sun Comes”
    from: “’Til the Suns Comes” – Single / Saving Miles Lemon / July 13, 2023
    [Saving Miles Lemon is the psychedelic-pop project of Miguel Silva-Leon. Formed in 2019 with the goal of releasing an album by the end of the year, the project has transformed into a full-blown musical odyssey for Miguel (who likes to go by Mig) to explore new sounds. It’s hard to define what genre Saving Miles Lemon fits into as they like to let the music go where it wants to go. From smooth dance pop, to blown-out stoner rock, Mig likes to keep things interesting and never stay with one sound for too long.​ // Having grown up learning to play the piano at the age of 7, Miguel found themself picking up new instruments frequently from the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe to guitar/bass and drums. Just as with their instruments, Mig began practicing their production skills in high school with small bedroom projects and hardcore bands. In a way, nothing has changed, as all of Saving Miles Lemon’s music is recorded and produced entirely by Mig in their bedroom studio to this day. // Their live members include Jacob Frisbee (bass), James Wiltfang (keys), and Zeke Bockleman (drums). // As a live act, the band began performing in 2021 and quickly took over the DIY scene in Kansas City before moving on to the bar/venue scene with sold-out shows at The Rino (KCMO) and The Bottleneck (LFK). They’ve opened for national and international touring bands such as Cub Sport at The Encore at Uptown Theatre (KCMO). // Saving Miles Lemon has released two full-length LPs and a handful of singles. A third album is set to release in 2023.]

[Saving Miles Lemon plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd, KCMO, on Tuesday, September 12, at 8:00 PM with Various Blond, and De Lux]

11:28 – Underwriting

  1. The Creepy Jingles – “Nicotine Mom”
    from: TAKE ME AY MY WORDPLAY / High Dive Records / March 25, 2022
    [From band’s 11-track, full-length debut, TAKE ME AT MY WORD PLAY. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, 4-piece rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. Nick Robertson on drums, Travis McKenzie on guitar, and Andrew Woody on bass guitar bring first class musicianship and creativity, helping Nixon paint the perfect picture of colors and sounds that don’t stay in the lines. Their new album, “Take Me at My Wordplay” is an eclectic blend of catchy Brit-Pop melodies that dance around the landscape of surf, NY garage rock, psychedelia and folk music. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.]

[The Creepy Jingles play a Fundraiser for Amplify Lawrence at The Bottleneck, Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, with The Creepy Jingles, MellowPhobia, Lyxe, DJ Romance, and drag performances by Kansas Campbell-Mykals, Ms. Amanda Love, and Jeni Tonic. The event is co-sponsored by Amplify Lawrence, Lawrence Pride, I Heart Local Music, KJHK 90.7 Lawrence, Manor Records, and High Dive Records. Info at: http://www.amplifylawrence.com]

10:33 – Interview with Jocelyn Olivia Nixon of The Creepy Jingles

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, is the singer, songwriter, guitarist & keyboard player for The Creepy Jingles, joins us to share details about a Fundraiser for Amplify Lawrence at The Bottleneck, Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, with The Creepy Jingles, MellowPhobia, Lyxe, DJ Romance, and drag performances by Kansas Campbell-Mykals, Ms. Amanda Love, and Jeni Tonic. The event is co-sponsored by Amplify Lawrence, Lawrence Pride, I Heart Local Music, KJHK 90.7 Lawrence, Manor Records, and High Dive Records. More info at: http://www.amplifylawrence.com

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

From http://www.amplifylawrence.com:

Girls Rock Lawrence is now AMPLIFY LAWRENCE! We are proud of our history with the Girls Rock Camp Alliance and we will continue to be active partners working to meet their mission. GRCA supports camps across the world, each focused on the mission of inclusivity and social justice working towards collective liberation by serving local communities.

Year after year our camp community has included femmes and those with marginalized gender identities, broad racial identities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The name change was initiated by campers, and we hope the new name will help future campers and volunteers feel welcome in our community. We will continue to offer opportunities for marginalized groups to AMPLIFY their voices through the joy of music and power of community.

AMPLIFY LAWRENCE – MISSION
We provide a safe-space for femmes and others with marginalized gender identities in the community to come together, inspire one another, and have a voice. We are dedicated to educating and empowering youth through musical exploration, creative expression, and performance. Our goal is to foster the growth, self-respect, collaboration, and critical thinking among individuals of all backgrounds and abilities within a non-competitive learning environment.

AMPLIFY LAWRENCE – CAMP
We host a week-long summer camp for girls and others with marginalized gender identities, ages 12-18, to form bands, write an original song, and play it live at the end of the week. No experience necessary! We offer engaging and empowering workshops throughout the week in addition to music instruction. This camp is not limited to any specific genres or styles and each band member will bring their own unique flavor to the band they form.

