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, July 14, 2021
Kian Byrne + Redder Moon + pure xtc + Stacy Busch
Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: Monta At Odds, pure xtc, Kadesh Flow, Redder Moon, Lava Dreams, Kian Byrne, Stacy Busch, Sunshine Lombre, Vince Staples, and Moon vs. Sun.
Stacy Busch
At 10:15 Composer & Performing Artist Stacy Busch shares details about the 2nd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 2-7 2021 at The Black Box 1060 Union Ave, West Bottoms, KCMO, with workshops, talk backs, & open mics. We’ll also talk with Stacy about her recent production “When/Time,” presented in Charlotte Street Foundation‘s Black Box Theater, 3333 Wyoming St. KCMO, on June 25 & 26, 2021. Busch was named a 2020 Charlotte Street Foundation Generative Performing Artist. This project, intended for 2020, was delayed due to the pandemic. Stacy will share details about the future of “When/Time,” which includes touring to health centers, behavioral health/addiction centers, and schools. Info at: http://www.nodividekc.org
pure xtc
At 10:30 Mark talks with KC based dark pop artist, Taylor Hughes about her music project, pure xtc and her debut single “Ghost” released July 9. 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. More information at: http://www.purextcmusic.com
Redder Moon
At 11:00 Mark talks with Jeremiah James Gonzales & Jill McKeever of Redder Moon. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. Just as Gonzales and Lowe began collaborating on new material, Jill McKeever joined as a vocalist/lyricist during 2020. A violinist in her early projects led her to a degree in Electronic Art where she explored video & music recording. McKeever’s perfume brand, For Strange Women induced a 13-year detour from music before she found her way back during the quiet of quarantine. Their first EP, LAND OF THE BLIND, was released June 13, 2021, to be followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, to be released on digital & vinyl in October 2021. Redder Moon launched an indiegogo campaign to fund production: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/redder-moon-the-album-and-ep-are-almost-ready#/
Kian Byrne
At 11:30 we talk with Kian Bryne about his latest singles and video. Kian Byrne is a Kansas City based multi-instrumentalist. He plays drums in The Elders, and drums for Hi-Lüx, and bass for The New Riddim, and for YUM. Kian joins us to share details about his recent solo single releases “You + Me” released June 16, “It’s Yours Til The End,” released May 7, and “Your Love,” released April 9, 2021. Kian Byrne released the 12-track solo album MORNING GLOW on December 4, 2020. Kian’s earlier solo EP, “Up & Down” was part of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Info at: http://www.kianbyrnemusic.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Emmaline Twist – “Drugs” from: “Drugs” – Single / 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, their first since their 2016 single release of “Vega” b/w “Moon Eyes.”]
[Emmaline Twist play recordBar on Friday, August. 20, supporting the release of Monta At Odds’ new album, “Peak of Eternal Li. More inflo at: http://www.black-site.org]
Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “Child’s Play (Radio) feat. Joe Miquelon” from: “Child’s Play (Radio) feat. Joe Miquelon” – Single / Shafer / July 12, 2021 [Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam team up for “Child’s Play” a track that feature Bob Pulliam’s father, Kansas City based Jazz Musician, Joe Miquelon who passed away on March 5, 2021. Joe devoted his life to music. He was a renowned piano and saxophone player; playing in bands such as Jim Sweeney and The Jumpshotz, The Zoo, The Blue Riddim Band, New Riddim, Boko Maru, Tony DiPardo’s KC Chiefs Endzone Pack Band, The Elders, and The KC Aces. He shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughnn, Huey Lewis, U-Roy, Ida McBeth, Kevin Mahogany, Parliament Funkadelic, Mike Finnigan, Danny Cox, and many other stars. Joe also had a passion for teaching music. Spanning over 3 decades of private instruction, he taught hundreds of students and recently taught for The Kansas City Jazz Academy. In 2017, Joe wrote and released his piano book titled “The Beginner’s Emergency Handbook for Jazz Piano and Theory”. A celebration of his life will be held at Knuckleheads on July 21, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s name to The Kansas City Jazz Academy. The single will be part of their upcoming EP, THE REVOLUTION WIL NOT BE HASHTAGGED. 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]
Sara Swenson – “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” from: “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” – Single / 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.]
Sara Swenson
10:16 – Interview with Sara Swenson
Sara Swenson is one of our most played artists of the last 12 years. Her self-titled debut album was #1 on WMM’s 100 Best Recordings of 2009. In 2010 Sara released her 2nd full-length, ALL THINGS BIG AND SMALL, working with Don Chaffer in Nashville. In November of 2011, Sara released her EP, NEVER LEFT MY MIND featuring her band The Pearl Snaps. She won two KC 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.” In 2012 Sara Swenson left her job as an English & Journalism Teacher in Platte County High School and flew off to the United Kingdom, where she got married. In the spring of 2014, Sara returned to KC and performed at Folk Alliance International Conference and then released her 4th album, RUNWAY LIGHTS that captures snapshots of her 18-month experience of living in the U.K., marriage, and transitions. On March 26, Sara released the single, “I Wont Let You Feel Alone”, with Mark Lowrey on piano, featured in her husband, Michael Price‘s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that aired on PBS. More info at: http://www.saraswenson.com
Sara Swenson, thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Congratulations on the single “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” with Mark Lowrey on piano.
Sara Swenson’s new song “I Won’t Let You Feel Alone” (2021) embodies why she makes music – to bring people in and remind them of our shared humanity. In this song, as well as her others, you’ll find yourself in the company an old friend.
Originally Swenson was the high school English teacher who stumbled into a music career. Several albums and TV placements later, her work speaks for itself. Known for her warm, velvety outpouring, she uses her stripped down live sets to protect the space where her voice and lyrics steal the show.
Swenson’s successes include songs featured on the prime time American drama “Private Practice” (ABC), period drama “Reign” (CW) and Canada’s “Hello Goodbye” (CBC). She has performed opening sets for major artists such as Jakob Dylan, Katie Herzig, Gregory Alan Isakov, Peter Bradley Adams, and the Lilith Fair (with McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, Ingrid Michaelson and others.) She’s been voted Singer-Songwriter of the Year twice in Kansas City and has toured in several major cities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Her previous projects include a full-length record “Runway Lights” (2014) and an EP with her band, The Pearl Snaps, released in November 2011 (“Never Left My Mind.”) Her other two full-length projects, “All Things Big and Small” (2010) and “Sara Swenson” (2008), have been widely loved and critically acclaimed.
Sara Swenson
Over the last 12 years we have watched Sara launch a musical life, playing live, releasing albums produced in Nashville, while also teaching English & Journalism at Platte County High School. We said goodbye as she move to the United Kingdom, got married, came home, released a third full length album and begin raising a family. Sara and her husband Michael Price have two children a two year old boy and a six year old girl named Lucy. You were pregnant with Lucy when you performed at Folk Alliance International.
Sara Swenson released her singles: “The Moment You Fall Asleep” and “For Eva Josephine” on June 4, 2021. More information at: http://www.saraswenson.com
“The Moment You Fall Asleep” was originally written in 2018 “For Eva Josephine” was originally written in 2017 and revised in 2021.
Mark saw Sara perform this song at recordBar, 4 years ago on July 6, 2017 in a show Sara did with Calvin Arsenia. Mark talked about how that was the first time he just broke down and started crying at recordBar, when Sara told her story about losing her baby Eva several months earlier and performed her song, “For Eva Josephine.” Mark talked about being blown away by Sara’s honesty and ability to share such a sad experience.
For more than a year, COVID-19 has dominated headlines as it has steadily killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. Behind the scenes, another deadly illness, already worsening dramatically in recent years, has spread like wildfire during lockdown. Kansas City PBS shines a light on this continued threat with The Hidden Pandemic, a documentary focusing on the lives of Kansas Citians navigating mental illness. Through personal interviews with patients and the health care professionals who treat them, The Hidden Pandemic uncovers challenges faced on the journey to improving and maintaining mental health.
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Michael Price heads into homes and through doctor’s office doors to capture local stories of mental illness. We will hear from a farmer, a fire chief, a psychiatric nurse, a college student, an IT expert, and many others, all of whom refuse to let their mental illness define who they are and dictate their futures.
Sara was scheduled Lemonade Park gig coming up on Monday, June 21 is an all-ages show! See you at Folk Alliance International’s Finest Folk: Make Music Day from 2:30-5:30 p.m. with sets from Kelly Hunt feat. Staś Heaney, Jessica Paige, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque,
Sara Swenson, thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
10:30
Sara Swenson – “The Moment You Fall Asleep” from: “The Moment You Fall Asleep” – Single / Sara Swenson / June 4, 2021 [One of two new singles Sara Swenson is released on Friday, June 4, 2021. These follow an earlier release this year called “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” that Sara wrote and is featured in her husband Michael Price’s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that aired on Kansas City PBS, about the mental health crisis in KC. The song and the film also features Mark Lowrey’s piano playing. 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 16 years. Her self titled debut album was at the top of our list of WMM’s 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 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 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. Since 2014 Sara has performed less frequently and has been raising her family. More info at: http://www.saraswenson.com]
Sara Swenson, Brandom & Christena Graves on the July 7, 2021 edition of WMM.
10:34 – Underwriting
Christena Graves
Christena Graves – “Give Me A Minute” from: Finding My Footing / Christena Graves / February 11, 2021 [Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing will mark her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.” More info at: christenagravesmusic.com]
[Christena & Brandon Graves play a FINDING MY FOOTING, Album Release Show, Friday July 9, and Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 PM, at Vintage Church, 1501 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS. ]
Brandon & Christena Graves
10:40 – Interview with Christena Graves & Brandon Graves
Christena Graves & Brandon Graves join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios to share details about Christena’s new album, FINDING MY FOOTING. Christena grew up in western Michigan, and after leaving to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to Kansas City from Nashville and offered his help to record the new album, Finding My Footing. This is Christena’s first full length solo album since 1996 and her first as a band leader. Christena & Brandon Graves play a FINDING MY FOOTING, Album Release Show, Friday July 9, and Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 PM, at Vintage Church, 1501 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS. More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com
Christena Graves thanks for being with us again on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Brandon Graves is a performer and educator based in Lawrence, KS. He has been performing and teaching for over 30 years. He is the Director of the Music School, Co-Director of the Recording Studio, and Faculty Percussion Instructor at the Culture House in Olathe, Kansas. In addition to a full teaching schedule, Brandon is an in demand clinician and performer on drum set. He can be seen playing drums locally with his band the Wrong Kata Trio as well as backing up local artists such as Christena Graves and Three Dollar Band. Brandon was a founding member of the band Waterdeep, with whom he spent many years touring the country and recording. Brandon can be found on his YouTube page Brandon Graves Music or on Instagram and Twitter @beatcaster.
Brandon Graves thanks for being with on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Christena & Brandon Graves play a FINDING MY FOOTING, Album Release Show, Friday July 9, and Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 PM, at Vintage Church, 1501 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS.
Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships.
Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells.
Christena grew up in western Michigan, and after leaving to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player.
Brandon Graves has played hundreds of live shows across the country with artists such as Greg Lafollette, Waterdeep, Christena Graves, The Khrusty Brothers, Don Chaffer, Sara Swenson, Brian Baggett, Amy Marcus, Darrell Evans, Brad Kilman, Paul Clark, Tim Halperin, and Andrea Hamilton.
Brandon has recorded with artists such as Waterdeep, Cason Cooley, Caitlyn Smith, Don Chaffer, Lori Chaffer, Sara Groves, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Sara Swenson, Three Dollar Band, From the Woods, Paul Clark, Andrea Hamilton, and the Wrong Kata Trio.
Nashville based duo, Don & Lori Chaffer have been making music together for a long time. With over 15 full-length albums under their belt, they continue to write and record music and, as of the last 10 years, also musicals. Yep, musicals.
Waterdeep spent their early years as a renowned mid-western jam band–selling over 150,000 albums independently–but became nationally known when they signed to Squint Entertainment (Sixpence None the Richer, Chevelle) in 1999. A decade later, they relocated to Nashville, and employed their production and songwriting skills in service of other artists as well. In addition to their own songs, they’ve seen collaborations with Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, Trent Dabbs, and others receive multiple placements in film and television.
Don, a record producer in Nashville, also produces lino-prints, poetry, musical theatre writing/arranging/ directing, and is a bit of a nerd about spreadsheets. Lori’s unique voice and multi-instrumental capabilities, have made her demand in Nashville as both a writer/singer/player, and producer. Recently, both have also been teaching as adjunct professors at Lipscomb University in Nashville.
After touring for several years, Christena stepped away to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena & Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way.
2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work for her return to the music. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist & producer. Greg offered his help to record songs that have become her new record. Finding My Footing is a nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward.
Finding My Footing marks Christena’s first full length solo album since 1996 & her first project as a band leader. The songs on Finding My Footing are stories of loss, fear, struggle, & joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability & worth as an artist, as a woman, & a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am & I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.”
Christena Graves and Brandon Graves, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Christena Graves and Brandon Graves play a FINDING MY FOOTING, Album Release Show, Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 PM, at Vintage Church, 1501 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, Kansas. More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com
10:45
Christena Graves – “Home” from: Finding My Footing / Christena Graves / February 11, 2021 [Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing will mark her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.” More info at: christenagravesmusic.com]
[Christena & Brandon Graves play a FINDING MY FOOTING, Album Release Show, Friday July 9, and Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 PM, at Vintage Church, 1501 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS.]
Christena & Brandon Graves, Sara Swenson, and Calvin Arsenia on the July 7, 2021 edition of WMM.
11:00 – Station ID
Calvin Arsenia – “Scars & Stripes” from: Summer in Hindsight / Calvin Arsenia & Mike Dillon / October 16, 2020 [Soundtrack by Calvin Arsenia and 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 our guest on WMM on August 12 and October 14, 2020, and May 5, 2021. 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.]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]
Calvin Arsenia has been described as,”Jeff Buckley meets Nina Simone with the soul of Sam Cooke, and the sparkle of Bjork on a harp.” Calvin Arsenia is one of our most frequent guests who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. Today marks his 18th appearance! Since signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, L.A. Sessions in 2019, the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Currently Calvin can be heard on the radio as a guest artist on tracks released by Rob Rice, Making Movies, True Lions, and others. Calvin is also the co-creator of a new podcast called “We Were Christian Kids” that Calvin created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City. The podcast dives into their pasts as super Christian kids, at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration, and explores how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion & deconversion in adulthood as queer entertainers. Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com
Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.
We just heard “Stars and Stripes” a track Calvin shared with us the last time he was on the show on October 14, 2020. This song was part of the “Summer In Hindsight” film. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show & Film Society KC that starred Calvin as an actor. The film recently received the “Best Film Production Award” from the Barcelona International Film Festival.
Calvin recently played shows in Homer, Alaska and on the West Coast.
Calvin can be heard on several tracks currently on the radio:
Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel” (CD #3) (4:30) From La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021
Rob Rice – “Tiny Window (feat. Calvin Arsenia & Ezgi Karakus)” (CD #11) (5:22) from: “Tiny Window” – Single / Rob Rice / March 3, 2021 [1st single from the debut EP of Rob Rice titled, and the Devil’s Threesome to be released March 21, 2021.. 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.]
Calvin is working on a new record with J Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley
Coming up we are going to welcome into the conversation… Justin Randall, Calvin’s childhood friend and co-host for their incredibly fabulous podcast “We Were Christian Kids.”
