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, September 17, 2025

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning & Iona DeWalt

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

2. Wednesday – “Pick Up That Knife”
   from: Bleeds / Dead Oceans / September 19, 2025
   [Third single from upcoming album, BLEEDS. Wednesday, the North Carolina rock band led by generational songwriter Karly Hartzman released their breakthrough album, Rat Saw God. The album was one of 2023’s most critically acclaimed releases, landing on year end lists at the New York Times, NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, The Atlantic, The Ringer, The FADER, Paste, Consequence, Stereogum and more. // Wednesday is Karly Hartzman, MJ Lenderman, Xandy Chelmis, Alan Miller, and Ethan Baechtold. // “What makes Wednesday one of the best bands in the world is Hartzman’s songwriting. It’s paradisiacal in a scuzzy way, adaptable to any underbelly in North America and wickedly unafraid of being too truthful or unabashed.” -Paste // “Karly Hartzman’s storytelling remains a beautifully magpie-like collection of little details drawn from memory and observation, woven together into a transcendent indie rock tapestry.” -The AV Club // Rat Saw God released September 8, 2022. It was ij the top 30 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // // Hartzman was inspired to start playing guitar after watching Mitski’s NPR Tiny Desk concert. Hartzman attended college in Asheville, where she met Daniel Gorham. The two recorded an album together under the moniker Wednesday titled yep definitely. The band’s name was inspired by the British band The Sundays. // After releasing this record, Hartzman formed another band called Diva Sweetly, alongside members of the band Pictures of Vernon. Hartzman was interested in making shoegaze music, which was not the music Diva Sweetly was making. Thus, Hartzman gathered new members to join the Wednesday band and released the second album with the group, titled I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone in 2020. The group released their third record, Twin Plagues, on August 13, 2021.// On March 11, 2022, the band released a covers album titled Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling ’em Up, featuring covers versions of songs by Gary Stewart, Chris Bell, Roger Miller, Drive-By Truckers, Hotline TNT, Greg Sage, Vic Chesnutt, Medicine and The Smashing Pumpkins. On September 8, 2022, the band left Orindal Records and signed to Dead Oceans, releasing the single “Bull Believer”. On January 18, 2023, the band released the single “Chosen to Deserve” and announced a fifth album, Rat Saw God, which was released on April 7, 2023.] [Wednesday played the recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, on Wednesday, May 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM ]

3. Rudy Love & The Encore – “Move Slow”
   from: 11 / Midtopia / July 11, 2025
   [Rudy Love & The Encore is comprised of Rudy Love Jr. (vocals & keys), Marrque
   Nunley (drums), Rachelle Love (percussion), Mariel Jacoda (vocals), Sherdeill (DJ) Breathett (bass), and Willy Simms (guitar). // The band members have played together for most of their lives, and formally introduced the band Rudy Love & The Encore early last year. Rudy Love Jr.’s late father, renowned musician Rudy Love Sr., was a musical mentor to the band members. The band’s name is in honor of Love Sr., based on the idea that this grouping of musicians is Rudy Love Sr.’s legacy — his encore. // In 2023, the band released their debut EP, The Beauty of Burdens, followed quickly by two more singles, “Broken Angel” and “Grey.” They have been busy since the band’s inception, performing and collaborating with Elise Trouw, performing at Black & Loud Fest in Seattle, opening for notable acts like Teddy Swims and The B-52’s, and playing multiple tours across the nation.They traded the hyper-competitive hustle of the Los Angeles show business scene, and are now working together from their hometown of Wichita, Kan. to build a dream they all hold — to make music with people they love, and to share it with the world.]

[Rudy Love & The Encore play the Mix Master Music Fest, Saturday, September 20 at 10:00pm at Northside Social 444 Locust St. Lawrence, KS.]

10:11– Interview with Nick Carswell

Originally from Limerick, Ireland. Nick Carswell has been performing professionally for 25 years, in his native Ireland and across the US Midwest, where he has lived since 2011. His main creative output is as songwriter and frontman for the alt-rock 5 piece, Carswell & Hope. Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. Nick is a Creative Industries Specialist for the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, a Senior Artist Leadership Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance’s Artist INC program, and a board member for the Heartland Song Network, Director of the Lawrence Music Alliance, and program manager for the Audio-Reader Network.