Last year The Creepy Jingles released the single “Decepticon Artist” featuring The Swallowtailsn September 9, 2022, following their debut full-length album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY released March 25, 2022, on High Dive Records.

The Creepy Jingles are led by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics “centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree.”

Take Me At My Wordplay All songs written by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon

The Creepy Jingles social Media Links
Twitter @CreepyJingles
Facebook @CreepyJingles
Instagram @thecreepyjingles
http://www.highdivekc.com/bands/the-creepy-jingles

The Creepy Jingles released the stand alone single, “Throwing In The Femme Fatale” on Nov. 18, 2021. As lead singer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, who is a transgender woman, told 90.9 The Bridge, “This is one of those songs we wanted to make space for and share because it was a favorite little oddball of ours, it’s a bit outside the box of what we normally do.” Nixon continued, “I wrote it to appear vague enough where it could be about a song, idea or a person that gets stuck inside your crawl space,” the song was about her own mindset before transitioning. “…This overwhelming thought about showing the world who I really was, because I couldn’t ignore it anymore.”

The Creepy Jingles self titled debut EP was released on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019
Ross Brown of (Shy Boys and Full Bloods) recorded & mixed the EP at escape Pod Audio.
Mike Nolte Mastered the recordings at Eureka Mastering. EP credits give special thanks to: Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch of Shy Boys

From http://www.highdivekc.com: “The brainchild of singer/ songwriter, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon acts to guide the listener thru a self-actualized Mono-myth of forging identity thru Bizarre arcane cosmic poetry coupled with the wordplay of a wry smile and eccentric wit.”

“Drummer Nick Robertson charges the group forward with a fiery fueled obsidian backbeat. Andrew Woody on bass guitar; Rounding out the band is Guitarist Travis McKenzie who generously spins a holographic spectrum of color that lift the catchy Brit pop melodies that effortlessly dance about the rapidly changing landscapes of New York Garage Rock and 60s/70s folk music. “

From FALLY AFANI, I Heart Local Music (June 22, 2019) “The Creepy Jingles are really throwing us for a loop. Like, we know garage rock is supposed to sound raw and a little loose. But The Creepy Jingles are so on point with their craft, we’re not entirely comfort-able with picturing them as some laid back group of rockers. Every. Single. Note. Is. Perfect. When The Creepy Jingles play, it sounds like they practice every single day. They don’t miss a single thing! Every note in every song is spot on, we haven’t heard a group of rockers this tight with their performance in ages. When they hit the Replay for their album release show Thursday night, it was hard to look away. Jocelyn Olivia Nixon runs a tight ship with this group. They began the set with her pounding away at the keys, leaving a throbbing urge for more of their exciting rock noise. Then, when they fully dove into their impeccable guitar work, the audience was also treated to her gnarly-as-hell vocals. The growls, the screams, the RAWNESS of it all brings out our most primal emotions.”

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon is Community Organizer at Bandwaggn Kansas City
Jocelyn Olivia Nixon is Singer/ Songwriter/ Guitar/ Keys at The Creepy Jingles
Jocelyn Olivia Nixon is Singer-songwriter at English Major
Jocelyn Nixon Studied Filming/Directing/Acting/writing at The Art Institute of Austin
Jocelyn Nixon Studied Studied Broadcasting & Film at University of Central Missouri
Jocelyn Nixon Studied Studied Creative Writing in English at Missouri State University
Jocelyn Nixon went to Blue Springs South High School and Jocelyn Nixin lives in OP. KS.

From The Pitch KC June 19, 2019 Nick Spacek: “Jocelyn Olivia Nixin was part of the band Abracadabras, that was active around Kansas City from 2006 to 2009 or so. Nixon fronted the band, which also included brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch, who now play in the pop act Shy Boys. “

10:41

  1. The Creepy Jingles – “Working Class Clown”
    from: TAKE ME AY MY WORDPLAY / High Dive Records / March 25, 2022
    [From band’s 11-track, full-length debut, TAKE ME AT MY WORD PLAY. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, 4-piece rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. Nick Robertson on drums, Travis McKenzie on guitar, and Andrew Woody on bass guitar bring first class musicianship and creativity, helping Nixon paint the perfect picture of colors and sounds that don’t stay in the lines. Their new album, “Take Me at My Wordplay” is an eclectic blend of catchy Brit-Pop melodies that dance around the landscape of surf, NY garage rock, psychedelia and folk music. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.]

