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, December 27, 2023

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023
(Part 4 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-four, of our four-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length albums and EP recordings of 2023. We realize these “Best of” lists can seem subjective, so we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year in music.

This Wednesday, we’ll count down from #30 through #1 of our list, with music from: Heidi Lynne Gluck, Red Kate, Iris Dement, Silicone Prairie, Janelle Monae, Dan Jones & The Squids, Bad Alaskan, Saving Miles Lemon, Various Blonde, Ivory Blue, Calvin Arsenia, Bob Walkenhorst, Supermassive Black Holes, Monta, Dragon Inn 3, Mike Dillon and Punkadelic, Andrew Connor, Sweeping Promises, Yves Tumor, Joanna Sternberg, Meshell Ndegeocello, Photo Ops, Wednesday, Noname, Sufjan Stevens, Mitski, Allison Russell, Ratboys, Anohni and The Johnsons, and Abraham Alexander.

In 2023 we’ve broadcast nearly 900 different tracks on WMM over our 100,000 watts of 90.1 FM Community Radio Airwaves. Over 500 of these tracks were from New & MidCoastal Releases. We played tracks from National Releases, and MidCoastal Releases. 70 of the representative tracks in our “Best of” list are from MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests. 50 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us as guests on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023 is our celebration of the year in music.

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #1026

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, December 20, 2023

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023
(Part 3 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-three, of our four-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length albums and EP recordings of 2023. We realize these “Best of” lists can seem subjective, so we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year in music.

In 2023 we’ve broadcast nearly 900 different tracks on WMM over our 100,000 watts of 90.1 FM Community Radio Airwaves. Over 500 of these tracks were from New & MidCoastal Releases. We played tracks from National Releases, and MidCoastal Releases. 70 of the representative tracks in our “Best of” list are from MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests. 50 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us as guests on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Today we’ll count down from #60 through #31 of our list, with music from: Mireya Ramos & The Poor Choices, Kemet Coleman, Daisy Buckët, Paris Williams, Marty Bush, Anna St. Louis, The Whiffs, The Swallowtails, Erik Voeks & The Ghosters, Alyssa Murray, Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream, Keo & Them, The Distant Now, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, The Frightened Stag, Joy Zimmerman, Spine, Soultru, Wills Van Doorn, boygenius, Loraine James, The War & Treaty, Julie Byrne, Black Pumas, Blonde Redhead, Kara Jackson, Yo La Tengo, Sampha, Joy Oladokun, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

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

2.(#60.) The Brian Jonestown Massacre – “You’re Mind is My Cafe”
from: THE FUTURE IS YOUR PAST / A Records / February 10, 2023
[BJM’s 19th album following the release of FIRE DOESN’T GROW ON TREES in 2022. and. The Brian Jonestown Massacre is an American musical project and band led and started by Anton Newcombe. It was formed in San Francisco in 1990. // The group was the subject of the 2004 documentary film called Dig!, and have gained media notoriety for their tumultuous working relationships as well as the erratic behavior of Newcombe. The collective has released 19 albums, five compilation albums, five live albums, 13 EPs, 18 singles as well as two various-artist compilation albums to date. // The bandname is a portmanteau of deceased Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones and the 1978 Jonestown Massacre.] 

3. (#59.) The Distant Now – “When or When”
   from: Want Not is Deth / The Distant Now / July 29, 2023
   [KCK based The Distant Now is Jacob E.chord, Anson The Ornery, & Brandan Hoffman. // Too Much Rock reviewed The Distant Now’s Sept. 9, 2022 concert at The Rino in NKC, MO. : “The evening began punctually at 8pm. The three-piece of The Distant Now was up first. Three dudes. Patchy beards. Long dark hair. Lanky. Glasses. They could be brothers, but they’re not. They’re guitarist Jacob E.chord (Eckhardt to the taxman), keyboardist Anson DeOrnery, and drummer Brandan Hoffman. You’ve seen some before in other bands. You’ve seen all of them at other shows. The band hasn’t been around long. In fact, The Distant Now only has two songs that they’ve written as a band. They played both (as the opener and the closer I believe) and then padded the half-hour set with five other songs from the players’ other projects. As such it’s hard to get a feel for what the band is or where it is going. There are short psych songs augmented by E.chord’s pedal board. There are long multi-movement prog suites colored by DeOrnery’s synthesized organ tones. There’s elements of jazz and indie throughout. Originality is hard to pull off, but the Distant Now is giving it a go. E.chord carried most of the vocals. Sometimes they’re a bit campy in that Peter Murphy or even Ziggy-era Bowie way. That’s fun. DeOrnery provided backing vocals throughout the night and took lead on a few. One was a bit iffy. He sounded better on the next. That must have been the closer. It had a solid piano ballad foundation elevated with phased guitar weaving in and out. Between songs E.chord chatted with the audience. DeOrnery chimed in. The set was relaxed and unpretentious. The audience, engaged and supportive. Time will tell where the band goes, but everyone should pay attention to find out.” (from http://www.toomuchrock.com)]

4. (#58.) Joy Oladokun – “Changes”
   from: Proof of Life / Amigo Records–Verve Forecast / April 28, 2023
   [Proof of Life is the fourth studio album and second major label album by American singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun. The album has been supported by five singles released throughout 2022 and 2023. The album features guest appearances from Mt. Joy, Manchester Orchestra, Chris Stapleton, Maxo Kream, and Noah Kahan. In a press release about the album, Oladokun said that she intended for the songs on Proof of Life to be “helpful anthems” and to resonate with “anybody who feels normal and needs a little musical boost to get through the day”. The album has been supported by five singles, two of which were released before the album was announced. The first single, “Keeping the Light On”, was released on January 21, 2022. The second single, “Sweet Symphony” (featuring Chris Stapleton), was released on September 23, 2022. Of the song, Oladokun said that the song was about “the vulnerability, the fear, and the ups and downs that come from loving someone.” The third single, “Changes”, was released on February 17, 2023, simultaneously with the album announcement. The fourth single, “We’re All Gonna Die” (with Noah Kahan), was released on March 17, 2023. The fifth and final single, “Taking Things for Granted”, was released on April 21, 2023. // Joy Oladokun was born April 6, 1992, she is an American singer-songwriter. Oladokun’s music spans the genres of folk, R&B, rock, and pop and is influenced by her identity as a queer woman of color. Oladokun grew up in Casa Grande, Arizona, listening to country and folk music, as well as Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill. Both of her parents are Nigerian immigrants to the United States. Her family regularly attended a Christian church, where Oladokun was chosen to lead worship. Later, Oladokun left the church because it limited her creativity. // When Oladokun was 10, a video of Tracy Chapman inspired her to learn guitar.// After college, at a friend’s suggestion, Oladokun moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. She later moved to East Nashville, where she signed with Prescription Songs. She has released three studio albums. In 2015, Joy Oladokun self-released her debut EP Cathedrals. Her debut studio album, Carry Me was funded by Kickstarter and released on April 29, 2016 through Well Records. // Oladokun released the single “Sunday” in 2019, saying “‘Sunday’ is the song that 12-year-old Joy, seated in the back of church youth group, needed to hear. She needed to hear that you can be queer and happy. Queer and healthy. Queer and holy. She needed to see married women kissing and playing with their kids.” The music video highlights people in LGBTQ relation-ships and has a predominantly queer cast. // Oladokun’s song “Mercy” follows in the same theme, describing her experience as a Black person in the United States, while the single “I See America” criticizes systemic racism. NPR listed “I See America” on its 100 Best Songs of 2020. // On July 17, 2020, Oladokun released her second studio album, In Defense of My Own Happiness (Vol. 1) hite Boy Records. Billboard described the album as a “stunningly emotional collection.” Mitch Mosk, editor-in-chief of Atwood Mag., called it a “a sweeping, soaring, and stunning sophomore record oozing heart and soul.” // In 2021, Oladokun received a grant from YouTube’s “#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund”. The same year she signed with Amigo Records, Verve Forecast Records, & Republics. Info: http://www.joyoladokun.com] [Oladokun played The Truman on Sept. 12.]

5. (#57.) SPINE – “Raices”
   from: RAICES / Convulse Records / June 30, 2023
   [KC hardcore band Spine released its third LP, Raíces, via Denver label Convulse Records. Many of the lyrics are in Spanish and discuss vocalist Antonio Marquez’ struggles as the son of Cuban-American immigrants. // The album is 12 songs in 13 minutes and aside from featuring some of their best songs yet, there are samples of salsa music and voicemails from Antonio’s family. It was recorded by guitarist Alex Tunks in their South-west Boulevard storage unit practice space. // We’re hoping to drum up some press. This is their 12th year as a band. // Another possible peg is Antonio’s brother, Julian “The Cuban Missile Crisis” Marquez, who is a signed UFC fighter with a 9-4 pro record. He was signed in 2017 after a head kick knock-out in a Contender Series match attended by Dana White and Snoop Dogg. // Longevity is rarely achieved in hardcore but, Raíces is a testament to a band as uncompromising and aggressive as they were over 10 years ago. In fact, Raíces may be the band’s most aggressive output to date, presenting the band’s usual blend of classic USHC and early west coast powerviolence at its most raw – tipping the scale to the latter influence. Lyrically, Raices grapples with the interplay of heritage & identify, family, and world outlook in the face of oppressive governments. // With Raíces, Kansas City’s Spine becomes the rare hardcore band with three notable LPs. They enter the ranks of band’s like Gauze, Madball, Poison Idea, and Integrity, and further establish their legacy as one of the great aggressive bands of their era and of the Midwest. // On this recording, Spine was Antonio Marquez, Alex Tunks, Max Chaney and Dylan Bendetti. // Recorded and Mixed by Alex Tunks at The Space (KCMO) // Mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air More info at: https://linktr.ee/spinecrew%5D [[SPINE played a RAÍCES Album Release show at recordBar, on August 5, with Candy Apple, World I Hate, The Consequence, Livid, Asbestos, PerfumeUSA, Madman, Make No Mistake.]

Raíces

Mira que bien hablas
What they say
Que bola asere
Is what I say

But in reality
It’s never enough
Mixed Identity
You don’t see me

Mira que bien hablas
What they say
Que bola asere
Is what I say

But in reality
It’s never enough
Mixed Identity
You don’t see me

Never accepted
I don’t fit in
Mixed identity
You will see me

6. (#56.) Soultru – “Neighborhood”
   from: The Legend of Guitar Boy [EP] / The Record Machine / April 7, 2023
   [Soultru released, The Truth: an Acoustic EP. through the Record Machine, on October 19, 2020, with vocals by Terrance Banks. Singer, songwriter, poet and emcee Terrance A Banks is a;so known as Soultru is a native of Davenport, Iowa and is currently based out of the Quad Cities area of NW Illinois/NE Iowa. Combining his poetic and lyrical talents with a soulful voice, Soultru has forged his own unique sound. Soultru credits a wide range of influences, including Gavin Degraw, John Legend, Yelawolf and Son Little. More info at: http://www.soultrumusic.com] [Soultru played the 20 Years of The Record Machine featuring The Noise FM, Black Light Animals, Monta and Pala Zolo, on Nov. 11, 2023 at recordBar. More info at: http://www.therecordmachine.co]

7. (#55.) Wills Van Doorn – “So Why”
   from: Rosedale Speedway / Rust Records / October 20, 2023
   [Wills Van Doorn released “Flying Bird” as the second single from the album and it was released with “Blue’ an extra track not on the album that features Kat King on vocals. That single is art of WMM’s Favorite 5p Singles of 2023Wills Van Doorn released the single “The Lawn-mower Collector” on July 28, 2023, also from ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY. Wills Van Doorn released the single, “Shake The Frost” on March 10, 2023, and the single, “Lately” on Oct. 22, 2022, and the EP RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020. Wills Van Doorn released the singles: “1000 Times” on March 26, 2020, “On My Mind” on July 12, 2019, and “Out of Season” on April 5, 2019. Will Van Doorn has played guitar with Supermoto, Brent Windler’s live band, and he recently signed on as the new lead guitarist for The Creepy Jingles who are currently in the studio recording their new album. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

8. (#54.) The Whiffs – “Verlaine”
   from: Scratch ‘N’ Sniff / DIG! / March 3, 2023
   [The Whiffs are: Rory Cameron on vocals & guitar, Zach Campbell on vocals & bass, Joey Rubbish on vocals & guitar, and Jake Cardwell on drums. Recording produced by The Whiffs // Mixed by Steve Squire & Rob Pope at The Green Lodge in Lawrence, KS // Mastered by Steve Squire // Photography by Shawn Brackbill. // On August 4, 2023, The Whiffs released the single “Satellites.” // The Whiffs released the 13 track album Scratch ‘N’ Sniff on March 3, 2023. // The Whiffs released the 14 track album, Another Whiff on December 6, 2019. The Whiffs released their 8-track debut release on March 10, 2017. // The Whiffs are a band from Kansas City, Missouri. “…one of the most accomplished examples of the genre I’ve heard in some time.” — SORRY STATE RECORDS. “This album just feels like America. It transports me to some mythical dive bar where The Replacements, Tom Petty, and Cheap Trick still rule the jukebox. ” — FASTER AND LOUDER // Scratch ‘N’ Sniff by The Whiffs — the second album by Kansas City’s foremost power pop foursome is upon us via Dig! Record Co (US) & Bachelor Records (EU). Not unlike their first album (Another Whiff), and as rock critic Jon Harrison heralds in the album’s liner notes: “this sophomoric offering provides all of the things you love about The Whiffs.” … Now, if you’re asking yourself ‘what do I love about the Whiffs’? Here’s a clue: SONGS. You love The Whiffs’ songs! And now Scratch ‘N’ Sniff’s got 13 new boffo numbers brimming with the hook-laden, never-far-from-the-bar pub-rock snarl The Whiffs nail every time. // The Whiffs are less recording artists than a band of journeymen, from the drums Jake Cardwell (C&C Drum Co.) built-by-hand, to Joey Rubbish’s home recording studio (Club Sandwich). It’s only natural Scratch ‘N’ Sniff is a homegrown production from the floor (tom) up, and was recorded in the band’s living room. The songs are all their own too. Whether penned by Cameron (Rory), Campbell (Zach) or Rubbish (Joey), they all stink of The Whiffs broken-in power pop confectionery. A close listen will reveal the cracks of many-a-can and roommates laughing at vocal takes. As such, everyone’s invited to Scratch ‘N’ Sniff and dive in!

10:29 – Underwriting

10. (#52.) Yo La Tengo – “Until It Happens”
    from: This Stupid World / Matador Records / February 10, 2023
    [Yo La Tengo (YLT; Spanish for “I’ve got it”) is an American indie rock band formed in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1984. Since 1992, the lineup has consisted of Ira Kaplan (guitars, piano, vocals), Georgia Hubley (drums, piano, vocals), and James McNew (bass, vocals). In 2015, original guitarist Dave Schramm rejoined the band and appears on their fourteenth album, Stuff Like That There. // Despite achieving limited mainstream success, Yo La Tengo has been called “the quintessential critics’ band” and maintains a strong cult following. Though they mostly play original material, the band performs a wide repertoire of cover songs both in live performance and on record. // Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley formed the band as a couple in 1984. They chose the name Yo La Tengo, Spanish for “I have it”. The name came from a baseball anecdote that occurred during the 1962 season, when New York Mets center fielder Richie Ashburn and shortstop Elio Chacón found themselves colliding in the outfield. When Ashburn went for a catch, he would scream, “I got it! I got it!” only to run into Chacón, a Venezuelan who spoke only Spanish. Ashburn learned to yell, “Yo la tengo! Yo la tengo!” instead. In a later game, Ashburn happily saw Chacón backing off. He relaxed, positioned himself to catch the ball, and was instead run over by left fielder Frank Thomas, who understood no Spanish and had missed a team meeting that proposed using the words “Yo la tengo!” as a way to avoid outfield collisions. After getting up, Thomas asked Ashburn, “What the hell is a yellow tango?” // Kaplan and Hubley placed an advertisement to recruit other musicians who shared their love for bands such as the Soft Boys, Mission of Burma, and Arthur Lee’s Love. The group’s debut recording was a 7″ single entitled “The River of Water” backed with a cover of Lee’s “A House Is Not a Motel”, released in late 1985 with Dave Schramm on lead guitar and Dave Rick on bass. After recording “Private Doberman” for inclusion on a Coyote Records compilation entitled Luxury Condos Coming to Your Neighborhood Soon, Rick left the band and was replaced by Mike Lewis, the founding bass player of Boston garage-punk bands DMZ and Lyres, who was also a member of Brooklyn garage rock band the A-Bones throughout his tenure in YLT. // In 1986, Yo La Tengo released their first LP, Ride the Tiger on Coyote Records. Produced by former Mission of Burma bassist Clint Conley who also took over bass duties on three songs, the album “marked Yo La Tengo as a band with real potential” according to reviewer Mark Deming. Kaplan was credited as “naive guitar” on the sleeve, and in the liner notes for the 1993 reissue of the album on City Slang Records, went so far as to say “Dave’s guitar playing is inarguably the best thing about the record.” // Schramm and Lewis left the band after the album’s release, with Kaplan subsequently taking on the role of lead guitar and Stephan Wichnewski joining to play bass. The group’s next album New Wave Hot Dogs (1987) sold poorly, but, in the words of Mark Deming, “was a quantum leap over the sound of their debut.” // The release of President Yo La Tengo in 1989 did much to establish the band’s reputation among rock critics including Robert Christgau who praised the “mysterioso guitar hook” in the first song titled “Barnaby, Hardly Working”. Produced by Gene Holder of The dB’s, the album was the band’s last release on Coyote. Despite the positive reception of the album, sales were still poor and Wichnewski left the band not long after. Hubley and Kaplan carried on as a duo and began playing two-electric-guitar shows. Kaplan, though typically a pragmatist, started carrying a bug trapped in amber in his pocket for luck. // Yo La Tengo reunited with Dave Schramm in 1990 to record Fakebook, an album of mostly acoustic tunes, including covers of Cat Stevens, Gene Clark, the Kinks, Daniel Johnston, among others, with five original songs by the band themselves, including an acoustic version of Barnaby Hardly Working. Again produced by Gene Holder, the album’s folk sound was a change of pace for the band. Years later, Kaplan recalled that the album was “just me and Georgia looking for an excuse to record with Dave Schramm and Al Greller” who played guitar and double bass on the album, respectively. // In 1991, with Dave Schramm in tow, Yo La Tengo collaborated with Daniel Johnston on the song “Speeding Motorcycle” which was released as a single. The band also released a 7″ single on Bar/None Records with the song “Walking Away from You” backed with a cover of Beat Happening’s “Cast a Shadow.” Gene Holder produced the single and played the bass. The That Is Yo La Tengo EP released later that year included some tracks that would end up on the group’s next LP. // After the release of That Is Yo La Tengo, James McNew (who also records under the solo moniker Dump) began playing bass with the band, forming the trio that continues to make up the band today. According to McNew, “I originally signed on as a fill-in for a short US tour, and a 4-week summer tour of Europe with Eleventh Dream Day. One night after a show in Munster, I was to look after our box of merchandise while Ira and Georgia went gallovanting through the town, meeting their policemen. Needless to say, during our soundcheck in Hamburg the next day, it suddenly dawned on me that I had left the box filled with copies of this EP back at the club in Munster. Oh man, was I in trouble… Sure… blame it on the rookie.” // The band recorded May I Sing with Me in Boston with Holder producing and Lou Giordano engineering. The album was released on Alias Records in 1992. Three of the album’s eleven songs (“Swing for Life”, “Out the Window” and “Five-Cornered Drone”) were carried over from the That Is Yo La Tengo EP and feature Holder on bass. The Upside-Down EP was released on CD in support of the album, rounding out the band’s releases on Alias. // In 1993, Yo La Tengo began their partnership with Matador Records, releasing a 7″ and CD5 of the song “Shaker” which the band recorded with John Siket in New Jersey. The following LP, 1993’s Painful, was also the beginning of the band’s fruitful creative partnership with producer Roger Moutenot, who has produced all of their subsequent albums up until 2013’s Fade, which was produced by John McEntire. Painful is the first Yo La Tengo album to feature James McNew on every song. Ira Kaplan explains: “I think this group really started when we made the record Painful. . . . Painful was the first record that we made as the three of us, and I think it sounds different from the things that came before it. Even though I can see connections with the earlier records and things we’ve done since, it really seems like mostly we’ve built on that record. Anything from before then is really, really different to me. Since Painful, I think we’ve gotten more confident and more willing to trust ourselves and trust each other, and probably better at dealing with things that go wrong.” // Rob Sheffield, writing in The New Rolling Stone Album Guide remarked that McNew “became an essential part of the sound on Painful, the 1993 album that kept every promise Yo La Tengo ever made and blew their previous highlights away.” Critical reaction was quite positive, with reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine calling it “a subtly addicting album.” Robert Christgau also praised the group once again, writing in his review that Yo La Tengo is “always friendly. This is not the forbidding experimentation of an aspiring vanguard. This is the fooling around of folks who like to go out on Saturday night and make some noise—and then go home humming it.” The band released Electr-O-Pura in 1995 to similar acclaim. For the first time, all songs were credited to the band as a whole rather than individual members; this became the norm for all future releases. // The band’s 1997 LP I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One synthesized the group’s eclectic combination of folk, punk rock, shoegazing, long instrumental noise-jams, and electronic music into a sprawling, multi-faceted style. Critical reaction was extremely positive; Pitchfork awarded the album a 9.7 out of 10, and AllMusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that it was “arguably Yo La Tengo’s finest and most coherent album to date.” Kaplan recalled a turning point in the band’s musical progression: “I think after Electr–O-Pura we’ve had a direction of trying not to worry too hard about what the next album is going to sound like. Everything we’ve ever played on we just do whatever seems right at the moment, we just write a bunch of songs, and then go one baby step at the time and just do what seems right.” // With their critical reputation higher than ever before, the band toured extensively and their fan base continued to grow. In 1998, they collaborated with Jad Fair and released the album Strange but True to mixed reviews. Yo La Tengo had a cameo role as a Salvation Army band in the 1998 Hal Hartley film The Book of Life, and feature on its 1999 soundtrack release. The band entered the studio again in late 1999 to record their ninth LP. And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out was released in February 2000 to a warm reception. The album features some intimate songs with hushed, varied instrumentation and includes the 17-minute meditation “Night Falls On Hoboken”. // In 2001, Yo La Tengo recorded an instrumental score for eight short undersea documentaries by Jean Painlevé, entitled The Sounds of the Sounds of Science. The program debuted at the San Francisco Film Festival and has been performed live approximately twelve times. The band also released an EP with covers of Sun Ra’s “Nuclear War” in late 2002. // The band’s tenth LP, Summer Sun, was released in 2003. Although the album received generally favorable reviews, some critics found the album’s quiet atmosphere “underwhelming.” Others criticized the band for a perceived lack of invention. When asked about the album’s quiet nature, Kaplan stated,”We made a decision at the last second just to leave the loud songs off. We were looking at the material we recorded and just trying to put out the best record that we could. At a certain point, we just thought it seemed right to put out the quiet ones. I’ve been aware that there’s been some surprise about that and people saying it’s even quieter than the last record, which has sort of taken me by surprise.” // Yo La Tengo collaborated with Yoko Ono on the 2003 charity album Wig in a Box: Songs from and Inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch in support of the Harvey Milk High School. The band put together their first “best of” compilation entitled Prisoners of Love: A Smattering of Scintillating Senescent Songs: 1985–2003 which was released in 2005. They composed scores for four more films, 2005’s Junebug and Game 6, and 2006’s Shortbus and Old Joy. Their scores for these four films were collected on the 2008 compilation They Shoot, We Score. // Their eleventh LP, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass, was released in 2006 to universal acclaim. Informed by their soundtrack work, the arrangements included more strings and horns than any of the band’s previous albums. Kaplan told an interviewer: “I think we gained an element of comfort with using that kind of instrumentation, and it became something we could draw on for our other songs.” In addition, the album was book-ended with two guitar jams lasting over ten minutes each. // In 2006, the band released Yo La Tengo Is Murdering the Classics, a compilation of their live impromptu cover-song performances on the New Jersey freeform radio station, WFMU. As part of the station’s annual fundraising marathon, listeners who call in to pledge money to the station may request a favorite which the band will then perform on the spot. In late 2007, the band began performing acoustically for “The Freewheelin’ Yo La Tengo” tour. Audiences were encouraged to request songs and ask questions which, Kaplan stated, the band tried to answer “in a strategic manner so that the answers to the questions will lead to the next song.” // In March 2008, Yo La Tengo performed under the alias “Condo Fucks” at Brooklyn’s Magnetic Field. As Condo Fucks, the band released an album of cover songs, Fuckbook, on Matador in March 2009. // Popular Songs, the band’s 12th album, was released on Sept. 8, 2009. The album was recorded in the band’s rehearsal space in New Jersey and features two songs with elaborate string sections (composed by jazz composer Richard Evans). It entered the Billboard chart at No. 58, the highest entry of the band’s career thus far. // In 2009, Yo La Tengo contributed to Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox, a tribute album for New Zealand rock and roll musician Chris Knox who suffered a stroke in June 2009. Yo La Tengo covered Knox’s song “Coloured”. All proceeds from the album go towards Knox’s recovery. Also in 2009, Yo La Tengo contributed a cover of the song “Gentle Hour” to the AIDS benefit album, Dark Was the Night, produced by the Red Hot Organization. // Preceding their album Popular Songs, Yo La Tengo released an EP entitled Here to Fall Remixes in the summer of 2010. Remixes of their single Here to Fall were done by De La Soul, RJD2, and Pete Rock. This was Yo La Tengo’s third out-of-the-box remix EP in 14 years, following the Autumn Sweater and Danelectro Remix EPs. // In 2012 Yo La Tengo recorded a cover of Todd Rundgren’s “I Saw the Light” for a fund raising cd titled “Super Hits Of The Seventies” for radio station WFMU. In August 2012, they announced the release of an EP in September 2012 to be followed by a full-length album in January 2013. The EP includes three versions of the song “Stupid Things”: the single version, a remix by EYƎ, and the original 12-minute instrumental version. // In 2014 they toured and performed live onstage as film maker Sam Green live narrated an evolving version of his new film The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller in Austin, Burlington, Detroit, Ithaca, Portland, New Orleans and Vancouver. // In 2014, they played an Indiana-based Night Ranger cover band Bobby Night Ranger in the final episode of season 6 of the television series Parks and Recreation. // On August 28, 2015, Yo La Tengo released Stuff Like That There, an album (and “a sequel of sorts to Fakebook”) of re-recorded versions of some of their old songs as well as covers, including songs by The Cure, Hank Williams, and Sun Ra. // In 2016, the band released Murder in the Second Degree, a second compilation of their live impromptu cover-song performances on the New Jersey freeform radio station, WFMU. // In 2017, the band played two dates in New York City with Robyn Hitchcock. The performances included the Hitchcock album “Black Snake Diamond Role” in its entirety, as well as collections of classic Hitchcock songs and covers of other artists. // In 2018, Yo La Tengo released their 15th studio album, There’s a Riot Going On, which Pitchfork decided ‘reflects the group’s greatest and most instantly recognizable strengths’. // In 2020, Yo La Tengo released We Have Amnesia Sometimes which was recorded over a 10-day period from late April to early May amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The album consists of five instrumental, ambient compositions which were recorded with one microphone in the room and the band spread out adhering to social distance protocols laid out by Governor Murphy of New Jersey. // On February 10, 2023, the band will release their seventeenth studio album This Stupid World. // Yo La Tengo have always had the core members Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley. They have had 14 bass players. James McNew has been the bass player since 1992’s May I Sing With Me.]

11. (#51.) Anna St. Louis – “Morning”
    from: In The Air / Woodsist – Mare Record / June 9, 2023
    [Follow up to her October 12, 2018, debut album IF ONLY THERE WAS A RIVER. Born of a thousand nights lost in a surrender to stillness and contemplation, In The Air is Anna St. Louis’ second full length album and her most considered work yet. // St. Louis’ debut If Only There Was a River seemed to emerge fully formed out of the recesses of her mind; a gritty, mesmerizing affair, filled with jagged edges and ghostly apparitions. The type of record that announces a new voice; one haunted by what has come before. // But this time, St. Louis is no longer concerned with what could have been and sets her sights to exploring what could be. // It’s an outlook on the world that was formed when her immediate one was small. The intervening years since her last album found St. Louis in a small one-bedroom cabin in the middle of the woods of upstate New York with a new love and time to think of what she wanted to express with her music. For weeks on end, the only trips she took were to and from her job as the front desk clerk at a nearby hotel. The previous years she had spent on tour and performing constantly in the venues of Los Angeles felt like they had occurred in another lifetime. // “It really compelled me to surrender to the unknown,” she says. // And in this surrender, she found liberation. St. Louis is more self-assured, open-hearted and ready to say what she wants. // St. Louis describes the writing period as one of a slow harvest; a fertile time but one that required a newfound patience. Instead of documenting her first thoughts, she spent more time with each song, going deeper with the themes and ideas she wanted to express. // This slower approach also guided the sonic textures of the album. Working with producer Jarvis Taveniere (Purple Mountains, Woods) in two extended recording sessions in Los Angeles in 2021, St. Louis used the studio in a previously unexplored way, opening up her songs to more experiment-ation featuring brighter tones and a more orchestral sound to accompany her new perspective. To that end, she was aided by a cast of friends and collaborators including Jess Williamson, Kacey Johansing, Oliver Hill (Kevin Morby, Vagabon) on strings, Alex Fischel (Spoon) on piano, Josh Adams on drums (Bedouine, Tim Heidecker) and Keven Lareau (Cut Worms, Hand Habits). // In the Air has the sound of a joyous consideration of the present moment; a quiet morning revealing a new snowfall outside, steam coming from the kettle, just before it whistles, St. Louis with her guitar, staring out the window, with a few free hours before work. She’s reflecting on the scene in front of her, imagining the times yet to come. You can hear it; she’s a long way from the noisy bars of Los Angeles, the rigors of the road. As she intones in “Rest”: “You spend your whole life believing in the chase. And then you realize that being somewhere doesn’t matter like it used to.” She doesn’t need a river to carry her anymore. // She’s in the air. – Justin Sullivan ]

12. (#50.) Daisy Buckët – “Son of A Preacher Man”
    from: Welcome To Springfield / Spencer Brown Productions / September 19, 2023
    [“Son of a Preacher Man” written by John Hurley, Ronnie Wilkins. Daisy’s sophomore album, she turns to the soulful sound of Dusty Springfield, the British pop star of the swingin’ sixties known for her signature blonde bouffant and soulful sound. Daisy Buckët delves into the catalogue of the late great Dusty Springfield with faithful covers and interpretations of some of her biggest hits . // Recorded in Kansas City with local musicians including Jeff Freling, this new offering showcases a side of Daisy’s vocal range that needs to be heard to be believed. // Daisy Buckët on lead vocals; Jeff Freling on guitars, arrangements, writing horn charts and bells & whistles!; Jeff Harshbarger on bass; Ken Lovern on pianos, and Hammond B3 Organ; Brian Steever on Drums; Mark Hamblin on trumpet; Trevor Turla on trombone; James Isaac on tenor & baritone sax; Spencer Brown on backing vocals; Talya Groves – additional backing vocals (1,3, & 6). Produced by Spencer Brown aka Daisy Buckët & Jeff Freling. Co-Produced by Amy Hull and Michael Wood. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab, Kansas City, MO. Album Artwork, Design, and Photos by Spencer Brown. Dress by Donna’s Dress Shop. Rhinestone Embesllishments by Jessica “Glittahgal” Loughran. Wig by Hollywood Custom Wigs. Necklace by The Glass Sequin.// Spencer Brown studied Musical Theatre, Voice, Dance, Acting at American Musical & Dramatic Academy where he graduated in 2006. Since 2008 Spencer has been playing Trampolina in the America’s Favorite Dragapella® Beautyshop Quartet! – The Kinsey Sicks. With The Kinsey Sicks Spencer has performed all over the world, including on Bravo Television’s Watch What Happens Live! With Andy Cohen, RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 8 Finale), and ABC’s The Gong Show. The Kinsey Sicks have garnered praise from Forbes Magazine and The New Yorker and a featured on CNN. In 2020, they released their tenth album, “Quarantunes”. Spencer has also worked with Late Night Theatre as Blanche Devereaux in Golden! Girls Gone Wild (in Tybee Island), in Designed Women (Mary Jo), The Alternative Facts of Life (Blair), Cluelessness (Cher), and A Scarrie Carrie Christmas Carol (Sue Snell). Spencer wrote a stage musical adaptation of the film, The Rose, where he played the lead role originated by Bette Midler. For 10 years Spencer has performed as another Bette Midler film role, Winifred Sanderson, in the widely-acclaimed drag “staged reading” of HOCUS POKE US! Spencer has also performed in The Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff), and Psycho Beach Party (Chicklet), at The Unicorn Theatre, Union Station, the Folly Theater, Off Center Theatre, and the Just Off Broadway Theater (all of them in drag!). Spencer Brown is best known as his blonde wig wearing, original drag creation, Daisy Buckët, winning various honors including: Queen of Kansas City Pride 2008, The Pitch Magazine’s Best Local Album 2018, and 2023. Best 7″ Single “Pansy,” Best Cabaret Show, Best Drag Queen in Kansas City in 2019, 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Daisy was recognized by the Heartland Men’s Chorus as their first Hero of Note for her support of the chorus and their mission. On September 19, Daisy released her 2nd album, WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD of 11 songs made famous by Dusty Springfield. Next year, Spencer will co-direct Music Theater Heritage’s summer production of “La Cage aux Folles”. Daisy performs 3rd Sundays at Enzo, 5:00 to 8:00 PM with Mark Lowrey on piano. Spencer’s work for KC’s HIV/AIDS organizations has raised more than $100,000. Info at http://www.missdaisybucket.com] [Daisy Bucket / Spencer Brown joined us on WMM on Sept 27, 2023.]

13. (#49.) Marty Bush – “Turn Down The Lights”
    from: Cowboy Chords / Marty Bush / October 13, 2023
    [Hailing from the plains of eastern Kansas, Marty Bush is a torchbearer of the American songwriting tradition. His songs resonate with the weight of his influences such as Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, and Kris Kristofferson, but he has channeled their emotional honesty and unvarnished truth-telling into something uniquely his own. While his 2022 solo debut “The Long Way Home” established him as a devout follower of the country and western songwriting tradition, his follow-up LP “Cowboy Chords” (out OCTOBER 13th 2023) takes a bold step forward in establishing his voice as both a songwriter and performer. Taking the reins as both producer and engineer, Bush plays every instrument on the album with the exception of pedal steel which is skillfully manned by Devon Teran (Timbers). The result is a clear and precise vision of songs that honor the past and think to the present. Touring extensively, Bush played over 250 shows in 2022. He continued that break-neck pace into 2023, writing songs from behind the wheel and testing material in dives, honky-tonks, and juke-joints all over the US, pausing in May and June to record, then hitting the road again this July, August, September and October with Natalie Prauser and November with Johnny Lawhorn of The Pentagram String Band. Marty Bush was our guest on WMM on October 4, 2023.]

14. (#48.) Kara Jackson – “Pawnshop”
    from: Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love / September Recordings / 4/14/23
    [Kara Jackson wants to be dangerous. Wielding her voice like a honey-coated blade, Kara crafts a blend of emotional folk music and poetic alt-country. With the radical honesty of Nina Simone, and the intricate lyricism of Fiona Apple and Joana Newsom, Kara’s writing blurs the line between poetry and song, demanding an attentive ear and a repeat listen. // Raised by country folk and Black feminist poets like Gwendolyn Brooks and Lucille Clifton, Kara’s songs have the softness and warmth of a southern drawl, while still being sharp enough to cut deep. Born and raised in Oak Park, IL, a community 10 miles west of Chicago, with a Southern sensibility imbued by their parent’s background, her innate talent was unlocked early on honing her skills for music and writing from a very young age. At five years old she began piano lessons; she later taught themself guitar and eventually her passion for poetry took full force during high school. It was then that she began to be appreciated as the Black Queer polymath that she is, earning the prestigious and coveted honour of being 2019’s National Youth Poet Laureate and releasing her debut EP A Song for Every Chamber of the Heart in the same year. // Why Does the Earth GIve Us People to Love, Kara’s debut album, out April 14th via September Recordings, continues in their already signature style: asking open ended questions; the meandering process of trying to answer them leaves us pause for thought. Specifically, Kara’s debut album is a sonic invitation to process our grief. The title is a question the author is always answering. How do we give ourselves permission to yearn for the people we miss? How do we find the courage to let go of what begs to be released? How do we have the audacity to love in spite of everything invented to deter us from it?]

15. (#47) Joy Zimmerman – “Say What I Need To Say”
    from: WHERE THE LIGHT LIVES / Cultivate Joy Records / August 4, 2023
    [WHERE THE LIGHT LIVES was recorded and mixed by Maggie Heeren at La Luna Recording & Sound in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Joy Zimmerman and Maggie Heeren co-produced this album with mastering by Anna Frick of Ally Sound. Kansas City musicians were recorded at Weights and Measures Soundlab by Duane Trower. Joy’s acoustic guitar and soulful violin are featured on WHERE THE LIGHT LIVES, along with a grand collection of musicians – her son Ryan Dugan (guitars), Mike Fuerst (bass), Carolyn Koebel (percussion), Christine Broxterman (cello), Adam Danis (electric guitar and Rhodes), Je  Freling (electric guitar), James Isaac (sax), Joel Tyrone Myers (mandolin), and Beau Bledsoe (dobro). The vocals of Joy Zimmerman, Katie Dahl, Danielle Anderson, Erin McGrane, Eboni Fondren, Maggie Heeren, Ryan Dugan, Jeff Freling, Beth Patterson, and Mike Anyonga ring out. Joy Zimmerman played lIVE on WMM on August 2, 2023.]

16. (#46.) Blonde Redhead – “Sit Down For Dinner (Part 2)” 
    from: Sit Down for Dinner / Section 1 Records / September 29, 2023
    [Blonde Redhead is an American alternative rock band composed of Kazu Makino (vocals, keys/rhythm guitar) and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace (drums/keys and lead guitar/bass/keys/vocals, respectively) that formed in New York City in 1993. The band’s earliest albums were noted for their noise rock influences, though their sound evolved by the early 2000s with the releases of Misery is a Butterfly (2004) and 23 (2007), which both incorporated elements of dream pop, shoegaze and other genres. They have released nine regular studio albums and have toured internationally. //Amedeo and Simone Pace were born in Milan, Italy, and grew up in Montreal (Saint-Léonard), but later moved to Boston to study jazz. After earning Bachelor’s degrees, they entered the New York City underground music scene. Blonde Redhead formed in New York in 1993 after Amedeo and Simone met Kazu Makino, an art student at the time, by chance at a local Italian restaurant.[6] The band named themselves after a song on the 1981 EP A Taste of DNA by the no wave group DNA. // Blonde Redhead’s self-titled debut album was released in 1995. Shortly afterwards, fourth member Maki Takahashi left the band and was replaced by her friend Toko Yasuda as bassist. Yasuda played on the band’s second album La Mia Vita Violenta also released in 1995. Both records appeared on the New York label Smells Like. The band continued as a trio. // Their third album, Fake Can Be Just as Good, was released through Touch & Go in 1997. The band enlisted the help of Vern Rumsey of Unwound, who filled the role of guest bassist. Subsequent albums featured Skúli Sverrisson, who the twins knew from their time in Boston. // On their fourth album, In an Expression of the Inexpressible, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi was hired as producer. Picciotto also contributed in the construction to the song “Futurism vs. Passéism Part 2” as well as lending it his vocals to the 1998 release. In 2000 Picciotto also co-produced Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons with Ryan Hadlock, an album about the relationship between Makino and Amedeo Pace. // The four-year delay between Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly is attributed to Makino’s recovery time after being trampled by a horse. Much of the visual and lyrical imagery of Misery Is a Butterfly is reflective of the accident, especially in the music video for “Equus.” It was the last time Picciotto produced the band. // In 2006 Makino recorded vocals for the film Sisters. Alan Moulder mixed the trio’s album 23 which was released on 4AD, in April 2007. // In mid-2008, they wrote and recorded the score of the documentary feature film The Dungeon Masters. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released on February 12, 2010; a soundtrack album was released in July 2010. In 2009, Blonde Redhead contributed to the AIDS benefit album Dark Was the Night produced by the Red Hot Organization. // In March 2010 the band included a demo version of the song “Not Getting There” on a 4AD sampler entitled Fragments From Work In Progress. Their eighth album, Penny Sparkle, was released in September 2010 through 4AD. The album was again mixed by Alan Moulder, and reached 79 in the Billboard 200 chart. For the subsequent tour the band added a key-board player. The band released a six-track remix EP in July 2011. // A year later, the band started the project for their next album but without the support of 4AD. Self-financed, the band embarked on a haphazard recording schedule with producer Drew Brown. Simone Pace noted about Brown’s involvement that “he has so much experience and definitely dictated the direction of the record; the choices of instruments, concept and that it was minimal.” He forced the band to use analogue instruments. // In April 2014 their song “For the Damaged Coda” was used in an episode of the first season of the cartoon Rick and Morty. The use of this song was again repeated in April 2017 in the third season. The use of the song became an important plot device regarding the character “Evil Morty” for the series. Around 2018 this song became an Internet meme expressing the sadness one feels at the worst moments of one’s life. The band released their ninth album, Barragán, on September 2, 2014, through Kobalt. It was preceded by the single “No More Honey” that appeared in June. It was followed by the second single, “Dripping,” which included a video. The band also provided the soundtrack to the Danish film The Commentator. // In June 2016 it was announced that the band would release the box set Masculin Féminin on September 30 through The Numero Group. It contains 37 tracks, which cover the first two albums, associated singles, radio sessions and unreleased demos from the period. In 2017, the band released the EP 3 O’Clock, which comprises four songs and featured contributions from Eyvind Kang, Michael Leonhart, Sam Owens and Mauro Refosco, among others. // In September 2019, Kazu Makino released her first solo album, Adult Baby, which featured Ryuichi Sakamoto (on piano, field recordings, and “organic instruments”), Ian Chang and Greg Saunier (drums), and Mauro Refosco (percussion). // The band toured the US in 2022 on select dates supporting Tool // Current members: Kazu Makino on rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals (1993–present); Amedeo Pace on lead guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals (1993–present); and Simone Pace on drums, keyboards (1993–present).]

17. (#45.) Black Pumas – “More Than A Love Song (Radio Edit)”
from: Chronicles of a Diamond / ATO / October 27, 2022
[When Black Pumas made their self-titled debut in 2019, the Austin-bred duo set off a reaction almost as combustible and rapturous as their music itself. Along with earning a career total of seven Grammy Award nominations (including Album Of The Year) and winning praise from leading outlets like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada achieved massive success as a live act, touring large theaters all over Europe and North and South America and delivering a transcendent show Burton aptly refers to as “electric church.” As they set to work on their highly awaited sophomore album, the band broadened their palette to include a dazzling expanse of musical forms: heavenly hybrids of soul and symphonic pop, mind-bending excursions into jazz-funk and psychedelia, starry-eyed love songs that feel dropped down from the cosmos. Wilder and weirder and more extravagantly composed than its predecessor, Chronicles of a Diamond arrives as the fullest expression yet of Black Pumas’ frenetic creativity and limitless vision. // In creating the follow-up to one of the most celebrated debuts in recent years, Black Pumas made a point of tuning out any sense of anticipation from the outside world. “I knew the first record was good when we finished it, but I had no idea people would respond like they did,” says Quesada. “This time around there was a lot of pressure and expectation that we hadn’t felt before, which was overwhelming at times, but we did our best to tune that out and focus on trusting ourselves like we always have.” As a result, Chronicles of a Diamond wholly echoes an essential intention behind its creation. “More than anything I wanted to make something we’d be thrilled to play live 200 days a year,” says Burton. “I wanted to be able to laugh, cry, bob my head, do the thing: it was all very much a selfish endeavor.” // Like Black Pumas, Chronicles of a Diamond once again harnesses the lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry between Burton (a self-taught musician who got his start busking on beaches and subway platforms in his native Los Angeles) and Quesada (a Grammy Award winner whose background includes playing in Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma and accompanying legendary artists like Prince). Produced by Quesada and primarily mixed by six-time Grammy Award winner Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs), the ten-song LP finds Burton taking the role of co-producer and infusing his free-spirited musicality into every track. Although Black Pumas made much of the album at Quesada’s own Electric Deluxe Recorders in Austin, Chronicles of a Diamond also came to life in such far-flung cities as Amsterdam and Mexico City and San Francisco, with their longtime band joining in to shape the album’s explosive yet artfully crafted sound. “On the first record my goal was to make something that felt modern but without using any loops or programming or editing of any kind—everything was completely live,” says Quesada. “With this record, we threw out all those rules and created something that’s very much a studio album but also captures that crazy energy that happens in the live show.” // The first piece recorded for Chronicles of a Diamond, opening track “More Than a Love Song” instantly reveals the heightened creative freedom Black Pumas brought to the album-making process. After building a potent momentum with its brisk beats, effervescent strings, and brightly buzzing guitar riffs, the long-beloved live staple shapeshifts into a moment of pure unbridled exultation powered by radiant gospel harmonies and a spellbinding bit of spoken word from Burton. “My entire approach to singing was definitely informed by our live show,” Burton points out. “Whenever we take the stage it’s the classic us-against-the-world kind of thing, and in reaching for my greatest strengths I ended up discovering new ones. With this album I felt very free in my vocal performance, which has a lot to do with Adrian hearing something in my voice and helping me to explore that.” // For Quesada, one of the most memorable experiences in the making of Chronicles of a Diamond took place on a solo trip to Mexico City in the final stages of the album’s production. “I was finishing up a lot of the sonic manipulation of the tracks and needed to be completely immersed, which ended up feeling like a very full-circle moment,” he recalls. “That same summer when I first started working with Eric, it was in Mexico City that I got inspired by the whole jungle-cats motif—which is how we came up with the name Black Pumas.” First introduced by a mutual friend back in 2017, after Quesada began seeking a potential collaborator who “liked Neil Young as much as Sam Cooke,” the two musicians quickly felt a near-telepathic musical connection. “We never had to discuss much or plot out what we wanted to do with the project—it all came together so easily and naturally,” says Quesada. “The way Eric creates is so in-the-moment and fits perfectly with how my brain works, and it makes everything immediately come to life in a way that’s so exciting and inspiring.” // One of the most electrifying new acts to emerge in recent years, Black Pumas first brought their unbridled breed of psychedelic soul to their 2019 self-titled debut—a widely acclaimed LP whose deluxe edition landed a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year. With seven Grammy nominations now under their belt, the Austin-bred duo have made a major cultural impact with smash singles like “Colors”: a gold-certified anthem that’s amassed over 450 million streams, in addition to hitting No. 1 at AAA Radio and earning Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best American Roots Performance. Known for their exhilarating live show (as shown on multiple sold-out tours across North and South America and Europe), singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada first discovered their once-in-a-lifetime chemistry back in 2017, after Quesada began searching for a potential collaborator and connected with Burton through a mutual friend. Thanks to the potent collision of their distinct sensibilities—Burton is a self-taught musician who got his start busking in his native Los Angeles, Quesada is a Grammy winner whose background includes playing in Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma—Black Pumas soon set off on a meteoric rise that’s included performing at the Grammys and at President Biden’s inauguration, making high-profile appearances on shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, winning Emerging Act of the Year from the Americana Music Association, and selling over a million album equivalents worldwide. Produced by Quesada and co-produced by Burton, their massively anticipated sophomore album Chronicles of a Diamond finds Black Pumas bringing their singular vision to life with more power, passion, and daring originality than ever before.]