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Nick Carswell joins us to discuss of The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference & Festival, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2025 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all through this independently-organized conference event. The Music Fest line-up includes 6 venues over two nights with more than 25 acts performing all over Lawrence, KS. Plus, a free all ages concert on the library lawn Saturday, September 20, 2025. More info at: http://www.mixmaster2025.com

The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.

MixMaster 2025 Conference – Friday & Saturday, September 19 & 20, 2025

Presented by the Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster2025 is a music conference & fest in Lawrence, Kansas // A music conference in Lawrence Public Library on Sat. Sept 20th with panels, workshops, discussion & networking // Live music showcases on Friday and Saturday feature more than 25 local & regional acts performing in 5 venues across 2 nights of music across Lawrence, KS // A free all ages concert on the library lawn Sat Sept 20.

Saturday Sept 20th, 10am – 3pm: the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference. Topics include music booking, how to release an album, touring tips, music as mutual aid, production workshops, DJ workshop, and demo dip. In the Lawrence Public Library Main Auditorium, Sound + Vision Studio and Meeting Rooms.​

Through the 2024 Lawrence Music Census we’ve learned much about the needs of our music community in business training, financial support & connectivity. For example, music generates $13M in income locally, with creatives spending an average of $4,435 in the local community. However, gig income is lower than comparative studies, at $101 per gig. Only 1 in 4 music community members has received any financial support for music.

Lawrence creatives surveyed perform more than 9,600 gigs outside of Lawrence, yet 60% of respondents indicated the need for music export funding or tour support. More than 6,500 live events happen in Lawrence each year, yet 82% of respondents need audience development tools, while 57% desire a place to connect with music industry services. 52% of creatives seek audio/video/production training.

MixMaster 2025 Conference – Saturday, September 20, 2025

10:00am – Conference Registration – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

10:15 – Panel: Lawrence Venue Roundup – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Learn how to book gigs and partner with your music venues for gig success!

11:15 – Mastering the Merch Stand – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
The merch stand can make or break your gig, tour or album release. Learn how to maximize and expand your merch offerings.

11:15 – Studio Tours – Sound + Vision Studios – Lawrence Public Library
Learn about recording, podcasting & production facilities available to all patrons of LPL

12:00 – On the Road: Touring – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Panel discussion sharing tips to book, manage and achieve success on tour.

12:00 – Outlasting the Algorithm: A DJ workshop with Jon Sabillon – Meeting Room A
DJ workshop with Jon Sabillon, diving into DJ principles, technology and sharing projects that expand who can DJ and how

12:00 – Studio Workshop: Using the Library’s Synths – Sound + Vision Studios
Studio Specialist Matt Pelsma will demonstrate a typical recording setup using the library’s collection of synthesizers.

01:00 – Make Your Release an Event- Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
This panel discusses how to make the most of your album or music release, capitalizing on media, fan engagement and gigs.

01:00- Music for Mutual Aid – Meeting Room A
Music as Mutual Aid will focus on the role artists and music industry workers can play in today’s challenging political climate.

01:00 – Capturing Live In-studio Performances – Sound + Vision Studio
Learn about how to make the best of out live in-studio performances or how to create your own, with examples from Kansas Public Radio and KJHK.

02:00 – Demo Dip – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Submit your unreleased demo for live feedback from a panel of industry experts.

MixMaster2025 is a project of the Lawrence Music Alliance, a non-profit that uses the framework of music ecosystem development to engage the music community, advocate on behalf of musicians and creatives, and act as a vital intermediary between the creative economy and the city of Lawrence, KS.

Live music all across Lawrence: 25+ acts performing in 5 venues across Lawrence showcasing the best in local & regional talent. All genres, colors, shapes and sizes. Plus, a free all-ages outdoor concert on the lawn of Lawrence Public Library. Full weekend wristbands and individual day passes available.

The live music showcases take place at multiple venues around Lawrence, including the Replay Lounge, Lucia, Eighth St Taproom, Northside Social on Friday Sept 19 and Saturday Sept 20. A special free all-ages concert is taking place on the Lawrence Public Library lawn on Saturday Sept 20 from 4pm.