11:12
Calvin Arsenia – “Headlights” from: Cantaloupe / Center Cut Records / September 15, 2018 (KC Release) [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 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.’ 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 December 13, 2019 Clvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Congratulations to Calvin and his fantastic team of co-conspirators and creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, and 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 and Best Male Vocalist. Calvin Arsenia will be participating in The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrin Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The evening of October 16th at The Boulevard Drive-In will be the debut of the director’s cut of “Summer in Hindsight,” which Peregrine is currently working on with Justin Gardner,” Honig says. “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 plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]
11:16
This is Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI. We are talking with Calvin Arsenia for the entire second hour! Calvin came home to KC in 2014 after working in Edinburgh, Scotland. His EPs: Moments, Prose, Catastrophe, Caviar, and album Catastrophe led to his signing with Center Cut Records where he released the albums Cantaloupe in 2018, and L.A. Sessions in 2019, along with the EP HONEY DEW, an EP with Quixotic, and the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin released new music on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a collaborative feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show and Film Society KC that also starred Calvin as an actor. 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-6 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer. Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com
Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Calvin is also the co-creator of a new podcast called “We Were Christian Kids” that Calvin created with childhood friend Justin Randall. The podcast dives into their pasts as super Christian kids, at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration, and explores how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion & de-conversion in adulthood as queer entertainers. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and podcast platforms.
Justin Randall photo by Michael Kushner Photography
Justin Randall is an NYC based stand-up comic and actor who has appeared in Buzzfeed, The New York Post and whose tweets have been featured by Twitter in the London Tube. Justin performs stand-up all over New York City, and and has been seen onstage at Stand Up NY, The Bell House, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, The Creek & The Cave and many more. He was a finalist in the Yaaas! Queer Comedy Festival and the Comedy Mob Competition. Internationally, Justin has performed in London and in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Follow him on all social media at @imjustinrandal
Justin Randall, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Mark talked about his love of witnessing the arc of people’s lives. Comedian Justin Randall and musician Calvin Arsenia were seniors in high School in 2008 and in their podcast they dive into their pasts as super Christian kids — wild times at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration, and explore how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion and de- conversion in adulthood as queer entertainers. They also chat with other former Christian Kids.
Their individual stories have had similar benchmarks. Graduating from High School, Continuing their educations, launching careers in music and theatre and finding success, coming out, wrestling with your past.
Mark said; “I find this podcast to be healing, even for older Queers like myself. I came out at 19 in 1982, but was a former Nazarene who went to bible camp for several years was re-baptized in a lake, “Saved and Sanctified” during one of the nighty altar calls, held every night in the 3 hour church show/service where I was also taught the Olivia Newton John was a lesbian and I shouldn’t listen to her music. The We Were Christian Kids podcast helps heal the confusing wound of my childhood spiritual confusion.”
This is a weekly podcast.
30 weeks. 30 episodes there is so much ground to cover.
30 Episodes
Ep 1: Goin’ to Heaven, B*tch! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia talk speaking in tongues, fasting, getting saved, family dynamics, being sheltered, trying to *pray the gay away* and much more in this week’s (very first!) episode of We Were Christian Kids.
Ep 2: Church Camp! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia get INTO their church camp experiences, from “naked night” (see: homoerotic) and falling victim to pranks, to prayer and worship and spiritual experiences. They also discuss hell (fun!) and the fear of going there, as well as prayer lists filled with the names of their peers. As always, they talk about sexual confusion and the mixed experience they had with spirituality as kids.
Ep 3: Happy Birthday, Jesus! It’s a Christmas episode of We Were Christian Kids! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia talk about MARIAH CAREY, childhood Christmas traditions, Santa Claus (and more importantly “Santa Daddy”), and having to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. They also discuss how their family Christmas dynamic shifted as they grew up and came out, and how they feel about the whole holiday now (Spoiler: Justin loves it?). Also: favorite Christmas movies! Ho ho ho.
Ep 4: We Were The Worst! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia get REAL in this one, and open up about their high school evangelism, telling people they were going to hell, a disastrous morning at Bible study, and other things they regret. They also take a call from a listener in their first “Testimony Time!” segment and discuss their experience with the coming out process. Listen to this one if you wanna hear people getting honest, baby!
Ep 5: Sober from Jesus! (with Aaron Goldenberg) Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia have their first guest! Aaron Goldenberg is an actor, comedian, content creator and TikTok star and he comes on the pod to talk about his history with the church. They discuss the stigma of switching churches/denominations, coming out of the closet, and what life is like after the structure and security of religion is removed. Follow Aaron everywhere at @aarongoldyboy
Ep 6: The End Times! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia explore the end of the world! They discuss the “Left Behind” series (both hilarious and terrifying), praying for Jesus to return and how the rapture was taught to them since they were tiny children. They also listen to a caller’s experience with End Times teachings. Also: Jesus in space!
Ep 7: Three Best Friends! (with Kasey Hammeke) Best friend of the pod, Kasey Hammeke, joins Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia to talk about their high school days together (largely spent in prayer). She shares her story of deconversion, having children, and how a church program she gave years of her life to turned out to be manipulative and destructive in many ways. They also talk about how BOTH Justin and Calvin ended up being gay and how Kasey had no idea!!!
Ep 8: “Sexual Purity!” Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia go deep in this episode. They discuss what “purity culture” was to them, how sex was often presented as an entirely “bad” and sinful thing, and whether they still feel the lasting effects of that conditioning. Plus Calvin tells the tale of his purity ring. And the episode is funny too, don’t worry!
Ep 9: I Can Be Completely Who I Am! (with Brian Falduto) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by actor, singer-songwriter and life coach Brian Falduto (@brianfalduto)! They discuss questioning religion in college, searching for who you really are, and developing your own spirituality in adulthood. Brian also shares the inspiration behind his song “God Loves Me Too” and talks about what led him to begin working as a life coach. They also sing a bit while recalling favorite worship songs!!! It’s fun!
Ep 10: Worship Music! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) reminisce on times of singing worship music in church. They chat about different music styles, raising hands while singing (or not), and also — Calvin sings for us! Like four different songs! If worship music ever got you in your FEELINGS, this episode is for you.
Ep 11: A Better Place for Our Younger Selves! (with Grace Semler Baldridge) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) & Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by Grace Semler Baldridge (@gracebaldridge) who recently spent 4 days at the top of the iTunes Christian music chart with her new EP “Preacher’s Kid.” They talk about Grace’s upbringing in the church, an emergence of queer music in the Christian music industry, and how accepting our authentic self can help us connect w/ ourselves, others, & even God. This conversation is incredible & Grace is amazing. Stream “Preacher’s Kid EP” now!
Ep 12: Listening to Our Listeners! This episode is alllllll about the listeners. Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) tune into listener voicemails and emails and it is an amazing time. They talk about being a kid in church, gay marriage and original sin, just to name a few things. If you’re a listener, call in or write us!! We love hearing from you!
Ep 13: High-Key Psychological Warfare! (with JJ Bozeman) Actor and Renaissance man JJ Bozeman (@jjbozeman) joins Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) to talk about his journey as a Christian Kid. They get into psychological warfare in the church, being both gay and Christian — and gay and NOT Christian, and how being queer led them to more deeply examine and question their faiths. Plus: their Chipotle orders!!
Ep 14: Fear Tactics! When the pastor says your eternity hangs in the balance, that it’s heaven or hell, and to come down to the stage if you want to get saved — that’s what we’re talking about! Altar calls, man. The fear tactics they employ and how the effects of them can linger years later. Calvin also discusses a “salvation play” he saw as a child, and how it scared the hell out of him (literally). We laugh, we lament, we come up with a drag show. Tune in!
Ep 15: The Pelican Flies to the Moon! (with Zach Zimmerman) Comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman (@zzdoublezz) joins Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) to talk about devouring the Bible as a youth, the vast idea of eternity, and he even does a MAGIC TRICK. Find Zach’s comedy album “Clean Comedy.”
Ep 16: Missionary Style! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about sex positions! Wait, no, they talking about actually BEING a missionary. Youth group mission trips, extended stays as a missionary, and just generally trying to convert people around the world. They also discuss how problematic that is! Yikes! We know more now!
Ep 17: I Don’t Believe in Jesus Saves! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk with Enrique Chi and Diego Chi (@iamdiego) from the band Making Movies (@mkngmvs). They discuss leaving the church, creating music and connecting with audiences, as well as the harm Christianity has wrought on humanity.
Ep 18: Listening to Our Listeners! Pt 2 Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) & Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) read emails and listen to voicemails from their beloved listeners once again! They discuss growing up gay in the church & unwiring the teachings that were instilled at a young age. This is a particularly heartfelt episode.
Ep 19: Family Stuff! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about family stuff! Relating to still-Christian family members and friends, maintaining relationships when you fundamentally disagree, creating art and content that your loved ones don’t approve of, and staying sane through it all. All that and more!
Ep 20: Crazy Sh*t Our Pastors Said! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) go through an actual LIST of crazy shit their pastors said in the past. From talking about Brokeback Mountain mid-sermon to telling crowds of millennials they are the “chosen generation,” things got weird. Let’s review! Also, write in and tell us crazy shit YOUR pastors have said. We wanna hear it.
Ep 21: Bibleman’s Daughter! (with Harleigh Ellsworth) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by long-time pal and amazing human Harleigh Ellsworth (@dearharleigh)! They talk about coming out, purity rings, spiritual experiences (gold dust!) and what it was like to grow up in the spotlight of church ministry. They also, OBVIOUSLY, discuss what it was like being the daughter of iconic Christian superhero, Bibleman (think Batman but… Bible). One for the ages!!!
Ep 22: The Bible Doesn’t Say Anything About Being Gay! (with Brandan Robertson) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk with author, minister and activist Brandan Robertson (@brandanrobertson), and boy do they learn a lot. They discuss the Bible and homosexuality (and how it’s not actually mentioned!), progressive Christianity, and being willing to embrace uncertainty. They also dive into the resurrection and the Apostle Paul. Guys, get into it!!!
Ep 23: We React to “Jesus Camp”! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) react to the 2006 documentary, “Jesus Camp,” which focuses on a charismatic Christian summer camp for kids. It’s, uh… triggering, because they identify with so much in the film. From teaching kids to evangelize, leading them in worship and speaking in tongues, and compelling them “take back America,” there are manyyy subjects to discuss. Watch the film if you haven’t! Write and call in if you’ve had similar experiences! Let’s talk about it.
Ep 24: Forbidden Pleasures! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about allll the things they were forbidden to do as Christian kids. Some were self-imposed (in Calvin’s case) and some were off-limits by parental mandate. Harry Potter, Aladdin, Halloween, all non-Christian music and of course anything SEX related… we go down the list. See if you can relate!
Ep 25: Trauma Porn! (with Anna Joy Walker) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by Anna Joy Walker, who grew up in a number of charismatic churches and went on to be a leader in ministry at an internationally-known 24/7 house of prayer and worship. She discusses trauma – largely religious – and the journey to recovering from traumatic experiences. We talk about a type of therapy called EMDR and how experiences from childhood are sometimes stored in the body until healed. Also: getting drunk in the Holy Spirit! This is a fascinating episode!!!
Ep 26: Coming Out Stories! (Happy Pride) It’s Pride month!!! So Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are sharing their coming out stories in all their Christian-kid detail! They also discuss what “pride” means to them and how being their authentic selves has changed how they see the world. They are glad to be gay, baby!!!
Ep 27: It’s Pretty Cool To Be Queer! (with Helmut Domagalski) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) sit down with host of The Gayly Dose podcast, Helmut Domagalski (@helmut_smile)! They talk about his youth in the Church of Christ, his journey to coming out, and what it’s like being a gay dad in 2021. We also discuss the beauty of being queer and the unique gift it affords us!!
Ep 28: What Was The Question? (with Max Crumm) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by the hilarious Max Crumm (@maxcrumm) in this delightful interview. They hear a new perspective: being a Christian kid but knowing it wasn’t a good fit all along. Also! Worship leading, coming out, and what the church needs to do right now. This is fun!!!
Ep 29: Cringey Christian Facebook Posts from 2008! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) do the cringiest thing ever: they dive back into their super-Christian Facebook statuses from 2008, when they were seniors in high school and deeply brainwashed. This episode is hilarious if you like hearing what two nerds sound like!! They also dig into the background around each post… what they were probably thinking when they wrote each status. Praise God!
Ep 30: Gayvangelical! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) discuss being “gayvangelical,” a term Calvin coined (we think, we didn’t Google it). How is the coming out process, the finding of new community and the attempt to bring others into your understanding similar to the conversion experience for evangelicals? And can we be PROUD gayvangelicals? Maybe — we might make shirts!!! We also dive into some emails and voicemails from our listeners. Yay!
Coming forth about being Christian Kids you both also have been very honest about the conflicts between your obsession with Bibles and Gay Porn.
“We learn and grow, and I was a child” – Justin Randall, after talking about shaking Mike Huckabee’s hand and hoping he would be the next President.
Calvin you’ve said on the podcast that it seems almost impossible to explain how you were brain washed and how you would have done anything in service to your religious teachings.
Calvin recently came out as a “Gayvangelical”
“Conversion” experience is similar to “coming out” experience.
Both Justin and Calvin have come face to face with the possibilities of “reparative therapy.”
Mission to help LGBTQIA people.
The podcast “We Were Christian Kids” with Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and podcast platforms.
Justin Randall is an NYC based comedian/actor/content creator/writer who is current;y working on a “Headliner Show.”
Justin performs stand-up comedy all over New York City, and hosts regularly at Stand Up NY. He has been seen onstage at The Bell House, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, The Creek & The Cave and many more. He was a finalist in the Yaaas! Queer Comedy Festival and the Comedy Mob Competition. Internationally, Justin has performed in London and in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Follow him on all social media at @imjustinrandall!
Justin Randall, thanks for being with us on WMM.
11:31 – Underwriting
Calvin Arsenia – “Toxic” from: Cantaloupe / Center Cut Records / September 15, 2018 (KC Release) [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.]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM withThe Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]
Calvin Arsenia photo by Jenny Wheat
11:38 – More Interview with Calvin Arsenia
Calvin Arsenia is one of our most frequent guests who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. Today marks his 18th appearance! Since signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, L.A. Sessions in 2019, the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of a new podcast called “We Were Christian Kids” that Calvin created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City. Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com
Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Congratulations to Calvin and his fantastic team of co-conspirators and creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, and 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 and Best Male Vocalist.
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’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 performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing the songs on LA Sessions with the musicians who collaborated with him 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.”
On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records. Calvin released L.A. Sessions September 20, 2019 on Center Cut Records
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,” and Men’s Journal declared “one of the best contemporary [cirque] acts.” They have performed for audiences worldwide & have helped launch brand products for companies such as BVLGARI, Faena Hotels, Garmin, HP, Smithsonian & Toyota.]
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.
This Summer we’re celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Joni Mitchell’s Blue. Calvin talked about his love of Joni Mitchell.
11:46
Calvin Arsenia – “River” from: all is calm / Calvin Arsenia. / December 13, 2019 [Step into 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 Kansas City 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 i had anticipated but I think you’ll enjoy it regardless. Most of you may not know that I actually do not own a harp. The ones you’ve seen me play over the past ten years have all been on loan. Donations for this album will go towards the purchase of my very own orchestral harp.”]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]
11:56
Calvin Arsenia – “Painted Ladies” from: Kansas City Syzygy / Kansas City Syzygy / July 17, 2020 [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 the EP, Moments, in 2014, the EP Prose in 2015, the Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016, the full length album Catastrophe on February 14, 2017, the EP Caviar in Novenber 2017, the 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, released 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, KC Fringe, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. // Kansas City Syzygy is a glimpse into the music created in the middle of the map in the middle of a pandemic. Mastered by J Ashley Miller, designed by JC Franco, with compilation direction by Robert Castillo. Over 25 Kansas City-based musicians came together to create “Kansas City Syzygy,” a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in April of 2020. The album can be purchased from Bandcamp All proceeds will be donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone in KC has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on WMM, on July 14 we welcome special guest: Stacy Busch, and also Pure XTC the musical project of Taylor Hughes who releasing their debut single, “ghost,” on July 9. We will also talk with Jill McKeever and Jeremiah James Gonzales of Redder Moon. And Kian Byrne also joins us live in our 90.1 FM Studios.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: Emmaline Twist, Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam, Sara Swenson, Christena Graves, and Calvin Arsenia.
