For 19 years Mark Manning has served as Coordinator of the KCK Organic Teaching Gardens, an Initiative of The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity, Health Careers Pathways Program, K-12. Each year Mark works with 1000 to 2000 students, between K through 8th grades, with organic, "raised bed" gardens built directly on the school grounds of three Middle Schools and four Elementary Schools in the inner city of the Kansas City, Kansas school district. Mark conducts over 440 workshops annually in classrooms at these schools. He started the project under the guidance of Marcia Pomeroy, in 1999, after working in a literacy program. The KCK Organic Teaching Gardens has been financially supported through grants from The Kauffman Foundation, and The University of Kansas Medical Center. The project has been recognized locally and nationally by The National Gardening Association, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Community Gardens, The Green Bliss Festival, The Urban Farm & Garden Tour, and on the PBS television program America's Harvest. Mark learned about gardening from his grandmother Edna Jacobsen on the family's McCool Junction, Nebraska farm. His grandmother raised a huge garden, chickens, sheep and cattle. She preserved apples, wild berry jams, and beets and virtually everything she grew was canned for consumption in winter months. Edna raised seven children with no running water and as a child lived in a sod house. His passion for the school gardening program has been fueled by the fact that he doesn't see the lessons he learned from his grandmother passed down to kids today. Kids need to know where their food comes from, especially with the rise of diabetes, and over weight Americans. We can all learn from our gardens how to treat ourselves and the world better.
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 24, 2020
Michelle Bacon’s Favorite Releases of 2021 + Wednesday MidDay Medley’s Favorite Singles of 2021
Blackstarkids
We’ll play MidCoastal Releases from: Blackstarkids, Hembree (feat. Bodye), Emmaline Twist, Alyssa Murray, Scores, Quiet Takes, Liam Kazar, The Greeting Committee, Paris Williams, Hailes, The Wild Type, The Black Creatures, Lava Dreams, Kadesh Flow, Elexa Dawson, Quite Frankly, Dreamgirl, Asterales (feat. Heidi Gluck), Eddie Moore, Dimension Bill Edwards, They Call Me Sauce, Geraldine Glen, Miss Boating, Lee Walter Redding (feat. Stephonne), Remy Styrk, and Charlotte Bumgarner.
At 10:00 AM we’ll spin WMM’s Favorite 15 Singles of 2021. These tracks represent the diverse talent in our MidCoastal Music community. On November 24, after the show at 1:00 PM, check http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org and our Wednesday MidDay Medley Facebook Page and Twitter for the complete list of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2021, as previously played on the show.
Michelle Bacon
At 11:00 AM we welcome Michelle Bacon, Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge, where she helps to shine a light on area musicians and events. Michelle has also written for The Kansas City Star, The Deli Magazine KC, and Folk Alliance International. Michelle plays drums in the band Frogpond who have a special album release show this Saturday, November 27, 2021, at recordBar. Michelle is also playing bass with Katy Guillen & The Drive in a live show at recordBar Wednesday, November 24, opening for Ha Ha Tonka. Michelle also plays bass with Other Americans, and The Band That Fell To Earth. Michelle Bacon joins us to share her Favorite Musical Recordings of 2021.
NEXT WEEK, on December 1, Tim Finn – Music Writer for In Kansas City Magazine, 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 2021.
In Two Weeks: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series on December 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. This is our celebration of the year in music based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. In 2021 we’ve played nearly hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 138 interviews with 160 special guests.
Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI or streaming live at kkfi.org
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 17, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + Shaun Crowley of Manor Records
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Grant Klein – “Sleepwalking” from: Nimbus MMXXI / Grant Klein / October 15, 2021 [Grant Klein released the 6-track EP, NIMBUS MMXXI on Oct. 15, 2021. Info at: http://www.facebook.com/grant.klein.3.%5D
Waxahatchee – “Fire” from: Saint Cloud / Merge Records / March 27, 2020 (More at: http://www.waxahatchee.com.) [All songs 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.]
[Waxahatchee plays Thundergong! Saturday, November 20, at 7:00 PM Starring Jason Sudeikis. You cn go to http://www.Thundergong.org for more information.]
Mensa Deathsquad – “Light (Radio Edit)” from: Light – Single / Gran Cavalera / November 16, 2021 [This is the first single from the forthcoming album, YOU WILL HEAR THUNDER. Written, performed and produced by Mensa Deathsquad. Mastered at Element Recording and Mastering “The electronic music that I daydream about, always has that Stooges layer of dirt and shop grease on it. That’s what I want.” Follow up to CYCLIST, the second album from Mensa Deathsquad released February 23, 2021. The cyclist ws release with these notes: Brandon Phillips laid in a Kansas City hospital through the winter of 2019-2020 as his own album release (the unintentionally but appropriately named Patient Zero by his alt-synthwave band Mensa Deathsquad) passed by in the outside world. The first tracks from his debut album Patient Zero were premiering and, chained to a Luciferian merry-go-round of post-operative infections, Brandon strained through the pharmaceutical blur to do promotion for his record, emailing editors and scraping together the necessary pieces they needed. Since his surgery a month prior had gone sideways, and the time, energy, and planning for things like photos, videos and shows had been blown to smithereens, all he had left to look forward to beyond the IVs and the machines that go “ping” was this premiere and the street date. And then came COVID-19, like a rogue wave, to finish off the aimless Mensa Deathsquad sailboat. // But Brandon didn’t die and the boat didn’t sink. As the squall receded and the wanton eye of cruel gods passed over him, Brandon clung to the boat and swore revenge… // As the aphorism goes, “revenge is sweet” and thus Brandon and his Mensa Deathsquad will have the triumphant last laugh. Holed up in the spare bedroom of his apartment in Kansas City with an open wound in his abdomen, two surgical drains, and a severely compromised immune system, Brandon slipped back into his Mensa Deathsquad persona and began working on what would become his newest full length album, Cyclist. // The music that emerged from Brandon’s isolation and illness is a raw, nearly garage-rock take on darkwave and a perfect continuation of what he had begun on Patient Zero. Launching with the one-two punch of electro-punk noir in “Nothing Is Ever Enough” and “Therapist” before the pounding synth-rock of “The Disappointment Of The Christ,” Brandon fixes his furious eyes upon the provocative hypocrisy and violence that results from American Christianity. // A heady package of nudge nudges and intellectual ruminations (a trademark of Brandon’s past as a smartpunk upstart in such seminal bands as The Gadjits and Architects), Cyclist carries both a powerful music punch, a cultural rummaging through pop culture, and a run through his ever-evolving intellect. A knowing wink to fans of the seminal vampire flick The Lost Boy, “Join Us, Michael” is at once a seething appraisal of a world scorched and defiled by an older generation and a musical love letter to that pivotal ‘80s vampire movie soundtrack. “Leap Year (Chaos Reigns)” which began as a Siouxsie & the Banshees-inspired jam serves as Cyclist’s true north – the story of a drug-fueled wrinkle in time that brought the entire cyclical nature of existence into visibility one fateful night. “End Of The World” is dance-floor nihilist electro-rock blending angular post-punk guitar with the nostalgia of neon synths and electroclash drums, while “Takes One To Know One” slowly approaches the thunderstorm of toxic relationships, soulful vocals, tech house kick drums, and grimey-as-hell bass. // As a fitting conclusion to the tour de force through his psyche, Cyclist closes with yet another two-track charge, the swaggering post-electro sneer at celebrity social media, “Famous” followed by the throbbing Giorgio Moroder-via-Tech House cover of Iggy Pop’s classic “The Passenger.” “It was important to me that I cover ‘The Passenger’ as a letter of intent.” Says Brandon. “The electronic music that I daydream about, always has that Stooges layer of dirt and shop grease on it. That’s what I wanted for Cyclist.” The result is a triumph over the storm, as Mensa Deathsquad sails, unvanquished, into victory. More info at: https://mensadeathsquad.bandcamp.com or https://facebook.com/MensaDeathsquad.%5D
Eels – “Good Night On Earth” from: Extreme Witchcraft / E Works / January 28, 2022 [14th Eels album produced by E and PJ Harvey producer John Parish in their first collaboration since Souljacker. Eels (often typeset as eels or EELS) is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991 by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Oliver Everett, known by the stage name E. Band members have changed over the years, both in the studio and on stage, making Everett the only official member for most of the band’s work. Eels’ music is often filled with themes of family, death, and unrequited love. Since 1996, Eels has released thirteen studio albums, seven of which charted in the Billboard 200.]
Kadesh Flow – “No Options (feat Jamar Rose)” from: “No Options (feat Jamar Rose)” – Single / Ryan Davis / November 12, 2021 [Produced, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Lyrics and Vocal Performance: Kadesh Flow, Jamar Rose 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 KC funk juggernaut The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. This is one of 20 singles and a 13 track album that Kadesh Flow has released so far this year. More information at Kadeshflow.bandcamp.com]
10:24 – Underwriting
Sam Wells
Sam Wells – “For The Deflated” from: For The Deflated / French Exit Records / December 31, 2020 [Debut EP from Kansas City, based singer songwriter Sam Wells 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. Info at: http://www.whoissamwells.com. Sam Wells was on WMM on May 13, 2020 and January 20, 2021.]
Shaun Crowley
10:30 – Interview with Shaun Crowley
Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and has studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is part of the band Momma’s Boy and is a co-founder of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands.
We first met Shaun as part of the band Rev Gusto with Peter Beatty and Quinn Hernandez and friends originally formed in high school at Saint James Academy.
Shaun Crowley join us today to share details about Manor Records becoming a non-profit organization that functions as a record store, record label, and neighborhood bar. The label hopes to turn proceeds into resources to support local musicians and the Strawberry Hill community. Manor Records plan to help local musicians physically release music, fund for press coverage, and navigate the booking of shows. In the KCK community Manor Records aims to do many things such as improving sidewalks, installing municipal grade public trash cans, and hopefully someday installing street lamps in the Strawberry Hill area of Kansas City Kansas.
Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
It’s been a while since we’ve had you on the show. I think it was July 31, 2019, you were here with Peter playing music from bands playing Manor Fest 3. We played music from some of these artists: Paul Cherry, Mouton, Shy Boys, Dreamgirl, Momma’s Boy, Drugs & Attics, The Phlegms, Shady Bug, The Golden Fleece, The Sluts, Pale Tongue, The Cavves, The Wild Type, LK Ultra, Buckle Up Baby, Toughies, Chloe Jacobson, Scruffy & The Janitors, Chase The Horseman, Bambis, Mild Cats, FaceFace, R.I.Peter, Big Water, Mason Blaize, Forest Porridge, Khrystal., No Magic, Charlotte Bumgarner, BigFatCat, and Dylan Pyles.
Mark Records is the label for: Blanky, Brat Pitt, Catty Cline, Charlotte Bumgarner, Chloe jacobson, Daniel Gum, Dylan Pyles, FaceFace, Forest Porridge, Jairy, Khrystal., Momma’s Boy, Pake Tongue, R.I.Peter, Scabb, Superflaw, True Lions, The Wild Type, and have recently added: Sam Wells, LK Ultra, Flooding, Fritz Hutchison, and Kat King.
Manor Records are very excited to announce that they are opening Manor Records, a non-profit record store, record label, & neighborhood bar in the Strawberry Hill area of Kansas City, Kansas.
Mission: Manor Records Fund is a non-profit organization that functions as a record store, record label, and & neighborhood bar that turns profits into resources to support local musicians & the Strawberry Hill community. They plan to help local musicians physically put out music, pay for press coverage, and navigate booking shows. In the KCK community they aim to do many things such as improving sidewalks, installing municipal grade public trash cans, and hopefully someday installing street lamps in the Strawberry Hill area.
Story: Manor Records started in a basement of “The Shawnee Manor,” a D.I.Y. venue located in Shawnee, KS. From Glass Animals to Shy Boys, the underground venue hosted numerous local acts, as well as some national touring acts. Then, founder Shaun Crowley got the itch to host a house show music festival with the creation of Manor Fest. It started with 10 bands in one night, then grew to a two night event featuring 20 local bands from Shy Boys to BLK FLANL. After years passed and a community was built, it was time for the boys to move out of the deteriorating house.
Manor Records
In October of 2017, they officially launched as Manor Records. A DIY record label based on the foundation of infamous D.I.Y. venue The Shawnee Manor. Manor Record is a label that takes no money or profits from our artists, is hands-on, and self-run, with intentions of good music from good people. We began by hosting showcases featuring local and regional bands in addition to putting out cassette releases. In the summer of 2019, after growing as a label for two years, they decided to bring back the idea of Manor Fest. Manor Fest 3 came to Kansas City with 33 bands spread across three nights in different regions of the city. they hosted showcases in traditional & non-traditional venues and featured up & coming locals such as bigfatcat and regional favorites such as Paul Cherry. After successfully putting on our first large sized festival, they realized that it was an event that helped promote and propel local artists to larger platforms. There was a need and hope to bring it as a regular event for the Kansas City music scene to look forward to every summer.
Alongside the festival, Manor Records has been actively providing booking, tour management, cassette releases, blog premieres/reviews, marketing and promotion services for indie acts all over the midwest. None of this would be possible without the addition of our their incredible teammates Wayne Moots & Skylar Rochelle who voluntarily joined the Manor Records team along the way. One of the relationships Manor Records began to build over their years of booking shows is with The Mockingbird Lounge over in Strawberry Hill.
Manor Records
In the Summer of 2021, the owner of the Mockingbird Lounge, Dan Castillo, approached Shaun Crowley with the idea of turning Manor Records into a non-profit organization that functioned as a record store/neighborhood bar in the KCK community where funds were put into putting out artists’ music & also the Strawberry Hill community.
Fundraising Transparency: Profits from the record store/bar will be put into two funds. One is the Manor Musicians Fund, which allows Manor Records to continue their mission as a record label. We will be supplying resources for local musicians such as physically releasing their music, covering the price of a press run, or helping manage their booking. We will allow open submissions on our website & choose what projects seem to fit our mission and our DEI&A stated below. The other fund that profits will be put into is the Strawberry Hill Community Fund. With this fund we plan to allocate funds towards improvements to the Strawberry Hill neighborhood where our record store sits. We will have the neighborhood vote on what they think is best for the neighborhood such as new sidewalks, community trash can, adding more streetlights, etc.
Donations from this GoFundMe will go into helping us open the doors to our storefront in Strawberry Hill this fall (build out, inventory, etc.)
DEI&A (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility) Statement: Manor Records aims to allocate 60% of the Manor Musicians Fund for musicians & artists that are POC or that represent the LQBTQ+ community. The Strawberry Hill Community Fund will be voted on my community members. Manor Record are a 50% minority owned organization and we aim to make diversity a focus in how we release music for local musicians.
Shaun Crowley will also share details about Manor Mix Vol. 2, a limited edition compilation cassette that is officially available for pre-order. All proceeds go towards the opening of Manor Records non-profit record store/neighborhood bar in Strawberry Hill. These tapes consist of tracks from Manor Records 2021 releases along with tracks from each of Manor’s newest additions to the label. The collection includes music from: Catty Cline, Charlotte Bumgarner, Daniel Gum, Dylan Pyles, Flooding, Fritz Hutchison, Jairy, and Kat King. More information at:
Shaun Crowley, thanks for being with us on WMM.
manorrecords.com
10:48
Khrystal.
Khrystal. – “Silence” from: Life Be Life’ing / Khrystal. / September 22, 2021 [Surprise 8-track album release. On December 31, 2020 Khrystal. Released the single “Never” which followed Khrystal.’s. single “Magic” released on August 8, 2020 on limited edition cassette singles with her most recent single “You Again” as a B-Side by Manor Records. On September 1, 2017 Khrystal. released The Glow Up EP, Produced & Written by Khrystal Coppage and Duncan Burnett. This was follow up to Khrystal’s Debut EP, Quarter Century Living. Executive Produced By Duncan Burnett. Written By Khrystal Coppage & Duncan Burnett. Kansas City based Khrystal Coppage served as Editor-in-Chief of Khorage Magazine. She served as Production Manager at UMKC University News from 2015 to 2016. She graduated from UMKC in 2016 where she studied Family Studies. She graduated from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2013. She is a graduate of Sumner Academy of Arts & Science, in KCK. ]
The Grisly Hand – “On The Same Side” from: “Why Make Me Cry” – Single / The Grisly Hand / August 20, 2021 [Since April 2021 the band has been in the studio working on a handful of tracks, with the intention of releasing singles over the summer & fall, and possibly a full-length release at the end of the year. On August 20 they released “Why Make Me Cry”. On May 14, 2021 they released the ingle “Now That You Know.”It has been four and a half years since The Grisly Hand has released new music. The band released Hearts & Stars on November 18, 2016, and Flesh & Gold on October 2, 2015. The band had spent a year with Joel Nanos at Element Recording and decided to split the songs between two CD/digital releases: and also release them both together as a double vinyl album release, called The Grisly Hand, released November 18, 2016 with a new reshuffling of songs for the vinyl LP format. Jimmy Fitzner on guitar & vocals, Lauren Krum on vocals & percussion, Kian Byrne on drums, Mike Stover on steel guitar, bass & vocals, Ben Summers on guitar, vocals & mandolin, Dan Loftus on bass, keyboards & vocals. For the double albums the recordings also featured: Rich Wheeler on tenor saxophone, Nick Howell on trumpet, and Mike Walker on trombone. More info at: http://www.thegrislyhand.com]
[The Grisly Hand play recordBr TONIGHT at 7:00 PM with Miki P. Proof of vaccination or recent negative Covid test required for entry.]
Solohawk – “Memories Within Me” [On April 28 we played “Wave” the first single from, The Radio Waves And Your Movies. It was backed by I Can’t Forget, recorded live at The Wright Opera House. Solohawk is: Steve Faceman on guitar & vocal, and Til Willis on guita & vocal & drums & bass. “Wave” was recorded and mixed by Til Willis at 1509 Recording Service. “I Can’t Forget” was recorded by Ethan and Eric Funk in Ouray, CO at the Wright Opera House.Mastered by John Hruska. Solohawk is an Indie-Folk duo consisting of Steve Faceman & Til Willis. Seeking refuge from their respective Rock bands, Faceman and Willis tour as an acoustically. A refreshingly stripped down adventure that both singer/songwriters enjoy, as it allows the camaraderie and personality of the songs to shine.More info at: http://www.solohawl.bandcamp.com]
11:00 – Station ID
Krystle Warren
Mark: I saw Krystle Warren in concert last Friday Night, November 13. 2021 at Greenwood Social Hall in a SOLD OUT benefit show with Jeff Harshbarger on Bass and backing vocals, Mike Stover on multiple instruments and backing vocals, Brad Cox onpiano and keyboards, and Mike Riddleberger on drums.
KC born and internationally known singer songwriter Krystle Warren is one of our most played artists of all time on the show. Krystle has appeared on WMM 15 times. Mark first interviewed Krystle Warren for The Tenth Voice, back 2002. Krystle’s critically acclaimed album, Three The Hard Way was #1 on WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017. Wednesday MidDay Medley was the first to play tracks from Krystle’s album, before it was released. Krystle came on the show months before the release, to share music that was the inspiration for the recording.
Mark first interviewed Krystle Warren for The Tenth Voice, back 2002. Mark waited several hours, during a winter snow storm, at a huge party, where Krystle played with her band including her longtime friend Solomon Dorsey on bass, in a packed, smoke filled apartment near Community Christian Church across the hall from where Solomon lived, to be given a 2 song demo CD, that contained Krystle’s first recorded music, including a song called “Chanel #5.” Krystle has since gone on to be known all over the world, but still maintains contact with her hometown of Kansas City.
Warren began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her EP THE CREW released September 15, 2020. Her band The Faculty is ready to release their new album EXTENDED PLAY
Krystle recently played the Stimmen Festival Ettiswill is Switzerland on May 8.
Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, who gave her a one way ticket to France. Krystle moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French & British TV programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world on tours with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman.
Krystle left Because Music and created her own recording label, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace / A Time to Refrain from Embracing” a double album recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. In 2019 The Kansas City based Owen/Cox Dance Group premiered a new dance piece titled “Love Songs” with choreography by Jennifer Owen, set to all 24 songs, in the order they appear in the recording,.
Krystle Warren has collaborated with Erykah Badu, Keziah Jones, Zap Mama, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright, Brad Cox Amadou & Mariam, Lakecia Benjamin, Guarco, Teddy Thompson, Gwyneth Herbert, Hercules & Love Affair, and Joon Moon. Along with being included in the compilation “NYC Subway – Songs from the Underground,” and tribute recordings for Kate McGarrigle, and Nick Drake,
Warren has released the EP “Diary” on May 1, 2007; “The Up Series – EP” on November 10, 2008; “Circles” her 13-song full length on March 13, 2009; “A Time To Keep – Love Songs EP”, on August 12, 2011, The double album 24-song “Love Songs” released on vinyl in Europe on April 9, 2012 and as 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 released “Three the Hard Way” on August 18, 2017.
Last time Krystle was on the show live, on October 16, 2019 with Brad Cox when she was here in KC to present LoveSongs with Owen/Cox Dance Group at Oct 19 & 20, 2019 at Polsky Theatre at JCCC.
In an article in SPIN Magazine, December 6, 2020, The 35 Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years, Picked by 35 Well-Known Artists, Krystle Was named twice!
Joan as Police Woman on Krystle Warren: “Most stellar voice, tender and strong in equal measure with a range nothing short of miraculous. Incredible writer of songs, the type of which used to get written and go on to become classics. Exquisite live performer in the way you forget completely where you are and what’s happening in your life.”
Rufus Wainwright on Krystle Warren: “Krystle Warren’s voice and performance style seared an indelible mark on me years ago when she joined Martha and I on tributes to our mom Kate McGarrigle in both London and New York. Her haunting interpretations, vocal timbre and singular look completely devastated all present, and soon after I had the honor of taking her out on the road with me. Be it covers, her own material or harmonizing with others, she is a true musician and should be considered an international treasure.”
From Diary EP to Extended Play A Truncated History of Krystle Warren & The Faculty
Krystle Krystle Warren met Solomon Dorsey some weekend at a high school debate competition in Kansas City. After she had trounced Solomon’s debate partner, the two ended up in an open classroom where they began playing music—Krystle had brought her guitar and was practicing chords, and Solomon, then an accomplished violinist, cellist, bassist, and singer likely had some sort of instrument on him, and even if he didn’t he had his voice.
Due to some specific details we’re not going to get into, Krystle was already living on her own; she was eighteen and he was seventeen. But she had a friend who had an apartment near hers, and this friend was having a party. “Wanna go?” she asked Solomon. And, as Solomon puts it, he has seen or spoken to Krystle every single day of his life since.
So when Solomon decided to attend the jazz program at New School in New York, he asked Krystle, “Wanna go?” And a few months after he moved, Krystle showed up. On her first night in the city, Solomon introduced her to Zach Djanikian, a saxophonist he’d become fast friends with at school. They lived in the same dorm, and Zach and Solomon took Krystle to a practice room in the basement and the three of them played musical games. According to Zach, “We’d sing as many melodies as we could over four open strings of the upright bass, plucked successively. ‘Norwegian Wood’ and the theme to Family Matters were a couple favorites.”
This led to busking as a trio, and each of them was hustling for gigs. An Italian restaurant that featured live music gave Krystle a regular night, and she often had Solomon and Zach play with her. Zach’s friend from Philadelphia, Ben Kane, would come to these nights, and he brought Mike Riddleberger.
In Philly, Zach was in a band called The Brakes, and Ben Kane was producing an album for Zach’s band in a windowless apartment that he shared with Riddleberger. Kane and Riddleberger had become friends a year earlier at NYU, bonding over their love of D’Angelo’s album Voodoo. Riddleberger says that even though he saw Krystle perform, he didn’t speak to her until after she saw him play with his band, Quintus. Zach had brought her, and she approached him after the show to play in a band she was starting.
The Faculty was formed with Krystle, Solomon, Zach, Riddleberger, and Dave Moore, a keyboardist from Kansas who was at New School, too. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at ElectricLady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an EP called Diary.
And it was a diary. The songs were about her daily experiences in this new place and with these new people. “I’ve Seen Days” has a title that implies a reflection, but it’s about how the world is new to her, how she’s “a frightened child” in a new city. “The New Astrologer” is about a new and exciting love, one that remains a good friend of hers. “A Song For Holly” is a letter to family explaining her new quotidien life (“your big sister / out in New York on some subway / your big sister, out trying to get paid”). And “Central Park” is a document of a night she had in Central Park with Zach and his boyfriend (now husband) Jesse, and how she is coming to embrace this new city, these new people, and this new chapter of her life.
If Diary, the Faculty’s first recordings, is Krystle’s “Songs of Innocence,” then Extended Play, the Faculty’s latest, is Krystle’s “Songs of Experience.”
Diary led to Circles, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, and Krystle had her next move. She stayed in France even when her relationship with Because ended because she found Vanessa, and Vanessa was worth staying in France for. But Krystle still recorded Love Songs in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, “A Time to Refrain from Embracing” and “A Time You May Embrace.” Love Songs was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys in the Faculty.
The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in New York and Zach in Woodstock. Solomon and Jonathan in Los Angeles. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like, in no particular order: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Policewoman, Jose James, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, The Dixie Chicks, Amy Helm, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Kylie Minogue, Sara Bareilles, Natalie Merchant, Kesha, Bleachers, Emylou Harris, Amos Lee, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, Jenny Lewis, and honestly that’s less than the half of it.
So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while Diary and Circles and Love Songs were recorded with everyone in the same room (Three the Hard Way was just Krystle and Kane together), Extended Play was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs.
And Krystle is writing with a close emotional connection to the distant past. The songs that make up Extended Play are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in Extended Play, and a forlornness. And these songs are filled with references, musical and otherwise, to those who have inspired Krystle over the years, from Les Mis (specifically the song adopted by the ACT UP movement) to Gregory Djanikian, Zach’s poet father, and Audre Lord.
Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of Extended Play, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Seventeen years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”
But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says,
“I’m going on to something else, the shape of which I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know, is it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own. I’ve said this about poetry… Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been.”
Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built seventeen years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play, they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart. – Written by Phil Anderson
Krystle Warren & The Faculty are working on a new album, the first single “Rising” was included in the official soundtrack to the Ana DuVernay television series soundtrack for “When They See Us.” The single was released May 31, 2019. The Crew EP was released by Parlour Door Music on September 15, 2020. More info at http://www.krystlewarren.com.
