Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
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WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2021.
With just a few exception, these are stand-alone singles that are not part of an album or EP (that we are aware of, in our humble research). We’ve included a few that were released late in 2000. We’ve played hundreds and hundreds of New MidCoastal Releases in 2021 and interviewed 160special guests. We’ve squeezed & sifted our year long playlist of nearly 1000 tracks. These Singles represent the diversity of artists and genre within the MidCoastal Music Community.
1. The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero” / Center Cut Records / April 2, 2021
[All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. This song was originally on the December 6, 2017 release, SEE NO EVIL The song was recently re-recorded. Band member Xavier Martin told us that, “Everything was done from the ground up. Remixing, rerecording, mastering, etc.” The Black Creatures wanted to released this as a single and video as a “part-two” to their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, which was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. The video for “Negative Zero” picks up where the video for “Wretched (It Goes)” left off, “so there is a conceptual thread between the two,” says Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records. All music produced, arranged, recorded, and performed by The Black Creatures. Engineering and Mastering by J. Ashley Miller aka Jametatone. The Black Creatures write, “We talk about it all the time, but ‘Negative Zero’ is the best example of this phenomenon; sometimes we come together with pieces of a song that fit together so perfectly the results surprise even us. So, conceiving a video that acutely paralleled the direness of the message was a huge deal for us. The process happened in a similarly fluid stride that furthered our awareness of the unfortunate necessity of art, media, and dialogue that exist in the same sphere. With that in mind, there’s some positivity we hope fans of The Black Creatures can also takeaway from this music video. // We had been sitting on this video for a while, already finished filming and that whole process was very fun and literally nourishing (because we got Fannie’s West African Cuisine to celebrate after filming). Like past music video releases, we worked with Rondevu Productions on this video—and it was a careful little gathering! We all got our ‘negative’ COVID test results within 48 hours of each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s go to the lake like a family,’ and we did. We spent two days filming on a freezing cold lake, dancing on cryptic constructions, and being outside way late at night. // We have set up this release to directly fund The Tamir Rice Foundation, founded by mother Samaria Rice. We also encourage others who can, to give to something that is centered around Black life.” // After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued Wild Echoes and began releasing singles. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. They released the album, See No Evil, December 6, 2017. The duo released the singles, “Elements” February 14, 2018; “Silver Tears” June 19. 2018; “Dare” a Gorillaz cover August 8, 2019. They released the album “Wild Echoes” September 30, 2019. The Black Creatures released the singles “Turn” October 30, 2019; “Quartz (Twilight)” November 13, 2019; “SHINE” December 11, 2019; Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” January 8, 2020; “To Whom It May Concern” January 22, 2020; “Arcade Love” February 5, 2020; and “Run Up” Feb. 19, 2020. The Black Creatures released their latest single “True Friends” on September 17, 2021. The Black Creatures were last on WMM on May 26, 2021 and September 15, 2021.]
2. Kadesh Flow – “Elegant” / Ryan Jamaal Davis / May 21, 2021
[Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is one of 16 new singles Kadesh Flow has released so far this year: Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed and Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 16th single the year, so far. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed and Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 17th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed and Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on September 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed and Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single, “No Options (feat Jamar Rose)” on November 12, 2021.Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow plays the 17th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 11, as part of Deshica Rage (with Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige) at 10:00 PM on Community Lending of America Stage at Lemonade Park. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. This is one of 20 singles and a 13 track album that Kadesh Flow has released so far this year. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com ]
3. Elexa Dawson – “New Song” / Lost Cowgirl Records / April 2, 2021
[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 writes: 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. Elexa Dawson released her single, “Mother” on October 29, 2021. http://www.elexadawson.com]
4. Lava Dreams – “Surprise!” / R.I.O.T. LLC / March 26, 2021
[Lava Dreams released “Out Loud” on August 13, 2021, the 6th single from Lava Dreams full-length, self-titled debut album, to be released soon. More info at: linktr.ee/lavadreams. Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Lava Dreams is planning to release an 11-song album later this year and will be releasing a new single every month leading up to the release. This is one of several single we’ve played.”Galaxies,” (the 5th single) was released July 9, 2021. “Simple Magic” was released May 7, 2021. “Surprise!” was released on March 26, “You’re The One” released February 26, and “The Amazing Wave” released Janury 8, 2021. All single were released through R.I.O.T. LLC The music was co-written and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams released their debut EP “Good Energy + Focus” on June 13, 2020. Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton is from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar & singing in several KC bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Julia Hamilton is also a filmmaker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila Unversity. http://www.LavaDreamsMusic.com]