Sara Swenson
At 10:15 Mark talks with Sara Swenson one of our most played artists of the last 12 years. Her self titled debut album was #1 on WMM’s 100 Best Recordings of 2009. In 2010 Sara released her 2nd full-length, ALL THINGS BIG AND SMALL, working with Don Chaffer in Nashville. In November of 2011, Sara released her EP, NEVER LEFT MY MIND featuring her band The Pearl Snaps. She won two KC 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.” In 2012 Sara Swenson left her job as an English & Journalism Teacher in Platte County High School and flew off to the United Kingdom, where she got married. In the spring of 2014, Sara returned to KC and performed at Folk Alliance International Conference and then released her 4th album, RUNWAY LIGHTS that captures snapshots of her 18-month experience of living in the U.K., marriage, and transitions. On March 26, Sara released the single, “I Wont Let You Feel Alone”, with Mark Lowrey on piano, featured in her husband, Michael Price‘s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that aired on PBS. More info at: http://www.saraswenson.com
Christena Graves
At 10:35 Christena Graves & Brandon Graves share details about Christena’s new album, FINDING MY FOOTING. Christena grew up in western Michigan, and after leaving to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to Kansas City from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. FINDING MY FOOTING is Christena’s first full length solo album since 1996 and her first as a band leader. More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com
At 11:00 Mark welcomes Calvin Arsenia for the entire second hour! Calvin came home to KC in 2014 after working in Edinburgh, Scotland. His EPs: Moments, Prose, Catastrophe, Caviar, and album Catastrophe led to his signing with Center Cut Records where he released the albums Cantaloupe in 2018, and L.A. Sessions in 2019, along with the EP HONEY DEW, an EP with Quixotic, and the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin released new music on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a collaborative feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show and Film Society KC that also starred Calvin as an actor. In 2021 Calvin has been featured on recordings by Making Movies,True Lions, and Rob Rice. 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-6 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer. Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming, on Saturday, July 10, at 7:00 AM with The Black Mariah Theater. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com
Justin Randall photo by Michael Kushner Photography
Also joining us is Justin Randall, Calvin’s childhood friend and co-host for their incredibly fabulous podcast “We Were Christian Kids.” The podcast dives into their pasts as super Christian kids, at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration, and explores how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion & de-conversion in adulthood as queer entertainers. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and podcast platforms. Justin Randall is an NYC based stand-up comic and actor who has appeared in Buzzfeed, The New York Post and whose tweets have been featured by Twitter in the London Tube. Justin performs stand-up all over New York City, and and has been seen onstage at Stand Up NY, The Bell House, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, The Creek & The Cave and many more. He was a finalist in the Yaaas! Queer Comedy Festival and the Comedy Mob Competition. Internationally, Justin has performed in London and in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Follow him on all social media at @imjustinrandal
Calvin Arsenia art work created by Levi Miller http://www.levimiller.com Justin Randall photo by Michael Kushner Photography
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type – “Closet Anthem” from: “Closet Anthem” – Single / Manor Records / June 25, 2021 [This is the first single from the band’s upcoming EP, THANK YOU STRANGER, to be released July 23, 2021. THANK YOU STRANGER is a collection of songs from that unfinished album, containing the last of the sonic works the group collaborated on, and a proper farewell to the fans, friends, and family who made it all possible. “Drawing inspiration from modern femme-fronted acts such as St. Vincent, Rubblebucket, and Niki & The Dove, THANK YOU STRANGER flaunts an unabashed pop persuasion coming apart at the seams with fuzz-fleshed guitars and reverb-washed cries for reconciliation.” The songs on THANK YOU STRANGER EP were written & recorded by Rachel Mallin of The Wild Type. Performances from Rachel Mallin, Justin Walker, and Ace Edmondson appear on B-side tracks. Pryor to this new release the Indie synthpop from Kansas City based, released the single “It Isn’t Love” on November 9, 2018. That single featured: Rachel Mallin on lead vocals & guitar, Justin Walker on bass, Austin Edmisten on drums & back-up vocals. Rachel Mallin wrote, recorded and produced her first album, The Persistence of Vision, in 2014 — a solo effort that spoke to her synthpop sensibilities and landed her on Kansas City radio. That same year, she left the University of Missouri to pursue a music career, and enlisted bassist Justin Walker and drummer Austin Edmisten to form The Wild Type. By mid-2016, the act — with keyboardist Jesse Bartmess and former guitarist Matt Kosinski — released its debut EP, Degenerate Matters, recorded, produced, and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Musical Arrangements written and performed by Rachel Mallin, Justin Walker, Austin Edmisten, Jesse Bartmess, and Matt Kosinski. Lyrics written by Rachel Mallin. That same year, The Wild Type earned support slots for acts from Cold War Kids to Metric and The Struts, and widespread recognition in its hometown at festivals such as Middle of the Map and Boulevardia.]
Flare Tha Rebel
Flare Tha Rebel, Oboi Kong & Bob Pulliam – “Happy Clouds (Bob Ross Flow)” from: “Happy Clouds (Bob Ross Flow)” – Single / 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]
Kianna White
Kianna White – “All Alone With Everything” from: “All Alone With Everything” – Single / Yes You Are / April 30, 2021 [This new single is a follow up to “Homecoming Queen” from September 25, 2020 on Team Love Records. Kianna cut her teeth in the critically-acclaimed indie band Tilly and the Wall, touring through the mid to late aughts with bands such as She and Him, Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley and Of Montreal, playing venues around the world and major festivals like Coachella, Japan’s Summersonic, Iceland Airwaves, Reading and Leeds among others, as well as performing on Late Night with David Letterman and Sesame Street before going on hiatus in 2013. During this era, she also performed guest vocals on Rilo Kiley’s “The Absence of God”, “In the Sun” by She & Him and co-wrote and sang on Tiësto’s song “You Are My Diamond”. // Since 2017, her band Yes You Are, with now husband and co-writer Jared White, has had many song placements in movies, television and commercials, most notably in the Pepsi Super Bowl 51 commercial. When Forbes Magazine asked Lyle Hysen, the founder of Bank Robber Music, about the biggest licensing hits over the years, he spotlit Kianna and Jared’s work alongside artists like Spoon and Phantogram saying “Kianna Alarid from Tilly and the Wall has been working on new music with her band Yes You Are. They’re giving us two songs at a time, and they get placements all the time.” // Known for their electrifying live performances, Yes You Are shared the stage with the likes of K. Flay, Young the Giant and Fitz and the Tantrums, and toured the US with Neon Trees. Even though Yes You Are had proven to be successful in many ways, Kianna and Jared felt like the band hadn’t yet accessed their full artistic potential. In mid 2020 they announced the band’s break up when unexpected and major changes in the lineup served as a clear sign it was time to move on. They also decided that Kianna’s ability to hold the spotlight shouldn’t be ignored and set to work on new songs with a solo career for her in mind. The idea proved to be immediately inspiring to the writing duo, and they quickly assembled a collection of impressive new music that feels artistically fresh and full of potential. // Going now by her married name, and having found the support of Team Love Records, Homecoming Queen is Kianna White’s first solo release. The song’s hazy mood and hypnotic guitar lines take indie pop through the looking glass. What emerges on the other side is not flower child psychedelia, but a modern, luscious, psyche-pop, where lyrics of stoned introspection and longing float around on haunted, seductive melodies. Kianna’s voice keeps the trip from spinning off into a hall of funhouse mirrors, becoming a trusted and sober co-pilot, allowing you to surrender, close your eyes, and dance. // High on the freedom to control her individual narrative for the first time Kianna filmed, starred in and edited Homecoming Queen’s innovative and spellbinding music video. All alone in her bedroom and encumbered with the limitations of self-isolation (she used only an iPhone, a Snapchat filter, a flashlight and iMovie) she managed to create something that feels new, slightly unsettling and entirely captivating. The spooky, trance-inducing visual effects over the song’s eerily inviting hooks, present us with a poignant reflection of our strange and anxious times.]
Jass – “A Long Ride” 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]
Mdou Moctar – “Taliat” from: Afrique Victime / Matador / May 21, 2021 [From http://www.mdoumoctar.bandcamp.com: With “Afrique Victime” the prodigious Tuareg guitarist and songwriter rips a new hole in the sky – boldly reforging contemporary Saharan music and “rock music” by melding guitar pyrotechnics, full-blast noise, and field recordings with poetic meditations on love, religion, women’s rights, inequality, and Western Africa’s exploitation at the hands of colonial powers. // If “Ilana” was a late ’60s early ’70s ZZ Top and Black Sabbath record – “Afrique Victime” is mid-’70s to early ’80s Van Halen meets Black Flag meets Black Uhuru. The ferocity of Moctar’s electric guitar and the band’s hypnotic rhythm section are on awe-inspiring display “Chismiten” and the mournful yet incandescent title track. Elsewhere, Moctar finds inspiration in highlighting lesser-known facets of the group: “While people have gotten to know Mdou Moctar as a rock band, there is a whole different set of music with this band done on acoustic guitars, which we wanted to incorporate into this album in order to go through a sonic journey,” he says. Mdou pays homage to one of his heroes Abdallah Ag Oumbadagou, the legendary Niger musician and political revolutionary, on songs “Ya Habibti” and “Layla”. “Abdallah was a contemporary of Tinariwen and helped to pioneer the sound of Tuareg guitar music blended with drum machines and electronic sounds”. // “Afrique Victime” sounds and feels like a Tuareg hand reaching down from the sky, and we are very lucky for this chance to get lifted.]
Chess Club – “On Deck, at Bat” from: You’re Lucky I Like You / Black-Site / March 23, 2021 [All songs written and produced by the members of Chess Club: Cooper Avery on drums, David Krejci on bass, and Griffin Nelson on guitar & vocals. Recorded at Weights + Measures Soundlab, Kansas City, MO. Mixed & mastered by Duane Trower. Vinyl Mastering by Chris Muth at Taloowa Corp. Yonkers, NY. Kansan-Emo-Math-Pop – Sometimes with blast beats. Formed in 2014 Chess Club prides itself on the mantra of DIY or DIE, booking its own shows and producing its own recordings. In that spirit, the band treats every show as if it were a house party, breaking down the partition between performer and crowd to create an up close and personal experience. Chess Club released their 10-song debut album, HIT THE BALL on June 9, 2018 through Black-Site. Chess Club released the 6-song debut EP, HI SAD on Jan. 29, 2016. http://www.black-site.org ]
[Chess Club play the “You’re Lucky I Like You” ALBUM Release party!, Friday, July 2, at 10:00 PM at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS with Red Kate, and Matthew Mulnix.]
10:28 – Underwriting
Florian Arbenz, Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari – “In Medias Res” from: Conversation #1: Condensed / Hammer Recordings / April 23, 2021 [2021 sees the launch of an ambitious project from Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz who is set to release 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. // The 1st of this series, recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video of the session, features American trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. Across a career spanning more than 25 years, drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz, has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator. Whether with the long-standing trio VEIN who have recorded and toured with Greg Osby & Dave Liebman, or with his own project Convergence which brings together musicians from four continents, he is not content to sit still. // In 2021, he launches perhaps his most adventurous collaboration yet: a series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups. The thread that joins them all together is his fascination with bringing visionary musicians together and giving them space to express themselves in his studio. Together, they work through a selection of music curated by Florian to suit the individual musical personalities present. // Conversation #1 – subtitled Condensed – sees Florian joined by American trumpeter Hermon Mehari & Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. // “I’ve known and played with Nelson for several years and am captivated not only by his highly original and virtuoso playing, but also by his unique character and his great sense of humor. He’s a complete player both rhythmically & harmonically so it seemed obvious to get him on board for this series. Hermon, on the other hand, I had never met before our recording session. I had, however, admired his warm tone, open-minded musicality & improvisational skills from afar and am so happy to have finally recorded with him!” // This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument. But despite the challenges, the creativity of the musicians involved, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen which moves from hard-swinging soloing to dreaming soundscapes. More information at http://www.florianarbenz.com]
10:33 – Interview with Florian Arbenz
Across a career spanning more than 25 years, Swiss drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz, has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator. Whether with the long-standing trio VEIN who have recorded and toured with Greg Osby & Dave Liebman, or with his own project Convergence which brings together musicians from four continents, he is not content to sit still. In 2021, he launches perhaps his most adventurous collaboration yet: a series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups. The first album in the series – recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video – features Kansas City’s own trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras, released April 23, 2021 on Hammer Recordings. This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument, but despite the challenges involved, the creativity of the musicians, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen. More information at http://www.florianarbenz.com
Florian Arbenz, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
One of Europe’s most versatile and accomplished drummers, Florian Arbenz has an unsurpassed jazz pedigree As a student, Florian spent six months at Cuba’s University of the Arts, and has maintained an active interest in the international scene ever since, incorporating Asian and Afro-Cuban elements in his own playing. Despite a busy schedule that saw the release of three acclaimed albums within the last two years
A series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups – The thread that joins them all together is his fascination with bringing visionary musicians together and giving them space to express themselves in his studio. Together, they work through a selection of music curated by Florian to suit the individual musical personalities present.
Conversation #1 – subtitled Condensed – sees Florian joined by American trumpeter Hermon Mehari & Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras.
“I’ve known and played with Nelson for several years and am captivated not only by his highly original and virtuoso playing, but also by his unique character and his great sense of humor. He’s a complete player both rhythmically & harmonically so it seemed obvious to get him on board for this series.”
“Hermon, on the other hand, I had never met before our recording session. I had, however, admired his warm tone, open-minded musicality & improvisational skills from afar and am so happy to have finally recorded with him!”
This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument. But despite the challenges, the creativity of the musicians involved, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen which moves from hard-swinging soloing to dreaming soundscapes.