11:07
Krystle Warren
Krystle Warren – “Circles” from: Circles / Because Music / March 13, 2009 [Krystle Warren was orn June 13, 1981 in Kansas City. A 2000 graduate Paseo Academy of Fine and Perfoming Arts. Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman.]
Krystle Warren and The Faculty – “I Worry Less” from: Love Songs- Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace (A Time to Refrain from Embracing) / Parlour Door Music / April 9, 2012 UK] [Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]
Krystle Warren – “Learn To Bend” from: Three The Hard Way / Parlour Door Music / August 18, 2017 [Produced by Krystle Warren and Ben Kane (D’Angelo, Emily King, PJ Morton). Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Ben Kane. Written & performed by Krystle Warren. Mixed at The Garden, Brooklyn. Mastered & cut by Alex DeTurk at Masterdisk. Krystle Warren premiered this song and her other new songs from this album at the Middle of the Map Fest in a packed room at Californos in Westport and later at The Polsky Theatre for the Performing Arts Series of Johnsons County Community College. For this record Krystle decided to play every instrument and vocals & back up vocals, “playing bass, drums, lap steel, piano, guitar, and vocals directly to analog tape. She and Ben Kane recorded in Villetaneuse, France, a small town on the outskirts of Paris in a vintage 70s era studio that offered just the right, rich sound to suggest the musical foundation for the record, and to do justice to the duo’s carefully balanced arrangements.” On the Wednesday MidDay Medley radio show in 2016 Krystle shared inspirations for this record, early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from: Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones. Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.
Krystle Warren
Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Rising” from: Rising – Single / Parlour Door Music / May 31, 2019 [This single was produced by co-founding member of The Faculty, bassist Solomon Dorsey, and part of the new Krystle Warren & The Faculty album called, “Extended Play.” This album will now come out in 2022.]
11:22
The War On Drugs – “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” from: I Don’t Live Here Anymore / Atlantic Recording Corp. / October 29, 2021 [The War on Drugs is an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 2005. The band consists of Adam Granduciel (vocals, guitar), David Hartley (bass guitar), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez (saxophone, keyboards) and Anthony LaMarca (guitar). // Founded by close collaborators Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs released their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008. Vile departed shortly after its release to focus on his solo career. The band’s second studio album Slave Ambient was released in 2011 to favorable reviews and a lengthy tour. // The band’s third album, Lost in the Dream, was released in 2014 following extensive touring and a period of loneliness and clinical depression for primary songwriter Granduciel. The album was released to widespread critical acclaim and increased exposure. Previous collaborator Hall joined the band as its full-time drummer during the recording process, with saxophonist Natchez and additional guitarist LaMarca accompanying the band for its world tour. Signing to Atlantic Records, the six-piece band released their fourth album, A Deeper Understanding, in 2017, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The band released their fifth album, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, in 2021.
11:29 – Underwriting
Pageant Boys – “Saint Peter” from: Haunted / The Record Machine / November 19, 2021 [One of three singles released from the 10-track album HAUNTED. P “Past Life” on September 17, 2021 through The Record Machine. Alexander Sheppard is the musician behind the name Pageant Boys. In this new slow-burner he gets honest about heartbreak, the fallout of a failed relationship, and the relatable emotions that follow. This single will be part of the new 10-track albun from pageant BoysMore info at: http://www.therecordmachine.co]
A.M. Merker – “Aligator Boots” from: “Aligator Boots” – Singke / MASKT / November 12, 2021 [AThis is the 2nd single from his upcoming album, LAST CALL. The album features a host of local talent, including Jacob Horpinjuk (My Oh My), Brent Nohl, Sarah Wittman (My Oh My), Devon Teran (Timbers), Grant Buell (My Oh My, Kansas City Bear Fighters, Good Time Charley), Caleb Gardner (Konza Swamp Band), Matthew Hawkins, Havilah Bruders & The Matchsellers. It will be released this winter. More info at: http://www.ammerker.bandcamp,com.]
Birdie – “Tricky” from: Frail Branches / Birdie / October 14, 2021 [8-track EP Release. Birdie released the single “You Can’t Stop her on June 13, 2021. Power pop, punk, and echoes of the girl groups of our time intersect in Kansas City-based band Birdie. This energetic collaboration of local talent brings a fresh take on classic sounds. Birdie released the 7-track EP, CELLOPHANE HEART on June 4, 2021. Birdie is the musical project of Betsy Schwartze who lives in Stilwell Kansas. More info at: http://www.birdiesound.com]
Low – “More” from: Hey What / Sub Pop Records / September 10, 2021 [Focusing on their craft, staying out of the fray, and holding fast their faith to find new ways to express the discord and delight of being alive, to turn the duality of existence into hymns we can share, Low present HEY WHAT. These ten pieces—each built around their own instantaneous, undeniable hook—are turbocharged by the vivid textures that surround them. The ineffable, familiar harmonies of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker break through the chaos like a life raft. Layers of distorted sound accrete with each new verse – building, breaking, colossal then restrained, a solemn vow only whispered. There will be time to unravel and attribute meaning to the music and art of these times, but the creative moment looks FORWARD, with teeth. HEY WHAT is Low’s thirteenth full-length release in twenty-seven years, and their third with producer BJ Burton.]
Nick Siegel – “Skate Date” from: Skate Date – Single/ Darling Dear Records / November 26, 2021 [New single from Nick Siegel’s upcoming For You, Dear, Anything: Act Three. Nick Siegel, is a KC piano rocker with influences such as Ben Folds, Death Cab for Cutie and the Mars Volta. Nick writes aggressive piano rock music. He grew up playing music in Chicago and moved to Kansas City in 2010 when he joined The Casket Lottery. Now on my own as solo artist, Nick has released his debut solo album, “Awake from the Golden State,” on Aug. 25, 2017. His 8-song EP, “For You Dear, Anything,” was released April 10, 2020. It is the first act, of three-act series, he plans to release. Act One, is a modern take on the vibe of the 1920s. Nick released For You, Dear, Anything: Act Two on November 27, 2020. The first single from this EP was “No Love of Mine” was released November 13, 2020.]
Reach
Reach – “Hood (Feat. Les Izmore” from: Life’s One Valid Expression / Reach / October 29, 2021 [Produced by d’Jawnz. Featuring trumpeter Hermon Mehari, vibraphonist Peter Schlamb, vocalists JaySol (Kansas City) and Kayla Starks (Dallas), and longtime partner-in-rhyme Les Izmore. The project covers a lot of conceptual ground with topics such as love, loss, the American project, gentrification and race relations. The writing may well comprise the most revolutionary tone of Reach’s long career. The musical backdrop mines the best of the Boom Bap era filtered through a contemporary aesthetic. Over the past several years, Reach’s focus has been musical production and his maturation is evident on Life’s One Valid Expression. The musical wheelhouse for Reach the producer – credited on the album as d’Jawnz – is a confluence of Jazz, Traditional Soul and Contemporary R&B. It’s a fitting palette for an album with such mature content. More information at http://www.reach.bandcamp.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 6:00 PM on 90.9 The Bridge Mark will be a guest on Eight One Sixty with Chris Haghirian sharing ten representative tracks from WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021.
Next week on WMM, on November 24 we play WMM’s Favorite Singles of 2021 and for our entire second hour Michelle Bacon of 90.9 The Bridge joins us with her favorite releases of 2021.
In 2 weeks on December 1, on WMM,Tim Finn – Music Writer for In Kansas City Magazine, 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 share their Favorite Musical Releases of 2021.
And Starting December 8 thru Dec 29 we present our 4-week special: The 120 Best Recordings of 2021
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 17, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + Shaun Crowley of Manor Records
Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: Mensa Deathsquad, The Grisly Hand, Reach featuring Les Izmore, A.M. Merker, Khrystal., Kadesh Flow, Pageant Boys, Wonderfuzz, Grant Klein, Waxahatchee, Sam Wells, Nick Siegel, Birdie, Krystle Warren and The Faculty, Solohawk, Eels, The War on Drugs, and Low.
Shaun Crowley
At 10:30 Mark talks with Shaun Crowley founder of Manor Records who shares details about Manor Records becoming a non-profit organization that functions as a record store, record label, and neighborhood bar. The label hopes to turn proceeds into resources to support local musicians and the Strawberry Hill community. Manor Records plan to help local musicians physically release music, fund for press coverage, and navigate the booking of shows. In the KCK community Manor Records aims to do many things such as improving sidewalks, installing municipal grade public trash cans, and hopefully someday installing street lamps in the Strawberry Hill area of Kansas City Kansas.
Manor Records
Shaun Crowley will also share details about Manor Mix Vol. 2, a limited edition compilation cassette that is officially available for pre-order. All proceeds go towards the opening of Manor Records non-profit record store/neighborhood bar in Strawberry Hill. These tapes consist of tracks from Manor Records 2021 releases along with tracks from each of Manor’s newest additions to the label. The collection includes music from: Catty Cline, Charlotte Bumgarner, Daniel Gum, Dylan Pyles, Flooding, Fritz Hutchison, Jairy, and Kat King. More information at: http://www.manorrecords.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
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 10, 2021
Heidi Phillips of Frogpond + Ivory Blue + Taylor Hughes of Pure XTC + Riley The Musician
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Krystle Warren
Krystle Warren – “Born In The Fall” from: A Time to Keep Love Songs EP / Parlour Door Music / August 12, 2011 [Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. // Krystle Warren & The Crew released THE CREW, on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew is Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They have recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP will be donated to the various causes and organizations. From Billboard.com: Singer-songwriter Krystle Warren has made a powerful statement about the struggle for Black equality with the help of Kermit the Frog’s iconic song “Bein’ Green” (written by Joe Raposo). // The moving five-minute clip, over which Warren sings her rendition of the 1970 song — since recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and others — sprang from a covers EP she recorded during the pandemic with a group of musicians known as The Crew. Warren embarked on the project after her forthcoming album with her regular group, The Faculty, was put on hold due to COVID-19. The EP, which tackles themes of racial injustice in the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests this summer, also includes a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.” // The “Bein’ Green” video weaves in footage of this year’s Black Lives Matter protests, and also includes a heartbreaking montage of young Black children choosing white dolls over dark-skinned ones. It additionally features archival footage of such transformative Black figures as James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Malcom X, Nina Simone, Marsha P. Johnson and Al Sharpton, as well as victims of police brutality including Sandra Bland, George Floyd and Eric Garner. It ends with a clip from a speech by civil rights activist Ella Baker. // “‘Bein’ Green,’ it’s such a gorgeous song, and it says so, so much,” says Warren. “I began thinking about what I wanted it to express visually before we started [recording the song]. Essentially — it’s not easy being Black. That’s what Ray Charles was saying, and we felt it needed to be said again.” // Warren, who now resides in Paris, began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her next album is slated for release this winter. // A large percentage of proceeds from sales of the EP — which is available for digital downloads via Warren’s website now and released on all streaming platforms next Friday — will be donated to the ACLU. Krystle Warren joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020. She has appeared as a guest on 13 WMMs.]
[Krystle Warren plays a very special SOLD OUT Benefit Show, Friday, November 12 at Greenwood Social Hall. This is a make up date for a n earlier show from 2020 that was cancelled due to COVID-19]
Quite Frankly
Quite Frankly the Band – “Is This Still Even Fun?” from: “Is This Still Even Fun?”- Single / Quite Frankly the Band / October 22, 2021 [Follow up to the bands earlier single, “Blue/Red” =released May 14, 2021. In the dawn of 2016, shy but precocious middle schooler, founding member and bassist Scout Matthew, decided she wanted to try her hand at turning her musical ambition into reality by creating a band that would take her and her friends well beyond their beginning musical education at School of Rock. She began planning rehearsals out of her garage and within a short time, she convinced her supportive family to renovate their home’s basement into a rehearsal space. Ever since, Quite Frankly the Band has been committed to perfecting its sound, writing their own original music and adding amazing covers. // This young band is no longer just a student band, holding its own opening for, The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks and LA Guns! with several yers experience the band members have moved into high school and beyond, Jolson, Carolyn, Scout, Gavin & Eli have built an impressive resume. // The band gained attention by being the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018 and for being nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. They’ve played First Fridays in the Crossroads, Starlight Theater, The Rino, recordBar, Lemonade Park, Kauffman Stadium, Sprint Center with Big Slick and Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame. More info at: http://www.quitefranklytheband.com]
[Quite Frankly are part of 90.1 FM KKFI’s 2021 Online Band Auction. There is a link at http://www.kkfi.org or you can go to http://www.32auctions.com to see all of our band and learn more about the 5-piece band Quite Frankly.]
Stik Figa – “Tell It All” from: East of MacVicar Ave / Stik Figa / September 17, 2021 [All songs written and performed by Stik Figa except where noted. All songs produced by DJ Sean P. All songs recorded, mixed and mastered by DJ Sean P @ Twlvs Studio; Fort Worth, TX. This new release follows Stik Figa’s STIK FIGA EP released April 2, 2021. // Stik Figa is rapper from Topeka, KS who cut his teeth on the Kansas City rap scene for close to a decade. Making a name for himself as a charismatic performer and premier lyricist in the region, releasing 9 solo albums and multiple collaborations // Later partnering with notable independent hip-hop label Mello Music Group releasing collaboration with L’Orange, “The City Under the City” and straight forward hip-hop album Central Standard Time. More info at: http://www.stikfiga785.bandcamp.com]
Frogpond – “It’s Not Over” from: “It’s Not Over” – Single / Black-Site Records / September 3, 2021 [Newly reformed KC indie rock band, Frogpond, will release TimeThief, its first album in over twenty years on November 19, 2021, on the KC record label cooperative Black Site. Frogpond is: singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips, long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, with Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar, and Michelle Bacon on drums. More info at: http://black-site.org/frogpond // Frogpond digitally reissued their Au 1996 vinyl and cassette release Count To Ten on March 12, 2021, 25 years after its original release on August 9, 1996 on Columbia Records. Frogpond was formed in Warrensburg, Missouri. The band existed from 1994-2000, primarily performing in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas. COUNT TO TEN was the band’s 12-track national debut full length released on Tristar Music – Columbia on CD and vinyl in 1996 with songs written by Heidi Phillips, with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass, Megan Hamilton on drums, Kristie Stemel on guitar and backing vocals. Art Alexakis (of the band Everclear) served as producer and contributed backing vocals. // In 1999 Frogpond released the 13-track second album, SAFE RIDE HOME on C2 Records – Columbia, on CD and vinyl with songs written by Heidi Phillips, and with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass & backing vocals, and Billy Johnson on drums. The album was recorded by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago who also served as producer and contributed electric piano and piano. // In 1994 Frogpond self released their 8-song cassette release 2%. 2% was produced, engineered, and mixed at Red House Recording, Lawrence, Kansas, October 1994.]
[Frogpond’s Album Release Show is Sat, November 27, 2021 at recordBar in KCMO with The Creepy Jingles.]
Frogpond
10:15 – Interview with Heidi Phillips
Heidi Phillips of the band Frogpond joins us to talk about their new single “Love Song” and their upcoming album TimeThief. The newly reformed KC indie rock band will release TimeThief, its first album in over twenty years on November 19, 2021, on the KC record label cooperative Black Site. Frogpond was originally formed in Warrensburg, Missouri and was active from 1994-2000. Frogpond’s Album Release Show is Saturday, November 27, 2021 at recordBar in KCMO with The Creepy Jingles. More info at: http://www.black-site.org/frogpond
Heidi Phillips, thanks for being with us on WMM.
The newly reformed Frogpond is: singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips, long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar, and Michelle Bacon on drums.
History:
The band existed from 1994-2000, primarily performing in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas.
COUNT TO TEN was the band’s 12-track national debut full length released on Tristar Music – Columbia on CD and vinyl in 1996 with songs written by Heidi Phillips, with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass, Megan Hamilton on drums, Kristie Stemel on guitar and backing vocals. Art Alexakis (of the band Everclear) served as producer and contributed backing vocals.
In 1999 Frogpond released the 13-track second album, SAFE RIDE HOME on C2 Records – Columbia, on CD and vinyl with songs written by Heidi Phillips, and with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass & backing vocals, and Billy Johnson on drums. The album was recorded by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago who also served as producer and contributed electric piano and piano.
In 1994 Frogpond self released their 8-song cassette release 2%. 2% was produced, engineered, and mixed at Red House Recording, Lawrence, Kansas, October 1994. All songs written by Heidi Phillips, with heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Megan Hamilton on drums, Tawni Freeland on guitar, and Annie on bass. Produced, Engineered, and Mixed By E.J. Rose.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2021
KANSAS CITY INDIE ROCKERS, FROGPOND, RELEASE SECOND SINGLE, PLUS VIDEO, FROM THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM, TIMETHIEF
NEW VIDEO SINGLE – “Love Song” released Nov. 5, 2021 – youtu.be/z4x_eJtiALw
DIGITAL ALBUM RELEASE – TimeThief – Nov 19, 2021 – tinyurl.com/FP-TimeThief
RELEASE SHOW – Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Kansas City, MO – tinyurl.com/fp-rb1127
Kansas City, MO – Kansas City indie rockers Frogpond released their first single in over 20 years, “It’s Not Over”, to great applause in early September of this year. The band is back with “Love Song”, the second single from their upcoming album, TimeThief due out Nov 19 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site. Portraying the power struggle in relationships and the games people play, the crunchy guitars, heavy rhythm section and ironically detached vocals of “Love Song“ harken back to the band’s grunge rock roots. The band’s first ever video is equally no frills. Shot by John G. McGrath at a not-so-secret party during the Summer when everyone thought the pandemic was over, it’s a montage of live footage from the night, coupled with stills by noted KC music photographer Todd Zimmer.
“Love Song” will be available for purchase at tinyurl.com/FP-TimeThief and for streaming on all major platforms Friday, Nov 5, 2021.
Clocking in at a succinct 30 minutes, TimeThief brims with momentous pop anthems, striking dynamics and riff-heavy stomps that draw on the visceral grunge and power-pop aesthetics that made the band fan favorites of the late ‘90s alternative rock scene. Driven by singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips’ rapturous vocals — simultaneously meditative and eruptive — the music remains true to the original Frogpond sound — unvarnished and deliberate, but with the added benefit of time and perspective. Moreover, TimeThief is a bold, lived-in proclamation of self-expression and independence from a band determined to do things their own way this time around! TimeThief is set to release on all major streaming platforms November 19, 2021. [As now seems to be the norm in the industry, vinyl record production has been delayed.] Frogpond’s album release show party is Saturday, Nov 27 at recordBar in Kansas City, MO with special guests The Creepy Jingles. Ticket sales have been brisk, so advance purchase is highly recommended (tinyurl.com/fp-rb1127).
Rewriting a story that seemingly ended long ago (a story that included a meteoric rise, multiple lineups, two major label albums and touring with world famous acts like Goo Goo Dolls, Toadies and Fastball), Phillips, and long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, assert that reforming the band is more than just a reunion; it’s a reclamation of Frogpond’s identity, finally letting the music speak for itself. The addition of seasoned musicians Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar and Michelle Bacon on drums restores the band to an all-female lineup, evoking the band’s original spirit of vitality and camaraderie.
To capture that signature Frogpond tone, Phillips knew exactly who to turn to — Paul Malinowski and his aptly-named Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, KS. Digital mastering by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering in Portland and vinyl mastering by Chris Muth at Taloowa in Ossining, NY ensures that the giant Frogpond sound makes it from the studio to your turntable in full hi-fidelity.
And as is the case with all Black Site releases, the album looks as good as it sounds with art design from Kansas City graphic artist (and Emmaline Twist drummer), Jonathan Knecht. Pressed on red vinyl, TimeThief is a beautiful work of aural and visual art.
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.
Heidi Phillips, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Frogpond’s Album Release Show is Sat, November 27, 2021 at recordBar in KCMO with The Creepy Jingles. www. black-site.org/frogpond
10:28
Frogpond
Frogpond – “Love Song” from: “It’s Not Over” – Single / Black-Site Records / September 3, 2021 [Second single from Newly reformed KC indie rock band, Frogpond’s TimeThief, their first album in over twenty years to be released on November 19, 2021, on the KC record label cooperative Black Site. Frogpond is: singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips, long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, with Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar, and Michelle Bacon on drums. More info at: http://black-site.org/frogpond // Frogpond digitally reissued their Au 1996 vinyl and cassette release Count To Ten on March 12, 2021, 25 years after its original release on August 9, 1996 on Columbia Records. Frogpond was formed in Warrensburg, Missouri. The band existed from 1994-2000, primarily performing in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas. COUNT TO TEN was the band’s 12-track national debut full length released on Tristar Music – Columbia on CD and vinyl in 1996 with songs written by Heidi Phillips, with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass, Megan Hamilton on drums, Kristie Stemel on guitar and backing vocals. Art Alexakis (of the band Everclear) served as producer and contributed backing vocals. // In 1999 Frogpond released the 13-track second album, SAFE RIDE HOME on C2 Records – Columbia, on CD and vinyl with songs written by Heidi Phillips, and with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass & backing vocals, and Billy Johnson on drums. The album was recorded by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago who also served as producer and contributed electric piano and piano. // In 1994 Frogpond self released their 8-song cassette release 2%. 2% was produced, engineered, and mixed at Red House Recording, Lawrence, Kansas, October 1994.]
[Frogpond’s Album Release Show is Sat, November 27, 2021 at recordBar in KCMO with The Creepy Jingles.]
10:30 – Underwriting
Ivory Blue – “Good Changes” from: “Good Changes” – Single / Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing / October 26, 2021 [KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue is currently in the studio putting together a new full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” for release in 2021. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivøry 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. Ivøry Black plays the Kauffman Stadium, July 1, Royals home game. Born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, and given up for adoption at the age of four, it was difficult to find trust in people after living with eight different foster families. Running away at 15, Ivøry moved from Indiana to Oklahoma and eventually ended up in Seattle. In 2011 Ivøry moved to Kansas City, and has became a part of new family.]
Ivory Blue
10:35 – Interview with Ivory Blue
Ivory Blue joins us to talk about their new single, “Good Changes” and upcoming album, COMPOUND LOVE. Ivory Blue signed a publishing deal with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing of Atlanta GA on August 18, 2021. This company will manage Ivory and handle all of their publishing. Ivory Blue released the “FAMILY TABLES” music video on August 21, 2021 directed by Mikal Shapiro and single was released digitally on September 7, 2021. Ivory is serving as songwriter, producer, vocalist and playing all instruments except drums and bass for their first full-length album COMPOUND LOVE. Ivory Blue will also release a new EP, RED LIGHT in 2022. More at: http://www.linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com
Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on WMM.
“Good Changes” the new single and 4th single from upcoming COMPOUND LOVE to be released in early 2022.
IVORY BLUE lived a nomadic existence until settling in Kansas City MO and becoming part of the local musical community. After winning a nationwide talent contest in 2017 Ivory Blue started having success with some national and international radio play which continues today.
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 them Ivory KC, 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. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. Ivory entered NeXt2Rock, a nationwide talent search with over 1800 artists/bands who applied to find fresh and promising rock artists.
Ivory Blue
The top 5 national bands battled it off for the win in Los Angeles CA at the legendary Viper Room, with judges Scott Borchetta (BMLG), John Varvatos (fashion designer), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox”), Desmond Child (Musician, producer), Chris Lord-Alge (producer), Ivory Blue won over the judges and became the grand prize winner! Ivory
Ivory won the contest and a one-year record deal with BMLG who re-released the song Ready Get Set from the 2015 EP. Ivory’s 2018 re-release of ‘Ready Get Set’ undauntedly received National and International airplay within weeks.
NeXt2Rock Judges Comments about Ivory Blue:
“You got star quality and a lot of potential” by Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox” on KLOS (95.5) Los Angeles, CA, USA)
“Giving us the diamond in the rough we can only dream of, the foundation that’s built underneath it, that’s what music is made from. by Chris Lord-Alge (Engineer/Mixer).
“I love everything about you, you sing what you live, you’re fantastic” by Desmond Child (Musician \ Songwriter and Producer).
“We’ve been waiting for the WOW, and you are the WOW”, “You’re a true artist” by John Varvatos (Fashion Designer and Record Label Head)
“You exude artistry from the minute you step on that stage” by Scott Borchetta – Big Machine Label Group president and CEO.
“There’s something special about you”, “You’re a true artist” by Gavin Rossdale (British musician, singer, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band BUSH).
Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium.
Ivory Blue has been busy in the studio putting together new music for upcoming releases of a new album COMPOUND LOVE and several EPs. In 2020 Ivory released the singles “Elite Dreamland,” (Feb. 17, 2021), “Half a Life” (Sept. 20, 2021), and “Family Tables” on September 7, 2021.
In February 2020 and after studying the craft of recording and self-producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with soaring vocals, passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released ‘Elite Dreamland’. There are no words to describe the incredible artistry behind this song. a single that hits your heart about understanding how it feels to be misunderstood in a world of people that seem to know what they are doing.
Ivory Blue
IVORY BLUE produces all the tracks with the exception of Drums and Bass. Ivory is currently working with Lester Estelle (Drummer for Kelly Clarkson), Craig Kew (Bass) KC, Kurt Festge (Mastering | Citizen Kane & Vilent Femmes) NC. and Nick Poortman (LA based Los Angeles based Producer, Engineer, Mixer, and Songwriter) Nick has worked alongside producers including Justin Gray, Gil Norton, Big Tank, and Greg Haver on sessions throughout the USA, UK, Europe, and New Zealand.
Ivory Blue released the video of ‘FAMILY TABLES’ on August 21, 2021 and the track was released on September 7, 2021. Ivory Blue is currently finishing the first full length CD/Album ‘Compound Love’ to be released in 2021 as well as the Red Light EP for 2022.
“Family Tables” hit #1 on Banks Radio in Australia the first week of the release. 23 countries have listed on Ivory’s Spotify reports and that after just 1 week released.
Kayden Gorden from The Kayden Gordon Radio Show has asked for a radio interview. The Kayden Gordon show is heard on 60+ stations (FM & Online) across the world.