5. Asterales – “Beauty In The Distance (ft. Heidi Gluck)” / Asterales / March 31, 2021
[KC based leftfield, experimental, electronica music maker, also known as Nate Holt. Produced & mixed by Asterales. Vocals by Heidi Gluck. Lyrics by Approach. Mastered by Royce Diamond. Since 2016 Asterales has released the 5-track EP, WORK HOURS on Sept. 6, 2016 in collaboration with Aikido Bray, Leo Minor, Katlyn Conroy, and Tanner Walle, with synthesizers, production, recording, engineering & mastering by Etan Tioh for Datura Records. This was followed by the 3-track EP, FRAGMENTS, released Feb. 3, 2017. Asterales released the single A.M. on Feb. 4, 2017. Asterales released the 10-track album, OUTSIDE THE BOX on Oct. 31, 2017. Asterales released the singles: “BRKFST 4 BTLVRS” on Oct. 31, 2017; and “Soft Spheres” on April 21, 2018. Asterales released the 10-track album ORBITAL DEBRIS: VOL. 1 on Aug. 14, 2020 on Mr. Furious Records. Asterales released the single “ASTR_40” on August 26, 2020. Asterales released the 4-song EP EXTRA JUNK on Dec. 4, 2020 through Mr. Furious Records. Asterales released the singles: “Solstice Song” on Dec. 21, 2020, and “Desire (Tanner Walle) – Asterales Remix” on Jan. 29, 2021. Asterales released the single “Offline” on Feb. 26, 2021. Asterales released the single, “So Easy (feat. Royce Diamond) on April 30, 2021. Asterales released the single, “Let Go” on May 31, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. Lyrics by Royce Diamond. Vocals by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “Paraglider” on June 30, 2021. Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “KINUGEMI” on July 31, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “VARIABLE STARS PT. 1” on August 30, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. Asterales released the remix single, “Ghost Mind – She Left (Asterales Remix)” on September 2, 2021. She Left” Produced by Ghostmind – ghostmind.bandcamp.com “She Left – Asterales Remix” Produced by Asterales. Remix artwork by Gordon Leadfoot & Asterales. Asterales released the single, “P@!omAr-1” on September 28, 2021. Produced, mixed and mastered by Asterales. More info at: http://www.asterales.bandcamp.com Asterales released the remix single, “Cory Phillips & the Band of Light – Give & the Take (Asterales Remix)” on October 1, 2021. “Give & the Take” written by Cory Phillips coryphillipsmusic.com “Give & the Take – Asterales Remix” Produced by Asterales. Asterales released the single, “Calling Me (feat. Ghostmind)” on October 31, 2021. Produced, mixed & mastered by Asterales. Vocals and guitar performed and recorded by Ghostmind. Lyrics by Ghostmind. Artwork by Asterales. One of 12 singles Asterales has released so far this year. More information at http://www.asterales.bandcamp.com]
6. Eddie Moore – “We Chillin'” / Eddie Moore Music / April 9, 2021
[Some chill piano vibes to relax or study to written and produced by Eddie Moore with Eddie Moore on piano and Morgan Faw on alto sax. Mixed By Pajmon Porshahi. Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has also been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and record with distinctive artist such as Bobby Watson, Pam, Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Eddie Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. More info at: http://www.wethepeople777.bandcamp.com Eddie Moore joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020.]
7. Lee Walter Redding – “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” / Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne / Apr. 9, 2021
[Lee Walter Redding told Mark Manning that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. Lyrics and music by Lee Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. // Stephonne grew up in KCK. He released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A special video for “Want Me” was released in 2020. Stephonne joined us on WMM on July 15, 2020]
8. Dreamgirl – “Sometimes” / Dreamgirl / May 12, 2021
[Dreamgirl is a ‘dream-pop’ music group formed in St. Joseph, Missouri in 2013. Now based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and building off of the success of their breakout EP “Illuminaughty” (2015), Dreamgirl has released a full-length, self-titled LP and is currently working on a new EP. They have gained an impressive following. Up until the summer of 2018, they operated and managed themselves completely internally. Now they have partnered with Rogue Booking Agency. Dreamgirl has benefited massively from internet platforms like Spotify and Youtube. Members include: Lacey Hopkins on lead vocals, Grady Drugg on guitar, Skylar Smith on guitar Joe Gronniger on bass, Ian Dobyns on drums. This single is a follow up to ther September 25, 2020 single release “All You Wanna Do Is Dance.”]
9. Quite Frankly – “Is This Still Even Fun?” / Quite Frankly / Oct. 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]
10. Dimension Bill Edwards – “Surrealberry Hill” / Mello Music Group / Feb 16, 2021
[“Surrealberry Hill” was released on Fat Tuesday, and was inspired by band members move from the West 39th street area to Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas. The spoken word portion of the song is Matt reading from the Egyptian Book of The Dead. The release coincided with an amazing “Float House” that Melissa created for Mardi Gras in Pandemic times. Dimension Bill Edwards is a band that kind of organically formed through live performances at the Walnut Valley Folk Festival and the last set of the festival “Heavy Petting ZO0” held in the Pecan Grove an the band mameber’s association with the band KC Bearfighters. Dimension Bill Edwards is: Matt Weinman on lyrics, vocals & guitar; Melissa Weinman on lyrics, vocals & dance moves; Grant Buell on keyboards & accordion; Mallory Edson on violin; Phil Craven on bass & recording engineer; (John Bersuch on drums for “Surrealberry Hill”) ; Ike Golets on drums for future recordings and live performances. Matt and Melissa met John Bersuch when he moved in next door to them in Strawberry Hill on New Years Eve 2019. Grant Buell and Melissa Weinman are also in the band Good Time Charley. Phil Craven and Mallory Edson and Ike Goletz are also in the band, Whiskey for the Lady. Band members found a wooden sign that read” Dimension Bill Edwards? behinds Cupini’s on West 43rd Street. No one know what the sign was from or what it meant, but they decided to use this for the name of their band.]