11:00 – Station ID

18. (#44.) The Frightened Stag – “Acteaon”
    from: Songs From The Exultant Stag / Jeffery Stolz / Sept. 22, 2023
    [Earlier in the year The Frightened Stag released the 4-song EP The Frightened Stag on July 21, 2023. All songs written by J.Stolz and performed by The Frightened Stag. Engineered by Chad Bryan at High Chaparral. Mixed by Scott Gribble. “Hang Loose” features Heidi Lynne Gluck on vocals. Born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, and featuring absolutely no guitar for whatever reason, the Frightened Stag is Jeff Stolz, Paul Schmidt, Sam Goodell, and Ryan Johnson. Jeffrey Stolz & Wallace Cochran played LIVE on WMM on September 20, 2023. Jeffrey Stolz & Wallace Cochran are in the half-alive band Drakkar Sauna and formerly of The Hips. Wallace Cochran from North Carolina to be the character of Sonny. Jeff has been working hard on a project called The Frightened Stag, with a digital EP released on bandcamp on Friday July 14, 2023 and a vinyl album soundtrack coming out at the end of September for a “musical” Jeff wrote called “The Exultant Stag: at Lawrence Arts Center, Sept. 22-24. Since 2004 Jeffrey Stolz & Wallace Cochran, have released 5 albums and multiple singles, including their 2010 release on Third Man Records all under the moniker of their musical project Drakkar Sauna. Jeffrey Stolz & Wallace Cochran appeared on stage together in the musical project The Frightened Stag and the upcoming theatrical production, THE EXULTANT STAG on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 PM, Saturday Sept. 23 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday, Sept. 24 at 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. THE EXULTANT STAG is an off-beat musical comedy aiming to de-stigmatize mental health struggles and celebrate the bravery of seeking professional support and guidance. Written by Jeff Stolz, this original play takes us through the world of Roman mythology combined with live dance and brand-new indie rock music by Stolz’s band, The Frightened Stag with a line-up of all-star back-up vocalists: Heidi Gluck, Hannah Novaria, & Raven Naramore. THE EXULTANT STAG doubles as a vinyl release show of the soundtrack featuring all the songs from the play by The Stag, including a new single by Stolz’s long-term collaboration with Wallace Cochran, and Drakkar Sauna. Jeffrey Stolz is currently playing drums for Heidi Lynne Gluck’s band, in is also in another band with her called 95 Sweetbird, where he sings with her and plays keyboards. More info at: http://www.lawrenceartscenter.org]

19. (#43.) Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream – “Cuts Like A Knife”
    from: Shangri La / myowndamnrecords / July 8, 2023
    [Debut album from Nathan Corsi’s new rock band featuring Kansas City veterans Chris Meck, Tom Hudson, and Benjamin Hart. Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream released their second single, “Hits You Twice” on September 28, 2022. Nathan Corsi has one of the best voices in Kansas City music. With Steve Tulipana he fronts The Band That Fell To Earth paying tribute to David Bowie in this annual project created by Michelle Bacon. Nathan toured for nearly a decade with his band Not A Planet who released critically acclaimed EP, NAP on December 1, 2011; the album, THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE STRANGE on May 10, 2013; SMOKE BOMBS & CIGARETTES: THE HISTORY OF NOW (EP) on September 9, 2016.] [Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream play recordBar, at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, July 8, at 7:00 PM for their Record Release Party, w/ The Philistines and Friendly Thieves.] [Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream played Apocalypse Meow 16, Saturday, Nov 4, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, with The Phantastics, and True Lions, for Midwest Music Foundation More info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org]

20. (#42) Alyssa Murray – “S.D.D.”
    from: ‘SCROLLIN’ / LYSSA RECORDS / September 1, 2023
    [SCROLLIN’ is a sonic kaleidoscope of synth-tastic beats and experimental delight. Alyssa 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][Alyssa Murray played Outer Reaches Fest, on October 14 at recordBar, on the Les BonsBons Electrique stage w/ Sweeping Promises, Keo & Them, Static Phantoms] [Alyssa Williams was on WMM on Sept. 20.]

21. (#41.) Julie Byrne – “The Greater Wings”
    from: The Greater Wings / Ghostly International / July 7, 2023
    [Julie Byrne was born 1990. She is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist from Buffalo, New York. To date, she has released three studio albums, Rooms with Walls and Windows (2014), Not Even Happiness (2017), and The Greater Wings (2023). Julie Byrne was Born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She was influenced by her father’s guitar playing at an early age: “I grew up with the sound of his playing, which was fingerstyle guitar, so I would say that my style is completely rooted in his influence.” At the age of seventeen, Byrne began learning the instrument herself, after her father could no longer play due to complications from multiple sclerosis: “The opportunity to play his instrument and honor the legacy of his craft and all of the time it took for him to cultivate a skill that he ultimately had to find a way to give up—it feels like a bit of an offering to him.” At the age of 18, Byrne left Buffalo, living in various different cities in America, including, Pittsburgh, Northampton, Chicago, Lawrence, Seattle, and New Orleans. // In addition to her recording and touring work, Byrne has studied environmental science, and, in 2016, worked at New York City’s Central Park as a Seasonal Ranger. She notes, “[I] came to view it as a sanctuary, not only for New Yorkers to experience their connection to nature but also for the wildlife that take refuge there. And while the surrounding neighborhoods don’t reflect the same ethos, the parks really do belong to the people of New York and the parks department upholds that mission. I liked working in that form of service to the public.”]

22. (#40.) Paris Williams -“LONDON, TOKYO (ft. Sam Wells)”(radio edit)
    from: REBEL HEART / Bitter Sweet Sound / January 31, 2023
    [Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis] [Paris Williams joins us LIVE on WMM on March 8, 2023 and August 2, 2023]

23. (#39.) Kemet Coleman – “Maraca (Radio Edit)”
    from: Duality / Kemet Creative / April 21, 2023
    [With his latest album “Duality,” Kemet invites you on a journey through the depths of the human psyche and nature, blending hip-hop, jazz, funk, and house progressions into a sonically vast soundscape. This album showcases Kemet’s skills as a music producer and features some of the most up-and-coming Kansas City-based artists. At the release party, you’ll be able to experience these sounds in person, surrounded by a community of music lovers who share your passion for dynamic, soulful beats. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the future of music and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Kemet Coleman. // Hip hop MC extraordinaire, Kemet Coleman is a Kansas City based musician, producer and is a member of the Funk/Rap/Soul band The Phantastics. Kemet is also a core element of The Marcus Lewis Big Band for Brass & Boujee. Kemet is Founder and Director at Troostival Kemet is a two time Pitch Music Award nominee for “Best Hip-Hop Act.” Kemet is known for his unprecedented collaborations with Crane Brewing Company, UMKC, KC Streetcar, and The Kansas City Royals. He is also highly regarded for his impresario role within the Sly James for Mayor Campaign in the 2010-2011 where he created the first ever KC mayoral candidate rap song. A University of Missouri – Kansas City alumnus, Kemet, created “Gold and Blue” for UMKC’s sports teams, which has garnered thousands of plays on YouTube and has been featured on prime-time television commercials for the university. In 2020. Coleman contributed his song, “The Virus” to the compilation, Kansas City Syzygy, music created by over 25 Kansas City-based musicians in the middle of the map of a pandemic. “The Virus” is his comment on the impact of the coronavirus, as well as the virus that is racial injustice in America that has received global attention during the past months. All proceeds donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone has a safe, accessible, affordable home. On November 3, 2020 Kemet Coleman released EPISODE TWO: THE RISE OF KEMET EP. On August 1, 2020 Kemet Coleman released BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL. On August 16, 2019 Kemet Coleman released ELECTRIC PARK. On May 5, 2017 Kemet Coleman released PARIS OF THE PLAINS EP. On March 9, 2017 Kemet Coleman released THE INVISIBLE MAN.] [Kemet Coleman played a “Duality” Album Release Show, with DJ Skeme & Friends Friday, April 21, at 10:00 PM at The Ship, 1221 Union Avenue, Kansas City, WEST BOTTOMS]

24. (#38.) The War and Treaty – “Up Yonder”
    from: Lover’s Game / Mercury Nashville – UMG / March 10, 2023
    [We first met The War and Treaty right before their Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conf-erence on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. We first played them on Feb 7, 2018. The War and Treaty released their full length debut album, “Healing Tide” on Aug. 10, 2018. Michael Trotter Jr & Tanya Blount-Trotter are from Albion, Michigan. For Michael Trotter Jr., the journey began in 2004, when he arrived in Iraq, an untested soldier stricken by fear and self-doubt. His captain made it his personal mission to see to Trotter’s survival. The unit was encamped in one of Saddam Hussein’s private palaces, and in a forgotten corner in its basement, they found a black upright piano that once belonged to the dictator himself. When Trotter shared the fact he could sing, he was encouraged to teach himself to play piano on that confiscated keyboard. “I wrote my first song after that captain was killed,” Trotter recalls. “I sang it for his memorial in Iraq.” Soon after it became his mission to sing at the memorial services for those that had fallen. For the next 3 years, he sang songs that brought solace and comfort to the members of his unit. His efforts eventually garnered wider recognition as well. He came in first place in “Military Idol,” the army’s version of “American Idol,” during a competition held in Baumholder, Germany. Following his discharge, he was featured on the Hope Channel program “My Story, My Song.” Then he met Tanya Blount. Blount’s musically influences include Mahalia Jackson, Sister Odette & Aretha Franklin. The two fell in love, got married and used the experiences they had gained to create a new musical collaboration. The couple then secured the services of musicians whose skills add a distinctive sound to The War and Treaty’s blend of roots music, blue grass, folk, gospel and soul. Their 2017 EP Down to the River was released July 21, 2017. Recorded in Albion, Michigan, Down to the River boasts a sound that’s both stirring and sensual, driven by joy, determination and an unceasing upward gaze. The music is visceral but never morose, flush with emotion but void of despair… a style that touches on a variety of genres, but never finds itself confined to anyone. The arrangements are uncluttered– harmonies, basslines, guitar & mandolin licks, settle drum patterns and keyboards create an immensely moving soundscape — but the sentiments and emotions are fully realized and soar with a steady, chilling assurance. “The recording process wasn’t like anything I ever experienced,” Tanya recalls. “This EP has allowed me to breathe musically. I feel like all I have wanted to express for the past ten years has come forth with what we’ve done. The combination of heart, soul & the overwhelming amount of love that Michael & I have for one another comes across in this record.“ “I was sitting on the banks of the Euphrates River in Baghdad dreaming about one day being able to play & sing professionally for people all around the world,” Michael reflects. “As we recorded our music, I constantly had flashbacks of those desert dreams. I thought to myself that this is actually the perfect ending to usher in a new beginning in my life.” The War and Treaty played Boulevardia June 16, 2023 at Crown Center.]

11:29 – Underwriting

25. (#37.) Loraine James – “One Way Ticket To the Midwest (Emo) [feat. Corey Mastrangelo]”
    from: Gentle Confrontation / Hyperdub / September 22, 2023
    [Loraine James is also known as Whatever the Weather. Loraine James was raised in an Alma Estate tower block in Enfield, North London. Her interest in music began in childhood. She took piano lessons, and was allured by 2000s alternative bands like Paramore and Death Cab for Cutie, as well as the calypso and funk music her mother introduced her to. In her adolescence, James took an interest in electronic music and was inspired by IDM artists like Squarepusher and Telefon Tel Aviv. / She majored in commercial music at the University of Westminster. Despite this, James planned on following in the footsteps of her mother and pursuing a career in education. // James is queer. // James continued to work on music during her spare time, producing a number of experimental electronic tracks. Starting 2015, she released many of these tracks on Bandcamp. In 2017, she self-released Detail before signing with electronic music record label Hyperdub. // In 2019, her Hyperdub-released debut album For You and I received significant attention and topped end-of-year lists in publications including The Quietus and DJ Mag, where it was named Favourite Album of the Year. The following year, James released two EPs; Hmm in July followed by Nothing in October, a four-track EP featuring a cadre of international vocalists such as Uruguayan singer Lila Tirando a Violeta, Iranian-born rapper Tardast, and HTRK’s Jonnine Standish. In early 2021, she remotely collaborated with Dominican performance artist and dancer Isabel Lewis for CTM’s 2021 virtual edition. // Her 2nd album, Reflection, was conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown after she had quit her teaching job to focus on music. Released in June 2021, the experimental album encompasses a variety of genres and was lauded by critics. // In February 2022, James announced that she had adopted the moniker Whatever the Weather and that an eponymous album would be released in April 2022. The lead single “17°C” and its accompanying music video were previewed. The following month, she released a collaborative EP w/ TSVI, titled 053. // Her 3rd release of the year, James’ album Building Something Beautiful for Me was released on Oct. 7, 2022. It is an homage to American composer Julius Eastman and is inspired by a mix of his unreleased & previously available works.]

Loraine James Discography

Gentle Confrontation / Album / 2023
Building Something Beautiful for Me / Album / 2022
Whatever the Weather / Album / 2022
Reflection / Album / 2021
Nothing / EP / 2020
Hmm / EP / 2020
For You and I / Album / 2019
Detail / Album / 2018

26. (#36.) boygenius – “Not Strong Enough”
    from: the record / Interscope Records / March 31, 2023
    [Debut studio album from indie rock supergroup formed by Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, & Lucy Dacus. Bridgers has called the formation of the group “kind of an accident,” wherein each of the members were simply fans of each other’s work and then became friends. Both Dacus and Bridgers had opened for Baker on separate tours in 2016, and they all ran in similar circles as young up-and-coming performers navigating the indie scene. // The three became close and shared their frustrations of constantly being compared to each other as “women in rock” despite their considerably different musical styles. Dacus has commented that the idea of women in music “should not be remarkable whatsoever,” with Bridgers adding, “it’s not a genre.” Each has spoken on the tendency of the music industry to pit women against each other, and the group was formed in part to reject this idea. “I hope people see the three of us and know there isn’t competition,” Dacus has said. “You don’t have to compete with your contemporaries. You can make something good with people you admire.” // Baker had joked to Dacus years before about a “pipe dream” that they could one day all form a band. The three decided to book a co-headlining tour in early 2018, and they originally planned to record a single or a cover version so that they could perform something together on stage Their self-titled debut EP was written and recorded in four days at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and released on Oct. 26, 2018 on Matador Records. Following the release, in November 2018, Baker & Bridgers hit the road in North America for a co-headline tour, with Dacus opening. Each artist played her own individual set of tunes. The tour kicked off at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 4th, and traveled through the Northeast, Midwest, West Coast.]

27. (#35.) Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark – “Caffeine”
    from: Cindergarden (A Sides) / Lost River Sound / May 22, 2022
    Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark released: Cindergarden (B Sides) / Lost River Sound / 6/21/23
    [Kirstie Lynn is a classically trained soprano with a passion for songwriting, always looking to marry poetry and melody. Though Kirstie’s voice has been compared to that of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, her sound is uniquely her own. Kirstie Lynn is a folk singer-songwriter originally from the fingerlakes region of upstate, NY. She began her professional music studies at the age of 15, and has since received both a Bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University and a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in voice and opera performance. Her vocal training lends her the freedom to paint her nature inspired lyrics with a wide range and a beautiful and effortless sound. Kirstie Lynn is one half of the duo Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark. // Galen Clark introduces an alternative perspective and approach to music that contains multitudes. Migratory melodies, multi-instrumental fluency, and mysterious texture all outline the stylings of the newly transplanted Cuyahoga Valley songwriter, producer, and musician. // Born into an Air Force family, Clark grew up in many places with family anchors in Vermont and Colorado. At the age of 9 following many failed piano lessons, Clark’s grandparents gifted him a Harmony parlor guitar from a Shelburne flea market, starting a journey that would span almost 2 decades of stylistic development, a plethora of ephemeral bands, a degree in music production and recording technology, and a refined take on songwriting. .. Sharing songs spanning the stoic mountains of Idaho’s lost river range to the ancient hum of the Shenandoah Valley, Galen draws upon energy strewn between varied time and place, a broader quest for belonging, and rejuvenation beyond the front door. Clark’s previous records, Providence (2018) and The Well (2020) offer a contemplative portrait of moods in natural ambiguity, collective consciousness, and introspection. His most recent collaboration with KC – based artist, Kirstie Lynn is a reckoning that is to be heard live and will transport you elsewhere if not in mind than in spirit.] [Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark play a CINDERGARDEN B-Sides, Special Release Show at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, TONIGHT on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 with Kelly Hunt opening the show.][Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark joined us live on WMM on June 21.]

28. (#34.) Erik Voeks & The Ghosters – “Slowness of The Moment”
    from: It Means Nothing Now / Erik Voeks / December 1, 2023
    [Produced by The Ghosters. All songs written by Bermejo, Ferrari, Hawley & Voeks. The Ghosters are: Juan Ferrari on guitars & keyboards, Pepe Bermejo on bass guitar & vocals, Patrick Hawley on drums & percussion, and Erik Voeks on vocals & guitar. Recorded at Sandusky Sound, Temple Sound, Weights and Measures Soundlab, Rolltop, La Quinta Disminuida and Village Green. Mixed by: Duane Trower (tracks 1,3,5,6,8,11,12). Adam Schmitt (tracks 4,9,10). Pepe Bermejo (tracks 2,7). Horns composed/arranged by Ryan Oldham. Horn session produced by David George. Horns played by: Brett Jackson, Peter Fucinaro, Kristen Nall, Nate Nall. Artwork by Sonia M Paredero. Thanks to: Coleen, Ryan Oldham, David George, Duane Trower, Adam Schmitt, Jack Petracek, JB Moreland, Bárbara, Olivia, Alberto León, Kike and Yani Marinelli for continuous faith, trust and cheer up, and Sonia for her beautiful artwork. Pepe would like to thank Erik, Patrick and Juan. More info at: http://www.erikvoeks.bandcamp.com]

29. (#33.) Keo & Them – “Bossa Badu”
    from: This Time Around / Midtopia / October 28, 2023
    [When Neo-soul meets funk, meets R&B, meets pop, meets hip hop & even rock sometimes. Keo & Them released the single “Fool Me Once” on October 6, 2023 on Midtopia. Leo & Them released the three song single “Don’t Say” with “Be Still” and “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” on June 2, 2023 on Midtopia. And earlier “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” was release by itself on March 2, 2023. For Wichita-based, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Keo, making music is as much about the one creates and the songs one writes as it is about making deeper connections with the other people partaking in an artistic journey. From the unique flavors, perspectives, and performances they each contribute, Keo finds the “Them” that brings her project Keo & Them full circle. // First formed and conceptualized by Keo in 2018, the collective consists of Keo and a revolving door of musicians and collaborators, each of whose contributions would leave an indelible mark on the project’s ever-adapting sound that merges the worlds of 70’s pop and R&B with the moody glow of contemporary neo-soul and beyond. For Keo, the project’s sole constant member, the fluid line-up allowed her to become immersed and acquainted with a Wichita music scene she was completely new to and overwhelmed by. Through meeting, jamming, and performing with the Kansas town’s tight-knit and eclectic music scene in which Keo found something akin to a family. More info at: https://linktr.ee/keoandthem [Keo & Them played Outer Reaches Fest, on Sat, Oct. 14 at recordBar, On the Les BonsBons Electrique stage w/ Sweeping Promises, Static Phantoms, Alyssa Murray.]

30. (#32.) The Swallowtails – “Whose Gonna Be There”
    from: THE WORLD STILL SPINS EP / Miki P / May 22, 2023
    [7-track EP from Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead vocals. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments.” Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Miki P was born in Kansas City, KS. Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. Miki P performed “She Loves You” at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and she wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P has played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. At 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, DOME OF SWALLOWS, that was released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, In 2021 Miki P released the 6-song EP, DON”T LOSE HOPE, created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien & Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Miki P released her single “Your Love” on June 24, 2022. Miki P’s released the single “Peter Parker!” on March 18, 2022. // Miki P & The Swallowtails released the single, “Who’s Gonna Be There” on March 30, 2022.] [The Swallowtails play The Warwick Theater, 3927 Main Street, KCMO on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 7:00 PM with Howard Mahan & Friends.] [The Swallowtails play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO, West Bottoms, on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 3:30 PM for Lemonade Social – Day 2 with Black Light Animals, Steddy P, Mr. Golden Sun, Paris Williams, Flora, Gipson, and Paul Jesse.][More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com] [Miki P joined us on WMM on Aug. 30]

31. (#31.) Mireya & The Poor Choices – “Blue Bayou (feat. The Burney Siusters & Teevor Turla)”
    From: Sin Fronteras / Mireya Ramos / September 15, 2023
    [from mireyaramos.com: The U.S. border with Mexico has always been a fault line where cultural and political forces clash and meld with one another in a close embrace that is centuries old. The monumental musical project, Sin Fronteras, out September 2023, by Latin Grammy winner Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices proves this 5,525-mile-long expanse that physically bisects the two countries and cultures doesn’t spiritually separate them. It is a ranchera and country dialogue that could only happen in Kansas City, Missouri which has become a second home for the New York City-based Mireya. // “La Frontera showcases the similarities between styles of music and traditions that on the surface may seem very different. I like that this album sparks a conversation—that’s always been important to me as an artist,” – Mireya Ramos // Mireya is a vocalist, violinist, composer, and arranger, and the founder of Flor de Toloache, NYC’s first and only all-women mariachi band. She co-produced Sin Fronteras with Beau Bledsoe, founder/director of classical chamber Ensemble Iberica. The 10-song album features 25 musicians, including Latin Grammy winners Texmaniacs, Ensemble Iberica, and western band Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Though this community spans different genres, generations, and cultures, it coalesced around an album of original and traditional songs that meld influences from both sides of the border. // “The parallels between the music on both sides of the border became obvious to me years ago—you can see that in the traditions of cowboys in the U.S. and Mexico,” says Beau, who grew up in Arkansas but spent summers in the early 1990s studying ranchera in a tiny town in Mexico near KCMO. // Mireya might be best known for her pioneering work with her two-time Latin Grammy-winning group Flor de Toloache, and her acclaimed solo career. Flor de Toloache has toured nationally and internationally, and performed on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert,” The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and BBC 2’s Later with Jools Holland. The mariachi quartet has garnered critical-acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ Magazine, and The New York Times. // Mireya was born in California to proud Dominican and Mexican parents, and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her earliest connection to county music was through Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. When her family relocated from Puerto Rico to New York City, the Suzuki method, classically-trained violinist began to connect with bluegrass musicians and see firsthand the connections between the music of her Latin heritage and country music. Meeting Beau a decade ago and working with him for an internationally-themed seasonal performance series he curated in Kansas City only deepened the ranchera-country conversation for Mireya. // The shows documented a uniquely KCMO musical expression. Because of the city’s proximity to Interstate 35, a main tree branch for immigration to Mexico, Kansas City has had a long history of both traditional country and Latin music. “When I first moved here, I would study classical music at the conservatory, and play two-chord ranchera’s at night on the historic Southwest Blvd,” Beau recalls. // Latin-Grammy-winning, multiple Latin Grammy nominated and Grammy-nominated vocalist, violinist, Guitarron player, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – NY’s only all-women mariachi. She embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City and has landed her features on legendary albums by Latin Grammy Winner percussionist Luisito Quintero, Bobbito & Stretch, Len Smythe, Chicano Batman, Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) and many more. As a big advocate of empowering the next generation and promoting the importance of representation, she has been an integral part of educational projects like México Beyond Mariachi, Lincoln Center, and Mariachi Academy NY. She continues to share her experience and knowledge through workshops, educational programs and performances. Apart from touring with her band, she is proudly involved in She is the Music, the Recording Academy as a serving governor of the NY Chapter, a SAG-Aftra member and promoting her debut solo album self titled “Mireya” which include collaborations with Flor de Toloache, Gaby Moreno, Haydée Milanés, Camilo Lara, Adrian Quesada, Velcro and the legendary Mike Garson. Originally for San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mireya Ramos, has an exciting new album coming out that was recorded here in Kansas City titled, Sin Fronteras, co-produced with Beau Bledsoe and the KC-based super-group, Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Sin Fronteras will be officially released on September 15, 2023. Mireya Ramos was on WMM on March 15 and August 23 ]

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

Please tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December as we present our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2022 on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

NEXT WEEK on December 27, we will bring you part 4 of our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. We will count down # 30 through #1 with tracks from: Heidi Lynn Gluck, Red Kate, Iris Dement, Silicon Prairie, Janelle Monae, Dan Jones & The Squids, Bad Alaskan, Saving Miles Lemon, Various Blonde, Ivory Blue, Calvin Arsenia, Bob Walkenhorst, Supermassive Blackholes, Monta, Dragon Inn 3, Mike Dillon and Punkadelic, Sweeping Promises, Yves Tumor, Joanna Sternberg, Meshell Ndegeocello, Photo Ops, Wednesday, Noname, Sufjan Stevens, Mitzi, Allison Russell, Ratboys, Abraham Alexander, Anohni and The Jonhsons,

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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 #1025

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, December 20, 2023

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023
(Part 3 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-three, of our four-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length albums and EP recordings of 2023. We realize these “Best of” lists can seem subjective, so we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year in music.

This Wednesday, we’ll count down from #60 through #31 of our list, with music from: Mireya Ramos & The Poor Choices, Kemet Coleman, Daisy Buckët, Paris Williams, Marty Bush, Anna St. Louis, The Whiffs, The Swallowtails, Erik Voeks & The Ghosters, Alyssa Murray, Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream, Keo & Them, The Distant Now, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, The Frightened Stag, Joy Zimmerman, Spine, Soultru, Wills Van Doorn, boygenius, Loraine James, The War & Treaty, Julie Byrne, Black Pumas, Blonde Redhead, Kara Jackson, Yo La Tengo, Sampha, Joy Oladokun, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

In 2023 we’ve broadcast nearly 900 different tracks on WMM over our 100,000 watts of 90.1 FM Community Radio Airwaves. Over 500 of these tracks were from New & MidCoastal Releases. We played tracks from National Releases, and MidCoastal Releases. 70 of the representative tracks in our “Best of” list are from MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests. 50 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us as guests on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023, on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year in music.

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #1025

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, December 13, 2023

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023
(Part 2 of 4)

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. 
I’m Mark Manning. Today we present part 2 of our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length albums and EP recordings of 2023. We realize these “Best of” lists can seem subjective, so we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year in music.

In 2023 we’ve broadcast nearly 900 different tracks on WMM over our 100,000 watts of 90.1 FM Community Radio Airwaves. Over 500 of these tracks were from New & MidCoastal Releases. We played tracks from National Releases, and MidCoastal Releases. 70 of the representative tracks in our “Best of” list are from MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests. 50 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us as guests on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023, on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year when we were able to survey over 1000 area musical releases.

This Wednesday, we’ll count down #90 through #61 with tracks from: Semper Viridis, Modern Day Fitzgerald, Kelly Hunt, The Noise FM, Friendly Thieves, Chris Hazelton, Approach, The Electric Lungs, Collidescope, Lonnie Fisher, LeVelle, Easy Match, Flooding, Adam Larson Trio, Gemini Parks, Shawn M. Stewart, Jess Williamson, Shamir, L’Rain, Hannah Jadagu, Geese, Yaeji, Sunny War, Jungle, PJ Harvey, Bodikhuu, Anjimile, Youth Lagoon, feeble little horse, and Everything But The Girl.

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

2. (#90.) Feeble Little Horse – “Steamroller (Radio Edit)”
   from: Girl With Fish / Saddle Creek / June 9, 2023
   [Songs written, recorded, and mixed by feeble little horse. Recorded and Produced by Sebastian Kinsler and Ryan Walchonski in Pittsburgh, PA + Washington, DC + Rochester, NY. Mixed by Sebastian Kinsler. Mastered by Heba Kadry, NYC. Songs by Ryan Walchonski, Sebastian Kinsler, Lydia Slocum, and Jacob Kelley. Vocals: Lydia Slocum (+ Sebastian Kinsler on Sweet, + Ryan Walchonski on Slide, + Jacob Kelley on Tin Man). Guitar: Sebastian Kinsler (all tracks), Ryan Walchonski (tracks 3-8, 10, 11). Bass: Sebastian Kinsler (+ Connor Peters on “Paces”). Drums: Jacob Kelley. Keyboard / synth: Sebastian Kinsler (tracks 2-11), Ryan Walchonski (tracks 2, 4, 7, 8), Lydia Slocum (track 9) // feeble little horse makes thrilling and wildly unpredictable songs that are a reflection of the joys that come with making music with your best friends. The Pittsburgh quartet’s sophomore album, Girl with Fish, was made focusing on intuition over intention: letting the magic of collaboration come first. “Anything that makes us laugh or puts a smile on our faces, we usually end up keeping in the songs,” explains drummer Jake Kelley. Across 11 self-recorded and self-produced tracks, the band careens from blissed-out pop to harsh noise, glitchy programmed drum beats, and off-kilter indie rock—sometimes all in one song. As a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2021 debut Hayday, this LP, with its overwhelmingly inviting and emotionally resonant tracklist, is a document of four people trusting their instincts and most importantly each other. // Like the album name, which came from an inside joke the band shared about imagined painting titles at a museum, there’s a sense of humor that’s welcoming and light. The bruising opener “Freak,” for all its pummeling drums and guitar blasts, is a breezy track about an unrequited crush on a college star athlete (Slocum sings, “how can you be satisfied / she’s 5’1 and you’re 6’5”). “I think we just felt more confident on this album,” says Slocum. “We could have felt more pressure and more unsure of ourselves. But we just wanted to try new things, and learn from what people liked about Hayday but not make the same song again.” Girl with Fish is a testament to the power of self-recording, doing it yourself, and taking a leap with the people you are closest with. “Besides our friendship getting stronger and our songs becoming more interesting to us, nothing’s really changed,” says Kinsler. “It’s still us just hanging out: This is what we do instead of playing video games.” ]

3. (#89) Geese – “I See Myself”
   from: 3D Country / Partisan Records / June 23, 2023
   [n the summer of 2021, Geese emerged from out of nowhere, sparking a hype cycle unlike anything that had been seen for a young American rock band in recent memory. Suddenly a band that had previously planned to release some music, break up, and go away to college was touring the world. They made their TV debut on Colbert, were profiled by the NY Times, Stereogum Band To Watch, Consequence Artist Of The Month, Paste Best Of What’s Next, Rolling Stone called them “indie rock prodigies,” and they toured with Jack White and Spoon. // And during this entire process, that very same band everyone was getting to know ceased to exist. On a practical level, Geese are still the group we were introduced to in 2021: vocalist Cameron Winter, guitarist Gus Green, guitarist Foster Hudson, bassist Dom DiGesu, and drummer Max Bassin. But spiritually, Geese have returned as an entirely different prospect. ‘3D Country’ is the sound of a restless, adventurous band redefining themselves. // ‘3D Country’ fuses recognizable sounds with warped meditations on daily life in a world sliding out of view, Geese repurposing fragments of classic rock into a sound that is stranger and wholly their own. Right out the gates, the album kicks off with serpentine grooves underneath the armageddon visions of “2122,” before quickly ceding to the title track’s gospel-flecked chorus.“Undoer” is a slowburn simmer constantly building to something apocalyptic; “Crusades” travels back to Medieval times but chugs along on a “Heroes”-esque groove before strings swoop in around it. Later, Green and Hudson’s guitars bend and fry while Hudson also jumps in on vocals for an inhuman wail on “Mysterious Love,” and the whole album ends with the sideways piano elegy of “St. Elmo,” playing out like a saloon song viewed through a funhouse mirror. // With a heightened ambition fueling ‘3D Country,’ the band created a bugged-out, wild, unpredictable ride — an almost phantasmagoric reflection of contemporary life. Drummer Max Bassin sums up, “It feels like going to the circus and instead of having a good time, everyone is trying to kill you.” // Geese will tour extensively behind ‘3D Country,’ including a headline run of UK and European dates which they have shared today. Full dates below and here. More info: http://www.geeseband.com]

4. (#88.) Approach – “Again” (CD #4) (2:34)
   from: Jump (Maxi Single) 4-song EP / Datura Records / May 25, 2023
   [Lawrence based hip-hop artist. Written, Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By: Approach/Aikido Bray @Prosidio Garden in Lawrence, KS. Design & Layout: DesignedByMilk. Cover Photo Taken By: Approach]

5. (#87.) Sunny War – “No Reason”
   from: Anarchist Gospel / New West / February 3, 2023
   [I feel like there are two sides of me,” says the Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso known as Sunny War. “One of them is very self-destructive, and the other is trying to work with that other half to keep things balanced.” That’s the central conflict on her fourth album, the eclectic and innovative Anarchist Gospel, which documents a time when it looked like the self-destructive side might win out. // Extreme emotions can make that battle all the more perilous, yet from such trials Sunny has crafted a set of songs that draw on a range of ideas and styles, as though she’s marshaling all her forces to get her ideas across: ecstatic gospel, dusty country blues, thoughtful folk, rip-roaring rock and roll, even avant garde studio experiments. She melds them together into a powerful statement of survival, revealing a probing songwriter who indulges no comforting platitudes and a highly innovative guitarist who deploys spidery riffs throughout every song. // Because it promises not healing but resilience and perseverance, because it doesn’t take shit for granted, Anarchist Gospel holds up under such intense emotional pressure, acknowledging the pain of living while searching for something that lies just beyond ourselves, some sense of balance between the bad and the good. Credits: Produced by Andrija Tokic. Engineered by Andrija Tokic at The Bomb Shelter (Nashville, TN). Assistant Engineer: John Tellmann. Mastered by Dave Gardner at Infrasonic Mastering (Los Angeles, CA).]

6. (#86.) The Electric Lungs – “Chances”
   from: WHERE I GO FOR WHERE I AM [EP] / Independent / October 17, 2023
   [The Electric Lungs are a KC based 4-piece band formed in 2012 by Tripp Kirby, Marc Bollinger, Eric Jones, and Jason Ulanet. The Electric Lungs released their EP THE ELECTRIC LUNGS on February 8, 2018. The Electric Lungs released their album, DON’T BE ASHAMED OF THE WAY THAT YOU WERE MADE on October 20, 2015, recorded mastered with Joel Nanos of Element Recording. The Electric Lungs released their breakthrough album, SIMPLIFIED AND CIVILIZED in 2013. The Electric Lungs joined us on WMM on April 8, 2015 and on October 18, 2023]

7. (#85.) Adam Larson Trio – “Cellular Snacks (feat. Obed Calvaire)”
   from: With Love, from New York / Adam Larson / April 7, 2023
   [Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer, educator and author currently residing in the Kansas City-area. // Larson holds BM and MM degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant NYC jazz scene for eleven years before relocating in 2019. While a resident of the KC-Metro, Larson has held positions at UMKC Conservatory, University of Kansas and The Kansas City Art Institute. Larson currently teaches Entrepreneurship at KCAI. // Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre. // As a guest artist, Larson has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation and composition at more than one hundred universities across the globe. // Adam has recorded eight albums as a leader and maintains an active touring and clinician schedule, playing and presenting his original music and educational materials. http://www.adamlarsonjazz.com]

8. (#84.) Chris Hazelton – “Easy Talk”
   from: Easy Talk / Cellar Live – La Reserve Records LLC / August 11, 2023
   [Chris Hazelton – Hammond B-3 Organ, Brett Jackson – Baritone Saxophone, Jamie Anderson – Guitar, John Kizilarmut – Drums, Pat Conway – Congas (Tracks 1, 5, & 7). Executive Producer: Cory Weeds. Produced by Chris Hazelton. Recorded at Weights & Measures Soundlab (Kansas City, MO) on February 19th & 20th, 2022. Engineered and mixed by Duane Trower. Mastered by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio. Photography by Cory Weeds. // On his Bandcamp page Chris writes: “Dark (noun): a: a place or time of little or no light (ex: night, nightfall) b: absence of light. // I’ve always been somewhat of a night owl. I suppose it comes with the territory of being a jazz musician. We feel at home in dimly lit, hazy settings during the wee small hours of the morning. Something about nighttime has always been enchanting to me. There are endless possibilities, and one never knows what could happen before daybreak. // Towards the end of 2021, however, I found myself in a state of darkness that was truly unfamiliar to me. Like every other musician, the pandemic had brought my career to a grinding halt in the previous year. It seemed like losses were becoming a pattern and grief was becoming more than I could bear. At times, I even questioned whether I still WAS a musician. As the beginning of 2022 approached, I was faced with the reality that three of my greatest musical mentors had passed on, and I suddenly felt a new weight of responsibility for carrying on the tradition of the Hammond B-3 Organ in jazz. Consequently, I found a fresh sense of purpose and inspiration. // So with no real game plan in place, I booked a weekend in the studio and hired friends that I knew could deliver the feeling I was looking for. I have always had an affinity for the sound of a baritone sax in front of the organ trio. Going all the way back to George Benson’s first two albums with Ronnie Cuber and Lonnie Smith, as well as recent releases by my friends Adam Scone and Ian Hendrickson-Smith, the format has a certain grit and heaviness not found in other configurations within the jazz realm. // After dark, there is magic and mystique waiting… and maybe even some true darkness… but AFTER dark, there is always light! // from http://www.chrishazelton.com: Some things in life are just meant to be. The first time Chris Hazelton experienced a real Hammond B-3 organ, he knew instantly that it was the instrument he was destined to play. At the request of his college professor, the then-underage aspiring musician snuck into a dark Kansas City jazz club called Bobby’s Hangout to hear the man behind the console, jazz organ master Everette DeVan. After several weeks of coaxing, Mr. DeVan agreed to take Chris on a student, showing him the ins and outs of the complex machine. With a background in string bass and piano, Chris’ transfer to organ was a natural one. // From 2007 to 2009, Chris called the Big Apple home. New York City provided an education that can only be found by living there. The rhythm of the city and the constant presence of jazz royalty helped sharpen his playing into a potent combination of groove and artistry. During his time there, Chris regularly performed at legendary Harlem jazz clubs such as Minton’s Playhouse, the Lenox Lounge, and Showman’s Jazz Lounge. In 2009, Chris had the honor of studying with the world’s foremost authority in the jazz organ world, Dr. Lonnie Smith! // Upon returning to his native Kansas City, Chris has made a name for himself as one of the premier jazz organists in the midwest and recently made an appearance with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. // His flagship ensemble, Chris Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7, was assembled in 2013 and held a impressive seven-year Friday night residency at Kansas City’s Green Lady Lounge. This seven piece unit focuses on funky, rhythmic soul-jazz that harkens back to the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a time when Lou Donaldson, Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, Grant Green, Lonnie Smith, and a host of others packed dance floors and venues along the “Chitlin Circuit”. The Boogaloo 7 has released two 45rpm 7-inch vinyl singles and two full-length LPs on Sunflower Soul Records, a label established by Hazelton in 2014 that produces soulful recordings with unashamedly old-school, analog vibe. // For nearly 10 years, Chris served as the organist at “The Historic” Centennial United Methodist Church in the 18th & Vine Jazz District of Kansas City, MO – a church that was once home to Count Basie and Charlie Parker. He plays bass guitar with the popular soul ensemble The Freedom Affair. He is happily married to the love of his life, Erica, and together have a daughter named Evelyn and a son named Jaxon..]

[The Freedom Affair play recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, Sun, Dec. 31 NYE Show at 8:00 PM.]

10:29 – Underwriting

9. (#83) Everything But The Girl – “Nothing Left To Lose”
   from: Fuse / Buzzin’ Fly – Virgin / April 21, 2023
   [Everything But The Girl have revealed their new track “Caution To The Wind” and its accompanying lyric video. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Fuse out April 21st. The song is the follow up to current single “Nothing Left To Lose” which has seen fantastic support across radio and press, with BrooklynVegan calling it “one of the year’s most welcome surprises,” radio and editorial playlists. The track has topped one million streams on Spotify, and the video has been viewed over 1 million times on YouTube. // Written and produced by Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn over the spring-summer of 2021, Everything But The Girl’s new album Fuse is a modern take on the lustrous electronic soul the band first pioneered in the mid-90s. Thorn’s affecting and richly-textured voice is once again up front in Watt’s glimmering landscape of sub-bass, sharp beats, half-lit synths and empty space, and as before, the result is the sound of a band comfortable with being both sonically contemporary, yet agelessly themselves. // The pair recorded in secret at home and in a small riverside studio outside Bath with friend and engineer Bruno Ellingham. For the first two months, the artist name on the album files was simply TREN (Tracey and Ben), and early takes focused on ambient sound montages and improvised spectral piano loops recorded by Ben on his iPhone at home during his enforced pandemic isolation – ideas which later blossomed into atmospheric tracks such as “When You Mess Up” and “Interior Space.” // Everything But The Girl broke through on the UK indie scene in 1982 with a stark jazz-folk cover of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day.” They then released a string of UK gold albums throughout the 80s, experimenting with jazz, guitar pop, orchestral wall-of-sound and drum-machine soul. After Watt’s near-death experience from a rare auto-immune condition in 1992, the pair returned unbowed with the million-selling ardent folktronica of Amplified Heart in 1994. It includes their biggest hit, “Missing,” after New York DJ-producer Todd Terry’s remix unexpectedly made the leap from heavy club play to global radio success (Number 2 US Hot 100; Number 3 UK Top 40). The sparkling Walking Wounded – emotional songs brimming with ideas from the mid 90s electronic scene – followed in 1996 (Number 4 UK Album Chart). Spawning four UK Top 40 hits, the record became the band’s first platinum selling album. After their final show at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2000, the pair chose to quit Everything But The Girl on a high. // Everything but the Girl is an English musical duo formed in Kingston upon Hull in 1982, consisting of lead singer and occasional guitarist Tracey Thorn and guitarist, keyboardist, producer and singer Ben Watt. The group’s early works have been categorized as sophisti-pop with jazz influences before undergoing an electronic turn following the worldwide success of the 1994 hit single “Missing”. // The duo have accomplished four top ten and twelve top 40 singles in the UK and have received eight gold and two platinum album BPI certifications in the UK as well as one gold album RIAA certification in the US. Their cover of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” reached number three on the UK Singles Chart in 1988, a feat which would later be matched by “Missing”, which charted high in several countries and reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1995 and spent over seven months on the UK Singles Chart thanks to an extremely popular remix by Todd Terry which later led to a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single. // Their ninth album Walking Wounded (1996) set a new career best by entering the UK albums chart at number four; it spawned the top ten singles “Walking Wounded” and “Wrong”. The band went inactive in 2000, with Thorn declaring that she would no longer perform live. Thorn and Watt, who did not publicise their romantic relationship with each other while active, married in 2009, both released solo albums and said it was unlikely that Everything But the Girl would be active again. // However, in November 2022, Thorn announced that a new album had been recorded for release in spring 2023. Fuse, the band’s first new material in 24 years, will be released on 21 April 2023. // When Thorn and Watt met, they were both attending the University of Hull and both had contracted with the independent record company Cherry Red Records, as solo artists. Thorn was also a member of the trio Marine Girls. The pair each had solo album releases through Cherry Red: Thorn’s 1982 LP was A Distant Shore, an eight-track mini-album. Watt’s 1983 debut LP – the follow-up to his 1982 5-track EP Summer Into Winter featuring Robert Wyatt – was entitled North Marine Drive. // 1985 view of Turners, with the slogan Everything but the Girl. They formed a duo and adopted the name “Everything but the Girl” from the slogan used by the Hull shop Turner’s Furniture on Beverley Road. // EBTG’s debut single, a cover version of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”, was released in June 1982. After steady sales and exposure from a compilation album entitled Pillows & Prayers, the single was re-issued in August 1983. // Their debut album, Eden, was released in the UK in 1984. It reached number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, spending twenty weeks on the chart. It featured the single “Each and Every One”, which reached number 28 on the UK top 40. Thorn wrote in 2016 that her lyric was misunderstood: “Our first single, ‘Each and Every One’, was intended as an angry lyric about being a female musician, patronised and overlooked by male music critics. My band the Marine Girls had attracted several reviews along the lines of ‘not bad for a girl’ and so the opening lines addressed this: ‘If you ever feel the time/To drop me a loving line/Maybe you should just think twice/I don’t wait around on your advice’. It was the instructions of music critics I wasn’t waiting around for, but I wrote it too subtly, and so it was heard as a lovelorn lament, a lonely girl waiting for a letter from a boy.” // In spite of their early history as established independent artists, to newcomers Everything but the Girl was considered part of the jazz/popular music style known as “sophisti-pop”, alongside other British acts like Carmel, Swing Out Sister, Sade, Matt Bianco and The Style Council. Both Watt and Thorn were guest musicians on the Style Council’s Café Bleu album, while EBTG worked with producer Robin Millar and engineers Ben Rogan and Mike Pela—who also collaborated with Sade—on their early albums. Although Eden was released in the UK, a different recording, Everything but the Girl, was released in the United States on the Sire label. The US release contains six tracks from Eden, two UK singles and four alternate tracks. // The 1985 album Love Not Money was their second studio album release, and signalled a move away from jazz and Latin influences to a more traditional electric guitar, bass and drums arrangements. The US edition included two additional songs that were not on the original UK release: a cover version of the Pretenders’ song “Kid” and “Heaven Help Me”. // The next year they released Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, recorded with an orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.[1] They revealed the album’s inspiration by their choices of B-sides for its single releases: songs from Bacharach and Jimmy Webb on the 12″ versions (as well as a cover version of Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces”). The first single from the album was “Come on Home”, followed by “Don’t Leave Me Behind”. // In 1988, EBTG released Idlewild. Blending acoustic instrumentation with sequenced drums and synthesisers, it reached number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, spending fifteen weeks on the chart.[8] A cover version of Danny Whitten’s “I Don’t Want to Talk About It”, previously a success for Rod Stewart, was released as a single shortly afterwards. It reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and was added to the latter issues of the album. Around this time, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions asked Thorn to contribute vocals to the song “Big Snake” on their final studio album Mainstream. // Tommy Lipuma produced the band’s 1990 album The Language of Life, which featured the single “Driving”. “Driving” received heavy rotation on American adult alternative radio. The album featured a host of leading west coast session musicians including Omar Hakim, Joe Sample and Michael Brecker. Stan Getz contributed a tenor sax solo on the song “The Road”. // In 1991, they released the self-produced album Worldwide. It charted at number 29 on the UK Albums Chart. // 1992 saw the release of the acoustic Covers EP. It reached number 13 on the UK top 40. The lead track was “Love Is Strange”. It also included cover versions of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than the Rest”; Cyndi Lauper’s “Time after Time” and Elvis Costello’s “Alison”. These four tracks were included on the US only album, Acoustic. // In the summer of 1992, the duo was forced to curtail recording and touring for several months when Watt developed Churg–Strauss syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease. Hospitalised for 10 weeks, and enduring several life-saving operations, he subsequently wrote a memoir, Patient, about his near-death ordeal. // In 1993, EBTG released two EPs in the UK. One featured a cover version of Paul Simon’s “The Only Living Boy in New York”. The other spawned a subsequent top ten UK hit, “I Didn’t Know I Was Looking for Love”, for Karen Ramirez. // 1994 saw EBTG release their seventh album, Amplified Heart, a hybrid of folk rock and electronica featuring contributions from guitarist Richard Thompson, double bassist Danny Thompson, drummer Dave Mattacks, and producer/programmer John Coxon. Producer Todd Terry remixed the track “Missing”, and when released as a single, it became an international success. It reached the top ten around the world, including the US, where it peaked at No. 2 in the Billboard Hot 100. // While recording Amplified Heart Thorn and Watt wrote lyrics and music for two tracks – “Protection” and “Better Things” on Massive Attack’s second album Protection. Thorn sang lead vocals on both. The single “Protection” reached number 14 on the UK top 40. The album reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. // Buoyed by the recent successes and out of contract at WEA, EBTG released the self-produced Walking Wounded in 1996 exclusively licensed to Atlantic Records for the United States and Canada and Virgin Records for the Rest of the World. Featuring collaborations with Spring Heel Jack and Howie B it ushered in a new electronic sound for their own work. It charted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned two top ten UK singles – “Walking Wounded” and “Wrong”. Two further singles – “Single” and “Before Today” – reached number 20 and number 25 respectively. // In 1999, the duo followed it up with their ninth and final studio album, Temperamental. It charted at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. // “Self-awareness is a dangerous thing: by about the third or fourth record, people were throwing comparisons at us and you have to be very tough to withstand it. And by the end of the ’90s, we were playing to 5,000 people a night. I’d stand on stage, looking out, thinking, “I don’t want to be this big.” —Ben Watt in 2012, recalled a lacklustre feeling from the late 1990s, during the latter years of EBTG. // Between 2000 and 2022, there were no new recordings from Everything but the Girl. In 2002, 2004 and 2005, the duo curated compilations of their material. The 2004 compilation, Like the Deserts Miss the Rain, was a DVD release that included footage of a 1999 performance at the Forum venue in London, UK, for which John McKenzie and long-time collaborator Martin Ditcham performed alongside the pair as session musicians. // From 1999, Watt concentrated on DJ and production/remix work, finding success as one half of Lazy Dog, with partner Jay Hannan, and collaborating with Beth Orton on her 1999 album Central Reservation and her 2002 album Daybreaker. Watt then proceeded with a new angle on his solo career that included launching the Buzzin’ Fly record label in 2003, and becoming the part-owner-founder of the Neighbourhood and Cherry Jam nightclubs from 2002–2005. Watt released a string of club-oriented productions including the Bright Star EP, with producer Stimming and British singer Julia Biel, on Buzzin’ Fly in 2010. // In 2005, Thorn co-wrote and recorded vocals for the song “Damage”, a collaboration with German band Tiefschwarz that appeared on their Eat Books album. Thorn’s second solo album, Out of the Woods, was then released in 2007, followed by her third solo album, Love and Its Opposite, in 2010. In October 2011, Thorn released a cover version of The xx’s “Night Time”, on which Watt played guitar and sang backing vocals. This was their first recording together in over a decade, although it was not an Everything but the Girl release. // In an April 2011 interview, Thorn was asked whether she would ever work again with Watt as Everything but the Girl. Thorn responded, “Yes, we do keep saying we are nearly ready to maybe do some work together again. There are certain obstacles, some practical, some psychological, that we would need to overcome. But it may well happen.” A collection of Christmas songs, Tinsel and Lights, for which Thorn recorded cover versions of Christmas songs with two new original songs, was released in October 2012 on Buzzin’ Fly’s sister record label Strange Feeling. Watt and the couple’s children provided backing vocals on the original song “Joy”. // In 2012, the band’s first four albums were reissued by Edsel Records as “deluxe” double CDs, with demo recordings and other additional material. At the time, Watt explained that Warner Music Group still maintained control over their back catalogue: “our big fear was that one day we’d wake up and they’d have reissued them, without telling us.”; when the representative from Edsel, a company that specialises in reissued material, made contact, the couple decided that the time was appropriate. Additionally, Thorn stated that the thought of reforming the band and playing live filled her “with cold dread”—upon re-listening to the early EBTG records, Thorn experienced a sense of “Gosh, well, I’m not really that person any more.” // A second tranche of Demon/Edsel reissues, covering the four albums released between 1990 and 1994, was announced in September 2013. According to the EBTG website, “Once again, Ben and Tracey have helped at every stage of the process, sourcing demos, rarities and memorabilia for the releases.” // The band’s final two albums, Walking Wounded and Temperamental were given the deluxe treatment and were reissued by Demon/Edsel on September 4, 2015. // Watt hit the pause button on his record labels and DJ activities to return to his folk-jazz singer-songwriter roots in 2014. His first solo album since 1983, Hendra was released on April 14, 2014. It featured collaborations with Bernard Butler, formerly of the band Suede, Berlin-based producer Ewan Pearson and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. The album won the ‘Best ‘Difficult’ Second Album’ category at the AIM Independent Music Awards 2014. It was included at No 27 in Uncut’s Top 75 Albums of 2014. He followed it up in 2016 with Fever Dream. It continued his relationship with Bernard Butler, and added guest cameos from MC Taylor of North Carolina folk-rock band, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Boston singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler. It received a 9/10 review in Uncut magazine. In a four-star review, The Guardian said: ‘In his early 50s, he is making some of the best music of his career.’ // In addition to solo music projects, both Thorn and Watt have written books. Thorn’s 2013 memoir, Bedsit Disco Queen, covers a significant portion of the history of EBTG as a band. // In July 2017, Everything but the Girl reclaimed the rights to eight of their albums, plus the American rights to Temperamental and Walking Wounded from Warner Music Group; this catalogue will now be distributed through Chrysalis Records under licence from Watt’s Strange Feeling label. // On November 2, 2022, Thorn announced on Twitter that a new Everything but the Girl album had been recorded and would be released in spring 2023. // The first single from their forthcoming album Fuse, “Nothing Left to Lose” premiered on BBC Radio 6 Music on January 10, 2023. Fuse will be released April 21, 2023 and will feature “Nothing Left to Lose” and nine more original songs both electronic and acoustic.]