IVORY BLUE signed with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing on Aug 18th, 2021. This is a new Publishing Company out of the Atlanta GA area. They have big plans for IVORY BLUE. Ben Baeumert. Founder and CEO is an artist himself with many years of experience in the music industry. He’s already been contacted by a large music supervisor company who said that IVORY BLUE’s music is amazing and that they love everything about the artist and wants to pitch the music to Music Licensees for potential TV, Film, commercials etc. That’s exciting news knowing that this will push music to a lot of listeners.
They were going to take over management for IVORY BLUE per my request, but instead partnered up with us to help the business grow and keep me as sole manager for IVORY BLUE and at their request other artists as well. I am therefore going to continue as Devin’s manager (she actually didn’t want me to hand over to another manager so was so happy about that decision) As far as the other artists, I haven’t made a final decision yet.
Ivory Blue has been on the WMM 12 times since 2015.
Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on WMM.
Ivory Blue and Klaartje Van Lue
Ivory Blue’s new single “Good Changes” was released on Oct 26, 2021. COMPOUND LOVE to be released in 2022. Ivory’s song “Family Tables” directed by Mikal Shapiro was released on August 21, 2021 and the single was released digitally on September 7. On August 18, 2021 Ivory Blue signed a publishing deal with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing of Atlanta GA. Along with finishing Ivory Blue’s first full-length album COMPOUND LOVE, Ivory will also release a new EP, RED LIGHT in 2022. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com
10:49
Ivory Blue – “Family Tables” from: “Family Tables” – Single / Sound Ballistics Muaic & Publishing / September 7, 2021 [KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue is currently in the studio putting together a new full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” for release in 2021. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 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. Born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, and given up for adoption at the age of four, it was difficult to find trust in people after living with eight different foster families. Running away at 15, Ivory moved from Indiana to Oklahoma. In 2011 Ivory moved to Kansas City, and has became a part of new family.]
David Bowie & Gail Ann Dorsey – “Planet Of Dreams (2021 Remaster)” from: Brilliant Adventure (1992 – 2001) / Parlophone Records / Expected November 26, 2021 [David Bowie and Gail Ann Dorsey’s 1997 track Planet of Dreams is available for the first time since originally appeared on the ‘Long Live Tibet’ charity album but has been unavailable digitally since then. The song is part of the upcoming ‘David Bowie 5: Brilliant Adventure‘ box set. // The track was recorded in the winter of 1996 in Toronto at Metalworks studio while David and his then band were filming the video for the second single from ‘Earthling’, Dead Man Walking, with Floria Sigismondi directing. David’s guitarist and collaborator Reeves Gabrels says: “While getting ready to go to Toronto to film the video, David received a request for a track for a Free Tibet benefit album. Our video filming schedule was spread over several days and allowed us a day off. “Metalworks Studio were more than happy to accommodate David Bowie on short notice so Mark Plati flew up from New York and flew back the following day to mix the song. // “We arrived at the studio with a written song sketch, and by the time we had recorded an instrumental performance we were happy with David had finished the lyrics. “While he was doing his vocal he had the idea to have it be more of a duet with Gail.” ‘David Bowie 5: Brilliant Adventure‘ is out November 26, 2021.]
11:00 – Station ID
Pure xtc – “Bad Dreams” from: “Bad Dreams” – Single / Taylor Hughes / September 10, 2021 [Second single from pure xtc, the musical project of Kansas City based Taylor Hughes. Taylor is also the drummer for the band EXNATIONS who are on hiatus. The idea of pure xtc was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell. “Ghost” was produced and mixed by Walter Kazmier of Silk City Grooves Studio and mastered by Mike Piacentini of Sony Entertainment’s Battery studios. http://www.purextcmusic.com]
[Pure XTC plays an EP Release Show, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 9:00 PM, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, with TC Superstars, and Various Blonde.]
Taylor Hughes
11:04 – Interview with Taylor Hughes
KC based dark pop artist, Taylor Hughes joins us to share details about her music project, pure xtc and her second single “Bad Dreams” released September 10. 2021. This single followed her debut single “Ghost” released July 9. 2021, and is part of her debut EP, NOBODY’S HOME to be released November 12, 2021. Pure XTC plays an EP Release Show, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 9:00 PM, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, with TC Superstars, and Various Blonde. More info at: http://www.purextcmusic.com
Taylor Hughes thanks for being with us on WMM
Pure xtc and her second single “Bad Dreams” released September 10. 2021.
Pure XTC’s EP, NOBODY’S HOME will be released November 12, 2021.
The idea of pure xtc was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell.
“Ghost” was produced and mixed by Walter Kazmier of Silk City Grooves Studio and mastered by Mike Piacentini of Sony Entertainment’s Battery studios. “Ghost” was produced and mixed by Walter Kazmier of Silk City Grooves Studio and mastered by Mike Piacentini of Sony Entertainment’s Battery studios.
Taylor is also the drummer for the band EXNATIONS who are on hiatus. The idea of pure xtc was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell. http://www.purextcmusic.com]
Pure TXC
From THE DAILY LISTENING – July 9, 2021
Kansas City, MO’s pure xtc – the project from EXNATIONS drummer, Taylor Hughes – is the epitome of lonely night drives. The idea was formed during an extremely isolating time for Hughes during her move to NYC in 2019. As EXNATIONS goes on hiatus, pure xtc allows Hughes to explore darker territories while delving into the highs and lows of adjusting to city life and all that follows.
Debut track, “Ghost,” takes the notion of loneliness, social isolation and anxiety to another level; one the listener can feel if that’s all they’ve known their whole lives. Deliciously haunting as it is relatable, “Ghost” is the perfect introduction to an endeavor that will surely break stigmas surrounding mental health while bringing her community of listeners closer together.
“Have you ever felt alone at a table of friends? Maybe you didn’t even make it to the restaurant because they stopped asking you to hangout, after you’ve said no too many times. Because laying alone in bed with pizza and tequila felt a lot easier than explaining why you ‘look so sad’ all the time. Yeah, I’ve been there. Isolating myself and then wondering where everyone went, turning myself into a literal ghost town.”
“Ghost” was produced and mixed by Walter Kazmier of Silk City Grooves Studio and mastered by Mike Piacentini of Sony Entertainment’s Battery studios.
We are talking with Taylor Hughes about her music project, pure xtc and her new single “Bad Dreams” released September 10, 2021
Taylor moved to Kansas City in January 2021. She is a multi-instrumentalist. She plays drums in the band EXNATIONS. Her Fender guitar is named “Little Edie”,
In September 2020 she got engaged to Ericka Kern
From Guitar Girl Magazine Tone Talk with Taylor Hughes by GGM Staff – June 14, 2021 – Photo by Anna Selle
pure xtc is the moniker of multi-instrumentalist Taylor Hughes. While writing my debut EP, I wanted to set a very specific mood… like, you’re driving through the city at night and it just stopped raining. Glowing neon signs are reflecting in the puddles between the cracked pavement and you’re ready to blow off some steam from a bad week… More like a really bad year. I wrote it about a time I was fresh out of a break-up and impulsively moved to New York City, experiencing the highest highs from exploring the city alone, but also the extreme lows of being alone.
For the last decade, you would have found me behind a drum kit, recording, and touring in various bands. Finally, I’ve found the courage to jump in front of the drum kit and revisit my gateway instrument, guitar. pure xtc is layered with gritty guitars reminiscent of music I grew up listening to, like Radiohead’s OK Computer era or Silversun Pickups’ Carnavas. Some songs have a more dreamy wet tone, lots of modulation. I’m obsessed with chorus and delay effects at the moment (and most of the time). My debut single, “ghost” is set for release on July 9, 2021.
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
Tone sets the mood for everything; from the first 10 seconds in, I want the listener to get the feel of the song, not just, “Woah! I found this new effect and I’m throwing it in every chance I possibly can!” because I’ve absolutely done that and the songs just had a disconnect. As years went by, I learned the song is king ideology. The more I’ve leaned into that thought process, the more dynamic my songs have become.
What are your favorite tonewoods?
I’m obsessed with koa; I dream of a new Taylor GS Mini in koa!
Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?
I have a Marshall Origin 20; it’s very clean and takes my pedals so well! It’s also the lightest tube amp I’ve ever carried. Paired with my Marshall head, I have an Orange 1×12 . I use a Blackbird pedalboard simply because they’re the cutest on the market, and I’m obsessed with cable mgmt – it hides all the ugly stuff really well. As for pedals, I use:
D’Addario tuner / Ernie Ball VP Jr. / Keeley Compressor / Swollen Pickle / The Rat
Walrus Audio Fathom and hopefully soon a SLARP! I’m absolutely obsessed with Walrus Audio; if you haven’t gotten your hands on their stuff, I highly recommend doing so!
TC Electronic’s June 60 – made to replicate the iconic chorus from Roland’s Juno synth, I died when I saw the wood-paneled sides!
JHS Morning Glory with a remote. I love being able to flip the switch from overdrive to a thick distortion. I have a song that goes from a dark pop vibe immediately into a hardcore breakdown within a matter of seconds. So that’s kind of a crucial one for me!
What about strings?
Elixir custom lights on my Taylor Big Baby; I’ve written every song of this upcoming EP on that guitar. It was a gift from a really special human, and I swear it has superpowers. On my Strat, I love D’Addario NYXL 1052’s.
Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?
I usually lay a bed of synth pads with just stagnant chords and start laying my drums down from there. If you were standing outside of my home studio, you’d most likely hear me singing and clapping out patterns along with a metronome, occasionally an OH F*CK if I’ve really had a break, though! Seriously though, I just turn the lights out and try my best to not overthink or doubt myself.
How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?
I plan on using a fair amount of synth, effected vocal, and sampled drum backing tracks live to help fill out the live sound. I always thought that it helps listeners have something to immediately recognize from the songs they’re used to hearing in headphones. I just really love production, so I try to include it in my live sound as well! I’m always excited to see how artist’s replicate specific moments that I’m obsessed with on a record.
What does your practice consist of?
Lately it’s been me playing along with the stems and a click track, just trying to get comfortable playing and singing while pedal dancing!
Favorite guitar riff or lick that inspired you to pick up the guitar and play?
Lately, Echo & The Bunnymen’s The Killing Moon.
What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?
Stand your ground, speak up, and don’t ever let yourself feel intimidated. You deserve your spot; you’ve earned it — keep going.
Taylor Hughes, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Pure XTC’ debut EP, NOBODY’S HOME will be released November 12, 2021. Pure XTC plays an EP Release Show, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 9:00 PM, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, with TC Superstars, and Various Blonde. More info at: http://www.purextcmusic.com.
11:17
Pure xtc – “Old Wounds” from: Nobody’s Home / Taylor Hughes / November 12, 2021 [Second single from pure xtc, the musical project of Kansas City based Taylor Hughes. Produced and mixed by Walter Kazmier of Silk City Grooves Studio and mastered by Mike Piacentini of Sony Entertainment’s Battery studios. ]
[Pure XTC plays an EP Release Show, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 9:00 PM, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, with TC Superstars, and Various Blonde.]
The Greeting Committee – “Make Out” from: Dandelion / Harvest Records / September 24, 2021 [Formed in KC in 2015 with Addie Sartino, Brandon Yangmi, Austin Fraser, a& Pierce Turcotte. This EP is a follow up to their Oct. 17, 2019 EP, I’m Afraid I’m Not Angry, and their October 26, 2018, full length vinyl release “This Is It.” The band has previously released the EP “Meeting People is Easy” in 2017, and “It’s Not All That Bad” in 2015.]
Helado Negro – “Wake Up Tomorrow (feat. Kacy Hill)” from: Far In / 4AD Records. / October 22, 2021 [6th album from Roberto Carlos Lange, better known by his stage name Helado Negro, is an American musician. He was formerly signed to Asthmatic Kitty Records from 2009 to 2016. Helado is now currently signed to and released his latest album through RVNG Intl., a Brooklyn-based music institution. Helado grew up in Miami, Florida where he spent his teenage years searching for his identity in the cultural melting pot of south Florida. He immersed himself in the hip-hop and electronic music scenes, where he learned to be an artist by playing out shows to small audiences. Helado released his 6th albumTHIS IS HOW YOU SMILE on March 8, 2019. Helado released his first full-length album in 2009 titled Awe Owe. In 2010, Helado released an EP titled Pasajero. Helado released his second full-length album in 2011 titled Canta Lechuza. In 2012, Helado released the first of a three part EP, titled Island Universe Story – One. Helado released his third full-length album in 2013 titled Invisible Life. Helado released the second Island Universe Story EP in 2013. In 2014, Helado released his fourth full-length album titled Double Youth. The third EP in Helado’s three-part Island Universe Story series was released in 2014. In 2015, Helado released the single “Young, Latin and Proud” along with an animated-visual and lyric video. Lange describes the song as “It was as if I was singing my 6-year-old self a lullaby… It’s about feeling a sense of pride and self-confidence, understanding that you’re born into something and it’s alright to feel good about it. Stereotypes and contradictions are built into identity and I think those are a strong current in both Latino and black identity in the U.S. today.” In 2016, Helado released his fifth full-length album titled Private Energy.]
Ana Kennedy Domville and Taylor Hughes
11:29 – Underwriting
Riley The Musician – “She Drives A Harley” from: “She Drives A Harley” – Single / Snafu Records / October 22, 2021 [Riley The Musician is the musical project of Ana Kennedy Domville, a 22-year old Transgender musical artist from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She released her singles: “99” and “Miss America” on February 15, and May 3, 2021. Snafu Records released her singles: “Ice Out (Reloaded)” on September 10, and “She Drives a Harley” on October 22, 2021. This single will be on the upcoming album Montana. Riley The Producer released the 5-track EP TEENAGE HEART- THROB on June 29, 2018. Riley The Producer released the 13-track album ART IS DEAD, on June 6, 2019. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY, on July 10, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY DEMOS, on Sept. 4, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 2-track Single, “Iced Out” b/w “Ice Out (Slowed)” on Sept. 16, 2020. Riley The Producer released the single “99” on February 15, 2021.] More info at: https://linktr.ee/rileythemusician%5D
Riley The Musician
11:33 – Interview with Riley The Musician
Riley The Musician shares music from, MONTANA her third album, to be released on November 12, 2021, and her first after being signed to Snafu Records. Riley The Musician is the musical project of Ana Kennedy Domville, a 22-year old Transgender musical artist from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She released her singles: “99” and “Miss America” on February 15, and May 3, 2021. Snafu Records released her singles: “Ice Out (Reloaded)” on September 10, and “She Drives a Harley” on October 22, 2021. Ana describes her music as somewhere between Electronic and Indie Pop. Riley The Musician released her debut EP, TEENAGE HEARTTHROB on June 29, 2018, and debut album, ART IS DEAD on June 6, 2019, and the album, ANA KENNEDY on July 10, 2020. More at: http://www.rileythemusician.bandcamp.com
Riley The Musician, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Riley grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
On June 10, 2021 Riley The Musician signed their first record deal for the upcoming album Montana. This is a very special record to Riley.
The 12-track album will be released November 19.2021
Riley Musician was with us o June 23, 2021.
On Spotify Riley The Musician has 19,223 followers and “99” has gotten 250,000 plays
Riley The Musician and Andy Warhol
On Instagram on February 2, 2021, Riley The Musician wrote: “I’ve had some time to think over what I’ve been missing out on: being myself.’
“I think now is as good of a time as ever to be honest with you. When I wear the wig, all my self doubt flies out the window. I’ve been struggling with body dysphoria for a long time, and this lead me to the answer. All of my anxiety goes away when I can just be myself with you, and that’s what I’m going to work on doing.”
Ana Kennedy Domville is Riley The Musician
Legal Name change: Ana Kennedy Domville
Riley The Musician, stylized as RILEY THE MUSICIAN, is a pop/hip-hop artist based in Kansas City. They have collaborated with the likes of Jxsh, Ghost Boy Sora, j2ke, téa thomas and pascal delay
Riley The Musician Discography TEENAGE HEARTTHROB – Debut EP – June 29, 2018 ART IS DEAD – debut album – June 6, 2019 ANA KENNEDY – EP (Demos) – July 10, 2020. “Iced Out” / “Iced Out (Slowed) – Single – September 16, 2021 “99” – Single – February 15, 2021 “Miss America” / “I Kissed A Ghost” – Single – May 3, 2021 “She Drives A Harley” – Single – Snafu Records – October 22, 2021 “Iced Out (Reloaded)” – Single – Snafu Records – September 10, 2021
Riley The Musician wrote on Instagram, on December 2, 2020: “ don’t even know what to say making music actually changed my life!! i cant put into words how much this means. thank you to my parents for believing in me when i told them i wanted to be a musician. thank you to jessie for helping me get to where i am and loving me. thank you to my friends for going out in the coldest weather ever just to help shoot some videos. Unbelievable”
Riley The Musician videos are directed by Jessie The Artist
RILEY takes inspiration from a variety of artists, ranging from A. G. Cook, Bruce Springsteen, Sky Ferreira and Passion Pit.
Alexander Guy Cook was born August 23, 1990 He is an English music producer, singer, songwriter, and head of the UK record label PC Music. Since its founding in August 2013, PC Music has represented over twenty artists releasing music within a similar style, in which tropes from mainstream 1990s and 2000s pop music are amplified.[3] This style of exaggerated pop tropes grew to serve as the foundation of microgenre Hyperpop, which Cook is credited for pioneering and popularizing. Cook released his first solo singles in 2014. He has also collaborated with PC Music artists such Hannah Diamond, GFOTY, EASYFUN, Danny L Harle, and felicita. He formed the one-off project QT with musician Sophie and performance artist Hayden Frances Dunham, producing the 2014 single “Hey QT.” Cook came into the public eye as Charli XCX’s creative director[5] and has executively produced her last four projects: Number 1 Angel, Pop 2, Charli and How I’m Feeling Now. Cook was named #12 in the Dazed 100 for “redefining style and youth culture in 2015 and beyond”. He received the Variety Hitmakers Innovator of The Year Award in 2020. In 2020, Cook released his two debut albums 7G and Apple.
Sky Tonia Ferreira was born July 8, 1992. She is an American singer, songwriter, model, and actress. As a teenager, Ferreira began uploading videos on Myspace of herself singing songs she had written, which led to her discovery by producers Bloodshy & Avant and a recording contract with Parlophone in 2009. She released her first extended play, As If!, in 2011, which combined elements of electropop and dance music. Ferreira’s second EP Ghost (2012), however, incorporated pop with more stripped-down song structures and featured collaborations with Jon Brion and Shirley Manson, as well as the critically acclaimed track “Everything Is Embarrassing”, which she composed with Dev Hynes. After multiple delays and disputes with her record label, Ferreira’s debut studio album Night Time, My Time was released in October 2013, preceded by the lead single “You’re Not the One”, and marked a departure from her former style, incorporating more experimental indie rock with synth-pop elements. The album received critical acclaim. That year, she ventured into the film industry after appearing in Eli Roth’s The Green Inferno and garnered media attention after being arrested for drug possession. She was exposed to a mainstream audience as one of Miley Cyrus’ main opening acts on her international Bangerz Tour in 2014. While appearing in films and other projects, she released the single “Downhill Lullaby” in March 2019. Ferreira’s earlier work incorporated elements of dance-pop, while her recent projects experiment with acoustic, new wave and primarily indie rock musical styles. Her lyrical content originally incorporated themes of rebellion and teenage romance, and has since evolved to discuss personal insecurities and more mature romantic themes. Outside her work in the entertainment industry, she has modeled for several brands and magazines, including serving as the spokeswoman for the hair care brand Redken in 2014.
Riley The Musician also works as a DJ.
Riley The Musician, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
On June 10, 2021 Riley The Musician signed their first record deal for the upcoming album Montana. Riley released her singles: “99” and “Miss America” on February 15, and May 3, 2021. Snafu Records released her singles: “Ice Out (Reloaded)” on September 10, and “She Drives a Harley” on October 22, 2021. The 12-track album MONTANA will be released November 19, 2021. More info at: http://www.rileythemusician.bandcamp.com
Tiley The Musician
11:48
Riley The Musician – “Iced Out (Reloaded)” from: “Iced Out (Reloaded)” – Single / Snafu Records / September 10, 2021 Riley The Musician is the musical project of Ana Kennedy Domville, a 22-year old Transgender musical artist from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She released her singles: “99” and “Miss America” on February 15, and May 3, 2021. Snafu Records released her singles: “Ice Out (Reloaded)” on September 10, and “She Drives a Harley” on October 22, 2021. This single will be on the upcoming album Montana. Riley The Producer released the 5-track EP TEENAGE HEART- THROB on June 29, 2018. Riley The Producer released the 13-track album ART IS DEAD, on June 6, 2019. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY, on July 10, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY DEMOS, on Sept. 4, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 2-track Single, “Iced Out” b/w “Ice Out (Slowed)” on Sept. 16, 2020. Riley The Producer released the single “99” on February 15, 2021.] More info at: https://linktr.ee/rileythemusician%5D
Courtney Barnett – “I’ll Be Your Mirror” from: I’ll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico / Verve / Sept 24, 2021[I’ll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to the Velvet Underground & Nico, is a contemporary tribute to the Velvets debut, with each of the album’s songs performed by one of the band’s noteworthy artistic descendants. Featured artists include Kurt Vile & the Violators, Sharon Van Etten, Iggy Pop & Matt Sweeney, Michael Stipe, Matt Berninger of The National, Courtney Barnett, King Princess, Fontaines D.C. and more ]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on November 17 we play more New & MidCoastal Releases. Plus we welcome Shaun Crowley of Manor Records
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 10, 2021
Heidi Phillips of Frogpond + Ivory Blue + Taylor Hughes of Pure XTC + Riley The Musician
Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: Riley The Musician, Frogpond, Ivory Blue, Pure XTC, Stik Figa, Krystle Warren, The Greeting Committee, Quite Frankly, Helado Negro, David Bowie & Gail Ann Dorsey, and Courtney Barnett.
Frogpond
At 10:15 Heidi Phillips of the band Frogpond joins us to talk about their new single “Love Song” and their upcoming album TimeThief. The newly reformed KC indie rock band will release TimeThief, its first album in over twenty years on November 19, 2021, on the KC record label cooperative Black Site. Frogpond is: singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips, long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar, and Michelle Bacon on drums. Frogpond was originally formed in Warrensburg, Missouri and was active from 1994-2000. The band’s national debut full-length, COUNT TO TEN was released on Tristar Music – Columbia and produced by Art Alexakis (of Everclear). Frogpond’s Album Release Show is Saturday, November 27, 2021 at recordBar in KCMO with The Creepy Jingles. More info at: http://black-site.org/frogpond
Ivory Blue
At 10:35 Mark talks with musician and songwriter Ivory Blue about their new single, “Good Changes” and upcoming album, COMPOUND LOVE. Ivory Blue signed a publishing deal with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing of Atlanta GA on August 18, 2021. This company will manage Ivory and handle all of their publishing. Ivory Blue released the “FAMILY TABLES” music video on August 21, 2021 directed by Mikal Shapiro and single was released digitally on September 7, 2021. Ivory is serving as songwriter, producer, vocalist and playing all instruments except drums and bass for their first full-length album COMPOUND LOVE. Ivory Blue will also release a new EP, RED LIGHT in 2022. More at: http://www.linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic
Taylor Hughes
At 11:00 Mark talks with KC based queer dark pop artist, Taylor Hughes about her musical project, Pure XTC and her new single “Bad Dreams” released September 10, 2021. This single followed her debut single “Ghost” released July 9. 2021, and is part of her debut EP, NOBODY’S HOME to be released November 12, 2021. The idea of Pure XTC was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell. Now based in KC Pure XTC was one of the stand out performers at Kansas City Pride August 21, 2021. Pure XTC plays an EP Release Show, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 9:00 PM, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, with TC Superstars, and Various Blonde. More info at: http://www.purextcmusic.com
Riley The Musician
At 11:30 Riley The Musician shares music from, MONTANA her third album, to be released on November 12, 2021, and her first after being signed to Snafu Records. Riley The Musician is the musical project of Ana Kennedy Domville, a 22-year old Transgender musical artist from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She released her singles: “99” and “Miss America” on February 15, and May 3, 2021. Snafu Records released her singles: “Ice Out (Reloaded)” on September 10, and “She Drives a Harley” on October 22, 2021. Ana describes her music as somewhere between Electronic and Indie Pop. Riley The Musician released her debut EP, TEENAGE HEARTTHROB on June 29, 2018, and debut album, ART IS DEAD on June 6, 2019, and the album, ANA KENNEDY on July 10, 2020. More at: http://www.rileythemusician.bandcamp.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
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 3, 2021
Colin Halliburton of The Roseline + Sarah Magill of Quiet Takes + Rebecca Liberty Interview with Kurt von Schlemmer + Max & Eva von Schlemmer
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Deerhoof – “Scarcity Is Manufactured” from: Actually, You Can / Joyful Noise Recrdings / October 22, 2021 [Deerhoof are an American independent music group formed in San Francisco in 1994. They currently consist of founding drummer Greg Saunier, bassist and singer Satomi Matsuzaki, and guitarists John Dieterich and Ed Rodriguez. Beginning as an improvised noise punk band, Deerhoof became widely renowned and influential in the 2000s through self-produced albums that combine “noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music” (AllMusic). // They have released eighteen studio albums since 1997. Their most recent album, Actually, You Can, was released on October 22, 2021. // Deerhoof were formed in San Francisco in 1994 as Rob Fisk’s improvisational bass/harmonica solo project. Greg Saunier joined on drums a week later. They were quickly signed to record a single for Kill Rock Stars after owner Slim Moon witnessed their performance at the 1994 Yoyo A Go Go festival. Satomi Matsuzaki joined Deerhoof within a week of moving to the United States from Japan in May 1995, with no prior experience playing in a band, and went on tour as Deerhoof’s singer only a week later, opening for Caroliner. Their 1997 debut album The Man, the King, the Girl was recorded on 4-track tape. // Deerhoof’s style has been described as indie rock, noise pop, punk rock, and “experimental pop mired in a pure punk sense of adventure”. AllMusic characterizes them as “highly revered indie rockers … who play fractured, whimsical noise pop with an avant-garde edge”, while MaineToday describes them as “the beloved punk band whose erratic style veers between pop, noise, and classic rock and roll”. // According to Noisey, Deerhoof formed as a “minimal noise improv” act before shifting to “pop-infused noise-punk”. According to AllMusic, their early releases “had a more traditionally harsh, no wave-inspired sound, though they also included the quirky tendencies that dominated their later efforts … [which] mix noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music that made them one of the most acclaimed acts of the 2000s and 2010s.” Impose writes that since “their beginnings as a noise punk band … [Deerhoof have] taken leaps and bounds artistically and stylistically, experimenting with pop and punk in ways we could’ve never imagined … [and] ultimately [proving] that punk can fit into an artistic world.” According to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, they made “some of the most difficult and unclassifiable noise of the mid-’90s [before] unexpectedly [rising] to international prominence as one of indie rock’s most renowned and influential groups … too ‘pop’ for ‘noise,’ and too ‘noise’ for ‘pop.'” For The Guardian, their breakthrough after many albums of “elliptical art-pop” came with Friend Opportunity, which showcased “a band playing a constantly shifting mixture of psychedelia, post-punk, jazz and pop, which should have been difficult and forbidding, but was given an accessible focus by the sweet vocals and expressionist lyrics of bassist/chanteuse Satomi Matsuzaki. … [The followup] Offend Maggie is head-spinning bliss from beginning to end, and proves that the quartet are the best prog-rock post-punk Afro-Oriental art-pop folk-jazz band in the world. Deerhoof also experiment with contemporary classical music. // The band has been appreciated by and/or influential to other artists, notably David Bowie, Radiohead, Questlove, St. Vincent, Foo Fighters, Dirty Projectors, Tune-Yards, Stereolab, Henry Rollins, Sleigh Bells, and of Montreal. Deerhoof’s songs are covered often by other artists (notably Phil Lesh, Los Campesinos!, Marco Benevento, David Bazan, and classical composer Marcos Balter).]