11 Geraldine Glen – “Interim Love” / Groove King Records / July 23, 2021
[Geraldine Glen collanborated with Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals. Geraldine Glen told Michelle Bacon at the http://www.bridge909.org: that “Interim Love” reflects on that feeling of imbalance and negligence through the lens of a past relationship. I recognized that I was being treated as an interim love. At the time, this was not such a big deal to me so long as my autonomy would be respected. It wasn’t,” she says. “So, this is me telling the lazy man eating his cake and ice cream: ‘Don’t get mad when the sugar walks out.’” More info at: http://www.groovekingrecords.com]
12. Remy Styrk – “Boy / Remy Styrk / November 5, 2020
[Written, produced, and recorded by: Remy Styrk (@remystyrk). Background vocals: Alexis Black + Danzell Capers. Bass solo: Abram Shaffer. Mixed by: Ben Soiefer of Sandblast Productions. Mastered by: Colin Bryson of The Bunker Studio. Remy writes about this new release: “The number of times someone or something washed my hands clean, stood me back up, and gave me another try is unmeasurable. throughout my life i’ve experienced death, drug addiction, anxiety, abandonment, and pure fear. some days are filled with 5 to 7 panic attacks. others are quiet, however a moment of “calm” from complete mental and physical exhaustion seems unbearable, almost more dangerous than a day of anxiety. 2020 has been a catalyst for me. igniting everything i’ve been shoving under the bed and breathing life into a debilitatingly unpredictable fire. the biggest question every time i step outside my front door is, ‘will i make it back home alive today?’” 21 year old Remy Stryk lives in Leawood, Kansas, originally from Newark, New Jersey. This multi instrumentalist has been writing & recording music for several years. Remy Styrk is a sci-fi and thriller film composer composer living in KC. His work is informed by his life experiences, and his life experiences have been a tragic journey on a compact time frame. Styrk was born in Newark, NJ to a homeless heroin addict in February 1999. He doesn’t really know who his parents were, because he wound up in a semi-closed adoption. After birth, he was in the hospital for three weeks, clinging to life. At the age of 14 months, he was adopted by a couple, the husband, a fashion photographer and wife, a creative director, Tom & Deborah. When 9/11 happened and the family wanted to get away from the East Coast. Styrk’s adopted father Tom got a job at Hallmark in Kansas City, Missouri and the family relocated here. Sadly, not long after making the move, Remy’s adopted mother Deborah passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm. Tom quit his job at Hallmark to come home and take care of his kids in this terrible time. Remy’s father was pursuing a photography gig full time during this period, and that set the tone for his kids. Push through everything. Never give up. Dedicate yourself to what you love and work towards it each and every day. Remy began pursuing music. His family that supported his goals. At an early age they got him a guitar, and by age six he was already learning the drums. Remy found folk music, thanks to the relocation into KC. Folk music was new to Remy, and based entirely in storytelling. Remy leaned into that hard, because the storytelling allowed him to process his mother’s death, and the series of other traumas in his life. Remy told Brock Wilbur of The Pitch Kansas City, “I grew up black in a predominately white school system,” Styrk says. “I felt like an outcast but it didn’t make me want to give up on who I was. It pushed me to work harder on being who I want to be. I won’t change for anyone.” Styrk started playing with local bands. He moved from the DIY scene into rock and indie, but then found the famous KC blues scene– and his place within it. This series of genre dabbles prepared him perfectly to start scoring for film. In 2020 Remy was a guest on WMM on May 27, where he talked about his latest interactive recording project, “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive. “In 2019 Remy release “Winter/Summer” In 2018 Remy released “In Too Deep” one of 5 singles Remy has released in the last 2 years. Remy Styrk released the EP Sunday, on Jan 25, 2018 a follow up to the Aug 12, 2015 full length album, Telling Stories Through The Basement Door. Remy Sryrk released the 3-song EP FOUNTAINHEAD on August 16, 2021. More info at: http://www.remystyrk.com]
13. Miss Boating – “It’s A Lie” / Miss Boating / December 31, 2020
[Miss Boating is: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. With Pat Conway on samba orchestra. Ross Brown covered engineering & mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep. Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering New single from Miss Boating who released their debut The Vhargon Sidestep on January 1, 2020 and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne & Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend & bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill & Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us. The jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. . Charles Colborne & Bill Belzer were our guests on WMM on April 1, 2020. More info at: https://missboating.bandcamp.com%5D
14. Charlotte Bumgarner – “Honey Touch” / Manor Records / December 11, 2020