10. (#82.) Bodikhuu – “Guest Performance”
    from: Tokyo / Farsi Records – Mississippi Records / March 24, 2023
    [Mongolian producer BODIKHUU returns with a sonic journey through Japan in the form of 13 instrumental hip- hop vignettes. // “I wanted to portray the 80s Japanese atmosphere through my style,” Bodikhuu writes from his home in Ulaanbaatar, the coldest capital city on earth. “Even though I have never been there, this is my way of saying that I have seen the place.” // Unable to travel to Japan, Bodikhuu instead conjures an imagined city through sound. “Tokyo” evokes the neon, sweat, traffic, exhaust, gloaming towers and “monotonous lonely lives” of the sprawling megalopolis through its music. The album is a rich collage of cast-off sounds and razor sharp interpolations of city pop, obscure Japanese jazz, and 80s J-pop, all expertly chopped up on one of the few MPC-1000s in Ulaanbaatar. Faded voices over thundering drums give tracks like “Office Melancholia” and“Subway” a sense of place and emotional weight uncommon in beat tapes. // “Tokyo” builds on the international success of 2019’s “Rio/Bodianova” (the first Mongolian hip-hop record on vinyl), which found Bodi traveling through Rio on a lush bed of 1970s bossa nova and tropicalia. On this album, we’re jet-propelled into the 80s – all smooth surfaces, shimmering synths, and twinkling lights. // Collaged cut-up artwork by Digital Sting (Feel- Free Hi-Fi), warm analog master from Dave Vettraino (International Anthem) and loud-cut 160gm vinyl from Smashed Plastic in Chicago complement Bodikhuu’s considered beats. // A note from Bodikhuu: “The album’s idea came from my friend Jargalan aka Jack. I wanted to portray the 80s Japanese atmosphere through my style. Basically it represents the tremendously busy lifestyle of Tokyo – subway stations, roads, towers, factories monotonous and lonely lives of people in it. Even though I have never been there, this is my way of saying that I have seen the place. All of the samples come from city pop, j-pop, Japanese jazz & funk music and the production was done on an MPC-1000.]

11. (#81.) Yaeji — “For Granted”
    from: With A Hammer / XL Recordings / April 7, 2023
    [Kathy Yaeji Lee is known professionally as Yaeji, is an American singer, DJ, and producer based in Brooklyn, New York City. Her style blends elements of house music and hip hop with mellow, quiet vocals sung in both English and Korean. // She was born August 6, 1993, in Flushing, Queens, as a single child in a Korean family. She moved from New York to Atlanta when she was 5, and then to South Korea in the third grade. While living in South Korea, Yaeji switched between different international schools on a yearly basis, leading her to find friends on the Internet, where she would first discover music. She also briefly attended school in Japan before moving back to Korea. // Yaeji eventually moved back to the United States to study conceptual art, East Asian studies, and graphic design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She embraced DJing as a hobby while attending Carnegie Mellon, crediting the afterhours electronic music dance party Hot Mass with her “indoctrination into nightlife.” Yaeji learned how to use Traktor and began DJing at house parties. She DJed for two years before learning Ableton, making her own music and debuting on Carnegie Mellon’s college radio station WRCT. Yaeji graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 2015. // After graduation, Yaeji moved back to New York City to get involved in the music scene and to DJ. Her first single, “New York ’93”, referring to her year of birth, was issued on the New York City label Godmode on February 29, 2016, followed by a cover of “Guap” by Australian DJ Mall Grab that May. She had previously uploaded songs to SoundCloud, although they were removed; this included “Areyouami”, which was released when she was at college. // Her debut eponymous EP, including both prior singles, was released by Godmode on March 31, 2017. // She began to gain attention following her first Boiler Room session in May 2017, which involved a remix of Drake’s single “Passionfruit”. The song was later released officially on Godmode’s SoundCloud page. The first of several stand-alone singles, “Therapy” was issued in July 2017, followed by a two-track digital single, Remixes, Vol. 1, on August 1 and the “Last Breath” single on August 28. The music video for the single “Drink I’m Sippin On” was released on 88rising’s YouTube channel in October 2017, quickly gaining over one million views in two weeks. On November 3, 2017, Yaeji released her second EP, EP2, to positive reviews and moderate commercial success. The video for “Raingurl” was released on November 16. // Yaeji was named to the BBC’s Sound of 2018 longlist in November 2017. She also performed at the 2018 Coachella Festival. // In 2021, “Raingurl” made it into New York Times’s T magazine Spotify playlist, “Right Here: Asian Women Artists in the West.” She also performed at BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn! music festival, where she was rushed by fans. // A year after her release of “What We Drew”, and a year into the global COVID-19 pandemic, Yaeji released her first collaborative work with Korean Indie band front man Oh Hyuk of Hyukoh. The release consisted two tracks: “Year to Year” and “29”. Despite being artists of different genres, both artists were able to rediscover the joy that they feel when creating music because of the collaboration. Her debut album, With a Hammer, was released in April 2023. The lead single, “For Granted”, was released in January 2023. “Done (Let’s Get It)” followed in February 2023. Yaeji performed at Coachella 2023.]

12. (#80.) Levelle – “Only If”
    from: Promise To Love / SRC Records / June 9, 2023
    [LeVelle, also referred to as “LB,” is an R&B/ Neo-Soul artist and songwriter from Kansas City. LeVelle’s drive and dedication for his music career is personified through his ecstatic personality. This coupled with his soulful voice gives way to the talented artist that is LeVelle. // The inspiration for his musical career stems from his early exposure to different forms of music. Drawing influence from artists like Sam Cooke, Al Green, and Gerald LeVert, he has an assorted range of musical role models. These influences alongside his life experiences have allowed for the development of his unique musical style. // LeVelle was blessed with the opportunity to be Charlie Wilson’s background singer, and has graced the stage with other award-winning and talented artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Tank, and Robin Thicke, to name a few. //Promise To Love, is not just the name of his new project, but its his way of life concerning his music career.]

13. (#79.) Youth Lagoon – “Prizefighter” (radio edit)
    from: Heaven is a Junkyard / Fat Possum Records / June 9, 2023
    [Youth Lagoon is amidst “a striking reclamation of artistic identity” (Pitchfork). The cherished project of Trevor Powers released “Prizefighter,” the new single/video from his album (and Youth Lagoon’s first in eight years), Heaven Is a Junkyard, on Fat Possum, with a massive tour of North America, his first in 8 years, and will be playing songs from his entire catalog. Following lead single, “Idaho Alien,” “one of Powers’ best feats of songwriting to date”(Paste), “Prizefighter” explores the bond between two brothers, leaving undefined what is fact and what is fiction. // Powers explains:”4 years ago, I started writing a song about brothers. I grew up with 3 of them, so our house was doomsday but with more sugar cereal. Our love was strong and so was our barbarity. It was real joy — the kind you didn’t have to look for cuz it smacked you in the face or pushed you off the bed into a file cabinet. Beyond that, we were homeschooled. 4 fuckin’ weirdos home all day who adored each other and hated each other and played baseball everyday in the backyard and threw rocks at each other’s heads and laughed ’till we threw up. Our bond is forever. That song I started those years ago meant too much to me to finish. I was scared of it. Scared of not making it great… so I tabled it. // A couple weeks before leaving to make the record, I went through some old voice memos while watching a VHS of Drugstore Cowboy. I listened to that 30-second sketch called “Prizefighter.” It was like an angel fell from the sky to tell me how to finish it. “Don’t make it great,” she said. “Make it true.” I finished the song in 2 days.” // Throughout Heaven Is A Junkyard, Powers stitches together a lyrical style that feels both punk and western. With whispers of country, Heaven Is a Junkyard is mutant Americana in a world of love, drugs, storytelling, and miracles — held together by Powers’ voice and an upright piano. In Powers’ own words, “Heaven Is a Junkyard is about all of us. It’s stories of brothers leaving for war, drunk fathers learning to hug, mothers falling in love, neighbors stealing mail, cowboys doing drugs, friends skipping school, me crying in the bathtub, dogs catching rabbits, and children playing in tall grass.” ]

14. (#78.) Shawn M Stewart – “Come To My Room”
    from: Easter Eggs / Shawn M Stewart / June 10, 2023
    [Singer songwriter Shawn M Stewart is a constant collaborator as part of the indie punk band Critterz and in the single release “Rocket in My Pocket” with Stephonne. Shawn Stewart has had 10 songs inducted into the TV/Film Sync Publishing catalogs. In 2021 he release his album POP containing songs in multiple genres for multiple programming choices. Several singles made the year end lists of favorites of 90.9 The Bridge listeners. But for 2023, Shawn worked on a project very personal to his own interests. He got into a songwriting mode by attempting to tap into the spiritual energy of the late rock and roller Syd Barrett. Shawn worked to receive Sid Barrett’s energy, and he was really happy with the new songs he created. Shawn writes: “What I don’t have is a single song that any major publisher is going to want to publish. That’s okay-they’ve already scooped up two Critterz tunes, But what I do have is the best work of art I’ve ever created.” // Shawn continues, “EASTER EGGS is a reimagining of what Syd might have written if he’d written it 56 years later than his brief catalog. It’s 100% modern, incorporating the very newest of software and effects. There are lots of titular easter eggs- sound effects, voices, AI imitating voices, all lurking just slightly below the surface. Oh, and the songs will jump tracks between consciousness, meta-conscious states, other eras, video games and the matrix, without warning.” Shawn continues, the “EASTER EGGS (album) is the first I’ve ever attempted to self-produce and mix.” More information at: ww.shawnmstewart.com ]

15. (#77.) Collidescope – “Dodo Bird”
    from: FunHouse / Collidescope / October 13, 2022
    [“The Blackness” is from the upcoming album “Clown Town” that Collidescope hopes to release in early 2023. Collidescope is essentially a duo that includes: Hadiza. on vocals, beats, & synthesizers; and Madison Monroe on guitar, bass, beats, synthesizers, mixing & vocals. On December 31, 2020 Collidescope released their 7-track album DEEP TAPE. DEEP TAPE includes Victoria Falls Stillwater on addition sound production and vocals, and was mixed and mastered by J.Ashley Miller. DEEP TAPE is a follow up the band’s debut EP SYSTEMIC released December 16, 2017. Hadiza also released her solo album SHADOW WEIGHT on Nov. 22, 2019. More info at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com or http://www.acollidescope.bandcamp.com ]

16. (#76.) Jungle – “Back On 74 (Radio Edit)”
    from: Volcano / AWAL Recordings / August 11, 2023
    [Jungle are back in 2023 with their new album Volcano. This record builds upon the success of the 2021 album Loving in Stereo, which was met with critical and commercial success, becoming one of the most acclaimed albums of the year. With Volcano, Jungle has once again proven themselves to be one of the most exciting and innovative artists in electronic music. With the infusion of disco, soul and hip-hop elements, Jungle continues to push the boundaries of their sound, creating an uplifting and free-spirited album which is sure to be one of the highlights of the year, solidifying the duo’s status as one of the most important voices in contemporary music. // Jungle’s journey began in Tom McFarland’s bedroom in London, where he and childhood friend Joshua Lloyd-Watson began experimenting with music production. With a passion for creating soulful, funky beats and an affinity for live instrumentation, the duo quickly developed a unique sound that would set them apart from their contemporaries. Jungle’s music quickly gained traction, and they soon found themselves performing at some of the most prestigious music festivals and venues around the world. // The Mercury Prize-nominated, Gold-certified debut and 2018’s follow-up For Ever both entered the UK Top 10. Loving in Stereo then amplified Jungle’s success further, reaching number 3 in the UK charts, whilst rocketing to #1 in the US Billboard Dance Album Chart. These three records have since amassed over 1,000,000 equivalent album sales and gained over a billion streams. From the confines of Tom’s bedroom, Jungle is about to embark on its next journey with the release of Volcano, a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and hard work. // With Volcano, Jungle are expanding their sound even further, with more innovative and forward thinking production. From intricate and complex beats to soaring synths and soulful melodies, this record is testament to Jungle’s skill as producers and their ability to create music that is both timeless and modern. Collaboration is a key feature of this album, with legendary artists such as Roots Manuva, Erick the Architect, Channel Tres and Bas all appearing across the record.]

10:59 – Station ID

17. (#75.) Shamir – “The Beginning”
    from: Homo Anxietatem / Kill Rock Stars / August 18, 2023
    [Shapeshifting Philadelphia-via-Vegas artist Shamir shares a sentimental third and final single & video “The Beginning”from Homo Anxietatem the 9th album & debut for Kill Rock Stars out August 18, 2023. “The Beginning” dives into the missteps of a relationship gone by, while feeling emotionally trapped as time barrels forward. Opening with a jolting record scratch, then seamlessly flowing into a driving guitar strum, the building chorus evokes a nostalgia akin to the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. With playful lyrical snacks like “I wish I could turn back time, just like Cher” to the painful reality check “we’re so caught up on having a happy ending…we forgot the beginning” – you can’t help but dance & cry along to Shamir’s ever poignant songwriting. The new track follows healing first single “Oversized Sweater”, bittersweet “Our Song”, and surprise release “Crime” featured in HBO’s Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York. // Shamir (he/she/they) directed the hometown video filmed in Bartram’s Garden with musician friends, including members of the band Friendship and Accidental Popstar Records’ own Ladifa, saying “’The Beginning’ is a song I wrote when I was 14 years old and had never experienced love, yet I was already inundated by all the typical tropes. Even back then I realized a happy ending was contingent on a healthy beginning. The video represents the healing power of being around friends after a break up.” // Homo Anxietatem releases August 18, 2023 . For the 9th Shamir album in eight years, and his debut for the legendary Kill Rock Stars label, the shapeshifting songsmith tries on yet another shade of perfect popcraft. After a run of critically acclaimed heavy rock and industrial-tinged records, Shamir forms his literally unforgettable tunes into alternately subdued and soaring alt-pop. For a 28 year-old, Shamir’s amassed a huge body of work. His live show and recorded output are more closely aligned than ever, holding close to guitar-bass-drums combos. The songs are elemental, yet flawless in their own Shamir-ness. And with the studio polish provided by Hoost (Rina Sawayama, VC Pines), the barebones songwriting becomes the foundation for Shamir in a more introspective mode. This is what happens when one of the most prolific songwriters of a generation calms down a bit: the search for meaning becomes mundane. What happens when someone who lives a chronically unstable life finds solid ground? Well, out comes a perfect pop-punk-rock record. // All songs Written by Shamir Bailey with the exception of “Appetizer” written by Grant Pavol. // All songs Produced by Justin Tailor with the exception of “Appetizer” Produced by Grant Pavol and Justin Tailor and “Words” produced by Teddy Thompson. // All guitar, bass, and live instrument performed by Shamir Bailey and Justin Tailor with the exception of “Appetizer” guitar, bass, and drums performed by Grant Pavol and “Words” bass by Teddy Thompson. // All songs Mixed by Charlie McClean // Mastered by Amy Dragon.]

18. (#74.) PJ Harvey – “Seem an I (Radio Edit)”
    from: I Inside the Old Year Dying / Partisan Records / July 7, 2023
    [The story behind PJ Harvey’s tenth album – I Inside the Old Year Dying – goes back six years to the end of touring around her previous record The Hope Six Demolition Project, and Harvey’s keen feeling that somewhere in the endless grueling cycle of albums and shows, she had lost her connection with music itself. “I was quite lost,” she says. “I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do: if I wanted to carry on writing albums and playing, or if it was time for a change in my life.” // Eventually (thankfully), she once again began to feel pulled in the direction of new songs, music, and sounds. The resulting body of work is audacious and original even by the standards of an artist who has always ensured that each phase of her progress has taken her somewhere new. Full of a sense of a cyclical return to new beginnings, it combines its creative daring with feelings of openness and invitation, in the most fascinating way. Collectively, the songs emerge as one of the most powerful and arresting statements of Harvey’s career. // Anchored by her nearly thirty-year creative partnership with her most trusted, long-term musical associates John Parish and Flood, Harvey set out with an explicit mission: to avoid anything reminiscent of their musical past. She draws on the creative freedom she had felt in past musical work on soundtracks, and in the theater. Her perspective shifts away from the big themes of previous albums Let England Shake and Hope Six (“looking out, at war, politics, the world”), towards something more intimate, eerie, and human. “I instinctively needed a change of scale,” she says. “There was a real yearning in me to change it back to something really small – so it comes down to one person, one wood, a village.” Meanwhile, her voice has become, if anything, a more intensely pure instrument over the years. // With I Inside the Old Year Dying, Harvey builds a sonic universe somehow located in a space between life’s opposites, something embodied by Wyman-Elvis, a Christ-like presence in some of the songs who symbolizes the thin line between life and death – and, for that matter, between recent history and the ancient past. Scattered with biblical imagery and references to Shakespeare, all these distinctions ultimately dissolve into something profoundly uplifting and redemptive. “I’m somewhere where I’ve not been before,” Harvey says. “What’s above, what’s below, what’s old, what’s new, what’s night, what’s day? It’s all the same, really – and you can enter it and get lost. And that’s what I wanted to do with the record, with the songs, with the sound, with everything.” // PJ Harvey has commanded attention since the start of her career and is the only musician to have been awarded the UK’s Mercury Music Prize more than once, winning first in 2001 for Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea and again in 2011 for Let England Shake. An accomplished poet and visual artist, as well as a musician and songwriter, her work is striking in its originality: vivid, absorbing and distinct. Since the release of The Hope Six Demolition Project, which went to #1 album in her native UK, she has contributed compositions for stage and screen; most recently for Sharon Horgan’s acclaimed Bad Sisters mini-series.]

19. (#73.) Gemini Parks -“Hell”
    from: Mom, Why is everyones a Hoe? / Love You Tons Records / Sept. 29. 2023
    [Gemini Parks is the Genre-Bending Funk Project of Kansas City Musician Josh Berwanger. Josh Berwanger is known for the bands: the Anniversary, and The Only Children. Gemini Parks is on a mission to make you dance. On March 39m 29023 Gemini Parks released the single “Snake Charmer (featuring J. Arrr & Backwood Sweetie) recorded with Oklahoma producer Jarod Evans (Broncho, Flaming Lips) in 2021 at Blackwatch Studios, Berwanger later added Mitch Hewlit on drums and J-Swamp on bass.. Gemini Parks released the debut single “Up All Night” on August 4, 2022, followed by “Price You Pay in September 2022, and “Hypocrisy” on June 28, 2023.]

20. (#72.) Lonnie Fisher – “If I Could Live Forever”
    from: BEAUTIFUL STAR / Lonnie Fisher / February 9, 2022
    [Last year, Lonnie Fisher’s 8-song, solo album FAMOUS GIRL was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. FAMOUS GIRL was released January 19, 2022 and was engineered by Ed Rose and Duane Trower with contributions from: Chris Nunez. Tim Jenkins, Tim Manning, and Julia Reynolds. On October 22, 2021 with his band, Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral released, HAUNTED with Lonnie Fisher on lead vocals, 5 String Guitar & Keyboards; Tim Jenkins on guitars; Chris Nunez on drums, Tim Manning on bass, & Julia Reynolds on vocals & keyboards.Lonnie Fischer played a solo album release show for his new album BEAUTIFUL STAR at The Brick, 1727 McGeee Street, KCMO, on Friday, December 23, at 8:00 PM with The Criterz and Killer City. More information at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.]

21. (#71.) Modern Day Fitzgerald – “City Burning”
    from: MEET ME ON ARMOUR ROAD / Modern Day Fitzgerald / September 13, 2023
    [This is a concept/rock opera that takes place on Armour Road in North Kansas City, Missouri. This is a love and hate letter to the music scene. From playing a late night show in a small run down club to waking up early to go to back to work. The album deals with the excitement of being in the music scene, falling in and out of love, the stress of wanting to be recognized and heard, and the burnout. The majority of the album was recorded in a studio inside a music venue on Armour Road with producer Alex Garnett. Modern Day Fitzgerald is: Mica-Elgin Vi on guitar & lead vocals, Noah Bartelt on bass & vocals, Sean East on drums. The band wrote all of the songs. More information at: http://www.Moderndayfitzgerald.net]

22. (#70.) The Noise FM – “Distant Lover”
from: Deleted Scenes: Unreleased Hits 2013 – 2023 / The Record Machine / November 3, 2023
[Formed by the core duo of brothers Austin and Alex Ward in the small town of Fort Scott, Kansas, The Noise FM plays melodic, beat-driven indie-rock. Sometimes the band’s songs get really loud, emphasizing bombastic drums, fuzzed-out synthesizers, and intricate guitar riffs — a sound inspired by the brothers’ love of the 90s alternative bands they grew up watching on Canada’s MuchMusic channel (inexplicably, Fort Scott aired MuchMusic instead of MTV, likely making it the only rural Kansas town with a teenage population fluent in Canadian alternative rock). At other times, The Noise FM’s music focuses on tight, danceable grooves and harmonized vocal melodies. / Following multiple years touring behind the release of 2014’s full-length record Attraction (The Record Machine), the band temporarily shifted its focus to outside projects with Alex & Austin moonlighting as members of successful Chicago garage-pop group Archie Powell & The Exports and internationally touring rock group Hembree. / After living nearly 9 years in Chicago, the brothers recently relocated to Los Angeles to pay significantly more in rent while completing The Noise FM’s long-awaited follow-up to Attraction. // Austin and Alex Ward also play in the band Hembree // Austin and Alex Ward also play in the band Scores with CJ Calhoun, and Greg Panciera. Scores just released the 5-track EP Vol. 2 through Oread Records on October 6, 2023] [The Noise FM played 20 Years of The Record Machine featuring Soultru, Black Light Animals, Monta and Pala Zolo, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO. Info at: http://www.therecordmachine.co]

The Noise FM Discography

Dream of the Attack / 9-track Album / November 14, 2008
Enclave / 6-track EP / May 14, 2010
Attraction / 10-track Album / The Record Machine / January 28, 2014
Road Warrior Remix / 8 Remixes / The Record Machine / December 2, 2014
Hot Sauce: The Noise FM Live From recordBar/ The Record Machine / December 9. 2016
“Cooler Heads Prevail” / “Who’s Watching Who?” / Singles / The Record Machine / 7 / 31 / 20
“Will You Spend Merry Christmas with Me?” / Single / The Record Machine / Dec. 1, 2022
Deleted Scenes: Unreleased Hits 2013 – 2023 / The Record Machine / November 3, 2023

23. (#69) Hannah Jadagu – “What You Did”
    from: Aperture / Sub Pop Records / May 19, 2023
    [Fresh out of high school, Hannah Jadagu released her debut EP, What Is Going On?, a collection of intimate bedroom pop tracks recorded entirely on an iPhone 7, which was, at the time, Jadagu’s most accessible mode of production. An off-the-cuff approach to music making and instinctive ability to write unforgettable hooks belied the intensity of Jadagu’s subject matter. In a short run time, What Is Going On? confronts some of the nation’s most urgent struggles all through Jadagu’s compassionate perspective. “I want my songs to be both super intimate and still universally relatable,” Jadagu says. “With the EP, so many people told me that the songs resonated with them on a personal level, and that’s what I’m always hoping for.” // Resonate it did; What Is Going On? is Jadagu’s first Sub Pop release, but she’d been putting out music on SoundCloud for years, garnering a small online fanbase as she settled into an aesthetic, and recognition from a broader audience was overdue. “It really took off when I became a percussionist in my middle school’s band,” she says. “Writing songs started as a hobby and quickly became a passion to the point that I spent all my free time recording.” // On May 19th, 2023 Jadagu premiered Aperture, her first LP and most ambitious work to date. Written in the years between graduating from high school in Mesquite, TX and her sophomore year of college in New York, Aperture finds Jadagu in a state of transition. “Where I grew up, everyone is Christian; even if you don’t go to church, you’re still practicing in some form,” Jadagu says, laughing. “Moving out of my small hometown has made me reflect on how embedded Christianity is in the culture down there, and though I’ve been questioning my relationship to the church since high school, it’s definitely a theme on this album, but so is family.” // As a kid, Jadagu followed her older sister – a major source of inspiration who she refers to as “the blueprint” – to a local children’s chorus, where she received choral training. “I hated it,” Jadagu admits. “But it taught me how to harmonize, how to discover my tone, how to recognize and write melody.” The aching single “Admit It” is dedicated to Jadagu’s sister, whose boundless love and impeccable taste has been a constant for Jadagu ever since she was a kid. At home, the siblings were raised on mom’s Young Money mixtapes and the Black Eyed Peas (to whom she credits her love of vocoder) but it was in the sanctity of her sister’s car that Jadagu discovered indie artists who would go on to inspire her work. // “Lose” showcases Jadagu’s love of contemporary indie auteurs as it weaves a spare and unpretentious guitar riff with barebones piano chords all while Jadagu sings about the thrill and underlying fear that comes with beginning a new relationship. It is, in her words, a “classic pop song.” “The things we haven’t done/ Play out in my mind/ Would you just give me time?” she sings, nearing the end, as the skittering drumbeat propels the song from a place of contemplative yearning to defiance. “Every track on this album, except for “Admit It”, was written first on guitar, which is an instrumental throughline,” Jadagu says. “But the blanket of synths I use throughout helps me move between sensibilities. There’s rock Hannah, there’s hip-hop Hannah, and so on. I didn’t want any of the songs to sound too alike.” // Emblematic of this ethos is the single “Warning Sign,” which starts out as an acoustic, R&B slowburner before a muscular electric guitar enters the mix and the song morphs into something akin to psychedelic. “I knew I could make another album on my phone, but I wanted to make sure that I was leveling up, especially for the debut,” Jadagu says. So she began the difficult process of searching for a co-producer capable of complementing her work without dominating it. Enter Max Robert Baby, a French songwriter and producer who captured Jadagu’s attention with his take on Aperture’s lead single “Say It Now.” The duo worked together remotely, sending stems to one another via email, before eventually meeting in-person for the first time at Greasy Studios on the outskirts of Paris. // “When I recorded my EP, it was all MIDI, but in the studio Max and I worked with a ton of analog instruments,” Jadagu says. “There’s some Glockenspiel on the album, calling back to my percussionist days, and some synth warping that adds texture.” While What Is Going On? was heavy on layered reverb, making Jadagu’s vocals feel “shy,” she took what she calls a more “intimate, up close” approach while recording her voice for the LP. That experimentation is best heard on the rousing “What You Did,” which leverages crushing accusations against the song’s unnamed subject. Screaming static and a crunchy guitar part softens under Jadagu’s calm delivery as she sings: “Act like it’s best if we make amends, but I don’t wanna talk to you again.” // An aperture is strictly defined as an opening, a hole, a gap. On a camera, it’s the mechanism that light passes through, allowing a photographer to immortalize a moment in time. For Jadagu, the word perfectly encapsulates the mood of her debut album. In the years it took her to complete, she faced moments of darkness, sure, but the process of making it, her first ever in a professional studio, was ultimately a cathartic experience, one she now shares with you, the listener. Let the light in.] [Hannah Jadagu played the Bottleneck in Lawrence Kansas on Friday, September 29, 2023]

24. (#68.) Kelly Hunt – “Lost Highway”
    from: Ozark Symphony / Compass Records / October 13, 2023
    [Kelly Hunt released her critically acclaimed album, EVEN THE SPARROW through Rare Bird Records on May 17, 2023. 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 played 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]

11:28 – Underwriting

5. (#67.) Jess Williamson – “Hunter”
   from: Time Ain’t Accidental / Mexican Summer / June 9, 2023
   [Endless prairies and ocean waves; long drives and highway expanse; dancing, smoke, sex, and physical desire – the core images of Jess Williamson’s new album Time Ain’t Accidental revel in the earthly and the carnal. After a protracted breakup with a romantic partner and longtime musical collaborator who left Williamson and their home in Los Angeles at the start of the pandemic, the album’s reckoning with loss, isolation, romance, and personal reclamation signals a tectonic shift for Williamson as a person and as an artist: from someone who once accommodated and made herself small to a woman emboldened by her power as an individual. // A daringly personal but inevitable evolution for the Texas-born, Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Time Ain’t Accidental is evocative of iconic Western landscapes, tear-in-beer anthems, and a wholly modern take on country music that is completely her own. Above everything, sonically and thematically, this album is about Williamson’s voice, crystalline and acrobatic in its range, standing front and center. Think Linda Rondstadt turned minimalist, The Chicks gone indie or even Emmylou Harris’ work with Daniel Lanois. Ringing boldly and unobscured, it’s the sound of a woman running into her life and art head-on, unambiguously, and on her own terms for the first time. // Last year, Williamson and Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee released I Walked With You A Ways under the name Plains; a critically acclaimed record filled to the whiskey-barreled brim with feminine confidence, camaraderie, and straight-up country bangers and ballads. After past records Cosmic Wink (2018) and Sorceress (2020), both released on Mexican Summer, Williamson felt primed to shift in a new direction. Revisiting what she loved growing up, simplifying her process, and making music with a friend proved to be the best step forward for Williamson. // In early 2020, while getting used to the new estrangement and in quarantine with her thoughts, Williamson wrote and recorded the stripped-back standalone single “Pictures of Flowers” by herself at home. This experience became the foundation on which Time Ain’t Accidental was built. The song’s lyrical themes were terrestrial and plain-spoken, with Williamson’s voice set against a drum machine and paired with textural guitar by her friend Meg Duffy (Hand Habits). Soon, Williamson realized that musically she was just as good—better, even—on her own. Tours with Weyes Blood, Kevin Morby and Hamilton Leithauser, and José González bolstered this newfound self-assurance, letting her voice ring out in rooms the size of which she hadn’t played before. // Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Williamson began dating in Los Angeles and tracking demos centered on the realness of those experiences, filled with excitement, anxiety, and disappointment. The drum machine stuck around (this time in the form of an iPhone app), as did her determination to forge a new path as a truly solo singer and songwriter; as a woman finding the sound of herself without anyone else’s input. It was a lonely, but revelatory, period. // The core essence of that time is summed up in the opening line of “Hunter.” “I’ve been thrown to the wolves and they ate me raw,” Williamson sings, clear-eyed and with resolve, having come out the other side. Though tumultuous, the process of dating in LA revealed the album’s North Star, which anchors the song’s chorus and the album’s underlying sentiment more broadly: “I’m a hunter for the real thing.” // This theme comes up on the vivid torch song “Chasing Spirits,” when she sings, over whispers of steel guitar, that “the difference between us is when I sing it I really mean it.” The same energy resurfaces on “God in Everything”, with Williamson turning to the supernatural as a way of rising above the earthly realities of dating and rejection. “Being in lockdown alone, fresh out of a breakup, was a real hard time for me,” she remembers. “What I’m grateful for is having a period of stillness and desperation that forced me to turn inward and find comfort in a power greater than myself”. // In the album liner notes, Williamson too included a quote from Carl Jung that was sent to her by a close friend during this era of uncertainty and upheaval. It reads: “To this day God is the name by which I designate all things which cross my willful path violently and recklessly, all things which upset my subjective views, plans, and intentions, and change the course of my life for better or worse.” // After many months spent alone and searching, Williamson finally found the realness she’d been longing for. First came the idea of Plains and the subsequent writing and recording sessions. Then, on one of her regular drives between her adopted home in southern California and her native Texas, Williamson found and rescued her dog, Nana, who had been abandoned and was running alongside a desert highway in New Mexico. // But all good things come in threes, and she soon found new love with an old acquaintance in Marfa, Texas, addressed straightforwardly in the title track “Time Ain’t Accidental.” “We fell for each other when I was out in West Texas visiting a friend, but then I left to go back to LA,” Williamson explains. “I wasn’t sure if or when we’d see each other again, but I felt so full of love and I hadn’t felt that way in a very long time. I wrote this song the day I got back home. It’s really the story of a day together—we flirted by a hotel pool bar and went on a drive, we had a sweet night—and then I had to go, neither of us really knowing what, if anything, would come next.” // Williamson brought the suite of demos and her newfound assurance to Brad Cook (who’d produced Plains) in Durham, North Carolina. The familiar setting fostered a safe environment for the deeply personal material, and Williamson unleashed her voice with total unselfconsciousness. They tracked her vocals in just a couple of takes for each song. “I kept thinking, ‘my voice feels different now – it’s been liberated,’” Williamson reflects. Cook encouraged Williamson to keep the iPhone app drum machine beats she’d programmed for some of the demos, then married it with banjos and steel guitars for an evident sense of old-meets-new. // Williamson now splits her time between Marfa, Texas and Los Angeles. Time Ain’t Accidental, with its synthesis of traditional country instrumentation with digital effects and modern sounds, unequivocally embodies the energy of the two very different places that she calls home. The album’s artwork, subtly menacing and neon in awareness and strength, displays, in Williamson’s words, “that supernatural forces are acting all around us, that we can trust that we will be in the right place at the right time.” // While Time Ain’t Accidental is remarkable for its bare confidence born of searching and longing for something real, Williamson also recognizes the mysterious whims of time that bricked her path (and she memorialized them on the title track). Ultimately, these unseen forces lured the singer back into her own. The timing was, indeed, no accident. // All songs written by Jess Williamson. Recorded at Puff City (Durham, NC). Produced by Brad Cook. Engineered by Gerard “Jerry” Ordonez, Brad Cook and Paul Voran. Mixed by Brad Cook and Paul Voran. Mastered by Heba Kadry (New York City, NY). Cover photo by Samuel Walker. Inner photos by Jess Williamson. Cover photo retouching by Mike Krol.. Layout by Alex Tults // Jess Williamson – Vocals, Acoustic guitar, Piano, Drum programming; Brad Cook – Acoustic and electric guitar, Piano, Wurlitzer, Organ, Synths, Electric bass, Synth bass, Drum programming, Background vocals; Phil Cook – Banjo, Dobro, Acoustic guitar, Piano, Wurlitzer, Organ; Matt Douglas – Tenor sax, Clarinet, Baritone sax; Deshawn Hickman- Sacred Steel Guitar; Matt McCaughan- Acoustic drums, Percussion, Modular synth, Drum programming. All songs published by Orgasmic Bliss c/o Covertly Canadian Publishing (BMI)license]

26. (#66.) Friendly Thieves – “You Better Run”
    from: Til Death / Friendly Thieves / October 31, 2023
    [Friendly Thieves released their single “Redbone” on October 4, 2023. Friendly Thieves released their single “Rush” on July 31, 2023. Friendly Thieves released their debut single “You Better Run” on October 28, 2022. The five-piece alt-funk band Friendly Thieves are: Sam Wells on lead vocals, Jamae Breeze on lead guitar, Sam Millard on bass, John Goss on drums, and Ben Baker on saxophone. // From Michelle Bacon’s piece in http://www.bridge909.org: Friendly Thieves describes themselves as if “Alabama Shakes and Young The Giant had a Vulfpeck-inspired love child,” and well, that’s pretty spot on. Their single captures that intersection of vibrant indie-rock energy and exceptional musicianship, with an intriguing funk aroma. // The bands show at ULAH is their only KC show so far this year before the ban sets off on tour to Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Nashville. // Sam Wells released her debut EP, FOR THE DEFLATED on French Exit Records on December 31, 2020. Sam Wells is a Kansas City, based singer songwriter who has shared stages with Betsy Phillips, Kelly Hunt, Andrew Ryan, The Zack Pietrini Band, and The Phantastics. She was featured as a composer and performer in the Kansas City Repertory Theater production of “Ghost Light” performed on the lawn of The Nelson Atkin Museum of Art in October, 2020. Sam has also performed in Troostival (2020), Kansas City Porchfest (2019) and Jamdemic. In 2019, Wells released her debut single “Lesson Learned.” In early 2020 Wells released her second single “Sugar” producer and engineered by Riley Corbin at the Lawrence Kansas Public Library recording studio. It was only a decade ago, Sam Wells sat in her bedroom learning the Corrine Bailey Ray classic “Put Your Records On”. This was all it took to ignite a lifetime love affair with music. With her smooth and sultry voice and the warm tones of a baritone ukulele, she shares stories of love, loss and everything in between. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Sam Wells has lived in Lawrence, but now calls KC home. Sam Wells also contributed to The Black Lives Matter Compilation from French Exit Records that featured tracks from 22 acts from the area, and was released on July 6, 2020. Sam contributed the song, “Dear Black People”. On WMM we featured tracks from: Blackstarkids, Daniel Gum, Crystal Rose, UpKeep, Bream, Heavy Surface, Palace Intrigue, Self Harmony, and Sam Wells. All proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. French Exit Records launched in 2018, and is an independent music label based out of Kansas City, Missouri founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond, and has organized live events. The Black Lives Matter Compilation is available on French Exit Record’s Bandcamp page: http://www.frenchexitrecords.bandcamp.com. More information at: http://www.whoissamwells.com. Sam Wells was on WMM on May 13, 2020 and January 20, 2021.][Friendly Thieves played MUSIC UNITES, a Benefit for KKFI w/ Calvin Arsenia onNov. 2, 2023 at 7:30 PM on the Drexel Hall Stage at KC Irish Center, 19 Linwood Blvd, KCMO.]

27. (#65.) Easy Match – “Best Thing”
    from: Easy Match EP / Claire Adams / November 1, 2023
    [“Best Thing” was originally released as a single on March 25, 2023 Easy Match is another of the multiple musical projects Claire Adams is involved with. In this case the band is a trio of Claire Adams, Alyssa Murray, and Steve Gardels (wh each have their own multiple, musical projects.) About Easy Match Claire Adams writes: “I’m so proud of these five songs and so honored to have collaborated with Alyssa and Steve… this was the first project in a long time where I had the chance to write the songs with specific musicians in mind, and I feel like it pushed all of us to lean into building a sound that really felt like our own. The project name comes from a line in the third song ‘Pass The Time,’ but is also inspired by the many uses of the word ‘match,’ which all make appearances throughout the EP, a connection, a contest, a combustible… we had a blast making this music.” // Claire Adams also released the single: “It’s All in Fun” on June 30, 2023. Claire Adams told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge, “”I wrote the string arrangement in the summer of 2021 and we went in to record it this past spring,” Adams said. “I’ve had the happiness of working with Alyssa Bell (viola) and Carmen Dieker (violin) for several years now, mostly playing my songs as arranged by others and I wanted to give a try to arranging a song myself.” “I feel like having an understanding of everyone else’s styles and strengths gives me a sense of direction and focus on what can otherwise be a really abstract craft,” she said. On bass, she, Guillen and Williams comprised the acclaimed trio Katy Guillen & The Girls for seven years, while she has consistently been working with Murray in the years to follow. The four of them got to work with Duane Trower, who has recorded and engineered the majority of Adams‘ solo songs. “Going into [Duane’s studio] Weights & Measures with Katy, Steph and Alyssa was a total comfort zone, and this song just came together out of that,” she said. Claire Adams released “If It Isn’t Right (Alyssa Murray Remix)” on April 15, 2022. This featured Rewound and Alyssa Murray. Our friend Claire Adams recently wrote “Alyssa Murray made a super cool remix of one of the songs off the last album and I wanted to share it with you. The song is ‘If It Isn’t Right’ and also features the Rewound string trio and an arrangement by Peter Lawless. Alyssa really made it her own and gave it a whole new spin, she’s amazing!” Here are the full credits: Vocals: Claire Adams, Alyssa Murray, Fritz Hutchison. Synths and Beats: Alyssa Murray. Cello: Ezgi Karakus. Viola: Alyssa Bell. Violin: Carmen Dieker. String Arrangement: Peter Lawless. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures Soundlab. Cover Art by Cassie Allen. ‘If It Isn’t Right’ written by Claire Adams. This song was originally on Claire’s acclaimed album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU originally released April 24, 2020. The album was lost in the COVID 19 of 2020. The album was properly given a “release show” and put out on CD in 2021. 10 songs all written by Claire Adams. Recorded at The Blue House in Kansas City, MO. Additional tracking at MARZ Studios in Nederland, TX. Mixed & mastered at Weights + Measures Soundlab in KCMO. Written by Claire Adams, with Claire Adams on guitars, bass, and vocals; Alyssa Murray on keyboards & vocals; and Fritz Hutchison on drums & vocals. // Claire also released: Words of Love on Feb. 5, 2021 – Recorded and Produced by Claire Adams at Casa 34 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures in Kansas City, MO. Cover Photo by Hugo Parasol. ‘So This Is Love’ written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. ‘Pocketful Of Rainbows’ written by Ben Weisman, ‘Till There Was You’ written by Meredith Wilson. “Words of Love” written by Claire Adams. ‘Calico Skies’ written by Paul McCartney. Claire also released the EP Moras under the moniker, Mismo Sismo (same earthquake) on July 21, 2021. Claire Adams wrote and recorded this EP at home during the first months of the COVID-19 quarantine. The three songs are meant to be played all together but also stand alone. Mismo Sismo is a collaboration with photographer Hugo Parasol. Claire played guitar on True Lions album THE FEMPIRE STRIKES BACK. In 2020 Clairplayed with the band Ondist for their three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on Aug. 14, and Mise en Place on Nov. 13, 2020 with songs 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. Claire also participated in Katy Guillen and The Girls Reunion shows in summer of 2021. Claire Adams on WMM on April 7, 2021. More info at: http://www.easymatch.bandcamp.com]

28. (#64.) Anjimile – “Father”
    from: The King / 4AD Records / September 8, 2023
    [Queer & trans song-maker / boy king Anjimile Chithambo, is better known as Anjimile. He released the lead single, ‘The King’, accompanied by a visualiser by Daniela Yohannes, whose striking painting takes centre stage on the album cover. // Highlighting the artistic shift from Giver Taker to now, ‘The King’ opens with a lofty, melodic choir, an intro that belies the song’s motives. Suddenly, sinister arpeggios interrupt the reverie, and the voices grow darkly serious. Deeply steeped in the confusion, grief, and rage of being Black in America, ‘The King’ pushes back against the tired adage, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” hissing, “What don ’t kill you almost killed you// What don’t fill you//pains you// drains you.” // “If Giver Taker was an album of prayers, The King is an album of curses.” In his second album, Anjimile continues exploring what it means to be a Black trans person in America. The brutally honest reflection of 2020’s deadly summer is less reminiscent of the pink cloud of early sobriety and more rooted in the reality of seeing brutality with clear eyes. Drawing from influences ranging from religion, Phillip Glass, and lived experiences, the album is a grand step forward for Anjimile. Nearly every sound you hear on The King comes from two instruments: an acoustic guitar and Anjimile’s own voice. Other than a few beautiful contributions from Justine Bowe, Brad Allen Williams, Sam Gendel, and James Krivchenia (Big Thief), the album is the result of a year in LA working intimately with Grammy and Juno winner Shawn Everet. t// Anjimile release his debut alum On Giver Taker, on September 18, 2020. On the album Anjimile wrote about how death and life are always entwined, wrapping around each other in a dance of reverence, reciprocity, and, ultimately, rebirth. // Giver Taker is confident, intentional and introspective. Anjimile Chithambo (they/them, he/him) wrote much of the album while in treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, as well as while in the process of living more fully as a nonbinary trans person. Loss hovers over the album, whose songs grieve for lost friends (“Giver Taker”) and family members (“1978”) along with lost selves (“Maker,” “Baby No More,” “In Your Eyes.”) But here, grief yields an opening: a chance for new growth. “A lot of the album was written when I was literally in the process of improving my mental health, so there’s a lot of hopefulness and wonder at the fact that I was able to survive,” says Chithambo. “Not only survive but restart my life and work towards becoming the person I was meant to be.” // Each song on the album is its own micro-journey, adding up to a transformative epic cycle created in collaboration with bandmate Justine Bowe of Photocomfort and New-York based artist/producer Gabe Goodman. “1978” and “Maker” both begin as Sufjan Stevens-esque pastoral ballads with Chithambo’s mesmerizing voice. foregrounded against minimal instrumentation and swell into the realm of the majestic through the addition of warm, steady instrumentation (informed by the mix of 80’s pop and African music Chithambo’s Malawi-born parents played around the house) and harmonies by Bowe. “In Your Eyes” starts out hushed and builds to a crescendo via a mighty chorus inspired by none other than The Lion King. The allusion is fitting: each song encapsulates a heroic voyage, walked alone until accompanied by kindred souls. The choirs present throughout are equally deliberate. Chithambo grew up as a choir boy himself, and several songs (notably “Maker”) grasp not only towards reconciliation between his trans identity and his parents’ strong religious beliefs, but towards reclaiming his trans identity as an essential part of his own spirituality. (“[Less] Judeo-Christian, more ‘Colors of the Wind.’”) There is a boldness to this borrowing and shaping, a resoluteness that results from passing through hardship and emerging brighter, steadier. As a closing refrain on “To Meet You There” might sum it up: “Catalyst light of mine / now is your time.” // Giver Taker was recorded in Brooklyn, Boston, and New Hampshire by Goodman, thanks in part to the Live Arts Boston Grant by the Boston Foundation. All songs written by Anjimile Chithambo. Produced by Gabe Goodman & Justine BoweEngineered by Gabe Goodman. Additional engineering by Will G. Radin . Mixed by Will G. Radin. Mastered by Joe Lambert.]