Best known for his work with Swiss trio VEIN, drummer Florian Arbenz has toured, recorded and performed with artists including Kirk Lightsey, Greg Osby, Glenn Ferris, Wolfgang Puschnig, Bennie Maupin, Dave Liebman, Rick Margitza, Andy Sheppard, Matthieu Michel, Bruno Rousselet, Michel Benita, Olah Kalman, Tibor Elekes, Oguz Buyukberber and others
Florian Arbenz, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz is releasing 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. The first album in the series features Kansas City’s own trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras, released April 23, 2021 on Hammer Recordings. More information at http://www.florianarbenz.com
10:48
Florian Arbenz, Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari – “Race Face” from: Conversation #1: Condensed / Hammer Recordings / April 23, 2021 [2021 sees the launch of an ambitious project from Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz who is set to release 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. // The 1st of this series, recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video of the session, features American trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. Across a career spanning more than 25 years, drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz, has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator. Whether with the long-standing trio VEIN who have recorded and toured with Greg Osby & Dave Liebman, or with his own project Convergence which brings together musicians from four continents, he is not content to sit still. // In 2021, he launches perhaps his most adventurous collaboration yet: a series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups. The thread that joins them all together is his fascination with bringing visionary musicians together and giving them space to express themselves in his studio. Together, they work through a selection of music curated by Florian to suit the individual musical personalities present. // Conversation #1 – subtitled Condensed – sees Florian joined by American trumpeter Hermon Mehari & Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. // “I’ve known and played with Nelson for several years and am captivated not only by his highly original and virtuoso playing, but also by his unique character and his great sense of humor. He’s a complete player both rhythmically & harmonically so it seemed obvious to get him on board for this series. Hermon, on the other hand, I had never met before our recording session. I had, however, admired his warm tone, open-minded musicality & improvisational skills from afar and am so happy to have finally recorded with him!” // This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument. But despite the challenges, the creativity of the musicians involved, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen which moves from hard-swinging soloing to dreaming soundscapes. // Hermon Mehari released CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE on June 5, 2020, that was created in a barn in the French countryside. Hermon wrote, “Like many people during this period, I wasn’t able to think much about the future, only the present and the past. These songs are therefore personal journal entries, versions and visions of my wishes, fantasies and memories. Together they create a kind of modern mixtape of dreams, in every sense of the word, in which my trumpet, all alone in that barn, is a vulnerable presence, virtually and masterly supported by some of my closest musical collaborators around the world.” This was a follow up to his debut solo release, Bleu, from 2017. Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Music Conservatory. In 2015 he finished first, at the prestigious Carmine Carusa International Jazz Trumpet Competition at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. Hermon was a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. In 2014 he released the CD “Our Journey” with Diverse, which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. He splits his time between touring and playing all over the world and creative projects in Kansas City. Hermon has collaborated with Cat Mahari on BAM! the Workshop, he is also a founding member of Diverse Jazz, Diverse Trio, and The Buhs. He has played with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on the world-renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”. More info at: http://www.hermonmehari.com ]
We The People – “Single Double” from: “Single Double’” – Single / 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.]
[We The People play Raj Ma Hall, 2829 E.7th St., KC on Sat., July 17 at 4:00 PM w/ Marcus Lewis Band.]
Asterales – “So Easy (feat. Royce Diamond)” from: “So Easy (feat. Royce Diamond)” – Single / Asterales / April 30, 2021 [KC base leftfield, experimental, electronica music maker, also known as Nate Holt. Since this single Aterles relese This is a follow-up to the Asterales previous release, “Beauty In The Distance (ft. Heidi Gluck)” 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. More information at http://www.asterales.bandcamp.com]
11:00 – Station I.D.
Vehicle – “Turned Back Flag” from: The Other Side of the Mountain / Ancient House Productions / July 6, 2021 [“The Other Side of the Mountain,” is the sixth Vehicle album. It was written, performed, produced and mixed by Clint Hoffmeier. Clint wrote and performed this over the intense covid pandemic during the year in complete isolation in his home. Chris Tady lent his guitar skills to the last song, “No Beginning in Sight”. After it was finished Royce Diamond joined the project and spent many months mastering and performing many additional mixing and creative outlooks. Including the concept that this album would be released as individual tracks and as well as one long track that is the entire album as one play. Levi Hoffmeier, created the epic artwork which is the cherry on the sundae for what is believed to be a throw back to the old albums, where art and music was equally important.. More info at: www. Ancient House Productions.com ]
Clint Hoffmeier and Royce Diamond
11:06 – Interview with Clint Hoffmeier and producer Royce Diamond
Musician Clint Hoffmeier and producer Royce Diamond join us LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios to share details about the new release from Clint’s band Vehicle, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, is to be released July 6, 2021. The new album was written, performed and engineered over the last year by Clint Hoffmeier. Vehicle was a project he began twenty years ago in isolation. Clint returned to creating music as a solo artist during the pandemic and it only seemed right to call it a Vehicle album. Although Clint performed all of the music, he did have the guitarist Chris Tady play on the epic 10-minute ending track. The album was mastered with additional mixing by Royce Diamond, with cover art is by Levi Hoffmeier: The Art of Leviathan, and released through Ancient House Productions. http://www.ancienthouseproductions.com
Clint Hoffmeier, Thanks for being with us on WMM
Royce Diamond aka Royce White lives in Kansas City Kansas. Royce Diamond is a songwriter, producer, hip-hop artist and audio engineer from Kansas City. He has done extensive work with the Lawrence, Kansas based Datura Records, and hip hop legend Approach aka Sean Hunt. Royce studied Audio Engineering at CRAS-Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences. Royce Diamond is one of the people that make things happen at Phosphor Studios and collaborates with many area musicians and bands. Royce contributes to one of the new singles from Asterales aka Nate Holt who released the single “So Easy (Feat. Royce Diamond” on April 30, 2021.
Royce Diamond, Thanks for being with us on WMM
Clint Hoffmeier has been part of the bands: The Ned Ludd Band, Vehicle and Dynamite Defense and associated with the bands: Sour Babies, Brvtvs, Deerwolfanimalbear, Thee Devotion, The Lucky Graves.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, is to be released July 6, 2021. The new album was written, performed and engineered over the last year by Clint Hoffmeier.
Vehicle was a project he began twenty years ago in isolation. Clint returned to creating music as a solo artist during the pandemic and it only seemed right to call it a Vehicle album.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN is a pandemic project. COVID-19 took musicians off the rod and out of the venues for 14 months and so they all went into the re cording studio.
Back in May 2013 Vehicle released “The Reluctant Cog” their farewell album release Recorded at Deerwolfanimalbear studios.
“Vehicle”, ” The Other Side of the Mountain”, is the sixth Vehicle album, written, performed, produced and mixed by Clint Hoffmeier. Clint wrote and performed this over the intense covid pandemic during the year in complete isolation in his home.
Although Clint performed all of the music, he did have Chris Tady share his guitar skills to the last song, the epic 10-minute ending track,”No Beginning in Sight.”
The album was mastered with additional mixing by Royce Diamond.
After it was finished Royce Diamond joined the project and spent many months mastering and performing many additional mixing and creative outlooks.
Royce suggested the concept that this album would be released as individual tracks and as well as one long track that is the entire album as one-play.
Levi Hoffmeier, created the epic artwork which is the cherry on the sundae for what is believed to be a throw back to the old albums, where art and music was equally important Levi Hoffmeier: The Art of Leviathan,
Phosphor Studio is a production house for film, video, recording, live broadcast, where both Clint and Royce have produced works.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN is being released through Ancient House Productions is Clint’s production company. http://www.ancienthouseproductions.com
Clint is also the mastermind with Matt Tady of the very popular podcast, Wednesday Night Drinking Practice, heard everywhere you find podcasts. Jessica Paige is the current guest.
Clint Hoffmeier and Royce Diamond, Thanks for being with us on WMM
Clint Hoffmeier wrote and recorded the music and lyrics for the new release from Clint’s band Vehicle, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, to be released July 6, 2021.
Vehicle – “Communication” from: The Other Side of the Mountain / Ancient House Productions / July 6, 2021 [“The Other Side of the Mountain”, is the sixth Vehicle album, written, performed, produced and mixed by Clint Hoffmeier. Clint wrote and performed this over the intense covid pandemic during the year in complete isolation in his home. Chris Tady lent his guitar skills to the last song, “No Beginning in Sight”. After it was finished Royce Diamond joined the project and spent many months mastering and performing many additional mixing and creative outlooks. Including the concept that this album would be released as individual tracks and as well as one long track that is the entire album as one play. Levi Hoffmeier, created the epic artwork which is the cherry on the sundae for what is believed to be a throw back to the old albums, where art and music was equally important. More info at: www. Ancient House Productions.com]
Birdie – “You Can’t Stop Her” from: “You Can’t Stop Her” – Single / Birdie / 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]
11:28 – Underwriting
Wyndsrfr – “Burning Summer” from: Golden Years / Jacob Prestidge / June 11, 2021 [In early 2017, husband and wife Jacob and Danielle Prestidge packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the West coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. // They both knew it was time for a change. // Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born. // To date, Wyndsrfr’s music has been heard around the world with over 2 million digital streams, as well as features on NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, MTV, CNN, The Discovery Channel and more. // Now, with their new album, Golden Years they offer their most compelling and fully realized vision to date, deftly pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast. Jacob and Danielle Prestidge will join us live on WMM on June 30. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.com]
Danielle and Jacob Prestidge,
11:34 – Interview with Danielle and Jacob Prestidge
In early 2017, husband and wife Jacob and Danielle Prestidge packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the west coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. They both knew it was time for a change. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born. Their new album, GOLDEN YEARS was released June 11, 2021 pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.com
Danielle and Jacob Prestidge, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Four years ago, in early 2017, husband and wife Jacob and Danielle Prestidge packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the West Coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. They both knew it was time for a change.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born.
What were your early conversations like? Was is refreshing to start over and create a whole new sound? What were your guide lines and references?
The sound of Wyndsrfr is so different from The Blackbird Revue, and the genre change-up gives Danielle and Jacob opportunities to meet new audiences.
The heart of the songs have the vocals of Danielle Prestidge.
To date, Wyndsrfr’s music has been heard around the world with over 2 million digital streams, as well as features on NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, MTV, CNN, The Discovery Channel and more.
Golden Years offers their most compelling and fully realized vision to date, deftly pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast.
We are coming out of a 14-15 month pandemic shut down of live music all over the world. Danielle and Jacob have started doing live show again.
We played the track “Burning Summers” just before the interview. Certain parts of the West and Pacific Northwest re experiencing incredibly high temperatures, what are you all seeing?
Danielle and Jacob Prestidge, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Their new album, GOLDEN YEARS was released June 11, 2021. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.com
11:48
Wyndsrfr – “Golden Years” from: Golden Years / Jacob Prestidge / June 11, 2021 [First single from Golden Years was released May 14, 2021. In early 2017, husband and wife Jacob and Danielle Prestidge packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the west coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. // They both knew it was time for a change. // Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born. // To date, Wyndsrfr’s music has been heard around the world with over 2 million digital streams, as well as features on NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, MTV, CNN, The Discovery Channel and more. // Now, with their new album, Golden Years they offer their most compelling and fully realized vision to date, deftly pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.com]
11:54 – The 50th Anniversary of Joni Mitchell’s BLUE
Joni Mtchell – Blue from: Blue / Warner Bros / June 22, 1971 [Blue is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on June 22, 1971 by Reprise Records. Written and produced entirely by Mitchell, it was recorded in 1971 at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California. Created just after her breakup with Graham Nash, and during an intense relationship with James Taylor, Blue explores various facets of relationships from infatuation on “A Case of You” to insecurity on “This Flight Tonight”. The songs feature simple accompaniments on piano, guitar and Appalachian dulcimer. The album peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, number 9 on the Canadian RPM Albums Chart and number 15 on the Blllboard 200. // Today, Blue is generally regarded by music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time; the way Mitchell’s songwriting, compositions and voice all work together are frequent areas of praise. In January 2000, The New York Times chose Blue as one of the 25 albums that represented “turning points and pinnacles in 20th-century popular music”. In 2020, Blue was rated the third greatest album of all time in Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, the highest entry by a female artist. It was also voted number 24 in the third edition of Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000). In July 2017, Blue was chosen by NPR as the greatest album of all time made by a woman. // Despite the success of her first three albums and songs like “Woodstock”, January 1970 saw Mitchell make a decision to break from performing. In early spring 1970, she set off on a vacation around Europe. While on the island of Crete and staying in Matala she wrote some of the songs that appear on Blue. This journey was the backdrop for the songs “Carey” and “California”—”Carey” was inspired by her relationship with an American named Cary Raditz, who was the “redneck on a Grecian Isle” in “California”. Some of the songs on Blue were inspired by Mitchell’s 1968–1970 relationship with Graham Nash. Their relationship was already troubled when she left for Europe, and it was while she was on Formentera that she sent Nash the telegram that let him know that their relationship was over. The songs “My Old Man” and “River” are thought to be inspired by their relationship. // Another pivotal experience in Mitchell’s life that drove the emergence of the album was her relationship with James Taylor. She had begun an intense relationship with Taylor by the summer of 1970, visiting him on the set of the movie Two-Lane Blacktop, the aura of which is referred to in “This Flight Tonight”. The songs “Blue” and “All I Want” have specific references to her relationship with Taylor, such as a sweater that she knitted for him at the time, and his heroin addiction. During the making of Blue in January 1971, they were still very much in love and involved. Despite his difficulties, Mitchell evidently felt that she had found the person with whom she could pair-bond in Taylor. By March, his fame exploded, causing friction. She was reportedly devastated when he broke off the relationship. // The album was almost released in a somewhat different form. In March 1971, completed masters for the album were ready for production. Originally, there were three old songs that had not found their way onto any of her previous albums. At the last minute, Mitchell decided to remove two of the three so that she could add the new songs “All I Want” and “The Last Time I Saw Richard”. “Little Green”, composed in 1967, was the only old song that remained. The two songs removed were: “Urge for Going” – her first song to achieve commercial success when recorded by country singer George Hamilton IV. It was later released as the B-side of “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” and again on her 1996 compilation album, Hits. “Hunter (The Good Samaritan)”, which was released in 2021 on her EP Blue 50 (Demos & Outtakes). // In 1979 Mitchell reflected, “The Blue album, there’s hardly a dishonest note in the vocals. At that period of my life, I had no personal defenses. I felt like a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes. I felt like I had absolutely no secrets from the world and I couldn’t pretend in my life to be strong. Or to be happy. But the advantage of it in the music was that there were no defenses there either.” // Mitchell continued to use alternate tunings on her guitar to allow easier access to augmented chords and notes in unexpected combinations. Due to the stark and bare revelations in the album, when it was first played for Kris Kristofferson he is reported to have commented, “Joni! Keep something to yourself!” // Today, Blue is generally regarded by music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time; Mitchell’s songwriting and compositions are frequent areas of praise. In January 2000, The New York Times chose Blue as one of the 25 albums that represented “turning points and pinnacles in 20th-century popular music”. // Jason Ankeny of AllMusic describes Blue as “the quintessential confessional singer/songwriter album”. Praising the songs as “raw nerves, tales of love and loss etched with stunning complexity”, Ankeny concludes writing “Unrivaled in its intensity”. The writers of Pitchfork gave the album a perfect 10-out-of-10 rating, calling it “possibly the most gutting break-up album ever made]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, July 7 we welcome special guest: Sara Swenson, and also Christena Graves and Brandon Graves. We will devote our entire second hour to catching up with our friend Calvin Arsenia. We will talk with Calvin’s childhood friend Justin Randall who works as a professional comedian in New York City about Justin and Calvin’s great podcast, “We Were Christian Kids” and we’ll hear several recordings from Calvin.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Wild Type, We The People, Chess Club, Wyndsrfr, Flare Tha Rebel with Oboi Kong and Bob Pulliam, Kianna White, Jass, Asterales featuring Royce Diamond, Birdie, Vehicle, Florian Arbenz with Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari, Mdou Moctar, and Joni Mitchell.
