Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Eleni Mandell + Sterling Witt + Pitch Music Awards

1. Tame Impala – “Apocalypse Dreams”
from: Lonerism / Modular Records / October 9, 2012
[A special track from the upcoming second release from the trio from Perth, Australia.]

2. Eleni Mandell – “Lets Drive Away”
from: Afternoon / Zedtone Records / 2004
[From Eleni’s 5th album. This song was also included in the compilation, Weeds: Music from The Series, Volume 3.]

[Eleni Mandell plays Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, Sat, Aug 4, w/ Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain.]

3. Au – “Get Alive”
from: Both Lights / Hometapes / April 3, 2012
[5th album release from Portland, Oregon based experimental pop group established by multi-instrumentalist Luke Wyland in 2005 while completing a degree at the Massachusetts College of Art. Now a working live band, AU features an ever-changing roster.]

[Au will be in concert at the recordbar next Wednesday Night, Aug. 8, w/ fellow Portland band Tu Fawning and KC’s very own Sinple opening. Sinple will also perform LIVE next week on WMM.]

10:15

4. Radkey – “Little Man”
from: Irrationally Yours – EP / Radkey/ March 29, 2011 [Radkey is a band made up of three teenage brothers Darrion, Isaiah, and Solomon. Their influences include The Who and Nirvana.]

[Radkey will be returning to play at the Afro-Punk Festival in Brooklyn, NY August 25-26, with Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Spank Rock, Das Racist, Toshi Reagon and many others.]

[Radkey is nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Emerging Act and they’ll play at The Pitch Music Showcase, Saturday, at The Riot Room.]

5. Root and Stem – “Ruby”
from: Ruby / Polydor / May 1 2012
[KC based band made up of James Embry – Guitar/Vocals, Baird Williams – Guitar/Vocals, Cody Barrett – Bass, and Joel Shipley – Drums. Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Americana/Bluegrass Band.]

[Root and Stem will play The Pitch Music Showcase, Saturday, August 4, at The Union {inside).]

6. Katy & Go Go – “Funny Place”
from: When I Get Away / Independent / 2012
[Katy & Go-Go is vocalist and guitarist Katy Guillen (of The B’Dinas) and drummer extraordinaire Go-Go Ray (of Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle, Samantha Fish, John Velghe). They hit the KC stages in January of 2011, securing a steady monthly gig at The Brick’s Rhythm, Roots, & Soul Saturday Matinee. Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Blues Band. Band leader, Katy Guillen has told us that Go-Go is on the road for an indefinite amount of time. Before he left to tour the country and Europe he replaced himself with an awesome drummer: Kelsey Cook, and Tim Braun of Good Foot has joined the band on bass, making this a three-piece.]

[The band plays Pitch Music Showcase, in the Backyard of The Beaumont in Westport, Sat, Aug. 4.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:30 – Interview with Sterling Witt

7. Sterling Witt – “Perfect Girl”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

Born and raised in the rural countryside of Cass County Acclaimed singer-songwriter and artist, Sterling Witt went to school in Harrisonville. At 15, he picked up the bass guitar, and taught myself how to play a right-handed instrument upside-down, left handed. His progression into music has led to over 8 album releases, multiple tours, the formation of a band. Sterling Witt returns to the Wednesday MidDay Medley to share new songs from his up and coming album: “Sterling Loves U.”

8. Sterling Witt – “Built By Design”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

Sterling’s new record company is: Grand River Records.

Ashley Miller co-produced Sterling’s new record.

Day 1 Sterling Witt & drummer Allan Winkler recorded 11 new songs for the up and coming album “Sterling Loves You! at the Infoaming Vertex in Gladstone Missouri.

Day 2 they returned to the studio with Michelle Gormlie. Michelle a featured vocalist on 2 songs “You’re the One & “Every Single Second”. Allan Winkler recorded some exotic percussion including a instrument called a Bell Tree from Bali Indonesia on “Hollow Moon”. Sterling Witt recorded all the bass lines and secondary vocals tracks. The album is virtually finished in 2 days.

Day 3 Sterling & Ashley started mixing the new album “Sterling Loves U!”

Day 4 Allan Winkler joined Sterling & Ashely for the final the second mixing session.

Day 5 Sterling & Ashely mastered 13 tracks for the new album. Five days in the studio and “Sterling Loves U” is finished.

9. Sterling Witt – “Every Single Second”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

The Pledge Music Campaign for the new album launches this Friday, August 3, at 8:00 PM, at the Westport Coffee House Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania, KCMO, w/ the debut performances of The Strange Solution, & John Nichols

Tour:

8.16.12. NASHVILLE TN – NATIONAL UNDERGROUND – 105 BROADWAY #101

8.19.12.9PM ATLANTA GA – SMITHS OLDE BAR – 1578 PIEDMONT AVE

8.22.12. WIMINGTON NC – JUGGLING GYPSY – 1612 CASTLE ST.

8.25.12. RALEIGH NC – THE POUR HOUSE – 224 S. BLOUNT ST.

8.27.12.7PM NORFOLK VA – BORJO COFFEEHOUSE – 4416 MONARCH WAY

8.29.12.9PM MANAYUNK PA – GRAPE ROOM – 105 GRAPE STREET

8.31.12. 8:30PM CHICAGO IL – REGGIES MUSIC JOINT – 2105 SOUTH STATE ST.