[Written & performed by Charlotte Bumgarner. Harmony, synth, production, mixing & mastering by Drew Richardson. Charlotte is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Tulsa. She has been playing the local Tulsa scene for about 2-3 years as a solo artist and for about a year with her band Graveyard Party. Charlotte’s sound can be described as a mix of many influences, but is mostly a emo singer/songwriter & folky fusion. Charlotte is also a big activist for female equality & rights and tries to integrate that into my songwriting and my footprint in the scene in general.// In 2018 Charlotte began self-recording and releasing her own music with the single “where are you” and night blooming flowers EP. From then on Charlotte continued playing throughout the local Tulsa scene as well as branching out and touring regionally as much as possible. In the spring of 2020 prior to signing with Manor Records, Charlotte self-released an acoustic set for RSU radio EP that first introduced us to her upcoming single “Honey Touch”. After signing to the label, Charlotte’s plan is to release a three-track single series beginning with this release, followed up by her debut album later in the year 2021. More info at http://www.manorrecords.com]
15. They Call Me Sauce – “Liberation Exercise No. 1” / I Got The Sauce / Feb. 15, 2021
[Mixed and Mastered by Royce “Sauce” Handy for I Got The Sauce Studio. Produced by Whiteboi Beats. Royce “Sauce” Handy is a rapper, songwriter, beat maker, designer, teacher, MC, business owner, social media manager, husband, father, and community organizer. He has worked with AdHoc Group Against Crime, Teens in Transition, Storytellers Inc., Arts Tech, Mid-America Regional Council, UMKC, Rep. Brandon Ellington, and former KC Mayor, Sly James. He is co-owner of The Rap Asylum, We are RAP, and owner of Melanin Connoisseur. In 2021 They Call Me Sauce also released the 11-track album Kansas City Lights with The Popper, and the single: “New Merch (feat. 21 King, They Call Me Sauce, & Juwan)”, on August 27, 2021, on B-Shock Records. In 2017 Sauce released his EP, Summer Sauce, part of WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017. In 2018 Sauce released Soul Food 4. In 2019 his collective NuBvckCity w/ Kartez Marcel, Mae C, & VP3 released “All Night” / “Alive”. This was #1 on WMM’s 39 Favorite Singles of 2019. In 2020 They Call Me Sauce released 5 Singles including “Make You Sing [feat. Love, Mae C]” on March 27, 2020. Sauce was on WMM on April 29, 2020. More information at: http://www.theycallmesauce.com]
16. Emmaline Twist – “Drugs”/ Black Site / July 1, 2021
[The band is Meredith McGrade on vocals & guitar, Kristin Conkright on bass, Jonathan Knecht on drums, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Alex Alexander recently joined the band on synthesizers & guitar. Emmaline Twist, is a Kansas City based Darkwave / Post-Punk / Shoegaze project. This single was released with a new music video, directed by Matthew Dunehoo of Elk’s Pride Pictures. This is the first single from the band’s upcoming album release and follow up to their critically acclaimed debut LP, DISSIMULATION released August 24, 2018 from Black-Site Records. That album was recorded, mixed, and produced at Massive Sound by Paul Malinowski, and Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. In 2017 the band released “Dissimulation 1,” 4 songs in digital format. This is their first single since their 2016 single release of “Vega” b/w “Moon EyeSara Swenson – “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” / Sara Swenson / March 26, 2021]
17. Sara Swenson – “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” / Sara Swenson / March 26, 2021
[Sara Swenson wrote to me that her new song is featured in her husband Michael Price’s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that premiered Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 PM on Kansas City PBS. The film is about the mental health crisis in KC – it’s a powerful film that also features Mark Lowrey’s piano playing. Sara’s song is featured in various parts of the film, and then also at the end. To see a trailer for “The Hidden Pandemic” you can visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd7046rPtU. Critically acclaimed singer songwriter Sara Swenson has released some of our most played and favorite recordings of the last 7 years. Her self titled debut ended up at the top of our list of The 100 Best Recordings of 2009. In 2010 Sara Swenson released her second full length recording, “All Things Big and Small” again working with Don Chaffer in Nashville who added new layers to Sara’s great songs and voice. In November of 2011, Sara released her 5 song EP called “Never Left My Mind,” featuring her band at the time, The Pearl Snaps. In that time frame, she also had picked up two Kansas City Singer-Songwriter of the Year awards, performed with Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, and placed a song on the season finale of ABC’s “Private Practice.” Then after the school year ended in 2012, Sara Swenson left her job as a High School English and Journalism Teacher in Platte County High School, and left the Kansas City music scene, and she flew off to the United Kingdom, where she got married. In the spring of 2014, Sara returned to Kansas City and performed for the Folk Alliance International Conference. On July 18, 2014 she released her 4th album, RUNWAY LIGHTS that captures snapshots of her 18-month experience of living abroad, moving from dating to marriage and sorting through the accompanying transitions and emotions. Produced by Don Chaffer in Nashville.]
18. Blue False Indigo & The Wires – “The Cold Reminds Me” / Blue False Indigo / Jan. 22, 2021
[From: “The Cold Reminds Me” & “Side By Side” – Singles. The trio of Kara LePage, Makayla Scott and A.J. teamed up with alternative string duo The Wires to release these two new singles as a follow up to their debut EP, More Light, released in September of 2018. Blue False Indigo is a Spooky Folk Trio currently planted in Kansas City, Missouri. Formed at a small liberal arts college in Springfield, Missouri, the fast friends have spent the past five years cultivating a style that is delightfully unique. With intricately-woven harmonies influenced by a choral background, stirring and soulful vocals, and minimalist americana instrumentation, Blue False Indigo has coined the term “Spooky Folk” to describe the genre that has been said to be “mysterious” and “hauntingly cathartic” by the University Daily Kansan.]