MXM Music Conference FRIDAY SEPT 19

LUCIA:
Tommy Johnson, Paxton Harvey, Eddie Moore

REPLAY:
Kahlulee, Dylan Guthrie, Frankie Shorez, Bed Self Portraits, Zee Underscore, RAP Veterans

Tap Room:
Kat King, The Whips

Northside:
Blood & Velvet, Hello Biplane

MXM Music Conference SATURDAY SEPT 20

Library Lawn:
River City Rock Camp Showcase, Jon Sabillon, VCMN, INDRA, The Roseline, LYXE

REPLAY:
Cheery, Corners of The Sky, Social Cinema

Tap Room:
Foxlin, Teri Quinn, True Lions

LUCIA:
Son Venezuela

Northside:
Jackson Reed, Malek Azrael, Rudy Love and The Encore

PARTNERS
City of Lawrence, KS
Community Solutions Grant
Blue Collar Press
Kansas Public Radio
KKFI 90.1FM
KJHK 90.7FM
Heartland Song Network

MixMaster2025 is a project of the Lawrence Music Alliance, a non-profit that uses the framework of music ecosystem development to engage the music community, advocate on behalf of musicians and creatives, and act as a vital intermediary between the creative economy and the city of Lawrence, KS. Through our collaborative efforts with the city, we aim to promote and support the live music industry and ensure that Lawrence is recognized as a premier destination for music lovers everywhere.

The MixMaster Music Conference is an annual event dedicated to empowering individuals in the music industry. By bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, MixMaster provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development. The conference is a program of the Lawrence Music Alliance and supported by the City of Lawrence, Kansas, Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. For information, please visit MixMaster2025.com.

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite at http://mixmaster2025.eventbrite.com

10:29

4. Zee Underscore – “You Dont Deserve Me (Radio Edit)”
   from: You Don’t Deserve Me (Radio Edit) – Single / Underscore Form / August 8, 2024
   [One of two new singles Zee Underscore has released so far this year. Zee Underscore released her critically acclaimed debut EP, The Zee Underscore Experience on June 15, 2024. Zee Underscore is one of 5 children in her family. Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. // Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Through this work she emcees and produces outdoor stage shows at First Friday’s in the West Crossroads. // Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. // Zee moved to KC to work in engineering, which brought you out to KC, which helped her find herself and rediscover your love for the arts. Family members would give Zee beats and she would write songs to them. Zee’s band includes: Alex Chase, Jade Harvey, Stephen Bond who helped Zee translate her songs to live instruments. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D

[Zee_Underscore plays the Mix Master Music Fest, Friday, September 19 at Replay.]

10:33 – Underwriting

10:33 – Underwriting

5. Brody Lowe – “Flash Bomb”
   from: Flash Bomb / The Basement Arcade / July 25, 2025
   [First single from upcoming album Draculover. To be released September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.]

10:38 – Interview with Brody Lowe

We just heard Flash Bomb the first single from upcoming album Draculover. To be released September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moon where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Brody Lowe released Maul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on March 3, 2023. Brody Lowe released the 8-track album Cicadaville on May 18, 2021Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

Brody Lowe, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019

After moving to KC he met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People.

Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music.

Brody Lowe released Maul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on March 3, 2023

Brody Lowe released the 8-track album Cicadaville on May 18, 2021

Brody Lowe released his debut EP Sea Monsters of the Pacific on February 15, 2018

Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

Keyboards Keyboards Keyboards

Brody Lowe, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

10:54

6. Brody Lowe – “Draculover”
   from: Draculover / The Basement Arcade / September 19, 2025
   [Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.]