Efterklang – “Dragonfly” from: Windflowers / City Slang Records / October 8, 2021 [Efterklang (Danish pronunciation: [ˈeftɐˌkʰlɑŋˀ]) is a Danish indie rock group from Copenhagen, formed in December 2000. The band has recorded six studio albums and are currently signed to the 4AD label, as well as their own record label Rumraket. Core group members include: Casper Clausen on vocals, Mads Brauer on electronics, and Rasmus Stolberg on bass// In 2012, they released their fourth album Piramida to good reviews. // The name Efterklang comes from the Danish word for “remembrance” or “reverberation.” Formed in Copenhagen, its three core members are Casper Clausen, Mads Brauer and Rasmus Stolberg. The original lineup also included Rune Mølgaard, but he has taken a more secluded role since 2007. Drummer Thomas Husmer left the band 2011. When performing live, the core three-piece band is complemented with the addition of live band members. // Efterklang released their first album Tripper to warm critical acclaim in autumn 2004. Their second album Parades saw the band working with British producer Darren Allison (Spiritualized), and was released in October 2007, receiving widespread critical acclaim by the likes of Mojo, Uncut, Drowned in Sound and Stylus magazine. Parades was named the 38th best album released between April 2005 to April 2009 by Clash in April 2009. In September 2008, Efterklang and The Danish National Chamber Orchestra performed Parades in its entirety at the Copenhagen Concert Hall; the performance was documented on a limited edition LP/DVD set entitled Performing Parades, which was released in October 2009. // In September 2009, Efterklang signed a new record deal with the British independent label 4AD. Their third full-length album Magic Chairs was Efterklang’s first on their new label, released in February 2010. Magic Chairs won IMPALA’s European Independent Album of the Year on February 28. The record was well received by Pitchforkmedia. // In August 2010, French filmmaker Vincent Moon and Efterklang’s 8-piece live band met up on an island off the Danish coast. The objective was to shoot a film with the same length as an album, and a film full of performances, experiments and collaborations. The result was called An Island. // In 2011, drummer and trumpet player Thomas Husmer left the band and the other members announced that they would carry on as a trio. // In 2012, the band went on tour to present their fourth album Piramida with an orchestra and drummer Budgie of Siouxsie and the Banshees as special guest for the live shows. The premiere at the Sydney’s “Opera House” in June was praised by Time Out and Mojo. The latter wrote : “Piramida is the sound of Efterklang’s grasp meeting their reach, of their ambition evading the pretentious, the blankly grandiose, and rewarding them with a masterpiece.”. A European leg coincided with the release of Piramida. The band performed with an orchestra and Budgie in Ireland, Scandinavia, UK, the Netherlands and Belgium. // At its release in September, their fourth album Piramida received good reviews. Mojo rated it four stars and said: “Despite the elegant grey-sky thinking, deep beneath the emotional permafrost, Piramida isn’t as cold as it seems”. BBC Music said : “This see-saw, between exquisite gloom and bruised hope, is part of what makes Piramida so powerful” before concluding by these words, “rarely have the Serious Young Man Blues been articulated with such grace, so affectingly”. British Fact magazine wrote: “Piramida is an abandoned mining town located deep within the Arctic Circle. It’s the setting for Efterklang’s fourth and finest album, an acutely musicianly affair employing lorry loads of classical instruments, brass, synths and what appears to be a choir of thousands broadcasting from the deep end of a fjord”. Q magazine commented: “here’s a band on top of the world, and on top of their game… Piramida is a revelation.” // From December Efterklang went on tour with their new 6-piece band. In 2013, the Piramida tour took the band around North America and Europe. // In 2015, The Leaf Label released a number of re-issues as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. A poll enabled fans to vote for which albums from the label’s back catalogue they wished to see re-issued, and Efterklang’s Parades was selected. The album, released on double vinyl LP, was initially available to fans through the PledgeMusic service and was introduced to shops in early 2016. A double vinyl re-issue of Tripper is also available from The Leaf Label after a successful BeatDelete campaign. // In 2016, the members of Efterklang, along with drummer Tatu Rönkkö, formed the band Liima. They released their debut album, ii, on March 18, 2016. The album received positive reviews, earning a score of 70 on Metacritic, based on 8 reviews. // Liima’s second album, 1982, was released on 3 November 2017.]
Get Smart! – “Where Did This Week Go?” from: Words Move / Get Smart! / December 1, 1981 [Get Smart! formed in Lawrence, KS in 1980. The group helped to solidify Lawrence as an alternative music hotbed and toured extensively, performing 300 shows in six years. They released a flexi-disc and Words Move, a 4-track EP in 1981. In 1983 they relocated to Chicago. Their first LP, “Action Reaction” was released in 1984. The band’s second LP, “Swimming With Sharks” was released in 1986. During seven years of relentless touring, Get Smart! earned a national reputation for intense live shows and edged their way onto college radio playlists with their first two LPs, Action Reaction (1984) and Swimming With Sharks (1986). In January, 1987, the band began work on their third album with seminal recording engineer, Iain Burgess. In 1990 Get Smart! Disbanded. These recordings were archived for 33 years until Get Smart! reformed this year. With the aim of matching their live sound, the band commissioned Steve Albini to craft the final mixes with them. More info at: http://www.getsmartmusic.com]
[Get Smart! play a special Reunion Show, Sat, Nov. 6, 2021 at 8:00 PM at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS w/ Pedaljets, Other Geese, Boy Soprano,. DJ Ray Velasquez spins post-punk classics & deep cuts. Proof of vaccination or negative test results within 72 hours of door time are required, masks required regardless of vaccination status. All Ages. 7:00PM Doors]
The Roseline – “Catalpa” from: “Seven Hundred Second Chances” – Single / Alt Country Club / April 2, 2021 [First single and title track from their upcoming record, Seven Hundred Second Chances. The track features Colin Halliburton on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, & aux percussion; Bradley McKellip on mandolin & electric guitars; Colin Jones on bass; Jim Piller on drums; Chase Horseman on piano and organ; and Heidi Gluck on background vocals. It was recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. Lead singer and songwriter Colin Halliburton writes, “This song came together relatively quickly when I brought the acoustic skeleton to the band. It has a comfortable groove and familiarity to it, but we tried to make it all our own with little sonic touches like the sustaining fuzz note and the chimey, vintage vibe of the bridge. Lyrically, I’m exploring the corruptibility of humans and examining my own privilege, while also noting that we should all be aspiring to the greatness of teachers.” // The Roseline are a Lawrence, KS, based alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 6th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2021. 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. Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com/%5D
[The Roseline play an Album Release Show for “Constancy” on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Replay Lounge, on the Patio, 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas in a Matinee Show at 6:00 PM with Suzannah Johannes with a full band opening.]
Colin Halliburton
10:16 – Interview with Colin Halliburton
We welcome Colin Halliburton founder & songwriter of the Lawrence, KS based band, The Roseline., who’ve had the good fortune of landing songs on ABC’s ‘Nashville’ and ‘Resurrection’, as well as USA’s ‘Queen of the South’. The Roseline has been featured on NPR, Pop Matters, American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Situation, and No Depression, among others. The band recently wrapped up their seventh LP titled CONSTANCY which will be released on November 5, 2021. The Roseline play an Album Release Show for “Constancy” on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Replay Lounge, on the Patio, 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas in a Matinee Show at 6:00 PM with Suzannah Johannes with a full band opening.
Colin Halliburton, thanks for being with us on WMM.
The album was recorded, engineered & produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in KCMO.
The Roseline
The Roseline include: Colin Hallibeurton on vocals and guitar, Bradley McKellip on guitar, Colin Jones on bass,, Jim Piller on drums,
AND, guest appearances from: Heidi Gluck on keys & vocals, Chase Horseman on piano and organ vocals.
From POP OFF October 28, 2021 by Randall Radic
The Roseline Releases Wistful “Catalpa”
Lawrence, Kansas-based folk-rock outfit The Roseline releases “Catalpa,” a track lifted from their upcoming seventh album, Constancy, slated for release November 5.
Talking about “Catalpa,” founder and songwriter Colin Halliburton told Buzz Music, “It’s a little tune about aging out of a college town while being constantly surrounded by youth. The two verses lay in contrast with each other — one being content with middle age and the other pining for youth.”
Initially, The Roseline was an acoustic folk trio, but evolved into a five-piece American rock band.
Their forthcoming album, Constancy, witnesses the evolution of The Roseline’s sound, adding synths and guitar effects, as well as a more collaborative approach to songwriting.
Halliburton explains, “There’s something to be said for stubborn perseverance. I think good things can come from the simple act of just showing up over and over again. It can be applied to your day job, your love life, your children, your side hustle, your hobbies, and beyond. That’s where the idea of “constancy” came from for me.”.
“Catalpa” opens on low-slung shimmering guitars riding a gentle rhythm. A drawling steel guitar imbues the tune with melancholic savors as Halliburton’s delicious voice gives the lyrics soft coloration. Rippling with sumptuous, gliding layers of sonic hues, the melody drifts on creamy, translucent tendrils.
“In the sticky, summer heat / As we strolled down Ousdahl street / The wind blew steadily through the Catalpa trees / The blossoms fell softly at our feet / It looked like snow but our eyes were deceived / We heard some college kids on their balcony / Vapor cigarettes and yelling epithets / Making lists of girls they ain’t conquered yet / Some may ache for youth / Couldn’t pay me to go back.”
Oozing with plush Americana aromas, as well as hints of SoCal soft rock, “Catalpa” displays the virtuosity, the lustrous, delicate subtlety of a superb band — The Roseline.
The Roseline, formed in 2005.
Friday, Nov. 5 @ 6:00PM ALBUM RELEASE SHOW REPLAY LOUNGE, LAWRENCE, KS
Tuesday, November 16 – KATALIN, UPPSALA, SWEDEN Wednesday, November 17 – CAFÉ SMEDJAN, NORRTÄLJE, SWEDEN Thursday, November 18 – HOLÄNNAPAVILJONGEN, LJUSDAL, SWEDEN Friday, November 19 – MOSKUS, TRONDHEIM, NORWAY Saturday, November 20 – BROKEN DREAMS, BORLÄNGE, SWEDEN Sunday, November 21 – KONTORET, UDDEVALLA, SWEDEN Monday, November 22 – HOTELL HULINGEN, HULTSFRED, SWEDEN Wednesday, November 24 – BILJARDKOMPANIET, KRISTIANSTAD, SWEDEN Thursday, November 25 – FOLK Å ROCK, MALMÖ, SWEDEN Friday, November 26 – TRYCKHALLEN, FALKENBERG, SWEDEN Saturday, November 27 – GARAGE BAR, HÖGANÄS, SWEDEN Sunday, November 28 – TWANG, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
The Roseline has toured the US and Halliburton has completed two European solo tours thus far, taking him through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. They have had the good fortune of getting sync placements in hit television shows like ABC’s Nashville and Resurrection as well as USA’s Queen of the South. They have been featured in/on NPR, Pop Matters, No Depression, and The Bluegrass Situation. They have had two records debut in the top five on the Euro Americana Chart. Spring 2020 tour dates as well as all other info can be found at: roselinemusic.com.
What a difference a year makes
Last year on March 25, 2020 Colin spoke with us about their album release GOOD / GRIEF a very fine vinyl release. The album cover was a rendering of a sky full of giant clouds, and a tornado reaching down through the sky, with the words GOOD / GRIEF embossed in the upper center of the image. It was beautiful and troubling at the same time. The songs on GOOD / GRIEF were born, largely, in response to the death of Halliburton’s best friend (and keyboardist in The Roseline) Ehren Starks, as well as the loss of his mother-in-law to suicide. Additionally, the album explores themes of love & marriage, the grieving process, elder millennial existential dread, politicized rage, drugs, and mortality. // GOOD / GRIEF included songs inspired by the death of Halliburton’s best friend (and keyboardist in The Roseline). Ehren Starks was also a big part of The Roseline and your best friend, can you talk about is friendship and how it inspired the record. // Ehren Starks was also part of the band Other Americans, and when They were on the show last year Brandon Taylor Phillips talked about what a great loss it was after Ehren’s death, that he was such a big part of the creation of their early son
Last year The Roseline were set to play an Album Release show at Replay Lounge in Lawrence, Friday, With Other Tour Dates included: April 7th – Nashville, TN @ The 5 Spot April 8th – Louisville, KY @ Mag Bar April 9th – Chicago, IL @ Montrose Saloon April 10th – Minneapolis, MN @ Driftwood April 11th – Omaha, NE @ Barley St. Tavern April 24th – Pittsburg, KS @ Europe Park April 25th – Tulsa, OK @ The Whittier Bar
All were cancelled due to COVID
The Roseline (pronounced rose like the flower, line like a straight line) is a band from Lawrence, Kansas USA. Six albums into their career, they have crafted a songbook that is at once familiar and singular. Founder and songwriter, Colin Halliburton, began the project as an acoustic folk trio, and it has since evolved into the five-piece Americana rock band of its current form. Kind foreign press and high charting on the Euro Americana Chart (‘Lust for Luster’, ‘Blood’, and ‘GOOD/GRIEF’ all charted in the top ten), led to a deal in the Benelux with Dutch label, King Forward Records. The band also released one album, ‘Vast as Sky’ (2012), with the Bay Area label Ninth Street Opus (home to Sarah Lee Guthrie and Carrie Rodriguez).
The Roseline has had the good fortune of landing sync 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’. The Roseline has been featured on/in NPR, Pop Matters, American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Situation, and No Depression, among others. Halliburton also performs solo under The Roseline moniker and has embarked on two European tours thus far.
The band recently wrapped up their seventh LP titled ‘Constancy’ which will be released on November 5th, 2021. The album marks a distinct evolution in the band’s sound, as they found themselves taking more risks in the studio and expanding their sonic spectrum with the addition of vintage synth textures, myriad guitar effects and heroics, as well as a more collaborative songwriting approach.
Lyrically, it is Halliburton’s most diverse and accomplished collection of songs, ranging from fictional narratives, to abstracted allegories, to intimate confessionals, and beyond. Ultimately he finds the constancy inherent in good love, family, art and joy, is what leads to a life worth celebrating. This is not to say he shies away from the darker corners of the human condition, but rather that the darkness is a necessary foil for the light.
Halliburton explains, “There’s something to be said for stubborn perseverance. I think good things can come from the simple act of just showing up over and over again. It can be applied to your day job, your love life, your children, your side hustle, your hobbies, and beyond. That’s where the idea of “constancy” came from for me.”
The first single “Seven Hundred Second Chances” was released April 2nd, 2021. The second single “Joy” was released on May 7th, 2021.
We are talking with Colin Halliburton about CONSTANCY the new album from his band The Roseline. More info at: http://www.roselinemusic.com
Colin Halliburton, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Roseline play an Album Release Show for “Constancy” on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Replay Lounge, on the Patio, 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas in a Matinee Show at 6:00 PM with Suzannah Johannes with a full band opening.
10:28
The Roseline – “Seven Hundred Second Chances” from: “Seven Hundred Second Chances” – Single / Alt Country Club / April 2, 2021 [First single and title track from their upcoming record, Seven Hundred Second Chances. The track features Colin Halliburton on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, & aux percussion; Bradley McKellip on mandolin & electric guitars; Colin Jones on bass; Jim Piller on drums; Chase Horseman on piano and organ; and Heidi Gluck on background vocals. It was recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. Lead singer and songwriter Colin Halliburton writes, “This song came together relatively quickly when I brought the acoustic skeleton to the band. It has a comfortable groove and familiarity to it, but we tried to make it all our own with little sonic touches like the sustaining fuzz note and the chimey, vintage vibe of the bridge. Lyrically, I’m exploring the corruptibility of humans and examining my own privilege, while also noting that we should all be aspiring to the greatness of teachers.” // The Roseline are a Lawrence, KS, based alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 6th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2021. 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. Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com/%5D
[The Roseline play an Album Release Show for “Constancy” on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Replay Lounge, on the Patio, 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas in a Matinee Show at 6:00 PM with Suzannah Johannes with a full band opening.]
10:32 – Underwriting
Quiet Takes – “Still Looking for McDavid” from: “Still Looking for McDavid” – Single / Sarah Magill / October 26, 2021 [Written by Sarah Magill. Produced by David Bennett. Vocals and keyboards by Sarah Magill. Guitars, bass and percussion by David Bennett. Drums by Jared Bond. Engineered and mixed by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Zach. This new single swill be included in Sarah’s upcoming EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY, coming out November 5, 2021, the third collaboration between Magill and producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. “Ghosty…” was inspired by pandemic-era panic attacks and social unease. This song was one way I tried to process the new, very anxious voice inhabiting my brain, which I nicknamed Ghosty. Sarah writes, “I made the WEEKLY, WEAKLY EP exactly as titled: During weekly Friday sessions at Aorist Studios with my producer, David Bennett, while feeling extremely weak. I was living alone during the pandemic and (like many of us) coping with isolation, depression and anxiety. Making this EP was my lifeboat. Both the process of making music — refining lyrics, experimenting with new textures, collaborating on harmonies — and the commitment to the weekly process kept me relatively grounded and connected. This project tethered me to human-ness when I was afraid I was going to float off into some kind of feral, disconnected netherworld of pandemic loneliness. I’ll forever be grateful to David and his wife, Kayla, for creating a safe space to continue working at Aorist during such a dangerous time.” “Ghosty Was Here” follows the release of Sarah Magill’s EP under her moniker, Quiet Takes. Written by Sarah Magill. Produced by David Bennett and Sarah Magill. Vocals and keys by Sarah Magill on vocals & keyboards, David Bennett on guitars and bass, Ian Thompson on additional keyboards & synthesizers, Kyle Rausch on drums, and Bryan Koehler on percussion. Engineered and mixed by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Zach Hanson. Cover image by Shawn Brackbill. Sarah Magill released her single “Wanted (The Dirty Windshield Version)” on May 1, 2020. . Sarah Magill released Ahem, a 4-song EP, on December 11, 2020. The songs were originally released under her old project name MYRY, in November 2018. Quiet Takes (formerly MYRY) is an on-going collaborative music project by Sarah Magill a writer & musician based in KC. She performs with a rotating cast of friends—although these stay-at-home days, she is playing solo. In KC, she is known for hosting house shows and co-founding Rubix, a performance art collective. MYRY’s first EP, AHEM, was released in 2018. Sarah released four of MYRY’s songs from that 2018 EP release as Quiet Takes singles in 2020. Sarah Magill was a guest on WMM on May 13, 2020. We interviewed Sarah Magill on March 10, 2021. More info at: https://quiettakes.com ]
[Quiet Takes plays a House Show, Saturday, November 13, in KCMO to celebrate the release of Weekly, Weakly. The show will feature collaborations with members of the performance art collective RubiX, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Midwest Music Foundation’s new mental health fund for musicians. Limited number of tickets; reservations will open later this week http://www.quiettakes.com]
Sarah Magill
11:37 – Interview with Sarah Magill
Musician and songwriter Sarah Magill joins us to talk about her music project Quiet Takes, and the her new EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY, coming out November 5, 2021. This is Sarah’s third collaboration with producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. On Saturday, November 13 Quiet Takes plays a House Show in KCMO to celebrate the release of Weekly, Weakly. The show will feature collaborations with members of the performance art collective RubiX, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Midwest Music Foundation’s new mental health fund for musicians. Limited number of tickets. More info at: https://quiettakes.com
Sarah Magill thanks for being with us on Wednesday Midday Medley
This is Sarah’s third collaboration with producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. Sarah writes, “I made WEEKLY, WEAKLY exactly as titled: During weekly Friday sessions at Aorist Studios with my producer, David Bennett, while feeling extremely weak. I was living alone during the pandemic and (like many of us) coping with isolation, depression and anxiety. Making this EP was my lifeboat. Both the process of making music — refining lyrics, experimenting with new textures, collaborating on harmonies — and the commitment to the weekly process kept me relatively grounded and connected. This project tethered me to human-ness when I was afraid I was going to float off into some kind of feral, disconnected netherworld of pandemic loneliness. I’ll forever be grateful to David and his wife, Kayla, for creating a safe space to continue working at Aorist during such a dangerous time.”
About “Still Looking For McDavid” Sarah writes:
“When I think of belonging, I think of McDavid Hall, the fine arts dorm I lived in during college. A small, rag-tag group of journalism and arts majors, stuffed into a cinder-block building with a grand piano in the common area. Practice rooms, open mics, ever-changing murals, lit mags, long existential discussions. It wasn’t perfect, but I never doubted I belonged there, in that place, with those people. Among former McDavid Hall residents, the idea is common: We’ve been searching for another McDavid ever since we left.”
“McDavid is the touchstone I conjure up when I’m afraid I’ll never fit in anywhere ever again (yes, my internal monologue is that melodramatic). After many a counseling session trying to parse out why that community was so good, I ended up with a short list of McDavid-y qualities—green flags, if you will—that now function as my all-purpose Swan List. They describe who I want to become, who I want to be around, and the kinds of communities I want to invest in. The places and people that make me feel immediately at home and those that arrest me with that heart-leap/break swan call—they match up perfectly. My swans just feel McDavid-y. And when I’ve gotten in too deep with places or people or communities that aren’t striving for these same things? At some point, the connection frays. I can’t sustain it. And that’s ok. We’re just not of the same flock. I know that now. Because I know what I’m looking for: I will always, ever be looking for McDavid.”
“So. That’s what the song is “about,” but I had a lot of help bringing “Still Looking for McDavid,” to life: The track was produced, engineered and mixed by David Bennett, who also lended guitars, bass and percussion. Jared Bond played some pretty amazing drums, and Zach Hanson did the mastering. They are a pretty McDavid-y group, and I’m grateful to them all.”
Songwriter Sarah Magill is a Midwestern introvert who makes music for feelers as Quiet Takes. Pairing understated lyricism with “melan-happy” melodies, Magill plumbs idiosyncratic inner narratives for points of wider emotional connection.
Quiet Takes’s “breezy mix of dream pop, avant folk, and smooth psychedelia” (WLUR) finds further refinement on the upcoming release, Weekly, Weakly (November 2021), the third collaboration between Magill and producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. Crafted through pandemic-era weekly studio sessions, the newest Quiet Takes EP self-soothes admissions of loneliness and anxiety with shimmering synths and whispered harmonies.
Quiet Takes’s second EP, San Fidel, was embraced by college and AAA stations across the country earlier this year, widening Magill’s audience beyond her current home base in Kansas City. A writer and wanderer, Magill is returning to road-trips and live performances while working toward her first full-length album in 2022.