Florian Arbenz
At 10:30 Mark talks with Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz who is releasing 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. The first album in the series – recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video – features Kansas City’s own trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras, released April 23, 2021 on Hammer Recordings. This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument, but despite the challenges involved, the creativity of the musicians, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen. More information at http://www.florianarbenz.com
At 11:00 musician Clint Hoffmeier and producer Royce Diamond share details about the new release from Clint’s band Vehicle, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, is to be released July 6, 2021. The new album was written, performed and engineered over the last year by Clint Hoffmeier. Vehicle was a project he began twenty years ago in isolation. Clint returned to creating music as a solo artist during the pandemic and it only seemed right to call it a Vehicle album. Although Clint performed all of the music, he did have the guitarist Chris Tady play on the epic 10-minute ending track. The album was mastered with additional mixing by Royce Diamond, with cover art is by Levi Hoffmeier: The Art of Leviathan, and released through Ancient House Productions. http://www.ancienthouseproductions.com
At 11:30 Mark talks with husband & wife Jacob & Danielle Prestidge who in early 2017 packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the west coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. They both knew it was time for a change. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born. Their new album, GOLDEN YEARS was released June 11, 2021 pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.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, June 23, 2021
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far + Dave Tanner + Quite Frankly + Riley The Musician
WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New Area Musical Releases of 2021…so far. This week we bring you part three, of a three-week series, we’ll play recordings from: Deco Auto, Quite Frankly, Riley The Musician, Passerine Dream, The Grisly Hand, Eems, Wyndsrfr, The Wild Women of Kansas City, Julia Othmer, Redder Moon, Charlotte Bumgarner, Juliette Frost, Collidescope, Silicone Prairie, and The Fey.
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
The Wild Women of Kansas City – “Don’t Let Go” from: Live At Pilgrim Chapel 9/26/2010 / Cosmic Cowboy Records / Reissued March 14, 2021 [Reissued on digital for the first time by Cosmic Cowboy Records, The Wild Women of Kansas City, LIVE AT PILGRIM CHAPEL 9/26/2010 is a 14-track live recording. The vocal quartet included legendary Myra Taylor (1917-2011), Millie Edwards, Geneva Price and Lori Tucker, singing in harmony. More info at: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-wild-women-of-kansas-city/1557857551 from Bill Brownlee’s Plastic Sax blog: “The Wild Women’s repertoire belied its billing as a jazz group. The 55-minute recording includes readings of the disco anthem “I Will Survive,” Ray Charles’ earthy hit “Night Time Is the Right Time” and the proto-rock gem “Don’t Let Go.” // Backed by an unidentified organist, bassist and drummer, the crowd-pleasing entertainers also perform familiar warhorses like “Sentimental Journey,” “Stormy Weather” and the inescapable “Kansas City.” Edwards sings lead on “What a Wonderful World” and Taylor does her playful Louis Armstrong impression during “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” // The women assert their intent on “Let the Good Times Roll”: “Tell everybody: Wild Women are in town/Sometimes we’re serious, sometimes we got to clown/ We don’t let nobody play us cheap/We got heart, soul- ooh, listen to the beat.” Thanks to the invaluable Live at Pilgrim Chapel 9/26/2010, their vital beat plays on.”]
Wyndsrfr – “Golden Years” from: Golden Years / Jacob Prestidge / June 11, 2021 [First single from Golden Years was released May 14, 2021. In early 2017, husband and wife Jacob and Danielle Prestidge packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the west coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. // They both knew it was time for a change. // Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born. // To date, Wyndsrfr’s music has been heard around the world with over 2 million digital streams, as well as features on NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, MTV, CNN, The Discovery Channel and more. // Now, with their new album, Golden Years they offer their most compelling and fully realized vision to date, deftly pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast. Jacob and Danielle Prestidge will join us live on WMM on June 30. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.com]
Deco Auto – “Hanging On The Telephone” from: “Hanging on the Telephone” – Single / 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
The Grisly Hand – “Now That You Know” from: “Now That You Know” – Single / The Grisly Hand / May 14, 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. 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, Matt Richey 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 The Ship 1217 Union Ave, KCMO in the West Bottoms on Saturday, July 24.]
Silicone Prairie – “Silicone Prairie” from: My Life on the Silicone Prairie / Feel It Records / February 5, 2021 [Direct from Kansas City and encased in a layer of four-track analog glory comes the debut album from Silicone Prairie. You may have enjoyed Ian Teeple in action with Warm Bodies or The Natural Man Band, though Silicone Prairie is where Teeple has been focusing his solo creative energies over the past couple years, culminating in these 13 tracks. A trebly & jittery, landlocked Midwestern punk sound comes into effect straight out of the gate, much in the lineage of Gulcher’s ‘Red Snerts’ comp or the Dow Jones side of ‘Hoosier Hysteria’ – with a dash of hardcore DEVO or even D.L.I.M.C. thrown in for contemporary spuds. But there’s far more to Silicone Prairie – with quantitatively great songwriting and instrumentation bursting any preconceived sub-subgenre bubbles and occupying a kindred creative plain that made just about any Mould, Kirkwood, or Sage composition of the mid-80’s oh so delightful & memorable. Heck, there’s even a synth-heavy instrumental dedicated to electronic pioneer Patrick Cowley. ‘My Life on the Silicone Prairie’ dances across the sonic spectrum, from bedroom jangle to basement devolution, carrying big guitars, sharp synthesizers, and a hopeful grin into 2021 and beyond. A carefully crafted debut alive with the kind of creative rock’n’roll energy that simply cannot be quarantined, now or ever. ‘My Life on the Silicone Prairie’ comes shrinkwrapped in a reverse board sleeve with risograph insert printed at Oddities Prints and download code. Australian vinyl pressing available from Computer Human Records.]
Collidescope – “Thicker Than Blood” from: DEEP TAPE / Kansas City Syzygy / December 31, 2020 [7-track album. Collidescope is essentially a duo that includes: Hadiza. on vocals, beats, & synthesizers; and Madison Monroe on guitar, bass, beats, synthesizers, mixing & vocals. DEEP TAPE includes Victoria Falls Stillwater on addition sound production and vocals, and was mixed and mastered by J.Ashley Miller. DEEP TAPE is a follow up the the band’s debut EP Systemic released December 16, 2017. Hadiza also released her solo album SHADOW WEIGHT on Nov. 22, 2019. More info at: http://www.acollidescope.bandcamp.com ]
The Fey – “Blind to the Signs (feat. Hakim)” from: Palm Tree Shade / The Record Machine / June 4, 2021 [We last played The Fey’s February 12, 2021 single, “Wolf of The Wild” on March 3. That single followed their single, “Tear It off” released August 7, 2020. The Fey released “Lost In My Head” on August 2, 2019, that followed the band’s July 13, 2018 EP, Strawberry Lemonade. The Fey is a Rock/Soul sextet based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The band has created 3 EP’s under the alias “AZP”, but have recently made a name change to, The Fey. Charles Hull, Founder and Managing Director, Silver Street Records writes, The Fey is: Zach Watkins on lead/backup vocals, keys, percussion; Ishma Valenti on rap vocals; Trey Shotkoske on drums; Michael Rogers on guitars; John Fucinaro on bass, and Ludwing Siebenhor. Additional Backup vocals by Jasmin Ondap and Aly Millanes. Engineered and mixed by James Fleege at Silver Street. Mastered by Doug Van Sloun at Focus Mastering. Produced by Zach Watkins and James Fleege at Silver Street. Album art by Zach Watkins. More info at wwwtherecordmachine.co]
[The Fey play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 AM with Lesser Pleasures, and The Royal Chief.]
Eems – “Kinfolk” from: Big Fake Smile / Eems / March 17, 2021 [Eems writes, “in my opinion it is my best body of work in about 6 years. I didn’t try to fit a mold that I thought I had developed over the past few years, the mold of the super happy motivational ukulele player. I got to be me. I got to come from behind that BIG FAKE SMILE. I hope it inspires someone, maybe not everyone but someone. Give it a listen.” More info at: http://www.music.apple.com/us/album/big-fake-smile/1555169479 Eems is Phillip Jackson, a KC based ukulele loop artist, singer songwriter, rapper, pianist, drummer, The resonance of his bright musical sounds, and lyrical calls, are woven through genres of folk, hip hop, pop, and dance influences. He has shared the stage with notable hop hop artists, and KC Folk Music Fest, Middle of The Map Fest. For Eems, a ukulele is a jumping off point that leads to an uncharted and often unpredictable world of sound and inspiration. Blending it with loops and effects to achieve a captivating blend of R&B and pop music, Eems has used his unique sounds, voice and sense of humor to reach crowds across the country. Eems has opened up for” Slick Rick The Ruler and GLC form Kanye West’s G.O.O.D music label. Eems released the 8-track SWEET DREAMS on January 10, 2020. Eems also released four new singles in 2020 including: the two song release “Spacelord” on February 29, 2020, “Middle” on May 4, 2020, and “Unbreakable” on October 11, 2020. Eems released his EP DREEMS on June 26, 2018. Eems released ROCKET SHIP EP on August 11, 2017. Eems released IIID on June 17, 2016.]
10:28 – Underwriting
Passerine Dream – “Be Together” from: Passerine Dream / DistroKid / May 3, 2021 [Sidelined from touring in 2020 like everybody else, KC based musician Dave Tanner began demoing new songs and spent the first few months of the hiatus contributing bass and vocals to other people’s recordings. By fall, a routine of tracking and writing evolved into making a solo album, of sorts. As songs were coming together from new and existing material, a few friends offered, or were asked, to lend a hand in their respective areas of expertise. Nine heartfelt songs and a handful of special guests later, the Passerine Dream album was completed in April 2021. “As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope.” // Appearing on certain tracks are power-pop artist Erik Voeks; Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends; John Perrin of NRBQ; Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper; Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles; and John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet. // Digital release on May 3, 2021 also kicks off an advance-order campaign for CD and vinyl via bandcamp and at passerinedream.com. // All songs written by Dave Tanner. Additional performing credits are listed in individual track information on bandcamp. // Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering.]
10:34 – Interview with Dave Tanner
Dave Tanner plays bass and sings in several Beatles tribute bands. He also writes, records and performs original music with The Depth and The Whisper and Broken Heart Syndrome. Two of our favorite bands on WMM. Dave Tanner was sidelined from touring in 2020, so he began creating new songs. By fall, he had nine heartfelt songs and invited guest artists from several of the bands he plays with, to help complete the album, PASSERINE DREAM as complete in April 2021. Mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. More info at: http://www.passerinedream.bandcamp.com
Dave Tanner, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Special guests for Passerine Dream included: Erik Voeks Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends John Perrin of NRBQ Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet.
Generally speaking Dave Tanner is touring all the time, playing in the band Liverpool: A Tribute To The Beatles and other bands, but COVID-19 brought all live music venues to a stop and took Dave off the road. Dave spent the first few months of the hiatus contributing bass and vocals to other people’s recordings.By fall, a routine of tracking and writing evolved into making a solo album, of sorts. As songs were coming together from new and existing material, a few friends offered, or were asked, to lend a hand in their respective areas of expertise. Nine heartfelt songs and a handful of special guests later, the Passerine Dream album was completed in April 2021.
Like so many artists in pandemic times Dave created a new album of music.
Emily Dickenson wrote: “Hope is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul -”
“As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope.
Speaking of feathers, tell us about the title Passerine Dream.
Wikipedia: A passerine (/ˈpæsəraɪn/) is any bird of the order Passeriformes (/ˈpæsərɪfɔːrmiːz/; from Latin passer ‘sparrow’ and formis ‘-shaped’), which includes more than half of all bird species. Sometimes known as perching birds or songbirds, passerines are distinguished from other orders of birds by the arrangement of their toes (three pointing forward and one back), which facilitates perching.
With more than 140 families and some 6,500 identified species, Passeriformes is the largest order of birds and among the most diverse orders of terrestrial vertebrates, representing 60% of birds. Passerines are divided into three suborders: Acanthisitti (New Zealand wrens), Tyranni (suboscines), and Passeri (oscines). The passerines contain several groups of brood parasites such as the viduas, cuckoo-finches, and the cowbirds. Most passerines are omnivorous, while the shrikes are carnivorous.
The terms “passerine” and “Passeriformes” are derived from the scientific name of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, and ultimately from the Latin term passer, which refers to sparrows and similar small birds.
All songs written by Dave Tanner. Additional performing credits are listed in individual track information on bandcamp. // Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering.]
Passerine Dream was released on Dave Tanner’s birthday May 3, 2021.
Dave performs in several bands that play the music of The Beatles and Dave Tanner plays Paul McCartney he told us that playing this music makes him work to be better.
Dave Tanner performs original music in the bands Broken Heart Syndrome, and The Depth and The Whisper with Albert Bickley
Dave Tanner, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Dave Tanner’s new album, PASSERINE DREAM was released May 3, 2021. Mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. More info at: http://www.passerinedream.bandcamp.com
10:47
Passerine Dream – “Hometown” from: Passerine Dream / DistroKid / May 3, 2021 [Sidelined from touring in 2020 like everybody else, KC based musician Dave Tanner began demoing new songs and spent the first few months of the hiatus contributing bass and vocals to other people’s recordings. By fall, a routine of tracking and writing evolved into making a solo album, of sorts. As songs were coming together from new and existing material, a few friends offered, or were asked, to lend a hand in their respective areas of expertise. Nine heartfelt songs and a handful of special guests later, the Passerine Dream album was completed in April 2021. “As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope.” // Appearing on certain tracks are power-pop artist Erik Voeks; Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends; John Perrin of NRBQ; Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper; Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles; and John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet. // Digital release on May 3, 2021 also kicks off an advance-order campaign for CD and vinyl via bandcamp and at passerinedream.com. // All songs written by Dave Tanner. Additional performing credits are listed in individual track information on bandcamp. // Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering.]
Juliette Frost – “dull box” from: Hush EP / Juliette Frost / May 5, 2021 [16-year old vocalist, songwriter, & visual artist, Juliette Frost talk about her new 6-song EP on the March 10, 2021 edition of WMM. Created in a 5-day recording session, last December in Los Angeles, with musician, bassist, & producer Dominique Sanders. The songs are written by Juliette, and feature her vocals layered in harmonies, beats & soundscapes. Less than a year ago, on April 18, 2020, Juliette released, Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, her 19-track, debut, recorded in her bedroom, sampling sounds from her own cats meowing and purring, among others. Juliette Frost is the daughter of opera and jazz vocalist Emily Frost and nationally known Hip Hop Beatboxer Adrian “A-Train” Frost. ]
11:00 – Station ID
Quite Frankly – “Volcano” from: “Volcano”- Single / Quite Frankly / December 24, 2018 [The band’s second single, after “Roommates” followed by, “Tear It Up” released April 9, 2019. In the dawn of 2016, shy but precocious middle schooler, founding member and bassist Scout Matthew, decided she wanted to try her hand at turning her musical ambition into reality by creating a band that would take her and her friends well beyond their beginning musical education at School of Rock. She began planning rehearsals out of her garage and within a short time, she convinced her supportive family to renovate their home’s basement into a rehearsal space. Ever since, Quite Frankly the Band has been committed to perfecting its sound, writing their own original music and adding amazing covers. // This young band is no longer just a student band, holding its own opening for, The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks and LA Guns! with several yers experience the band members have moved into high school and beyond, Jolson, Carolyn, Scout, Gavin & Eli have built an impressive resume. // The band gained attention by being the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018 and for being nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. They’ve played First Fridays in the Crossroads, Starlight Theater, The Rino, recordBar, Lemonade Park, Kauffman Stadium, Sprint Center with Big Slick and Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame. Quite Frankly the Band will be our guests on WMM on June 23. More info at: http://www.quitefranklytheband.com]
[Quite Frankly play The Sandbox, 509 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO June 26 at 8:00 PM]
11:03 – Interview with Quite Frankly
The Kansas City based band, Quite Frankly joins us to talk about their latest single, “Blue/Red” released on May 14, 2021 that we will play, in just a few moments. Bassist Scout Matthews formed this 5-piece band in 2016 when she was in middle school. She is now 17 and this “student band” has become a professional band, with 17-year old Carolyn Armstrong on lead female vocals; 20-year old Jolson Robert on lead male vocals, rhythm guitar & saxophone; 16-year old Eli Peterson on lead guitar; and 16-year old Gavin Robert on drums. Quite Frankly has opened for The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks, LA Guns, and were the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018. Quite Frankly has also been nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. More info at http://www.quitefranklytheband.com
Scout Matthews, Carolyn Armstrong, Jolson Robert, Eli Peterson, Gavin Robert, Thanks for being with us on WMM
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, and purchase sound equipment. Ever since, Quite Frankly the Band has been committed to perfecting its sound, writing their own original music and adding amazing covers.