7. Curtis Harding – “The Power – Radio Edit”
   from: Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt / Anti / September 5, 2025
   [Curtis Harding – “making some of the best modern soul music out right now” (Uproxx) – has returned today with his first new music in four years. Following collaborations in recent years with RÜFÜS DU SOL and Jazmine Sullivan, the catchy new song “There She Goes” is accompanied by a new music video by Italian director Michele Civetta; taking place in an opulent Beverly Hills Garden with a sinister Twilight Zone-esque secret and featuring actor Omar Dorsey (Selma, Queen Sugar) who is a recurring presence in Harding’s music videos, watch it below. // Curtis Harding is an American soul singer, born in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised as a Mennonite, Harding’s family had no home until they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, when he was 14. Harding’s father, a mechanic, and his mother Dorothy, a gospel singer, took Harding and his five siblings around the United States in a van, stopping at churches. While his mother performed, Harding grew up playing music, though he originally wanted to play professional sports. In the early 2000s, Harding was part of the hip-hop group Proseed. He rapped on and co-wrote CeeLo Green’s 2002 album Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections along with several Proseed members. He toured with Green as a backing singer on the Smokin’ Grooves Tour in 2002 alongside Outkast, Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, and The Roots. Harding spent time working with groups in Atlanta before moving to Toronto for a year. A year later, he “came back to record with some friends in my living room.” From these sessions came his debut album, Soul Power, on the indie label Burger Records, released May 6, 2014. He spent two weeks recording the album. Randy Michael composed the music on the single “Keep on Shining”, and Jason Reynolds co-wrote “Heaven’s on the Other Side” with Harding.He formed the band Night Sun with two Black Lips members, guitarist Cole Alexander and drummer Joe Bradley. His second album, Face Your Fear, was recorded at Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Studio in New York City. “Wednesday Morning Atonement” is the opening single. Harding describes his genre as “slop ‘n’ soul”, a combination of gospel, punk, psych rock, and blues. He has said that his influences include Albert King, the Everly Brothers, and Ronnie Dyson.]

11:00 – Station ID

8. Fritz & Sons – “I’m a Goner!”
   from: Sprinkler Man – I’m a Goner! – Single / Manor Recpords / July 17, 2025
   [Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. “I’m a Goner!” is built around “Goner,” a traditional fiddle tune. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com]

11:04 – Interview with Fritz Hutchison

Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in Kansas City. Fritz was born May 27, 1991. Fritz landed in the KC Music Community in 2008 gaining notice as part of the critically acclaimed band, She’s a Keeper where he played drums. Fritz played for several years with Grand Marquis, and for a while was part of the band Freight Train Rabbit Killer. Fritz has also played lived with multiple bands and performers including Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, J Ashley Miller, Lauren Krum, and others. He released his debut album, Wide Wild Acres in March 2020 on Center Cut Records, receiving positive reviews in the US, Australia, the UK and the Netherlands. His second solo album, MOVIE NIGHT was released on April, 15, 2022 through Manor Records. With his partner Alison Hawkins he has played as a guitarist with the ever evolving genre defying band True Lions, where Fritz has also released a split cassette release of his solo work on one side and True Lions songs on the other. With True Lions he also released Cold Gravy Bowl and MidCoast LIVE! Fritz has also released a series of sweet and sad country singles “All the Way From Here (Happy Holidays)” in January 2021 and the unhinged rock rave-up “Zack Attack!” in March 2022, and “Doug Died” in July of 2024.

Fritz Hutchison joins us to share details about the new recordings of Fritz and Sons, his newest band who released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025. Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com

Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fritz and Sons are, for lack of a more nuanced determination, a country band. Led by Fritz Hutchison at the drums, joined by members of True Lions, Polymer Mercies, and the Poor Choices, the Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. You can find them touring the region and taking their sweet time cooking up material for their upcoming debut record.

The sons are:
Fritz Hutchison – drums and vocals
Zac Arias – guitar
Carly Atwood – bass
Alison Hawkins – fiddle, keys, vocals
Marco Pascolini – pedal steel and lap steel

Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who has been recording and performing in the Midwest music scene for the past 15 years. His music is a humorous and poetic exploration of everyday life and relationships, blending influences from both Jazz and Folk traditions into a spicy flavor of Rock and Roll. In March 2020, he released his debut solo album Wide Wild Acres on Center Cut Records, to local and international acclaim.

Fritz Hutchison, leader of the band Fritz and Sons, knows his way around the Kansas City music scene. The multi-instrumental singer-songwriter said his “hunger” for music led him to be versatile. Fritz Hutchison plays piano, guitar, bass and other instruments, and makes music under his own name as well. It’s given him the opportunity to play with multiple bands across multiple genres in Kansas City.