Sarah Magill thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Quiet Takes, new EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY, comes out November 5, 2021. Quiet Takes plays a House Show, Sat, Nov. 13, in KCMO to celebrate the release. The show will feature members of the performance art collective RubiX, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Midwest Music Foundation’s new mental health fund for musicians. Limited number of tickets; reservations will open later this week http://www.quiettakes.com. More info at: https://quiettakes.com
10:50
Quiet Takes – “Guess Who Showed Up Again” from: “Still Looking for McDavid” – Single / Sarah Magill / September 28, 2021 [Written by Sarah Magill. Produced by David Bennett. Vocals and keyboards by Sarah Magill. Guitars, bass and percussion by David Bennett. Drums by Jared Bond. Engineered and mixed by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Zach. This new single swill be included in Sarah’s upcoming EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY, coming out November 5, 2021, the third collaboration between Magill and producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. “Ghosty…” was inspired by pandemic-era panic attacks and social unease. This song was one way I tried to process the new, very anxious voice inhabiting my brain, which I nicknamed Ghosty. Sarah writes, “I made the WEEKLY, WEAKLY EP exactly as titled: During weekly Friday sessions at Aorist Studios with my producer, David Bennett, while feeling extremely weak. I was living alone during the pandemic and (like many of us) coping with isolation, depression and anxiety. Making this EP was my lifeboat. Both the process of making music — refining lyrics, experimenting with new textures, collaborating on harmonies — and the commitment to the weekly process kept me relatively grounded and connected. This project tethered me to human-ness when I was afraid I was going to float off into some kind of feral, disconnected netherworld of pandemic loneliness. I’ll forever be grateful to David and his wife, Kayla, for creating a safe space to continue working at Aorist during such a dangerous time.” “Ghosty Was Here” follows the release of Sarah Magill’s EP under her moniker, Quiet Takes. Written by Sarah Magill. Produced by David Bennett and Sarah Magill. Vocals and keys by Sarah Magill on vocals & keyboards, David Bennett on guitars and bass, Ian Thompson on additional keyboards & synthesizers, Kyle Rausch on drums, and Bryan Koehler on percussion. Engineered and mixed by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Zach Hanson. Cover image by Shawn Brackbill. Sarah Magill released her single “Wanted (The Dirty Windshield Version)” on May 1, 2020. . Sarah Magill released Ahem, a 4-song EP, on December 11, 2020. The songs were originally released under her old project name MYRY, in November 2018. Quiet Takes (formerly MYRY) is an on-going collaborative music project by Sarah Magill a writer & musician based in KC. She performs with a rotating cast of friends—although these stay-at-home days, she is playing solo. In KC, she is known for hosting house shows and co-founding Rubix, a performance art collective. MYRY’s first EP, AHEM, was released in 2018. Sarah released four of MYRY’s songs from that 2018 EP release as Quiet Takes singles in 2020. Sarah Magill was a guest on WMM on May 13, 2020. We interviewed Sarah Magill on March 10, 2021. More info at: https://quiettakes.com ]
[Quiet Takes plays a House Show, Saturday, November 13, in KCMO to celebrate the release of Weekly, Weakly. The show will feature collaborations with members of the performance art collective RubiX, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Midwest Music Foundation’s new mental health fund for musicians. Limited number of tickets; reservations will open later this week http://www.quiettakes.com]
Elexa Dawson – “Mother (feat. Stanley Hotel)” from: “Mother (feat. Stanley Hotel)” – Single / Turns Out Records / October 29, 2021 [Written by Elexa Dawson. Elexa Dawson on vocals & rhythm guitar; Adam Stanley on keyboard & percussion; Isaac Nelson on lead guitar, engineering & mastering. Recorded at Remote Studios, Wellston, Oklahoma. // Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE (Lost Cowgirl Records) and her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. // Elexa Dawson released “New Song” through Lost Cowgirl Records on April 2, 2021. Elexa writes about “New Song”: The song was written at the very beginning of the shutdown and is a call to all of our better, higher selves to imagine a better world. “The Way it has always been done is now gone. This is our moment to sing a new song.” // I thought it would be a great campaign song for Bernie Sanders, but the day after I wrote it, he suspended. Ah, well. It’s still a good song. ”“New Song” is Elexa Dawson on vocals & guitar, Kelby Kimberlin on bass guitar, Melissa Tastove on vocals & percussion, Jenna Rae on vocals & percussion, Martin Farrell on vocals & keys. Recorded, produced & engineered by Martin Farrell, Lost Cowgirl Records http://www.thelostcowgirl.com Mastered by Brody Wellman Mixing by Peter Oviatt, Moonflower Sounds http://www.moonflowersounds.com. Cover Photo: Jordan Storrer, Lifeleak Visuals Elexa Dawson joined WMM on June 2, 2021. http://www.elexadawson.com]
Paris Williams – “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” from: “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” – Single / Bitter Sweet Sounds / October 21, 2021 [Paris Williams. Rapper/Producer from Muskegon, MI. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]
11:00 – Station ID
Rebecca Liberty, Eva von Schlemmer and Max von Schlemmer
11:00 – In honor of our friend Kurt von Schlemmer with Rebecca Liberty and Max von Schlemmer & Eva von Schlemmer
Welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley in our second hour we present a special show in honor of our friend Kurt von Schlemmer. This show would not be possible without my friend Rebecca Liberty who served as co-producer, co-host and editor for this hour. Kurt was married to Anne Winter who died on October 22, 2009. Anne & Kurt were owners of Recycled Sounds at Westport Road and Main Street, a gathering space for the local music and arts communities in the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. In March of 2006 Recycled Sounds closed their doors after 18 years. We produced a special Wednesday MidDay radio show 15 years ago on October 28, 2009 about Recycle Sounds with many former staff members, Kurt, Anne, Kasey Rausch, Frank Alvarez, Iris DeMent all contributing to the tribute. Anne Winter & Kurt von Schlemmer were instrumental in building: 90.1 FM KKFI, Recycled Sounds, Culture Under Fire, The Free Speech Coalition, The ACLU, Border Star Elementary, The RIME Center, Rolling Thunder, Artists for Amnesty Int., Mardi Gras Celebrations on 18th Street, and so much more.
Also, Max von Schlemmer & Eva von Schlemmer share music their parents passed on to them.
But first we welcome Rebecca Liberty who shares a special interview she conducted with Kurt von Schlemmer just days before he died on August 31, 2021. (Recorded on Sat, Aug. 28, 2021.)
Rebecca Liberty, thank you for being with us today. Thank you for this special interview.
urt von Schlemmer
Mark’s Tribute to Kurt:
Our dear friend Kurt von Schlemmer left this physical world at 4:00 AM this morning surrounded by his beautiful children Max and Eva and friends including Rebecca Liberty. His brother Mark von Schlemmer made the announcement on Facebook this morning.
Kurt was so many things, Actor, Artist, Healer, Friend, Father, Husband, Boyfriend, Prop Master, Puppeteer, Political Activist, Singing Telegram Performer & Manager, Massage Practitoner, and Record Store Owner & Manager of Recycled Sounds with wife Anne Winter.
My own personal paths crossed over with Kurt’s in many ways. Many of my dearest friends went to school with Kurt at KU and worked in theatre with him at KU and in Kansas City. Kurt created the costume and played Lobster Man in my friends Lisa Cordes and Scott Cordes production of “Cowboy Mouth” in Lou Jane Temple’s loft space in Columbus Park.
Kurt was Manager of Mabel “H” Singing Telegrams where many of us independent theatre artists worked when we needed extra money and had 4 or 5 part-time jobs at the same time. Kurt’s incredible specific directions to suburban residences in Raytown, Gladstone, and Overland Park help me learn how to drive all over the metro region, while also changing costumes from the dancing Birthday Cake to the Kissing Bandit. It was also an acting challenge and get into a room, take control of the crowd, perform the song and message, and get out. Kurt himself did many of these telegrams too.
I remember seeing Kurt working in the store front window with artist Ran Adler in his Prop Shop on West 39th Street.
I also remember when Kurt and Anne Winter first started dating. They were involved in one of David Ford’s many big performance art shows at The Left Bank Gallery down on Summitt and Southwest Blvd, where I performed an original monologue on stage for the first time.
I remember images of Kurt and Anne in a boat floating on the lake in Loose Park. And of course through my friendship and collaborations with Anne Winter through Recycled Sounds, Free Speech Coalition, Culture Under Fire, Iris DeMent, and so many incredible events and concerts I was in the same space with Kurt and his beautiful friendship. Kurt’s presence in all of these places always gave me a sense of security and safety. He was a thoughtful quiet guide.
Kurt was a true gentleman. He was so very smart and elegant and handsome. He wished for equality for everyone. He spoke out for justice. He loved nature and music and art and science and The Rolling Stones, The Dalai Lama, Bowie, The Pixies, and he especially loved his beautiful children Max and Eva.
When Anne left us over 11 years ago, I made a pact with a few very close friends to stay connected, and to take up just a little of the work Anne did for our community. That is one of the biggest reasons I do the radio show that I do at KKFI 90.1 FM. Just with Anne, for Kurt’s passing, we must all pick up a little of the work Kurt did, especially for his children. To help watch over these young adults as their guardian angels.
Kurt was taken away from us far too soon. It is not fair. Is is tragic and sad. Our hearts break with the grief of his passing. He will be missed and he will always be remembered.
Rebecca and Anne became close friends just a few years before Anne left us. Rebecca had made a promise to Anne to become friends with Kurt, to seek out his business as a massage Therapist and healer. Rebecca who has run her own school, and is also a mom of two children stepped in to help whenever she could with Kurt, Max and Eva and helped them through this recent transition in their family.
This portion of the interview starts after Rebecca’s question to Kurt, “How did you meet Anne?”
11:05 – Rebecca Interviews Kurt von Schlemmer
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part 1 – Meeting crazy lady saving the day” from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part 4 – Shift To The Next Level” from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part 5 -Statue of Liberty” from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part 6 – And Then There Were Two” from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
11:18 – Interview with Rebecca Liberty
Welcome back to WMM and our special show in honor of our friend Kurt von Schlemmer.
Rebecca Liberty conducted this interview with Kurt von Schlemmer just days before he died on August 31, 2021. (Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021.)
Rebecca Liberty, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Kurt was married to Anne Winter who died on October 22, 2009.
Anne Winter and Kurt von Schlemmer
Anne & Kurt were owners of Recycled Sounds at Westport Road and Main Street, a gathering space for the local music and arts communities in the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.
This portion of the interview Kurt talks about “Laundry” and Having Kids.
11:21- Rebecca Interviews Kurt von Schlemmer
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part 7 – Laundry / Making it Work” from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part 8 – The kids join the adventure” from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
T-Rex – “Children of The Revolution” from: Soundtrack to Breakfast on Pluto / Milan / 2006 [“Children of the Revolution” is a song by T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan, produced byTony Visconti. It was a No. 2 hit single in September 1972. The song broke their sequence of four official single releases all reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart (“Hot Love”, “Get It On”, “Telegram Sam”, “Metal Guru”). It did not receive a regular album release. // “Children of the Revolution” was first recorded at Ascot Sound Studios for the film Born to Boogie, and featured Elton John on piano and Ringo Starr on a second drum kit. // A longer version of the song, at over twelve minutes in length, was recorded on March 31, 1972 at Copenhagen’s Rosenberg Studios during sessions for the band’s third album The Slider. Flo & Eddie, formerly of the Turtles, contribute backing vocals to this version of the release. The tape box contained the note that the jam was “for the attention of Ringo”. // The recording of the single version of the song began during the sessions for the Tanx album in August 1972. The track was mixed at Air Studios in mid August before being release on 8 September. // T. Rex Also known as Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Marc Bolan & T. Rex, Glam rock rock and roll hard rock psychedelic folk (early) active 1967–1977. T. Rex were an English rock band, formed in 1967 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan. The band was initially called Tyrannosaurus Rex, and released four albums under this name – three psychedelic folk and one mellow psychedelic rock. In 1969, while developing the style for the fourth album, Bolan began to change the band’s style towards electric rock, and shortened their name to T. Rex the following year. This development culminated in 1970 with the song “Ride a White Swan”, and the group soon became pioneers of the glam rock movement. // From 1970 to 1973, T. Rex encountered a popularity in the UK comparable to that of the Beatles, with a run of eleven singles in the UK top ten. They scored four UK number one hits, “Hot Love”, “Get It On”, “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru”. The band’s 1971 album Electric Warrior received critical acclaim as a pioneering glam rock album: it reached number 1 in the UK. The 1972 follow-up, The Slider, entered the top 20 in the US. Bolstering their style with soul music, funk and gospel, the band released Tanx in 1973 which reached the top 5 in several countries. From 1974, T. Rex’s appeal began to wane, though the band continued releasing one album per year. They blended rock with R&B influences, and occasionally incorporated disco elements in their music, on subsequent releases before returning to a stripped-down sound. // In 1977, founder, songwriter and sole constant member Bolan died in a car crash several months after the release of the group’s final studio album Dandy in the Underworld, and the group disbanded. T. Rex have continued to influence a variety of subsequent artists. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.]
11:28 – Interview with Max von Schlemmer & Eva von Schlemmer and Rebecca Liberty
“Children of The Revolution” from T-Rex, that was one of Max’s choices for today’s show. Max talked with us about the music Kurt would play in the car on the way to school. In the morning to get them going he started with Buddhist Chants and end with T-Rex.
Kurt talks about how you were upset that they closed the store.
Max and Eva did confirm that they were upset that Recycled Sounds closed the doors just as they were getting ready to really enjoy the place. Eva talked about how their mom let them bring their bikes to the record store and the isles were just big enough to ride between and round.
Rebecca in your interview with Kurt you talk about how great his kids are. You all have been friends for 13 or 14 years now. Part of as Kurt called it, “The Adventure.”
Coming up we will play a track requested by Eva or today’s show. And we’ll hear Kurt’s emotional story about the day the Prince came into Recycled Sounds and bought two posters.
But first we pause for these brief announcements
11:33 – Underwriting
Recycled Sounds sticker art work by Scribe
11:30 – Interview with Max von Schlemmer & Eva von Schlemmer and Rebecca Liberty
Welcome back to WMM and our special show in honor of our friend Kurt von Schlemmer.
Rebecca Liberty conducted this interview with Kurt von Schlemmer just days before he died on August 31, 2021. (Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021.)
Rebecca Liberty, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Also with us are Max von Schlemmer and Eva von Schlemmer.
Rebecca you wanted to mention:
People can send Memory Cards to Sister Anne’s Records and Coffee, 901 East 31st St., KCMO
And there is an active Go Fund Me – Support Fund for Kurt von Schlemmer and his Family.
There is a link on our Wednesday MidDay Medley Facebook page, as well as the Sister Anne’s and Coffee Facebook Page.
Max von Schlemmer and Eva von Schlemmer, shared a few stories about their father. ?
Earlier in the radio show Rebecca mentioned Sister Anne’s – Records and Coffee 901 East 31st St., KCMO and very cool vintage vinyl store and Coffee House that opened 2018 by two former employees of Recycled Sound James Oshel and Frank Alvarez.
In this next section of Rebecca’s interview with Kurt we will hear Kurt’s emotional story about the day the Prince came into Recycled Sounds and bought two posters. Featured in the story is Recycled Sounds Manager Frank Alvarez.
11:40 – Rebecca Interviews Kurt von Schlemmer
Kurt von Schlemmer – “Part-12 Sincerely Frank And PRINCE “ from: Rebecca Interviews Kurt Von Schlemmer / Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021
Prince – “Gotta Broken Heart Again” from: Dirty Mind / Warner Bros. / October 8, 1980 [Dirty Mind is the third album by American recording artist Prince. It was released on October 8, 1980, by Warner Bros. Records as the follow-up to his self-titled second album, Prince, (1979). It was produced, arranged, and composed entirely by Prince in his home studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota during May to June of 1980. Dirty Mind has been considered by critics as Prince’s most creative and boldest album, setting the baseline for his artistic direction in the following years. During the spring of 1980, Prince and his backing band members Dez Dickerson, André Cymone, drummer Bobby Z, and keyboardists Doctor Fink and Gayle Chapman spent nine weeks on the road opening for Rick James, a musical rival of Prince. Following the end of James’ tour, Prince returned to Minnesota and rented a house in Wayzata where he set up a 16-track studio. During the recording of the album, Doctor Fink’s jam-out during a rehearsal provided the basis for the album’s title track. A fusion of post-disco, new wave, funk and dance, Dirty Mind is more prevalent in punk sounds than Prince’s previous albums. Prince’s high and feminine vocals, along with his androgynous image during the Dirty Mind era, has been recognized for bringing attention to gaydar. Controversially, the album’s theme is fueled by explicit topics including oral sex, threesome and ejaculation, which has been credited for opening the doors for sexually explicit albums in the coming years. The first single of Dirty Mind, “Uptown” reached number five on both the Billboard Hot Soul Singles and the Billboard National Disco Action Top 30 charts. Though the album only reached number 45 on the Billboard 200, it earned widespread acclaim from music critics and crossover success. Due to its fusion of genres, critics have hailed it for setting the sound for urban black music of the early 1980s. The album has been ranked by several publications as one of the greatest albums of all time. // Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, actor, and filmmaker. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. A multi-instrumentalist who was considered a guitar virtuoso, he was well known for his eclectic work across multiple genres, flamboyant and androgynous persona, and wide vocal range which included a far-reaching falsetto and high-pitched screams. Prince’s innovative music integrated a wide variety of styles, including funk, R&B, rock, new wave, soul, synth-pop, psychedelia, pop, industrial, and hip hop. He pioneered the Minneapolis sound, a funk rock subgenre that emerged in the late 1970s. He was also known for his prolific output, releasing 39 albums during his life, with a vast array of unreleased projects left in a vault at his home after his death; it is believed that the vault contains dozens of fully produced albums and over 50 music videos that have never been released, along with various other media. He released hundreds of songs both under his own name and multiple pseudonyms during his life, as well as writing songs that were made famous by other musicians, such as “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Manic Monday”. Estimates of the complete number of songs written by Prince range anywhere from 500 to well over 1,000. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records at the age of 19. In 1984, he and his backup band, The Revolution, released his sixth album Purple Rain, which was also the soundtrack to his hugely successful film acting debut of the same name. It quickly became his most commercially successful record, spending 24 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200.[5] The film also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score, the final film to receive the award. After disbanding The Revolution, Prince released the critically acclaimed double album Sign o’ the Times (1987). In the midst of a contractual dispute with Warner Bros. in 1993, he changed his stage name to the unpronounceable symbol Logo. Hollow circle above downward arrow crossed with a curlicued horn-shaped symbol and then a short bar (known to fans as the “Love Symbol”), and was sometimes referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” or simply “The Artist”. He signed with Arista Records in 1998 and began referring to himself by his own name again in 2000. On April 2016, at the age of 57, Prince died of an accidental fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He sold over 130 million records worldwide, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was honored with special awards including the Grammy President’s Merit Award, the American Music Awards for Achievement and of Merit, and the Billboard Icon Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Rolling Stone placed Prince among its list of both the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. He is also ranked on the Top 100 Artists of All Time list by Billboard.]
11:50 – Interview with Max von Schlemmer & Eva von Schlemmer and Rebecca Liberty
Welcome back to WMM and our special show in honor of our friend Kurt von Schlemmer.
Today’s show featured portions of Rebecca Liberty interview with Kurt von Schlemmer just days before he died on August 31, 2021. (Recorded Sunday, August 29, 2021)
Rebecca Liberty, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Also with us are Max von Schlemmer and Eva von Schlemmer.
Eva, you chose that last track for our show today. David Bowie – “Life On Mars” Eva talked about how her father loved David Bowie. That Bowie was his inspirations and love.
For WMM, and Rebecca Liberty, and Max and Eva von Schlemmer, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:53:30
David Bowie – “Life On Mars” from: Nothing Has Changed / Parlophone Records / November 17, 2014 [“Life on Mars?” is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie, first released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory. In 1968, Bowie was commissioned to write English lyrics for the Claude François French song “Comme d’habitude”. After his lyrics were rejected, songwriter Paul Anka rewrote it into “My Way”, which became famous by singer Frank Sinatra in 1969. Annoyed at the success of “My Way”, Bowie used the song as a template and wrote “Life on Mars?” as a parody of Sinatra’s recording. Like other songs Bowie wrote during this period, it was written primarily on piano. Recording for “Life on Mars?” took place on 6 August 1971, the final day of the Hunky Dory sessions. Co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, the backing band consisted of guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Trevor Bolder and drummer Mick Woodmansey; Ronson also composed the song’s string arrangement. After failing to acquire pianist Dudley Moore, piano was played by Strawbs member Rick Wakeman. // Musically, “Life on Mars?” is described as a “soaring, cinematic ballad”. It is primarily glam rock, with elements of cabaret and art rock. The song has a complex structure, containing different chord changes throughout. The instruments act in tangent with one another and Bowie’s vocal, steadily growing throughout its runtime. Lyrically, the song describes a girl who goes to the cinema to escape reality, using numerous surreal images. It thematically reflects optimism and the effects of Hollywood. Despite its title, the song has no connection to Mars itself; it is instead a reference to a then-recent media frenzy between the United States and Soviet Union. // At the height of Bowie’s fame as Ziggy Stardust, RCA Records issued “Life on Mars?” as a single on 22 June 1973 in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and stayed on the chart for thirteen weeks. The single release was promoted by a promotional video shot by photographer Mick Rock, featuring a made-up Bowie in a turquoise suit performing the song against a white backdrop. Bowie performed the song during his concerts frequently throughout his career, performances of which have appeared on several live albums. The song also has appeared on numerous compilation albums and was remixed by Scott in 2003 and 2016, the latter being a ‘stripped down’ mix. The 2016 mix was accompanied by a remastered and reedited version of Rock’s video. // “Life on Mars?” is considered by biographers and reviewers as one of Bowie’s finest songs, with many describing it as a masterpiece. Praise is also given to Bowie’s vocal performance and growth as a songwriter. Several publications have also considered it one of the greatest songs of all time. The song was the namesake of the British television series Life on Mars and has featured in other films and television shows. Artists who have covered the song include singer Barbra Streisand and Nine Inch Nails members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The song charted worldwide following Bowie’s death in 2016 and became a frequent tribute song for the artist; tributes by Nicholas Freestone and singer Lorde garnered widespread attention.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on November 10 – Heidi Phillips of the band Frogpond joins us on the radio show to talk about their new single “Love Song” and their upcoming album TimeThief. Also next week… Ivory Blue joins us to talk about their new single, “Good Changes” and upcoming album, COMPOUND LOVE. PLUS…Musician Taylor Hughes returns to share the latest music from her project PURE XTC, AND… Riley The Musician returns to share music from her new album MONTANA.
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 3, 2021
Colin Halliburton of The Roseline + Sarah Magill of Quiet Takes + Rebecca Liberty Interview with Kurt von Schlemmer + Max & Eva von Schlemmer
Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Roseline, Quiet Takes, Get Smart!, Paris Williams, Elexa Dawson, Deerhoof, Efterklang, and Prince.
Colin Halliburton
At 10:15 we welcome Colin Halliburton founder and songwriter of the Lawrence, Kansas based band, The Roseline. The Roseline has had the good fortune of landing songs on ABC’s ‘Nashville’ and ‘Resurrection’, as well as USA’s ‘Queen of the South’. The Roseline has been featured on NPR, Pop Matters, American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Situation, and No Depression, among others. The band recently wrapped up their seventh LP titled CONSTANCY which will be released on November 5, 2021. The Roseline play an Album Release Show on Friday, November 5, at 6:00 PM at Replay Lounge, in Lawrence, Kansas. More info at: http://www.roselinemusic.com
Sarah Magill
At 10:35 Mark talks with musician and songwriter Sarah Magill about her music project Quiet Takes, and the her new EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY, coming out November 5, 2021. This is Sarah’s third collaboration with producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. Sarah writes, “I made WEEKLY, WEAKLY exactly as titled: During weekly Friday sessions at Aorist Studios with my producer, David Bennett, while feeling extremely weak. I was living alone during the pandemic and (like many of us) coping with isolation, depression and anxiety. Making this EP was my lifeboat. Both the process of making music — refining lyrics, experimenting with new textures, collaborating on harmonies — and the commitment to the weekly process kept me relatively grounded and connected. This project tethered me to human-ness when I was afraid I was going to float off into some kind of feral, disconnected netherworld of pandemic loneliness. I’ll forever be grateful to David and his wife, Kayla, for creating a safe space to continue working at Aorist during such a dangerous time.” More info at: https://quiettakes.com
At 11:00 Rebecca Liberty shares a special interview she conducted with Kurt von Schlemmer just days before he died on August 31, 2021. Kurt was married to Anne Winter who died on October 22, 2009. Anne & Kurt were owners of Recycled Sounds at Westport Road and Main Street, a gathering space for the local music and arts communities in the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. In March of 2006 Recycled Sounds closed their doors after 18 years. Anne Winter & Kurt von Schlemmer were instrumental in building: 90.1 FM KKFI, Recycled Sounds, Culture Under Fire, The Free Speech Coalition, The ACLU, Border Star Elementary, The RIME Center, Rolling Thunder, Artists for Amnesty Int., Mardi Gras Celebrations on 18th Street, and so much more. Joining Rebecca is Max von Schlemmer and Eva von Schlemmer who will share music their parents passed on to them.
Quiet Takes Photo by Shawn Brackbill Photography
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
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, October 27, 2021
COOP Sessions + Apocalypse Meow 14 + Calvin Arsenia + Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Alien Hellbop – “After The Quake” from: After The Quake / Alien Hellbop / October 25, 2021 [Two piece rock with a twist. Performed by Spencer Goertz-Giffen and Braden Young of Hello Biplane.Recorded in 2019 at PULP Arts Recording Studios in Gainesville, FL. Spencer Goertz-Giffen on guitar & vocals; Braden Young on drums, vocals & bass; Winston Goertz-Giffen on synthesizers, and Nate Mahan on synth thing. Recorded and mixed by Winston Goertz-Giffen. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. All songs written by Spencer and Braden. // Alien Hellbop is a maximalist rock duo from Lawrence, KS combining guitar, drums, sample pad bass and vocal harmonies to create a sonic duo larger than the sum of its parts. Attendees of shows past have been hypnotized and dumbfounded by how the sound is pulled off. Originally formed in Chico, CA members Spencer Goertz-Giffen and Braden Young set out to create a full band sound with only two members. After a flurry of positive feedback from shows played in northern California, Alien Hellbop managed to drive cross country with their two small children to Gainesville, FL and record a five song EP at PULP studios with the help of engineer and producer Winston Goertz-Giffen. Alien Hellbop is now based out of Lawrence, KS. Spencer and Braden have been involved in many other bands over the years including: Hospital Ships, The Kinetiks, The Willnots, Accursed Wound, The Magentlemen, Saything, and Old and Gray. The duo also fronts another group called Hello Biplane, a six-piece dream-folk-pop band with focus on songwriting and male/female harmonies.More info at: http://www.alienhellbop.bandcamp.com]
[Alien Hellbop play a Triple Album Release Show Friday, November 19 at 6:00 PM Matinee Show at Replay Lounge , 946 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, Kansas with Shebangs, and Lonnie Fisher and The Funeral.]
Belle & The Vertigo Waves
3.Belle & The Vertigo Waves – “Beat Me To The Punch” from: Beat Me To The Punch – Single / Drop Out Records / October 29, 2021 [Belle & The Vertigo Waves is the sonic brainchild of Belle Loux. She resides in KCMO, and is slowly attempting world domination. More info at: https://bellethevertigowaves.bandcamp.com%5D
[Belle & The Vertigo Waves play Wick and The Tricks Annual Halloween Ball with The Creepy Jingles on Saturday, October 30, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM.]