29. (#63.) L’Rain – “Pet Rock”
    from: I Killed Your Dog / Mexican Summer / October 13, 2023
    [Taja Cheek, known professionally as L’Rain, is an American experimentalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and curator known primarily as the lead vocalist and songwriter of her eponymous band. L’Rain has been recognized for experimental music that draws on a vast number of traditions and genres in a practice and aesthetic Cheek calls “approaching songness”. // Her self-titled debut, L’Rain, was included in best-of-year lists by publications including Pitchfork and Bandcamp Daily; her second album, Fatigue (2021), was named the best album of the year by The Wire. She has collaborated with artists including Vagabon, Helado Negro, and Naama Tsabar, 8 and performed with Kevin Beasley at the Whitney Museum of American Art. // Cheek was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn,[9] where she lived with her mother, father, and grandparents. Her father, Wyatt Cheek, worked in music marketing and promotion for entities including Select Records and Kiss FM; her grandmother ran a liquor store; and in the 1950s her grandfather owned a neighborhood jazz club. Cheek’s mother, Lorraine C. Porter, taught physical education, health, math, and science in Brooklyn schools.The stage name L’Rain is an homage to Porter, who died before the release of the self-titled debut. // Cheek studied ballet and modern dance at The Ailey School and learned piano, cello, and Baroque recorder before picking up bass in high school, then forming and joining groups that included an Iron Maiden cover band. She attended Yale to study music but dropped the major, citing factors including a lack of diversity among the program’s course offerings. She transferred to the American Studies program, where her major included a concentration in visual, audio, literary, and performance cultures; in 2011, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction. While at Yale she worked as music director of radio station WYBC and booked shows. // After graduation, Cheek returned to New York, where she resumed playing in Brooklyn bands including Throw Vision, who released their debut in 2013 and an EP in 2015. // In 2017, Cheek released the self-titled L’Rain on New York City-based label Astro Nautico. She composed and performs vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, bass, samples, and percussion on the album. L’Rain also features Alex Goldberg, Jeremy Powell, Kyp Malone (of TV on the Radio), and Andrew Lappin, who co-produced the album with Cheek. Pitchfork included L’Rain among their 20 Best Experimental Albums of 2017, and Bandcamp Daily listed the release as #10 in their Best Albums of 2017. // In 2018, L’Rain (represented by Cheek and Ben Chapoteau-Katz) collaborated with producer Morgan Wiley and vocalist Patrick Gordon to remake the 1980s Chicago house track “Your Love” for a benefit compilation which paired electronic artists with formerly-incarcerated singers. The release, Bring Down The Walls, raised money for Critical Resistance, an organization dedicated to ending the prison–industrial complex. // L’Rain’s second album, Fatigue, was released on Mexican Summer in 2021. Fatigue was named album of the year by The Wire, included among the year’s best by Pitchfork,and met with wide acclaim from outlets including NPR. Cheek provides vocals and plays guitar, bass, synth, keyboards, piano, percussion, tape effects, and airhorn on the album, which features an expanded roster of twenty performers; these include executive producer Andrew Lappin, on guitar and programming, and co-producer Ben Chapoteau-Katz, who contributes synths, saxophone, vocals, percussion, and airhorn. // In August 2023, L’Rain announced a third album, I Killed Your Dog, released in October 2023;the album was co-produced by Cheek with Lappin and Chapoteau-Katz, who perform alongside L’Rain bandmates Zachary Levine-Caleb, Justin Felton, and Timothy Angulo. // L’Rain has toured with bands including Black Midi (2021),Animal Collective (2022), Sharon Van Etten (2022), Big Thief (2023), and LCD Soundsystem (2023). // In 2011, Cheek began working with arts nonprofit Creative Time;in 2014, as site manager for an exhibit co-presented with the Weeksville Heritage Center, Cheek installed and ran a pop-up radio station from a pink Cadillac parked outside the Utica Avenue A/C subway station. (The project was conceived by Otabenga Jones and Associates in homage to Jitu Weusi, black nationalist community arts center The East, and the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.) The same year, Cheek––along with Ariana Allensworth, Salome Asega, Sable Elyse Smith, and Nadia Williams––co-organized “The Kara Walker Experience: WE ARE HERE”, a public gathering of people of color at the Domino Sugar Refinery for Kara Walker’s installation A Subtlety. In 2015, Cheek’s work as Curatorial Assistant for High Line Art included helping to organize an installation and performance by Kevin Beasley. // In 2016, Cheek joined the curatorial team at contemporary art institution MoMA PS1; the same year, she also opened the basement of her Brooklyn apartment to experimental music events under the name 49 Shade (initially co-organized with Max Alper, Dann Lawrence, and Matteo Liberatore). At PS1, Cheek co-organized Sunday Sessions and the Warm Up series through 2021; Warm Up lineups receiving extensive media coverage included a 2017 event with Cardi B, A$AP Ferg, and YATTA (of artist collective PTP); a 2018 show pairing Lizzo with 2019’s season opener, with Queens local duendita and Freddie Gibbs; 2020’s livestream edition, with Eartheater and KeiyaA;[48] and a limited-capacity 2021 event with Baby Tate and Patia’s Fantasy World.[49] As of July 2022, Cheek was listed as “former Associate Curator” at PS1. Her DIY space 49 Shade has presented artists including Kyp Malone, Miho Hatori, and Otomo Yoshihide, and Bartees Strange credits the space as introducing him to many of his collaborators. // In 2023, Cheek was announced as the first artist curator for BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. // L’Rain often layers and loops her vocals, and her work frequently features samples from her collection of hundreds of field recordings, some pitch-shifted or otherwise manipulated beyond recognition. She has spoken in interviews about her work’s tendency to evade or reject categorization, saying that she is “more interested in a Barthes, Death of the Author, approach to genre”, values illegibility, and seeks to complicate assumptions about the relationship between identity and aesthetics: “I’m hyper-aware of how marketing and packaging happens for Black people and women and Black women […] I like feeling a sense of agency in how those stories are told”. // AllMusic described L’Rain as making “dreamy, genre-blurring music […], reflecting on grief, change, joy, and resistance through a collage-like mixture of soul, psychedelia, gospel, musique concrète, and numerous other genres.” Pitchfork described her 2021 album Fatigue as “painterly and methodical, daubing vocal loops over clattering percussion, sweeping strings, and resonant synths to create a shapeshifting strain of experimental pop.” Reviewers have variously identified her style and influences as including free jazz, ambient, noise music, and disco; dance; “psychedelic orchestral pop” and “distorted shoegaze”; krautrock, outsider music, and hip hop; R&B and avant-garde rock; gospel, funk, and post-punk; and soul, drone, avant-pop, and musique concrète. // While Cheek is the sole fixed figure in L’Rain recordings and performances, she says the project follows a “more nuanced and collective [model]” than that of the “lone genius or creator”: “I’m trying to find a way to nurture my own voice and singular vision, especially as a Black woman musician, while also acknowledging that I work collaboratively with a team that is essential to the project.”[ Andrew Lappin and Ben Chapoteau-Katz are credited as Cheek’s closest collaborators and co-producers of L’Rain’s second and third albums; as of 2023, the band’s members are Cheek, Lappin, and Chapoteau-Katz with Zachary Levine-Caleb, Justin Felton, and Timothy Angulo.]

30. (#62.) Flooding – “Monolith Girl”                         from: Silhouette Machine / Ghost is Clear Records & Manor Records / Sept. 29, 2023
    [Flooding also released a 3-Way Split with Nightosphere and Abandoncy on February 24, 2023. Flooding’s self-titled album Flooding was released on physical cassette on February 19, 2022, on Manor Records. Flooding is a three-piece band based in Lawrence, Kansas. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Rose Brown, who began releasing music in 2019 under the name Window Seat. Joining Rose Brown are Cole Billings on bass, and Zach Cunningham on drums. For their debut album Brown wrote the music for the album in the spring of 2020. In early 2021 the group started playing the music to record in Cunningham’s converted shed studio in Gardner, Kansas. Rose Brown of Flooding was our guest on WMM on February 16, 2022. More information at: http://www.manorrecords.com]

31. (#61.) Semper Viridis – “Snakes and Ladders”
    from: SNAKES AND LADDERS EP / Mixtape Meditation Records / July 14, 2023
    [Born in the spinnel the life changing power of creativity. We are celestial twins who are driven to share our love of music with the world.’ Kirsten Paludan (Olympic Size, KP & the Key Party) and Nate Holt aka Asterales (DJNOTADJ) met in the mid 90’s on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, but didn’t start collaborating until nearly 20 years later. After being reintroduced to each other by playing together in the local scene, they discovered that they were musical kindred spirits and quickly formed a bond. During the second year of the pandemic, KP recorded guest vocals for several Asterales tracks, and their creative connection was cemented. Not long after, they actively began making original music together as Semper Viridis. // Out everywhere on July 14th, Semper Viridis’ first EP Snakes and Ladders is released with the support of Mixtape Meditation Records (Dallas, TX). Mastered by Brutus DeClaibornio (BAC Studios, Lincoln, NE), Snakes and Ladders features six tracks of eclectic electro, including the title song and first single, an uptempo electro pop anthem that clocks in at just over three minutes. Two music videos are being released in conjunction with the EP, (Projecting Shadows and Snakes and Ladders), both created by David Jerret Fulton. // On January 6, 2023 Semper Viridis released the singke, “Dreams in Color” written and recorded by Kirsten Paluden & Asterales (Nate Holt). Mixed by Asterales. Mastered by Brent Clabaugh. Semper Viridis is the Kirsten Paluden and Nate Holt recently collaborated for Nate’s musical project Astereles and the album, FUTURESPECTIVE on Datura Records released on March 25, 2022 that was Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. They performed for the track “Let Go.” KC based leftfield, experimental, electronica music maker, also known as Nate Holt. Asterales eleased the 5-track EP, WORK HOURS on Sept. 6, 2016 in collaboration with Aikido Bray, Leo Minor, Katlyn Conroy, and Tanner Walle, with synthesizers, production, recording, engineering & mastering by Etan Tioh for Datura Records. This was followed by the 3-track EP, FRAGMENTS, released Feb. 3, 2017. Asterales released the single A.M. on Feb. 4, 2017. Asterales released the 10-track album, OUTSIDE THE BOX on Oct. 31, 2017. Asterales released the singles: “Brkfst 4 Btlvrs” on Oct. 31, 2017; and “Soft Spheres” on April 21, 2018. Asterales released the 10-track album ORBITAL DEBRIS: VOL. 1 on Aug. 14, 2020 on Mr. Furious Records. Asterales released the single “ASTR_40” on Aug. 26, 2020. Asterales released the 4-song EP EXTRA JUNK on Dec. 4, 2020 through Mr. Furious Records. Asterales released the singles: “Solstice Song” on Dec. 21, 2020, and “Desire (Tanner Walle) – Asterales Remix” on Jan. 29, 2021. Asterales released the single “Offline” on Feb. 26, 2021. Asterales released the single, “Beauty In The Distance feat. Heidi Gluck)” on March 31, 2021. Produced & mixed by Asterales, vocals by Heidi Gluck. lyrics by Approach, mastered by Royce Diamond. Asterales released the single, “So Easy (feat. Royce Diamond)” on April 30, 2021. Asterales released the single, “Let Go” on May 31, 2021. Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales, lyrics by Royce Diamond, vocals by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “Paraglider” on June 30, 2021. Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “Kinugemi” on July 31, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “Variable Stars Pt. 1″ on August 30, 2021. Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. Asterales released the remix single, “She Left (Asterales Remix)” on Sept. 2, 2021, produced by Asterales. Remix artwork by Gordon Leadfoot & Asterales. Asterales released the single, “P​@​!​omAr​-​1” on September 28, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. More info at: http://www.asterales.bandcamp.com Asterales released the remix single, “Cory Phillips & the Band of Light – Give & the Take (Asterales Remix)” on October 1, 2021. “Give & the Take” was written by Cory Phillips coryphillipsmusic.com “Give & the Take – Asterales Remix” Produced by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “Calling Me (feat. Ghostmind)” on October 31, 2021. Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. Vocals and guitar performed and recorded by Ghostmind. Lyrics by Ghostmind. Artwork by Asterales. Asterales released the single “Your World or Mine (Feat. Approach)” on November 30, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. Lyrics and vocals by Approach. Asterales released “Right Here, This Moment (feat. Royce Diamond & Maria Cuevas)” on December 31, 2021, produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. Lyrics & vocals by Royce Diamond. Background vocals by Maria Cuevas (of Maria The Mexican). One of 14 singles Asterales released in 2021. More information at http://www.asterales.bandcamp.com] [Nate Holt and Kirsten Paludan joined us Live on WMM on July 12, 2023.]

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

Please tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December as we present our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2022 on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

NEXT WEEK, On December 20, we will bring you part 2 of our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2022. We’ll count down #60 through #31.

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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 #1024

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, December 13, 2023

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023
(Part 2 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-two, of our four-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length albums and EP recordings of 2023. We realize these “Best of” lists can seem subjective, so we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year in music.

This Wednesday, we’ll count down from #90 through #61 of our list, with music from: Semper Viridis, Modern Day Fitzgerald, Kelly Hunt, The Noise FM, Friendly Thieves, Chris Hazelton, Approach, The Electric Lungs, Collidescope, Lonnie Fisher, LeVelle, Easy Match, Flooding, Adam Larson Trio, Gemini Parks, Shawn M. Stewart, Jess Williamson, Shamir, L’Rain, Hannah Jadagu, Geese, Yaeji, Sunny War, Jungle, PJ Harvey, Bodikhuu, Anjimile, Youth Lagoon, Everything But The Girl, and feeble little horse.

In 2023 we’ve broadcast nearly 900 different tracks on WMM over our 100,000 watts of 90.1 FM Community Radio Airwaves. Over 500 of these tracks were from New & MidCoastal Releases. We played tracks from National Releases, and MidCoastal Releases. 70 of the representative tracks in our “Best of” list are from MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests. 50 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us as guests on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023, on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year in music.

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #1024

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, December 6, 2023

The 120 Best Recordings of 2023
(Part 1 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-one, of our four-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length albums and EP recordings of 2023. We realize these “Best of” lists can seem subjective, so we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year in music.

In 2023 we’ve broadcast nearly 900 different tracks on WMM over our 100,000 watts of 90.1 FM Community Radio Airwaves. Over 500 of these tracks were from New & MidCoastal Releases. 80 of the representative tracks in our “Best of” list are from MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests. 41 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us as guests on WMM.

Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series: The 120 Best Recordings of 2023, on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year when we were able to survey over 1000 area musical releases.

Today, we’ll count down from #120 through #91 of our list, with music from: True Lions, The Black Mariah Theater, Kye Colors, Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores, Jamogi, Elizabeth Moen, Michael Tipton, Eggs on Mars, Rewound & Calvin Arsenia, Bach Aria Soloists, WRKER, Ethan Eckert, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Tre Mutava, Perfume USA, Emily King, Blanky, Yeule, Big Freedia, Arlo Parks, Cautious Clay, Corinne Bailey Rae, Robert Finley, Overcoats, Joni Mitchell, Lael Neale, Sigur Rós, Bebel Gilberto, Sparks, and Sparklehorse.

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
   from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM’s theme]

2. (#120.) Sparklehorse – “It Will Never Stop”
   from: Bird Machine / Anti / 2023
   [The music for Bird Machine was recorded by Sparklehorse prior to Mark Linkous’ 2010 suicide. Linkous’ brother Matt oversaw unreleased music and found the track “It Will Never Stop” in 2022. In June 2023, the full album was announced, made up of older recordings, with additions made by Matt and Melissa Linkous. The initial tracks were recorded with Steve Albini and were intended to be the band’s fifth studio album prior to collaborating with Danger Mouse for Dark Night of the Soul. “Scull of Lucia” was previewed on July 11. // Sparklehorse was an American indie rock band from Richmond, Virginia, led by singer & multi-instrumental-ist Mark Linkous. It was active from 1995 until Linkous’s 2010 death. Before forming Sparklehorse, Linkous fronted local bands Johnson Family and Salt Chunk Mary. Only one song, “Someday I Will Treat You Good”, survived from these earlier bands to be played by Sparklehorse. Linkous said he chose the name Sparklehorse because the two words sounded good together and could be a loose metaphor for a motorcycle. At its incept-ion, members of Sparklehorse included Paul Watson (banjo, cornet, lap steel and electric guitar), Scott Minor (drums, chord organ, banjo), Johnny Hott (Wurlitzer organ, percussion, backing vocals), & Scot Fitzsimmons (standup bass). // Sparklehorse’s first album, Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (1995), produced by Cracker frontman David Lowery (credited as “David Charles” on the record), was a modest college radio success. In 1996, while touring Europe with Radiohead shortly after the album’s release, Linkous consumed a combinat-ion of anti-depressants, valium, alcohol, and heroin in a London hotel room. Unconscious and with his legs pinned beneath him for almost 14 hours, the resulting potassium build-up caused his heart to stop for several minutes after his body was lifted up. The ensuing surgery almost caused him to lose the use of both legs and, as a result, he needed to use a wheelchair for six months and required dialysis for acute kidney failure. // Good Morning Spider (1998) was recorded following this incident. Critics have conjectured that Linkous’s brush with death inspired the album’s somber tone, but Linkous said that much of GMS had already been written. One song that resulted from his affliction is “St. Mary”, which is dedicated to the nurses at the eponymous hospital in Paddington where Linkous recuperated. // In 1999 Sparklehorse performed at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. 2001 saw the release of It’s a Wonderful Life, featuring appearances by Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Bob Rupe, Nina Persson and Dave Fridmann. Much of Vivadixie… and Spider were recorded solely by Linkous on his Virginia farm, but the new album was more collaborative. Linkous expressed his satisfaction with the overall sound of It’s a Wonderful Life, which was engineered by Joel Hamilton, while also saying he would have preferred to include more experimental and instrumental material. // On Sept. 25, 2006, Sparklehorse released its fourth album, Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain, collaborating with Danger Mouse, Christian Fennesz, and Steven Drozd. This album featured the radio release “Don’t Take My Sunshine Away” and a remastered version of “Shade & Honey”, which Linkous originally wrote for Alessandro Nivola to sing in the 2003 movie Laurel Canyon, as well as a virtually unchanged re-release of “Morning Hollow”, the bonus track on It’s a Wonderful Life. // In 2008, Sparklehorse recorded a cover of “Jack’s Obsession” from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas for the official compilation album Nightmare Revisited. // In 2009, Sparklehorse teamed up with Danger Mouse & David Lynch on the project Dark Night of the Soul. Corliss et al. (2010) described Dark Night of the Soul as “spooky, beautiful,… bittersweet…considering Linkous’ untimely death.” // In 2009, Linkous collaborated with electronic ambient-music artist Christian Fennesz to create In the Fishtank 15, an EP of experimentation & dreamy atmospherics. In Oct. 2009, Linkous performed with Fennesz during a European tour. // Linkous committed suicide in Knoxville, TN, Mar. 6, 2010]

3. (#119.) Sparks – “The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte”
   from: The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte / Island Records / May 26, 2023
   [The Girl is Crying in Her Latte is the 25th studio album by American rock group Sparks, released through Island Records on May 26, 2023, their first release through the label since 1976. It was preceded by the release of two singles, and received acclaim from critics. The duo will tour the world until July 2023 in support of the album, the biggest headlining tour of their career. // On January 24, 2023, Sparks announced that they had again signed with Island Records, the label which released their albums Kimono My House (1974), Propaganda (1974), Indiscreet (1975) and Big Beat (1976). On March 3, 2023, the lead single, “The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte” was released, with a music video starring Australian actress Cate Blanchett. The second single, “Veronica Lake”, was released on April 21, 2023. The third single, “Nothing Is as Good as They Say It Is”, was released on May 12, 2023, and is “sung from the perspective of a 22-hour old baby who is disgusted with the world, and wants to return to the womb” // Sparks is an American pop and rock duo formed by brothers Ron (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals) in Los Angeles. The duo is noted for their quirky approach to songwriting; their music is often accompanied by sophisticated and acerbic lyrics—often about women, and sometimes containing literary or cinematic references —and an idiosyncratic, theatrical stage presence, typified by the contrast between Russell’s animated, hyperactive frontman antics and Ron’s deadpan scowling. Russell Mael has a distinctive wide-ranging voice, while Ron Mael plays keyboards in an intricate and rhythmic style. Their frequently changing styles and visual presentations have kept the band at the forefront of modern, artful pop music. // Career highlights include “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us”, which reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974; the disco hit “The Number One Song in Heaven” in 1979, resulting from a collaboration with Giorgio Moroder and marking a stylistic shift towards new wave/synth-pop; “When I’m with You”, which made the Australian and French Singles Charts in 1980; the single “I Predict”, which provided Sparks’ first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 60 in May 1982; the 1983 single “Cool Places” with the Go-Go’s rhythm guitarist and vocalist Jane Wiedlin, and “When Do I Get to Sing ‘My Way'”, which was the top airplay record in Germany for 1994. // The 2002 release of Lil’ Beethoven, the duo’s self-proclaimed “genre-defining opus”, fused repetitive song structures with orchestral arrangements, and brought them renewed critical success. In 2015, the band released an album with Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand, as the supergroup FFS, titled FFS. In 2017, returning to a rock-group format, Sparks released Hippopotamus, which entered the UK Albums Chart at no. 7, as did their next album, A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip, released in 2020, bringing their tally of UK Top 10 albums to four. In 2021, Sparks were involved in two films: the Leos Carax musical film Annette for which they wrote all songs (winning the César Award for Best Original Music), and the Edgar Wright documentary The Sparks Brothers recounting the history of the band.] [Sparks played The Midland Theatre, 1228 Main Street, KCMO, on Saturday, July 8, at 8:00 PM]

4. (#118.) Bebel Gilberto – “Adeus América”
   from: João / Pias America / August 25, 2023
   [Isabel Buarque de Hollanda Gilberto de Oliveira (born May 12, 1966), known as Bebel Gilberto, is an American-born Brazilian popular singer often associated with bossa nova. She is the daughter of João Gilberto and singer Miúcha. Her uncle is singer/composer Chico Buarque. // Gilberto was born in New York City to Brazilian parents, bossa nova pioneer João Gilberto and singer Miúcha, who were briefly living in the city at the time of her birth. She often traveled with her father when he recorded albums in different countries; she lived in Mexico at age three and moved to Rio de Janeiro at age five. Gilberto’s parents separated when she was seven, and she spent her time between Rio de Janeiro with her mother and New York with her father. Gilberto has been performing since her youth in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. // Gilberto recalls that her childhood was “music nonstop”; when reflecting on her father’s influence, Gilberto states, “He taught me to be a perfectionist. But my mother taught me how to lose it. And you can hear it in my music today, I think.” She grew acquainted with popular artists such as Caetano Veloso, David Byrne, and Stan Getz, who often visited her father’s home to collaborate. She began singing with her mother at a young age and participated in professional musicals such as Saltimbancos and Pirlimpimpim. At the age of seven, she made her recording debut on her mother’s first solo album, Miúcha & Antônio Carlos Jobim (1977). Two years later, she performed at Carnegie Hall with her mother and Stan Getz. // Gilberto was a great friend of Cazuza and composed several songs with him in addition to “Eu preciso dizer que te amo”, including “Amigos de Bar”, “Mais Feliz”, and “Mulher sem Razão”. // Gilberto next participated in the project Red Hot + Rio, joining major music stars such as Everything but the Girl, Maxwell, George Michael, and others for the benefit CD recording. She also collaborated on Towa Tei’s CD Future Listening!, singing on the hits “Technova” and “Batucada,” and also participated in Peeping Tom with Mike Patton (lead singer of Faith No More), singing “Caipirinha”. // Tanto Tempo, an electronic bossa nova album released in 2000, was popular at clubs around the world and positioned Gilberto as one of the best-selling Brazilian artists in the U.S. since the 1960s. With her second album, Bebel Gilberto (2004), she refined her sound to create an acoustic lounge style that showcased her strengths as a Brazilian composer. // With Momento (2007), her third album in seven years, she wanted to do a fusion of both. Mixing the taste of Rio’s Orquestra Imperial with the melting pot of New York’s Brazilian Girls, and following the direction of the English producer Guy Sigsworth (Madonna’s partner in “What It Feels Like for a Girl”), Momento reaffirmed the international character of Gilberto’s music. In 2007, she was a judge for the 6th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists’ careers. // Gilberto recorded her fourth studio album, All in One, in New York, Jamaica, and the Brazilian state of Bahia. It was released worldwide on September 29, 2009, on the American jazz label Verve, and was released in Brazil by Universal Music. It is the least electronic-infused of her albums, and brings to the forefront more of Gilberto’s personality and love for organic styles. All in One had a team of accomplished producers including Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen), John King (Dust Brothers, Beck), Daniel Jobim, Carlinhos Brown, Didi Gutman (Brazilian Girls) and Mario Caldato Jr (Beastie Boys, Björk, Jack Johnson). Gilberto also provided the voice of the bird Eva in the animated film Rio (2011), an experience she called “amazing”. // Since the launch of Tanto Tempo in 2000, she has sold over 2.5 million records and has been featured on seven film soundtracks including Next Stop Wonderland, The Bubble, Closer and most recently 2010s Eat Pray Love and 2011’s Rio; and seven TV series including Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, and Nip/Tuck. // In 2011, she contributed a track entitled “Acabou Chorare” to the Red Hot Organization’s most recent charitable album, Red Hot+Rio 2. The album is a follow-up to the 1996 Red Hot+Rio. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV and related health and social issues. In 2015, her song “Tudo” was nominated for the 16th Latin Grammy Awards in the Best Brazilian Song category.]

5. (#117.) Sigur Rós – “Glóð”
   from: ÁTTA / BMG Rights Management / June 16, 2023
   [On June 16, 2023, Sigur Rós released “Blóðberg”, the first single from their eighth studio album, Átta (eight in icelandic). The self-produced album was recorded at Sundlaugin Studio, on the rural outskirts of Reykjavik. // Sigur Rós (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈsɪːɣʏrous] is an Icelandic post-rock band that formed in 1994 in Reykjavík. It comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson, bassist Georg Hólm and keyboardist Kjartan Sveinsson. Known for their ethereal sound, frontman Jónsi’s falsetto vocals, and their use of bowed guitar, Sigur Rós incorporate classical and minimal aesthetic elements. Jónsi’s vocals are sung in Icelandic and non-linguistic vocalisations the band terms Vonlenska. They have released eight studio albums, and attracted critical and commercial attention with their second album Ágætis byrjun. Current members include: Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson on lead vocals, guitars, bowed guitar, keyboards, harmonica, banjo, bass guitar (1994–present); Georg “Goggi” Hólm on bass guitar, glockenspiel, toy piano, keyboards, backing vocals (1994–present); Kjartan “Kjarri” Sveinsson on synthesizers, keyboards, piano, organ, programming, guitars, flute, tin whistle, oboe, banjo, backing vocals (1998–2013, 2022–present)]

6. (#116.) Lael Neale – “Must Be Tears”
   from: Star Eaters Delight / Sub Pop Records / April 21, 2023
   [Lael Neale returns with her beguiling new full-length Star Eaters Delight. The album, which features the highlights “I Am The River,” “In Verona,” “Must Be Tears,” and “Faster Than The Medicine,” was written by Neale, with arrangements and production by Guy Blakeslee. The recordings were made on cassette in Virginia and mastered by Chris Coady in Los Angeles.// Star Eaters Delight reveals an expansion of Neale’s sonic collaboration with producer and accompanist Blakeslee and arrives on the heels of her Sub Pop debut Acquainted With Night, which won international acclaim for its crystalline vocals, clever songwriting, and excellent use of Omnichord to build a world of beautiful reveries. That album saw praise from the likes of Uncut, MOJO, Loud & Quiet, The AV Club, Stereogum, SPIN, and earned “Best of 2021” placement from Under the Radar, Les Inrocks, Aquarium Drunkard, Gold Flake Paint, Still Listening, Secret Meeting and more. // April of 2020, Lael moved from Los Angeles back to her family’s farm in rural Virginia. Looking at the world from a distance and getting in tune with her own rhythms, she wrote and recorded steadily for two dreamlike years, driven by a need to make order out of chaos. Forged in isolation, Star Eaters Delight is a vehicle for returning, not just to civilization, but to celebration. She explains: “The unbroken silences on the farm compelled me to break them with sound. This album is louder and more external, calling out to the world.” // Album opener “I Am The River” melts the ice with a dynamic explosion of minimalist transcendental pop clearly descended from the Velvets branch of modern music’s family tree. Watch the official self-directed video for “I Am The River” below. // Lael Neale is also sharing her international tour schedule for 2023 in support of Star Eaters Delight which begins April 22nd in Los Angeles at Permanent Records Roadhouse and currently runs through May 27 in Gothenburg, Sweden. For the US run, the tour will have stops in Washington, Austin, Nashville, Tucson, New York, Northampton, and Philadelphia. Tickets for these shows are on sale now. ]

7. (#115.) Perfume USA – “Tapeworm”
   from: Kiss it Goodbye – EP / Setterwind Records / May 18, 2023
   [Kansas City Missouri based 4-piece band isL Jamie Woodard on vocals & lead guitar, Anthony Kearney on guitar, Tyler Snowden on bass, and Travis Boaz on drums. Their new EP Kiss It Goodbye is the follow-up to their 2021 debut Charlie’s Angels. All songs written and performed by Perfume USA. Art by Kamtin Mohager. Photography by Lovesick Ethan. Produced by Perfume USA and Justin Mantooth. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Justin Mantooth @ Westend Recording Studios in Kansas City. Published and Distributed by Setterwind Records. // New Noise Magazine writes, “The middle of the United States is often thought of as desolate middle ground between the two coasts. Yet, as of late, places like Oklahoma City, Louisville and Kansas City have become hubs of creativity spawning new bands and thriving scenes. The latter being home to Perfume USA, a band that has become a staple in their region opening for bands like Candy, Heart Attack Man and Greet Death, each of which Perfume USA somehow fit perfectly on the bill with.”” // “”From their heavy and punchy riffs, to their pop hooks and droning fuzz scattered throughout their songs, listeners can’t help but get lost in their music, which is sure to resonate with fans of Nothing, Narrow Head, Far, Deftones, and Smashing Pumpkins. Kiss It Goodbye, Perfume USA’s forthcoming three-song 7-inch (May 19 via Setterwind Records), is the perfect introduction to this band’s ’90s grunge and alt rock inspired music.” More info at: tr.ee/perfumeusa]

8. (#114.) Tre’ Mutava – “Up and Left”
   from: The Reality EP / Currently Crafting / June 30, 2023
   [New 14-song album from Tre’ Mutava a 21-year old, self-made indie producer, singer and songwriter based in Overland Park, Kansas. Tre’s last single was “Fantasy I Found” released January 13, 2023. Tyre’ Mutava released the single and video, “Moving” (feat. Noah Anthony), on September 30, 2022. Tre’ released his debut solo album, THE MOVIES on July 31, 2021. Tre’ called his debut album a “bedroom symphony”. Tre’ Mutava was born December 21, 2001. Te’ Mutava is strong-willed, perceptive, goal oriented and keen. More info at: http://www.tremutava.com] {Tre was our guest on WMM on Nov. 9, 2022]

10:30 – Underwriting

9. (#113.) Joni Mitchell – You Turn Me On I’m a Radio (with Neil Young & The Stray Gators) [For the Roses Early Sessions]
   from: Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975) / Rhino / Oct. 6, 2023
   [In 2023 Joni Mitchell (at the age of 80) was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album for AT NEWPORT released on Rhino on July 28, 2023. // Come 1972, Joni Mitchell’s singular songwriting talent and poetic gifts were undeniable. Fresh off the back-to-back Platinum-certified releases of 1970’s Ladies of the Canyon and 1971’s Blue (totemic albums whose artfulness and ubiquity would influence generations of songwriters) Mitchell had grown wary of mounting media scrutiny. Everything from her style choices to romantic partners became the subject of far more gossip column inches than were ever dedicated to the lifestyle minutiae of her male counterparts. // In response, she had pulled back, announcing an early retirement from the stage in 1970 and moving to the quiet expanses of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. It was a fruitful change of scenery. Inspired by her proximity to nature and refreshed by the peaceful seclusion, she began constructing the songs that would become For The Roses. This respite thrust Mitchell into a remarkably fertile creative period, yielding a run of albums — 1972’s For The Roses, 1974’s Court And Spark, and 1975’s The Hissing Of Summer Lawns — that would simultaneously expand and refine the scope of her music. Her adventurous, intricate arrangements and growing formidability as a bandleader injected these songs with a clarity of purpose, a potent muscularity, and a sense of possibility — it is among the most exciting eras of a near peerless career. // This era comes into even greater focus on Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975), out October 6, 2023 on Rhino Records. It’s the latest entry in Rhino’s ongoing, GRAMMY® Award-winning series exploring the vast untapped archives of rare Joni Mitchell recordings — a project guided intimately by Mitchell’s own vision and personal touch. Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975) will be available both in a 5CD / digital version and a 4LP cut-down version, both with an accompanying book featuring photos and a conversation about this period between Joni Mitchell and longtime friend Cameron Crowe. // As Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) — which won a 2022 GRAMMY® Award for Best Historical Album — and Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968-1971) did, Vol. 3 boasts an embarrassment of riches. The collection begins with an early cut of “Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire,” one of two songs (along with “For The Roses”) test-driven during a visit to a Graham Nash David Crosby recording session at Wally Heider’s in Hollywood. // From there, listeners are treated to early demos and alternate versions from sessions from For The Roses, Court & Spark, and The Hissing Of Summer Lawns; historic live show recordings, including the entirety of Mitchell’s triumphant 1972 return to Carnegie Hall and a definitive gig with her Court And Spark backing band Tom Scott & the L.A. Express; and tracks from sessions cut alongside James Taylor, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. // As she approaches her 80th birthday later this year, Joni Mitchell is reaffirming the vitality and resonance of her music. Last month, she released At Newport, a live album commemorating her incredible comeback performance at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. Pitchfork described it as “a joyous surprise, a moment of wonder,” while NPR Music says it “[shows] Mitchell’s legacy in action and how younger generations of musicians carry forth her spirit of imagination and fearless reconfiguration.” // Back in June, Mitchell held her first ticketed performance in over 20 years at a sold-out Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, WA. Rolling Stone called it “The triumph of the human spirit we all desperately craved…a powerful celebration of Mitchell’s life and resiliency.”] [For The Roses was originally released on Asylum Records in November 1972. Joni Mitchell originally wrote the song “You Turn Me On I’m A Radio” in response to her record label’s desire for her to write a hit song. Mitchell reveals her purpose on lines such as, “And I’m sending you out this signal here, I hope you can pick it up loud and clear”. She believed that including words in the song about radio themes would convince stations to play the recording. The song was recorded in preparation for Mitchell’s upcoming fifth studio album in Hollywood, California, United States at A&M Studios. Although Graham Nash, David Crosby, and Neil Young all contributed to the recording session for the song, only the harmonica piece performed by Graham Nash was included on the official release. “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” was released as a single in November 1972 via Asylum Records. The song became Mitchell’s first top-ten hit in Canada, reaching the tenth position on the RPM Top Singles chart. Additionally, the single became her first top-forty hit in the United States, reaching number twenty-five on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside North America, “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” peaked within the top-forty on the Australian Kent Music Report chart. The single was included on Mitchell’s fifth studio effort For the Roses, which was issued in November 1972. Released between her 2 biggest commercial and critical successes – “Blue” and “Court & Spark”. In 2007 it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. “For the Roses” was Mitchell’s farewell to the business; she took an extended break for a year after. The album was critically acclaimed with The New York Times saying “Each of Mitchell’s songs on For the Roses is a gem glistening with her elegant way with language, her pointed splashes of irony & her perfect shaping of images. Never does Mitchell voice a thought or feeling commonly. She’s a songwriter and singer of genius who can’t help but make us feel we are not alone.”].

10. (#112.) Overcoats – “Never Let You Go”
    from: Winner / Never Fall Back Records / April 7, 2023
    [Overcoats is the New York-based female duo of Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell. // The third full-length from Overcoats, Winner takes place in the kind of New York City spaces meant for unencumbered dreaming: fire escapes and rooftops, downtown late at night, the majestic Manhattan skyline as glimpsed from the George Washington Bridge. But in paying homage to the city that formed them, singer/songwriters Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell set their storytelling against a sonic backdrop more reminiscent of wide-open landscapes—an unbridled and euphoric sound that evokes the wild rush of hitting the road with your closest confidant, with no particular destination in mind. // Produced by two-time Grammy-winner Daniel Tashian (a co-producer on Kacey Musgraves’s widely acclaimed Golden Hour), Winner marks an evolution of the graceful musicality first displayed on Overcoats’ debut album YOUNG (a 2017 release that earned praise from outlets like the New York Times and NPR Music, who placed it at #4 on its best-of-the-year list). As a bold departure from YOUNG’s sparse electronic pop and the atmospheric indie-rock of The Fight (a 2020 release that nabbed them a Breakthrough Artist nomination from the American Association of Independent Music), the album encompasses a warm and luminous sound sculpted from a tightly curated mix of elements: earthy guitar tones, elegantly rugged textures, the duo’s signature heavenly harmonies. // Produced by Daniel Tashian except “Horsegirl” produced by Jackson Phillips & “Attention” produced by Nick Lobel. Co-produced by Mikey Reaves on “Never Let You Go” & “Vagabond” // Engineered by Konrad Snyder at The Study in Nashville, TN // Mixed by Lars Stalfors (“Horsegirl”, “New Suede Shoes”, “Green Eyes”, & “Vagabond” // Mixed by Tony Maserati (“Never Let You Go” & “Better Off”) // Mixed by James Krausse (“Want You Back”, “Say My Name”, “Attention”, “Don’t You Wanna”, & “Winner” // Mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty at Nomograph Mastering in Los Angeles, CA . // Their debut album YOUNG was released on April 21, 2017. We played “Nighttime hangover” on March 8, 2017. Their captures a sound rich in minimalism and melody: songs of connection and tension, on the depths of love and challenges of family. Overcoats’ music draws strength from vulnerability, finding light through darkness, and the catharsis of simple, honest songwriting. YOUNG is about a transformation: the passage into womanhood, sung through the shared experience of two best friends. YOUNG was written by Overcoats and co-produced by Nicolas Vernhes (Daughter, The War On Drugs, Dirty Projectors, Cass McCombs) and experimental R&B artist Autre Ne Veut, with additional production from Myles Avery and mixing by Ben Baptie (Lapsley, Lianne La Havas, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson). All songs written by Hana Rose Elion, Justine Mitchell and Adley Arthur Atkin.][Overcoats played Middle of The Map Fest Saturday, May 6, at The Tank Room, opening for Arkells, after Tart, and Pageant Boys.]

11. (#111.) Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Other Cards To Play”
    from: Over Again (24 Hour Album) / Danielle Ate the Sandwich / February 26, 2023
    [The 6 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on February 25th-26th, 2023, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 8th annual 24 Hour Album. This project challenges the artist to write, record, produce, and release a new album in just twenty four hours, live streaming the process to her fans. Patrons of Danielle Ate the Sandwich tuned in from all across the world to suggest ideas and offer support with Danielle during live streams held throughout the 24 hours. Life is short! Stay up all night and make stuff! // On February 20, 2022 Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-track release, “Continued Curfew (24 Hour Album 2022)”. Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-song album, 24 HOUR ALBUM (2021), on April 25, 2021. The 7 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on April 24th-25th, 2021, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th annual 24 Hour Album. On May 28, 2021 Danielle Ate the Sandwich released, It’s Not a Burden (Original Songs from the Documentary Film) on Youngest Daughter Records. It’s Not A Burden is a powerful and brilliant film about the joys and pain of raising elderly parents. The songs are produced by Joanna Katcher. // Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “A Weight, A Wall” on June 1, 2021. Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “Goodbye to You” on August 22, 2021. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com.]

12. (#110.) Ethan Eckert – “A Shack On the Path”
    from: 21, PUNISHMENT and DISARRAY/ Ethan Eckert / March 29, 2023
    [Ethan Eckert is a musician, writer, painter, and filmmaker from Harrisonville, Missouri. He started his music career age 12 playing drums with his father’s band. At 14 he started writing his own songs for his first punk band, Acadia, and has since began a solo career releasing two albums (Duets with You and Non), three EPs (Punishment Part One, Two, and Three), and fifteen singles. He has toured the country as a solo artist and as drummer for the now dissolved punk band Salty. Ethan currently resides in Kansas City, Kansas with his partner Abbey, their dog, Zeus, and three kitties Julius, Sookie, and Stevie Nicks. He is hard at work on his second novel, Thanks Again, and is busy releasing his next single “Disarray” (following the same nonprofit model as his previous dozen singles released every month of 2021—$1,000 donated so far) as well as editing the music video. His happiest days begin with some Yoga and meditation, then a tennis match, making an exorbitant dinner for his family, and then playing a show to the punk kids. More info at: http://www.ethaneckert.bandcamp.com]

13. (#109.) wrker – “Champion Sound”
    from: Mind Work / wrker / September 27, 2023
    [Kansas City based Wrker is ZacharyLaman who Chopped, sampled, tickled, and keyed. Made on the Polyend tracker. Album ART by AARON HAYES] [wrker played Outer Reaches Fest, Saturday, October 14 at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, on the KC Synthesizer Collective Stage features headliner, bizarro-pop group, Summer Like the Season, from Detroit, along with KC acts: Agrekulture, and Bobcat Attack. More info at: http://www.outerreachesfest.com.]

14. (#108.) Bach Aria Soloists – “Si dolce e l tormento”
    from: Le Dolce Sirene / Reference Recordings / February 19, 2023
    [Elizabeth Suh Lane, Violin–Artistic Director–Founder; Sarah Tannehill Anderson, Soprano; Elisa Williams Bickers, Harpsichord–Organ–Piano; and Hannah Collins, Cello. Producer: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Artistic Director. Editing by: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Elisa Williams Bickers. Recording Engineer and Editor: PJ Kelley of The Post Haus Acoustic,. Kirk Patton (Mendelssohn Organ Sonata). Mix and Mastering Engineer: Robert Friedrich of Five/Four Productions, LLC®. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered using REVEAL SDM Technology®. REVEAL—Superior Dimension Music Technology is employed exclusively by Five/Four Productions, LLC to raise the standard ofexcellence in both music recording and the music listening experience. Digital Audio Workstation System: Merging Technologies Pyramix DAW. Monitored Through: EMM Labs Switchman. Monitor Speakers: ATC SCM 150, SCM 50 and SCM 25 Album Art Director: JoAnn Nunes. Cover Photo: Dan White Liner Notes: Steven Ledbetter. Bach Aria Soloists’ vision is to collaborate with world-class artists; perform in unique and traditional venues; present BachReach, BAS’ innovative education that introduces exciting, interactive music and multi-discipline programs, and Orchestral and Chamber Music Clinics for schools in our community for FREE, thanks to BAS’ BachReach funders. Their recently announced alliance with Marsalis Mansion Artists opens the ensemble to touring in the U.S. and beyond. More info: http://www.bachareasolists.com]

15. (#107.) Rewound & Calvin Arsenia – “Bad Blood / I Knew You Were Trouble”
    from: Lovestory (4-song) EP / House of Outlyre Productions / May 9, 2023
    [Rewound & Calvin Arsenia released four singles in 2023, including “All Too Well” on April 25, 2023, All 4 singles are covering the songs of Taylor Swift. // Rewound is a trio with Carmen Dieker on violin, Alyssa Bell on viola, and Ezgi Karakus on cello that perform classical and contemporary music re-imagined. For these recordings they are collaborating with Calvin Arsenia on harp.c// Calvin Arsenia Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in KC and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe. Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records, has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On Dec. 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin is a graduate of Artist INC. // Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.]

11:59 – Station ID

16. (#106.) Eggs On Mars – “No Problem”
    from: Warm Breakfast / Eggs On Mars / March 21, 2023
    [Eggs on Mars, a four-piece soft psych pop band from KCMO. Brad Smith on guitar/lead vocals/keys; Mason Potter on drums/percussion/backing vocals; Doug Bybee on bass/keys/backing vocals; and Joel Stratton on keys/backing vocals; with Austin Smith on additional guitars; Sam Smith on backing vocals; and Rodd Fenton on backing vocals/hand claps. Recorded/Engineered/Mixed by Rodd Fenton. Mastered by Josh Johnson. Recorded 2023 at Solstice Audio. Cover painting by Shannon Brouk. Photography and album layout by Doug Bybee. More info at: http://www.eggsonmars.bandcamp.com] [Eggs On Mars played Manor Fest 5 in Lawrence on Friday, May 19, at 10;00 PM at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS with Parry, Saving Miles Lemon, and Scabb.]

Eggs On Mars Discography

Welcome to our Family August 25, 2014
10-track album
Recorded Summer 2014 at Potter Underground Studios
Guitars/Lead Vocals-Brad Smith
Bass/Other Vocals-Justin Longmeyer
Drums-Mason Potter

Spacey Stacy September 4, 2015
8-track album
Recording/Mixing/Mastering/Pancakes-Doug Bybee
Recorded August 2015 at Sound + Vision Studios of the Lawrence Public Library
Cover photo taken by Mason Potter
Guitars/Vocals – Brad Smith
Bass – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

On Hold, Hold On October 7, 2016
5-track EP
Album art by Anna Smith
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Justin Longmeyer
Guitars/Vocals/Keys – Brad Smith
Bass – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

In A Desert Place March 15, 2018
10-track album
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Justin Longmeyer
Recorded at 2319
Guitars/Vocals – Brad Smith
Bass/Vocals/Guitar solo – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

Mama Pancake November 9, 2018
10-track album
Recorded/mixed/mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded May through September of 2018 at 2319
Artwork by Julie Smith
Brad Smith – guitars/vocals/keys
Justin Longmeyer – bass
Mason Potter – drums/percussion

It Will Be Like It Was October 4, 2019
10-track album
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded summer of 2019 at Bread Basket Music Studios
Guitars/Vocals/Keys – Brad Smith
Bass – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

Brighter Now June 25, 2021
7-track EP
Recorded / mixed / mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded in the fall of 2020 at Solstice Audio
Cover painting by Jesse Bartmess
Brad Smith – Vocals, guitar
Mason Potter – Drums, backing vocals, self-sacrificial tambourine
Bennie Neselroad – Keys, backing vocals,
Doug Bybee – Bass, backing vocals

Warm Breakfast March 21, 2023
10-track album
Recorded/Engineered/Mixed by Rodd Fenton
Mastered by Josh Johnson.
Recorded 2023 at Solstice Audio.
Cover painting by Shannon Brouk
Brad Smith – guitar/lead vocals/keys
Mason Potter – drums/percussion/backing vocals
Doug Bybee – bass/keys/backing vocals;
Joel Stratton – keys/backing vocals;
with
Austin Smith – additional guitars
Sam Smith – backing vocals
Rodd Fenton – backing vocals/hand claps.

17. (#105.) Robert Finley – “What Goes Around Comes Around”
    from: Black Bayou / Easy Eye Sound – Concord / October 27, 2023
    [The 69 year opld soul singer-songwriter returns with a Dan Auerbach-produced album: a swaggering tour de force of Blues, Soul, and Funk sharing stories from the swamps of Louisiana his timeless tales of srviving love, betrayal, and alligators cements him as one of the last true bluesman of his time. // Robert Finley announces his third studio album Black Bayou, set for release October 27 on Easy Eye Sound / Concord. Finley is joined again by frequent collaborator and producer Dan Auerbach for a thundering, swaggering record that tells Finley’s story of his life in the bayou of Louisiana. Finley also releases his first track “What Goes Around (Comes Around)” – a sweltering, swampy rock track that shows off Finley’s smooth-as-whiskey vocals. // Of the track Finley states, “You gotta reap what you sow…do to another what you would have done to you. Be real, tell the truth. For all those out there hurting, you just have to keep the faith. I’ve seen it over the years, especially with my career — you got to put joy out into the world and it will come back. It’s never been anything short of the truth for me.” // Black Bayou, Finley’s third studio album, is a portrait of Louisiana from an insider who’s lived there all his life and coalesces all of the vibrant genres bubbling in the bayou from gospel, blues, rock and roll and more. With this Auerbach-produced album, they created a vivid collection of songs that depict life in North Louisiana, with Finley playing the role of charismatic and knowledgeable tour guide. // “It’s amazing to realize how much of an impact Louisiana has had on the world’s music,” says Auerbach, “and Robert embodies all of that. He can play a blues song. He can play early rock and roll. He can play gospel. He can do anything, and a lot of that has to do with where he’s from.” Finley recorded Black Bayou at producer Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville. // It’s the fourth time the duo have worked together, although for this record they did things a little differently. Rather than write songs beforehand—as they did on 2017’s Goin’ Platinum and 2021’s Sharecropper’s Son—they devised everything in the studio, with Auerbach leading a band of some of the finest players around: drummers Patrick Carney (The Black Keys) and Jeffrey Clemens (Ani DiFranco, G. Love & Special Sauce), bassist Eric Deaton, and legendary Hill Country blues guitarist Kenny Brown along with vocalists Christy Johnson and LaQuindrelyn McMahon—who just happen to be Finley’s daughter and granddaughter. They worked quickly, devising their parts spontaneously and getting everything in one take. “I started singing, and they started playing,” Finley explains. “That’s how we made the album. It wasn’t written out. Nobody used a pencil and paper. We just sang and played together in the studio.” // If Finley’s previous albums established him as a formidable blues and soul artist — overcoming losing his sight in his 60s to become a music star — Black Bayou reveals Finley as something even more distinctive: a truly original Louisiana storyteller who evokes the place and its unique culture for the rest of the world. Finley doesn’t plan to call any other place home. “I’m not interested in living in no big city,” he says. “There’s good places here for hunting and fishing. I can fall asleep in my yard or sleep out on my porch, and nobody’s gonna bother me. Nothing bad is gonna come and get me.” // Struggle and celebration commingle in the stories of Black Bayou. In everyday life death looms. Through the jaws of an alligator on “Alligator Bait,” where Finley shares a true tale of his grandfather using him as as bait to catch an alligator when he was a child or just the gradual pace of time, on “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely” a poignant track spotlighting the generation forgotten in nursing homes across the nation. On “Sneakin’ Around” or “Miss Kitty,” Finley’s tales of lust and love are a timeless induction into the canon of the blues tradition. In all, a collection set to establish Finley as perhaps one of the last true bluesmen of our time.]