[The Creepy Jingles play a Fundraiser for Amplify Lawrence at The Bottleneck, Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, with The Creepy Jingles, MellowPhobia, Lyxe, DJ Romance, and drag performances by Kansas Campbell-Mykals, Ms. Amanda Love, and Jeni Tonic. The event is co-sponsored by Amplify Lawrence, Lawrence Pride, I Heart Local Music, KJHK 90.7 Lawrence, Manor Records, and High Dive Records. Info at: http://www.amplifylawrence.com]

10:43 – More Interview with Jocelyn Olivia Nixon of The Creepy Jingles (continued)

We are talking with Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, singer, songwriter, guitarist & keyboard player for The Creepy Jingles, joins us to share details about a Fundraiser for Amplify Lawrence at The Bottleneck, Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, with The Creepy Jingles, Mellow-Phobia, Lyxe, DJ Romance, and drag performances by Kansas Campbell-Mykals, Ms. Amanda Love, and Jeni Tonic. The event is co-sponsored by Amplify Lawrence, Lawrence Pride, I Heart Local Music, KJHK 90.7 Lawrence, Manor Records, and High Dive Records. More info at: http://www.amplifylawrence.com

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

The Creepy Jingles are led by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics “centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree.

Nixon had quit playing music toward the end of her time in Austin, and she gave herself a few years during her transition to “get my head right and heal from a breakup, and also, approaching this new phase in my life,” as she puts it. But she kept writing songs.

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics “centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree.” Nick, Travis, and Andrew help Nixon paint the perfect picture of colors and sounds that don’t stay in the lines, blending Brit-Pop melodies that dance around the landscape of surf, NY garage rock, psychedelia and folk music.

Jocelyn Olivia Nixin told Nick Spacek in an article published in The Pitch KC on June 19, 2019,

“That was, like, the first band,” Nixon says. “I’d been writing songs since I was probably about 22, and that was our first band together. So it was like we all grew up together … Once I went to Austin, I felt like it was time for me to stand on my own.”

“I’d left [Kansas City] to work on my marriage,” Nixon continues. “My wife at the time was offered a job and I figured, Yeah, Austin, great music city. I should see what happens. A music city like Austin was the silver lining in moving away from my band.”

The marriage hit the skids a few years in, but Nixon continued writing music. She released a solo project called English Major, a divorce record of sorts. Five years in, though, everything finally seemed to come to a head.

“The traffic, the cost of living — our rent went up $750,” Nixon says. “It was almost impossible to stay. I was like, Why am I killing myself to do this? I was also starting to come to terms with my own personal identity, and it blew into this existential crisis, where I was like, I can’t keep this bottled up anymore.”

Being “bottled up” was Nixon acknowledging her recent transition into life as a woman, a process she’d started early during her time in Austin.

“Tweezing my eyebrows, laser hair removal, therapy, going out more in femme,” she says — but largely abandoned after her marriage fell apart and she stepped into a new relationship. But the desire to transition hadn’t gone away; Nixon was just burying it.
“I was depressed to the point where I kind of — there’s that line in ‘Yer Blues,’ where John Lennon’s like, Feel so suicidal/ Even hate my rock & roll.’ I was like, ‘Oh, I get that line,’”

Nixon says. “I didn’t ever feel like I was going to commit suicide, but I had this fantasy of faking my death and becoming a new person, which was all sort of leading me to transition, but I was just miserable and I just didn’t want to be around it.”

She decided to leave Austin and return to KC, though moving back home as she transitioned wasn’t something Nixon was initially eager to do. “I thought it was scarier to move back,” she says. But then she realized that, as she says, “I needed to do this in front of the people I grew up with, and have those tough conversations, and tell them who I really am and how I really feel. It felt like the most honest way to do things, and it felt like the most authentic way to bridge my past to my present.”

Nixon started hormones and came out as a woman after she moved back home to KC. She says everyone’s been cool about it — tons of support.

“When I came out, I felt stupid, because I was like, ‘I should’ve done this sooner,’” she says. “An immediate weight lifted off of me, just from carrying the weight of that consuming all my mental faculties at all times. It just shot my nervous system.”

Nixon had quit playing music toward the end of her time in Austin, and she gave herself a few years during her transition to “get my head right and heal from a breakup, and also, approaching this new phase in my life,” as she puts it. But she kept writing songs.

She started jamming with Nick Robertson, a drummer. Then they brought in Travis McKenzie, a former Abracadabras guitarist, and the Creepy Jingles were born. They played around for a few years and then, last year, began recording what would become their debut self-titled EP.

“We took it slow, doing it like, once a week, and then once fall rolled around, we were like, ‘Let’s record some things,’” Nixon says. They took the music to Ross Brown, another Shy Boy, who recorded & mixed the EP in his basement. Collin Rausch ended up playing bass.

“It was kind of like a little family reunion,” Nixon says of reuniting with old bandmates.