The Creepy Jingles – “Microchip On Your Shoulder” from: The Creepy Jingles EP / High Dive Records / May 3, 2019 [Debut EP Release from The Creepy Jingles: Jocelyn Olivia Nixon on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, & keyboards; Travis McKenzie on lead guitars, Nick Robertson on drums; and Adam York on bass. From High Dive Records website: “The brainchild of singer/ songwriter, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon acts to guide the listener thru a self-actualized Mono-myth of forging identity thru Bizarre arcane cosmic poetry coupled with the wordplay of a wry smile and eccentric wit. Drummer Nick Robertson charges the group forward with a fiery fueled obsidian backbeat. Adam York delivers pulsing bass lines that the compliment the songs and his partner in the rhythm section. Rounding out the band is Guitarist Travis McKenzie who generously spins a holographic spectrum of color that lift the catchy Brit pop melodies that effortlessly dance about the rapidly changing landscapes of New York Garage Rock and 60s/70s folk music. Beware The Creepy Jingles, their siren call is coming from inside the house.”]
[The Creepy Jingles play Wick and The Tricks Annual Halloween Ball with Belle & The Vertigo Waves on Sat, Oct. 30, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM.]
Kay King
Kat King – “Don’t Wanna Lose” from: Say What You Mean EP / Kat King / June 9, 2021 [Kat King on guitar, keyboards, & vocals; Derek Melies on guitar & back ground vocals; John McCain on bass; Daniel Cole on drums. Co-produced & mixed/mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence Kansas 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 December 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced one 13-song album and three EP’s, the first one released at the age of 14. More info at: http://www.katbking.com] [Kat King announced on Facebook yesterday that she and her band have signed with Manor Records]
[Kat King with full band plays the Outland Ballroom in Springfield, MO., on Nov. 5 with Blue False Indigo.|
Mitch Hewlett & Cody Boston
10:16 – Interview with Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston
We first met Mitchell Hewlett as part of the the band Westerners. He is a Producer and Recording Engineer and Mixer for COOP Sessions.
Cody Boston is a Multimedia Director, Producer, and Editor at Kansas City PBS. Part of his job is producing the new monthly show Flatland, hosted by KKFI’s very own D. Rashaan Gilmore . Cody also works with The Bridge and he serves as Producer and Video Director and Editor for COOP Sessions.
Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston, are here to share details about COOP SESSIONS an independent live music entertainment media outlet produced in Lawrence, Kansas. They pull in bands and songwriters from the area to come to The Coop Studio where they provide hi-fidelity audio/video content of the live performances to the public, via their website, youtube channel, Instagram, and Soundcloud. COOP SESSIONS is working to build, curate, and foster a community for musicians and artists everywhere. COOP SESSIONS has produced two seasons and is launching Season 3 in November. Which will air on KC PBS as presented by The Bridge.
Next weekend, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Deep Space: 1664 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO – COOP Sessions are hosting a Fundraiser and Screening of the first episode of their new season of TV Shows that will be airing on KCPT courtesy of The Bridge, featuring Love Mae C & Supermoto. More info at: http://www.coopsessions.com
Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Sound and Vision Mitchell Hewlett is a Producer and Recording/Mix Engineer for COOP Sessions. Cody Boston is Producer and Video Director and Editor for cCOOP Sessions.
Cody Boston previously work for KJHK in Lawrence. He documented live performances from bands who played on the radio station. He met Mitchell through this work and the two decided to collaborate.
The COOP Studio is a actual former chicken coop, converted into studio.
COOP SESSIONS is an independent live music entertainment media outlet produced in Lawrence Kansas.
Coop Sessions pull in bands and songwriters from all over the area to come into their humble studio space and provide hi fidelity audio/video content of the live performances to the public via our website, youtube channel, instagram, and soundcloud.
Season 1 included: Pink Fuzz, The Moose, Brendan Mott, Bummer, Leggy, CS Luxem, Toughies, NUBLVCKCITY, Brent Penny, Inside Voice, Heidi Gluck, Drugs & Attics, Domineko, La Guerre, Highwestus, Approach, Keef Mountain, Pale Tounge, No Magic, EEMS, KatKing, LK Ultra,
Season 2 included: Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear, Hush Machine, Pala Zolo, Chloe Jacosen, The Black Craetures, The Kinky Fingers, Blue False Indigo, Joey Origami, Employer, Jooby Truth, R.I. Peter, Radkey, Khrystal., Red Money, Miss Boating, No Swoon, Mommas Boy, Devil’s Den, Maria The Mexicam, True Lions, Olivia Fox, Four Arm Shiver, Chew They Call Me Sauce,
When COVID hit Coop Sessions moved into bigger spaces to have safe social distancing. For this series the session were called “Flew The Coop.”
Flew The COOP Seession included: Kat King, Mild Cats, Sam Wells, The Roseline, Hadiza, Crystal Rose, Jass, Honeybear, EbonyTusks, Charlotte Bumgarner, Blanky, Daniel Gum, Love Mae C, Supermoto
COOP SESSIONS is working to build, curate, and foster a community for musicians and artists everywhere. COOP SESSIONS has produced two seasons and is working on launching Season 3 starting in November on KC PBS.
COOP Sessions Staff Mark Sidener – Camera Operator & Video Editor, Sam Snead – Camera Operator Betty Chung – Camera Operator & Video Editor Kieran Vickers – Camera Operator Kat King – Camera Operator Monica Castellon – Camera Operator Josh Boston – Graphic Design
Your favorite neighborhood live music series Coop Sessions is excited to announce a very special event! Saturday, November 6th.COOP Sessions will be hosting an early screening of our half hour tv special that will be airing on KCPT courtesy of The Bridge as well as performances from Love, Mae C and Supermoto, all at our fav Kansas City DIY spot, DeepSpace.
We’re double psyched to be presenting VERY limited edition copies of our first physical release, Coop Sessions Volume 1; A dual Cassette compilation featuring 22 CS artists, fam photo zine, and sticker pack that you’ll be able to find at our merch booth the night of the show. Currently only 22 available.
DeepSpace KC: 1664 Broadway Boulevard Doors at 7:00 pm Love, Mae C at 7:30 pm TV Special Screening at 8:30 pm Supermoto at 9:30 p,
Tickets at Door: $10
Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Next weekend, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Deep Space: 1664 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO – COOP Sessions are hosting a Fundraiser and Screening of the first episode of their new season of YTV Shows that will be aiting on KCPT courtesy of The Bridge, featuring Love Mae C & Supermoto. More info at: http://www.coopsessions.com
10:30
Jass
Jass – “Grow” from: At the Close of a Decade / JASS / November 26, 2022, [Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Crouch. 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. I 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.” More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]
[Jass plays Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, and Julia Othmer. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org]
10:32 – Underwriting
Katy Guillen & The Drive
Katy Guillen & The Drive – “No Control” from: Dream Girl EP / Katy Guillen / March 20, 2020 [7-song EP from Katy Guillen & The Drive, the latest project dedicated to Guillen’s songwriting that is founded on the creative spark and chemistry between Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams. With Guillen on guitar & vocals and Williams on drums, the two sculpt a sound that recalls bands like Led Zeppelin, The Bangles, and Band of Skulls. In 2012, Guillen & Williams formed Katy Guillen and The Girls, and began to build a foundation of touring and recording that carried them through six years and produced three full-length albums: Katy Guillen & the Girls, Heavy Days, and Remember What You Knew Before. Between 2012 and 2018, they traveled the United States extensively, performed at the International Montreal Jazz Festival, toured Sweden, and supported major acts like The Doobie Brothers, Robin Trower, and Heartless Bastards. In these 6 years playing together, Guillen & Williams created a dynamic, sound informed by Guillen’s mesmerizing, emotive guitar style and poignant arrangements, and an equally captivating live show that showcased Williams’ technical, melodic style, resulting in a powerful on-stage chemistry. In addition to the compelling synergy formed by years of playing together, the two developed a method of working together on Guillen’s songs that only deepened their artistic connection, propelling them to forge a path to a new plateau in their music. KG & The Drive push ahead with a melodic, heavy, and soulful sound while maintaining the edge of the artist’s rock ‘n’ roll and blues roots. Katy Guillen joined us on WMM on March 18, 2020.]
[Katy Guillen & The Drive play Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org]
Sondra Freeman and Calvin Arsenia
11:37 – Interview with Sondra Freeman
Sondra Freeman is Director of Promotions & Artist Relations for Midwest Music Foundation, a nonprofit created to support music and musicians in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians and music lovers. The Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) unites and empowers the greater KC music community by providing programs and resources to area musicians through outreach, support, education, and health care opportunities. Sondra is instrumental in MMF’s annual events: Apocalypse Meow, MidCoast Takeover and the MidCoast Takeover fundraiser shows, and other collaborative musical events and fundraisers.
Sondra Freeman joins us to share details about Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi & The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming and Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s primary fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides area musicians with emergency health care grants. The concert is free, donations encouraged. midwestmusicfoundation.org
Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.
The Midwest Music Foundation is proud to present the 14th Annual Apocalypse Meow.
The Midwest Music Foundation’s annual benefit concert was founded in response to Kansas City musician Abigail Henderson’s cancer diagnosis, which prompted her friends and fellow musicians to raise money for her healthcare expenses. The first concert marked the birth of the Midwest Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting musicians who lack proper access to health care. The event features live performances by notable Kansas City-area bands as a donation of their time and talents to their community; local businesses and artisans donate products and services to the event for auction. All monies raised during Apocalypse Meow go directly to Abby’s Fund for Musician’s Health Care and the production costs of Apocalypse Meow. Performances, business donations, and services are purely voluntary.
“Abby believed that music can take you to where you need to be and that it’s important, and the people that do that need to be taken care of.” – Sondra Freeman
Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care was named for Abigail Henderson (1977-2013).
Death Notice from St. Louis Post Dispatch: Abigail Hope Henderson the Kansas City vocalist who started a nonprofit organization to help musicians pay health-care costs, died on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 of cancer at her home. She was 35. For more than a decade, Abigail was the lead singler of several area bands: Trouble Junction, The Gaslights, Atlantic Fadeout, and Tiny Horse. In 2008 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had health insurance, but the cost of the treatments prompted her and her husband Christopher Meck, to start the Midwest Music Foundation which raised funds to help area musicians pau health care costs. “Medical bills can throw you into poverty in a week – in one day,” she said. “There’s nothing like standing in your kitchen opening a hospital bill for $63,000.00 in one day and $47,000.00 the next. After a while you don’t want to open them anymore. Who can pay that?”
Apocalypse Meow is the primary event for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care — providing area musicians and industry workers with essential health care grants.
Access to the concert stream is free, donations are encouraged. MMF will livestream from: Midwest Music Foundation Facebook, 90.9 The Bridge Facebook, and recordBar Facebook, MMF YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/user/midwestmusicfound,
We are talking with Sondra Freeman about The 14th Annual Apocalypse Meow to benefit Abby’s Fund, is Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi & The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass.Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming & Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski.
Main Stage sponsored by Too Much Rock. The online auction starts Nov 5 at 8:00 AM Contact rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org for info or schedule an appt. for health services.
Rhonda Lyne, Executive Director Sondra Freeman, Director of Promotions and Artist Relations Canyon McClung, Production Specialist Scott Easterday, Website Administrator, Musician Christopher Tate, Technical Officer, Website Specialist
Midwest Music Foundation Board
Amber Hulet, President, Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media Chris Meck, Vice President, Musician and CM2 Audio Ellen Sherman, Secretary, Chair of Marketing Eric Barton, Treasurer, General Counsel Dr. K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH, Chair of Health + Wellness, University of KS Med Center Erin Corriveau, MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, University of Kansas Medical Center Michelle Bacon, Editor Erin McGrane, Musician Julia Haile, Musician Molly Gotobed, Program Director at the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County Jerry Jones JD, Director of Community Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KC
Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.
The 14th Annual Apocalypse Meow to benefit Abby’s Fund, is Sat, Nov 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi & The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming & Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s primary fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides area musicians with emergency health care grants. Access to the concert stream is free, but donations are encouraged. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org
10:51
Sons of Great Dane – “Bullet Left It’s Barrels Head” from: Why Ramble? / Sharp County Records / September 12, 2012 [Why Ramble? was recorded by: Brent Windler on guitar & vocals; Nolle Bond on bass,Nathan “Jr” Richardson on drums. Recorded, Produced and Mixed by Lou Whitney at The Studio in Springfield, MO. Drums recorded by Micah Burdick at The Church in Independence, MO. Album Artwork by Leilah Kouri. Photo for disc taken by Morgan Miller. Sons of Great Dane would like to thank all of the musicians who have played with us over the years to make this work: Evanjohn Nash McIntosh, John Yeates, Brendan Culp, Tim Braun, Darrin Matheson, Jason Trabue, Skylar, Corey.] [Brent Windler released his new solo album, NEW MORNING HOWL on August 20, 2021 through Goldstar Recordings. The album contains 9 tracks, all written by Brent. Produced by Brent and Ryan Benton. Strings arranged by Kaitlin Wolfberg, horns arranged by Brent and Mark Hamblin. More info at: http://brentwindler.com/%5D
[Sons of Great Dane play Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org]
Nature Boys– “Another Wizard” from: 1V / Dead Broke Rekerds / September 24, 2021 [Nature Boys started playing together in Kansas City, Missouri September of 2009. We had our first show in November or December at the Troost House, and then our second show at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn. We left for our first tour in January of 2010. The band includes: Danny Fischer on guitar & vocals, Suzanne Hogan on bass & vocals, and Evan Malone on drums. These Kansas City, Missouri punk rock & rollers that have been kickin’ up dust all across the country since 2009! This is their fourth album and first on Dead Broke Records after self-releasing a slew of their previous efforts and releasing all on vinyl along with digital. Imagine if Dead Moon was a bunch of punk rockers from the south, then you might be getting close to what Nature Boys scrappy & energetic punk rock is all about. Limited to 300 copies. (200 Black, 100 Clear Pink) Comes w/download code..]
[Nature Boys play a Special Halloween Benefit for Confluence & KC Tenants on Saturday, October 30, at 8:00 PM, at Blip Roasters 1301 Woodswether Rd, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Pink Phase, DJ Dan Cool, Killus, with a costume Contest, Benefit Bar, and Photo Booth.e Contest, Benefit Barm and Photo Booth.]
ris DeMent
Iris DeMent – “One Red Rose” from: Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows, Songs of John Prine, VOL. 2, / Oh Boy Records / Oct 8, 2021 [From Songwriter Magazine by JACOB UITTI Published October 8, 2021: There’s a new John Prince tribute album, Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2, out today (October 8), and fans can buy it here. // The star-studded tribute record features standout artists like Brandi Carlile (“I Remember Everything”), Tyler Childers (“Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You”), Iris DeMent (“One Red Rose”), Emmylou Harris (“Hello In There”), Jason Isbell (“Souvenirs”), Valerie June (“Summer’s End”), Margo Price (“Sweet Revenge”), Bonnie Raitt (“Angel From Montgomery”), Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (“Pretty Good”), Amanda Shires (“Saddle in the Rain”), Sturgill Simpson(“Paradise”) and John Paul White (“Sam Stone”) // Carlile performed Prine’s song, “I Remember Everything,” which was his last recorded song and was recently named Song of the Year at the 2021 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards. The song also won two awards at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards earlier this year: Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. // Prine’s first self-titled album turned 50 years old today. Just months after the legendary songwriter passed away from complications due to the COVID-19 virus in 2020. // Proceeds from the album will benefit twelve different non-profit organizations, one selected by each of the featured artists. // On November 6, 2020 Iris DeMent released the single “The Sacred Now” one of three new singles she released late last year. On October 9, 2020 Iris DeMent released her 9:21 long protest single, “Going Down to Sing in Texas.” Prior to that she released the single, “How Long” on September 3, 2020 to benefit the Poor People’s Campaign. In the mid 1980s Iris moved to the midwest, and after a series of jobs as a waitress and typist she wrote her first song at the age of 25. She moved to Kansas City and played Harling’s Upstairs and open-mic nights alongside Scott Hrabko and Howard Iceberg. Iris met producer Jim Rooney from Nashville, in 1988, who helped her land a record contract. Iris Dement made her recording debut in 1992, with her independently produced album, “Infamous Angel.” The record won critical acclaim and John Prine mentioned Iris in his list of favorite recordings of the year published in Rolling Stone. Despite a complete lack of support from country radio, the word of mouth praise for Iris DeMent’s “Infamous Angel” earned her a deal with Warner Bros Records, which reissued “Infamous Angel” in 1993. The album also included the song, “Let The Mystery Be” a composition that has also been covered by David Bryne, 10,000 Maniacs, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, Greg Brown, and it was the theme song for the second season of HBO’s The Leftovers. Iris DeMent represents that place in the road, where Country and Folk music merged with honest stories, of working class people, not afraid to tell the truth about the times they are living through. Iris DeMent grew up singing gospel music, but in her teenage years, she discovered other music through the radio: country, folk, and R&B, and the music of Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. Iris DeMent’s first three releases, all on Warner Brothers records, were critically acclaimed. She received two Grammy nominations during this time, in the “Folk Music” category. Meanwhile country radio completely overlooked her original songs, and amazing voice, that has been compared to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. For her 1992 debut record Infamous Angel, John Prine wrote the liner notes. // “One night after receiving a copy of “Let the Mystery Be,” I was listening to the tape while frying a dozen or so pork chops in a skillet. Well Iris DeMent starts singing about “Mama’s Opry,” and being the sentimental fellow I am, I got a lump in my throat and a tear fell from my eyes into the hot oil. Well the oil popped out and burnt my arm as if the pork chops were trying to say, “Shut up, or I’ll really give you something to cry about.” Of course, pork chops can’t talk. But Iris DeMent’s songs can. They talk about isolated memories of life, love and living. And Iris has a voice I like a whole lot, like one you’ve heard before— but not really. So listen to this music, this Iris DeMent. It’s good for you. And if pork chops could talk, they’d probably learn how to sing one of her songs. Then we’d all have something to cry about.” – John Prine, Songwriter, musician & president Oh Boy! Records. // Iris followed up her debut record with the autobiographical, “My Life,” released in 1994 and quickly followed with her third Warner Brother’s release, “The Way I Should,” released in 1996, which contains some of Iris DeMent’s most political songs. // In the 2002 Iris DeMent did a benefit concert for The Friends of Community Radio at Unity Temple on The Plaza. I remember when Iris asked us if it was okay that she have a musician friend open the concert for her, we agreed because Iris was donated her talent to the cause of community radio. And then she told us that this musician friend was Greg Brown, who at this point was know all over the country, but had never before played KC. // Later that year, on November 21, 2002 Greg married Iris DeMent in a private ceremony in the office of Rev. Sam Mann of St. Mark Church in East KC. // Iris released her 5th album, “Sing The Delta” in 2012, to glowing reviews from, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, and was #1 on WMM’s 112 Best Recordings of 2012. In 2015 Iris DeMent released her 6th album, The Trackless Woods in 2015 with even more national acclaim, and a #5 spot on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Trackless Woods sets 18 poems by acclaimed 20th century Russian poet Anna Akhmatova to life. Hailed as one of Russia’s finest poets, Akhmatova survived the Bolshevik Revolution, both World Wars and Stalin. When Iris randomly stumbled upon Akhmatova’s work in a book of poetry a friend sent as a gift, she was immediately taken by the sorrow and burden of the poems. Iris recorded the album with co-producer Richard Bennett in her living room over a five-day period. The project also fulfilled a long yearned-for desire to connect with her adopted daughter’s culture and history. Iris and her husband Greg Brown adopted their daughter from Siberia in 2005, when she was 6, and Iris says ”I’d never have made this record were it not for her.” // Last year on September 3, 2020 Grammy Nominated singer songwriter Iris DeMent released the new single “How Long.” Then, in October of last year, Iris DeMent sent me a new song she had just written and created a lyric video. I immediately wrote back to Iris and said, “This song is so beautiful and so needed right now. I cried several times listening to it.” She wrote back, “It’s a cry and dance at the same time song. Can’t say I’ve written one of those before. She ended her message with a smily face and the words, “Much love!” // In his review for WHYY’s Fresh Air, Entertainment Weekly Music Editor – Ken Tucker wrote: “Iris DeMent possesses one of the great voices in contemporary popular music: powerfully, ringingly clear, capable of both heartbreaking fragility and blow-your-ears-back power. Had she been making country albums in the ’70s and ’80s and had more commercial ambition, she’d probably now be considered right up there with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Instead, she’s lived a contemporary life, a somewhat private life. As she recently told an interviewer, “There’s a lot that goes into life besides songwriting.” And she’s taken her time in composing songs that fit into no genre easily.”]
11:00 – Station ID
Calvin Arsenia
Calvin Arsenia – “Revelation” from: “Revelation” / Calvin Arsenia / October 16, 2020 [Unreleased Single] [2020 was a challenging and busy year for Calvin Arsenia He starred in and co-created the soundtrack with Mike Dillon for The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. COVID-19 changed everything in 2020. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrine Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The film premiered October 16, 2020 at The Boulevard Drive-In. Honig wrote, “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.” Calvin Arsenia had recently been emotionally and greatly moved by the area and national Black Lives Matter Movement. His own research into his own family revealed that Calvin’s great, great, great grandmother Alice Gilliam Scott, was a former slave who lived to observe her 100th birthday as noted by a regional newspaper Calvin had written. In the summer of 2020 Calvin wrote “Revelation” an unreleased track inspired by Black Lives Matter. Calvin premiered the song on WMM on August 12, 2020. He later shared his other new songs, “Scars and Stripes” and “The Flying Monkees are Coming!” on our October 14, 2020 edition of WMM. Both of those songs ended up on Summer in Hindsight. Calvin Arsenia was 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’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.” Congratulations to Calvin & his fantastic team of co-conspirators & creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, & crew. The Toxic music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song & Best Male Vocalist.]
11:05 – Interview with Calvin Arsenia
KC based singer, composer & harpist Calvin Arsenia shares details about his new book, EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin’s book is part of his journey as an artist “coming out” as Queer and coming out as a descendant of slavery. Earlier this year WMM featured Calvin and high school best friend, Justin Randall about their podcast, “We Were Christian Kids” where they shared stories in over 30 episodes about growing up queer in the evangelical church. Calvin also stars in the film, SUMMER IN HINDSIGHT, where he was the musical director and editor. The film was produced by the 18th Street Fashion Show. Information at: http://www.calvinarsenia.com
Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Calvin’s Book EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin’s new musical
GRAMMY.com, Calvin’s classically trained voice, visually striking 6-foot-7 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer.
Congratulations to Calvin and his team of co-conspirators & creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, & crew. Their “Toxic” music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song & Best Male Vocalist.
Calvin Arsenia
The West 18th Fashion Show has been an annual event for decades, but when COVID hit in 2020 organizer decided to be as safe as possible by turning the entire Fashinon Show into a feature film, titled SUMMER IN HINDSIGHT, Directed by Khitam Jabr, with Jeremy Osbern serving as Director of Photography, with a screenplay written by Peregrine Honig and staring Calvin Arsenia who also served as editor. The film made it’s world premiere on October 16, 2020 at Boulevard Drive-In Theatre. After that premiere the film traveled a successful international film festival circuit, where it received critical acclaimed world wide. The film is 57 minutes long and and was produced by Peregrine Honig, Missy Isamore, Brooklyn Love, and Celeste Lupercio. From the film’s soundtrack created by Calvin Arsenio and Mike Dillon. Black Lives Matter inspired the song “Revelation”.
Calvin came home to KC in 2014 after working in Edinburgh, Scotland. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch in 2018, and 2020, and featured in Billboard, NPR.org, and GRAMMY.com, Calvin’s classically trained voice, visually striking 6-foot-7 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer.
Calvin Arsenia’s angelic stylings on voice & harp create rare harmonies & arrangements that look past the boundaries of traditional gospel & classical disciplines finding the most direct line of expression to inform common struggles. Known for his elaborate and ceremonious sensory concert experiences that merge jazz & electronic influences, “Calvin has consistently delivered genre-bending (and gender-bending) shows that tackle sexuality, religion, and race in a stunningly unorthodox manner. Somewhere between sacred and sacrilege.”
Calvin Arsenia
Calvin can be heard on several tracks currently on the radio:
Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel”, from La Cuarentena EP on 3/2 Recordings released on February 5, 2021
Rob Rice – “Tiny Window (feat. Calvin Arsenia & Ezgi Karakus)” from: and the Devil’s Threesome released March 21, 2021. This was the first single from the debut EP of singer/songwriter Rob Rice who is a Kansas City native with a spark of millennial magic, his dusty acoustic music transitions from barn-burning ballads to soothing serenades, all of which contain notes of love, loss, and lust whilst learning to live with oneself through it all. On his debut EP and the Devil’s Threesome, Rob humbly assumes the role of choirmaster to a caravan of iconic Kansas City artists and musicians (12 in total) to create unique trios for each song, meditating and musing on the woes and wins of yesteryear.
True Lions – “Blue Marble feat. Calvin Arsenia” from: The Fempire Strikes Back, released on Manor Records on April 9, 2021. Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Calvin Arsenia on harp & vocals, Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion, Fritz Hutchison on lead electric guitar, Iona DeWalt on synthesizers;, Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Teri Quinn on bass, plus a sample of Greta Thurnberg’s speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in NYC, Sept. 2019. 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 Feb. 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on Nov. 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 &Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing & Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. Info at: http://www.manorrecords.com
Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch in 2018, and 2020, and featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Born in Orlando, Florida, his 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 the Kansas City music scene 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 Kansas City 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-7-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’
Calvin Arsenia
Recent Calvin Discography
Calvin Arsenia – Cantaloupe / Center Cut Records / September 15, 2018. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe (Center Cut Records), has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist.
Calvin Arsenia – L.A. Sessions / Center Cut Records / September 20, 2019 Calvin performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing songs on LA Sessions with musicians who collaborated on the album. Says Calvin: “It’s such a special experience to play with them. To be able to perform these songs in front of an audience and do this for a living – to have made a career out of something I love is so amazing – it is an honor that I never take for granted.”
Calvin Arsenia – Honeydew / Center Cut Records / June 28, 2019 [On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records. This new EP is a remix of three of the songs from Cantaloupe, plus a Talking Heads cover that was performed live in this style at a New Year’s Eve show at The Truman opening for Making Movies who performed the entire Talking Heads album, Remain in Light. The last three songs on Honeydew were from performed in this style at The Nelson Atkins 2019 event “Party Arty.” Honeydew was produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley, Calvin Arsenia.