18. (#104.) Michael B. Tipton – “Scoundrel”
    from: Out Of The Woods / Michael B. Tipton / October 13 , 2023
    [Recorded & Produced by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, Kansas City, MO. Musicians: Michael B Tipton on vocals, guitars, percussion; Aaron “Big Al” Lewis on Bass;| Justin Danner on Drums; Matt Smithmier on Mandolin; Jace Hughes on Electric Guitar; Brad King on Slide Guitar; Mallory Edson on Fiddle; Devon Teran on Pedal Steel Guitar; Nate Holt on Organ, Piano; Kate Valliere on Backing Vocals. // Michael B Tipton is a seasoned singer-songwriter who has performed for audiences nationwide for over 26 years. With a remarkable versatility across genres like folk, country, electronic, indie rock, and hard rock, his compositions are written to be adapted to various musical styles. Michael made his mark as a member of acclaimed bands: Tabla Rasa (1999-2005), 5 Defy (2006-2008), Molly Picture Club (2009-2013), and Kodascope (2013-2016). He is also the driving force behind Found A Job, a popular 8-piece tribute to Talking Heads since 2012, where he embodies David Byrne’s essence.][Michael B. Tipton was our guest on WMM on August 9, 2023]

19. (#103.) Corinne Bailey Rae – “New York Transit Queen”
    from: Black Rainbows / Black Rainbows Music / September 15, 2023
    2 time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae confirms her years-in-the-making Black Rainbows project. Inspired by the objects and artworks collected by Theaster Gates at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, the work includes a collection of songs, a book Refraction/Reflection of the Arts Bank photographed by Koto Bolofo, live performances, visuals, lectures and exhibitions—a bold move from her previous work. // The album Black Rainbows is set for release September 15 via Thirty Tigers. The first single, “New York Transit Queen,” is out now. “I knew when I walked through those doors that my life had changed forever,” says Bailey Rae. “Engaging with these archives and encountering Theaster Gates and his practice has change how I think about myself as an artist and what the possibilities of my work can be. This music has come through seeing. Seeing has been like hearing, for me. While I was looking, songs/sounds appeared.” // Wide ranging in its themes, Black Rainbows’ subjects are drawn from encounters with objects in the Arts Bank, a curated collection of Black archives comprising books, sculpture, records, furniture and problematic objects from America’s past. From the rock hewn churches of Ethiopia to the journeys of Black Pioneers westward, from Miss New York Transit 1957 to how the sunset appears from Harriet Jacobs’ loophole. Black Rainbows explores Black femininity, Spell Work, Inner Space/Outer Space, time collapse, ancestors and music as a vessel for transcendence. // About Corinne Bailey Rae: English singer/songwriter/musician Corinne Bailey Rae shot to stardom with her self-titled #1 U.K. debut album in 2006, featuring the global hits “Put Your Records On” and “Like A Star.” Over the course of her career she has released three critically acclaimed studio albums—Corinne Bailey Rae, The Sea and The Heart Speaks in Whispers—and earned two Grammy Awards, two MOBOS, and has been nominated for multiple awards including the BRIT Awards, Mercury Music Prize and BET Awards. Her work for film and television includes the theme to Stan Lee’s Lucky Man (SKY1), “The Scientist” for Universal Pictures’ Fifty Shades Darker openin title and soundtrack which charted globally, and in 2020 her song “New to Me” was performed in the film The High Note by Tracee Ellis Ross. Bailey Rae has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Herbie Hancock, KING, Paul McCartney, Kele Okereke (Bloc Party), Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Questlove, Salaam Rami, RZA, Tyler The Creator, Paul Weller, Richard Hawley, Stevie Wonder, Tracey Thorn, Pharrell, Logic, Mick Jenkins and many more.]

20. (#102.) Elizabeth Moen – “Nobody Wants A Lonely Heart”
    from: For Arthur EP / Elizabeth Moen / July, 28, 2023
    [About Elizabeth’s new EP she writes, “Finding Arthur Russell’s music was a special moment in my life. Finding out he was also from a small town in Iowa was too. His work expanded over genres and he brought together so many people through his love of music and sound throughout his career. It was a joy to make these covers. I’m grateful for them and all the friends involved. We all love Arthur. Thank you to my grandfather, another dear Iowan, for painting the cover.” “This EP of covers is For Arthur. For my brother. For my friends. For queer artists. For queer people in Iowa. For queer people in red states or small towns who don’t feel like they can be themselves. For anyone who feels lonely or heartbroken. For anyone who loves Arthur. For anyone who happens to hear it. If you do, thanks for listening.” // Elizabeth Moen grew up in Vinton, IA and taught herself how to play guitar as a teenager. She moved to Iowa City, IA for college where she studied French and Spanish at the University of Iowa. She played her first open mic at The Mill at age 20 and wrote her first original song at age 21. Elizabeth is currently based in Chicago. // Moen self-released a self-titled EP in 2016, a debut LP That’s All I Wanted in 2017 and became a staple of the Iowa City music scene. Her sophomore album A Million Miles Away, released in 2018 drew praise from regional press as well as Paste Magazine. // In 2019, her recording of a new song “Headgear” for the Tiny Desk Contest drew praise from NPR Music. Listed as “one of the entries we can’t stop watching.” // Moen has recorded at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Hellfire Studios in Dublin, Ireland and Flat Black Studios in Lone Tree, Iowa. (The tracks from these various recordings will all be featured on her upcoming album to be released in 2022. // Moen was accepted into the 2020 SXSW festival as an official showcase artist and featured in NPR Music’s Austin 100. Moen has also appeared in several festivals including Hinterland, Lollapalooza (official after show), Mission Creek, Mile of Music, 80/35, Lincoln Calling, and Knockan Stockan. She was also invited to perform at The Ruby Sessions in Dublin, Ireland. // Moen has toured throughout the United States and Europe and supported artists such as Lake Street Dive, Margaret Glaspy, Houndmouth Ani DiFranco, St Paul and the Broken Bones, Lucy Dacus, Esme Patterson, The Weepies, Buck Meek, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Birds of Chicago, Margaret Glaspy, William Elliott Whitmore, LP and Lissie. // In the 2020 Democratic primary, she supported Bernie Sanders and was invited to play several of the Senator’s rallies in Iowa. // Elizabeth has had several songs featured in television series and movies including the following: How it Ends, Candy Jar, Elsewhere, Roswell New Mexico (CW network), Tell Me a Story (CBS), and Shameless (Showtime). More info at http://www.elizabethmoen.com] [Elizabeth Moen played the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Aug 26, at 10:00 PM at All Else The Sea (The Ship), 1221 Union Ave, (Indoor Stage) Sponsored by Somera Road.]

21. (#101.) Cautious Clay – “Karpehs Don’t Flinch (with Joshua Karpeh)”
    from: KARPEH / Blue Note Records – UMG / August 18, 2023
    [Cautious Clay has released his Blue Note debut KARPEH, a deeply personal new album which finds the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer also known as Joshua Karpeh taking a giant artistic leap forward with an ambitious yet introspective song cycle about growth, conceptions of intimacy, and lineage that reveals a new side of his artistry by delving deeper than ever into his jazz roots. Following his performance at the Newport Jazz Festival, Cautious will be making a headline appearance at SummerStage in New York City’s Central Park this Saturday, August 19. // Across the album’s 15 tracks Cautious can be heard on vocals, flute, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, guitar, synthesizer, and bass. He also invites a wide range of collaborators into the fold including leading lights of the modern jazz world including guitarist Julian Lage, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, keyboardist Julius Rodriguez, bassist Joshua Crumbly, and drummer Sean Rickman. Other guests on the album include his uncle, bassist Kai Eckhardt, and the acclaimed Pakistani vocalist Arooj Aftab. // For all of Cautious’ dexterity around multiple instruments, it’s always in service of the music’s narratives. “I wanted it to be musical for the sake of telling a story,” he explains. “Throughout this album, I am equating my life’s journey to an amalgamation of my family’s past life experiences, an exploration of my present, and how those pieces will influence by future.” // Cautious sequenced the album thematically in three sections with interludes throughout containing audio recordings of his relatives recounting bits of family history. The first section he calls “The Past Explained” with songs that touch upon his early experiences growing up in Cleveland including the album’s lead single “Ohio.” The middle section of the album is what Cautious calls “The Honeymoon of Exploration.” These five songs depict some of his experiences with psychedelics, which inspired self-reflection and the desire for deeper forms of intimacy with others. The concluding four songs constitute the third thematic section, which Cautious calls “A Bitter & Sweet Solitude.” Cautious posits that when we allow ourselves to spend quality time in solitude it enables us to forge better relationships with ourselves and others, therefore sparking deeper intimacy. // Since 2017, Cautious Clay has been steadily building a devoted fanbase with his heartfelt songwriting and a unique sound that moves fluidly between pop, alternative R&B, and indie rock. He began receiving wide recognition with the 2018 release of Blood Type featuring the breakthrough single “Cold War,” a naked call for emotional honesty and transparency that resonated deeply with listeners and has since been streamed more than 150 million times. The song was featured on Issa Rae’s hit HBO TV show, Insecure, and Olivia Wilde’s movie, Booksmart, and was interpolated by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff on “London Boy” from the pop star’s album Lover. Cautious’ other outside writing and production credits include working with Billie Eilish, John Mayer, John Legend, Khalid, Kavinsky, Melanie Martinez, Remi Wolf, and more. Following two more EPs—Resonance and Table of Context—Cautious released his debut full-length, Deadpan Love in 2021, delivering on his early promise with an album that centered on the balance between oneself and others. With his Blue Note debut KARPEH, Cautious Clay offers an even more intimate glimpse inside his highly biographical artistic vision. More info at; http://www.cautiousclay.com.]

22. (#100.) Jamogi – “Star-Crossed Lover”
    from: Star-Crossed Lover – EP / Jam Tunes / March 3, 2023
    [Jamogi Bridges is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally form Los Angeles, California. Since releasing this EP Jamogi released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on December 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. Jamogi played the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 26, at 6:15 PM on the Kissick Construction Stage at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO (Indoor Stage) one of 6 STAGES in West Bottoms with over 25 Bands.] [Jamogi plays an AGE OF AQUARIUS FINALE CONCERT at Englewood Arts, on October 26, at 7:00 PM.][Jamogi was our guest on WMM on Oct. 18, 2023]

23. (#99.) Arlo Parks – “Pegasus (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)”
    from: My Soft Machine / Transgressive Records / May 26, 2023
    [Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho is known professionally as Arlo Parks, She is a British singer-songwriter and poet. The title, My Soft Machine, comes from a piece of dialogue from the 2019 film The Souvenir. Of the song, “Pegasus” Parks said it is about experiencing the warmth and lightness of good love for the first time,” and “It also explores how the absence of chaos and the presence of real connection can be a little bit terrifying after a long time of not having it. // Her debut studio album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, was released through Transgressive Records on January 29, 2021, to critical acclaim and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. // Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho was born on August 9, 2000 and raised in Hammersmith, West London. She is half Nigerian, quarter Chadian and quarter French. Her mother was born in Paris. Marinho learnt to speak French before she did English. // Parks chose her stage name in the manner of King Krule and Frank Ocean. In 2018, she began uploading demos to BBC Music Introducing which caught the attention of BBC Radio 1 DJ Jess Iszatt who distributed these demos to Ali Raymond of Beatnik Creative, who soon began managing Parks. She made her solo debut when she released the song “Cola” through Beatnik Records in November 2018, and announced the release of her debut EP, Super Sad Generation. She told Line of Best Fit that the song is “a reminder that betrayal is inevitable when it comes to pretty people that think flowers fix everything.” Olivia Swash wrote that the vocals on the song “flourish thanks to [Parks’] creative writing background, with her delicate tone taking centre stage against the gently plodding guitars and soft crackle of vinyl.” By November 2019, the song had amassed over three million streams on Spotify. // Following the release of “Cola”, Parks signed to Transgressive Records. She released the title track of her upcoming EP, Super Sad Generation, in January 2019. Robin Murray told Clash that the song portrays an “astute, nuanced creative control that also utilises word-play that speaks of youthful emotions spinning out of control.” Her third single, “Romantic Garbage”, was released in March 2019, before the release of the full four-track EP, Super Sad Generation in early April 2019. The EP was recorded in her home in South West London and an Airbnb in the Angel district of London. // Parks performed her first-ever gig at The Great Escape in Brighton in May 2019, and has gone on to perform on the BBC Music Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival in late June 2019, as well as at Latitude Festival in July 2019. She embarked on her first tour supporting Jordan Rakei on the UK leg of his tour in September 2019. Throughout the last half of 2019 Parks released the songs “George”, “Second Guessing”, “Sophie”, and “Angel’s Song” ahead of her second EP, Sophie Sean Kerwick told DIY that the five-track EP “oozes with the hang-ups of heartbreak and mortality; a topic that seems to overshadow many gen-Z musicians.” // Parks embarked on her first headlining tour of Europe in February/March 2020, but could not complete it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, Parks released the singles “Eugene” and “Black Dog”, which were well received during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the latter of which became BBC Radio 1’s Tune of the Week. Parks made the front cover of NME in late July 2020. She won the AIM Independent Music Award for One to Watch in 2020 in August 2020, after losing the same award to Georgia a year before. Parks and Moses Boyd made the front cover of Music Week for the publication’s indie takeover special following the AIM Awards ceremony. Parks released her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, on 29 January 2021. // Parks is openly bisexual and is based in London. She was educated at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith and completed her A Levels in early 2019. In her auto-biographical blurb on her Spotify profile, Parks claimed that she spent most of secondary school “feeling like that black kid who couldn’t dance for shit, listening to too much emo music and crushing on some girl in her Spanish class.” // Parks has named Sylvia Plath & Joni Mitchell as among her influences.]

11:27 – Underwriting

24. (#98.) Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores – “Remedy (Radio Edit)”
    from: Hello Paul Jesse, Pt. II – EP / Frog Party / June 23, 2023
    [Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores released a total of 3 EPs in 3 parts: Hello Paul Jesse, Pt. I EP on Februarty 17, 2023, and Hello Paul Jesse Part III EP on November 3, 2023. Paul Jesse is a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose debut EP, Stuck This Way came out in 2021 and combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production. Deegan Poores is also a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, whose debut album from last year, The “Vanishing” Album, combines indie rock, yacht rock, power pop, and synth pop to create a genre-bending sound with co-production from singer-songwriter-producer-filmmaker Remy Styrk from Kansas City. After coming together last year to make the song “Your Sunshine”, which features Lawrence based singer-songwriter Hannah Davis, Paul asked Deegan to executive produce his debut album. Hello Paul Jesse, releasing over the upcoming months as three EPs by Lawrence arts collective Frog Party, takes the sound Paul established on Stuck This Way and expands it to include elements of Deegan’s sound as well as trip hop, hyperpop, and folk, among other genres, all cohering around Paul’s voice and hooks. The lyrics chronicle Paul’s growth and development as a person through heartache, self-reflection, and love, and each EP captures a different stage of that transition. Hello Paul Jesse, Part I was released February 17, 2023. “Remedy” the first single from the EP Hello Paul Jesse, Pt. II featuring Arkko was released on Friday, March 17, 2023.] [Paul Jesse plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO, West Bottoms, on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 3:30 PM for Lemonade Social – Day 2 with Black Light Animals, Steddy P, Mr. Golden Sun, Paris Williams, Flora, Gipson, and The Swallowtails.] [ Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores were our guests on WMM on March 15, 2023]

25. (#97.) Kye Colors – “IN THE DARKNESS (clean)”
    from: Colorman: Red [EP] / Wasteland Records / March 16, 2023
    [Kye Colors released his single “Phil Collins” on March 25, 2022. // Kye Colors, born J’Kye Slatton, is a 21 year-old rapper and producer from the South side of Kansas City, Missouri. Kye began writing music as early as age 5, usually done in crayons. “I’d describe my music as very colorful and vibrant from the beats to the lyrics” Colors says. “I’d describe my music as very colorful and vibrant from the beats to the lyrics” // The name Kye Colors derives from multiple meanings. The first coming from the idea that hues enact certain moods, “you can feel orange, you can feel yellow, you can feel brown; it’s like an emotion” says Kye. The second is best described through his lyrics on the track Broken Place, “I’m KC for real, check the initials.” // His gift of rap was nurtured and harbored from Elementary School to High School. As a teenager, Kye’s talent was quickly taken notice by his peers. While in school, his seniors made sure that he would get his high school diploma before he could fully pursue his music career. After sporadic trials with rap he went by the name Kye Colors by age 14. The same year he began producing. // In 2015 he released his first mixtape entitled “00“. The project garnered attention from hip hop fans all over the Kansas City Metropolitan. In 2017, he joined the rap collective “CaviArt” alongside artists Gee Watts, A’Sean, Ray Muney, and others. // Soon after and at only 17 years old, he would release his 1st full length project “Milk Is Nasty”. It was nationally acclaimed by Lyrical Lemonade, publicized in local Newspapers such as The Kansas City Star and The Pitch KC, and also gained notable local airplay. The project also led to him performing alongside Denzel Curry, Famous Dex, Wiz Khalifa, Lil TJay and many more. // “Milk Is Nasty”. It was nationally acclaimed by Lyrical Lemonade, publicized in local Newspapers such as The Kansas City Star and The Pitch KC, and also gained notable local airplay. // In 2019, Kye released some of his most popular single releases to date including “Sweet Thang,” “Doggy,” “Talk About It” and more. These independent releases would land him on platforms such as Baller Alert, a modeling gig with Lee Jeans, and national airplay on Shade45. // In 2020, at the age of 20 he founded his label “Wasteland Records” partnering with manager Jesse Brown and Jaron Baston. He went on his first independent tour and released his 2nd LP With Love By Faith. It peaked at 166 on the Top 200 Rap/Hip Hop albums on iTunes. // Come 2021, Kye delivered three glossy singles “Nike Boy Freetstyle”, “Grateful”, “1-800” and an impressive five-track EP “WOW” in which helped him rank in the top 10K “R&B, Funk & Soul” artists in the world. // Kye kicked off 2022 with a flamboyant and captivating new single “TAKE UR PLACE”. A track thats surely setting the mood for whats to come. // From having a vibrant young passion for his penmanship to flourishing on the energy of his supporters, Kye looks to establish his mark in the industry as a rapper, and creative with a purpose. The artist intends to create moving and powerful connections through his newly-constructed label, releasing quality music, and collectively refining the abilities of his sound. More info at: http://www.kyecolors.com]

26. (#96.) Big Freedia – “$100 Bill (Feat. Ciara)”
    from: Central City / Queen Diva Music / June 23, 2023
    [Raised on Josephine Street in uptown New Orleans, Big Freedia, born Freddie Ross, was raised by his mother, a hairdresser, and stepfather, a truck driver for Coca-Cola. When Freddie was 15, the family moved to a more upscale neighborhood in New Orleans. Freddie—along with his brother Adam and sister Crystal Ross—were immersed in music at home by their mother, who often sang along to her Gladys Knight and Patty LaBelle records around the house. But it was the Baptist church choir where a young Freddie flourished. ”My mother made sure I never missed practice,” recalls Freedia. It’s no wonder that by the time he was 18, Freedia moved from member to director of the choir. Big Freedia is known as the Queen of Bounce, at the forefront of the Bounce rap movement (a subgenre of hip-hop born out of New Orleans and known for its call and response style and lightening speed booty-shaking dance). Though gay and proud, Big Freedia asserts that her (Freedia is a he but uses the feminine pronoun for her stage persona) sexuality has little to do with her music and rejects the term Sissy Bounce (the queer brand of Bounce). “All Bounce is Bounce,” he insists. “There’s no need to separate it out. All types of people—gay, straight, rich, poor, black, white come to my shows. People just wanna get out and shake their azzzz and have a good time!” And therein lies the beauty of Big Freedia: She can rock a pair of dangling gold earrings and light up a blunt and chop it up with the hardest rapper around. She’s not a gay artist, but rather an artist who happens to be gay. Big Freedia has gone from a local New Orleans phenomenon to a national one after appearing on the HBO series ‘Treme’ [as herself] and in 2010, she released her debut EP on Scion A/V Presents: Big Freedia, produced by NOLA producer BlaqNmilD. The EP featured notables “Excuse” and “Almost Famous; other fan-favorites include “Gin in my System” “Azz Everwhere” and “Y’all Get Back Now.” Shefollowed that up by releasing “Nah Who Mad” and “Booty Whop,” and she was featured on Spank Rock’s “Everything is Boring and Everyone is a Fucking Liar” LP, on the track “Nasty.” She was also featured on “Peanut Butter” with RuPaul. Freedia made her network television network debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! She appeared on “Last Call with Carson Daly,” FADERTV, PITCHFORK TV and has been lauded in press outlets such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Fader, RollingStone.com, SPIN, OffBeat, Chicago Tribune.] [Big Freedia plays, Boulevardia, Saturday, June 17, at 5:05 PM on the Visit Missouri Grand Stage.]

27. (#95.) Emily King – “Medal”
    from: Special Occasion / ATO Records / May 5, 2023
    [New York native Emily King is set to release her latest studio album Special Occasion. The new body of work is King’s first album in 4 years, following her multi-Grammy-nominated ‘Scenery.’ Using music as a means of meditation, King works through the most overwhelming emotions with ineffable grace and resilience. Today King releases the project’s second single “Medal,” a joyfully upbeat song punctuated by driving-low end bass, rhythmic hand claps, and a soaring chorus. // “I’d had this melody in my head for a very long time,” Emily King explains. “It was a slow song until I got in the studio with my producer and we picked up the tempo. He started playing this funky bassline on the chorus and it was like instant joy! The lyric was ‘I wanna be the girl with the medal’ like, I want that shiny feeling you get when the person you have a crush on gives you their attention. These days though, I’ve been singing the song to myself which gives it a slightly different meaning. Like, ‘Hey you are the prize girl!’ ‘You are the medal and you already won yourself!’ Ha. Makes me feel good and then I get to dancing.” // ‘Special Occasion’ sees King bring ever-evolving levels of depth and nuance to her songwriting, rooting each revelation into a mesmerizing blend of soul, R&B, and forward-thinking pop. “It’s about trying to find some kind of light in the middle of your hardest times: those moments when you don’t really have anything to celebrate, you’re just alone and sitting in those feelings and trying to make sense of it all,” King explains. // Emily King (born July 10, 1985) is an American singer and songwriter. She started her career in 2004 and her first album East Side Story was released in August 2007. In December 2007, King was listed as a Grammy nominee for Best Contemporary R&B Album. In 2019 Emily King was nominated for Best R&B Song for the 62nd Grammy Awards and her album Scenery was nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. In 2020 Emily King was nominated again, this time for t for her song “See Me”. // Born in New York City in 1985, King grew up in a small apartment on the Lower East Side. Her parents, Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti, were a singing duo who performed and traveled regularly taking her and her older brother with them. At age 16, King left high school after earning her GED to pursue her music career. She began playing shows in restaurants and venues around New York City including CBGB and The Bitter End. // King signed her first record deal with J Records in 2004 and appeared on Nas’ 2004 album Street’s Disciple credited as simply “Emily”. Her first album East Side Story was released in August 2007. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album of the Year. After leaving the label in 2008, King continued her work independently with producer Jeremy Most. She self-recorded her follow-up EP Seven in her home, released in July 2011. Throughout this time, King toured domestically and internationally with many artists including Nas, John Legend, Floetry, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, and Maroon 5. // In 2012, King was awarded the Holly Prize (a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly) from The Songwriters Hall of Fame for recognition of the “all-in songwriter” whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly’s music: true, great and original. In the fall, King was invited by Emeli Sandé to open for her UK tour playing sold out shows in five cities including at The Royal Albert Hall in London. King collaborated with José James on his album No Beginning No End in 2013 and can be heard on the tracks “Heaven on the Ground” and the acoustic version of “Come to My Door”. In 2014, King performed as an opening act for Sara Bareilles’ Little Black Dress tour. //King’s second studio album, The Switch, was self-released by her own label, Making Music Records, on 26 June 2015. The Wall Street Journal remarked that the album is “a tasteful collection of eleven songs that showcase King’s distinctive voice”. // She signed with the independent label ATO Records in 2017 and with them released her third studio album, Scenery, on 1 February 2019. // In late 2019, King once again performed as an opening act for Sara Bareilles in her Amidst The Chaos Tour. // In 2019, King helped to compose “Being Human”, the ending theme song for the Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe Future, which she sang. Her song “Can’t Hold Me” was also used in an episode of the series. // King released her fourth studio album, Sides, on January 17, 2020. The album features acoustic takes on her previous songs, and includes a guest appearance by Sara Bareilles on the track “Teach You.” In response to racial unrest in the summer of 2020, King released the song “See Me” in August. The song was nominated for Best R&B Performance in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.]

28. (#94) yeule – “Inferno (Edit)”
    from: Softscars / Ninja Tune Records / September 22, 2023
    [3rd studio album from Yeule (stylised as yeule). It is the musical project of Singaporean songwriter and producer Nat Ćmiel (born Natasha Yelin Chang). Formed in 2012, Yeule incorporates elements of ambient, glitch and Asian post-pop. The name Yeule is derived from the Final Fantasy character of the same name (spelled differently), as well as their middle name. // Ćmiel was born Natasha Yelin Chang in Singapore where they attended school. They first started playing music at the age of 6 on their parents’ Yamaha piano and learned classically although eventually dropped taking lessons, and wanted to explore something more challenging which led them to guitar and drums. Ćmiel initially started playing waltz pieces, though they soon moved onto songs from the soundtracks of Final Fantasy X and Kingdom Hearts. They later went onto sing in a jazz band under the name Riot Diet, covering songs from Ella Fitzgerald and the Pixies. After graduating from high school, they applied to Central Saint Martins to study fashion communication and womenswear. // Growing up, feelings of loneliness and depression were present due in part to Ćmiel’s nomadic upbringing. They found solace on the internet, which would influence their later works. // Ćmiel’s first release under the Yeule title was their self titled EP on March 3, 2014. // On December 11, 2016, Ćmiel released their second EP, Pathos, which was dedicated to David Singh. // Ćmiel followed up with the OST to interactive simulator game Lost Memories Dot Net, which was released on July 17, 2017. // On September 27, 2017, Ćmiel released their third EP, Coma. With regard to the writing, they said that “I wrote this album to commemorate the people I’d lost.” The EP received a positive reception with Duncan Cooper of The Fader describing it as “dream-pop perfection”. // Ćmiel signed to Bayonet Records on July 17, 2019. // On October 25, 2019, Ćmiel released their debut studio album Serotonin II. On the process of creating the album they said that “Writing the record, I was dreadful. I didn’t ask for much, I don’t need to be happy. I just wanted to be content.” The album received a positive critical reception with Jude Noel of Tiny Mix Tapes giving the album 4/5 and saying that “Melancholia aside, it’s Serotonin II’s impeccable sound design that has kept me coming back”. //Ćmiel teased the release of their second album Glitch Princess via Bayonet Records with a track titled “My Name is Nat Ćmiel”—released at the end of 2020. The full album was released on February 4, 2022. It was qualified as “pioneering” by Colin Lodewick from Pitchfork and featured in their ‘Best New Music’ section with a critical score of 8.3. // In between “My Name Is Nat Ćmiel” and Glitch Princess, Ćmiel released the remix EP Serotonin X Remixes and the covers album Nuclear War Post X, the latter issued directly through their website as a limited edition paperback art book with a download for the entire album. // Over the first weekend of May 2023, Yeule teased some images on their social media channels mentioning the date of May 10. On that date, Yeule premiered the video and released the single for their new song “Sulky Baby” and announced that they had signed to the Ninja Tune label. They told Rolling Stone, “The creative trajectory is shapeshifting, and Ninja Tune was the most versatile with their views on artistic direction as most of my creative pitches often tend to be fringe in conceptual aspects. I admire the team’s work ethic and tastes, and they’ve also worked with other creatives I know and love to this day, it feels nice to be with them!” // Ćmiel graduated from Central Saint Martins in London for a degree in Fine Arts in 2020. // They are non-binary.]

29. (#93.) 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. // released 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][Analiese and Sophia of The Black Mariah Theater joined us live on WMM on August 16, 2023]

30. (#92.) Blanky – “The Real Thing”
    from: Blood Harmony / Manor Records / December 15, 2022
    [Anthony Cunard of Blanky joined us on the show on Nov. 4, 2020, to talk about Blanky his band that moved from North Carolina, to KCK, and then to Lawrence, KS. // Blanky’s new record ‘Blood Harmony’ was recorded on a half inch reel-to-reel tape machine in various locations around Lawrence, Kansas during multiple sessions from December of 2021 to April of 2022. The intent was to embrace a lo-fi recording production and to emulate some of the style and intimacy captured on select enduring analog classics such as Charlie Megira’s ‘The Abtomatic Meisterzinger Mambo Chic’, The Breeders’ ‘Pod’, and Roland S. Howard’s ‘Teenage Snuff Film’. The process of recording live to tape allows for the inimitable chemistry of players, the uncontrollable variables of a busy household, and the sound of rooms, squeaking chairs and peripheral noise to be captured in a way that the contemporary digital norm just doesn’t. We’ve always loved those small details encapsulated forever in our favorite albums and we think some of that charm has been captured on ‘Blood Harmony’. The record is a snapshot in time of a band that regularly shifts its form and embraces the coming and going of members and collaborators. On ‘Blood Harmony’ the core of the band consists of songwriter and guitarist Anthony Cunard, drummer Max Smith, bass player Maxfiled Yoder and multi-instrumentalist Edward Madill. They’re joined by a handful of friends and contributors including Adam Brisbin (Buck Meek, Sam Evian, Dig Nitty) on pedal steel, Santo Rizzolo (Jackson Pines) on auxiliary drums and percussion and Luke Annis on various brass instruments. The record was mixed by Julian Fader in NYC and mastered by Amar Lal. // Max Smith on Drums & Vocals, Maxfield Yoder on Bass, Edward Madill: on Guitar & Synth, Santo Rizzolo on Drums, Adam Brisbin on Pedal Steel, Luke Annis on Trombone & Trumpet. // Mixed by: Julian Fader // Audio Mastering: Amar Lal // Cover Painting: Ian Felice // Album Design: Claire Monroe // Blanky embodies the languor left of a perfect day gone past. The always evolving musical project has thus far successfully mirrored the tumultuous transition of an agnostic adolescence to a freeing acceptance of life’s unapologetic inhumanity. The result is a dark happiness; simultaneously baffling and enticing. Incubated in a Black Mountain basement and left in the fields ’til full maturity. Blanky has settled in Lawrence, KS by way of Asheville, North Carolina. Southern origins and midwestern sentimentality are bound together in the timeless mindscape provoked by the broad assortment of compositions and styles performed and produced by the band. The ongoing experimentations of Blanky are a testament to their commitment to combining the culture of sharing and adaptation of 60’s folk and the do-it-yourself ethos of contemporary underground music. Blanky’s poignantly devitalized interpretations of rock’n’roll sound both new and familiar. The sense of desolation induced by their work is all so appropriate for an era marked by post-fact disenfranchisement. Blanky released NO SUMMERTIME on Manor records on October 9, 2020. Recorded in 2019 at El Rancho Morbido in Black Mountain, NC, and Lakehouse Sudios in Asbury Park, NJ. Engineered by Nick Semanchik & Anthony Cunard. Mixed by Anthony Cunard and Kevin Drew. Anthony Cunard on guitar & vocals, Santo Rizzolo on drums, Joseph Makoviecki on bass, Edward Madill on pedal steel.][Anthony Cunard of Blanky joined us as our guest on WMM on November 4, 2022.]

31. (#91) True Lions – “Fake Tears”
    from: True Lions / Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette / Manor Records / April 26, 2023
    [“Fake Tears” contains lyrics from the poem “The Fake Tears of Shirley Temple” by Patricia Lockwood, from Motherland Fatherland Homelandsexuals, published by Penguin Books, New York (2014) “Fake Tears” was the first single from the True Lions / Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette. True Lions released their debut full length album, “The Fempire Strikes Back,” on Manor Records on April 9, 2021 with Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals; Adee Rocket Dancy on cello & vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion; Iona DeWalt on synthesizers; Miki P on guitar & vocals, and Teri Quinn on bass & vocals. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on February 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on November 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams and Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. More info at: http://www.manorrecords.com .] [True Lions played The True Lions / Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette Release Show is Wednesday, April 26, at 7:00 PM with Jass & The Boys at The Ship 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.manorrecords.com] {true Lions were our guests on WMM on April 19, 2023 and July 12, 2023.]

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

Please tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December as we present our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2022 on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

NEXT WEEK, On December 13, we will bring you part 2 of our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2022. We’ll count down #90 through #61 with tracks from: .

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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 #1023

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, November 29, 2022

2023 – The Year in Music
with: Bill Brownlee, Marion Merritt, Chris Haghirian, & Fally Afani

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
   from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM’s theme]

10:05 – Interview with Bill Brownlee

Bill Brownlee is a music industry veteran based in the Kansas City area. He worked in the warehouse of a music distributor based in Olathe, Kansas, and was a clerk at Penny Lane Records in the 1980s.

He was the Midwestern sales representative for hundreds of independent record labels in the 1990s. He pitched releases from labels such as Death Row Records and Rounder Records to chains including Walmart and to mom-and-pop shops.

When the streaming revolution transformed the industry, Bill became a freelance writer for The Kansas City Star. The newspaper published hundreds of his concert reviews and thousands of his concert previews.

His concert recommendations and regular audio features are now published and aired by KCUR. Kansas City’s NPR member station will debut his new piece about the jazz icon Charlie Parker on Friday, December 1.

The pandemic years aside, Brownlee attended more than 100 concerts in each of the past 20 years. He documents many of these outings at Plastic Sax, his 17-year-old Kansas City jazz blog, and at There Stands the Glass, a site he founded in 2005.

Bill Brownlee, thanks for being with us on again on WMM.

Bill Brownlee’s Favorite Musical Releases of 2023

1. Mike Dillon & Punkadelic – Inflorescence / Royal Potato Family / January 27, 2023

2. Mike Dillon & Punkadelic – “Pandas”
from: Inflorescence / Royal Potato Family / January 27, 2023
[Punkadelick: Mike Dillon – Vibraphone, Marimba, Prophet 6, Congas, Bongo; Brain Haas – Fender Rhodes, Piano, Bass Moog, Melodica; Nikki Glaspie – Drums, Cymbals, Vocals. Mixed and Recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by Collin Jordan / Boiler Room Mastering. Cover Art: Peregrine Honig. // From Bandcamp notes: Mike Dillon & Punkadelick makes its recorded debut with Inflorescence, an album of heady, instrumental rock highlighting a band deep in the throes of creative freedom, road tested and wild. Consisting of 10 tracks in 42-minutes, it’s an expansive, focused and fearless collection, representing a world where Duke Ellington and Augustus Pablo rub shoulders with crate-digger exotica, the freak-funk of Parliament and the ‘anything fits’ outsider ethos of acid-fried punks like The Meat Puppets. // A trio featuring Mike Dillon (Ricki Lee Jones, Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool) on vibraphone, marimba, Prophet 6, congas, and bongos, Brian Haas (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey) on Fender Rhodes, piano, bass Moog and melodica and Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce) on drums, cymbals and vocals, Punkadelick is the unified vision of six hands creating a world that often sounds like the work of an ensemble three times the size. // During 2020 and 2021, while many music venues were still shuttered, the group began touring, sweating their way through cuts Dillon and Haas had composed during quarantine writing sessions. Locking in on stage, it quickly became clear the band was functioning at a level that made the hair on their arms stand at attention—even for three live music veterans accustomed to life on the road. // “It became obvious to let this become a collaboration,” Dillon says. “This is really something all three of us are doing because we have so much love for one another and a love for the music that we started creating.” // “There’s only three of us, but we move together like a big, nasty school of fish,” Haas adds, laughing. // During the tail end of a 2021 tour, the band booked time to record with engineer—and functioning fourth band member—Chad Meise, and Inflorescence sprouted. Opener “Desert Monsoon,” sets the stage with a spiritual-jazz intro of organ, vibraphone, percussion and wordless vocal coos before crackling to life as a swaggering funk strut. The title track, and “Pandas,” dig into thick dub textures built around Glaspie’s drumming and Haas’s subwoofer-straining bass synths. // “Apocalypse Daydream,” which appeared as an exotic head-nodder on 2020’s Shoot the Moon (titled “Apocalyptic Daydreams”) is reborn as a meatier jazz-rock slab where Dillon and Haas circle each other like Television performing as a lounge act on a cruise ship sailing seas of psilocybin. // Bending ears and surprising audiences has long been part of Dillon’s MO and Glaspie and Haas act as perfect foils for forays into the weird. While Dillon bristles at the “punk jazz” tag, punk rock and jazz remain core influences to the band, in sound and spirit. // “We’re students of the titans of music. We grew up listening to punk and rock ’n’ roll but we also love instrumental music—particularly the forefathers of Black American Music. In our minds, Led Zeppelin and Milt Jackson, Parliament-Funkadelic and The Minutemen, The Bad Brains and Frank Zappa are interconnected influences,” explains Dillon. “All that comes together in how we approach instrumental creative music. Both punk rock and jazz are not prefab things, they’re about the freedom. We have no genre restriction in this band, and people who get it really respect that.” // Maybe the greatest example of the band’s punk-steeped sonic free-for-all is “Slowly But Surely,” a track Dillon told Haas to compose as if he were “writing for Queens of the Stone Age.” The song plays like QOTSA translated to piano runs, vibes and deeply swinging drums—big-riff stoner rock upended and played with huge smiles by America’s premier proponents of the unclassifiable. // “We try to challenge our listeners. We’re touching a nerve with people who maybe don’t want to see the same songs done in the same variations all night long,” continues Dillon. “Part of my mission is taking these instruments that are primarily designed for the orchestral or jazz world and taking them to the rock world, the club world, running them through pedals and effects. We’re not afraid to be soft, or to surprise. That’s what we all do in this band — get beyond our own conceptions of what music is supposed to be.” // “We are so blessed and lucky to do what we do for a living — it’s apparent in the music,” Glaspie chimes in. “It doesn’t matter how the day is going, but we get to the club, set up and crush the gig, all the other stuff doesn’t matter. We’re likeminded individuals who love life, love people and want to spread happiness.”

2. Flooding – Silhouette Machine / Ghost is Clear Records & Manor Records / 9/29/23

3. Flooding – “Monolith Girl”
   from: Silhouette Machine / Ghost is Clear Records & Manor Records / Sept. 29, 2023
   [Flooding also released a 3-Way Split with Nightosphere and Abandoncy on February 24, 2023. Flooding’s self-titled album Flooding was released on physical cassette on February 19, 2022, on Manor Records. Flooding is a three-piece band based in Lawrence, Kansas. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Rose Brown, who began releasing music in 2019 under the name Window Seat. Joining Rose Brown are Cole Billings on bass, and Zach Cunningham on drums. For their debut album Brown wrote the music for the album in the spring of 2020. In early 2021 the group started playing the music to record in Cunningham’s converted shed studio in Gardner, Kansas. Rose Brown of Flooding was our guest on WMM on February 16, 2022. More information at: http://www.manorrecords.com]

3. Adam Larson Trio – With Love, from New York / Adam Larson / April 7, 2023

4. Adam Larson Trio – “Cellular Snacks (feat. Obed Calvaire)”
   from: With Love, from New York / Adam Larson / April 7, 2023
   [Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer, educator and author currently residing in the Kansas City-area. // Larson holds BM and MM degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant NYC jazz scene for eleven years before relocating in 2019. While a resident of the KC-Metro, Larson has held positions at UMKC Conservatory, University of Kansas and The Kansas City Art Institute. Larson currently teaches Entrepreneurship at KCAI. // Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre. // As a guest artist, Larson has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation and composition at more than one hundred universities across the globe. // Adam has recorded eight albums as a leader and maintains an active touring and clinician schedule, playing and presenting his original music and educational materials. http://www.adamlarsonjazz.com]

4. Levelle – Promise To Love / SRC Records / June 9, 2023

5. Levelle – “Only If”
   from: Promise To Love / SRC Records / June 9, 2023
   [LeVelle, also referred to as “LB,” is an R&B/ Neo-Soul artist and songwriter from Kansas City. LeVelle’s drive and dedication for his music career is personified through his ecstatic personality. This coupled with his soulful voice gives way to the talented artist that is LeVelle. // The inspiration for his musical career stems from his early exposure to different forms of music. Drawing influence from artists like Sam Cooke, Al Green, and Gerald LeVert, he has an assorted range of musical role models. These influences alongside his life experiences have allowed for the development of his unique musical style. // LeVelle was blessed with the opportunity to be Charlie Wilson’s background singer, and has graced the stage with other award-winning and talented artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Tank, and Robin Thicke, to name a few. //Promise To Love, is not just the name of his new project, but its his way of life concerning his music career. .]

5. The Floozies – Porty Hord / Funk Streek Records / November 10, 2023

6. The Floozies – “Wiggle in the Middle (feat. Big Freedia)”
   from: Porty Hord / Funk Streek Records / November 10, 2023
   [The Floozies are an electro-funk dua from Lawrence Kansas, comprised of brothers Matt and Mark Hill.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:31 – Interview with Marion Merritt

For more than 19 years Marion Merritt has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically encyclopedic brain with the listeners of WMM.

With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt a small, independent, minority owned business, at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri.

Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on WMM

Marion Merritt’s Favorite Musical Releases of 2023

1 – Blonde Redhead – Sit Down for Dinner / Section 1 Records / September 29, 2023

7. Blonde Redhead – “Melody Experiment” 
   from: Sit Down for Dinner / Section 1 Records / September 29, 2023
   [Blonde Redhead is an American alternative rock band composed of Kazu Makino (vocals, keys/rhythm guitar) and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace (drums/keys and lead guitar/bass/keys/vocals, respectively) that formed in New York City in 1993. The band’s earliest albums were noted for their noise rock influences, though their sound evolved by the early 2000s with the releases of Misery is a Butterfly (2004) and 23 (2007), which both incorporated elements of dream pop, shoegaze and other genres. They have released nine regular studio albums and have toured internationally. //Amedeo and Simone Pace were born in Milan, Italy, and grew up in Montreal (Saint-Léonard), but later moved to Boston to study jazz. After earning Bachelor’s degrees, they entered the New York City underground music scene. Blonde Redhead formed in New York in 1993 after Amedeo and Simone met Kazu Makino, an art student at the time, by chance at a local Italian restaurant.[6] The band named themselves after a song on the 1981 EP A Taste of DNA by the no wave group DNA. // Blonde Redhead’s self-titled debut album was released in 1995. Shortly afterwards, fourth member Maki Takahashi left the band and was replaced by her friend Toko Yasuda as bassist. Yasuda played on the band’s second album La Mia Vita Violenta also released in 1995. Both records appeared on the New York label Smells Like. The band continued as a trio. // Their third album, Fake Can Be Just as Good, was released through Touch & Go in 1997. The band enlisted the help of Vern Rumsey of Unwound, who filled the role of guest bassist. Subsequent albums featured Skúli Sverrisson, who the twins knew from their time in Boston. // On their fourth album, In an Expression of the Inexpressible, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi was hired as producer. Picciotto also contributed in the construction to the song “Futurism vs. Passéism Part 2” as well as lending it his vocals to the 1998 release. In 2000 Picciotto also co-produced Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons with Ryan Hadlock, an album about the relationship between Makino and Amedeo Pace. // The four-year delay between Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly is attributed to Makino’s recovery time after being trampled by a horse. Much of the visual and lyrical imagery of Misery Is a Butterfly is reflective of the accident, especially in the music video for “Equus.” It was the last time Picciotto produced the band. // In 2006 Makino recorded vocals for the film Sisters. Alan Moulder mixed the trio’s album 23 which was released on 4AD, in April 2007. // In mid-2008, they wrote and recorded the score of the documentary feature film The Dungeon Masters. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released on February 12, 2010; a soundtrack album was released in July 2010. In 2009, Blonde Redhead contributed to the AIDS benefit album Dark Was the Night produced by the Red Hot Organization. // In March 2010 the band included a demo version of the song “Not Getting There” on a 4AD sampler entitled Fragments From Work In Progress. Their eighth album, Penny Sparkle, was released in September 2010 through 4AD. The album was again mixed by Alan Moulder, and reached 79 in the Billboard 200 chart. For the subsequent tour the band added a key-board player. The band released a six-track remix EP in July 2011. // A year later, the band started the project for their next album but without the support of 4AD. Self-financed, the band embarked on a haphazard recording schedule with producer Drew Brown. Simone Pace noted about Brown’s involvement that “he has so much experience and definitely dictated the direction of the record; the choices of instruments, concept and that it was minimal.” He forced the band to use analogue instruments. // In April 2014 their song “For the Damaged Coda” was used in an episode of the first season of the cartoon Rick and Morty. The use of this song was again repeated in April 2017 in the third season. The use of the song became an important plot device regarding the character “Evil Morty” for the series. Around 2018 this song became an Internet meme expressing the sadness one feels at the worst moments of one’s life. The band released their ninth album, Barragán, on September 2, 2014, through Kobalt. It was preceded by the single “No More Honey” that appeared in June. It was followed by the second single, “Dripping,” which included a video. The band also provided the soundtrack to the Danish film The Commentator. // In June 2016 it was announced that the band would release the box set Masculin Féminin on September 30 through The Numero Group. It contains 37 tracks, which cover the first two albums, associated singles, radio sessions and unreleased demos from the period. In 2017, the band released the EP 3 O’Clock, which comprises four songs and featured contributions from Eyvind Kang, Michael Leonhart, Sam Owens and Mauro Refosco, among others. // In September 2019, Kazu Makino released her first solo album, Adult Baby, which featured Ryuichi Sakamoto (on piano, field recordings, and “organic instruments”), Ian Chang and Greg Saunier (drums), and Mauro Refosco (percussion). // The band toured the US in 2022 on select dates supporting Tool // Current members: Kazu Makino on rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals (1993–present); Amedeo Pace on lead guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals (1993–present); and Simone Pace on drums, keyboards (1993–present).]

2. Kendrick Scott – Corridors / Blue Note Records / March 3, 2023

8. Kendrick Scott – “What Day Is It? (feat. Reuben Rogers & Walter Smith III)”
   from: Corridors / Blue Note Records / March 3, 2023
   [Kendrick Scott was born July 8, 1980 in Houston, Texas, United States. He is an American jazz drummer, bandleader, and composer. He is the founder of the record label World Culture Music. // Kendrick A.D. Scott was born and raised in Houston. The first encounters Kendrick had with the drums were in church, where his parents, Kenneth and Stepheny, and older brother were involved in the music ministry. Scott was later accepted to Houston’s famed High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) where his high school career culminated in many awards – the most notable being The Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, given by the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) and The National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts. Upon graduation from high school in 1998, Kendrick was awarded a scholarship to attend the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, majoring in Music Education. Since graduating from Berklee in 2002, Scott has performed with a variety of name artists including the Jazz Crusaders, guitarist Pat Metheny, saxophonists Joe Lovano and Kenny Garrett, vocalists Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright, Gretchen Parlato and trumpeter Terence Blanchard, to name a few. He also was a member of the Berklee-Monterey Quartet, performing at the legendary Monterey Jazz Festival in 1999-2000, 2002 and 2007. // Scott’s debut recording with his group Oracle recorded The Source in 2006, including pianists Aaron Parks and Robert Glasper, guitarist Lionel Loueke, vocalist Gretchen Parlato, and others. Scott also performed with the Terence Blanchard Quintet on the album A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) (2007), which was nominated for two Grammy Awards for 2008. Kendrick was a member of the band that accompanied Terence Blanchard to the Monterey Jazz Festival’s 50th anniversary in 2007, and Scott embarked on the 22-state tour, starting in January, 2008 with the 50th Anniversary MJF All-Star Band. It featured the leaders of the past, present and future with Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Moody on saxophone, Benny Green on piano, Derrick Hodge on bass, and jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon. // Scott also currently plays with the Charles Lloyd Quartet, featuring alongside Reuben Rogers on bass, and Gerald Clayton on piano.]

3. Abraham Alexander – SEA/SONS / Dualtone Music Group / April 14, 2023

9. Abraham Alexander – “Stay (feat. Gary Clark Jr.)”
   from: SEA/SONS / Dualtone Music Group / April 14, 2023
   [Abraham Alexander’s debut album SEA/SONS. Born in Greece to parents of Nigerian descent, Alexander moved to Texas with his family at age 11 to escape the racial tensions they faced in his birthplace. Shortly after moving to the states, his birth mother was killed in a car accident with a drunk driver, leading Alexander to be adopted later in his teens. He found solace in sports as a soccer prodigy and later, following a torn ACL that ended his playing career, in music once a friend handed Alexander a guitar and he unexpectedly found songs pouring out of him. // The 11 tracks on SEA/SONS touch on themes of loss, redemption, longing, anguish and joy. And while his lyrics speak to pain, trauma and life-changing loss, he instills his music with a joyful passion and irrepressible spirit, ultimately giving way to songs that radiate undeniable hope.]