19. Flare Tha Rebel, Oboi Kong & Bob Pulliam – “Happy Clouds (Bob Ross Flow)” / Shafer/ April 9, 2021
[Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam team up with Oboi Kong on this single hip hop tribute to the legendary Television artist/host, Bob Ross. Check out their video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brTTvYOi2jQ. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits, such as his Royalty EP poster designed by muralists JT Daniels, which raises funds for the Equal Justice Initiative. Currently, Flare Tha Rebel and Bob Pulliam are preparing for the release of his next social justice fueled EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, to be released Friday, July 9. Their first single from the EP “Child’s Play will be released July 2, 2021. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam will be our guests on WMM on August 11. More information at: http://www.flaretharebel.com]
20. Grand Marquis – “We Had Our Day” / Grand Marquis / June 18, 2021
[Bryan Redmond on lead vocals, soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones; Ben Ruth on upright bass, sousaphone, backing vocals; Chad Boydston on trumpet, backing vocals; Ryan Wurtz on electric and acoustic guitars; Trevor Turla on trombone, backing vocals; Natalie Bates on drums, backing vocals. Formed in 1998, Grand Marquis has since become solidly rooted in the Kansas City music scene as one of the hardest-working bands in the region, playing over 100 shows per year! The group has performed from coast to coast, released 8 albums: “Brighter Days” in 2018, “Blues and Trouble” in 2013, “The Sun Session” in 2011, “Hold On To Me” in 2010, “One More Day” on 2007, “Grand Marquis” in 2004, “Le Chant Du Diable Bleu” in 2002, and “Burlesk” in 2000, including a 7″ 45 rpm vinyl record/CD combo recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. They also released the single “I Can’t Put You Down” on Teenage Heart Records. With their own versatile and thoroughly entertaining brand of American Roots, Blues and Prohibition-Era Jazz, the Grand Marquis are consistently finding themselves in high demand. Recently The Grand Marquis released the singles: “Take A Deep Breath” on January 15, 2021, “Time Will Tell” on February 19, 2021, “Shine” on March 19, 2021, “Price of Love” on April 16, 2021, “Rollin'” on May 21, 2021, and “We Had Our Day” on June 18, 2021. More information at http://www.grandmarquis.net]
21. Daniel Gum – “The Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” / Manor Records / Sept. 10, 2021
[Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017—releasing a messy, electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020. ] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020.]
22. Jake Wells – “Salt and Water” / 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.]
23. Cheery – “Concept of Love” / Katlyn Conroy / August 3, 2021
[Cheery is the new “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who is based in Lawrence, Kansas. “Concept of Love” was written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015.]
24. Jairy – “Pool Floors (feat: R.I.Peter & Catty Cline)” / Manor Records / July 30, 2021
[Jairy is the pop-focused solo project of Jared Bajkowski, bass player of KC indie outfit Momma’s Boy. The music of Jairy explores dissociation, romance, hallucinations, sexuality and the despair of living in a capital-driven world via smooth, sassy and theatrical 70s- and 80s-inspired pop sounds. Jairy released “Into the Morning,” January 27, 2020 Info: http://www.manorrecords.com or http://www.jairy.bandcamp.com]
25. Margo May – “SoCal Summer” / Margo May / August 5, 2021
[Margo wrote this song with Zack Hames from Kansas City. Singer Songwriter – All around pop song writing gal. More info at: http://www.soundcloud.com/margomay.“ Inspired by everyone from Loretta Lynn to Lykke Li, Margo May has been writing songs since she was 15. Because she was underage at the time, May slowly gained some traction in her hometown, Kansas City, by playing whatever coffee houses and venues would let her on stage. That was a comfortable place for May as she’d worked in professional theatre as a kid. Now that she’s older, May balances her love of acting with her passion for pop, crafting songs than span a spectrum which mirrors her influences. “At the end of the day, though,” May has said, “I know my strength and it is folk music.” Despite appreciating the immediacy of pop, May also understands that folk music ages well. It’s also a lot more portable and playable for a solo artist on the rise, and it suits the sound of heartbreak a bit better.” – The Blue Grass Situation, 2015. Margo May released the 9 track album “I’m Not Coming Home” released July 19, 2015 With Margo May on vocals & acoustic guitar with Doby Watson on acoustic and electric guitar. Margo May released the 5-song EP HIPPY BOY KILLERS on May 29, 2014 Margo May released the 11 song album SPACE/FACE October 12, 2012, Recorded in Portland Oregon (2011) by Yahnee Kilfe. More info at: http://www.margomay.com]
26. Pala Zolo– “Sycophant” / The Record Machine / April 9, 2021
[Pala Zolo released the single “You Can’t” on April 17, 2020. Pala Zolo released the single “Up Northern” on February 8, 2019 on The Record Machine. Pala Zolo is the instrumental electronic project of Lawrence, KS musician Eric Davis. In Pala Zolo, Davis blends synthesizers and drum machines with live instruments to create his blend of cinematic pop music. He chose the name to pay homage to his Sicilian heritage by naming the project after a small Sicilian village he spent time in while studying abroad in Italy. Pala Zolo allows Davis the full freedom to experiment in ways that are a departure from his main gig as the keyboard player in buzzy up-and-coming rock band Hembree (Thirty Tigers, Oread Records). // The inspiration for Pala Zolo came from a chance meeting with fellow electronic musician, Tycho’s Scott Hansen. One day while working at The Granada Theater in Lawrence, Davis was given the job of being Hansen’s driver. For years Davis had been writing and recording his own demos and was completely unsure of what to do with them. After spending the entire day with Hansen and seeing him perform, Davis realized he could bring his incomplete ideas to life in his own unique way. Seeing an instrumental band perform such an emotionally charged set inspired Davis to finish his songs without traditional vocals and to begin creating his own sound in that genre. // Soon after, Davis set forth to finalize the recordings with his good friend and producer Joel Martin (Y god Y). The two of them spent countless hours experimenting with synthetic and acoustic textures to create perfect soundscapes to compliment Davis’ intricately arranged compositions. In 2018, Davis self-released singles House Plant & 40K, and continued to take Pala Zolo to another level by performing live with drummer Gerardo Rojas. The duo brings the songs to life with live synths, guitars and drums and has been resonating with audiences.]