Quixotic & Calvin Arsenia – “Goddess – EP / Quixotic / May 17, 2019 [An innovative performance art collective that fuses imagination with technology, dance, projection, mapping & live music to create fully-immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Quixotic harnesses light, rhythm and expressive emotion. Quixotic was given Silicon Valley’s unofficial stamp of genius when they were invited to perform at the global TED Conference in 2012. A unique blend of performance art, technology & emotion. Quixotic fuses all these elements in to what the New York Times branded an “innovative circus performance”.]
Calvin Arsenia – all is calm / Calvin Arsenia. / December 13, 2019 [Arsenia’s dreamlike whimsy shimmering through your favorite Christmas Classics. All proceeds for this album go towards the purchase of Calvin’s first harp. Featuring: Ben Muñoz on Cello, Shane Borth on Violin and Voila, and Luke “Skippy” Harbur on Beatbox. Mastered by Jametatone at the Infoaming Vertex and special thanks to Simon Huntley. Calvin wrote: “I recorded the majority of this album in my bedroom in between flights to and from KC and SF. I had my nephews and friend’s kids in mind and wanted an album of Christmas lullabys. I think it became just a little more sassy than anticipated, but I think you’ll enjoy it regardless.
Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 4.5 octave range, playing piano, banjo, guitar & harp. Calvin has played Folk Alliance Int., KC Fringe Fest, Apocalypse Meow, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Last year he undertook a three month US/European Outlyre Tour playing San Francisco,Vancouver, NYC, Boston, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland and Paris.
Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Calvin’s Book EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com
11:21
Calvin Arsenia – “Experience” from: Catastrophe / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017 [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. 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 the Kansas City music scene 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 Kansas City 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.’ Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. His full-length album Catastrophe on February 14, 2017, His EP Caviar in Novenber 2017. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, was released on September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On September 20, 2019 Calvin released LA Sessions. On December 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. 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 was first on WMM on July 25, 2012. He has appeared live on 19 shows, (now 20).]
Get Smart
Get Smart! – “Oh Yeah No” from: Oh Yeah No / Get Smart! / November 17, 2020 [Get Smart! formed in Lawrence, KS in 1980. The group helped to solidify Lawrence as an alternative music hotbed and toured extensively, performing 300 shows in six years. They released a flexi-disc and Words Move, a 4-track EP in 1981. In 1983 they relocated to Chicago. Their first LP, “Action Reaction” was released in 1984. The band’s second LP, “Swimming With Sharks” was released in 1986. During seven years of relentless touring, Get Smart! earned a national reputation for intense live shows and edged their way onto college radio playlists with their first two LPs, Action Reaction (1984) and Swimming With Sharks (1986). In January, 1987, the band began work on their third album with seminal recording engineer, Iain Burgess. In 1990 Get Smart! Disbanded. These recordings were archived for 33 years until Get Smart! reformed this year. With the aim of matching their live sound, the band commissioned Steve Albini to craft the final mixes with them. These six songs prove that the tension and inspiration shown on their first LPs was no idle promise. More info at: http://www.getsmartmusic.com]
[Get Smart! play a special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 8:00 PM at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS with Pedaljets, Other Geese, Boy Soprano, and DJ Ray Velasquez spins post-punk classics and deep cuts. Proof of vaccination or negative test results within 72 hours of door time are required, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. All Ages. 7:00PM Doors]
Boy Soprano – “Nothing At All” from: Little League / BoySop Records / August 22, 2021 [Boy Soprano is a 3-piece rock outfit from Lawrence, KS. The band consists of guitarist Garrison Vernon, bassist Marek Koch, and drummer Jacob Smith. More info at: Twitter.com/boysopranoks]
[Boy Soprano play the Get Smart! special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 8:00 PM at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS with Get Smart!,Pedaljets, Other Geese, and DJ Ray Velasquez spins post-punk classics and deep cuts. Proof of vaccination or negative test results within 72 hours of door time are required, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. All Ages. 7:00PM Doors]
11:28 – Underwriting
Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders – “Far Far Out” from: Stargazing / Intelligent Design Records / TBA [Sometime in the 1980s, Alan Murphy began to write a series of outer space-themed songs. His band, Ricky Dean Sinatra, never got around to playing them live or recording them. Now, thanks to COVID and a talented group of fellow musicians, this project has finally been realized. These songs have a 60s sensibility with references to David Bowie’s early songs, T Rex, The B52s, Man or Astroman, and other bands that work in this genre. This isn’t space rock, it’s rock and roll music about the cosmos. Alan Murphy on vocals, guitar & keyboards; Barry Lee on guitar & vocals; Dave Storms on drums, percussion, keyboards & guitar; Doug Byers on bass; Marty Olson on keyboards; Bill Ryan on lead guitar; John Chevalier on guitars, saxophone & bass; Mike Penner on lead guitar; Brad Growcock on lead guitar; Scott Gribble on bass; Sam Platt on drums.]
Barry Lee and Alan Murphy
11:35 – Interview with Barry Lee & Alan Murphy
Barry Lee is host of Signal to Noise heard Friday nights at 9:00 PM here on KKFI 90.1 FM. Barry has been a longtime programmer at KKFI. Barry Lee lives in Lawrence but grew up in the Independence and Raytown areas. He studied creative writing, poetry and radio at UMKC. Barry Lee has organized multiple benefit concerts for KKFI including his annual Beatles Tribute shows, A Tribute to Pete Seeger, and special “Collaborations” recordings. It was while playing in a tribute to Neil Young that Barry and friends formed Broken Arrows, a 5-piece band that has released multiple records to critical acclaim. Barry Lee has also played and recorded with The Jubilee Mystics, and this year is releasing new music as Barry Lee and The Mystic Arrows.
Alan Murphy became locally famous in Lawrence in the 1980s and 1990s as leader of a band called Ricky Dean Sinatra. They often played the Bottleneck, Grand Emporium and other local venues. Alan has also written songs with Chuck Mead who he got to know when Chuck’s band, The Homestead Grays, often opened for Ricky Dean Sinatra. During his time with Ricky Dean Sinatra, Alan started writing songs about outer space, but few of them were performed or recorded by the band. Once COVID hit, Alan decided to go into Roll Away The Stone studio, helmed by drummer Dave Storms, and record these songs. He recruited Barry Lee to help in the production and to play guitar on the basic tracks which were then forwarded to other musicians to add their parts remotely. The result was a two record set of songs.
Barry Lee & Alan Murphy join us live in the 90.1 FM Studios to share details about, Out There – A Musical Journey Thru Space and Time with Alan Murphy and The Space Invaders, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. The audience is encouraged to wear costumes. Seating will be socially distanced with limited capacity. The event will also be live-streamed. All proceeds benefit 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. http://www.lawrenceartscenter.org
Barry Lee & Alan Murphy Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Sometime in the 1980s, Alan Murphy began to write a series of outer space-themed songs. His band, Ricky Dean Sinatra, never got around to playing them live or recording them. Now, thanks to COVID and a talented group of fellow musicians, this project has finally been realized. These songs have a 60s sensibility with references to David Bowie’s early songs, T Rex, The B52s, Man or Astroman, and other bands that work in this genre. This isn’t space rock, it’s rock and roll music about the cosmos.
Some background: during the time Alan was fronting Ricky Dean Sinatra in Lawrence in the 80s and 90s, he had stockpiled a lot of outer space rock and roll songs that the band never performed.
Once COVID stopped performances, he and Barry and Dave Storms went in to Roll Away The Stone studios and starting putting down basic tracks for what would be a two cd set. These songs were reminiscent of David Bowie’s early music, T Rex, and the B52s, not to mention 60s’ garage rock.
After the basic tracks were done, other musicians contributed their parts to fill out the songs. The cd has a listing of the personnel. Members of Broken Arrows, The Mahoots, The Kaw Tikis, and Thumbs, all played a part in this record and, for the most part, make up the live band.
Alan Murphy, vocals, guitar, keyboards, Barry Lee, guitar, vocals, Dave Storms, drums, percussion, keyboards, guitar, Doug Byers, bass, Marty Olson, keyboards, Bill Ryan, lead guitar, John Chevalier, guitars, saxophone, bass, Mike Penner, lead guitar, Brad Growcock, lead guitar, Scott Gribble, bass, Sam Platt, drums.
The October 30th show will feature a rare Firesign Theater film, “Martian Space Party” followed by Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders performing songs from the albums live. This is a Halloween show, so we are encouraging the audience to dress up in costumes. The audience will be socially distanced via reserved seating, we will also require proof of vaccination and mask wearing in the venue. They are limiting the seating to 165. This is a benefit for KKFI sponsored by P1 Group and The Lawrence Arts Center.
Barry Lee & Alan Murphy Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Out There – A Musical Journey Thru Space and Time with Alan Murphy and The Space Invaders, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. The audience is encouraged to wear costumes. Seating will be socially distanced with limited capacity. The event will also be live-streamed. All proceeds benefit 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. http://www.lawrenceartscenter.org
11:53
Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders – “She Must Be From Outer Space” from: Out There (Volume 1) / Intelligent Designs Records / September 20, 2021 [Sometime in the 1980s, Alan Murphy began to write a series of outer space-themed songs. His band, Ricky Dean Sinatra, never got around to playing them live or recording them. Now, thanks to COVID and a talented group of fellow musicians, this project has finally been realized. These songs have a 60s sensibility with references to David Bowie’s early songs, T Rex, The B52s, Man or Astroman, and other bands that work in this genre. This isn’t space rock, it’s rock and roll music about the cosmos. Alan Murphy on vocals, guitar & keyboards; Barry Lee on guitar & vocals; Dave Storms on drums, percussion, keyboards & guitar; Doug Byers on bass; Marty Olson on keyboards; Bill Ryan on lead guitar; John Chevalier on guitars, saxophone & bass; Mike Penner on lead guitar; Brad Growcock on lead guitar; Scott Gribble on bass; Sam Platt on drums.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on November 3 we welcome Collin Halliburton who shares music and details about the new album from The Roseline CONSTANCY. We also welcome Sarah Magill who shares the lastest release from her incredibly beautiful musical project Quiet Takes – the EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY will be released on November 5, 2021. AND in our second hour we will do a special show about Kurt Von Schlemmer with special guest Rebecca Liberty and Mark Von Schlemmer.
We send a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Fall On-Air Fundraiser during Wednesday MidDay Medley last week, between our Facebook Fundraiser and Out Fund Drive show we raised $2915.00 from 49 individual donors. THANK YOU ALL!
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, October 27, 2021
COOP Sessions + Apocalypse Meow 14 + Calvin Arsenia + Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders
Belle and the Vertigo Waves
Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: Alien Hellbop, The Creepy Jingles, Belle and the Vertigo Waves, Nature Boys, Boy Soprano, Jass, Kat King, Get Smart, Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Calvin Arsenia, Iris DeMent, and Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders.
At 10:15 we welcome co-founders of COOP SESSIONS, Mitch Hewlett, Producer & Audio Engineer and Cody Boston, Producer, Video Director & Editor. COOP SESSIONS is an independent live music entertainment media outlet produced in Lawrence, Kansas. They pull in bands and songwriters from the area to come to The Coop studio where they provide hi-fidelity audio/video content of the live performances to the public via their website, youtube channel, Instagram, and Soundcloud. COOP SESSIONS is working to build, curate, and foster a community for musicians and artists everywhere. COOP SESSIONS has produced two seasons and is launching Season 3 in November. More info at: http://www.coopsessions.com
At 10:35 Mark talks with Sondra Freeman who joins us to share details about Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming and Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s primary fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides area musicians with emergency health care grants. Access to the concert stream is free, but donations are encouraged. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org
Calvin Arsenia
At 11:00 KC based singer, composer & harpist Calvin Arsenia shares details about his new book, EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin’s book is part of his journey as an artist “coming out” as Queer and coming out as a descendant of slavery. Earlier this year WMM featured Calvin and high school best friend, Justin Randall about their podcast, “We Were Christian Kids” where they shared stories in over 30 episodes about growing up queer in the evangelical church. Calvin also stars in the film, SUMMER IN HINDSIGHT, where he was the musical director and editor. The film was produced by the 18th Street Fashion Show. More information at: http://www.calvinarsenia.com
At 11:30 Barry Lee & Alan Murphy share details about, Out There – A Musical Journey Thru Space and Time with Alan Murphy and The Space Invaders, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. During the 1980s and 90s Alan Murphy led the band, Ricky Dean Sinatra. During this time Alan started writing songs about outer space, but few of them were performed or recorded by the band. Once COVID hit, Alan decided to go to the studio and record these songs that are reminiscent of T Rex, the B-52s, and “garage rock.” Members of Broken Arrows, The Mahoots, The Kaw Tikis, and Thumbs, all played a part in this record and make up the live band. The audience is encouraged to wear costumes. Seating will be socially distanced with limited capacity. The event will also be live-streamed. All proceeds benefit 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.http://www.lawrenceartscenter.org
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
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, October 20, 2021
Effie + Chalis O’Neal + Fred Wickham Caravan + Tillie Hall & MellowPhobia
10:00 – Station ID
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Marieme
Marieme – “Love Now” from: Songs For The Revolution / GALSENE Productions / August 6, 2021 [Marieme is a Senegalese-American singer-songwriter with a multi-octave voice whose music has R&B, pop and jazz influences. Her musical themes reflect her youth affected by war and her subsequent world travels. She has released one EP, one acoustic visual EP, and her songs have been used in several television shows and in film. Marieme Diop was born in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Africa where her father was an executive at a regional electrical company. When she was six months old, war broke out between that country and Senegal forcing her family to escape leaving behind a comfortable lifestyle and keeping nothing. Marieme and her siblings lived with her aunt in Senegal, while her parents moved to the Bronx, New York in the United States. The family reunited five years later in New York. // “I grew up in Senegal until I was seven years old. There was always music around, but it wasn’t encouraged—I grew up in a very religious household. When I came to America, I found a box of CDs under my parents’ bed. It was a surprise to me because I didn’t think they listened to music. I found out later that my dad was the one who bought it because there was a discount at his job or something. There were CDs by Ace of Base, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and more—about ten albums. I would put them on and cry because of the way the music made me feel. Mariah Carey’s album changed my life. I was learning English through listening to music, which was a powerful connection. My assimilation to America was all through music. I was teased a lot for my skin color and for being straight from Africa.” // At the University of Buffalo, Marieme studied journalism and communication, and even studied and interned in feature writing in London, United Kingdom. It was in high school when a jazz history class played Billie Holiday that she realized what she wanted to become, and did so with a vocal range of several octaves. // Marieme lives in both New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California. // In 2017, Marieme moved to Los Angeles, and two days after arriving, she wrote the song, “Leave” with producer/songwriter Andy Rose. Shortly after, with three songs completed, she got a deal from Jason Markey of Universal Music Publishing Group. She started writing with producers such as Theron “Neff-U” Feemster, who has worked with Michael Jackson, Eminem, Justin Bieber, Dr.Dre, Ne-Yo. // Marieme released an eponymous EP in February 2018 on Caroline Records. The EP featured three songs, “Leave,” “Be The Change,” and “Ask For Help.”[5][6] Of the latter, she told Music in Africa: “In this society, we are faced with so much. As we learn more and more about ourselves and the human condition over time, it is very important to know our limits in order to be able to exceed them and be able to reach our true goal. Often, misplaced pride keeps us from moving forward, and in the song we meant not to be too proud and to be able to ask for help when we needed it. The most powerful way to do this is through music.” // In April 2018, the Marieme song, “What’s Cool” was included on the soundtrack for the Amy Schumer movie, I Feel Pretty. The album was released by Sony Music. // Caroline released a new Marieme song called “Tumblin’” in September 2018, which referenced the fall of a governmental system. // In October 2019, she began releasing a series of acoustic videos of the songs from the Marieme EP. The visual work preceded the release of her acoustic visual EP in January 2019. // Early in 2019, “Ask For Help” was used as the promotion for the nationwide season premiere of Iyanla: Fix My Life on Oprah’s OWN Network, and an episode of the CBS mini-series The Red Line. // Marieme independently released a video for her song “Fi Moy Senegal” featuring Shaheed and Dixa of Alien Zik, both from Senegal. The song was issued to celebrate Senegal’s Independence Day in April 2019. Initially available on YouTube only in Senegal, it became popular enough to be made available internationally by the platform in June. The audio for “Fi Moy Senegal” was used by the Senegalese soccer team Les Lions in July 2019 as they competed for the African Cup of Nations. // Since the beginning of her musical career Marieme has performed around the United States including dates in New York City and Los Angeles. Many of the shows are benefits to help those in her home continent of Africa. In November 2019, she performed at the Kick 4 Life Gala at the Angel Orensanz Center, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to provide education to at-risk children in Lesotho, Southern Africa. // Back in Senegal, Marieme became known for the live performances she does with popular African musicians, Akon, Youssou N’Dour and Pape et Cheikh.// LinkedIn struck a deal with Marieme to create an anthem for the business site. Her version of the Cat Stevenssong, “Be What You Must, became part of their promotion beginning in November 2019. //The Marieme song, Rogue is one of several that are being played in the Apple TV+ television series Truth Be Told, which became available on the platform December 13, 2019. The song is also used in worldwide TV and Digital commercials about the show. // BlackBook named the song and video for “Ask For Help” as one of BlackBook’s Best Song + Video Premieres of 2019. // In 2019, Marieme shot a video for her track, “Lovechild”, during the New York WorldPride celebrations. The track promotes the promotion of protection for black trans lives.]
Pastor T. L. Barrett
Pastor T. L. Barrett – “Like a Ship” from: I Shall Wear A Crown / Numero Group / September 24, 2021 [Thomas Lee Barrett, Jr. (born January 13, 1944), better known professionally as Pastor T.L. Barrett and Rev. T.L. Barrett, is an American Pentecostal preacher and gospel musician. Barrett is a preacher on Chicago’s South Side who released gospel albums in the 1970s; as a musician, he was largely unknown outside of Chicago until a resurgence in interest in his music occurred in the 2010s. // Barrett was born on January 13, 1944 in Jamaica, New York, but his family moved to Chicago when he was young. Barrett’s father was a gospel musician who was involved with the music at a church led by Barrett’s aunt. He attended Wendell Phillips High School, where he was expelled. His father died when Barrett was 16, and he then moved to Queens, New York, where he lived with his uncle and took a job at Flushing Hospital extracting glands from cadavers.[4] At 17 he was arrested for failing to pay child support to a 37-year-old who bore his child. In New York, he worked as a shoeshiner and played piano at parties and at venues such as the Waldorf Astoria and the Village Gate. Eventually, he decided to become a preacher, returning to Chicago and starting his own youth-focused ministry. // After receiving his G.E.D. diploma from the New York State Board of Regents in 1961, Barrett attended Bethel Bible Institute in Jamaica, New York, where he graduated with honors. // His career as a pastor began in 1966. He became pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in the Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago in 1968. After a theological disagreement with the elders of the Mt. Zion church, he left in 1976 to form his own ministry, the Life Center COGIC church, in the same neighborhood. // Barrett was charged in 1989 with orchestrating a pyramid scheme, by encouraging his congregants to donate to a series of economic development fundraisers which yielded over two million dollars in total. The financial viability of the plan was judged by a court to be infeasible, and Barrett was ordered to place his church’s title in receivership as a result. He was ordered to repay 1.2 million dollars by 1998, which he did successfully. // In 1998, the Illinois House of Representatives honored Barrett for contributions to civic life in Chicago. The city of Chicago named a portion of Garfield Boulevard, close to his Mt. Zion church location, in Barrett’s honor. In 2007, Barrett’s youngest daughter, Kleo, was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. In the 1970s, Barrett’s congregation included many noteworthy Chicago-area musicians, such as Maurice White and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, Donny Hathaway, and Phil Cohran.[5] Barrett, recording as Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir, released the album Like a Ship (Without a Sail) in 1971. The Youth for Christ Choir, led by Barrett, was an approximately 40-member ensemble of children ages 12 to 19, which grew out of his Tuesday night weekly choir meetings. The album featured instrumental contributions from Phil Upchurch, Gene Barge, Charles Pittman, and Richard Evans (of Rotary Connection). It was reissued by Light in the Attic Records in 2010 to critical acclaim and praise from musicians such as Jim James and Colin Greenwood. Barrett also released several further albums of music over the course of the 1970s, as well as discs of sermons; he also recorded as Rev. T.L. Barrett. // In 2016, Kanye West sampled the song “Father I Stretch My Hands”, from Barrett’s 1976 album Do Not Pass Me By, in the song “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” and “Pt. 2” from the album The Life of Pablo. // In 2016, Barrett’s music was used in an Under Armour commercial directed by Harmony Korine and on the soundtrack to the film Barry. and in the 2017 Almeida Theatre (London) production of Martin Crimp’s “The Treatment”. //In 2019, Barrett’s song “Nobody Knows”, from the 1971 album ‘Like a Ship (Without a Sail)’, was used in an AT&T commercial titled “Roll Up Your Sleeves”. It was also used in a trailer to Corpus Christi. // Also in 2019, English musician Richard Ashcroft covered live the song ‘Like a Ship (Without a Sail)’ and released it as a streaming single (labeled as ‘Just Like A Ship’). The song was covered during a live session at the Chris Evans Breakfast Show.] // The following year, Barrett’s recording of ‘Like a Ship (Without a Sail)’ was featured in the Netflix documentary, Crip Camp. // In 2020, Barrett’s song “Like a Ship” was sampled by electronic music Duo The Knocks in their song “All About You” featuring Foster The People. // In June 2021, Barrett’s song “Like a Ship” was used on closing credits of Season 1 Episode 9 of HBO “HACKS”. // The song “Nobody Knows”, from the 1971 album ‘Like a Ship (Without a Sail)’, has been sampled numerous times, including on rapper Copywrite’s song “Trouble” from the album “Choose your own adventure: Murderland” and DJ Khaled’s album Grateful. // On July 1, 1967 he married his sweetheart Cleopatra. This union produced seven children (Kim, Kisha, T. L., III, Torrey, Trevore, T’Shaun, and Kleo), He has at least six additional children from other relationships. // Discography:
Like a Ship… (Without a Sail) (Mt. Zion Gospel Productions TL-8126, 1971)
Vol. II; Do Not Pass Me By (Universal Awareness, ca. 1973) (Note: the “Vol. II” refers to this LP’s status as a sequel to the prior “Like A Ship” LP, and not to the Gospel Roots LP of the same name, which would be released approximately three years later)
I Found the Answer (Gospel Truth GTS-2718, 1973)
Do Not Pass Me By (Gospel Roots GR-5002, 1976)
Roots (Gospel Roots GR-5009, 1977)
Fred Wickham Caravan
Fred Wickham Caravan– “Town Without Soul” from: Town Without Soul / Black Site Records / October 29, 2021 [The first single released August 27, 2020, from the Fred Wickham Caravan’s debut LP tells of a place we all know, that city where something just ain’t right Fred Wickham on vocals & guitar, Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, Bart Colliver on piano & accordion & vocals, Richard Burgess on upright bass & vocals, Fred Wickham, Jr. on mandolin, Matt Brahl on drums & percussion. Music and lyrics by Fred Wickham. Produced by Fred Wickham Caravan. Recorded at The Nutthouse Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Engineered by Jimmy Nutt. Mastered by Chad Meise at Massive Sound Studios in KCMO. Fred Wickham is best known for his work with Hadacol, the Kansas City based quartet that released two critically acclaimed records and gained a national reputation for ferocious live shows across the country. The Caravan, formed to support the solo album, Mariosa Delta, blends country, soul and rock & roll into a sound that can only be called pure Americana. Info at: http://www.fredwickhamband.com]
[Fred Wickham Caravan Album Release show with The Roseline is Friday, October 29, 2021, at 6:30 pm, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101]
10:34 – Interview with Fred Wickham
Fred Wickham joins us to share music from the Fred Wickham Caravan debut album, TOWN WITHOUT SOUL. The 10-track album is set to be released on vinyl and digital platforms through Black-Site Records. The band is having a release show on October 29, 2021, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, West Bottoms, KCMO with the Grand Marquis’ horn section joining the band. The Roseline will open the show.
Fred Wickham, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Caravan includes songwriter Fred Wickham on lead vocals & guitar, Richard Burgess on bass, Marco Pascolini on guitar, Fred Jr. on mandolin, Sweet Matt Brahl on drums, and Lin Buck on keyboards. Co-produced by Grammy-winning engineer Jimmy Nutt at his Nutthouse Recording Studio in legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The album was mastered by Chad
After a year of recording in Muscle Shoals followed by 18 months of waiting out a global pandemic, The Fred Wickham Caravan is set to release its debut album, Town Without Soul, October 29 on Kansas City record label cooperative Black Site. To celebrate, the band is having a release show party that night at The Ship in the historic West Bottoms. The Grand Marquis’ horn section, recently departed keyboardist Cowboy Bart Colliver and a few other surprise guests will be joining the Caravan on stage, while stellar Lawrence alt country band The Roseline will open the show.
Wordsmith and architect Fred Wickham and his five master craftsmen – Richard Burgess (bass), Marco Pascolini (guitar), Fred Jr. (mandolin), Sweet Matt Brahl (drums) and newest member, Lin Buck (keys) – blend country, soul and rock and roll into an edifice of sound that can only be called pure Americana. Town Without Soul brings to vinyl the emotion and musicianship audiences across the Midwest have experienced ever since the Caravan formed to support Wickham’s much-heralded solo record, Mariosa Delta, in 2017. Leaving nothing unutilized in his refined toolbox of honky tonk and roots rock, Wickham leads the Caravan effortlessly through ten tracks of wrenching heartache, scathing satire and wry observation.
Co-produced by Grammy-winning engineer Jimmy Nutt at his Nutthouse Recording Studio in legendary Muscle Shoals, AL in late 2019, the recording was nearly complete when the pandemic struck. To keep moving forward while the music world shut down, the band released three video singles from the album over the next year – the title track, “Fatbird”, and “If We Ever Happened” – all produced by the Pascolini Brothers, Carlo and Marco. During that time, the band put the finishing touches on the rest of the record. In order to preserve the brilliant recording and engineering work of Jimmy Nutt, Wickham turned to local mastering maestro, Chad Meise at Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, KS. Not wanting to lose an ounce of fidelity in the translation to vinyl, Black Site handed over acetate cutting duties to master of the lathe, Chris Muth at Taloowa Corp. The result is a work of sonic beauty that not only flawlessly captures this six-piece outfit’s expertise at a wide range of instruments – drums, bass, guitar, piano, organ, pedal steel, mandolin, and accordion – but also the swingin’ horn section and exquisitely-executed backing vocals from some of Muscle Shoals’ finest studio pros.