Scout told The Pitch Kansas City, in a June 7, 2021 article written by Hannah Strader, “We actually originally got in trouble for starting a band and involving everybody in something that wasn’t a School of Rock thing,” Scout says. “People were just coming up and asking me to join, but we got in trouble for excluding people.”
Scout Matthews, Carolyn Armstrong, Jolson Robert, Eli Peterson, Gavin Robert
Singer & multi-instrumentalist Jolson Roberts explained to The Pitch KC, in a June 7, 2021 article written by Hannah Strader, “Gavin was actually in my first band. It’s kind of a natural thing at this point. The thing about growing up in a small town is that you don’t have any other musicians, and I’ve been playing with my brother since I was 15.”
Scout Matthews-Tveit (17) on bass Carolyn Armstrong (16), on lead female vocals Jolson Robert (20), lead male vocals, rhythm guitar & saxophone Eli Peterson (16) on lead guitar Gavin Robert (16), on drums
We started the show with “Volcano” the band’s second single release from December 24, 2018. The band’s sound has evolved in these last three years and their new song “Blue / Red” is a “departure” form the band’s earlier Rock Heavy sound.
From the The Pitch Kansas City, in a June 7, 2021 article written by Hannah Strader: “Jolson was feeling particularly inspired after breaking out of an abusive relationship. The lyrics, ‘playing songs on a Sunday, you keep calling but I don’t want to hear from you anymore,’ reference a rehearsal gone wrong when interrupted by endless calls from his ex.”
“[director] Griffin Davis edited the video so that when you hear the lyrics, ‘Why’d you show up at my door tonight’, that’s when you see footage of the bruising. He really felt like that was the first punch,” says MJ. Matthews (Momager of Quite Frankly)
Scout Matthews, Carolyn Armstrong, Jolson Robert, Eli Peterson, Gavin Robert, are staying with us. Here is their single “Blue / Red”
10:16
Quite Frankly the Band – “Blue / Red” from: “Blue/Red”- Single / Quite Frankly the Band / May 14, 2021 [In the dawn of 2016, shy but precocious middle schooler, founding member and bassist Scout Matthew, decided she wanted to try her hand at turning her musical ambition into reality by creating a band that would take her and her friends well beyond their beginning musical education at School of Rock. She began planning rehearsals out of her garage and within a short time, she convinced her supportive family to renovate their home’s basement into a rehearsal space. Ever since, Quite Frankly the Band has been committed to perfecting its sound, writing their own original music and adding amazing covers. // This young band is no longer just a student band, holding its own opening for, The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks and LA Guns! with several yers experience the band members have moved into high school and beyond, Jolson, Carolyn, Scout, Gavin & Eli have built an impressive resume. // The band gained attention by being the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018 and for being nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. They’ve played First Fridays in the Crossroads, Starlight Theater, The Rino, recordBar, Lemonade Park, Kauffman Stadium, Sprint Center with Big Slick and Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame. More info at: http://www.quitefranklytheband.com]
[Quite Frankly play The Sandbox, 509 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO June 26 at 8:00 PM]
11:21
“Blue / Red” from Quite Frankly was made into a video for Moment Invitational Film Festival
The video was filmed at the KC Loves mural and shot using iPhones and a drone, per the rules of the Moment Invitational Film Festival. Winners will receive upwards of $150k in gear and prizes among nine categories, including music videos. Finalists will be announced at the premiere, a Livestream held June 26.
Until then, you can catch the video on YouTube.
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 years 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.
Scout Matthews, Carolyn Armstrong, Jolson Robert, Eli Peterson, Gavin Robert, Thanks for being with us on WMM
Riley The Musician – “Miss America” from: “Miss America” / “I Kissed A Ghost” – Single / Riley The Musician / May 3, 2021 [Riley The Musician is a non-binary, KC based producer, electronica music maker, producer, & DJ. 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
11:33 – Interview with Riley The Musician
RILEY THE MUSICIAN a non-binary 22-year-old self proclaimed “Musician” from Kansas City, MO. Their latest singles: “99” and “Miss America” were released earlier this year, on February 15, and May 3, 2021, leading up to their next album MONTANA, expected later this year. RILEY takes inspiration from a variety of artists, ranging from A. G. Cook, Bruce Springsteen, Sky Ferreira and Passion Pit. RILEY self describes their music as somewhere between Electronic and Indie Pop. Riley The Musician released their debut EP, TEENAGE HEARTTHROB on June 29, 2018, and their debut album, ART IS DEAD on June 6, 2019, and the EP, ANA KENNEDY on July 10, 2020. More info 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 record label is named Snafu Records and they are based in Sweden. The became aware of Riley The Musician because of their Spotify spins.
The 12-track album will be released later this year.
On Spotify Riley The Musician has 19,223 followers and “99” has gotten 166,785 plays
Riley The Musician wears on Andy Warhol Wig… 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.”
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
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.
Riley’s new album MONTANA was inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s album NEBRASKA.
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. The 12-track album will be released later this year. Their latest singles: “99” and “Miss America” were released earlier this year, on February 15, and May 3, 2021. More info at: http://www.rileythemusician.bandcamp.com
11:48
Riley The Musician – “99″ from: “99”” – Single / Riley The Musician / February 15, 2021 [Riley The Musician is a non-binary, KC based producer, electronica music maker, producer, & DJ. This is the first single of 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
Charlotte Bumgarner – “Honey Touch” from: Honey Touch – Single / 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]
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 joined us onWMM on Nov. 11, 2020.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, June 30 we talk with Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz about his amazing 12 record release of musical “conversations,” We also talk with Clint Hoffmeier about his band Vehicle‘s new release “The Other Side of The Mountain.” And with talk with Jacob and Danielle Prestidge about their new musical project Wyndsrfr.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.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, June 23, 2021
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far + Dave Tanner + Quite Frankly + Riley The Musician
WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New Area Musical Releases of 2021…so far. This week we bring you part 3, of a 3-week series, we’ll play recordings from: Deco Auto, Quite Frankly, Riley The Musician, Passerine Dream, The Grisly Hand, Eems, Wyndsrfr, The Wild Women of Kansas City, Julia Othmer, Redder Moon, Charlotte Bumgarner, Juliette Frost, Collidescope, Silicone Prairie, and The Fey.
At 10:30 Mark talks with Dave Tanner who was sidelined from touring in 2020, so he began creating new songs. By fall, Dave had nine heartfelt songs and he invited several guest artists he has played in bands with, over the years, to help complete the album, PASSERINE DREAM, in April 2021. Special guests include: Erik Voeks; Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends; John Perrin of NRBQ; Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper; Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles; and John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet. “As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope. Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. More info at: http://www.passerinedream.bandcamp.com
At 11:00 the Kansas City based band, Quite Frankly joins Mark to talk about their latest single, “Blue/Red” released on May 14, 2021. Bassist Scout Matthews formed this 5-piece band in 2016 when she was in middle school. She is now 17 and this “student band” has become a professional band, with 17-year old Carolyn Armstrong on lead female vocals; 20-year old Jolson Robert on lead male vocals, rhythm guitar & saxophone; 16-year old Eli Peterson on lead guitar; and 16-year old Gavin Robert on drums. Quite Frankly has opened for The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks, LA Guns, and were the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018. Quite Frankly has also been nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. More info at http://www.quitefranklytheband.com
At 11:30 we talk with RILEY THE MUSICIAN a non-binary 21-year-old self proclaimed “Musician” from Kansas City, MO. Their latest singles: “99” and “Miss America” were released earlier this year, on February 15, and May 3, 2021, leading up to their next album MONTANA, expected later this year. RILEY takes inspiration from a variety of artists, ranging from A. G. Cook, Bruce Springsteen, Sky Ferreira and Passion Pit. RILEY self describes their music as somewhere between Electronic and Indie Pop. Riley The Musician released their debut EP, TEENAGE HEARTTHROB on June 29, 2018, and their debut album, ART IS DEAD on June 6, 2019, and the EP, ANA KENNEDY on July 10, 2020. More info 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, June 16, 2021
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far (Part 2 of 3-Week series) + Patrick Sprehe + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Lava Dreams – “You’re The One” from: “You’re The One” – Single / R.I.O.T. LLC / February 26, 2021 [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. “Simple Magic” released April 30 as a video, “Surprise!” released March 26, “You’re The One” released February 26, and “The Amazing Wave” released January 8, 2021 through R.I.O.T. LLC Music 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. You can find Lava Dreams on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Google Play, SoundCloud, Bandcamp. Lava Dreams joined us on WMM on April 22, 2020. Info at: http://www.LavaDreamsMusic.com]
Dan Jones and The Squids – “Shook Loose” from: Serve Without Delay / Dan Jones / February 5, 2021 [Recorded Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 in a LIVE STREAMING SHOW at recordBAR, with Paul Malinowski: live sound & recording engineer. Mixed & edited by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound, Shawnee KS. Mastered by Tom Nunes at Atomic Disc. Dan Jones on guitar & vocals, Matt Ronan on drums & vocals; Steve Tulipana on bass & vocals. All songs by Daniel Sherman Jones (BMI), except “I Wanna Be You” by Ed Cole SERVE WITHOUT DELAY, is the new Dan Jones and The Squids live album of NEW songs, 14 live tracks and 7 home recordings. Their 2019/2020 release, We Live In A World That Is Out Of This World, is included. // In 2020 the band didn’t get to play out much, so they hunkered down and worked up a double album’s worth of new tunes. It was a weekly woodshed-workshop that culminated with a live-streamed live-album show on November 13, 2020 at recordBAR. //Jones is among the hardworking lifers with taste and talent, keeping the dream alive that music matters. This is the 7th LP over two decades from Dan Jones, starting in Eugene, OR before returning to his native, non-coastal home. He has supported Mike Watt (who plays Squids on his radio show), Dinosaur Jr., Steve Wynn, John Doe, Tav Falco, Pedaljets, Peter Case, and Minus 5c. // Dan Jones and The Squids released We Live In A World That Is Out Of This World, on December 6, 2019. It was Recorded at Temple Sounds in KCMO, 2018-2019. Engineered. by JB Moreland. Produced by Dan Jones and The Squids and JB Moreland. Mastered by Tom Nunes at Atomic Disc. With Dan Jones on acoustic & electric guitars, keyboard, lead vocals + drums/bass on “Love/Life”; Matt Ronan on drums, percussion, vocals; Alex Alexander on electric guitar, vocals; Steve Tulipana on bass, vocals; Joey Slab on poem and spiel on “Beach, Please”; Scot Sperry on electric slide guitar on “Love/Life”; Donna Jones on lyrics to “The Violet Man.” Dan Jones joined us LIVE on WMM on March 10, 2021. More info at: http://www.danjones1.bandcamp.com)]
[Dan Jones & The Squids play Gaslight Gardens, 317 North 2nd St., Lawrence KS. Sat. June 19, at 8:00 PM With Harrisonics]
10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1
Today WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New MidCoastal Musical Releases of 2021…so far. This week we bring you part two, of a three-week series, we’ll play recordings from: Lava Dreams, Dan Jones & The Squids, Elexa Dawson, True Lions with Calvin Arsenia, Asterales with Heidi Gluck, Bob Walkenhorst with Una Walkenhorst, Quiet Takes, Kat King, Kian Byrne, Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow, Making Movies with Calvin Arsenia & Jeremy Kittel, The Black Creatures, The Freedom Affair, and Fritz Hutchison.
We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…
Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for over 40 years, with over 20 years playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, she is part of the 5-piece, Short Round Stringband, and records and performs with her partner, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke. In 2020 they released their latest 8-song release, Winter, which was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. She saw Talking Heads on their first U.S. tour when they played One Block West in 1978. For 16 years she has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, that features new vinyl releases, in-store performances,, and was once the location for a wedding. More information at: http://www.recordwithmerritt.com
Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
10:14
Elexa Dawson – “New Song” from: “New Song” – Single / 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. http://www.elexadawson.com]
True Lions – “Blue Marble feat. CalvinArsenia” from: The Fempire Strikes Back, / Manor Records / 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 ]
Asterales – “Beauty In The Distance (ft. Heidi Gluck)” from: Beauty In The Distance (ft. Heidi Gluck) – Single / 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. More information at http://www.asterales.bandcamp.com]
10:26 – Pledge Break #2
Our WMM Spring Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
10:34 – Underwriting
Bob Walkenhorst – “Secret Life feat. Una Walkenhorst” from: A Thousand Words / BAT Records / June 1, 2021 [Bob Walkenhorst’s new 12 song album comes out on June 1, 2021 on Bob’s 68th Birthday. Bob Walkenhorst will be with us LIVE on the show next week. The new album is beautiful and shows the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet. The album is also evidence of the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving listeners lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, not in a falsetto, but actually singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW with that was released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, in clear beautiful harmonies, with that extra special shared musical DNA, that can be heard in the harmonies of The Carter Family, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, or Shy Boys. FOR TOMORROW was #2 on WMM’s 118 Best recordings of 2018. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 12 albums. Bob’s solo record continues the spirit of FOR TOMORROW. Bob Walkenhorst was on WMM June 2, 2021. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com]
[The Rainmakers play Johnson County Community College on Aug. 27, 2021 7:00 PM.] [The Rainmakers play Lindberg’s in Springfield, MO on August 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM.] [The Rainmakers play Knuckleheads November 27, 2021 at 8:00 PM]
Quiet Takes – “San Fidel” from: “San Fidel” – EP / Sarah Magill / March 5, 2021 [Sarah Magill released “San Fidel” 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%5D
Kat King – “Don’t Wanna Lose” from: Say What You Mean EP / Kat King / June 9, 2021 [1st single from 5-track EP recorded with her band. 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 plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming on June 26, with Katy Guillen & The Drive.]
10:48 – Pledge Break #3
Our WMM Spring Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
10:56
Kian Bryne – “Morning Glow” from: Morning Glow / Kian Byrne Music / December 4, 2020 [12-song album from Kian Byrne who released the single. “All The Love” on February 7, 2020. Kian Byrne is a Kansas City based multi-instrumentalist. He plays drums in The Elders, and drums for Hi-Lüx, and bass for The New Riddim, and for YUM. 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]
[Kian Byrne plays Second Presbyterian, 318 E 55th St., Kansas City, MO on June 16, at 7:07]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Patrick Sprehe
With James Andrews, Patrick Sprehe is the co-founder of Center Cut Records. Patrick worked as high school teacher for 25 years, first serving with the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, and then moving on to Raleigh, North Carolina, and then Oakland, California, and then Tokyo, Japan. Patrick spent 13 years teaching at Academie Lafayette. Where many of KC Rock families sent their kids to school. Center Cut Records have a mission to illuminate the amazing collection of musical talent in Kansas City and solidify its place in the national discussion about sonic art. Center Cut Records has released Calvin Arsenia‘s CANTALOUPE (2018), and L.A. SESSIONS (2019), and the EP HONEYDEW (2019); Fritz Hutchison‘s WIDE WILD ACRES (2020); and they recently signed and remastered and reissued The Black Creatures acclaimed album, WILD ECHOES, and the recent singles and videos: “Wretched (It Goes)” and “Negative Zero.” Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE is this Friday, June 18, with The Black Creatures, The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
Patrick Sprehe, Thanks for being with us today on WMM
Beginning with a friendship back in high school, James Andrews and Patrick Sprehe discovered a mutual passion for all things music. Countless hours were spent at Ron Rooks’ Music Exchange in Westport arguing over who had first dibs on a prized promotional album, and buying records based solely on intriguing album covers. A few doors down, they could be found at Penny Lane chuckling over one of LeRoi’s “Riding With The King” album reviews in KC Pitch that doled out his infamous “Fly Me” mark of shame. Further treks south took them to Peaches Records to fill the wooden peach crates with the latest releases, with pit stops at Exile Records to score used new wave, punk, and blues cassettes, while drooling over the cheap concert t-shirts unavailable anywhere else in the States.