Nick Spacek wrote: The EP was released on High Dive Records at the beginning of May. It’s confident and exuberant, a Kinksy mishmash of Britpop garage rock”.

She says. I felt like I had to adopt a mask or a character to protect myself a little bit onstage. Now it feels very me, and I’m very comfortable.”

10:50

Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

The Creepy Jingles play a Fundraiser for Amplify Lawrence at The Bottleneck, Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, with The Creepy Jingles, MellowPhobia, Lyxe, DJ Romance, and drag performances by Kansas Campbell-Mykals, Ms. Amanda Love, and Jeni Tonic. The event is co-sponsored by Amplify Lawrence, Lawrence Pride, I Heart Local Music, KJHK 90.7 Lawrence, Manor Records, and High Dive Records. Info: http://www.amplifylawrence.com

  1. LYXE – “Wave (Remastered 2023)”
    from: ”Wave (Remastered 2023)” – Single / LYXE / June 23, 2023
    [Produced by Joel Nanos. Remaster by Jake Vertigo, with: Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass, and Chase Horseman on synthesizer. This was originally the debut single “Wave” showcases the band’s fun pop rock sensibility. We experience a different side of Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. Accompanied by drummerDebut single from LYXE, a new band from Lawrence, Kansas. LYXE formed in 2019 and played locally until covid forced the band into a two year hiatus. Recently reformed, the band has had a successful string of shows in 2022 and is poised to release their first EP, Everything You Could Ever Want on September 15, 2022. LYXE creates hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds.“Wave” is the ideal first taste of what this band can accomplish. LYXE is Ryan Wise on lead vocals & guitar, and AJ Knudson on bass & vocals.]

[LYXE play a Fundraiser for Amplify Lawrence at The Bottleneck, Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, with The Creepy Jingles, MellowPhobia, DJ Romance, and drag performances by Kansas Campbell-Mykals, Ms. Amanda Love, and Jeni Tonic. The event is co-sponsored by Amplify Lawrence, Lawrence Pride, I Heart Local Music, KJHK 90.7 Lawrence, Manor Records, and High Dive Records. More info at: http://www.amplifylawrence.com]

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

Next week on August 23 – Bill Sundahl joins us to share details about the 19th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, Presented by Community Lending of America, Saturday, August 26, with 25+ Bands on 6 stages in the KCMO Historic West Bottoms with a Main Stage on Union Street, 2 Stages at The Ship // 2 Stages at The Black Box Theater (indoor & outdoor) , and a VIP Stage at Somera Road. Featuring: Mireya Ramos – KC Latin Jazz Orchestra – Jass & The Boys – Black Light Animals – Julia Othmer – Heidi Lynne Gluck – Trevor Turla – Memphissippi Sounds- Men of Men – Carswell & Hope – Rural Grit All Stars – Zee Underscore & Noye – David Luther – Elizabeth Moen – Jamogi – WAP Gang – Whitney Payne Quartet – DJ Joe McGuire – Jay Welch – The Chunk – Impossible Objects (w/ special guests Camry Ivory, Emily Milner, Matt Brahl & Chase Horseman), Rebel Song Academy Band & Art as Mentorship Students + Free Daytime Events + Strawberry Swing Makers and Vendors + Day Party on Union St in front of The Ship, Noon-5:00 PM, Featuring: Art as Mentorship Students, Rural Grit, Carswell & Hope + This KKFI Fundraiser is a celebration of the KC Regions Music Scene. All details at WWW.CMFKC.COM.

ALSO next week on August 23 Kate McCandless and Cody Wyoming join us to share details about SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: PJ Harvey’s To Bring You My Love W/ THE CODY WYOMING DEAL, Friday, August 25, 7:00 PM at Lemonaide Park, 1628 yomoing Street, KCMO – WEST BOTTOMS, featuring 50ft. QUEENIE. SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES is Kate McCandless- vocals, performance, percussion // CODY WYOMING DEAL is Cody Wyoming- guitar, Organ, Synth, backing vox. Matt Richey-Drums, Justin Muschinske – bass, Baritone, Organ, Guitar, Synth; J. Howell-Guitar, prepared Guitar, Sound Design; Katie Gilchrist- backing vox, percussion, keys // 50ft. QUEENIE is Chris Meck on guitar, Brandon Phillips on Guitar, Adam Phillips on drums, Chris Wagner on Bass. 

WMM in on the web: http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org // http://www.kkfi.org

THANK YOU to all of our listeners & friends who generously donated to support KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio!!! During our Wednesday MidDay Medley Fund Drive shows on June 7 and June 14, and through social media, we raised $4742.00 from 59 individual Donors! Thank you to our diverse and beautiful listeners who generously donated to allow us to continue our great mission here at 90.1 FM KKFI.

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

Show #1007

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