Town Without Soul comes in a gorgeous full-color gatefold jacket designed by Marco Pascolini, with a limited number of copies pressed on clear turquoise vinyl.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Fred Wickham is best known for his work with Hadacol, the popular Kansas City based quartet who released two critically acclaimed records and gained a national reputation for their ferocious live performances across the country.
The Fred Wickham Caravan originally formed to support the recording of Wickham’s 2017 solo album, Mariosa Delta, produced and recorded by the late, great Lou Whitney in Springfield, Missouri. The album received widespread praise both nationally and abroad, with No Depression calling Mariosa Delta “a sparkling gem of an album…a great record, part document, part tragedy, all heartbreak.”
Mariosa Delta featured Wickham’s longtime musical cohort and Hadacol bassist Richard Burgess. To support the album live, the two recruited some of their favorite musicians and best friends to form a six-piece band capable of jumping from one musical style to the next while maintaining a sound that is all their own. Guitar oddity Marco Pascolini lends his unmistakable stylings on electric and pedal steel guitar. Keyboardist, accordion player, and harmony vocalist, Cowboy Bart Colliver, performed on the album, but departed the band earlier this year. His replacement, Lin Buck, who primarily uses piano and Hammond organ to add an element of melodic soul, has recently been compared to the likes of keyboard icons Booker T. Jones, Garth Hudson, Chuck Leavell and Benmont Tench. Matt Brahl, one of KC’s finest drummers and an old friend who played in Hadacol towards the end, jumped right in after original drummer Sam Platt departed n 2017. Rounding out the ensemble is Wickham’s son, Fred Jr., who had become an accomplished mandolin player while no one was watching.
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. More info at: Black-site.org
Fred Wickham, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
[Fred Wickham Caravan Album Release show with The Roseline is Friday, October 29, 2021, at 6:30 pm, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101]
10:27
Fred Wickham Caravan– “Fatbird” from: Town Without Soul / Black Site Records / Octiber 29, 2020 [The second single from the Fred Wickham Caravan’s debut LP tells of a place we all know, that city where something just ain’t right Fred Wickham on vocals & guitar, Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, Bart Colliver on piano & accordion & vocals, Richard Burgess on upright bass & vocals, Fred Wickham, Jr. on mandolin, Matt Brahl on drums & percussion. Music and lyrics by Fred Wickham. Produced by Fred Wickham Caravan. Recorded at The Nutthouse Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Engineered by Jimmy Nutt. Mastered by Chad Meise at Massive Sound Studios in Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.fredwickhamband.com]
[Fred Wickham Caravan Album Release show with The Roseline is Friday, October 29, 2021, at 6:30 pm,at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101]
10:31 – Underwriting
Chalis O’Neal
10:33 – Interview with Chalis O’Neal
KC based musician and performer Chalis O’Neal joins us to share details about his upcoming debut album, FLIRTING. Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Inspired by his oldest brother, jazz musician and composer Harold O’Neal, Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse.
Chalis O’Neal, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Chalis O’Neal
Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven
Chalis comes froma family of artists, teachers, and activists.
Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts.
Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City.
O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story.
Chalis O’Neal
O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau.
Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul.
O’Neal has had the opportunity to perform with artists like Bobby Watson, Jeff ‘“Tain” Watts, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Stephen Scott, Ben Williams, Lewis Nash, Curtis Lundy, Lonnie McFadden, Dan Thomas, Sullivan Fortner, Lisa Henry, and David Basse.
Chalis O’Neal is getting set to release: Flirting in November, 2021.
Chalis O’Neal is the youngest brother of Harold Mujahid O’Neal who was born March 27, 1981, and is an American pianist, composer, record producer, public speaker, dancer, and storyteller. He has recorded and performed with artists in a variety of musical genres (U2, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, Damien Rice, Aloe Blacc, and Jay Z). O’Neal has been profiled and featured in numerous publications and programs including Forbes, NPR’s All Things Considered, Fortune, Studio 360, and the 92Y, with The New York Times comparing him to Duke Ellington, Kenny Kirkland, and Maurice Ravel. He is considered to be of this generation’s greatest pianists and composers. O’Neal has been awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts, with the Patron being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and recently played a role as a creative expert for the Academy Award winning Pixar film, Soul. // Harold O’Neal was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His great-grandfather, Ollie Harold Pennington, was a jazz pianist and composer for silent film in Kansas City, where his grandmother walked to school with Charlie Parker. O’Neal began playing the piano by ear at age four on his father’s miniature keyboard. He found his earliest inspirations in the music of Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Disney. While growing up, he spent a considerable amount of time with his grandmother exploring various creative outlets, before eventually becoming a pianist. Having spent much of his youth living in the projects (Public Housing) and surviving near-death experiences, he credits music with saving his life. O’Neal attended the Paseo Academy Of Fine And Performing Arts, with classmates Logan Richardson, Lil’ Ronnie, and Brian Kennedy, where he began his jazz piano studies while being mentored by Ahmad Alaadeen. He studied classical piano and composition with Margie Cameron-Jarrett, whose musical lineage can be traced back to Franz Liszt. // O’Neal began working with musical luminaries from a young age – touring with Bobby Watson when he was 19 after studying composition at the Berklee College of Music. He then went on to the Manhattan School of Music, to study with Kenny Barron. It was there where he met the great American jazz pianist and composer, Andrew Hill, with whom he soon became the apprentice of. Mr. Hill was an apprentice of prolific composer Paul Hindemith. Following Andrew Hill’s advice, O’Neal left the Manhattan School of Music to replace pianist Jason Moran in the influential band, the Greg Osby 4, making his major-label debut recording for Blue Note Records at the age of 21. In 2004, O’Neal premiered a jazz quartet featuring Greg Osby, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Matt Brewer. // In the following years, O’Neal released a number of critically acclaimed albums including — “Charlie’s Suite” (2006), which was a compilation of his family’s legacy, “Whirling Mantis” (2010) with a jazz quartet, and a solo piano album “Marvelous Fantasy” (2011) on Smalls Records. He then partnered with Ski Beats and Damon Dash, after being signed to Universal Music Group as a songwriter and producer, to release the albums 24 Hour Karate School 2 (2011), Twilight (2012), and Cam’Ron And Vado’s Blu Tops (2012). In 2012, O’Neal formed a partnership with producers Lil Ronnie and Jerry Wonda working with many Pop and R&B artists (Miguel, Akon, Melissa Ethridge, Raphael Saadiq, French Montana). In 2013, he released the album “Man on the Street” featuring a jazz quartet as well as solo piano for BluRoc, an at the time incarnation of Rocafella Records distributed by Def Jam Records. // O’Neal worked as a composer for a featurette and the documentaries of the 2015 Disney film Tomorrowland produced by Academy Award winning filmmaker Anthony Giacchino, which starred George Clooney and Britt Robertson. The film was directed by Brad Bird with the film-score being composed by Michael Giacchino. His solo piano album “Piano Cinema” was released in May 2018, with “Sam and Sam” serving as the lead single. Following the album release, O’Neal completed a spring tour across the U.S. with The Blk Shp with Pixar as a partner. Recently, at the suggestion of Ed Catmull, O’Neal played a role with the filmmakers (Pete Docter, Dana Murray, Kemp Powers) as a creative expert in the development of Pixar’s Soul. // As a keynote speaker and storyteller, O’Neal has been featured at Google, The World Economic Forum, TEDX, Hatch Experience, C2 Montréal, Blk Shp Power Shift, and many other leading platforms.// In 2019, O’Neal was among the 100 international individuals selected to be a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper. Goalkeepers (Gates Foundation) is an initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its aim is to bring together leaders from around the world to accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Invitations are issued to global leaders and aspiring personalities who have been personally selected by the board. Previous attendees include Barack Obama, Emmanuel Macron, Amina J. Mohammed, Erna Solberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Trevor Noah.// In 2019, O’Neal was awarded fellowship to the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Ideas Festival, a week-long event held in Aspen, Colorado in the United States. The Aspen Ideas Festival program of events includes discussions, seminars, panels, and tutorials from journalists, designers, innovators, politicians, diplomats, presidents, judges, musicians, artists, and writers. Topics covered during the festival include global politics and economics, U.S. Policy, the environment, technology, science, health, education, the arts, and economic issues. // In 2019, O’Neal was awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts. Founded in 1754 by William Shipley, it was granted a Royal Charter in 1847, and the right to use the term “Royal” in its name by King Edward VII in 1908. Notable past fellows include Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, Nelson Mandela, David Attenborough, William Hogarth, John Diefenbaker, and Tim Berners-Lee. Today, the RSA has fellows elected from 80 countries worldwide.// NPR All Things Considered: The Yule Log (TV program), Pianist Harold O’Neal and Bill Cosby’s Christmas story[8] On 25 December 2011, O’Neal was featured along with Bill Cosby for the Christmas Day edition of NPR’s All Things Considered, with O’Neal being hosted and interviewed by Guy Raz. // Electric Burma On June 18, 2012, O’Neal performed with U2, Lupe Fiasco, Bob Geldof, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo and many other major artists for the presentation of Amnesty International’s prestigious ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award to Aung San Suu Kyi. The award was originally announced from the stage when U2 played Croke Park in July 2009 – while the Burmese Nobel Peace Prize recipient was still under house arrest in Burma. // Global Citizen: World on Stage[10] On 22 September 2016, O’Neal performed with Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter for The Global Citizen Festival’s The World on Stage, a night curated by Tom Morello and Jon Batiste. The evening was dedicated to several prominent speakers who addressed various causes—such as education, the refugee crisis, gender equality, poverty, hunger, and much more—and the presentation of the inaugural George Harrison Global Citizen award, presented by Paul Simon to Olivia and Dhani Harrison (George’s widow and son). // On December 4, 2018, Herbie Hancock received the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Medal (Royal Society of Arts) from the Royal Society for the Arts at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—being recognized for his long lifetime of creative achievements and humanitarian efforts. The 264-year-old Royal Society for the Arts, based in London, includes Franklin as a founding fellow and initiated the Benjamin Franklin medal in 1956 to honor people who transcend their vocation to generally benefit mankind. The ceremony featured bassist Christian McBride and pianist O’Neal as guest star performers, each musically representing the electric and acoustic side of Hancock’s legacy. // In 2009, O’Neal appeared as an actor in Jay Z’s music video for the hit record Young Forever, from his multi-platinum album The Blueprint 3. In 2010, he was cast in the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire, portraying James P. Johnson. He was also featured in MTV’s Sucker Free.
Chalis O’Neal is the nephew of Felix Lindsey “Pete” O’Neal, Jr. (born 1940), was the chairman of the Kansas City chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. He led implementation of many free programs, such as providing free breakfast to children around the city. // O’Neal had trouble with authority figures in high school and dropped out. Soon afterwards, he joined the military, following the steps of his father. Once done with service, he moved to Stockton, California, where in 1959 he was sentenced to 9 months in jail for theft. He escaped from jail after 3 months, traveling back to Kansas City, MO. In 1961, law enforcement caught him and he was sent back to California to serve his remaining sentence. // After completing his sentence, the felony should have been cleared as indicated by Californian law, but it was not. This significantly hindered his chances for employment. // On October 30, 1969, he was arrested again for the transporting of a gun across state lines (under a law that went into effect just two weeks prior to his arrest). A year later a court convicted him and in October 1970, he was sentenced to four years in prison. O’Neal jumped his bail and fled to Algeria, where a number of other Black Panther Party members had also absconded to in the face of imprisonment in the United States. This group became known as the “International Section” of the Black Panther Party, and was centered around Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver. A year later O’Neal moved on to Tanzania, motivated to immigrate there as the then President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, was both a Pan-Africanist and Socialist. O’Neal has remained in Tanzania ever since. // Together with his wife, Charlotte Hill O’Neal, he is the co-founder of the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC) in the village of Imbaseni, near the northern city of Arusha, Tanzania. The UAACC is a center focusing on healing the community by providing a diverse array of free art, music, film and other classes to members of the community. The UAACC also serves as a hostel for people travelling through the area—offering several “huts” with bunk beds. The center has been frequented by several celebrities, American politicians, study abroad programs, students, documentary film makers, and artists. Pete and Charlotte provide numerous jobs to locals of the community and the center is entirely run by local Tanzanians. // O’Neal’s family still resides in the Kansas City area. He is a third cousin to US Representative Emmanuel Cleaver. Since 1991, Cleaver and others have unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a pardon for O’Neal, and took the issue to both President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. Both declined to pardon O’Neal. // His life and exile in Tanzania is the subject of the PBS documentary ‘A Panther in Africa’, by Aaron Matthews, and a book ‘Black Panther in Exile: The Pete O’Neal Story’ by Pete’s attorney, Paul J. Magnarella.]
Joining Chalis on the radio was Geraldine Glen
Chalis O’Neal, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Mikal Shapiro & The Musical – “The Distance of Elements” from: Kansas City Syzygy / Kansas City Syzygy / July 17, 2020 {The Musical is Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Recorded separately and with social distancing. Mikal Shapiro released her critically acclaimed album The Musical II on May 26, 2018 which included “Everybody’s Baby” her pop song she wrote that got a lot of radio play, but all the songs on The Musical 11 are great. The Musical II is the sequel to Shapiro’s 2015 concept album, “The Musical.” Along with Mikal Shapiro, Chad Brothers, Johnny Hamil and Matt Richey, special guests include: Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Tina Bilberry on viola & violin, Damon Parker on keyboards, and Lauren Hughes on vocals. Engineered and co-produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios. Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. She has toured extensively across the U.S. and has recorded five critically acclaimed albums. KC Star and Tim Finn declared her album “The Musical” to be one of his top five releases of 2015. A third generation storyteller, she draws inspiration from her travels, love life, and the state of the Union.]
[Mikal Shapiro plays the Full Moon Festivus with Julia Othmer, and Jessica Paige, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave m West Bottoms, KCMO, TONIGHT, October 20, 2021, at 7:00 PM. Proof of full vaccination with photo ID is required from all patrons, artists, and staff in order to attend, work, or perform any live event at The Black Box. – Please bring a lawn chair if you’d like to be guaranteed a seat!]
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 plays the Full Moon Festivus with Mikal Shapiro, and Jessica Paige, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave m West Bottoms, KCMO, TONIGHT, October 20, 2021, at 7:00 PM. Proof of full vaccination with photo ID is required from all patrons, artists, and staff in order to attend, work, or perform any live event at The Black Box. – Please bring a lawn chair if you’d like to be guaranteed a seat!]
11:00 – Station ID
MellowPhobia – “Jackal” from: “Jackal” – Single / Jackal and Hide Records / May 7, 2020. [Music and Lyrics by Tillie Alexandra Hall, Producer Tillie Alexandra Hall. Recording Engineering by Justin Mantooth. Mastering by Pete Maher. Adam McKee on drums MellowPhobia were formed out of the indie alt-rock scene of Pittsburgh, PA. Now residing in their home city of Kansas City, producing a highly original sound that they describe as “landlocked surf rock”. Socially conscious lyrics, and hook laden tunes keeps the crowd jumping. The band revolves around songwriter and guitarist Til who provides the distinctive vocals to all MellowPhobia tracks. In July 2018 MelloPhobia released the 3-song EP LISTEN. More info: http://www.mellowphobia.com]
Tillie Hall
11:03 – Interview with Tillie Hall
Tillie Hall of MellowPhobia shares music from the group’s new 4-track EP, IS THIS SEAT TAKEN?, released through Jackal And Hide Records. Formed out of the indie alt-rock scene of Pittsburgh, PA. MellowPhobia is now based in Lawrence & Kansas City. The band revolves around songwriter and guitarist Tillie Hall who during the pandemic went into the studio and recorded 12 new tracks. IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? is the band’s sophomore EP. The band also released the stand alone single, “Jackal” on May 7, 2021. More info at: http://www.mellowphobia.bandcamp.com
Tillie Hall thanks for being with us on WMM.
MellowPhobia were formed out of the indie alt-rock scene of Pittsburgh, PA.
Now residing in their home city of Kansas City, they continue to grow their audience producing a highly original sound that they describe as “landlocked surf rock”. With a love of the British sound, socially conscious lyrics, and hook laden tunes; the band will keep the crowd jumping and give them something to think about.
MellowPhobia released their 4-track EP, IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? on June 23, 2021 through Jackal And Hide Records.
Music and lyrics written by Tillie Alexandra Hall Produced by Tillie Alexandra Hall.
Recording Engineer: Justin Mantooth. Mastering Engineer: Pete Maher. Drums: Adam McKee. Illustrator: Jenifer Prince. More info at http://www.melloephobia.bandcamp.com
The band revolves around songwriter and guitarist Til who provides the distinctive vocals to all MellowPhobia tracks.
The year of the pandemic saw MellowPhobia creative force Til Hall go into the studio, hunker down and record 12 new tracks.
The single, ‘Jackal’ recently paved the way for this quartet – and continues to enjoy airplay around the world.
Always ready for a collaboration, Til teamed up with Brazilian artist Jenifer Prince to create the striking cover for both “Jackal” and “Is This Seat Taken?”
The sophomore E.P. ‘Is this Seat Taken?’ includes four fresh tracks; Allie, LRH, MaryAnn Elizabeth, and Hide.
Tillie Hall thanks for being with us on WMM.
Tillie Hall
MellowPhobia released their 4-track EP, IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? on June 23, 2021 through Jackal And Hide Records. Music and lyrics written by Tillie Alexandra Hall Produced by Tillie Alexandra Hall. More info at http://www.melloephobia.bandcamp.com
11:15
MellowPhobia – “Allie” from: IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? / Jackal And Hide Records / June 23, 2021 [Music and Lyrics by Tillie Alexandra Hall, Producer Tillie Alexandra Hall. Recording Engineering by Justin Mantooth. Mastering by Pete Maher. Adam McKee on drums MellowPhobia were formed out of the indie alt-rock scene of Pittsburgh, PA. Now residing in their home city of Kansas City, producing a highly original sound that they describe as “landlocked surf rock”. Socially conscious lyrics, and hook laden tunes keeps the crowd jumping. The band revolves around songwriter and guitarist Til who provides the distinctive vocals to all MellowPhobia tracks. In July 2018 MelloPhobia released the 3-song EP LISTEN. More info: http://www.mellowphobia.com]
Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral – “Rock Til You Drop” from: HAUNTED / Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral / October 22, 2021 [Lonnie Fisher on lead vocals, 5 String Guitar & Keyboards; Tim Jenkins on guitars; Chris Nunez on drums, Tim Manning on bass, and Julia Reynolds on vocals & keyboards. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/lonniefisherandthefuneral%5D
[Lonnie Fisher and The Funeral Album Release and Abby’s Fund Benefit, Friday, October 22, 2021, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Fritz Hutchison and Big Dopes. Lonnie Fisher writes: “Midwest Music Foundation helped me through some really tough days after my strokes and it’s a miracle I’m singing and playing again. This show is for helping others.”]
[Lonnie Fisher and The Funeral play a Lawrence Album Release Show at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, on Fri. Nov. 19 at 6:00 PM with Alien Hellbop and Shebangs, also having Album Releases.]
Jake Wells – “Salt and Water” from: “Salt and water” – Single / Jake Wells Music / October 3, 2020 [Co-written with brother Jordan Wells. “This song was inspired by a father daughter relationship that was meant to be celebrated.” More info at https://jakewellsmusic.com. This release was followed by the 6-song EP, GOODBYES on October 15, 2021. All of the new songs on this EP (Plus the stand alone single “Salt and Water”) came from a the “custom song writing project” that Jake and brother Jordan Thompson embarked upon to support themselves financially during the pandemic. More information at: https://www.thepitchkc.com/one-musicians-custom-songwriting-brought-joy-and-tears-to-an-empty-year/ This new music is follow up to Jake’s single “The Wrong Side (feat. J. Taylor)” released on September 3, 2021, and Jake Wells and The Dirty Musicians single, “Holy Woman” released on August 6, 2021, and Jake’s single “Time After Time” released May 6, 2021, and his EP, SUNDAY MORNING released February 29, 2020. Kansas City based indie folk singer songwriter. Jake Wells was born in Florida grew up in Colorado. Jake studied Music Composition at University of Northern Colorado. “Jake’s sound evokes an emotionality and maturity much deeper than his age of 22 would imply.” He was named one of Spotify’s top 20. He has performed on stages since he was a teenager. His single releases are currently gaining radio play in the Midwest on several FM stations. In 2018 he was featured on the nationally televised NBC reality – competition program The Voice.]
11:28 – Underwriting
Effie – “Higher” from: Curve My Enthusiasm / DISTRKCT / August 13, 2021 [Effie is Effie Altoro. Effie is a songwriter, singer, rapper, producer, one part of Kansas City’s own Jet Pack Productions originally from the Bronx, New York. Effie says that music saved her life and means everything to her. She puts herself in the category of a R&B/Hip Hop Artist. She claims Nina Simone as her biggest influence. Effie writes, “I have been writing for so many years but never shared any of my personal work until last year. So I’m working on pacing myself with releases, instead of just putting so many albums out back to back. My album, Curve My Enthusiasm, is so special to me that I’m going to release a deluxe version in January with 4 additional tracks and videos, including some exciting collaborations. I have also been writing for other artists, so you’ll be able to hear some of those releases soon, as well!” More info at: https://smarturl.it/37jrdz%5D
Effie
11:34 – Interview with Effie
In a world gone mad we all search for that guiding light. The bat signal has been received by the eclectic artist known as Effie. She is from Kansas by the way of the boogie down Bronx where the city never sleeps but her roots run deep to La Isla del Encanto. Effie is effortless and effervescent. Her sound has dexterity and fluidity that brings together her blend of influences that were cultivated by dancing in soul train lines on a Sunday afternoon with the family. Her inspirations span from Miss Education, Ye, Kendrick, Stevie Wonder with a little Marc Anthony.
The music speaks volumes but the individual behind the words and melodies has a story to tell and we are all better for listening. Effie released Curve My Enthusiasm on August 13, 2021.
Effie Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
R&B/Hip Hop artist, Effie, originally from the Bronx, New York.
Effie is Effie Altoro
Effie is a songwriter, singer, rapper, producer, and one part of Kansas City’s own Jet Pack Productions.
She also claims Nina Simone as a big influence.
Her range is limitless which is why she dons the moniker of Eff Curry because she doesn’t miss. Her talent for songwriting has been fueled by her unique perspective and her experiences as a young woman on her journey to self-discovery. Her voice conveys the full spectrum of the human condition as her staple sultry voice has a way of welcoming all and putting them in a trance as she weaves her stories in through your ears and around your heart and mind.
Effie says that music saved her life and means everything to her.
Effie writes, “I have been writing for so many years but never shared any of my personal work until last year.
Effie writes, “I’m working on pacing myself with releases, instead of just putting albums out back to back.”
We talked with Effie about the autobiographical truth in the lyrics, “Ain’t Gotta Lie.”
11:41
Effie
Effie – “Ain’t Gotta Lie” from: Curve My Enthusiasm / DISTRKCT / August 13, 2021 [Effie is Effie Altoro. Effie is a songwriter, singer, rapper, producer, one part of Kansas City’s own Jet Pack Productions originally from the Bronx, New York. Effie says that music saved her life and means everything to her. She puts herself in the category of a R&B/Hip Hop Artist. She claims Nina Simone as her biggest influence. Effie writes, “I have been writing for so many years but never shared any of my personal work until last year. So I’m working on pacing myself with releases, instead of just putting so many albums out back to back. My album, Curve My Enthusiasm, is so special to me that I’m going to release a deluxe version in January with 4 additional tracks and videos, including some exciting collaborations. I have also been writing for other artists, so you’ll be able to hear some of those releases soon, as well!” More info at: https://smarturl.it/37jrdz%5D
11:44 – More Interview with Effie
We are talking with R&B/Hip Hop artist, Effie, originally from the Bronx, New York. Effie is a songwriter, singer, rapper, producer, and one part of Kansas City’s own JET Pack Productions. Effie released Curve My Enthusiasm on August 13, 2021.
Effie Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Effie journey includes The Bronx to Kansas to the Bronx and back to Kansas
Effie is one third of JET Pack Productions a Kansas City based music entertainment company created by Musicians Jo Blaq, Effie Altoro, and Tim Ogutu
Many of the tracks on Curve My Enthusiasm, have had videos created for them. The album features exciting collaborations. One of the collaborations includes JET Pack co-founder Jo Blaq on the track “Someday.”
Effie Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:53
Effie and Jo Blaq
Effie – “Someday (feat. Jo Blaq)” from: Curve My Enthusiasm / DISTRKCT / August 13, 2021 [Effie is Effie Altoro. Effie is a songwriter, singer, rapper, producer, one part of Kansas City’s own Jet Pack Productions originally from the Bronx, New York. Effie says that music saved her life and means everything to her. She puts herself in the category of a R&B/Hip Hop Artist. She claims Nina Simone as her biggest influence. Effie writes, “I have been writing for so many years but never shared any of my personal work until last year. So I’m working on pacing myself with releases, instead of just putting so many albums out back to back. My album, Curve My Enthusiasm, is so special to me that I’m going to release a deluxe version in January with 4 additional tracks and videos, including some exciting collaborations. I have also been writing for other artists, so you’ll be able to hear some of those releases soon, as well!” More info at: https://smarturl.it/37jrdz%5D
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on October 27 we welcome Mitch Hewlett Producer and Audio Engineer of Coop Sessions is an online live music series featuring performances from bands and songwriters all over. Recorded in The Coop in Lawrence Kansas. ALSO…Sondra Freeman joins us to share details about Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive,Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. Go to http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org for more info. AND…Calvin Arsenia joins us to share details about his new book, Every Good Boy Does Fine published by Simon & Schuster. AND… Barry Lee and Alan Murphy join us to share details about Out There – A Musical Journey Thru Space and Time with Alan Murphy and The Space Invaders, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 AT 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, Kansas.
We send a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Fall On-Air Fundraiser during Wednesday MidDay Medley last week, between our Facebook Fundraiser and our Fund Drive show we raised $2915.00 from 49 individual donors. THANK YOU ALL!
Wednesday MidDay Medley 