4. Bodikhuu – Tokyo / Farsi Records – Mississippi Records / March 24, 20232

10. Bodikhuu – “J-Funk”
    from: Tokyo / Farsi Records – Mississippi Records / March 24, 2023
    [Mongolian producer BODIKHUU returns with a sonic journey through Japan in the form of 13 instrumental hip- hop vignettes. // “I wanted to portray the 80s Japanese atmosphere through my style,” Bodikhuu writes from his home in Ulaanbaatar, the coldest capital city on earth. “Even though I have never been there, this is my way of saying that I have seen the place.” // Unable to travel to Japan, Bodikhuu instead conjures an imagined city through sound. “Tokyo” evokes the neon, sweat, traffic, exhaust, gloaming towers and “monotonous lonely lives” of the sprawling megalopolis through its music. The album is a rich collage of cast-off sounds and razor sharp interpolations of city pop, obscure Japanese jazz, and 80s J-pop, all expertly chopped up on one of the few MPC-1000s in Ulaanbaatar. Faded voices over thundering drums give tracks like “Office Melancholia” and“Subway” a sense of place and emotional weight uncommon in beat tapes. // “Tokyo” builds on the international success of 2019’s “Rio/Bodianova” (the first Mongolian hip-hop record on vinyl), which found Bodi traveling through Rio on a lush bed of 1970s bossa nova and tropicalia. On this album, we’re jet-propelled into the 80s – all smooth surfaces, shimmering synths, and twinkling lights. // Collaged cut-up artwork by Digital Sting (Feel- Free Hi-Fi), warm analog master from Dave Vettraino (International Anthem) and loud-cut 160gm vinyl from Smashed Plastic in Chicago complement Bodikhuu’s considered beats. // A note from Bodikhuu: “The album’s idea came from my friend Jargalan aka Jack. I wanted to portray the 80s Japanese atmosphere through my style. Basically it represents the tremendously busy lifestyle of Tokyo – subway stations, roads, towers, factories monotonous and lonely lives of people in it. Even though I have never been there, this is my way of saying that I have seen the place. All of the samples come from city pop, j-pop, Japanese jazz & funk music and the production was done on an MPC-1000. ]

5. Samara Joy – Linger Awhile / Verve / September 16, 2022

11. Samara Joy – “Guess Who I Saw Today”
    from: Linger Awhile / Verve / September 16, 2022
    [Samara Joy McLendon, is known professionally as Samara Joy. She is an American jazz singer. She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2019 and was named Best New Artist by Jazz Times for 2021. // A native of the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, Joy was born in 1999 into a musical family. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, were founders of Philadelphia gospel group The Savettes. Her father, a bass player who has toured with gospel singer/songwriter/producer Andraé Crouch, introduced her to gospel greats like The Clark Sisters, and soul and Motown were also a big presence in her home. // At Fordham High School for the Arts she performed with the jazz band, and won Best Vocalist at Fordham University’s “Essentially Ellington” competition at Lincoln Center. But she first encountered jazz in a meaningful way when she enrolled in the jazz program at SUNY’s Purchase College as a voice major, and was named an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. Friends there introduced her to the great jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Fitzgerald and instrumentalists like Kenny Washington, Jon Faddis (with whom she studied)[16] and Ingrid Jensen. While she was still in college, before the release of her first album, film director Regina King called her “a young woman who seems like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald are both living in her body.” // In 2019, as Samara McLendon, she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. // Working with producer and eventual manager Matt Pierson, she recorded her self-titled debut album while still in college, graduating magna cum laude in 2021. Samara Joy was released on 9 July 2021 with Whirlwind Records. // On February 15, 2022 she performed on Today with guitarist Pasquale Grasso and performed again on Today in September 2022.// She released a number of viral video performances, including one that had been viewed over 1.5 million times as of October 2020. These videos had as of November 2022 gaineduding a series of sold-out conc and other festivals, as well as in Europe. // In February 2021 she was featured in Women of Color on Broadway, Inc.’s music video of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess and on jazz pianist Julius Rodriguez’s album Let Sound Tell All. // Jazz Times named her Best New Artist for 2021. // On June 15, 2022 she was featured at Carnegie Hall’s 16th Annual Notable Occasion. and appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival. On September 16, 2022 she released her second album, Linger Awhile, on Verve Records. The album features drummer Kenny Washington, guitarist Pasquale Grasso, pianist Ben Paterson, and bassist David Wong. // She earned two Grammy Award nominations in 2022, for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile. Her bookings for winter 2022 include singing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on its winter 2022 Big Band Holidays tour.]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Interview with Chris Haghirian

Chris Haghirian shares his passion for the KC music community as host of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 pm, on 90.9 The Bridge, just a few clicks up the dial. Chris worked for The KC Star for over 20 years. Chris organizes music for, Boulevardia, The Plaza Art Fair. With Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, Chris created The Middle of The Map Fest.

Chris Haghirian thanks for being with us on WMM.

Chris Haghirian’s Favorite Musical Releases of 2023

1. Mary & The Matrix – “I’ve Got Guns”- Single / Mary & The Matrix / 9/22/23

12. Mary & The Matrix – “I’ve Got Guns”
    Mary & The Matrix – “I’ve Got Guns”- Single / September 22, 2023
    [Debut single from North Texas band was inspired by Patti Smith and Celia Cruz.]

2. Zee Underscore – “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”- Single / Underscore Form / 6/12/23

13. Zee Underscore – “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”
    from: “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)” – Single / Underscore Form / July 12, 2023
    [Zee Underscore is a Kansas City based singer, songwriter, electrical engineer, and co-founder @zntl_ent More information at: https://linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D%5BZee Underscore & Noye played the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 PM on the Kissick Construction Stage at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO (Indoor Stage) one of 6 STAGES in the Historic West Bottoms with over 25 Bands. More info at http://www.cmfkc.com]

3. Dragon Inn 3 – Trade Secrets / American Laundromat Records / April 18, 2023

14. Dragon Inn 3 – “Out of Control”
    from: Trade Secrets / American Laundromat Records / April 18, 2023
    [The long-anticipated sophomore release from Dragon Inn 3. Features 10 brand new songs plus a fantastic cover of Yazoo’s “Only You.” // Dragon Inn 3 is: Grace Bentley on vocals; Philip Dickey on synths, drums, guitar, bass & vocals; Sharon Hamm on synths & vocals; David Hill on vocals & synths. Recorded from 2018 to 2022 at Davey’s house and Sharon’s house. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Philip Dickey. Additional recording and mixing help from Ross Brown, David Hill, and Chase Horseman. Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios. Additional musicians: Bill Belzer percussion “I Can’t Stop”, John Cardwell guitar “Finally Going Down”, Ben Collins guitar “I Can’t Stop”, Tim Gillespie saxophone “I Can’t Stop” “Out Of Control” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Anita Kitungano vocals “See It Your Way”, John O’Hallaron guitar “Teleport”, Bora Wilondja vocals “See It Your Way” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Mauwa Wilondja vocals “Trade Secrets Theme”, Pelo Wilondja percussion “I Could Never”. Additional writers: Emma Bentley Ruzicka “Not Enough”, Bora Wilondja “See It Your Way”, JR Top “See It Your Way”, and Vincent Clark “Only You”. Cover photo: Dominik Podlipniak. Design: Dustin Williams. // Kansas City based band formed in 2012 with Grace Bentley, Sharon Bowie, Philip K. Dickey, E.P. Marcus. Dragon Inn 3’s debut LP DOUBLE LINE on August 17, 2018 through American Laundromat records. DOUBLE LINE was part of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. The band spent six years whittling away on the songs. Combining sugary pop hooks, hypnotic beats, and huge MOOG synths, Dragon Inn 3’s playful take on 80s pop could double as the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie (if John Hughes directed Blade Runner). The cinematic origins of Dragon Inn 3 can be traced back to 2012, when Philip Dickey (leader of the indie-pop group, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin) wrote a theme song for the award-winning short film Ghoul School. “If you watch the trailer you can tell it’s the same premise and look as Stranger Things–we just accidentally made it three years before them,” Dickey says. “I had so much fun making the soundtrack with the director (E.P. Marcus) that we decided to start a band.” Dickey recruited his sister, Sharon Bowie, an occupational therapist, and his wife, children’s librarian Grace Bentley, to help with songwriting and vocal duties. The group self-released the Ghoul School Soundtrack EP in late 2012, receiving high praise from Consequence of Sound, Philadelphia’s WXPN, and The Riverfront Times, before climbing to #1 on Bandcamp’s cassette charts. Then it was back to the studio (i.e. the bedrooms, kitchens, garages, and hotel rooms that doubled as makeshift recording studios). In between full-time jobs, parenthood, graduate school classes, and cross country moves, the members of Dragon Inn 3 put Double Line to tape. “I’m a stay-at-home dad now, so I would work on song arrangements and rough mixes when our toddler was taking his naps,” explains Dickey. “Grace would come home from work and record all her parts after his bedtime. We recorded all the breathy vocals in the living room and all the yelly parts in the garage so we wouldn’t wake him up.” The result is a highly addictive album that creates “a soundtrack for the more introspective moments on and off the dance floor,” according to critic David Greenwald. With members spread out over the country (KC, LA, and Springfield, MO), the group signed to American Laundromat Records in early 2018. A demo of “Bad Boy” (co-written with Free Energy’s Paul Sprangers) landed in a commercial for Ryan Adams’ Beats 1 Radio show before the song was even completed. More Info at: http://www.dragoninn3.com]

4. Ivory Blue – Starlit Love Child / IVORY BLUE / November 17, 2023

15. Ivory Blue – “The Best of Life”
    from: Starlit Love Child / IVORY BLUE / November 17, 2023
    [On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D

5. Collidescope – FunHouse / Collidescope / October 13, 2022

16. Collidescope – “Dodo Bird”
    from: FunHouse / Collidescope / October 13, 2022
    [ “The Blackness” is from the upcoming album “Clown Town” that Collidescope hopes to release in early 2023. Collidescope is essentially a duo that includes: Hadiza. on vocals, beats, & synthesizers; and Madison Monroe on guitar, bass, beats, synthesizers, mixing & vocals. On December 31, 2020 Collidescope released their 7-track album DEEP TAPE. DEEP TAPE includes Victoria Falls Stillwater on addition sound production and vocals, and was mixed and mastered by J.Ashley Miller. DEEP TAPE is a follow up the band’s debut EP SYSTEMIC released December 16, 2017. Hadiza also released her solo album SHADOW WEIGHT on Nov. 22, 2019. More info at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com or http://www.acollidescope.bandcamp.com ]

11:29 – Underwriting

10:31 – Interview with Fally Afani

Fally Afani is an award-winning journalist with a career spanning nearly 39 years in media. She has worked extensively in radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism. Fally lives in Lawrence, Kansas, where she reports on local & touring musicians and is the editor & founder of, I Heart Local Music a comprehensive website providing info and place for music lovers in Lawrence to gather. It was started out of a deep love & appreciation for the local music scene. Info at: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.com

Fally Afani, Thank you for being with us in Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fally Afani’s Favorite Musical Releases of 2023

5. Approach – Jump (Maxi Single) / Datura Records / May 25, 2023

21. Approach – “Again”
    from: Jump (Maxi Single) / Datura Records / May 25, 2023
    [Lawrence based hip-hop artist. Written, Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By: Approach/Aikido Bray @Prosidio Garden in Lawrence, KS. Design & Layout: DesignedByMilk. Cover Photo Taken By: Approach]

4. Kaw Tikis – Kaw Tikis / Kaw Tikis / October 6, 2023

18. Kaw Tikis – “Surf Betty”
    from: Kaw Tikis / Kaw Tikis / October 6, 2023
    [Kaw Tikis are: Gerhardt Von Gretsch on drums, Donald Mac Ronald on guitars, Jerry Jeff Boyardi on bass, Abu Garcia on guitars. // Recorded and mixed by s. gribble at Balance Recording Services. // In 2018 Kaw Tikis emerged from a Kansas river sandbar with a mission to deliver high-quality guitar instrumentals with vintage flair. With their curious names, purple velour suits, “continental” ties, and a frontman who only seemed to speak in French, they arrived on the scene as Men of Mystery. // When founding member Johnny Monoprix moved on to more mature pursuits, Donald “Mac” Ronald was there to move the group forward with his handmade guitars and snappy instrumentals. They released these tunes in 2023 on their first recording, with a promise of more to come.]

3. The Roseline – “Aloneness” – Single / RPH Records / November 10, 2023

19. The Roseline – “Aloneness”
    from: “Aloneness” – Single / RPH Records / November 10, 2023
    [Written by Colin Halliburton. Acoustic guitar: Colin Halliburton on vocals & electric guitar, Bradley McKellip on bass, Colin Jones on drums, Jim Piller on keyboards, Heidi Gluck on back ground vocals. // Engineered, produced, and mixed by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, KS Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering in Chicago, IL. // Their 8th LP, Keystone of the Heart, arrives February 2nd, 2024 and is arguably their most distilled, elegant, and emotionally resonant album of their career. Halliburton describes it as “a protest record which protests the dissolution of a marriage, the slog of existence in late stage capitalism, and grotesque hatred and violence.” While this certainly sounds clunky and heavy-handed, Halliburton knows when to inject some levity and humor. Songs which appear dour and grim in the early verses always seem to find some hope and light by their end. Keystone of the Heart offers pure aural aloe for troubled times. // The Roseline’s 7th album CONSTANCY. Released November 5, 2021, was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. // 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 a Kansas City ALBUM RELEASE show for their new album, KEYSTONE OF THE HEART” on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM at Hillsiders, 401, N. 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas in Strawberry Hill, with Teri Quinn and Lauren Lovelle]

2. Red Kate – Exit Strategy / Black Site / November 10. 2023

20. Red Kate – “Shut It Down”
    from: Exit Strategy / Black Site / November 10. 2023
    [First single form new album. Single was released April 27, 2023. The Kansas City based, class-conscious punk rock and rollers, Red Kate, are proud to announce their first new music in five years. “Shut It Down”, the debut single from the band’s upcoming third album, EXIT STRATEGY, is a blistering, no-holds-barred call to action for the oppressed, marginalized and working class. Written by the band’s former guitar player, Desmond Poirier, after attending a Stand Up KC march, “Shut It Down” reminds us that when push comes to shove, the one power the powerless still have when they come together in solidarity is to SHUT! IT! DOWN! The song begins streaming on all platforms Thursday, April 27, 2023. // In late 2021, singer/bassist, L. Ron Drunkard, drummer Andrew Whelan, rhythm guitarist Shawn Hamontree, and newly added lead guitarist Chris Kinsley returned to the band’s mainstay studio, Duane Trower’s Weights and Measures Soundlab, to finish what, at this point, had become a multi-year project. The group laid down four new tracks written during lockdown and then began the long process of turning twelve songs recorded over several sessions in two different studio locations with four different guitarists into the best sounding, and best collection of, songs the band has ever recorded. // Exit Strategy is set for release in the Fall of 2023 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site. // BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone. Info at: http://www.black-site.org

[Red Kate plays Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 1, 2023, with special guests Jackoffs and Sarkatha.]

1. Heidi Lynne Gluck – Migrate Or Die / Heidi Lynne Gluck / July 7, 2023

21. Heidi Lynne Gluck – “Severance”
    from: Migrate Or Die / Heidi Lynne Gluck / July 7, 2023
    [Heidi Lynne Gluck released the singles: “All I See Is Magic” on May 25, 2023, “I’m Not Free” on June 2, 2023 and “Skyscraper” on June 7, 2023 Lawrence, Kansas based Heidi Lynne Gluck is a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist originally from the middle of Canada. After transplant-ing herself from the plains of Manitoba to the midwestern United States, Heidi quickly became an in-demand player, performing on stage and in the studio both as a solo artist and with renowned musicians including Juliana Hatfield & Some Girls, Margot & The Nuclear So and Sos, Lily & Madeleine, The Pieces, The Only Children, and others. Heidi Lynne Gluck joined us live on WMM on June 8, and Aug. 24, 2016. Heidi Lynne Gluck released her critically acclaimed album, PONY SHOW through Lawrence based Lotuspool Records on Aug. 26, 2016. This was the follow-up to her critically acclaimed release THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ROOM, released April 28, 2015. Heidi Lynne Gluck released the 8th edition of the Too Much Rock, limited edition, 7” vinyl Single Series on Aug. 3, 2018, featuring her original song, “Party Line.” and the B-side, “Good Guys and Bad Guys” a new version of Camper Van Beethoven song. Heidi Lynne Gluck also plays with the band the Roseline and was a featured vocalist on “Beauty in the Distance” with Asterales. Heidi recently released two new singles with Tom Brosseau, “Sunflower” on Dec. 15, 2022, and “Under African Skies” on Feb. 17, 2023.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on December 6, we begin the WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year in music based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. In 2023 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 145 interviews with 150 special guests.

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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 #1022

#1. Krystle Warren & The Faculty– “Macca” – Single / Parlour Door Music / May 22, 2023

[Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) and their single “Rising” written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US, “Macca” is the newest release from Krystle Warren & The Faculty, that was recorded on the heels of sessions for the band’s upcoming full length album EXTENDED PLAY. ”Macca” arrived unexpectedly. // “A pal contacted me to help work on the music for an advertisement he was piecing together. My job was to find a melody and put words to it, so I set up my mic and started trying out ideas. And then POW! ‘ ‘Hang then upon the moon…’ – it sounded so distinctly Paul. Immediately I worried that the client would accept my buddy’s submission; thankfully, they didn’t.” // The “Paul” Krystle is referring to is of course, Paul McCartney, whose famous nickname entitles the song. // “He is such a huge inspiration for me. As a songwriter – my love of melody, the little quirks that come out lyrically – that’s all thanks to him. And singing that chorus — it evoked for me those gorgeous ballads he composed in the 80s – “Wanderlust,” ‘Tug Of War’…There’s a bit of Wings there as well, I think, with a nod to ‘I’m Carrying.’ // “What’s wild to me is that, though I decided. ‘This is for Paul,’ it became equal parts: a love letter to him, and a note of encouragement to me. Which is a wonderful thing when you think about it: Paul’s music so often encourages us to keep going, keep trying, and in using his language (so to speak), unwittingly, he was giving me strength.”] [Krystle Warren & Solomon Dorsey headlined the KC Folk Fest 2023 on Saturday, May 20, in Washington Square Park, Kansas City, MO. Info: http://www.krystlewarren.com org]

#2. Julia Haile – “Up Late” – Single / Julia Haile / June 16, 2023

[One of 4 new singles released by Julia Haile in the last 15 months. Julia released “Ave 4” on June 16, 2023. Julia released “Heavy Rotation” &“Set Out” on Sept. 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer & songwriter based in KCMO. Her natural talent & musical education fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group created music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b​/​w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles. More info at: www.juliaHaile.com]

#3. Jass & The Boys – “Gvn2u (feat. Jass & Black Light Animals)” -Single / Groove King Records / July 14, 2023 

[New single from Jass & The Boys follows their earlier single, “Love U Like I Love U (feat. Jass & Black Light Animals) “ released December 2, 2022 through Groove King Records. “The Boys” are Clarence Cpridge on keyboards with the members of Black Light Animals: Colby Bales, Branden Moser, & Cody Calhoun. Colby and Branden also are pare of the Freedom Affair. Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch who released the EP OFFKEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released her single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was WMM’s #1 Single in our 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. Jass released her single “Him” on February 23, 2022. Jass released AT THE CLOSE OF A DECADE on November 26, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. She wrote, “After years of writing and recording in voice memos, I decided to grab my iPad and began recording something that I am very proud of, and named it, At the Close of A Decade, and released it in November 2019. With my iPhone/iPad, some apple headphones, I created this project. The amazing people around me told me it was worth it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I convinced myself I would be the only one that liked my songs. If you decide to listen you’ll hear sound clips of shows and movies that made a difference in the way I saw the world, the way I saw myself, and the way I overcame my experiences. I remember asking my grandma and my son if I should release what I’ve been writing and they both said very simply to do it, so I’ve done it. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been my soundboards during this process, all of the people that have asked me when it’s coming, the people that have kept me accountable, and believed that this time it was for real. My story is so very triumphant and beautiful because I have overcome experiences and shunned the fear I had to do what I love. It’s crazy how you can talk your way out of some amazing things and also how you can talk yourself into making some amazing things happen. If you partake, I hope you enjoy.” // Jass has played The Essence Festival, Apocalypse Meow, Manor Fest, Farmers Ball, KC Monarchs, recordBar, Bottleneck, Mutual Musicians Foundation, Grinders, Sofar Sounds, The Uptown Theatre . She has shared the stages with The New Respects, Thundercat, Old Sound, and many others. More info at: www.jassrcouch.com]

#4. Emmaline Twist – “Strange Pursuit (Radio Edit)“ – Single / Black Site / October , 2022

[The band is Meredith McGrade on vocals & guitar, Kristin Conkright on bass, Jonathan Knecht on drums, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar,and Alex Alexander on synthesizers & guitar. Emmaline Twist, is a Kansas City based Darkwave / Post-Punk / Shoegaze project. The band released the single, “Aspera” on July 1, 2022, the second single from the band’s upcoming album and follow up to the single “Drugs” released July 1, 2021. Their critically acclaimed debut LP, DISSIMULATION was released August 24, 2018 from Black-Site Records. That album was recorded, mixed, and produced at Massive Sound by Paul Malinowski, and Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. In 2017 the band released “Dissimulation 1,” 4 songs in digital format. This is their first single since their 2016 single release of “Vega” b/w “Moon Eyes.”]

#5. Will Van Doorn & Kat King – “Blue” (CD #3) (3:45)


from: “Flying Bird” / “Blue” – Single / Rust Records / August 18, 2023 

[Wills Van Doorn is getting set to release his debut full-length solo record, ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023. “Flying Bird” is the second single from the lbum and it was released with “Blue’ an extra track not on the album that features Kat King on vocals. Wills Van Doorn released the single “The Lawn-mower Collector” on July 28, 2023, also from ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY. Wills Van Doorn released the single, “Shake The Frost” on March 10, 2023, and the single, “Lately” on Oct. 22, 2022, and the EP RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020. Wills Van Doorn released the singles: “1000 Times” on March 26, 2020, “On My Mind” on July 12, 2019, and “Out of Season” on April 5, 2019. Will Van Doorn has played guitar with Supermoto, Brent Windler’s live band, and he recently signed on as the new lead guitarist for The Creepy Jingles who are currently in the studio recording their new album. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

#6 Eddie Moore – “Tsunami“ – Single / Eddie Moore Music / April 20, 2023 

[Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, this song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // “Tsunami” is a kick back song. Grab a drink, maybe roll up something, and take a mental health day. Because right now, life for everyone is kind of stressful. Moore provides the vibes with smooth piano melodies, swirling synth textures, and when the bass hits it washes over you like a tidal wave. // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // Eddie Moore released hia critically acclaimed album INTUITION on October 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. // Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at www.eddiemooremusic.com]

#7. LYXE – “Ice Cream“ – Single / LYXE / June 23, 2023

[ LYXE is a three piece pop-rock outfit based out of Lawrence, Kansas formed out of the love of getting fans to sing and dance along to hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds. They quickly became a favorite of crowds and musicians alike with the lead of Ryan Wise’s crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. The trio has an undeniable chemistry that caught the local scene like wildfire. Bassist AJ Knudson brings a loveable charisma to their live presence, while drummer Jimmy Girod’s subtle, elegant delivery gives this act a sophisticated backbone. // In their debut EP, Everything You Could Ever Want, LYXE strives to create an infectious party environment that hips cannot deny. Pulling inspiration from a wide range of genres, this six-song EP has a pop-rock, new wave nostalgia that sinks its teeth into you. Luring in listeners with dramatics and lush hooks on “Wave,” yet unafraid to tap into their feral side on “I Got Everything.” The record closes with “Fit,” which makes you feel like you’re in an argument with your prom date in 1989.

In July of 2022, LYXE recorded their debut EP, Everything You Could Ever Want, at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. The new EPgave listeners a different side of Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. .The EP was released on September 15, 2022.// On June 23, 2023 LYXE released a remastered version of their song “Wave (Remastered 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.” // For additional information or inquiries please contact: wearelyxe@gmail.com ]

#8. SEYKO – “What I Want” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats / June 23, 2023

[Produced by Colby Bales of the band Black Light Animals and also a bandmate of SEYKO’s in The Freedom Affair. // From www.seykomusic.com: Seyko has always found music to be a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, a way of self-expression but even deeper than that. Music was always a life-giving, constant companion from the happiest moments to the darkest days. Music continues to be Seyko’s way of communicating with the world around her.  // Seyko developed her musical talent during her formative years through church and school choirs, friendships that evolved into singing groups, and professional training through voice lessons and songwriting. Opportunities presented themselves, but Seyko also created opportunities for herself as she chased her dream to create and perform her own music. // The Freedom Affair and Sunu, two Kansas City bands Seyko performs and writes with, have solidified her place in the music scene and provide a solid foundation for beginning her solo career. Seyko’s singing and songwriting career has spanned twenty years, and it shows! Her creative growth has led to her being a well-respected artist in Kansas City, allowing her to participate in recording projects for fellow musicians and even singing background vocals for Michael Bublé at a live concert in 2022.]

#9. Cheery – “Bliss” – Single / Spirit House Records / September 20, 2023

[“Bliss” is Cheery’s 5^th single, and one of three new singles released by Cheery this summer, from her new home in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom. Cheery released “True Lover” on July 19, 2023. Cheery released “90210 Poster” on August 16, 2023. All three singles come with fabulous new music videos Katlyn has created. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Cowpland formerly known as Katlyn Conroy, who was formerly based in Lawrence, Kansas. Katlyn met her husband on OkCupid and moved 4000 miles away to get married and relocate in Liverpool, England.  When she was still based in Lawrence, Kansas, As Cheery, Katlyn released the single“Concept of Love” and b-side, “Vulture” on August 3, 2021, written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. With over 20 years of live performance experiences she has performed alongside Daniel Johnston, Florence and The Machine, Grizzly Bear, Sara Barielles, Why? and more. Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015. More info at: www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery ]

#10. Cuee – “Proud Boi” – Single / Cuee / June 1, 2023

[Cuee most recently released the (3-song Single) “With Love” including the track “See You Tonight” on February 14, 2023. Before that Cueereleased the (3-song Single) “Coming Out” on June 24, 2022. Lawrence based hip-hop artist Cuee is a rapper with a Master’s Degree. Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a graduate of Artist Inc. Originallyfrom Chicago, Illinois, Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC with exciting live performances. And since 2017 Cue has released severalcritically acclaimed albums, an EP, multiple singles. We last talked with Cuee on March 3, 2021 and on May 5, 2021 and before that, on August 12, 2020, when he released the single “Who’s Back.” and before that on May 29, 2019. Cuee released the single: “Ain’t Goin Backon May 7, 2021, “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” on April 29, 2021 and part of GOSPEL the album. In 2020 Cuee’ track, “Shook” landed on an official Spotify playlist dedicated to transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid musicians across the globe including Kim Petras and Lex Allen.  Spotify sent out a note said, “Hey Cuee you hit a high note this month.” Cuee said he didn’t even know what that meant, and he looked up to discover he had over 24,000 listener during the month of June on Spotify. I was trying to figure out what happened. I did a little research, I logged onto my instagram account, I was starting to get a flood of followers. I was just tracing it back and I landed on a Spotify playlist, it was an editorial playlist so he couldn’t find out who put him on there. “Someone found me.” Cuee made three trips home to Chicago to record the record. For the new album GOSPEL Cuee explained that this term can have biblical connections but it also means ‘the truth.” The video for “Ain’t Going Back” takes place in a church, and is a declaration of freedom, and identity, while also paying respect. Cuee talked us about how the track was created in the studio and translating the song into a video that was shot in a church.  Last time we talked with Cuee he shared his thoughts about ‘”Queerness in a church,” Cuee said, “you know, is very…different, I mean I wanted to bring that into that space, and freedom into that space, allow that space to be seen and heard by other people who traditionally wont take up that space.” Originally from Chicago, Illinois. 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. Cuee has gained fans over the last six years in Lawrence and Kansas City for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances.  Along with getting his Master’s Degree, Cuee has released around 30 different musical tracks, legally changed his name, and has transitioned physically and vocally. The song “Ain’t Going Back” features Cuee’s friend Joel Leoj who is originally from Florida, but after moving to Chicago, became friends with Cuee in school, and recently moved to Lawrence to make music and collaborate on recordings with Cuee. Cuee explained that they have known each other since high school, that they “started a Hip Hop culture club in our high school, to bring music, kinda having a place to chill after school, write music together as a community. That’s how we started.” “I moved out here to Kansas, to go to school, he stayed back in Miami, and then we kind of connected back, maybe about two years ago, and hit it off really strong. We decided we wanted to pursue this music thing together. We decided let’s just do this. So he said he was going to move to Lawrence. I didn’t believe him at first, until he showed up on my doorstep, and I was like, Wow, you are here, let’s do this.” Joel Leoj released the album, JOEY IN WONDERLAND on January 31, 2021. Cuee is a featured guest emcee on the tracks “Eden” and “No Debate.” More info at: www.officialcuee.com]

#11. Corey Dies in the End – “Boy With No Job” (CD #16) (2:51)

from: “Boy With No Job” – Single / Lime Squeeze Records / February 17, 2023 

[Corey Dies in the End just recently release the new single, “Buyers Remorse” on June 9, 2023. Corey Dies in the End is the solo musical project of Corey Vitt who has been playing in Kansas City and Lawrence bands since 2006 playing with Videodisk, Parents, Hidden Pictures, Rooms Without Windows, and Beautiful Bodies. With Corey Dies in the End on vocals, programming, & guitars and Matty Harris on mixing  &mastering. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Stranger’s Faces” on September 2, 2022. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Goth Girl Summer” on May 20. 2022. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Air” on January 26, 2022. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Island” on October 6, 2021. More info at: http://www.coreydiesintheend.bandcamp.com]

#12. Jo Mackenzie – “Metaverse” (CD #5) (2:54)

from: “Metaverse” – Single / Middle of The Map Music / July 21, 2023

[Follow up to her last single, “Radiator” released on May 27, 2022. Before that on March 11, 2022, Jo Mackenzie (producer and songwriter) released the EP, TOURIST. Last year, Jo Mackenzie and 19 year old Dia Jane (singer/songwriter) released the EP, BRAINBABY on September 5, 2021. The two met at an open mic in Kansas City, Missouri, when Jo was in 8th grade and Dia was in 10th grade. Three years later, the two reconnected to started a musical project together that eventually turned into Baby and the Brain, a self-produced indie-pop band. In 2020 Kansas City based singer songwriter, Jo MacKenzie released this year now collected together in a 5 -song EP, written, performed and produced by Jo MacKenzie. Mixed by Harper James. Jo MacKenzie released her Debut EP Proud on November 17, 2018. Along with Proud, Jo Mackenzie released the single “Just Like Rain” on August 18, 2018; “I Should Come with a Warning Sign” on September 28, 2019; and “Alaska” on November 23, 2019 and the single “Suicide Season” on February 1, 2020, and the single “Lose My Face” on April 24, 2020. Info at www.jomackenzie.com]

#13. Major Matt Mason USA- “Victims of The Storm”– Single / Olive Juice Music / 1/23/23

[Matt Roth on guitar & vocals, Brian Hurtgen on drums, and Dane Bridges on bass. Recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Audio (Shawnee, KS) Produced by Matt Roth and Paul Malinowski

copyright 2023. (Claws Beat Skin BMI). // Major Matt Mason USA previously released, “Stupid Feelings: on May 6, 2022. Major Matt Mason released “Endless Summer” on November 18, 2020. Major Matt Mason USA is the performing name for musician, poet, and producer Matt Roth. Originally from Shawnee, Kansas, Matt cut his teeth playing guitar for local Lawrence, KS freak out and math rock bands Magic Nose and Dracomagnet in the early 1990s. // In 1994 Matt moved to New York City where he became active in the anti-folk and DIY music scene of New York’s East Village. Centering around the infamous Monday night, open mic, Antihoots at the Sidewalk Cafe, the scene was an early stomping ground for an array of artists including Beck, Regina Spektor, The Moldy Peaches, Langhorne Slim, John S. Hall (King Missile), Jeffrey Lewis, Shilpa Ray, Kimya Dawson, Diane Cluck, and many more. // In 1998 MMM released his debut solo album Me Me Me in the US. The album was licensed for the UK and Europe on Teenage Fanclub drummer Francis MacDonald’s label, Shoeshine Records. He would continue to release two more albums with Shoeshine: 2002’s Honey Are you Ready for the Ballet and 2004’s Bad People Rule The World. In 2005 Matt released a one-off project under the moniker of Kansas State Flower and in 2007 he returned as Major Matt Mason USA with the album Senile Pie Strive Pip Melancholy. // In 2001 he formed the band Schwervon! with Nan Turner. Schwervon! would go on to release five albums and a handful of singles, including a 7” on, Pavement member, Bob Nastanovich’s label Broker’s Tip Records. // During his time in NYC, he established Olive Juice Music, a recording studio, independent record label, and online record distro headquartered in his apartment in the Lower East Side. Olive Juice Music would go on to host the OJ All Day Music Fest, for three years, as well as the OJ Distro, a hub for over three hundred independent releases in the early days of online mailorder. OJ Studios has produced recordings for many notable artists including: Kimya Dawson, Daniel Johnston, Jeffrey Louis, Adam Green (Moldy Peaches), Toby Goodshank, The Lovely Eggs, L.D. Beghtol (Magnetic Fields), Dan Fishback, Paleface, Phoebe Kreutz, Elastic No No Band and more. // In 2012 Matt moved back to Shawnee, Kansas and re-inserted himself into the KC Music/ Poetry Scene. In 2015 he started a poetry blog entitled Beef Jerky Clouds and in 2017 formed a side project, Broken Heart Syndrome, featuring Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers on drums. // Major Matt Mason USA continues to perform as a solo act and as a band. Through his combined projects he has shared the stage, opening, for luminaries such as Belle and Sebastian, Guided By Voices, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), The Vaselines, The Wedding Present, Daniel Johnston, Lucy Dacus and many more. // As of the fall of 2019 Major Matt Mason USA has been performing with Brian Hurtgen on drums and more recently Dane Bridges on Bass. More info at: www.majormattmasonusa.com]

#14. Trevor Turla – “Walk With Love“ – Single / Trevor Turla / August 26, 2022

[New Single recorded with Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Trevor Turla released his debut EP AND WE CONTINUE on April 21, 2022.. Trevor Turla composed all of the music on this EP that included Trevor Turla on trombone, Daniel Dissmore on trumpet, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Fritz Hutchison on guitar & banjo, Miki P on guitar & vocals, John O’Keefe on bass, Nik Douglas on drums, Carmen Dieker on fiddle, Jake Keegan on dobro, and Chris Hazelton on organ. “Let Go” was the second single released on February 17, 2022. We first played Trevor Turla on WMM on July 29, 2020. His track “Busted” was released on a compilation titled KANSAS CITY SYZYGY that featured over 25 Kansas City-based musicians who came together to create a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in the Spring of 2020. // Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Trevor Turla is now lives in Kansas City. Trevor defines himself as a musician. He started playing his first instrument, the bagpipes, at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped the pursuit of music since. He received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies for trombone from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Trevor now creates music full time by playing, recording, and holding clinics around the United States. Trevor plays &sings in numerous bands, including Jake Wells, Grand Marquis, Miki P, Fritz Hutchison, & LA Jones. He was also the founder, lead singer &trombonist for the band Sulu Moon.  Info at www.trevorturla.com.]

#15. Kat King – “Baby Talk” – Single / Manor Records / June 16, 2023

[On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Led by Kat, on vocals, with Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyse. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced a 13-song album and 3 EP’s, the 1st one released at 14.] [Kat King played Boulevardia, on Friday, June 16, at 5:05 PM on the Visit Missouri Grand Stage]

#16. Akkilles – “Happily“ – Single / David Bennett / April 21, 2023

[Akkilles recently released the new single “Way I Feel” on May 5, 2023. Akkilles is the music project of David Bennett who makes music under the moniker Akkilles. He also helps other people make music. Engineered & Produced by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in KCMO. Main vocals, keys, acoustic & electric guitar by David Bennett. And additional electric guitar by Baird Williams. Recorded at: Aorist Studios in KC. Akkilles released three singles in 2019. “By Myself” – Single was released November 1, 2019. “Meet in the Middle” was released October 25, 2019. “Feelin’ My Self” was released February 1, 2019. Akkilles released the critically acclaimed debut record “Something You’d Say” on July 2, 2013.]

#17. Faith Maddox – “frances“ – Single / French Exit Records / March 11 2023

[Performed and mixed by Faith Maddox. Mastered by Deegan Poores. Faith Maddox released the single “Bloody Maple” on February 18, 2022 on French Exit Records. Faith Maddox released the 9-song album SUBTLE HAUNTINGS on February 25, 2022, Faith Maddox on vocals/guitar/bass and Jared Crowley on drums. The album was recorded by Faith Maddox, it was mixed & mastered by Joel Martin. Faith Maddox is a 21-year-old artist currently living in Lawrence, Kansas. A self-taught guitarist and writer, Maddox’s work explores themes of gender, mortality, and nature, often weaving literary references between fingerpicked melodies. Her music is not easily boxed in, taking influence from math rock, jazz, folk, and slowcore. She is an avid fan of Fleabag, Joan Didion, and anything green. Faith Maddox released the 9-song album SUBTLE HAUNTINGS on February 25, 2022, Faith Maddox on vocals/guitar/bass and Jared Crowley on drums. The album was recorded by Faith Maddox, it was mixed & mastered by Joel Martin. Info: www.faithmaddox.bandcamp.com]

#18. Black Light Animals – “Pink Lemonade” – Single / The Record Machine  1/15/23

[The latest release from the Kansas City based psychedelic soul group, Black Light Animals: Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion, Branden Moser on bass & background vocal, Cody Calhoun on lead electric guitar & background vocals, Colby Bales on lead & background vocals, & acoustic guitar. This band is also “The Boys” as in Jass and The Boys plus Clarence Copridge on keyboards, who have been releasing their own string of singles “Daydream Girl” (August 25, 20230 “GVN2U” (July 14, 2023) and “Love U Like I Love U” ((December 2, 2022). Branden Moser and Cole Bales also play bass and guitar in the soul powerhouse, The Freedom Affair. This new single follows “Persephone” that was released on September 23, 2022. Black Light Animals released their full length debut album, Playboys of The Western World on Groove King Records on July 3, 2020. Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. . More info at: www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

#19. Zee Underscore -“In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)” – Single / Underscore Form / 1/12/23

[Zee Underscore is a Kansas City based singer, songwriter, electrical engineer, and co-founder @zntl_ent More information at:https://linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes] [Zee Underscore & Noye play the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 PM on the Kissick Construction Stage at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO (Indoor Stage) one of 6 STAGES in the Historic West Bottoms with over 25Bands.]

#20. Maria The Mexican – “Crazy World“– Single / Maria The Mexican / August 11, 2023

[Maria The Mexican guitarist Garrett Nordstrom writes to us that: “Maria has been working on a full length record since before the pandemic and it is complete. She is going to take the route of releasing a few singles before a full length release and we are hoping you will consider the 1st single, “Crazy World.” // She has been doing a monthly matinee show at the Ship and will be promoting her 8/11 performance as a single release. It will receive a digital platform release and be accompanied by a video as well.]

#21. Static Phantoms – “Deleria“ – Single / The Record Machine / October 6, 2023

[We first played Static Phantoms single “Something Bright” on September 6, 2023 before it;s official release on September 22, 2023 through The Record Machine. Static Phantoms released their debut 6-tack EP BATHED IN A BLUE LIGHT through The Record Machine on November 11, 2022. This release was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022 . Static Phantoms are: Dedric Moore on synths, drum programming, backingvocals, & production; and Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, bass, synths, lead vocals. The Pandemic offered Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth the opportunity to pass the time and get creative in the studio exploring the music and themes of New Wave music of the 1980s. Those who follow the bands: Monta at Odds, The Republic Tigers, Emmaline Twist know about the passion Dedric and Krystoff bring their synths and guitars. As Static Phantoms, the duo is influenced by the 1080s trailblazing bands: The Glove, Tones on Tail, Tears For Fears, and Soft Cell. WMM premiered “Bathed in Bluer Light” on February 2, 2022. The first single from the EP, BATHED IN A BLUE LIGHT. Their 2nd single “Ghostwalk was released March 18, 2022.]

#22. Lava Dreams – “R.I.P. The Old Me“ – Single / RIOT / July 28, 2023

[“R.I.P. THE OLD ME” was written and produced by Lava Dreams – vocal produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Spencer Hoad. This is the first release from Lava Dreams since their single, “Thrill Ride” which dropped in July of 2022. // Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer songwriter, producer, musician, and director from Kansas City, Missouri. Their music is genre-bending Alternative Pop, unified by the use of electric guitar, danceable rhythms, and ethereal vocals. // Lava Dreams and their band recently performed the new single along with six other original songs at J. Rieger’s Electric Park for On Stage With SIS – a concert hosted by local video production company Stellar Image Studios to benefit Band of Angels – a nonprofit that provides musical instruments to children in need in the Kansas City area. // “I’m excited for my fanbase to hear a more explosive, explorative side of me now that I’m in my band-leader era. This latest track is definitely an example of that.” – Lava Dreams //Lava Dreams released their debut EP “Good Energy + Focus” on June 13, 2020. Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Duncan Burnett. Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Hailing from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Julia Hamilton is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila Unversity. You can listen to Lava Dreams on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Deezer, Google Play, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or at LavaDreamsMusic.com. Lava Dreams joined us on WMM on April 22, 2020. ]

#23. Monta – “Transcendent“ – Single / The Record Machine / July 14, 2023

[Swirly post-punk combo Monta escape space and time with their latest single, “Transcendent.” Inspired by a Celtic mystical idea of heaven existing three feet from the earth, the song puts forth the notion of searching for a way to cross over into that realm. Dedric Moore and Mikal Shapiro’s beguiling vocals implore the listener to find that space within, as the Monta crew accent the message with a delirious mélange of synthesizer syncopation, disembodied disco drums, and crackling guitar riffs. Blast off and find yourself inside the thin spaces. // On March 24, 2023 Monta released the 4-track EP CRYSTAL MOMENTUM.On April 28, 2023 Monta released the single, “Apples of the Sun.” // About Monta: 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. Founded by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore, Monta (originally Monta At Odds) 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. After exploring the far reaches of sound through psych-rock freakouts, the band is now turning their attention towards melody. 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. // 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. // 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. // Monta means “to climb higher.” Through lineup changes and scenes ebbing and flowing, this band continues that climb. Founded by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore, Monta (originally Monta At Odds) has grown into its own community with a rotating cast of musicians and characters. Info at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co]

#24. Jaclyn Bell – “Run This Town“ – Single / Jaclyn Bell / January 18, 2023

[Kansas City based singer songwriter Jaclyn Bell. Jaclyn released her first full-length album, “Wanna Be Mine” on March 28, 2019, recorded here in Kansas City. Jaclyn Bell released her EP “Memories” in 2018, that featured her songwriting capabilities combined with the Nashville talent where it was recorded. Jaclyn Bell has been in music her whole life. From singing competitions in things like 4H when she was younger, to singing in churches, and singing background vocals on a few albums. She has been writing songs ever since I was in my teens. She attended a music recording internship with Josh and we got a lot of really good experience from everything to song composition to audio engineering. During the lockdowns she added being a vocal for hire to my portfolio. She was working with a lot of DJ’s and producers in Europe and being featured on quite a few of their singles. Jaclyn has known most of the guys in her band for most of her life and has been playing music with all of them in different capacities for over ten years! Jaclyn loves songwriting and doing this with the most amazing musicians she knows.www.jaclynbellmusic.com]

#25. Teri Quinn – “When I’m Gone” (CD #12) (4:15)

from: “When I’m Gone” – Single / Teri Quinn / June 14, 2023 

[Teri Quinn released her new 4-track EP DEAFENING SILENCE, on June 30, 2023 Tracked live at Element Recording and Mastering Studios with Teri Quinn on banjo & vocals, Landon Hambright on guitar & vocals, John O’keefe on bass, and Ryan Smith on drums. // This single follows Teri’s earlier single release”Running Away” released June 2, 2023 with John O’keefe on bass, Ryan Smith on Drums, Landon Hambright on guitar. Produced and Engineered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios.  And the single “Sweet Savannah” released February 26, 2020 Produced and engineered by Chase Horseman at Element Recording Studios. Mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. For this recording: Landon Hambright on guitar, Matt Richey on drums, Joel Stratton on Wurlitzer, Molly Mclaughlin on alto flute, Chase Horseman on synth bass, and Teri Quinn on banjo and vocals. Teri released her debut EP, Moons and Meltdowns in 2017, setting the gritty tone for her indie folk sensibilities. She was nominated for Best Musician for the 2018 Pitch Awards. // Teri Quinn is a Kansas City based, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose primary songwriting instrument is the banjo. She uses the banjo as a way to create soundscapes drawing you in to her tales of wandering and self-discovery., originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Teri moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study clarinet performance and Music Composition at the UMKC’s Conservatory of Music where she graduated in 2013. Along with being a touring solo artists Teri has also played with Claire and the Crowded Stage, Abandoned Bells, True Lions, and Monta.]

#26. Danza – “Business Cards“ – Single / Dead Oceans / April 7, 2023

[ “Business Cards follows Danza earlier single “Things I Do” which had a video made for the track that won Best Music Video Award t Holywood Screenings Film Festival in Los Angelkes, California in March. The Kansas City based artist has recorded as Danza’s Garden but recently shortened their name to Danza. Danza, also known as Anthony Louderback, an established artist who has been delivering lush melodies and pop-laced beats since 2012. With a performance style that is dazzling and song-writing that is congenial, he has become known for delivering celebratory anthems for life’s highs, lows, and in-betweens. // Growing up with pop and hip hop as his preferred vehicles of self-expression, Danza has found success in creating music that offers empathy and hope for those seeking to find their way in life. “It’s an intuitive experience for my thoughts and feelings. I feel a connection and want that for us,” he explains. // “Things That I Do” is an introspective and thought-provoking song that showcases Danza’s talent for soul-tinged production and feel-good lyrics. With its catchy hooks and infectious beats, it is sure to become a fan favorite and leave listeners feeling inspired to take responsibility for their own actions.// Danza will be releasing a new video for “Business Cards” on April 25, 2023. More info at: www.soundcloud.com/danzaspecial]

#27. Jacob E.chord – “Smoodie“ – Single / Independent / February 28, 2023

[Jacob E.chord released Lava Lion’s Reflections in Retrospect on November 21, 2020, Jacob E.chord released the single, “The Way 2” on February 18, 2022. // Jacob E.chord released the single, “Om, Yu! (or ‘Hologram of November Weather’)” on April 1, 2022. Music by Jacob E. Lyrics by James Shelton and Jacob E. Mixed by Jacob E. Mastered by Brandan Hoffman. // Jacob E.chord released “Go Back” on November 23, 2022 // Jacob E.chord released ABYSS on December 21, 2022 // More info at: www.jacobechord.bandcamp.com.]

#28. Timbers – “Breaker” – Single / Timbers / January 18, 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. 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.]

#29. Julia Othmer – “Open Wide” – Single / Fricken’ Awesome Records / October 26, 2023

[Julia’s released her 4th full length album SEEDS Volume 2 (LIVE) on Frickin’ Awesome Records on March 20, 2021 and contains 10 live songs selected from her 30-day Songs of September Project, where Julia performed live covers of her favorite songs of protest and hope, broadcast through streaming social platforms to inspire people to vote on November 3. Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be included on SEEDS. Julia Othmer released  SOUND on April 12, 2019, her second album, that took 3 years to complete, and was produced with James Lundie, who also married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st full-length album, OASIS MOTEL In 2018 to 2019 Julia Othmer toured with and opened for The Alarm in US show and shows in the United Kingdom. When Julia Othmer is in Kansas City she plays with Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Tady on guitar, John Floyd Whitaker on drums. More info at www.juliaothmer.com. Julia Othmer was on WMM on Sept 1, 2021 and March 9, 2022. and Masy 18, 2022.]

#30. Malek Azrael & The Vibez – “Anxiety” – Single / Malek Azrael / April 30, 2023

[On October 15, 2021 Makek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. Malek & The Vibez play Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on Friday, June 16.]