Fritz Hutchison told KCUR’s spotlight for Kansas City that he got a drum set at 12 years old, he was hooked. As a kid who was into extreme sports and wanted to be a stunt man, Hutchison says drums offered a release. “I just wanted the extreme kind of adrenaline experience. And the drums are loud and aggressive, and you have to, like, keep playing them endlessly,” Hutchison said. “You have to physically engage with every moment of music that is happening. And I think that I just, like, responded to that level of engagement, and also just it being very loud and aggressive sounding.”

In an interview with KJHK Fritz was asked, What’s your creative process like? What do you do to write a song? Fritz responded: “It’s very slow. I try to write a lot and most of the ideas are bad, but a lot of times there’s a little nugget of something good. … I save up all these scraps and it can take a while for them to come together… I also like to play different instruments. I’ll come up with a chord progression on a guitar and get kind of stuck and don’t know where to go with it. Then I’ll try it on piano instead and my hands will just do something different… So, I try to jump around on different instruments.”

Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fritz and Sons released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025.

11:22

9. Fritz & Sons – “Sprinkler Man”
   from: Sprinkler Man – I’m a Goner! – Single / Manor Recpords / July 17, 2025
   [Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. “I’m a Goner!” is built around “Goner,” a traditional fiddle tune. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com]

11:25 – Underwriting

10. Pool Culture – “Birds Like These”
    from: “Birds Like These” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / July 25, 2025
    [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. “Birds Like These is the first of three new songs that Pool Culture, is putting out over the next three months leading up to Their first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, will be released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

10:31 – Interview with Mark Ronning & Iona Dewalt

Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

Mark Ronning thanks for being with us on WMM

Iona DeWalt is a 27-year old Kansas City-native musician and composer, whom is classically trained and studied cello performance at William Jewell College under the direction of Dana Woolard-Hughlett. At the college, she performed in a number of ensembles, including Liberty Symphony, the Jewell String Quartet, and jazz band. She has played for several musicals, such as Into the Woods at Missouri Theatre Heritage and Spring Awakening at Missouri Western. She also participated in the 2017 Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, and is a member of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Iona Dewalt plays synthesizers in Pool Culture and also performs as a solo artist and with the band Pink Phase who released the EP Wave in January of 2023.

Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds.

The band started as a solo project for Mark Ronning after he graduated from college in 2017, but it grew into an earnest project when it became a full band in 2023, with Jeff McCreary on bass guitar, Kody Krause on drums, Iona DeWalt on synth, and Mark Ronning on vocals and synthesizer. Now, in 2025, Pool Culture features Sean Logan on drums, and they are promoting their upcoming EP “Pure Lemon” with a stint of small tours, beginning this weekend. They’ve released two singles so far, and the third comes out Friday, September 19th.

“Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17th, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

Bird Like These is the first single from Pool Culture’s upcoming EP Pure Lemon. The track evokes both 90s IDM in its dreamy, nostalgic pads as well as 70s psych rock through its dense layers of shimmering lead lines. In their first single, Pool Culture explore a balance of feelings, spanning euphoria to dread, trying to make sense of that spectrum. But they do that in a pop package, complete with sparkling vocals, glistening synthesizers, syrupy leads, and a hypnotizing linear drum pattern.

Birds Like These was the first track we wrote together as a full band. It arose so organically: Iona started playing the progression on her Korg Minilogue with thick, VHS-like synth pad. Kody’s linear drum part appeared almost instantaneously as well. This was the perfect foundation for Mark’s sparkly sawtooth chords that sat above the track. The song evolved over a few sessions, and there was originally a key change after the second chorus. However, that was dumped, but we still liked how the final outro sounded in the key of C minor, so the transition into the outro required some sort of key change, which Iona provided. Mark took inspiration from Jeff’s bass melody for the outo’s vocal melody and added some harmonies and 70s Moog-style leads to flesh out the sonic midrange above Iona’s arpeggiator. This track showcases how inspiring it is to create music with one another and how effortless it can feel when everyone is listening and responding to each other’s ideas.