27. Jillian Riscoe – “People in The Real World” / Avenue Record Company / Mar 5, 2021
[Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]
28. Lazy Projector – “Cruisin'” / Lazy Projectors / August 27, 2021
[Written and recorded by Lazy Projectors. Aaron Shinn on guitars, vocals, keyboards; Adam Mcgill on bass guitar; Jordan Shinn on guitar, backing vocals. Lazy Projector released their single, “Hookworms” on April 2, 2021 and “Windows” on December 4, 2020. “Cruisin’”, ”Hookworms” and “Windows” will be featured on Lazy Projector’s upcoming album to be released in 2021. Lazy Projector released their debut album, “evoco” in 2018. More info at http://www.lazyprojector.com]
29. Hannah Norris – “Will I?” / Hannah Norris & the Band / May 14, 2021
[We last played Hannah Norris & The Band’s single “Ego Death” on August 28, 2019, just before the band played the 15th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, 2019. Hannah Norris & The Band began in June of 2016 at the Wild West Fest in Hays, KS. Hannah Norris is from Hays Kansas but is now based in Lawrence, Kansas. Hannah Norris is known for her incredible live performances her power house vocals & deft guitar playing.]
30. Belle & The Vertigo Waves– “Beat Me To The Punch”/ Drop Out Records /Oct. 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
31. Paris Williams – “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” / Bitter Sweet Sounds / Oct. 21, 2021
[Paris Williams. Rapper/Producer from Muskegon, MI. From Shuttlecok Music Magazine: “Co-produced by Williams, Bloom Allen, and Internet Brad, the track features a sublime mixture of bright, inviting rhymes and the type of nocturnal rhythms you can do schoolwork to, or whatever that YouTube stream is. The single is backed by another new track called “As Of Late,” which Williams accurately described at a recent show as (paraphrasing) ‘two minutes of straight bars.’“More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]
32. Melissa Mayhew – “Mountain” / Melissa Mayhew / August 18, 2021
[Produced by Eric Davis of the band Hembre. Originally from Lawrence, Kansas now living in Nashville.Melissa graduated from Lawrence Free State High School in 2008. Melissa studied at Belmont University. More info at: http://www.melissa-mayhew.com]
33. We The People – “Single Double” / Eddie Moore Music / June 10, 2021
[Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Eddie Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drum; Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at make Believe Studios. Album Art by Adrian Truth. Animation by Cody A. Banks. This is a follow-up to We The People’s previous 2021 single, “We Chillin’” released April 9, 2021, written and produced by Eddie Moore with Eddie Moore on piano and Morgan Faw on alto sax. Mixed By Pajmon Porshahi. Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has also been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and record with distinctive artist such as Bobby Watson, Pam, Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We the People is a genre-defying quartet, comprised of keyboardist Eddie Moore, bassist/producer Jason Emmond, drummer Zach Morrow, and turntablist/producer Kethro. Eddie Moore joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020.]
34. They’re Theirs – “Let Me Roll It” / Chase Horseman / December 25, 2020
[New single release from Chase Horseman and Raspberry Maret recorded and released as a Christmas present to friends and fans. Raspberry Maret plays bass and sings back up vocals for Wick and The Tricks. Chase The Horseman released the EP Disinformation Blues on July 12, 2019 that was recorded & mixed by Joel Nanos & Chase Horseman at Element Recording. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Drums by Ian Dobyns, bass by Skylar Cowdry, guitar/vocals/synthesizers by Chase Horseman. Chase the Horseman is a band, film composer, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. He has composed music for over 40 films and as musician has collaborated with Clairaudients, Teri Quinn, Heidi Lynne Gluck, Nan Turner, KD Kuro and more. Chase The Horseman released the single “U Martyr U” June 19, 2018, and the single “Modern Ruins” on Oct 4, 2018.]
35. MellowPhobia – “Jackal” / 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]
36. Kian Bryne – “Your Love” / Kian Byrne Music / May 1, 2021
[On December 4, 2020 Kian Byrne released the 12-song album Morning Glow.from Kian Byrne released the single. “All The Love” on February 7, 2020. This is a follow-up to Kian Byrne’s solo EP “Up & Down” released July 11, 2018, part of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Kian Byrne released the single, “Your Love” April 9, 2021. Kian Byrne released the single, “It’s Yours ‘Til The End” May 1, 2021. Kian Byrne is releasing his new single, “You + Me,” with a video, June 16, 2021. Info at: http://www.kianbyrnemusic.com]
37. Iris DeMent – “The Sacred Now” / Flariella / November 6, 2020
[Newest single from Iris DeMent recorded in November, 2020, and one of three new singles Iris has released since October 2020. 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.”]