#31. Kadesh Flow – “Stakes” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / November 17, 2023

[Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis who writes to us: “This is the longest I’ve ever gone without releasing music in my life. It’s been 11 months. Extremely weird feeling. I’m excited to be back in the game though! “Stakes” was produced by Dominique Sanders (who just landed a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Janelle Monae’s “AGE OF PLEASURE album.” // Earlier this year on January 6, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Switch Up” with Instrumental Production by Dominique Sanders, Written & Performed by: Kadesh Flow, Mixed by: Kadesh Flow, Mastered by: Kadesh Flow. // In 2022 Kadesh Flow released 6 singles starting with “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” on January 21, 2022, with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. :Move Different” was part of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. On October 21, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single ”Chill (feat. Mir Blackwell).” On October 10, 2022 Kadesh Flow released “Dream For Me.” On September 30, 2022 Marcus Lewis Big Band released the single, “You’re Very Special (feat. Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow & Kevin Church Johnson).” On July 1, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single “Away From You.”About that single Kadesh told us “I’ve been a little quiet from a release standpoint because I’ve been scoring a feature length film.” “This song is… inspired by Eren Yeager and his tragic, brutal journey in Attack on Titan but is also deeply personal to me. There’s a lot of current world problem glazing that I’m doing on it as well.” “Also, June 30, 2022, marks five years since I left my financial tech career to pursue my performing and recording artist career full time. I’m releasing this on July 1, partially in celebration of that milestone.”  This was one of over nearly 30 new singles Kadesh Flow released in 24 months: In 2021 Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021,written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders.Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on Sept. 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. le, “Gardens Out The Gutter” on Dec. 3, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “CHOICE (The Cost)” on December 17, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadeshperforms as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow played the 17th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 11, as part of Deshica Rage (with Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige) at 10:00 PM on Community Lending of America Stage at Lemonade Park. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. More info at: www.kadeshflow.com]

#32. Freight Train Rabbit Killer – “Common Thorns” – Single (with “Mule to Plow”) / Haymaker Records / October 20, 2023

[“Common Thorns” was written by Kris Bruders, with Kris Briders on vocals & guitar, Mark Smeltzer on guitar, Jason Beers on bass, Fritx Hutchison on drums, Cole Gurley on saxophone, Trevor Turla on trombone, Andrew Crowley on organ. Engineered by Jeremy Wurst at B-24 Studios Kansas City, MO. Mixed and Mastered by Andrew Crowley at Organica Recording, St. Paul, MN // Freight Train Rabbit Killer, a musical duet made up of Kristopher Bruders (Freight Train) and Mark Smeltzer (Rabbit Killer). Described as “Apocalyptic Roots” or “Doom Blues” their intense and riveting live shows are accompanied by suits and masks. //  On April 30, 2022 Freight Train Rabbit Killer released their album Hammer of Judgement through Haymaker Records. For this album, the duo is accompanied by accomplished multi-instrumentalists and solo recording artists Jason Beers and Fritz Hutchison. The Hammer of Judgment recording session was a one-of-a-kind pseudo-live studio album, utilizing an interactive crowd of dedicated fans experiencing the recording process first-hand with all the bells and whistles of a professional recording studio (isolated tracking, overdubs, post-production, etc.). Tickets were sold in advance and the session was captured at GFM Modern Recording in Blue Springs, Missouri in April 2019. Post-production work, a global pandemic, and national independent record pressing delays pushed the release back three years from the recording date, but the end results made it worth the wait. Freight Train Rabbit Killer played a special Vinyl Release Party at The Fifth Floor, Saturday, April 30 at 8:00 PM, at 1106 Santa Fe St., KCMO, in the West Bottoms, with Drop A Grand, and Teri Quinn. Freight Train Rabbit Killer – 10 year Anniversary Exhibition 3 shows in 7 days featuring old music, story-telling, animation, art, and even more music. Release of two new songs “Common Thorns” and “Mule To Plow” on all digital platforms on Friday, October 20, 2023. These songs will be available on the forthcoming LP “The Ten Year” due early 2024 on Haymaker Records and available for pre-order at all events. Special merch also available during the events. More info at www.haymakerrecords.net]

#33. Hembree – “ATM” – Single / Oread Records / June 15, 2023

[Hembree released their The 15-track album, IT’S A DREAM on February 4, 2022. It was part of WMM 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Hembree, is a KC born band was formed in November of 2015, with Isaac Flynn on guitar, & lead vocals, Garrett Childers on bass & vocals, Eric Davis on keys & synth, Alex Ward on guitar, and Austin Ward on drums. Hembree is signed to Thirty Tigers of Nashville, TN. The band was founded by original members Isaac Flynn, Garrett Childers, and Eric Davis. Brothers Alex and Austin Ward later joined in 2018. Hembree quickly garnered national attention after their single “Holy Water” was placed in an Apple commercial that aired during Super Bowl LII. The band’s music has been featured in a variety of other national placements, including Monday Night Football (NFL) and Bose. Hembree has notably supported Elvis Costello, Phoenix, Cold War Kids, Vance Joy, JR JR, and Joywave, among others. The band first toured Europe in Fall 2018. In 2018, Hembree signed with Thirty Tigers to release their first full-length album House on Fire, released 4/26/2019. In 2019, Hembree performed at Hangout Music Festival. They will also appear on the soundtrack of 13 Reasons Why: Season 3 with the song “Culture”. Hembree was named one of NPR’s Slingshot 2018 Artists to Watch. Rolling Stone named Hembree as one of the thirty best artists at SXSW 2018. “Had It All” debuted on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 on January 19, 2017. Lowe described the song as “absolutely fantastic.” “Holy Water” was featured in Apple’s HomePod “Distortion” TV spot, which ran during Super Bowl LII, the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, and the 2018 Winter Olympics. Hembree released the single, “Reach Out” on July 20, 2021 and “Operators (feat. Bodye)” on Sept. 21, 2021on Oread Records. Info at: www.hembreemusic.com]

#34. Crystal Rose – “Goddamn You Kansas City (Live at Ocean Way Nashville for Ultimate Playlist)“ – 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 aKansas 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: www.crystalro.se]

#35. CHOWK – “Good Day” – Single / CHOWK / August 18, 2023 

[CHOWK is Jason Buice, Dane Bridges, and Zach Hodson (drums). Good Day is CHOWK’s second single release. The song is simple and more of a mantra you could put on repeat to psyche yourself to have a good day. We recorded the single at Zach’s studio and he did an amazing job with the mix and master. Thank you for listening and for all of your support! Jason Buice on vocals and electric guitar, Dane Bridges on bass, Zach Hodson on drums, mixing and mastering: Zach Hodson. Recorded and produced at Drei Katzen Studios by Zach Hodson. This track follows their debut single release “Naturally, Easy” released June 2, 2023. Mixed and Mastered by Pat Tomek at Level Stage. More info at: www.chowk.bandcamp.com]

#36. Honeybee – “I Know What Love Is” – Single / Honeybee / January 27, 2023

[Honeybee is the Solo Project of Singer/Songwriter Makayla Scott. Makayla Scott also plays with the band Blue False Indigo. Makayla Scott studied music at Drury University graduating in 2017][Honeybee plays Manor Fest 5 in Kansas City on Friday, May 26, at 5:00 PM, at Flagship Books, 600 Ohio Ave., KCK, Strawberry Hill with Brian Bulger, and Sam Wells.]

#37. The Salvation Choir – “Tafakarini (Radio Edit)“ – Single / February 8, 2023

[This single release contains 3 versions of Tafakarini: Tafararini (Live in Kansas City, full version) 09:36 / Tafakarini (Radio edit) 05:04 / and Utukuzwe (Bonus track, lo-fi phone demo) 03:31 video . The Salvation Choir is a Congolese Rumba band from Congo and Tanzania based in Kansas City, Missouri. The are over 20 members in the choir and the choir masters are Jeune Premier Silambien and Pastor John Wilondja. “Tafakarini” was recorded live in our front yard in Kansas City, Missouri in April 2022. It was recorded and mixed by Danny Bowersox and Tyler Bachert. “Utukuzwe” is a lo-fi demo of our song that was featured on Dust To Digital. Recorded on a cassette tape and cell phone by Pastor John Wilondja in 2021. // The Salvation Choir are planning to record in the studio in 2023. More info at: www:thesalvationchoir.com]

#38. Catty Cline – “Leading You”– Single / Manor Records / February 28, 2023

[Catty Cline is singer/songwriter Anna Redmond, who was originally based out of Springfield, MO, and is now based in Kansas City. She has previously performed in Upkeep, her earliest project (with Spencer Pearson), and Buckle Up Baby (with Addie McKenzie and others). She has also self-released a few singles on bandcamp under her name. Influenced by a mix of slower bedroom-pop, alt-pop, neo-folk, and 90’s girl punk, she hopes that her music reflects her true character. Catty Cline released the 6-track EP SCRATCH on September 24, 2021 through Manor Records. More information at: http://www.manorrecords.com ]

#39. Claire Adams – “It’s All In Fun” – Single / Claire Adams / June 30, 2023

[Claire Adams told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge, “”I wrote the string arrangement in the summer of 2021 and we went in to record it this past spring,” Adams said. “I’ve had the happiness of working with Alyssa Bell (viola) and Carmen Dieker (violin) for several years now, mostly playing my songs as arranged by others and I wanted to give a try to arranging a song myself.” “I feel like having an understanding of everyone else’s styles and strengths gives me a sense of direction and focus on what can otherwise be a really abstract craft,” she said. On bass, she, Guillen and Williams comprised the acclaimed trio Katy Guillen & The Girls for seven years, while she has consistently been working with Murray in the years to follow. The four of them got to work with Duane Trower, who has recorded and engineered the majority of Adams‘ solo songs. “Going into [Duane’s studio] Weights & Measures with Katy, Steph and Alyssa was a total comfort zone, and this song just came together out of that,” she said. Claire Adams released “If It Isn’t Right (Alyssa Murray Remix)” on April 15, 2022. This featured Rewound and Alyssa Murray.  Our friend Claire Adams recently wrote “Alyssa Murray made a super cool remix of one of the songs off the last album and I wanted to share it with you. The song is ‘If It Isn’t Right’ and also features the Rewound string trio and an arrangement by Peter Lawless. Alyssa really made it her own and gave it a whole new spin, she’s amazing!” Here are the full credits: Vocals: Claire Adams, Alyssa Murray, Fritz Hutchison. Synths and Beats: Alyssa Murray. Cello: Ezgi Karakus. Viola: Alyssa Bell. Violin: Carmen Dieker. String Arrangement: Peter Lawless. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures Soundlab. Cover Art by Cassie Allen. ‘If It Isn’t Right’ written by Claire Adams. This song was originally on Claire’s acclaimed album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU originally released April 24, 2020. The album was lost in the COVID 19 of 2020. The album was properly given a “release show” and put out on CD in 2021. 10 songs all written by Claire Adams. Recorded at The Blue House in Kansas City, MO. Additional tracking at MARZ Studios in Nederland, TX. Mixed & mastered at Weights + Measures Soundlab in KCMO. Written by Claire Adams, with Claire Adams on guitars, bass, and vocals; Alyssa Murray on keyboards & vocals; and Fritz Hutchison on drums & vocals. // Claire also released: Words of Love on Feb. 5, 2021 – Recorded and Produced by Claire Adams at Casa 34 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures in Kansas City, MO. Cover Photo by Hugo Parasol. ‘So This Is Love’ written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. ‘Pocketful Of Rainbows’ written by Ben Weisman, ‘Till There Was You’ written by Meredith Wilson. “Words of Love” written by Claire Adams. ‘Calico Skies’ written by Paul McCartney. Claire also released the EP Moras under the moniker, Mismo Sismo (same earthquake) on July 21, 2021. Claire Adams wrote and recorded this EP at home during the first months of the COVID-19 quarantine. The three songs are meant to be played all together but also stand alone. Mismo Sismo is a collaboration with photographer Hugo Parasol. Claire played guitar on True Lions album THE FEMPIRE STRIKES BACK. In 2020 Clairplayed with the bandOndist for their three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on Aug. 14, and Mise en Place on Nov. 13, 2020 with songsrecorded 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. Claire also participated in Katy Guillen and The Girls Reunion shows in summer of 2021. Claire Adams on WMM on April 7, 2021. Info at: https://claireadams.bandcamp.com]

#4o. Christena Graves – “Swingin” On The Stars” – Single / Christena Graves / 6/28/23

[Christena Graves writes that, “This is a song that has been on the back burner for a while. We’ve been waiting for the right time to release it and this summer is it! The lyrics for ‘Swingin’ on the Stars‘ came out of a conversation I had years ago with another songwriter about the sky being full of songs. He said, “it’s all one big song and all we do as is reach up and pull a piece of it down.” That has stuck with me. I love the connectedness of it. All of us songwriters are pulling from the same pool and the air is full of music! We are all breathing it in.” // Christena Graves released her album, FINDING MY FOOTING on February 11, 2021. It was one of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing marks her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.”More info at: www.christenagravesmusic.com] [Christena Graves was guest on WMM on February 10, and on July 7, 2021.]

#41. Caley Rose – “Here We Go” – Single / Caley Rose / June 23, 2023

[Performed by: Caley Rose who co-wrote the song with Henry Ingraham, Cassandra Jane Boettcher. Produced by: Henry Ingraham. Mixed by: Tyler Spratt. Trumpet by: Scott Bel // Caley Rose is a Billboard Charting Pop Singer & Songwriter whose music has been featured on Top 40 radio. She empowers women & youth by partnering with organizations that uplift females and by speaking about confidence in schools across the country. She has received awards from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Mid Atlantic Song Contest.]

#42. Zion Isaiah – “Medicine”– Single / Zion Isaiah / January 17, 2023

[21 year old Zion Isaiah released the single  “Bad Habits” and May 5, 2023“. Zion released “21” on October 28, 2022. Calla released the single “you and i (feat. Zion Isaiah & Hannah You) on June 15, 2022, on Memesquirt Records. Zion Isaiah released the single “So Harsh” on May 6, 2022. Zion Isaiah released the single “Oasis” on January 22, 2022. Zion Isaiah released the single “Tired of Missing You” on November 12, 2021. Zion Isaiah released the single, “Drive (feat. Painter Boy)” on August 13, 2021. Kansas City, Missouri based Zion Isaiah works at JHS Pedals, studies at Johnson County Community College, and Went to Kansas City Christian School. More info at: www.facebook.com/zeeon.boklender.][Zion Isaiah plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 17, at 3:15 PM on the Quirk Terrace Stage]

#43. The Blast Monkees – “The Doctor Said I’m Not Crazy Anymore” – Single / 6/23/23

[The Blast Monkeys released the single “Mr. Nice Guy” on May 22, 2023. Recording Engineer: Justin Mantooth of Westend Recording Studio. The Blast Monkeys are two dudes making music out of Tonganoxie, Kansas. Formed in 2017 by high school best friends, Scott Vick & Kyle Chambers, they plan to make music their career by any means. Their songs fuse high-energy drums and catchy guitar riffs with goofy jokes and a “passionate” stage presence that is sure to win over any crowd. For more info: www.theblastmokeys.com. and http://www.theblactmonkees.bandcamp.com

#44. The Critterz – “Stormtrooper Blues (Pew Pew)” – Single / The Critterz / May 5, 2023

[The third single release from The Critterz comes out officially on April 1, 2023. The single was written by the band’s new member Don Dawn aka Breakadawn aka Dawn Yoder (who is also the lead singer of The Bad Ideas). She was introduced to the band by Pat Tomek. The Critterz are made up of Mist Blu, Rocky Raccoon, Alex ‘Ale Bear’ Boyd (who also plays with Interstate Run) and BreakaDawn on keyboards. Mist Blu describes themself as a “roughneck boygirl” and they do stump removal by day. Rocky Raccoon describes the band as: “reclusive and nocturnal.” Rocky Raccoon was formerly known for playing with pop punk band Helkat. The Critterz are punk-pop woodland creatures dedicated to fighting fascism and the occasional outdoor cat. They ask us not to worry because they don’t start fights. The Crittersz released their debut single, “La La Lu Lu Lu” on July 11, 2022. The Critters released their single, “It’s Gonna Be A Good Day” on October 13, 2022.]

#45. Lee Walter Redding – “Wanna Play Cracked” -Single / Lee Walter Redding / 7/23/23

[Lee Walter Redding released the EP LIVE FROM THE ARGYLE WALLPAPER, on July 15, 2022 with Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums. Lee writes: We Could be Warlords is a story of two twisted, go-getters finding love through a mutual goal of taking over the world. They’re both so consumed with the day-to-day job of developing and controlling a police state that the only way they can get off is by manipulating and hurting the poor citizens of their respective countries.”We could be Warlords drumming up suspicion / Giving the finger to UN resolutions / We could wind em up to lull them down / We could be warlords in love”Lee Walter Redding released “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” om April 9, 2021. Lee told us that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. More info at: http://www.leewalterredding.bandcamp.com]

#46. Such Lovely People – “Twist The Knob” – Single / Such Lovely People / 12/16/22

[For “Twist the Knob” Josh Dorrell on vocals, guitars, keys & percussion; Steve Lacour on guitars; Brian Sisk on bass; Danny Peete on drums. For “Living Breathing” Josh Dorrell on vocals, guitars, bass & keys; Steve Lacour on guitars & bass; Zak Pischnotte on saxophone; Danny Peete on drums; and Amy Hammack on vocals. // Produced and Recorded by: Josh Dorrell. Drums, Saxophone, and Additional Vocals Recorded by: Andrew Koelker. Mixing by Yuuki Matthews. Mastering by Chris Colbert. Artwork by Graham Greene. // Such Lovely People is a project founded in 2020 by songwriter Kansas City, Missouri based Josh Dorrell (he/his). An established guitarist and vocalist, Josh has played in several bands and ensembles in the Midwest. Born in Kansas City but raised on wanderlust, he sought to devote his endless voracity to making good music that means more. On April 16. 2021 the band released the 6-track EP GREAT DISTINCTION. More information at: https://suchlovelypeople.bandcamp.com %5D

#47. Cardio Party – “Pick Up The Phone” – Single / Cardiac Records / March 1, 2023

[Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick are the musicians that make up the band Cardio Party, an electronic duo creating dreamy soundscapes balanced with energetic choruses, pieced together like poetry, sharing a glimpse into their hearts & souls. Both raised in Wichita, Kansas, Anthony and Liv met in middle school where they bonded over their shared musical preferences. In 2012, they found their niche producing electronic music. Both adept at music production of all kinds, Anthony’s primary focus is mixing and mastering, while Liv focuses on composition and sound design. In 2021, the duo released a new song every month, culminating in their album CALISTHENICS. In 2022, they released their EP, EMERGENTSIA. They are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty]

#48. Bobcat Attack – “Wave“– Single / The Record Machine / September 8, 2023

[Nathan Reusch is the mastermind behind Bobcat Attack.] [Bobcat Attack plays Outer Reaches Fest, on Saturday, October 14 at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, fon the KC Synthesizer Collective Stage with Summer Like the Season, Wrker, Agrekulture, and Bobcat Attack. More info at: www.outerreachesfest.com]

#49. Definitely Overthinking This – “Hotel Pool” – single / October 25, 2023

[New Single just recorded by a three-piece student band including Brodie on lead vocals of the Farm School KC, a Montessori Middle & High School program where students learn the power of self to contribute to their community, while developing global responsibility, leadership, empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to question and challenge, on a 10-acre campus with a fully functioning farm, run by the students. Info: wwwfarmschoolkc.org]

#50. JNabe – “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: www.jnabeofficial.com]

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, November 22, 2023

Michelle Bacon’s Favorite Releases of 2023 +
Wednesday MidDay Medley’s Favorite 12 Singles of 2023

WMM’s Favorite 12 Singles of 2023:

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. (#12.) Jo Mackenzie – “Metaverse”
   from: “Metaverse” – Single / Middle of The Map Music / July 21, 2023
   [Follow up to her last single, “Radiator” released on May 27, 2022. Before that on March 11, 2022, Jo Mackenzie (producer and songwriter) released the EP, TOURIST. Last year, Jo Mackenzie and 19 year old Dia Jane (singer/songwriter) released the EP, BRAINBABY on September 5, 2021. The two met at an open mic in Kansas City, Missouri, when Jo was in 8th grade and Dia was in 10th grade. Three years later, the two reconnected to started a musical project together that eventually turned into Baby and the Brain, a self-produced indie-pop band. In 2020 Kansas City based singer songwriter, Jo MacKenzie released this year now collected together in a 5 -song EP, written, performed and produced by Jo MacKenzie. Mixed by Harper James. Jo MacKenzie released her Debut EP Proud on November 17, 2018. Along with Proud, Jo Mackenzie released the single “Just Like Rain” on August 18, 2018; “I Should Come with a Warning Sign” on September 28, 2019; and “Alaska” on November 23, 2019 and the single “Suicide Season” on February 1, 2020, and the single “Lose My Face” on April 24, 2020. Info at http://www.jomackenzie.com]]

3. (#11) Corey Dies in the End – “Boy With No Job”
   from: “Boy With No Job” – Single / Lime Squeeze Records / February 17, 2023
   [Corey Dies in the End just recently release the new single, “Buyers Remorse” on June 9, 2023. Corey Dies in the End is the solo musical project of Corey Vitt who has been playing in Kansas City and Lawrence bands since 2006 playing with Videodisk, Parents, Hidden Pictures, Rooms Without Windows, and Beautiful Bodies. With Corey Dies in the End on vocals, programming, & guitars and Matty Harris on mixing & mastering. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Stranger’s Faces” on September 2, 2022. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Goth Girl Summer” on May 20. 2022. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Air” on January 26, 2022. / Corey Dies in the End released the single, “Island” on October 6, 2021. More info at: http://www.coreydiesintheend.bandcamp.com]

4. (#10.) Cuee – “Proud Boi”
   from: “Proud Boi” – Single / Cuee / June 1, 2023
   [Cuee most recently released the (3-song Single) “With Love” including the track “See You Tonight” on February 14, 2023. Before that Cuee released the (3-song Single) “Coming Out” on June 24, 2022. Lawrence based hip-hop artist Cuee is a rapper with a Master’s Degree. Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a graduate of Artist Inc. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC with exciting live performances. And since 2017 Cue has released several critically acclaimed albums, an EP, multiple singles. We last talked with Cuee on March 3, 2021 and on May 5, 2021 and before that, on August 12, 2020, when he released the single “Who’s Back.” and before that on May 29, 2019. Cuee released the single: “Ain’t Goin Backon May 7, 2021, “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” on April 29, 2021 and part of GOSPEL the album. In 2020 Cuee’ track, “Shook” landed on an official Spotify playlist dedicated to transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid musicians across the globe including Kim Petras and Lex Allen. Spotify sent out a note said, “Hey Cuee you hit a high note this month.” Cuee said he didn’t even know what that meant, and he looked up to discover he had over 24,000 listener during the month of June on Spotify. I was trying to figure out what happened. I did a little research, I logged onto my instagram account, I was starting to get a flood of followers. I was just tracing it back and I landed on a Spotify playlist, it was an editorial playlist so he couldn’t find out who put him on there. “Someone found me.” Cuee made three trips home to Chicago to record the record. For the new album GOSPEL Cuee explained that this term can have biblical connections but it also means ‘the truth.” The video for “Ain’t Going Back” takes place in a church, and is a declaration of freedom, and identity, while also paying respect. Cuee talked us about how the track was created in the studio and translating the song into a video that was shot in a church. Last time we talked with Cuee he shared his thoughts about ‘”Queerness in a church,” Cuee said, “you know, is very…different, I mean I wanted to bring that into that space, and freedom into that space, allow that space to be seen and heard by other people who traditionally wont take up that space.” Originally from Chicago, Illinois. 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. Cuee has gained fans over the last six years in Lawrence and Kansas City for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Along with getting his Master’s Degree, Cuee has released around 30 different musical tracks, legally changed his name, and has transitioned physically and vocally. The song “Ain’t Going Back” features Cuee’s friend Joel Leoj who is originally from Florida, but after moving to Chicago, became friends with Cuee in school, and recently moved to Lawrence to make music and collaborate on recordings with Cuee. Cuee explained that they have known each other since high school, that they “started a Hip Hop culture club in our high school, to bring music, kinda having a place to chill after school, write music together as a community. That’s how we started.” “I moved out here to Kansas, to go to school, he stayed back in Miami, and then we kind of connected back, maybe about two years ago, and hit it off really strong. We decided we wanted to pursue this music thing together. We decided let’s just do this. So he said he was going to move to Lawrence. I didn’t believe him at first, until he showed up on my doorstep, and I was like, Wow, you are here, let’s do this.” Joel Leoj released the album, JOEY IN WONDERLAND on January 31, 2021. Cuee is a featured guest emcee on the tracks “Eden” and “No Debate.” More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]

5. (#9) Cheery – “Bliss”
   from: “Bliss” – Single / Spirit House Records / September 20, 2023
   [“Bliss” is Cheery’s 5th single, and one of three new singles released by Cheery this summer, from her new home in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom. Cheery released “True Lover” on July 19, 2023. Cheery released “90210 Poster” on August 16, 2023. All three singles come with fabulous new music videos Katlyn has created. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Cowpland formerly known as Katlyn Conroy, who was formerly based in Lawrence, Kansas. Katlyn met her husband on OkCupid and moved 4000 miles away to get married and relocate in Liverpool, England. When she was still based in Lawrence, Kansas, As Cheery, Katlyn released the single “Concept of Love” and b-side, “Vulture” on August 3, 2021, written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. With over 20 years of live performance experiences she has performed alongside Daniel Johnston, Florence and The Machine, Grizzly Bear, Sara Barielles, Why? and more. Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery ]

6. (#8.) SEYKO – “What I Want”
   from: “What I Want” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats / June 23, 2023
   [Produced by Colby Bales of the band Black Light Animals and also a bandmate of SEYKO’s in The Freedom Affair. // From http://www.seykomusic.com: Seyko has always found music to be a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, a way of self-expression but even deeper than that. Music was always a life-giving, constant companion from the happiest moments to the darkest days. Music continues to be Seyko’s way of communicating with the world around her. // Seyko developed her musical talent during her formative years through church and school choirs, friendships that evolved into singing groups, and professional training through voice lessons and songwriting. Opportunities presented themselves, but Seyko also created opportunities for herself as she chased her dream to create and perform her own music. // The Freedom Affair and Sunu, two Kansas City bands Seyko performs and writes with, have solidified her place in the music scene and provide a solid foundation for beginning her solo career. Seyko’s singing and songwriting career has spanned twenty years, and it shows! Her creative growth has led to her being a well-respected artist in Kansas City, allowing her to participate in recording projects for fellow musicians and even singing background vocals for Michael Bublé at a live concert in 2022.]

7. (#7.) LYXE – “Ice Cream”
   from: ”Ice Cream” – Single / LYXE / June 23, 2023
   [LYXE, a three piece pop-rock outfit based out of Lawrence, Kansas formed out of the love of getting fans to sing and dance along to hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds. They quickly became a favorite of crowds and musicians alike with the lead of Ryan Wise’s crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. The trio has an undeniable chemistry that caught the local scene like wildfire. Bassist AJ Knudson brings a loveable charisma to their live presence, while drummer Jimmy Girod’s subtle, elegant delivery gives this act a sophisticated backbone. // In their debut EP, Everything You Could Ever Want, LYXE strives to create an infectious party environment that hips cannot deny. Pulling inspiration from a wide range of genres, this six-song EP has a pop-rock, new wave nostalgia that sinks its teeth into you. Luring in listeners with dramatics and lush hooks on “Wave,” yet unafraid to tap into their feral side on “I Got Everything.” The record closes with “Fit,” which makes you feel like you’re in an argument with your prom date in 1989. In July of 2022, LYXE recorded their debut EP, Everything You Could Ever Want, at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. The new EP gave listeners a different side of Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. .The EP was released on September 15, 2022. // On June 23, 2023 LYXE released a remastered version of their song “Wave (Remastered 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.” // For additional information or inquiries please contact: wearelyxe@gmail.com]

8. (#6) Eddie Moore – “Tsunami”
   from: Tsunami – Single / Eddie Moore Music / April 20, 2023
   [Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, this song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // “Tsunami” is a kick back song. Grab a drink, maybe roll up something, and take a mental health day. Because right now, life for everyone is kind of stressful. Moore provides the vibes with smooth piano melodies, swirling synth textures, and when the bass hits it washes over you like a tidal wave. // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // Eddie Moore released hia critically acclaimed album INTUITION on October 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. // Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]

10:32 – Underwriting

9. (#5) Wills Van Doorn & Kat King – “Blue”
   from: “Flying Bird” / “Blue” – Single / Rust Records / August 18, 2023
   [Wills Van Doorn is getting set to release his debut full-length solo record, ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023. “Flying Bird” is the second single from the lbum and it was released with “Blue’ an extra track not on the album that features Kat King on vocals. Wills Van Doorn released the single “The Lawn-mower Collector” on July 28, 2023, also from ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY. Wills Van Doorn released the single, “Shake The Frost” on March 10, 2023, and the single, “Lately” on Oct. 22, 2022, and the EP RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020. Wills Van Doorn released the singles: “1000 Times” on March 26, 2020, “On My Mind” on July 12, 2019, and “Out of Season” on April 5, 2019. Will Van Doorn has played guitar with Supermoto, Brent Windler’s live band, and he recently signed on as the new lead guitarist for The Creepy Jingles who are currently in the studio recording their new album. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

10. (#4) Emmaline Twist – “Strange Pursuit (Radio Edit)”
    from: “Strange Pursuit (Radio Edit)” – Single / Black Site / October , 2022
    [The band is Meredith McGrade on vocals & guitar, Kristin Conkright on bass, Jonathan Knecht on drums, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Alex Alexander on synthesizers & guitar. Emmaline Twist, is a Kansas City based Darkwave / Post-Punk / Shoegaze project. The band released the single, “Aspera” on July 1, 2022, the second single from the band’s upcoming album and follow up to the single “Drugs” released July 1, 2021. Their critically acclaimed debut LP, DISSIMULATION was released August 24, 2018 from Black-Site Records. That album was recorded, mixed, and produced at Massive Sound by Paul Malinowski, and Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. In 2017 the band released “Dissimulation 1,” 4 songs in digital format. This is their first single since their 2016 single release of “Vega” b/w “Moon Eyes.”]

11. (#3) Jass & The Boys – “Gvn2u (feat. Jass & Black Light Animals)”
    from: “Gvn2u(feat. Jass & Black Light Animals)”-Single / Groove King Records / July 14, 2023
    [New single from Jass & The Boys follows their earlier single, “Love U Like I Love U (feat. Jass & Black Light Animals) “ released December 2, 2022 through Groocve King Records. “The Boys” are Clarence Copridge on keyboards with the members of Black Light Animals: Colby Bales, Branden Moser, & Cody Calhoun. Colby and Branden also are pare of the Freedom Affair. Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch released the EP OFFKEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released her single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was WMM’s #1 Single in our 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. Jass released her single “Him” on February 23, 2022. Jass released AT THE CLOSE OF A DECADE on November 26, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 121 Best Recordings of 2021. She wrote, “After years of writing and recording in voice memos, I decided to grab my iPad and began recording something that I am very proud of, and named it, At the Close of A Decade, and released it in November 2019. With my iPhone/iPad, some apple headphones, I created this project. The amazing people around me told me it was worth it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I convinced myself I would be the only one that liked my songs. If you decide to listen you’ll hear sound clips of shows and movies that made a difference in the way I saw the world, the way I saw myself, and the way I overcame my experiences. I remember asking my grandma and my son if I should release what I’ve been writing and they both said very simply to do it, so I’ve done it. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been my soundboards during this process, all of the people that have asked me when it’s coming, the people that have kept me accountable, and believed that this time it was for real. My story is so very triumphant and beautiful because I have overcome experiences and shunned the fear I had to do what I love. It’s crazy how you can talk your way out of some amazing things and also how you can talk yourself into making some amazing things happen. If you partake, I hope you enjoy.” // Jass has played The Essence Festival, Apocalypse Meow, Manor Fest, Farmers Ball, KC Monarchs, recordBar, Bottleneck, Mutual Musicians Foundation, Grinders, Sofar Sounds, The Uptown Theatre . She has shared the stages with The New Respects, Thundercat, Old Sound, and many others. More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]

12. (#2) Julia Haile – “Up Late”
    from: “Up Late” – Single / Julia Haile / June 16, 2023
    [One of 4 new singles released by Julia Haile in the last 9 months. Julia released “Ave 4” on June 16, 2023. Julia released “Heavy Rotation” & “Set Out” on Sept. 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer & songwriter based in KCMO. Her natural talent & musical education fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group created music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b​/​w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]

13. (#1) Krystle Warren & The Faculty– “Macca”
    from: “Macca”- Single / Parlour Door Music / May 22, 2023
    [Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) and their single “Rising” written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US, “Macca” is the newest release from Krystle Warren & The Faculty, that was recorded on the heels of sessions for the band’s upcoming full length album EXTENDED PLAY.”Macca” arrived unexpectedly. // “A Pal contacted me to help work on the music for an advertisement he was piecing together. My job was to find a melody and put words to it, so I set up my mic and started trying out ideas. And then POW! ‘ ‘Hang then upon the moon…’ – it sounded so distinctly Paul. Immediately I worried that the client would accept my buddy’s sunm,ission; thankfully, they didn’t.” // The “Paul” Krystle is referring to is of course, Paul McCartney, whose famous nickname entitles the song. // “He is such a huge inspiration for me. As a songwriter – my love of melody, the little quirks that come out lyrically – that’s all thanks to him. Nd singing that chorus — it evoked for me those gorgeous ballads he composed in the 80s – ‘Wanderlist,” ‘Tug Od War’…There’s a bit of Wings there as well, I think, with a nod to ‘I’m Carrying.’ // “What’s wild to me is that, though I decided. ‘This is for Paul,’ it became equalk parts: a love letter to him, and a note of encouragement to me. Which is a wonderul thing when you think about it: Paul’s music so often encourages us to keep going, keep trying, and in using hs language (so to speak), unwittingly, he was giving me strength.”] [Krystle Warren & Solomon Dorsey headlined the KC Folk Fest 2023 on Saturday, May 20, in Washington Square Park, Kansas City, MO with Solomon Dorsey. Info: http://www.krystlewarren.com or http://www.kansascityfolkfestival.org]

Krystle Warren & The Faculty Discography

Krystle Warren & The Faculty has released the EP “Diary” on May 1, 2007;

Krystle Warren released “The Up Series – EP” on November 10, 2008;

Krystle Warren releases the 13-song Album CIRCLES on March 13, 2009;

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released “A Time To Keep – Love Songs EP”, Aug. 12, 2011

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the double album 24-song “Love Songs” released on vinyl in Europe on April 9, 2012 as “Love Songs: A Time to Embrace,” and “Love Songs: A Time to Refrain from Embracing. ” And re;eased on separate digital and CD albums in the U.S. as: “Love Songs: A Time to Embrace,” on March 13, 2012 and “Love Songs: A Time to Refrain from Embracing” on February 27, 2015.

Krystle Warren released the album THREE THE HARDWAY on August 18, 2017.

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the single “Rising” – Single on May 31, 2019

Krystle Warren & The Crew released the 4-song EP, THE CREW on September 15, 2020

11:00 – Station ID

You just heard the Top 12 of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 25 Favorite Singles of 2023. Check http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org or our WMM Facebook page and for the complete list of WMM’s 25 Favorite Singles of 2023.

Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023 on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year in music based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. In 2023 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests.

And Now it’s time for Michelle Bacon’s Favorite Musical Releases of 2023

11:00 – Michelle Bacon’s Favorite Musical Recordings of 2023.

Michelle Bacon, is Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge, where she helps to shine a light on area musicians and events. Michelle has written for The Kansas City Star, The Deli Magazine KC, and Folk Alliance International.

Michelle plays drums in the band Frogpond. and also bass with Other Americans, and The Band That Fell To Earth: A Tribute to David Bowie.

Michelle Bacon joins us to share her Favorite Musical Recordings of 2023.

14. Freight Train Rabbit Killer – “Common Thorns”
    from: “Common Thorns” – Single (with “Mule to Plow”) / Haymaker Records / Oct. 20, 2023
    [“Common Thorns” was written by Kris Bruders, with Kris Briders on vocals & guitar, Mark Smeltzer on guitar, Jason Beers on bass, Fritx Hutchison on drums, Cole Gurley on saxophone, Trevor Turla on trombone, Andrew Crowley on organ. Engineered by Jeremy Wurst at B-24 Studios Kansas City, MO. Mixed and Mastered by Andrew Crowley at Organica Recording, St. Paul, MN // Freight Train Rabbit Killer, a musical duet made up of Kristopher Bruders (Freight Train) and Mark Smeltzer (Rabbit Killer). Described as “Apocalyptic Roots” or “Doom Blues” their intense and riveting live shows are accompanied by suits and masks. // On April 30, 2022 Freight Train Rabbit Killer released their album Hammer of Judgement through Haymaker Records. For this album, the duo is accompanied by accomplished multi-instrumentalists and solo recording artists Jason Beers and Fritz Hutchison. The Hammer of Judgment recording session was a one-of-a-kind pseudo-live studio album, utilizing an interactive crowd of dedicated fans experiencing the recording process first-hand with all the bells and whistles of a professional recording studio (isolated tracking, overdubs, post-production, etc.). Tickets were sold in advance and the session was captured at GFM Modern Recording in Blue Springs, Missouri in April 2019. Post-production work, a global pandemic, and national independent record pressing delays pushed the release back three years from the recording date, but the end results made it worth the wait. Freight Train Rabbit Killer played a special Vinyl Release Party at The Fifth Floor, Saturday, April 30 at 8:00 PM, at 1106 Santa Fe St., KCMO, in the West Bottoms, with Drop A Grand, and Teri Quinn. Freight Train Rabbit Killer – 10 year Anniversary Exhibition 3 shows in 7 days featuring old music, story-telling, animation, art, and even more music. Release of two new songs “Common Thorns” and “Mule To Plow” on all digital platforms on Friday, October 20, 2023. These songs will be available on the forthcoming LP “The Ten Year” due early 2024 on Haymaker Records and available for pre-order at all events. Special merch also available during the events. More info at http://www.haymakerrecords.net].

15. Kat King – “Baby Talk”
    from: “Baby Talk” – Single / Manor Records / June 16, 2023
    [On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Led by Kat, on vocals, with Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyse. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced a 13-song album and 3 EP’s, the 1st one released at 14.] [Kat King played Boulevardia, on Friday, June 16, at 5:05 PM on the Visit Missouri Grand Stage]

16. Mireya & The Poor Choices – “Regressa Ya”
    from: Sin Fronteras / Mireya Ramos / September 15, 2023
    [from mireyaramos.com: The U.S. border with Mexico has always been a fault line where cultural and political forces clash and meld with one another in a close embrace that is centuries old. The monumental musical project, Sin Fronteras, out September 2023, by Latin Grammy winner Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices proves this 5,525-mile-long expanse that physically bisects the two countries and cultures doesn’t spiritually separate them. It is a ranchera and country dialogue that could only happen in Kansas City, Missouri which has become a second home for the New York City-based Mireya. // “La Frontera showcases the similarities between styles of music and traditions that on the surface may seem very different. I like that this album sparks a conversation—that’s always been important to me as an artist,” – Mireya Ramos // Mireya is a vocalist, violinist, composer, and arranger, and the founder of Flor de Toloache, NYC’s first and only all-women mariachi band. She co-produced Sin Fronteras with Beau Bledsoe, founder/director of classical chamber Ensemble Iberica. The 10-song album features 25 musicians, including Latin Grammy winners Texmaniacs, Ensemble Iberica, and western band Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Though this community spans different genres, generations, and cultures, it coalesced around an album of original and traditional songs that meld influences from both sides of the border. // “The parallels between the music on both sides of the border became obvious to me years ago—you can see that in the traditions of cowboys in the U.S. and Mexico,” says Beau, who grew up in Arkansas but spent summers in the early 1990s studying ranchera in a tiny town in Mexico near KCMO. // Mireya might be best known for her pioneering work with her two-time Latin Grammy-winning group Flor de Toloache, and her acclaimed solo career. Flor de Toloache has toured nationally and internationally, and performed on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert,” The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and BBC 2’s Later with Jools Holland. The mariachi quartet has garnered critical-acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ Magazine, and The New York Times. // Mireya was born in California to proud Dominican and Mexican parents, and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her earliest connection to county music was through Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. When her family relocated from Puerto Rico to New York City, the Suzuki method, classically-trained violinist began to connect with bluegrass musicians and see firsthand the connections between the music of her Latin heritage and country music. Meeting Beau a decade ago and working with him for an internationally-themed seasonal performance series he curated in Kansas City only deepened the ranchera-country conversation for Mireya. // The shows documented a uniquely KCMO musical expression. Because of the city’s proximity to Interstate 35, a main tree branch for immigration to Mexico, Kansas City has had a long history of both traditional country and Latin music. “When I first moved here, I would study classical music at the conservatory, and play two-chord ranchera’s at night on the historic Southwest Blvd,” Beau recalls. // Latin-Grammy-winning, multiple Latin Grammy nominated and Grammy-nominated vocalist, violinist, Guitarron player, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – NY’s only all-women mariachi. She embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City and has landed her features on legendary albums by Latin Grammy Winner percussionist Luisito Quintero, Bobbito & Stretch, Len Smythe, Chicano Batman, Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) and many more. As a big advocate of empowering the next generation and promoting the importance of representation, she has been an integral part of educational projects like México Beyond Mariachi, Lincoln Center, and Mariachi Academy NY. She continues to share her experience and knowledge through workshops, educational programs and performances. Apart from touring with her band, she is proudly involved in She is the Music, the Recording Academy as a serving governor of the NY Chapter, a SAG-Aftra member and promoting her debut solo album self titled “Mireya” which include collaborations with Flor de Toloache, Gaby Moreno, Haydée Milanés, Camilo Lara, Adrian Quesada, Velcro and the legendary Mike Garson. Originally for San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mireya Ramos, has an exciting new album coming out that was recorded here in Kansas City titled, Sin Fronteras, co-produced with Beau Bledsoe and the KC-based super-group, Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Sin Fronteras will be officially released on September 15, 2023.]

17. Zee Underscore – “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”
    from: “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)” – Single / Underscore Form / July 12, 2023
    [Zee Underscore is a Kansas City based singer, songwriter, electrical engineer, and co-founder @zntl_ent More information at: https://linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D [Zee Underscore & Noye played the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 PM on the Kissick Construction Stage at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO (Indoor Stage) one of 6 STAGES in the Historic West Bottoms with over 25 Bands. More info at http://www.cmfkc.com]

18. Major Matt Mason USA – “Victims of The Storms”
    from: “Victims of The Storms” – Single / Olive Juice Music / February 23, 2023
    [Matt Roth on guitar & vocals, Brian Hurtgen on drums, and Dane Bridges on bass. Recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Audio (Shawnee, KS) Produced by Matt Roth and Paul Malinowski copyright 2023. (Claws Beat Skin BMI). // Major Matt Mason USA previously released, “Stupid Feelings: on May 6, 2022. Major Matt Mason released “Endless Summer” on November 18, 2020. Major Matt Mason USA is the performing name for musician, poet, and producer Matt Roth. Originally from Shawnee, Kansas, Matt cut his teeth playing guitar for local Lawrence, KS freak out and math rock bands Magic Nose and Dracomagnet in the early 1990s. // In 1994 Matt moved to New York City where he became active in the anti-folk and DIY music scene of New York’s East Village. Centering around the infamous Monday night, open mic, Antihoots at the Sidewalk Cafe, the scene was an early stomping ground for an array of artists including Beck, Regina Spektor, The Moldy Peaches, Langhorne Slim, John S. Hall (King Missile), Jeffrey Lewis, Shilpa Ray, Kimya Dawson, Diane Cluck, and many more. // In 1998 MMM released his debut solo album Me Me Me in the US. The album was licensed for the UK and Europe on Teenage Fanclub drummer Francis MacDonald’s label, Shoeshine Records. He would continue to release two more albums with Shoeshine: 2002’s Honey Are you Ready for the Ballet and 2004’s Bad People Rule The World. In 2005 Matt released a one-off project under the moniker of Kansas State Flower and in 2007 he returned as Major Matt Mason USA with the album Senile Pie Strive Pip Melancholy. // In 2001 he formed the band Schwervon! with Nan Turner. Schwervon! would go on to release five albums and a handful of singles, including a 7” on, Pavement member, Bob Nastanovich’s label Broker’s Tip Records. // During his time in NYC, he established Olive Juice Music, a recording studio, independent record label, and online record distro headquartered in his apartment in the Lower East Side. Olive Juice Music would go on to host the OJ All Day Music Fest, for three years, as well as the OJ Distro, a hub for over three hundred independent releases in the early days of online mailorder. OJ Studios has produced recordings for many notable artists including: Kimya Dawson, Daniel Johnston, Jeffrey Louis, Adam Green (Moldy Peaches), Toby Goodshank, The Lovely Eggs, L.D. Beghtol (Magnetic Fields), Dan Fishback, Paleface, Phoebe Kreutz, Elastic No No Band and more. // In 2012 Matt moved back to Shawnee, Kansas and re-inserted himself into the KC Music/ Poetry Scene. In 2015 he started a poetry blog entitled Beef Jerky Clouds and in 2017 formed a side project, Broken Heart Syndrome, featuring Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers on drums. // Major Matt Mason USA continues to perform as a solo act and as a band. Through his combined projects he has shared the stage, opening, for luminaries such as Belle and Sebastian, Guided By Voices, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), The Vaselines, The Wedding Present, Daniel Johnston, Lucy Dacus and many more. // As of the fall of 2019 Major Matt Mason USA has been performing with Brian Hurtgen on drums and more recently Dane Bridges on Bass. More info at: http://www.majormattmasonusa.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

19. Saving Miles Lemon – “‘Til The Sun Comes Up”
    from: LOVELY / Saving Miles Lemon / October 6, 2023
    [“’Til the Suns Comes” was released as a single on July 13, 2023 with “Harder to Sleep” as the B-Side. Both now part of the 13-track full-length album LOVELY . 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 themselves 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.]

20. Heidi Lynne Gluck – “All I See Is Magic”
    from: Migrate Or Die / Heidi Lynne Gluck / July 7, 2023
    [Cowritten with Kenny Childers. Heidi Lynne Gluck released the singles: “All I See Is Magic” on May 25, 2023, “I’m Not Free” on June 2, 2023 and “Skyscraper” on June 7, 2023 Lawrence, Kansas based Heidi Lynne Gluck is a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist originally from the middle of Canada. After transplant-ing herself from the plains of Manitoba to the midwestern United States, Heidi quickly became an in-demand player, performing on stage and in the studio both as a solo artist and with renowned musicians including Juliana Hatfield & Some Girls, Margot & The Nuclear So and Sos, Lily & Madeleine, The Pieces, The Only Children, and others. Heidi Lynne Gluck joined us live on WMM on June 8, and Aug. 24, 2016. Heidi Lynne Gluck released her critically acclaimed album, PONY SHOW through Lawrence based Lotuspool Records on Aug. 26, 2016. This was the follow-up to her critically acclaimed release THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ROOM, released April 28, 2015. Heidi Lynne Gluck released the 8th edition of the Too Much Rock, limited edition, 7” vinyl Single Series on Aug. 3, 2018, featuring her original song, “Party Line.” and the B-side, “Good Guys and Bad Guys” a new version of Camper Van Beethoven song. Heidi Lynne Gluck also plays with the band the Roseline and was a featured vocalist on “Beauty in the Distance” with Asterales. Heidi recently released two new singles with Tom Brosseau, “Sunflower” on Dec. 15, 2022, and “Under African Skies” on Feb. 17, 2023.]

21. Paris Williams – “Pack Light” (radio edit)
    from: “Pack Light” – Single / Bitter Sweet Sound / August, 2023
    [Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

22. 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’ released September 1, 2023. SCROLLIN’ is a sonic kaleidoscope of synth-tastic beats and experimental delight. Alyssa 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]

23. Janelle Monáe – “Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)”
    from: Age of Pleasure / Badboy Records / June 9, 2023
    [“Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)” was released as a single from Badboy Records on February 16, 2023. From Forbes.com, Feb 16, 2023 by Chris Malone Méndez: “Janelle Monáe Returns To Music With New Single ‘Float’. Since the release of their 2018 album Dirty Computer, Janelle Monáe has been demonstrating their talents in other media from the screen to the page. They appeared in hit movies like Moonlight, Hidden Figures, and more recently, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Last year, they released their first-ever book, The Memory Librarian, consisting of short stories set in the cyberpunk world of Dirty Computer. All the while, fans have wondered when — or if — Monáe would ever return to music, the arena where audiences everywhere first met the tuxedo-clad artist over a decade ago. // Today, Monáe is back with a new single titled “Float,” marking their first new music since the 2021 protest anthem “Say Her Name (Hell You Talmbout).” To bring the song to life, Monáe recruited Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Nigerian musical pioneer Fela Kuti, and his Afrobeat band Egypt 80 as featured guests. The track was released via Monáe’s Wondaland Records label and was produced by Snoh Aalegra collaborator Sensei Bruno and Wondaland signees Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Nana Kwabena. // “Ahhhh it feels good to be releasing music!!” the singer wrote on social media celebrating the song’s release. “Sending love and waves to everyone who takes the time to listen! I pray you hold these words close to your heart cause they came straight from mine.” // Monáe has been teasing an official return to music for a while, and “Float” appears to be only a taste of what’s to come. The cover art for “Float” features a tracklist obstructed largely by an orange vinyl record, leaving not much visible other than “Side A” and “Side B.” Details around the singer’s impending fifth studio album remain light, but given the now-customary five-year intervals between projects, fans can likely expect the LP to be released sometime this year.// Janelle Monáe Robinson was born on December 1, 1985 in Kansas City, Kansas and was raised in a working-class community of Kansas City, Quindaro. Her mother, Janet, worked as a janitor and a hotel maid. Her father, Michael Robinson Summers, was a truck driver. Monáe’s parents separated when Monáe was a toddler and her mother later married a postal worker. Monáe has a younger sister, Kimmy, from their mother’s remarriage. // Monáe was raised Baptist and learned to sing at a local church. Her family members were musicians and performers at the local AME church, the Baptist church, and the Church of God in Christ. Monáe dreamed of being a singer and a performer from a very young age, and has cited the fictional character of Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz as a musical influence. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which Monáe bought two copies of with her first check, was another source of inspiration. She performed songs from the album on Juneteenth talent shows, winning three years in a row. // As a teenager, Monáe was enrolled in the Coterie Theater’s Young Playwrights’ Round Table, which began writing musicals. One musical, completed when she was around the age of 12, was inspired by the 1979 Stevie Wonder album Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants”. // Monáe attended F. L. Schlagle High School, and after high school, moved to New York City to study musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she was the only black woman in her class. Monáe enjoyed the experience, but feared that she might lose her edge and “sound, or look or feel like anybody else”. In a 2010 interview Monáe explained, “I felt like that was a home but I wanted to write my own musicals. I didn’t want to have to live vicariously through a character that had been played thousands of times – in a line with everybody wanting to play the same person.” // After a year and a half, Monáe dropped out of the academy and relocated to Atlanta, enrolling in Perimeter College at Georgia State University. She began writing her own music and performing around the campus. In 2003, Monáe self-released a demo album titled The Audition, which she sold out of the trunk of a Mitsubishi Galant. During this period, Monáe became acquainted with songwriters and producers Chuck Lightning and Nate Wonder. The three would eventually form the Wondaland Arts Collective. She worked at an Office Depot but was fired for answering a fan’s e-mail using a company computer, an incident that inspired the song “Lettin’ Go”, which in turn attracted the attention of Big Boi. // Janelle Monáe Robinson (/moʊˈneɪ/;[9] born December 1, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and record producer. Monáe is signed to Atlantic Records, as well as to her own imprint, the Wondaland Arts Society. Monáe has received eight Grammy Award nominations. Monáe won an MTV Video Music Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2010. Monáe was also honored with the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award in 2015 and the Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2018. In 2012, Monáe became a CoverGirl spokesperson. Boston City Council named October 16, 2013 “Janelle Monáe Day” in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in recognition of her artistry and social leadership. // Monáe’s musical career began in 2003 upon releasing a demo album titled The Audition. In 2007, Monáe publicly debuted with a conceptual EP titled Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase). It peaked at number two on the US Top Heatseekers chart, and in 2010, through Bad Boy Records, Monáe released a first full-length studio album, The ArchAndroid, a concept album and sequel to her first EP. In 2011, Monáe was featured as a guest vocalist on fun.’s single “We Are Young”, which achieved major commercial success, topping the charts of more than ten countries and garnering Monáe a wider audience. Her second studio album, The Electric Lady, was released in 2013 and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, serving as the fourth and fifth installments of the seven-part Metropolis concept series. // In 2016, Monáe made her theatrical film debut in two high-profile productions; Monáe starred in Hidden Figures as NASA mathematician and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson, and also starred in Moonlight. Hidden Figures was a box office success, while Moonlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 89th annual ceremony. Monáe’s third studio album, Dirty Computer, also described as a concept album, was released in 2018 to widespread critical acclaim; it was chosen as the best album of the year by several publications and earned Monáe two nominations at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and was further promoted by Monáe’s Dirty Computer Tour, which lasted from June to August 2018.]