Birds like these – lyrics
They flood an otherwise
empty heaven
This cloud of starlings
Press against its phantom center of

Birds like these
Birds like these

Hate to say my head’s cracked
by a decade of iron ruin
But it’s Easter season
Is it a womb or a tomb? But there’s

Birds like these
Birds like these

Past three blocks of porch lights outside
And the shimmering headlights of motorbikes
But why does my head hang low like
My spirit’s propped against my insides?

In the dark of this night
I raise my hand to this neon sign
That stands at twice my height
Warms my ears, dries my eyes
Say a prayer, second sight
Gloves are off, laces tied
No star can outshine
Its final spark when it dies

released July 25, 2025
Produced by Pool Culture
Written by Pool Culture
Lyrics by Mark Ronning

Pool Culture is Mark Ronning (vocals, synthesizer), Iona DeWalt (synthesizer), Jeff McCreary (bass), and Kody Krause (drums).

Mixed and mastered by Stephen Sesso at Blue Canyon Recording Studios.
Album artwork by Claire Monroe.
Licensed to Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

11:39

11. Pool Culture – “Mathletes”
    from: “Mathletes” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / August 22, 2025
    [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. This is from the band’s first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes,” was released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, Sept.17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

11:44 – More Interview with Mark Ronning & Iona Dewalt

Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

Mark Ronning thanks for being with us on WMM

Iona DeWalt is a 27-year old Kansas City-native musician and composer, whom is classically trained and studied cello performance at William Jewell College under the direction of Dana Woolard-Hughlett. At the college, she performed in a number of ensembles, including Liberty Symphony, the Jewell String Quartet, and jazz band. She has played for several musicals, such as Into the Woods at Musical Theatre Heritage and Spring Awakening at Missouri Western. She also participated in the 2017 Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, and is a member of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Iona Dewalt plays synthesizers in Pool Culture and also performs as a solo artist and with the band Pink Phase who released the EP Wave in January of 2023.

Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

“Mathletes” is the latest single from the electronic dream pop band Pool Culture. The track is melancholy, evoking a rainy afternoon which builds musically into a full storm. Beneath the lyrical narrative of a missed connection, the song evolves from ambient synths and voices into shoegazey choruses and outros, climaxing with modulating sawtooth pads, gliding pulse leads, and snapping granular synths. “Mathletes” captures the pain of putting your faith in something even while it’s slipping away.

lyrics
You wore your medal around your shoulders
Your brand new devil, your good adviser
In your winning, a beginning
As if forgotten or forgiven

But meeting you was easy
As eating breakfast or buying groceries
Or walking to the movies
Every evening

I was waiting at my window
With no bad weather to excuse
Your knock never reaching my door
Your feet failing to cross my floor

But I’ve my garden to watch over
And no thumb can snuff the sun
There’s a highway above your shoulder
That poor devil

Famous as the rain was your blue ribbon
And your racing shoes
I was in between life and living
When I found you

Lining up like athletes between the tape and the gun
Forever winning, forever losing, blowing kisses at the sun
Lining up like athletes between the tape and the gun
Forever winning, forever losing, blowing kisses at the sun

Your train came back
I heard it howl
Your my highway
First day on the job

But I wake up to fire
Howling through its hemorrhage
One tear for this century’s
First day on the job

You’re my highway
I turn the airbags off
Christened through the windshield
First day on the job

credits
released August 22, 2025
Produced by Pool Culture
Written by Pool Culture
Lyrics by Mark Ronning

Pool Culture is Mark Ronning (vocals, synthesizer), Iona DeWalt (synthesizer), Jeff McCreary (bass), and Kody Krause (drums).

Mixed and mastered by Stephen Sesso at Blue Canyon Recording Studios.
Album artwork by Claire Monroe.
Licensed to Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

Mark Ronning and Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, Sept.17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

11:52

12. Pool Culture – “Finish Line”
    from: “Finish Line” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / September 19, 2025
    [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. This is from the band’s first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, was released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on Wednesday, September 24, Nan Turner joins us with a new single release and upcoming show. Til Willis also joins us, and we’ll play music in honor of the recordBar’s 20th Anniversary Play Loud Fest,

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

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

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
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http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

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Show #1113