38. Rob Rice – “fishbowl” / Mongrel Manor Records / September 10, 2021
[ This new single is a follow-up to the Rob Rice debut EP, AND THE DEVIL’S THREESOME, released March 21, 2021. Rob Rice writes, “this song was written while I was wrapping up the EP at the peak of the first pandemic wave. Feeling trapped in my own home and adjusting to the new state of the world definitely took a toll on me and if I’m being completely honest, I’m still working to fully accept and adapt to” Singer/songwriter Rob Rice 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. With instrumentation ranging from harp (Calvin Arsenia) and cello (Ezgi Karakus) to piano (Mark Lowrey) and layered vocals (Miki P), the collection remains cohesive with Rob’s compelling vocal melodies, introspective lyrics, and folky guitar. // and the Devil’s Threesome is a collection of six original songs Rob has composed and recorded that features a female and additional male accompaniment to showcase (hence the Devil’s Threesome. We first played Rob Rice when his track “Serial Lover” was part of the KC Syzygy Compilation released July 17, 2020. Rob Rice was on WMM April 14, 2021. Info at: http://www.robricemakesmusic.com]
39. Zava – “Wrong” / Taylor Avazpour / August 13, 2021
[Zava is the musical project, of Taylor Avazpour. Zava ‘s new single “Wrong” was recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify. “Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, including: “Electric” on June 4, “I Could Get used To This” on May 14, “Attitude” on April 23, and “Lightyears” on February 12. Since 2017 Taylor has been releasing music videos, has worked at Starlight Theatre, lived in New York City and Boston. Zava was a featured performer at this year’s Show-Me Kansas City Pride Festival (Aug. 21-22) in Theis Park, KCMO, as presented by KC Pride Community Alliance. Taylor Avazpour is Senior Operations Analyst at Netsmart and Assistant Director at Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at: http://solo.to/thisiszava%5D
40. BCCC – “Psycho Killer” / Brad Cox / January 9, 2021
[BCCC is 6-year old Cecilla Cox on vocals, trumpet, and E flat peck horn; and Brad Cox on vocals, and all other instruments. More info at: https://bccc.bandcamp.com%5D
41. videodisk – “Last Day” / videodisk / August 12, 2021
[videodisk is: Elizabeth Garcia on vocals. Steven Garcia on bass & vocals, Corey Vitt on guitars & drum programming. Recording Engineer, Mixing, and Additional Percussion by Pat Tomek. Mastering by Duane Trower of Weights and Measures Soundlab. Michael Lindau – Cover Artwork. Elizabeth Garcia – Cover Photo. Kansas City shoegaze / dream pop band featuring current and former members of Beautiful Bodies, Hidden Pictures, Rooms Without Windows, Shadow Paint, Is Paris Burning, Deco Auto, Knee Jerk, and Armchair Martian. More info at: http://www.videodisk.bandcamp.com]
42. Deco Auto – “Hanging On The Telephone” / Deco Auto / June 13, 2021
[Kansas City based alternative pop-punk / power-pop trio. Guitar/vocals: Steven Garcia on guitar and lead vocals, Tracy Flowers on bass & vocals, and Pat Tomek on drums. Recorded and mixed by Pat Tomek at Largely Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab, Kansas City, MO. Written by Jack Lee. Deco Auto writes: “We all love Blondie, and even though this was originally a song by The Nerves, we took inspiration from Debbie and the gang when putting our cover together. It’s been a part of our live set for several years. We recorded this track as part of a campaign to support the Kansas City Hope House shelter. It will be released on a compilation from Revolution Records. When the comp comes out, please purchase it to send funds to this important organization.Deco Auto released their EP ANOTHER GREAT DECISION on April 5, 2919. “Deco Auto is the perpetual opener, the also-rans, the nice-guys-finish-last band in the KC rock scene. Songwriter Steve Garcia is to blame, and he knows it. His songs straddle the line between power pop and pop punk — never casual enough for the former, nor saccharine enough for the latter.” ~ Too Much Rock. More info at: http://decoautokc.bandcamp.com%5D
43. Greg LaFollette – “Learning To Fly” / Late Model Leadfoot Music / February 26, 2021
[Greg LaFollette’s version of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ classic song, Learning To Fly, was released as a single and will also be part of Greg’s upcoming album, THESE DAYS. Singer songwriter, teacher, Greg LaFollette moved to Kansas City from Nashville in the summer of 2020. Greg LaFollette has also played with the Summer Breeze: a Tribute to Yacht Rock with Billy Brimblecom and as well as being in the house band for Thundergong! the annual fundraiser/concert for Steps of Faith Foundation.// Greg LaFollette has had over 2,000,000 plays on Spotify. LaFollette has been involved in more than one hundred records in his career. He has worked with Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, Sara Groves, Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters, Robbie Seay Band and many others. He has been featured in multiple prominent podcasts and published in CCM Magazine, The Rabbit Room, Relevant Magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. His previous records have garnered much attention and have been supported by church partnerships across the US. LaFollette has had multiple placements in international advertising campaigns, and has contributed many songs to others’ records. More info at: https://greglafollette.com/home%5D
44. Ethan & Charlie G – “Fall So Far” / Ethan & Charlie G / May 1, 2021