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

11:58 KC Arts Calendar

12:00 – Station ID

NEXT WEEK, on November 29, Bill Brownlee – Music Writer for KCUR 89.3 FM and the blogs: There Stands The Glass, and Plastic Sax, Marion Merritt – owner of Records With Merritt, Chris Haghirian – Host of Eight One Sixty on 90.9 The Bridge, and Fally Afani – Founder & Editor of I Heart Local Music will share their Favorite Musical Releases of 2023.

In Two Weeks we begin the WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. This is our celebration of the year in music based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. In 2023 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 145 interviews with 150 special guests.

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 October 12. With our On-Air Wednesday MidDay Medley fundraiser, com,bined with our Facebook Fundraiser, 45 individuals, all collectively donated a total of $2643.00 in honor of Wednesday MidDay Medley! Making Wednesday MidDay Medley in the top three fundraising shows at KKFI. In fact all five of KKFI’s MidDay Medley shows were in the top 25, as well as 4 of the 5 Jazz Shows. Thank you EVERYONE! You have again enabled us to continue the endeavor of KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City’s Community Radio!!!!

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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 #1021

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, November 15, 2023

WMM presents: Julia Othmer + Malek Azrael + Red Kate + Peregrine Honig

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. Allison Russell – “Eve Was Black”
   from: The Returner / Birds of Chicago LLC – Fantasy Records / September 8, 2023
   [7x GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell has announced her new album, The Returner. The album was written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay) and was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It features Russell’s “Rainbow Coalition” band of all female musicians along with special guest appearances from the legendary Wendy & Lisa, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, and Hozier. Allison Russell on The Returner: “My goal with The Returner – sonically, poetically, and spiritually – is a radical reclamation of the present tense, a real time union of body, mind, and soul. This album is a much deeper articulation of rhythm, groove, and syncopation. Groove as it heralds the self back into the body, groove as it celebrates sensual and sexual agency and flowering, groove as an urgent call to action and political activism. // In just a word, it’s funkier. But as is the history of anything funky, it’s never just a party. It is a multiverse of energies that merges the celebration and the battle cry. For while an embrace of the present tense is a celebration, it is equally an unquestioning leap into battle – cultural, political, environmental.” // Since the release of her debut solo LP two years ago Outside Child, Russell’s often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years. Now comes the second chapter in her story, The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of liberation, love, and self-respect that serves as a fierce declaration of joy for all survivors that have made it to the other side. Allison, JT, and Drew built The Returner from the bottom up with a rhythm-first, genre-fluid approach. The improvisational energy of great female artists sparked the album’s fierce joy, and provided a wider canvas for Allison’s immense, unlimited talent. In all, the new album doesn’t just deliver on the promise of the last two years, it exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms Allison Russell’s place among music’s most vital artists and The Returner, as one of 2023’s most essential recordings. // Allison Russell has spent her career in multiple bands, including Po’ Girl, Our Native Daughters, and Birds of Chicago. After a career spent as a gifted multi-instrumentalist, backing numerous other artists, she finally dared to release her solo project in 2021. “It’s an album of strength and affirmation, not victimization,” said The New York Times in their profile on Russell and Outside Child. Following the album’s release, Russell performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning, Austin City Limits, The Kelly Clarkson Show made her Opry debut and appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame and performed at the 2022 GRAMMY’s Premiere Ceremony. // The accolades for Russell have been immense. In addition to her four GRAMMY nominations, she has earned three 2022 Americana Award nominations and a win for Album of the Year, two International Folk Music Award wins, a 2022 Juno nomination for ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ and her first-ever Juno Award win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Russell received two 2021 Americana Awards nominations, won three Canadian Folk Music Awards, two UK Americana Music Awards, and more. She was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year for the 2023 Americana Awards. In addition, Russell has consistently used her newfound platform to elevate, educate and inspire; curating the history making Once And Future Sounds: Roots and Revolution set for the Newport Folk Festival in 2021 and mobilizing this year’s triumphant Love Rising All-Star benefit concert in support of LGBTQIA+ causes in Nashville – raising over $550,000 and calling national attention to Tennessee’s dangerous anti/trans and anti/drag laws. Russell has also announced a book deal with Flatiron/MacMillan for her debut novel, a memoir based on her life and the material that inspired Outside Child and The Returner. // All songs written by Allison Russell, JT Nero, and Drew Lindsay // Co-Producers: Dim Star and Allison Russell // Recorded by Brandon Bell at Henson Recording Studios (Los Angeles, CA) Assistant Engineer: Kelsey Porter. Mixed by Brandon Bell at The Cabin Studio (Nashville, TN). Mastered by Kim Rosen at Knack Mastering (Ringwood, NJ) // Allison Russell (vocals, banjo, clarinet), Elenna Canlas (keyboards/synth, backing vocals), Elizabeth Pupo-Walker (percussion), Chauntee Ross (violin, backing vocals) & Monique Ross (cello, backing vocals) aka SistaStrings, Ganessa James (bass, backing vocals), Joy Clark (guitar), Kerenza Peacock (violin), Larissa Maestro (cello, backing vocals), Lisa Coleman (piano), Mandy Fer (guitar, backing vocals), Meg Coleman (drums), Meg McCormick (guitar), Wendy Melvoin (guitar, bass), and Wiktoria Bialic (drums). Special guests Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, and Hozier provide backing vocals on “Requiem”. //We first saw Allison Russell as part of the band/duo with her partner JT Nero as, The Birds of Chicago at the 2014 International Folk Alliance Conference, where they were an Official Showcase Artist . More info at http://www.folk.org. Russell was born in Montreal to a Grenadian student and a Scottish-Canadian teenage single mother. Her mother struggled with postpartum depression and schizophrenia, and Russell was initially placed in foster care. Her mother regained custody of her after marrying a white-supremacist American expatriate. From the ages of 5 to 15, she was physically and sexually abused by her adoptive father. At the age of 15, Russell ran away from home, eventually moving to Vancouver in 1998. She attended Dawson College. // Russell was initially a member of the Vancouver-based Celtic folk band Fear of Drinking. // In 2003, Russell formed the band Po’ Girl with The Be Good Tanyas member Trish Klein. She recorded seven albums with the band: Po’ Girl (2003), Vagabond Lullabies (2004), B-side Recordings (2006), Home to You (2007), Deer in the Night (2008), Live (2009), and Follow Your Bliss (2010). Russell formed the music group Birds of Chicago with JT Nero in 2012. As part of Birds of Chicago, Russell released three studio albums, Birds of Chicago (2012), Real Midnight (2016) and Love in Wartime (2018). With the group, she also released a live album, Live from Space, and an EP titled American Flowers in 2018. In 2018, Russell joined the musical collective Our Native Daughters alongside fellow musicians Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah In 2019, the group released the album Songs of Our Native Daughters under the Smithsonian Folkways label. Russell was also featured alongside the rest of the group in a Smithsonian Channel documentary titled Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters. Info: http://www.allisonrussellmusic.com]

3. Snail Mail – “Easy Thing”
   from: Valentine Demos / Matador Records / November 3, 2023
   [Snail Mail returns with her first recordings since the critically adored 2021 LP ‘Valentine.’ ‘Valentine Demos’ collects four intimate recordings leading up to Snail Mail’s most recent studio album along with a never-before-heard track “Easy Thing.” // Snail Mail is the American indie rock solo project of guitarist and singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan (born June 16, 1999). Originally from Ellicott City, Maryland, Jordan first performed as Snail Mail live in 2015 at the age of 15, and attracted attention with the EP Habit in 2016. After signing with Matador Records, Snail Mail released her debut studio album, Lush (2018), to critical acclaim. In 2021, Snail Mail followed up with her second album, Valentine, to further critical recognition. // Jordan was named the 242nd greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023. // Lindsey Erin Jordan was raised in Ellicott City, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. Her mother is a lingerie store owner and her father works for a textbook publisher. Jordan had a Roman Catholic upbringing. She started playing guitar at the age of 5, and became captivated by the punk scene as a teenager. At the age of 8, Jordan saw Paramore live on the Riot! tour. She cited the experience as a “big moment” that inspired her to eventually form her own band. She played guitar for a church band and a jazz band at school. She started writing her own songs at around 12 and began booking her own sets at restaurants and coffee shops. In 2018, Jordan was admitted to St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, but chose not to attend in order to focus on her career. // Jordan released her self-recorded solo EP Sticki in 2015 with her new band as Snail Mail. She was joined by Ryan Vieira playing bass and Shawn Durham on the drums. In October 2015, Snail Mail performed her first live show at Baltimore’s Unregistered Nurse festival alongside Sheer Mag, Screaming Females and Priests. The set attracted the attention of Priests, who subsequently recruited Jordan to their label Sister Polygon Records. After completing one short DIY tour in July 2016, Snail Mail released her first full EP Habit via Sister Polygon, produced by Priests’ G.L. Jaguar and Coup Sauvage and the Snips’s Jason Sauvage. The six-track EP received considerable coverage from the indie press. Pitchfork included the EP’s opening track, “Thinning”, in their “Best New Track” series. // Snail Mail, supported by bassist Alex Bass and drummer Ray Brown, toured North America extensively in 2017 supporting Priests, Girlpool, Waxahatchee and Beach Fossils. In September 2017, Jordan signed with Matador Records and performed her first Tiny Desk Concert for NPR Music. Snail Mail’s first headlining tour began in January 2018. Snail Mail’s debut full-length album Lush was released on June 8, 2018, to generally positive reviews from music critics. In 2019, she toured New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the US, playing with artists such as Mac Demarco and Thundercat. In June 2019, Snail Mail released a new version of their song “Pristine” in Simlish for the new EA game The Sims 4: Island Living. That same month Matador Records digitally reissued Habit, featuring a cover of “The 2nd Most Beautiful Girl in the World” by the band Courtney Love, headed by American musician Lois Maffeo. // Snail Mail released her second album, Valentine, on November 5, 2021. The album received widespread critical acclaim and appeared on multiple 2021 year-end lists. Regarding Valentine, Jordan stated: “Making this album has been the greatest challenge of my life thus far. I put my entire heart and soul into every last detail.” // Her original set of US and UK tour dates were also set to begin in November 2021, but Jordan called off the tour shortly before it began due to her finding massive polyps in her vocal cords that needed to be operated on to prevent permanent damage to her voice. // In November 2022, Jordan announced through Variety that she would bring a hometown festival to Baltimore in early 2023 called “Snail Mail’s Valentine Fest.” The five-night run of shows will take place at the city’s Ottobar venue, with a lineup of special guests that Jordan curated herself, and she told Variety that there are “some fucking insane bands on there.” // Snail Mail was part of the lineup for the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2023. // In September 2023, Snail Mail announced a new EP Valentine (Demos), a collection of four previously-unreleased demo tracks that were recorded in the process of making the Valentine album. The announcement was accompanied by the release of Easy Thing, one of the four tracks from the EP. The full EP was released on November 3rd, 2023. // Snail Mail’s music has been described as indie rock, and alternative rock. While earlier Snail Mail releases were noted for their spare, lo-fi guitar-driven sounds, Valentine embraced a richer sonic palette, incorporating synthesizers, strings and samples. Lindsay Zoladz of The New York Times noted Jordan’s unconventional sense of melody and a preference for “murky” effects pedals, both exhibiting influences of 1990s indie rock. Her lyricism has been noted for its candid and introspective nature. Regarding her songwriting process, Jordan stated, “I have a really hard time writing from any place other than complete honesty within myself.” // Jordan has cited Hayley Williams of Paramore, Liz Phair and Avril Lavigne as her idols and major musical inspirations. Her other influences include Fiona Apple, Cat Power, Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, My Bloody Valentine and Sheer Mag. Jordan has named Mary Timony her favorite guitarist, and received guitar lessons from Timony herself. Other guitarists who had inspired her include Marnie Stern, Kurt Vile, Steve Gunn and Mark Kozelek. // Jordan is openly gay. In an interview with The New Zealand Herald, Jordan stated that while coming out as gay “really developed who I am as a person”, she “hated having to answer questions about being a woman and being gay and being young. All of it, to me, has nothing to do with the music.” As of September 2021, she lives in New York City.]

[Snail Mail plays Yeehaw: A Benefit Show for KC Tenants, on Friday, November 17, Doors at 8:00 PM / Show at 9:00 PM, at The Truman, 601 E Truman Road, KCMO with Waxahatchee, Caleb Hearon, Holmes Holmes, Kiry Shabazz, Friendly Thieves, and surprise Guests!]

4. Koney – “Buds”
   from: Koney / High Dive Records / October 9, 2020
   [Konnor Ervin is part of the Shy Boys who’ve released three full-length albums and multiple singles. Before Shy Boys, Konnor was the founder of the critically acclaimed band The ACBs who released their self titled debut album in 2007, followed by Stona Rosa in 2011, and Little Leaves in 2013. Konnor’s work on what might have been The ACBs fourth full-length album, got held up, but now five years later it’s seeing the light of day under the name Koney, Konnor’s nickname from Shy Boy’s band mates. From Lucas Wetzel’s Pitch Feature: “To bring the songs to life, Konnor enlisted brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch, his roommates in their ramshackle West Plaza house/practice space and his bandmates in chamber pop group Shy Boys. Ross Brown (of Fullbloods) played synthesizer and helped run sound, and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Little contributed on guitar. Fritz Hutchison and Andrew Connor also contributed on several tracks. Recording engineer Mike Nolte flew in from Portland to run the controls at Westend Recordings, and the group set up camp in the studio over a long snowy weekend.” KonnorEevin was out guest on WMM on June 3, 2020.]

[Koney plays Songbird Sessions on Thursday, November 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Manor Records, 1501 West 12th Street, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO. More info at http://www.manorrecords.com]

5. Julia Othmer – “Fortunate Son”
   from: SEEDS, Volume 2 (LIVE) / Frickin’ Awesome Records / March 20, 2021
   [This is Julia’s 4th full length and contains 10 live songs selected from her 30-day Songs of September Project, where Julia performed live covers of her favorite songs of protest and hope, broadcast through streaming social platforms to inspire people to vote on November 3. Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be included on SEEDS. Julia Othmer released SOUND on April 12, 2019, her second album, that took 3 years to complete, and was produced with James Lundie, who also married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st full-length album, OASIS MOTEL In 2018 to 2019 Julia Othmer toured with and opened for The Alarm in US show and shows in the United Kingdom. When Julia Othmer is in Kansas City she plays with Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Tady on guitar, John Floyd Whitaker on drums. More info at http://www.juliaothmer.com. Julia Othmer was our guest on WMM on September 1, 2021 and March 9, 2022. and Masy 18, 2022]

[Julia Othmer plays The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Thursday, November 16, with Teri Quinn.]

10:15 – Interview With Julia Othmer

Julia Othmer‘s music is vibrant and emotionally potent. She is the child of European refugees, she draws from a broad and richly cultured palette of experience to create her intensely human yet otherworldly songs. Her piano-driven performances are a mesmerizing and superconscious fusion of raw power, vocal artistry and joy. In 2021 Julia released SEEDS VOLUME 2, her 4th album with live recordings from her 30-day “Songs of September Project”, where Julia covered songs of protest & hope, to inspire people to vote. In 2020, Julia released SEEDS VOLUME 1. Julia Othmer released “Sound,” on April 12, 2019, her second album produced with James Lundie, who became Julia’s husband in 2016. Julia was a 2022 Folk Alliance International Official Showcase Artist and was one of seven artists selected to represent the USA for Global Music Match 2021. Julia Othmer joins us to share her new single, “Open Wide” that premiered in late October when Julia played in Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s GHOST LIGHT: A Haunted Night of Songs & Stories in Roanoke Park.

Julia Othmer plays The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Thursday, November 16, with Teri Quinn. More Info at: http://www.juliaothmer.com.

Julia Othmer thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Julia Othmer recently played in Kansas City Repertory Theatre‘s 4th Annual GHOST LIGHT: A Haunted Night of Songs & Stories from KC’s Cultural Crossroads with two outdoor performances October 13 and 14 in Roanoke Park, 3601 Roanoke Road, KCMO. Performances will begin at 7:30 PM featuring poets, Glenn North and Mary Silwance, and Black Light Animals, Jass, Julia Othmer and more.

Julia Othmer was comissioned by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre to write an
original song on the theme of “haunting or haunted” as part of Ghost Light 2023.

Working with her longtime collaborator and partner, James T Lundie, they created
an original composition and soundscape called “Open Wide.”

“Open Wide” debuted at the Ghost Light 2023 performances on October 13 & 14,
and the official studio recording of “Open Wide” released on Thursday, October 26
on all streaming platforms.

”Open Wide” is the “James Bond theme song of the season.”

Per Julia, “My understanding is that Stuart Carden (Artistic Director of the KC Rep)
became aware of us at our performance at this year’s Crossroads Music Fest. We
were delighted to meet with him and hear about Ghost Light, and it did not take
long at all to convince us to collaborate. He totally had us at “and then we shall
invite everyone to howl at the moon together!”

“James and I were touring through France and Germany immediately after CMFKC.
We knew when we got back to Kansas City, we had less than three days to make
the magic happen before the studio visit by Stuart and Karen Lisondra (KC Rep
Assistant Director) to check in on our progress. There’s definitely great inspiration
in a strong deadline.”

GHOST LIGHT 2023 (KC Rep in Roanoke Park): Conceived of and created by Stuart
Carden of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, 2023 was the 4th Annual Ghost Light:
A Haunted Night of Songs and Stories from KC’s Cultural Crossroads!
Nestled in the dark woods of Roanoke Park (3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City,
MO), we celebrated the start of Spooky Season at this free, frightfully-fun event!
Ghost Light featured extraordinary musicians Julia Othmer, Jass, Black Light
Animals, and Amado Espinoza, plus writers and storytellers Glenn North and Mary
Silwance that reflected the cultural riches of our KC community. There were
art-making opportunities and a chance to march with the Ghost Light Orchestra in
the Haunted Parade!

Julia Othmer joins us to share her new single, “Open Wide”

Julia Othmer plays The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Thursday, November 16, with Teri Quinn.

Last year Julia organized the Benefit for Ukraine, at Lemonade Park, KC, MO. Kansas City area artists are coming together at Lemonade Park to raise humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with peace and resolution. The evening will include live music, spoken word, dance, improvisation, poetry-on-demand, and a curated gallery of visual art projected on a screen between performances.

In 2022 Julia participated in Global Music Match that included 78 artists, from 17 countries who were divided into 14 groups. Julia covered a song from each artist in her team, and collaborated with Jessica Pearson and East Wind from Ottawa, Canada.

Julia Othmer is a “captivating” piano-playing singer/songwriter known for her energetic live performances. Passionate and engaging, Othmer creates intimate warmth with her audiences. Using music to connect to people and social issues inspires her.

Since your Julia’salbum “Sound” all of your following releases SEEDS VOLUME 1 and SEEDS VOLUME 2 have been produced with her husband James Lundie.

Julia Othmer plays The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Thursday, November 16, with Teri Quinn. For more info: juliaothmer.com

10:30

9. Julia Othmer – “Open Wide”
   from: “Open Wide” – Single / Fricken’ Awesome Records / October 26, 2023
   [Julia’s released her 4th full length album SEEDS Volume 2 (LIVE) on Frickin’ Awesome Records on March 20, 2021 and contains 10 live songs selected from her 30-day Songs of September Project, where Julia performed live covers of her favorite songs of protest and hope, broadcast through streaming social platforms to inspire people to vote on November 3. Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be included on SEEDS. Julia Othmer released SOUND on April 12, 2019, her second album, that took 3 years to complete, and was produced with James Lundie, who also married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st full-length album, OASIS MOTEL In 2018 to 2019 Julia Othmer toured with and opened for The Alarm in US show and shows in the United Kingdom. When Julia Othmer is in Kansas City she plays with Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Tady on guitar, John Floyd Whitaker on drums. More info at http://www.juliaothmer.com. Julia Othmer was on WMM on Sept 1, 2021 and March 9, 2022. and Masy 18, 2022.]

[Julia Othmer plays The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Thursday, November 16, with Teri Quinn.]

10:33 – Underwriting

7. Malek Azrael & The Vibez – “Anxiety”
   from: “Anxiety” – Single / Malek Azrael / January 6, 2023
   [On October 15, 2021 Makek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. Malek & The Vibez play Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on Friday, June 16.]

[Malek Azrael & The Vibez play Live at The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO, on Saturday, November 18 with special guest Mike Dillon.]

10:38 – Interview with Malek Azrael

Malek Azrael returns to WMM to talk about his show at Greenwood Social Hall. Malek Azrael grew up in Kansas City. He worked for Boys Grow, and with touring bands. Malek Azrael was part of Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship, and sometimes plays with Making Movies. Makek Azrael released his 10-track debut album on October 15, 2021. Malek Azrael released the single “22” on January 13, 2023, and the newest single, “Anxiety” on April 30, 2023. Malek is the lead singer and songwriter of his band, Malek & The Vibez with Josh Luke on drums, Quinn Cosgrove on bass, and Calvin Haverkamp on guitar. Malek played the Ameri-Kana Fest, KKFI’s Crossroads Music Fest, and Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center. Malek Azrael & The Vibez play Live at The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO, on Saturday, November 18 with special guest Mike Dillon. More info at: http://www.mavband.us

Malek Azrael thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“Malek Azrael’s debut album “Waves” was a jam packed record full of baby making soul comparable to the likes of D’angelo, Stevie Wonder, and Prince with a voice that rivals the greatest RnB singers of our generation.”

10:46

8. Malek Azrael & The Vibez – “22 (Radio Edit)”
   from: “Anxiety” – Single / Malek Azrael / April 30, 2023
   [On October 15, 2021 Makek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. Malek & The Vibez play Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on Friday, June 16.]

[Malek Azrael & The Vibez play Live at The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO, on Saturday, November 18 with special guest Mike Dillon.]

10:50 – More Interview with Malek Azrael & The Vibez

Malek Azrael & The Vibez play Live at The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO, on Saturday, November 18 with special guest Mike Dillon.

More info at: http://www.mavband.us

10:57

9. Malek Azrael – “Find The Love”
   from: Waves / Malek Azrael / October 15, 2021
   [On October 15, 2021 Malek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow. And is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms.]

[Malek Azrael & The Vibez play Live at The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO, on Saturday, November 18 with special guest Mike Dillon.]

11:00 – Station ID

10. Red Kate -“Shut It Down”
    from: Exit Strategy / Black Site / November 10. 2023
    [First single form new album. Single was released April 27, 2023. The Kansas City based, class-conscious punk rock and rollers, Red Kate, are proud to announce their first new music in five years. “Shut It Down”, the debut single from the band’s upcoming third album, EXIT STRATEGY, is a blistering, no-holds-barred call to action for the oppressed, marginalized and working class. Written by the band’s former guitar player, Desmond Poirier, after attending a Stand Up KC march, “Shut It Down” reminds us that when push comes to shove, the one power the powerless still have when they come together in solidarity is to SHUT! IT! DOWN! The song begins streaming on all platforms Thursday, April 27, 2023. // In late 2021, singer/bassist, L. Ron Drunkard, drummer Andrew Whelan, rhythm guitarist Shawn Hamontree, and newly added lead guitarist Chris Kinsley returned to the band’s mainstay studio, Duane Trower’s Weights and Measures Soundlab, to finish what, at this point, had become a multi-year project. The group laid down four new tracks written during lockdown and then began the long process of turning twelve songs recorded over several sessions in two different studio locations with four different guitarists into the best sounding, and best collection of, songs the band has ever recorded. // Exit Strategy is set for release in the Fall of 2023 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site. // BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone. Info at: http://www.black-site.org

[Red Kate plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Wednesday, November 22 with The Uncouth and the return of KC hardcore legends, Second Chance.]

[Red Kate plays Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 1, 2023, with special guests Jackoffs and Sarkatha. ]

11:04 – Interview with L. Ron Drunkard of Red Kate

L. Ron Drunkard plays in Kansas City based punk rock band, Red Kate, and joins us to share music and information about the band’s third LP, EXIT STRATEGY.

Red Kate plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Wednesday, November 22 with The Uncouth and the return of KC hardcore legends, Second Chance.

Red Kate plays Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 1, 2023, with special guests Jackoffs and Sarkatha.

L. Ron Drunkard thanks for being with us on WMM.

More info at: black-site.org/red-kate and redkate.bandcamp.com 

The KC based Punk Rock and Roll band, Red Kate has been rocking venues since 2007. In the review of their debut EP, The Pitch wrote, “Bassist and lead vocalist L. Ron Drunkard, (aka Shawn Saving) is a socialist activist by day, bellows like an Appalachian Roger Daltrey.”

The band’s first full-length album, “When the Troubles Come” was released on Replay Records in 2013. In 2016 the band released their follow up full – length record, UNAMERICAN ACTIVITIES, on Kansas City’s coop record label, Black Site. The band has also released two 7″ split sinle releases with The Bad Ideas, and Stiff Middle Fingers. and “Iraqi Girl,” as part of the Too Much Rock – Singles Series, 7” vinyl 45-rpm release, with a B side cover of TSOL’s,” American Zone,” the first recording with rhythm guitarist Shaun Hamontree.

While the album takes musical departures into post-punk and proto-industrial territories only hinted at in previous albums, it does so without sacrificing the band’s well-established Cleveland-via-Australia style of Midwestern punk rock and roll. Bassist / lead-vocalist L. Ron Drunkard, drummer Andrew Whelan, rhythm guitarist Shaun Hamontree and newest member, lead guitarist Mike Campbell, maintain that fierce classic tube-driven intensity that is the band’s hallmark.


Exit Strategy contains nine tracks of unreleased material written and recorded over several years, plus three tracks previously available only on 7” vinyl.  Creating a single cohesive album from twelve songs recorded over multiple sessions at two different studio locations with four different guitarists required the masterful skills of the band’s mainstay engineer, Duane Trower, and his Weights and Measures Soundlab. Making this album wasn’t easy and it sure wasn’t quick, but rarely is anything of quality.  Exit Strategy is most certainly the best sounding, best collection of songs the band has ever released.


11:13

11. Red Kate – “She’s In Love”
    from: Exit Strategy / Black Site / November 10. 2023
    [Third single form new album. The Kansas City based, class-conscious punk rock and rollers, Red Kate, are proud to announce their first new music in five years. “Shut It Down”, the debut single from the band’s upcoming third album, EXIT STRATEGY, is a blistering, no-holds-barred call to action for the oppressed, marginalized and working class. Written by the band’s former guitar player, Desmond Poirier, after attending a Stand Up KC march, “Shut It Down” reminds us that when push comes to shove, the one power the powerless still have when they come together in solidarity is to SHUT! IT! DOWN! The song begins streaming on all platforms Thursday, April 27, 2023. // In late 2021, singer/bassist, L. Ron Drunkard, drummer Andrew Whelan, rhythm guitarist Shawn Hamontree, and newly added lead guitarist Chris Kinsley returned to the band’s mainstay studio, Duane Trower’s Weights and Measures Soundlab, to finish what, at this point, had become a multi-year project. The group laid down four new tracks written during lockdown and then began the long process of turning twelve songs recorded over several sessions in two different studio locations with four different guitarists into the best sounding, and best collection of, songs the band has ever recorded. // Exit Strategy is set for release in the Fall of 2023 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site. // BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone. Info at: http://www.black-site.org

[Red Kate plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Wednesday, November 22 with The Uncouth and the return of KC hardcore legends, Second Chance.]

[Red Kate plays Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 1, 2023, with special guests Jackoffs and Sarkatha. ]

11:16 – More Interview with L. Ron Drunkard of Red Kate

L. Ron Drunkard of the KC based punk rock band, Red Kate joins us to share music and information about the band’s just released LP, EXIT STRATEGY.

L. Ron Drunkard thanks for being with us on WMM.

With their third LP, Exit Strategy, Kansas City’s no-bullshit, class-conscious punk rock and rollers, Red Kate, fire an unapologetic sonic blast of musical truth into the disinformation-soaked wall of incessant noise that deafens and numbs us daily.  While it’s natural to wonder how we got to this sorrowful state, Exit Strategy asks the more relevant question, “How do we get out?” 

Addressing issues as varied as American exceptionalism (“Home of the Slave”), anti-intellectualism (“Don’t Think Too Much”), provincial conservatism (“Escape Room”), and technological dehumanization (“Lost Connection”), Exit Strategy holds a mirror up to our self-absorbed, narcissistic society, a society so easily manipulated and exploited through tribalism and fear that it makes one doubt that progress is actually possible (“No Solution”).  Even the album’s new single, “She’s in Love”, a catchy power pop tune that feels like a love song, proves instead to be a warning about an intractable relationship.  Is slowly degrading gridlock all the future has in store?
 Complementing the theme of the record is Shaun Hamontree’s album art, an adaptation of a Vietnam-era photograph of a soldier being lifted into (or falling from?) a helicopter – a grim image that aptly captures the uncertainty and anxiety of our postmodern condition.  Pressed on translucent smoke gray vinyl, Exit Strategy is an ideal work of art for the coming end times.

While the album takes musical departures into post-punk and proto-industrial territories only hinted at in previous albums, it does so without sacrificing the band’s well-established Cleveland-via-Australia style of Midwestern punk rock and roll.  Bassist/lead vocalist L. Ron Drunkard, drummer Andrew Whelan, rhythm guitarist Shaun Hamontree and newest member, lead guitarist Mike Campbell, maintain that fierce classic tube-driven intensity that is the band’s hallmark.
 Exit Strategy contains nine tracks of unreleased material written and recorded over several years, plus three tracks previously available only on 7” vinyl.  Creating a single cohesive album from twelve songs recorded over multiple sessions at two different studio locations with four different guitarists required the masterful skills of the band’s mainstay engineer, Duane Trower, and his Weights and Measures Soundlab. Making this album wasn’t easy and it sure wasn’t quick, but rarely is anything of quality.  Exit Strategy is most certainly the best sounding, best collection of songs the band has ever released.

To introduce the new record, Red Kate is hosting two shows:

November 22 at miniBar in Kansas City with working class heroes The Uncouth plus the return of KC hardcore legends, Second Chance

December 1 at Replay Lounge in Lawrence with up-and-coming rippers Jackoffs and Sarkatha
. For more than 15 years Red Kate has expressed its DIY ethic through multiple LP and 7” releases, touring across the Midwest, and going so far as to create Black Site, a not-for-profit record label cooperative, to help other bands produce vinyl records. With authoritarian narcissists, white supremacy and plain ol’ hate and prejudice again on the rise worldwide, Red Kate’s hard, fast and angry polemics on our current state of affairs are, as the only band that ever mattered once put it, a “public service announcement…with guitars!”

Exit Strategy was released November 10, 2023 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site.  LPs, CDs and Cassettes will be available November 22 and can be preordered here – https://link.black-site.org/RK-Exit-Strategy
 . The singles “She’s in Love”, “Home of the Slave”, and “Shut It Down”, plus the rest of the album, can be downloaded for airplay or review here (please do not distribute) – https://link.black-site.org/RK-ES-Music

CONTACT:
redkatekc@yahoo.com
black-site.org/red-kate
redkate.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/redkatekc

BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone.

blacksiterecords@gmail.com black-site.org

L. Ron Drunkard thanks for being with us on WMM.

11:25

11. Red Kate -“Home of the Slave”
    from: Exit Strategy / Black Site / November 10, 2023
    [2nd single form new album. The Kansas City based, class-conscious punk rock and rollers, Red Kate, are proud to announce their first new music in five years. “Shut It Down”, the debut single from the band’s upcoming third album, EXIT STRATEGY, is a blistering, no-holds-barred call to action for the oppressed, marginalized and working class. Written by the band’s former guitar player, Desmond Poirier, after attending a Stand Up KC march, “Shut It Down” reminds us that when push comes to shove, the one power the powerless still have when they come together in solidarity is to SHUT! IT! DOWN! The song begins streaming on all platforms Thursday, April 27, 2023. // In late 2021, singer/bassist, L. Ron Drunkard, drummer Andrew Whelan, rhythm guitarist Shawn Hamontree, and newly added lead guitarist Chris Kinsley returned to the band’s mainstay studio, Duane Trower’s Weights and Measures Soundlab, to finish what, at this point, had become a multi-year project. The group laid down four new tracks written during lockdown and then began the long process of turning twelve songs recorded over several sessions in two different studio locations with four different guitarists into the best sounding, and best collection of, songs the band has ever recorded. // Exit Strategy is set for release in the Fall of 2023 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site. // BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone. Info at: http://www.black-site.org

[Red Kate plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Wednesday, November 22 with The Uncouth and the return of KC hardcore legends, Second Chance.]

[Red Kate plays Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 1, 2023, with special guests Jackoffs and Sarkatha. ]

11:28 – Underwriting

13. Mike Dillon & Punkadelic– “Pandas”
    from: Inflorescence / Royal Potato Family / January 27, 2023
    [Punkadelick: Mike Dillon – Vibraphone, Marimba, Prophet 6, Congas, Bongo; Brain Haas – Fender Rhodes, Piano, Bass Moog, Melodica; Nikki Glaspie – Drums, Cymbals, Vocals. Mixed and Recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by Collin Jordan / Boiler Room Mastering. Cover Art: Peregrine Honig. // From Bandcamp notes: Mike Dillon & Punkadelick makes its recorded debut with Inflorescence, an album of heady, instrumental rock highlighting a band deep in the throes of creative freedom, road tested and wild. Consisting of 10 tracks in 42-minutes, it’s an expansive, focused and fearless collection, representing a world where Duke Ellington and Augustus Pablo rub shoulders with crate-digger exotica, the freak-funk of Parliament and the ‘anything fits’ outsider ethos of acid-fried punks like The Meat Puppets. // A trio featuring Mike Dillon (Ricki Lee Jones, Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool) on vibraphone, marimba, Prophet 6, congas, and bongos, Brian Haas (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey) on Fender Rhodes, piano, bass Moog and melodica and Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce) on drums, cymbals and vocals, Punkadelick is the unified vision of six hands creating a world that often sounds like the work of an ensemble three times the size. // During 2020 and 2021, while many music venues were still shuttered, the group began touring, sweating their way through cuts Dillon and Haas had composed during quarantine writing sessions. Locking in on stage, it quickly became clear the band was functioning at a level that made the hair on their arms stand at attention—even for three live music veterans accustomed to life on the road. // “It became obvious to let this become a collaboration,” Dillon says. “This is really something all three of us are doing because we have so much love for one another and a love for the music that we started creating.” // “There’s only three of us, but we move together like a big, nasty school of fish,” Haas adds, laughing. // During the tail end of a 2021 tour, the band booked time to record with engineer—and functioning fourth band member—Chad Meise, and Inflorescence sprouted. Opener “Desert Monsoon,” sets the stage with a spiritual-jazz intro of organ, vibraphone, percussion and wordless vocal coos before crackling to life as a swaggering funk strut. The title track, and “Pandas,” dig into thick dub textures built around Glaspie’s drumming and Haas’s subwoofer-straining bass synths. // “Apocalypse Daydream,” which appeared as an exotic head-nodder on 2020’s Shoot the Moon (titled “Apocalyptic Daydreams”) is reborn as a meatier jazz-rock slab where Dillon and Haas circle each other like Television performing as a lounge act on a cruise ship sailing seas of psilocybin. // Bending ears and surprising audiences has long been part of Dillon’s MO and Glaspie and Haas act as perfect foils for forays into the weird. While Dillon bristles at the “punk jazz” tag, punk rock and jazz remain core influences to the band, in sound and spirit. // “We’re students of the titans of music. We grew up listening to punk and rock ’n’ roll but we also love instrumental music—particularly the forefathers of Black American Music. In our minds, Led Zeppelin and Milt Jackson, Parliament-Funkadelic and The Minutemen, The Bad Brains and Frank Zappa are interconnected influences,” explains Dillon. “All that comes together in how we approach instrumental creative music. Both punk rock and jazz are not prefab things, they’re about the freedom. We have no genre restriction in this band, and people who get it really respect that.” // Maybe the greatest example of the band’s punk-steeped sonic free-for-all is “Slowly But Surely,” a track Dillon told Haas to compose as if he were “writing for Queens of the Stone Age.” The song plays like QOTSA translated to piano runs, vibes and deeply swinging drums—big-riff stoner rock upended and played with huge smiles by America’s premier proponents of the unclassifiable. // “We try to challenge our listeners. We’re touching a nerve with people who maybe don’t want to see the same songs done in the same variations all night long,” continues Dillon. “Part of my mission is taking these instruments that are primarily designed for the orchestral or jazz world and taking them to the rock world, the club world, running them through pedals and effects. We’re not afraid to be soft, or to surprise. That’s what we all do in this band — get beyond our own conceptions of what music is supposed to be.” // “We are so blessed and lucky to do what we do for a living — it’s apparent in the music,” Glaspie chimes in. “It doesn’t matter how the day is going, but we get to the club, set up and crush the gig, all the other stuff doesn’t matter. We’re likeminded individuals who love life, love people and want to spread happiness.”

[Mike Dillon plays The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Bellview Ave. KCMO, on Saturday, November 18 with Malek Azrael & The Vibez]

11:34 – Interview with Peregrine Honig

Peregrine Honig was born in San Francisco, and moved to Kansas City, at 17 to attend the Kansas City Art Institute. At age 22, Honig was the youngest living artist to have work acquired by the Whitney Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Peregrine appeared on season one of Bravo’s artist reality television show, Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, which aired in the summer of 2010. She owns a lingerie and swimwear boutique, Birdies, which opened in 2003, in the Crossroads. In 2017 Peregrine began managing the Greenwood Social Hall where she has presented concerts from Calvin Arsenia, Krystle Warren, Bach Aria Soloists, and this week’s concert with Malek Azrael & The Vibez.

Artist Peregrine Honig joins us to discuss her new show “Player,” opening Fri, Nov. 17, at 6:30 PM at Studios INC, 1708 Campbell, KCMO. AND the show UNDERSTUDIES with small works opens at Blue Gallery, 118 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, November 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The exhibition runs thru Dec. 30, 2023. There will be an AFTER PARTY at The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO. Info at http://www.peregrinehonig.com

Peregrine Honig, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Peregrine Honig was born in San Francisco, CA, attended The Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Kansas City Art Institute in 2020. Honig’s work is included in the permanent collections of the Albright Knox, Buffalo, NY; Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.; the Milwaukee Art Museum; the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington D.C.; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut.

Honig has had solo exhibitions at Dwight Hackett Projects in Santa Fe, Geschiedle Gallery in Chicago, Haw Contemporary and shows with the Blue Gallery in Kansas City. Her work has been included in numerous group exhibitions, including The Dianne and Sandy Besser Collection ( San Francisco de Young Museum of Art ); The Random and the Ordered: New Prints (International Print Center, New York); Comic Release: Negotiating Identity for A New Generation (Regina Gouger Miller Gallery, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh); and The Perception of Appearance: A Decade of Contemporary American Figure Drawing (Frye Art Museum, Seattle).

Peregrine is a recipient of the Art Omi International Artists’ Residency, the Guanlan China Printmaking Residency, Projecto Argentina, the Charlotte Street Fund, The Seeley Foundation, Inspiration Grant and was honored with The 2019 Urban Hero Award. She has been produced and published by Landfall Press since 1998. Honig has been been The Artistic Director of The West Eighteenth Street Fashion Show since 2000 and co owner of Birdies since 2003. She directed and curated Fahrenheit Gallery from 1997 to 2007 and founded Greenwood Social Hall in 2017, a curated concert space that hosts international shows and regional artists.

Peregrine Honig 
San Francisco, California
Ruth Asawa High School for the Arts

KCAI Graduate 2019

Select Solo Exhibitions 
2023 Studios Inc, Player
2021 Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art
2018 Blue Gallery, Find My Fear and Unfold Me 
2015 Belger, Suites 
2014 Haw Contemporary, Unicorn 
2012 Gallery 210 University of Missouri-Saint Louis 
2012 ́ACE, Buenos Aries, Argentina Puto
2011 Dwight Hackett Projects, Santa, Fe, NM, Loser
2010 Phillips du Pury, New York, NY Fair Game
2008 Dwight Hackett projects, Santa Fe, NM VIP
2007 Geschiedle, Chicago, IL Pretty Babies
2004 Acuna-Hansen Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Patriot Acts
2003 Dwight Hackett Projects, Santa Fe, NM Boys and Veils
2000 Greg Kucera Gallery, Seattle, WA Ovubet

Select Group Exhibitions 
2019 Summer in Hindsight, Harlem International Film Festival
2012 Now Knowing, Cara and Capeza
2010 Zipor, Ziporim, Zippora, Galerie Lichpunkt, Munich, Germany
2008 On Liberty Dolphin Gallery, Kansas City, MO
2008 Every Man’s Life is A Fairytale, Larissa Goldston Gallery, New York
2008 Transfigure, Kemper Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
2009 Talk Dirty to Me, Larissa Goldston Gallery, New York
2008 REMIX: Recent Acquisitions Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY
2008 It’s Not Over Yet, Invisible Exports, New York, NY
2007 The Diane and Sandy Besser Collection at the De Young Museum, San Francisco
2006 ANIMALIA – Irvine Contemporary, Washington, DC 
2005 Identity-Sexuality-Gender: Contemporary Art from the Collection of Thomas Robertello, Kinsey Institute Gallery, Bloomington, IN 
2003 Comic Release: Negotiating Identity for a New Generation – The Miller Gallery at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, PA 
2002 Book as Art XIV: Temptations, National Museum of Women in the Arts

2001 Landfall Press – 1970 – 2000 – H&R Block Artspace at Kansas City Art Institute, KCMO
2001 Read All About It: Text and Image, Greg Kucera Gallery, Seattle, WA 
2001 Venus, Lyons Wier Gallery, Chicago, IL
2001 Cupcake, Byron Cohen Gallery 
2000 Art Cologne, Akinci Gallerie (Amsterdam), Cologne, Germany Publications 

Projects 
Writer for Review Magazine 2000-2016
Curator of Fahrenheit Gallery 1996-2016
Artistic Director of The West 18th Street Fashion Show 2000-2020
Birdies 2003- present
Program Director of Greenwood Social Hall 2018- present
Awards, Residencies and Commission
2023 Birdies, Best of Intima, North America- First Place, New York, NY 
2022 Casa Ocea, Artist Exchange, Merida, Mexico
2020 Harlem International Film Festival, Best Independent Film 
2018 Urban Hero Award, Kansas City, MO
2018 Lighton International Artist Exchange
2017 Projecto Ace, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2017 Guanlan Printmaking Residency, Guanlan China 
2011 Sweet Chariot and The Gilded Cage, Nelson-Atkins Museum 
2010 Bravo Television, Work of Art, Finalist 
2008 Inspiration Grant, Widow Magazine
2008 Art Omi International Artists’ Residency
2007 Inspiration Grant, Satellite Exhibitions 
2007 Creative Capitol 

2002 Avenue of the Arts Public Arts Project Grant 
2000 Charlotte Street Fund 
Selected Collections 
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY
Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY
The New York Public Library, NY


Ball State University Museum of Art, Muncie, IN
21st Century Museum of Art, Louisville, KY
Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, IL
de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA

Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 
Kemper Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
The Milwaukee Art Museum, WI

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. 
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut

Peregrine Honig, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Artist Peregrine Honig’s new show “Player,” opens Friday, November. 17, at 6:30 PM at Studios INC, 1708 Campbell, KCMO. AND the show at the same time, UNDERSTUDIES with small works opens at Blue Gallery, 118 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, November 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The exhibition runs thru Dec. 30, 2023. There will be an AFTER PARTY at The Ship, 1221 Union St. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO. Info at http://www.peregrinehonig.com

10:50

14. Waxahatchee – “Lilacs”
    from: Saint Cloud / Merge Records / March 27, 2020
    [All songs written by Katie Crutchfield. Recorded & mixed at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX & Long Pond in Stuyvesant, NY. Produced by Brad Cook. Engineered by Jerry Ordonez. Additional engineering by Jon Low. Mixed by Jon Low. Mastered by Brent Lambert at The Kitchen. KATIE CRUTCHFIELD on vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, keys; BRAD COOK on bass, acoustic guitar, piano, keys, synth; BOBBY COLOMBO on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys; BILL LENNOX on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys, percussion; NICK KINSEY on drums, percussion; JOSH KAUFMAN on electric guitars, piano, organ, percussion. Katie Crutchfield’s southern roots are undeniable. The name of her solo musical project Waxahatchee comes from a creek not far from her childhood home in Alabama and seems to represent both where she came from and where she’s going. More info at: http://www.waxahatchee.com.]

[Waxahatchee plays Yeehaw: A Benefit Show for KC Tenants, on Friday, November 17, Doors at 8:00 PM / Show at 9:00 PM, at The Truman, 601 E. Truman Road, KCMO with Snail Mail, Caleb Hearon, Holmes Holmes, Kiry Shabazz, Friendly Thieves, and surprise Guests!]

15. Kadesh Flow – “Stakes”
    from: “Stakes” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / November 17, 2023
    [Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis who writes to us: “This is the longest I’ve ever gone without releasing music in my life. It’s been 11 months. Extremely weird feeling. I’m excited to be back in the game though! “Stakes” was produced by Dominique Sanders (who just landed a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Janelle Monae’s “AGE OF PLEASURE album.” // Earlier this year on January 6, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Switch Up” with Instrumental Production by Dominique Sanders, Written & Performed by: Kadesh Flow, Mixed by: Kadesh Flow, Mastered by: Kadesh Flow. // In 2022 Kadesh Flow released 6 singles starting with “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” on January 21, 2022, with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. “Move Different” was part of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. On October 21, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single ”Chill (feat. Mir Blackwell).” On October 10, 2022 Kadesh Flow released “Dream For Me.” On September 30, 2022 Marcus Lewis Big Band released the single, “You’re Very Special (feat. Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow & Kevin Church Johnson).” On July 1, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single “Away From You.”About that single Kadesh told us “I’ve been a little quiet from a release standpoint because I’ve been scoring a feature length film.” “This song is… inspired by Eren Yeager and his tragic, brutal journey in Attack on Titan but is also deeply personal to me. There’s a lot of current world problem glazing that I’m doing on it as well.” “Also, June 30, 2022, marks five years since I left my financial tech career to pursue my performing and recording artist career full time. I’m releasing this on July 1, partially in celebration of that milestone.” This was one of over nearly 30 new singles Kadesh Flow released in 24 months: In 2021 Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on Sept. 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. le, “Gardens Out The Gutter” on Dec. 3, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “CHOICE (The Cost)” on December 17, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow played the 17th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 11, as part of Deshica Rage (with Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige) at 10:00 PM on Community Lending of America Stage at Lemonade Park. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com]

[Emcee and trombonist Kadesh Flow celebrates the release of his new single, “Stakes” on Friday, November 17, at 10:00 PM, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO. This party features an all-star lineup, including: Ohm-I – Hacker Rapper and saxophonist // Marcel P. Black – Tulsa’s Afro-Futurist indie hip hop giant // Heavy Gantt – Kansas City Entrepreneur & Emcee // Du’Juan Duprin – a young Tulsa rapper cutting his teeth on the road for the first time // DJ Skeme – Kansas City DJ and vibe master // DiscFunktion DJs – Tulsa DJ/ turntable monster]

16. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” (CD #16) ( :34)
    from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

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 October 12. With our On-Air Wednesday MidDay Medley fundraiser, com,bined with our Facebook Fundraiser, 45 individuals, all collectively donated a total of $2643.00 in honor of Wednesday MidDay Medley! Making Wednesday MidDay Medley in the top three fundraising shows at KKFI. In fact all five of KKFI’s MidDay Medley shows were in the top 25, as well as 4 of the 5 Jazz Shows. Thank you EVERYONE! You have again enabled us to continue the endeavor of KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City’s Community Radio!!!!

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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 #1020