College came and even though they went their separate ways, they found the time to meet at Anne Winter’s Recycled Sounds to trade in their old tapes for bootleg compact discs. Regular road trips were taken to Love Garden in Lawrence to look for rare vinyl, extended remixes and Japanese imports. Their thirst was insatiable. This led to a new appreciation of local artists to be found at a seemingly endless supply of venues: The Homestead Grays at The Bottleneck or Jazzhaus in Lawrence, The Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band at Kiki’s Bon Ton Maison or The Hurricane, or The Sin City Disciples at Davey’s Uptown or The Shadow to name a few. And let’s not forget the late, great granddaddy of them all, The Grand Emporium, that was practically a 2nd home during those years.
More time passed and both of the young men moved away from their families in Kansas City for some time in search of their dreams. Mix tapes and CDs were sent across states and continents. Music and home were never far from their minds though, and they both eventually returned. James Andrews has worked in the publishing business since 1999 and is now part-owner of Andrews McMeel Universal. Patrick Sprehe has been a teacher for 25 years, first serving with the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, and then moving on to Raleigh, NC; Oakland, CA; and Tokyo, Japan. He spent the past 13 years teaching at Academie Lafayette.
As both men approached 50, their discussions about music led to the decision to make a difference in the Kansas City music community. Not being musicians themselves, both James and Patrick wanted to find a way to give back some of the joy they had felt over the years while finding a way to share the rich, storied musical heritage of Kansas City with the rest of the world. The variety of musical genres found in KC is enormous, and lines are blurred constantly as artists collaborate and create a unique sound which can only be described as Kansas City. Kansas City is truly at the geographical center of America, and they believe it is also at the center of the musical universe.
Several years ago, Jim’s love of vinyl led him to discover Records With Merritt and proprietor, Marion Merritt, who encouraged Jim and Patrick to pursue their dream of creating a record label.
Center Cuts Records has a mission to illuminate the amazing collection of musical talent in Kansas City and solidify its place in the national discussion about sonic art.
James and Patrick were first on the show on September 12, 2018 just prior to Center Cut Records presenting an Album Release Show for Calvin Arsenia’s Cantaloupe, at The Gem Theatre, 1615 East 18th Street, KCMO, Saturday, September 15, at 7:00PM.
Taking place two weeks prior to the international launch of the record, the event gives Kansas City friends and supporters an intimate, first listen to Arsenia’s much-anticipated follow up to his 2017 debut album, Catastrophe. James and Patrick were last on the show on November 18, 2021
Center Cut Records has released Calvin Arsenia’s CANTALOUPE (2018), and L.A. SESSIONS (2019), and the EP HONEYDEW (2019).
Fritz Hutchison’s WIDE WILD ACRES was released in 2020.
They recently signed and remastered and reissued The Black Creatures WILD ECHOES (2019 – 2020) full length album digitally and on vinyl.
Center Cuts Podcasts are produced with Chris Mowry.
Patrick Sprehe, Thanks for being with us today on WMM, will you stick around and help us “Pitch?”
Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE is this Friday, June 18, with The Black Creatures, and The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), behind Voltaire. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
11:12
The Freedom Affair – “Rise Up” from: Freedom is Love / Sunflower Soul Records / September 25, 2020 [“Freedom Is Love” is the debut album from Kansas City’s newest soul juggernaut, The Freedom Affair. The album explores themes of love, heartache, empowerment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The Freedom Affair is a unique collective featuring 3 powerhouse female vocalists in front of a dynamic 6-piece band. On “Freedom Is Love”, each of the ladies get their time to shine individually, but the magic is on full display when all 3 come together in unison and harmony, symbolically embodying the messages that they sing about. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording technologies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. The Freedom Affair is: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!” Chris Hazelton joined us on WMM on September 16, 2020.]
[The Freedom Affair play Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE is this Friday, June 18, with The Black Creatures, and Kadesh Flow at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming.]
[The Freedom Affair play Crossroads Music fest, Saturdy, September 11, 2021.]
Kadesh Flow – “Elegant” from: ”Elegant” – Single / 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 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 was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com ]
[Kadesh Flow plays Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Black Creatures, and The Freedom Affair. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com]
[The Phantastics play The Ship 1217 Union Avenue, on Friday, June 25, at 9:00 PM]
11:18 – Pledge Break #4
This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Patrick Sprehe
11:26
The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero” from: “Negative Zero” – Single / Center Cut Records / April 2, 2021 [remixed, remastered] [All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. This song was originally on the December 6, 2017 release, SEE NO EVIL The song was recently re-recorded. Band member Xavier Martin told us that, “Everything was done from the ground up. Remixing, rerecording, mastering, etc.” The Black Creatures wanted to released this as a single and video as a “part-two” to their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, which was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. The video for “Negative Zero” picks up where the video for “Wretched (It Goes)” left off, “so there is a conceptual thread between the two,” says Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records. All music produced, arranged, recorded, and performed by The Black Creatures. Engineering and Mastering by J. Ashley Miller aka Jametatone. The Black Creatures write, “We talk about it all the time, but ‘Negative Zero’ is the best example of this phenomenon; sometimes we come together with pieces of a song that fit together so perfectly the results surprise even us. So, conceiving a video that acutely paralleled the direness of the message was a huge deal for us. The process happened in a similarly fluid stride that furthered our awareness of the unfortunate necessity of art, media, and dialogue that exist in the same sphere. With that in mind, there’s some positivity we hope fans of The Black Creatures can also takeaway from this music video. // We had been sitting on this video for a while, already finished filming and that whole process was very fun and literally nourishing (because we got Fannie’s West African Cuisine to celebrate after filming). Like past music video releases, we worked with Rondevu Productions on this video—and it was a careful little gathering! We all got our ‘negative’ COVID test results within 48 hours of each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s go to the lake like a family,’ and we did. We spent two days filming on a freezing cold lake, dancing on cryptic constructions, and being outside way late at night. // We have set up this release to directly fund The Tamir Rice Foundation, founded by mother Samaria Rice. We also encourage others who can, to give to something that is centered around Black life.” // After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued Wild Echoes and began releasing singles. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. They released the album, See No Evil, December 6, 2017. The duo released the singles, “Elements” February 14, 2018; “Silver Tears” June 19. 2018; “Dare” a Gorillaz cover August 8, 2019. They released the album “Wild Echoes” September 30, 2019. The Black Creatures released the singles “Turn” October 30, 2019; “Quartz (Twilight)” November 13, 2019; “SHINE” December 11, 2019; Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” January 8, 2020; “To Whom It May Concern” January 22, 2020; “Arcade Love” February 5, 2020; and “Run Up” Feb. 19, 2020. The Black Creatures were last on WMM on May 26, 2021.]
[The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com]
11:31 – Underwriting
11:33 – Pledge Break #5
This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Patrick Sprehe.
11:41
Making Movies – “Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel” from: La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021 [Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP included a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), love ballad Una Vida, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, February 5 through February 7. In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.” Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we’ll have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff.]
11:46 – Pledge Break #6
This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Patrick Sprehe.
Thank you Marion Merritt, and Patrick Sprehe, and Betse Ellis! Thank you to everyone who donated!
11:52
Kemet Coleman – “Eyes On The Street (radio edit)” from: Eyes On The Street / Kemet Creative / May 21, 2021 [Kemet Coleman is a Kansas City based musicians and is a member of the Hip-Hop duo COA (Center of Attention) and is the lead singer of the Funk/Rap/Soul band The Phantastics. Kemet is also a core element of The Marcus Lewis Big Band for Brass & Boujee. Kemet is a two time Pitch Music Award nominee for “Best Hip-Hop Act.” Kemet is known for his unprecedented collaborations with UMKC, KC Streetcar and The Kansas City Royals. He is also highly regarded for his impresario role within the Sly James for Mayor Campaign in the 2010-2011 where he created the first ever KC mayoral candidate rap song. A University of Missouri – Kansas City alumnus, Kemet, created “Gold and Blue” for UMKC’s sports teams, which has garnered thousands of plays on YouTube and has been featured on prime-time television commercials for the university. In 2020 Coleman contributed his song, “The Virus” to the compilation, Kansas City Syzygy, music created by over 25 Kansas City-based musicians in the middle of the map of a pandemic. “The Virus” is his comment on the impact of the coronavirus, as well as the virus that is racial injustice in America that has received global attention during the past months. All proceeds donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone has a safe, accessible, affordable home. The new EP is a follow up to Kemet’s August 1, 2020 release, BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL.]
[The Phantastics play The Ship 1217 Union Avenue, on Friday, June 25, at 9:00 PM]
Fritz Hutchison – “Zack Attack” from: “Zack Attack” – Single / Center Cut Records / 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]
[Fritz Hutchison plays Raj Ma Hall, 2829 E &th St., Kansas City, on Saturday, July 10, at 4:00 PM]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, June 23, we continue with part-3 of our 3-week series WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021…so far. We also welcome Special Guests: Dave Tanner who talks about his new release Passerine Dream. We also welcome the amazingly talented kids in the Quite Frankly The Band! AND, we will talk with Riley The Musician!!!!
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.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, June 16, 2021
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far (Part 2 of 3-Week series) + Patrick Sprehe + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis
WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New Area Musical Releases of 2021…so far. This week we bring you part two, of a three-week series, we’ll play recordings from: Lava Dreams, Dan Jones & The Squids, Elexa Dawson, True Lions with Calvin Arsenia, Asterales with Heidi Gluck, Bob Walkenhorst with Una Walkenhorst, Quiet Takes, Kat King, Kian Byrne, Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow, Making Movies with Calvin Arsenia & Jeremy Kittel, The Black Creatures, The Freedom Affair, and Fritz Hutchison.
At 11:00 we talk with Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records. Patrick has worked as High School teacher for 25 years, first serving with the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, and then moving on to Raleigh, NC; Oakland, CA; and Tokyo, Japan. He spent 13 years teaching at Academie Lafayette. Center Cut Records have a mission to illuminate the amazing collection of musical talent in Kansas City and solidify its place in the national discussion about sonic art. Center Cut Records has released Calvin Arsenia’s CANTALOUPE (2018), and L.A. SESSIONS (2019), and the EP HONEYDEW (2019); Fritz Hutchison’s WIDE WILD ACRES (2020); and they recently signed and remastered and reissued The Black Creatures WILD ECHOES. Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE is this Friday, June 18, with The Black Creatures, and The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
One of WMM’s longtime contributors, Marion Merritt of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business in KCMO, joins us as our special guest co-host. We also welcome Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, and one half of Betse & Clarke who also joins us as special guest co-host. Betse & Marion will encourage our listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio during our Spring Fund Drive Show.
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, June 9, 2021
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far (3-part series) + Marisa Butler + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Alyssa Murray – “two peaches” from: Half and Half / LYSSA / May 14, 2021 [2nd single from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 through January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com ]
[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]
[Alyssa Murray plays Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room on Sat, July 31, 9:00 to 11:30 pm.]
Cuee – “Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj)” [Radio Edit] (CD #3) (2:46) from: Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj) – Single / Cuee / February 14, 2021 [Follow up to “Who’s Back “ single released August 12, 2020. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee is a 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. In the last 5 years Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Cuee exhibits an energetic and fun, yet smooth and motivational edge to his style of music. Drawing major influence from hip-hop artists such as Jay Z, Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, one could see why his storytelling essence fuses with harmonic flows. His fan favorites include Shook, Blessed, and Feeling Lucky from Cuee’s 2018 album, Shameless. Cuee is currently working to release an new album titled, “Gospel.”Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a recently graduate of Artist Inc. Cuee was our guest on WMM on August 12, 2020, March 3, and May 5, 2021 to share music from his new album! More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]
[Cuee plays Lawrence Pride on Saturday, June 12, at 4:00 PM at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 East6th Street, Lawrence Kansas with The Creepy Jingles and more! All Ages Show]
10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1
Today WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New MidCoastal Musical Releases of 2021…so far. We bring you part one, of a three-week series, with recordings from: The Roseline, Monta At Odds, Rob Rice with Teri Quinn & Stephen Roper, Knife Crime, Rachel Cion, Eddie Moore, Christena Graves, Approach with Heidi Gluck, Nan + the One Nite Stands, Lee Walter Redding with Stephonne, Stik Figa, Other Americans, Sam Wells, Riley The Musician, and Jillian Riscoe. We started with Alyssa Murray and Cuee.
We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…
Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for over 40 years, with over 20 years playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, she is part of the 5-piece, Short Round Stringband, and records and performs with her partner, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke. In 2020 they released their latest 8-song release, Winter, which was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. She saw Talking Heads on their first U.S. tour when they played One Block West in 1978. For 16 years she has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, that features new vinyl releases, in-store performances,, and was once the location for a wedding. More information at: http://www.recordwithmerritt.com
Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio is non-commercial, and that means that three times a year, we interrupt our regular programming, to ask our listeners, to help us continue our unique, 24-7 programming. For 33 years 90.1 FM KKFI has been on the air. While the spirit of this station is kept alive by hundreds of volunteers who passionately donate their time and abilities to keep the transmission of our 100,000-watt-signal alive. We are a operated by a not-for-profit organization, incorporated over 40 years ago, called The MidCoast Radio Project. We’re non-profit, but we still have to pay the electric bill, the rent on our fully accessible production studios and offices, insurance, staff, royalties, production expenses. Even though we have hundreds of committed volunteers, who donate thousands of hours every year, producing radio shows, answering phones, creating websites, producing benefits, rewiring the board, setting up our computer system, we still need YOU, our listener. YOU are the reason we are able to stay alive. You can visit us at http://www.kkfi.org, or call 888-931-0901 to support Kansas City Community Radio 90.1 FM.