[Musicians Ethan & Charlie G are a brother sister pair who write, compose, and record original music born from emotion and experience. ” We get on each other’s nerves, but thats just how we say ‘I love you’ There is no one else I would rather write and record with than him.” – Charlie. Ethan became interested in playing guitar at 7 years old when he found his great grandpa’s fender in a closet. He upgraded that old fender to an electric strat gifted to him by his grandpa with the caveat he would practice every day. With that his passion and guitar collection has continued to grow. Ethan’s favorite hobbies include hanging out with friends, disc golf, Madden, cheering for the Chiefs, and playing D-End for his school’s football team. Charlie is known for her big words and big emotions in her most raw form. Poetry and music have been Charlie’s escape from an early age. Some of Charlie’s loves include finding hidden meaning in all the songs she listens to, escaping in a fantasy novel, dot journaling, and snuggling her giant cat Marshall. She does normal stuff too, like homework, chores, babysitting, and texting her friends too much. They released their debut album 13 on January 30, 2021. More information at: http://www.ethanandcharliegmusic.com
45. Everett The Grey – “Riddles (Radio Edit)” / Alex Hill / February 3, 2021
[Everett The Grey is a genre-bending musician based out of Kansas City who fuses elements of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music to create a unique scenery of sound. Everett The Grey is also know as Alex Hill, a musician and medical student at Kansas University Medical Center. Alex is in his third year at KU studying to become a Physician. Alex studied Pre-Medical Biology at Pittsburg State University where he also studied Philosopy and chemistry and graduated in 2017. Everett The Grey released the EP, PARAGON, in 2019, and is currently working on his follow up album, I Don’t Want Your Help, is set for release in 2021. Everett The Grey has been featured in The Pitch and played over on 90.1 The Bridge.]
46. Dream & PmBata – “Road Trip” / Dream Music / February 4, 2021
[“Road Trip” has gotten over 13 million spins on Spotify. Dream is a hip hop/rap project that has released two EPs an several singles. PmBata is Parker Bata also has a new single with DJ Diddy & Jack Omstead called “Better with U.” PmBata released the 8-song album 808 FACADES in 2018, and the 12-song album THE MUSEUM in 2019. He has also released 1ps and the solo artist or as a featured artist. More info at: https://www.instagram.com/pmbata/ or https://linktr.ee/pmbata%5D
47. Fritz Hutchison – “Zack Attack” / Fritz Hutchison / April 2, 2021
[Recorded and mixed by Ross Brown. Mastered by J Ashley Miller. Horns by Aryana Nemati and Teddy Krulewich. Spoken Word intro by Noah Richmond. Background vocals by Noah, Richmond, Ross Brown, Zac Jurden, and Charlie Hutchison. Art by Collin Rausch. Fritz Hutchison released his debut solo album Wide Wild Acres through Center Cut Records on March 27, 2020. Written & performed by Fritz Hutchison. Produced by Fritz Hutchison & Joel Nanos. Recorded & mixed in KC by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studio. Mastered by Collin Jordan at The Boiler Room in Chicago. Multi-instrumentalist Fritz Hutchison was born May 27, 1991. A life-long resident of KC Since 2008 he’s been part of multiple bands playing drums with: She’s a Keeper, Freight Train Rabbit Killer, and Grand Marquis. As a guitarist he has played along side J Ashley Miller, Lauren Krum, Miki P and Calvin Arsenia. A decade of lending an ear and a hand to other musicians has left Fritz poised to launch his own solo career as a singer-songwriter.“Fortunate Flaws” features Ian Teeple on bass, and Coleen Dieker on strings. All other instruments: drums, guitar, piano and vocals are performed by Fritz Hutchison. Fritz was our guest on WMM on March 25, 2020]
48. The Life I Love – “Lift Me” / The Life I Love / May 10, 2021
[The Life I Love are an alternative rock band from the Heart of America wirh Drew Keffer on bass and Jacob Bartlett on drums and an unknoiw person on guitar and vocals, at least according to their socials. The Life I Love released their double single, “Lift Me” and “End of the World Party” on May 10, 2021. More info at: http://www.instagram.com/thelifeiloveband and https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thelifeilove/let-go.%5D
49. Wonderfuzz – “Turning” / MASKT / November 12, 2021
[Wonderfuzz is a Kansas City based band formed on May 11, 2012 with Natalie Norman on vocals, Jordan Smith on bass & vocals, Sam Hoskins on drums & vocals, Josh Johnson on guitar & vocals, and EvanJohn McIntosh on guitar. The 5-piece band started out working for several years as a cover band, studying multiple styles of rock & roll and rhythm & blues. In 2018 Wonderfuzz began to write and record original material releasing a few singles in 2018. In April of 2019 the band released their debut full length album “Get There” and their first music video, for the title track. On November 7, 2019, Wonderfuzz released their second full length album this year.]
50. Sam Arjes – “So It Goes” / Sam Arjes / March 21, 2021
[Kansas City musician Sam Arjes was influenced at an early age by folk, rock and pop music of the 60’s and 70’s. A songwriter since the age of fourteen, he blends traditional folk and roots-rock sounds with 60’s-era vibes, then infuses it with a modern flair. He strives to create songs that resonate with listeners and feel “timeless”–familiar and nostalgic, yet new and exciting. More info at: samarjesmusic.com]
Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021.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.
Our Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
Black Lives Matter
Playlist #917B
Wednesday MidDay Medley 