90.1 FM KKFI is “The Voice of the Community” Our Kansas City Community Speaks Through our Airwaves. So far in 2021 on WMM we’ve conducted 60 live interviews with 65 special guests: Sam Wells, Barry Lee, Lily B. Moonflower, Jeremiah James Gonzales, Jill McKeever, Charlotte Bumgarner, Martin Farrell Jr., Mikal Shapiro, D. Rashaan Gilmore, Chritena Graves, Hadiza., Alisa Jefferson, Marion Merritt, Betse Ellis, David Luther, Cuee, Robert Moore, Sarah Magill, Dan Jones, Juliette Frost, Club Sinister, R.I.Peter, Everette The Grey, Nico Gray, Katy Guillen, Rhonda Lyne, Chris Hudson, Jamie Searle, Nan Turner, Stacy Busch, Claire Adams, Allisön Hawkins, Jen Harris, Vaness Aricco, Rob Rice, Sherman Brennemen, M.G. Salazar, Michael JC Taylor, Matt Weinman & Melissa Weinman, Aaron Rhodes, Judy Mills, Byron Huhmann, Shawn Stewart, Fally Afani, Calvin Arsenia, Greg LaFollette, Erin Keller, Lee Langston, Connor Leimer, Enrique Chi, Alyssa Murray, Jillian Riscoe, Dylan Pyles, Remy Sryrk, Xavier Martin & Jade Green of The Black Creatures, Bob Walkenhorst, Elexa Dawson, Jeremy Ragland and more to come
10:14
Approach – “Call You feat. Heidi Gluck” from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020. [Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray aka Approach aka Sean Hunt. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kansas based emcee/producer Approach has been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000 that he helps curate the roster for. Info: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com]
Stik Figa – “Felt Like It” from: Stik Figa EP / Stik Figa / April 2, 2021 [From Stik Figa’s bandcamp page: “Stik Figa returns with quicstrike release for Bandcamp Friday! 3 unreleased tracs for my real supporters that you won’t find anywhere else! Thank you all for continuing following me on this music journey.” All songs written and performed by Stik Figa. Track one, “Stik Figa” was produced and mixed by Calvin Valentine and recorded by Joshua Browning @ Lucky Seven Studios; Lawrence, KS. Track 2. “Felt Like It” was produced by Mike Hurst and recorded and mixed by Sean Patrick @ Twlvs Studio; Fort Worth, TX. Track 3. “JYLND Freestyle” was produced by Mike Hurst and recorded and mixed by Sean Patrick @ Twlvs Studios; Fort Worth, TX. photography and layout by Well Cultured. // 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]
Rachel Cion – “Gunpowder Baby” from: WANTED! – EP / Rachel Cion / May 4, 2021 [The 3-song EP/Single, WANTED! includes the tracks: “Gunpowder Baby”, “What You’ve Done”, and “Heist”. Rachel Cion is Rachel Cionetti an Olathe, Kansas based singer-songwriter who has posted multiple songs on her SoundCloud page. We last played her single, “One More Time 35mm” on November 14, 2018 five days after it was released. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/rachel.cheeto%5D
Other Americans – “Kink Wave” from: Paranoid Fiction / Gran Calavera Records / February 9, 2021 [8-song EP follow up to the band’s Oct. 19, 2019 release OA2. O.A. released their debut EP, Other Americans on June 29, 2018. Julie Berndsen on lead vocals, Adam Phillips on drums, Brandon Phillips on guitar, Michelle Bacon on bass. Produced by Brandon Philllips. Engineered by Joel Nanos. Recorded at Element Recording Studios in KC. All remixes by Mensa Deathsquad. Hailing from KCMO and Lawrence, KS, the electro-alternative OTHER AMERICANS are comprised of members of The Architects, Latenight Callers, The Philistines, Radar State and Brandon Phillips & The Condition. Other Americans is a virtual Midwestern supergroup. The cohorts first crossed paths in when a mutual friend and matchmaker introduced Brandon Phillips to vocalist Julie Berndsen “We were all looking for something new to do musically, recalls Brandon. “The way I remember it, a mutual friend (KC music producer Joel Nanos) told me that Julie was looking to start something new and I sent her a note about it. We had tacos to see if we liked each other.”]
10:26 – Pledge Break #2
Our WMM Spring Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
10:34 – Underwriting
Lee Walter Redding – “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” from: “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”-Single / Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne /Apr. 9, 2021 [Lee Walter Redding told me 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]
Christena Graves – “Give Me A Minute” from: Finding My Footing / Christena Graves / February 11, 2021 [Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing marks her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.” More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com]
[Christena Graves returns to WMM on July 7]
The Roseline – “Joy” from: “Joy” – Single / Alt Country Club / May 7, 2021 [The Roseline is releasing their second single “Joy” off their upcoming record ‘Constancy.’ The track features Colin Halliburton on lead vox/acoustic guitar/aux percussion, Bradley McKellip on electric guitars, Colin Jones on bass, Jim Piller on drums, and Heidi Gluck on organ and background vox. It was recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. More information at: http://www.roselinemusic.com // 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
10:48 – Pledge Break #3
Our WMM Spring Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
KKFI’s Mission Statement: KKFI is the Kansas City area’s independent, noncommercial community radio station. We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.
KKFI’s Philosophy Statement: KKFI is committed to diversity in programming and discourse and seeks to create a climate of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.
10:56
Nan & the One Nite Stands – “Yeah (Radio Edit)” from: High – Caliber / Nan Turner / February 19. 2021 [All songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // “Yeah” is track 1, on this 5-song EP // The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler on bass on 1, 3, and 4; Pat Tomek on drums on 1, 3, and 4; Mark Ospovat on bass on 2 and 5; Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers on backing vocals on 2, 4, and 5; Chase Horseman on keyboards, guitar, and co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration. // Follow up to the single “Desert Nights” released May 22, 2020, written by Nan Turner, and recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. On July 12, 2019, Nan Turner released her solo EP, Champs and Losers, Version 2. Recorded, Mixed, and Co-Produced at Winky World in Kansas City, by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns plays drums and Chase Horseman plays bass. Nan Turner is also one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock. Her music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com ]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Marisa Butler
Marisa Butler grew up in Kansas City, but she has lived Brooklyn, New York where she worked for Big Apple Circus, Madison Square Garden, served as Operations Development Coordinator at Coalition for the Homeless, and Studied Urban Studies at CUNY School of Professional Studies where she received her Masters of Arts in Urban Studies in 2015. Here in Kansas City Marisa works as a Substance Abuse Specialist at reStart Inc. Marisa Butler is also the new host & producer of “The Mixtape with Marisa,” airing Friday mornings 6:00 to 8:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. In 2002, during her senior year of high school, the radio bug bit her, when she did her first Guest DJ at KKFI. Marisa went on to work at her college radio station KTRM, (Kirksville’s TRU Alternative) for 5 years. She produced her own weekly specialty show for 4 years, and served as Station Manager for a year. Marisa produced a weekly interview program where college professors would play their favorite music. Marisa also served as Music Director for a year and a half, putting together the music for the daily format shifts.
Marisa Butler, Thanks for being with us today on WMM
Marisa Butler Career History:
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist at reStart Inc. May 6, 2021 – Present
Former General Manager at Burdolski Auto Werks July 2015 – April 2021 — Shawnee, Kansas
Former Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at Big Apple Circus August 2014 – June 2015 — Brooklyn, New York
Former Operations Development Coordinator at Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. September 2011 – January 2014 — New York, New York Coordinating between departments of operations and development. Managing special projects such as Project: Back to School, Holiday Toy Drive, volunteer recruitment, and distribution of In-Kind donations. Children’s Holiday Party and Toy Drive Organized a drive that raised over 3,000 toys and put on a holiday party for children in shelters.
Former Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director at Coalition for the Homeless January 2009 – September 2011 — New York, New York Manager of In Kind Donations – Coordinating the collection and distribution of in-kind donations at Coalition for the Homeless. Project Back to School raising 3,000 backpacks for homeless children in New York City.
Former Guest Relations Coordinator at Madison Square Garden September 2008 – December 2008 – New York, New York
Former Publicist for Bravo Johnson at Stone Junction Inc. February 2008 – December 2008 — New York, New York
Former Station Manager at KTRM May 2006 – May 2007 — Kirksville, Missouri
Former KTRM music director at KTRM January 2005 – May 2006 — Kirksville, Missouri
College Studied Urban Studies at CUNY School of Professional Studies MA, Urban Studies Class of 2015
Studied Art at Truman State University – Class of 2007
High School Went to Notre Dame de Sion School, Kansas City – Class of 2002
Marisa writes: “My biggest influences is probably college radio and indie music from the late nineties and early aughts, but I also enjoy classic country, rockabilly, old rock and roll, prog, techno, doo wop, soul, reggae, and hip hop. I remember my mentor and college radio professor told us the best shows weave songs together triggering a positive response in the body’s natural rhythms, or at the very least not disrupting those rhythms. It is always my goal to just play just good and unique music that blends one song to the next.”
The Mixtape with Marisa is a blended variety of music tailored to be the soundtrack of your day. You may hear something you’ve loved that you haven’t heard in years, or something brand new that you never thought you’d like. Marisa is constantly in search of good music, whether it be finding b-sides or rare cuts, trolling in the dollar bin at the local record store, finding the best local and regional music, or dusting off that record she found in her mom’s basement, her goal is to make a musical tapestry that will help move your day along and keep you engaged. LISTEN LIVE ON KKFI – Every Friday at 6:00am
Marisa Butler, Thanks for being with us today on WMM
Marisa Butler is the new host & producer of “The Mixtape with Marisa,” airing Friday mornings 6:00 to 8:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.
11:11
KNIFE CRIME — “Lump Sum” from: Lovely Gary / Black-Site / April 13, 2021 [After spending months at Massive Sounds studio with producer Paul Malinowski in 2019 and then waiting out the worst of the pandemic’s stranglehold, Knife Crime’s debut album, Lovely Gary, is ready. Finally. // Knife Crime is a band of four veterans of Kansas City’s music community. Going back to the early 1990s, founding brothers Byron Huhmann on guitars, piano & lead vocals; Brad Huhmann on bass & vocals, have played with a small legion of bands, including TV Fifty, Onward Crispin Glover, the Dark Circles, Truck Stop Love, Red Kate and Lushbox. Jake Cardwell on drums & percussion came aboard in 2012, and has played drums for Reflector, the Belles, the Caves and the Conquerors. In 2018, multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah James Gonzalez on guitar & vocals joined, bringing along a resume that includes Elevator Division, Monta at Odds, Be/Non, Umberto, Rhunes and Redder Moon. Songs by Knife Crime. Recorded & mixed by Paul Malinowski, at Massive Sound Studios, Shawnee, KS Mastering by Mike Nolte, Eureka Mastering, Portland, Oregon. Additional mastering & lacquer cutting: Chris Muth, Taloowa Corp., Yonkers, NY. Vinyl Manufacturing: Kindercore Vinyl, Athens, GA. // Follow up to their single release “Falcon” on January 8, 2020. Produced by Knife Crime. Mastered by Dave Gaume at Element Recording Studios. Knife Ccrime is a 4-piece Kansas City based band formed on January 19, 2011. More info at: http://www.black-site.org]
11:14 – Pledge Break #4
This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis.
Where can I find out about what is happening in my community? The answer is KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio – The Voice of The Community.
Along with our National Public Affairs shows like Democracy Now, and Alternative Radio we also offer more locally produced public affairs programs than anywhere else on the dial. We offer programs specifically produced for the LGBTQIA Community, Women’s Issues, Native American News and Culture, Middle Eastern Music and Information, Latino Programming, African American Public Affairs and Community News, Labor and Worker’s Unions, our prison population and justice system, environmental programming, Visual and Literary Arts, and Performing Arts.
Just remember what you don’t have to hear when you are tuned to 90.1 FM KKFI! No commercials, we do have very brief underwriting announcements, recognizing those who financially contribute to support non-profit community radio, but we will never tell you to “go out and buy” something. We inform and educate, but we don’t sell things. We give your news, stories, music, culture and we let you decide what you want to do with that information. We are probably some of the only free airwaves left on the dial. We are non-profit.
We have no automated robot playing the same 40 to 80 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot. There is always human being on the other end of the phone line anytime you call. 90.1 offers 104 different radio programs. 85 of these programs are locally, produced, hosted, engineered and written by over 100 different people, who create content, and personally handcraft each show, each week. There are 55 local music shows and 21 locally produce News, Public Affairs, Arts & Talk shows.
There are 140 hours each week of locally produced handcrafted programs. You will not find this kind of representative diversity anywhere else on your radio dial. Or from any singular source on your computer. It is very special. It needs to be nourished and kept alive in a world of corporate, nationally owned, commercial or religious broadcasting. Not only do we bring the most diverse and unfiltered news and information, but our musical playlists are deep, and comprehensive. In one week you can hear over 2000 different songs played, in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Classical, World, Americana, Southern Soul, Fusion, Soul, Rock, New Wave, Electronic, Native, Local, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Women’s, Children’s, Gospel, and Experimental.
With all of this, you hear the voices from the hundreds of KKFI volunteers, and thousands of guests from the community, who share their stories, broadcast live from our non-commercial, midtown studios, at 39th & Main, in the center of our metro, across two states, a collective of communities, and thousands of listeners. What is this worth to you?
11:22
Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)” from: When I’m Gone – Single / The Record Machine / May 14, 2021 [Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // 2020 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The group released Zen Diagram in May of 2020 as a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind. // This single is a follow-up to the December 18, 2020 released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich. Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram last year on May 1, 2020. Monta At Odd’s seventh full-length album, Peak of Eternal Light, is to be released in 2021 on The Record Machine. In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D
Jillian Riscoe – “People in The Real World” from: People in The Real World – Single / Avenue Record Company / March 5, 2021 [Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]
[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]
11:29 – Underwriting
11:31 – Pledge Break #5
This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.
In just this past year, we’ve featured segments shining a light on: La Resistencia, Art As Mentorship, The Phoenix, The Kauffman Center for The Performing Arts, UMKC Conservatory of Music, MidCoast Takeover, Spinning Tree Theatre, The Pitch Kansas City, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bandwaggin KC, KC Bands Together, The Green Line Initiative, Black Lives Matter, The Queer Narratives Festival, KC Bass Workshop, Folk Alliance International, KC Writer’s Workshop, Kansas City Syzygy, Shuttlecock Music Magazine, I Heart Local Music, The Tenth Voice, The Record Machine, Mills Record Company, Records With Merritt, The Vinyl Underground at 7th Heaven, High Dive Records, Center Cut Records, Manor Records, Polyvinyl Records, Lost Cowgirl Records, Sunflower Soul Records, KC Irish Fest, The Crossroads Music Fest, MixMaster Music Conference, Too Much Rock, Midwest Music Foundation, Apocalypse Meow, Filmmaker Morgan Cooper, Charlotte Street Foundation, Inter Urban Arthouse, Lemonade Park, Weights and Measure Sound Lab, Indigenous Agriculture, and more.
11:39
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 May 13, 2020 and January 20, 2021.]
Rob Rice – “Thinking of Another (feat. Teri Quinn & Stephen Roper)” from: and the Devil’s Threesome / Mongrel Manor Records / March 21, 2021 [Another song from the debut EP of Rob Rice titled, and the Devil’s Threesome to be released March 21, 2021. 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 last year when his track “Serial Lover” was part of the KC Syzygy Compilation released July 17, 2020. Info at: http://www.robricemakesmusic.com Rob Rice was on WMM on April 14, 2021]
11:46 – Pledge Break #6
This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.
KKFI offers 24-7 programming, and YOU (the listener), basically get all of this amazing programming for “free.” I, for one, love that I can turn on my radio, or computer device, and tune into the 90.1 FM’s 100,000 watt, crystal-clear signal, and hear the music, information, news, entertainment, events, and stories, that I really cannot find anywhere else. 90.1 is my comfort, my special companion, my interesting friend, introducing me to all kinds of new & local music, as well as the news & information without the intrusion of commercials. It is radio brought to YOU by real people, who create these shows out of love, and are guided by KKFI’s noble mission that “seeks to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.”
Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your art space, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 3 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcasting alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.
Marion Merritt, Betse Ellis, Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who donated! We raised $3404.00 from 58 people. (We raised $1694.00 today on the air on WMM and also $1710.00 through our Facebook Fundraiser.)
11:53:47
Eddie Moore – “We Chillin'” from: “We Chillin’” – Single / 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 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.]
Riley The Musician – “I Kissed a Ghost” from: “Miss America” / “I Kissed A Ghost” – Single / Riley The Musician / May 3, 2021 [Riley The Musician is a non-binary, KC based producer, electronica music maker, producer, & DJ. This is the first single of 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
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, June 16,Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis return as Co-Hosts. We also welcome Special Guests: James Andrews & Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records! And we bring you Part 2 of our 3-week special: WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021…So Far, with music from Kadesh Flow, The Black Creatures, Making Movies with Calvin Arsenia, and more!
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 