9.2.12.9PM MINNEAPOLIS MN – FINE LINE MUSIC CAFE – 318 FIRST AVE NORTH

10. Sterling Witt – “You Are My Sunshine”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

Sterling Witt’s Pledge Music Campaign for his new album “Sterling Loves U” launches with a special concert, this Friday, August 3, at 8:00 PM, at the Westport Coffee House Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania, KCMO, with the debut performances of The Strange Solution, and John Nichols. More info at pledgemusic.com/projects/sterlinglovesu

10:54

11. The People’s Liberation Big Band – “…in the rompus room…”
from: The People’s Liberation Big Band / Tzigane / November 7, 2010
[Recipient of the 2010 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Award, Brad Cox is founder of The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City]

[Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Jazz Ensemble.]

[People’s Liberation Big Band play Jeff Harshbarger’s Alt. Jazz Series at recordBar, Sun, Aug 5, 8PM.]

10:58

12. Cate Le Bon – “What is Worse”
from: Cyrk II / The Control Group / August 20, 2012
[Based in Cardiff, Wales, she sings in both English and Welsh. Singled out by critics for her dark lyrical content, and “haunting voice.” She released one of our favorite records of 2012 so far Cate Le Bon has announced the new release of a five-song follow-up to the 10-track CYRK. According to her label, CYRK II serves as an “older sister” to the original release, “bearing songs of a more starkly confessional nature.”]

13. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Grafitti – “Only in My Dreams”
from: Mature Themes / 4AD / August 20, 2012
[2nd album by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. The lead single and closing track from the album is a cover of the Donnie and Joe Emerson song “Baby” that we played a few weeks ago when Marion Merritt was with us on the show. Ariel Pink was born Ariel Marcus Rosenberg, June 24, 1978. He is an LA based recording artist. He He started writing songs around age 10 and has recorded over 500 songs on hundreds of cassette tapes since 1996. Pink produced & played almost all of his own music. His home recording technique gave his music a lo-fi sound, to the point and listeners may mistake the era of his music. In 2008, Pink formed Haunted Graffiti.]

14. Purity Ring – “Obedear”
from: Shrines / 4AD / July 20, 2012
[First single from debut album from Canadian indie electronic band based out of Montreal who formed in 2010. The band consists of two members: Megan James (vocals) and Corin Roddick (instrumentals).]

11:12 – Underwriting

11:13

15. Jessica Lea Mayfield – “Our Hearts Are Wrong”
from: Tell Me / Polymer – Nonesuch / February 7, 2011
[At age 15, Mayfield recorded her first EP “White Lies” in her brother’s bedroom, printing only 100 copies. One of those copies fell into the hands of Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. After an introduction, Mayfield and Auerbach hit the studio, laying the foundation of her debut album With Blasphemy So Heartfelt. This is her second album, she is now 22.]

[Jessica Lea Mayfield will be in concert TONIGHT, Wed, Aug 1, at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd.]

We Gave Away Two Pairs of tickets to see Jessica Lee Mayfield at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd.

16. Hidden Pictures – “Boyfriend A.D.D.”
from: Rainbow Records / Golden Sound Records / July, 2012
[Richard Gintowt – vocals/guitar, Michelle Sanders – vocals /glockenspiel, Cameron Hawk – drums, Erik Voeks – bass, Nate Holt – piano/keys.] [Richard Gintowt was with us on WMM on July 25. ]

17. Mikal Shapiro – “The Reception”
from: For Good / Independent / 2010
[Singer Songwriter, Artist, Curator, Journalist, Sarah Lawrence Graduate Mikal Shapiro has spent the last few years studying in Chicago. Her 2010 recording featured Shane Ogren on keys, and synth and Mikal on voice, and steel string guitar. Mikal Shapiro opens for Eleni Mandell, this Saturday, August 4, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, with Ruddy Swain. More info about Mikal Shapiro is available at: mikalshapiro.com]

18. Eleni Mandell – “I’m Lucky”
from: I Can See The Future / Yep Roc / July 10, 2012

11:27 – Underwriting

11:28 – Interview with Eleni Mandell

Los Angeles, California native, Eleni Mandell, will be in concert in Kansas City this Saturday, August 4, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, with Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain. Eleni Mandell has just released her eighth album: “I Can See The Future,” on Yep Roc Records. The songs chronicle Eleni’s decision to become a single mother and start a family, She was 8 1/2 months pregnant when in the studio recording the new recording.

The songs on “I Can See the Future” chronicle Eleni’s decision to become a single mother and start a family without waiting for Mr. Right, including her search for the right sperm donor. Eleni he chose an “astrophysicist who likes classic rock.” She was 8 1/2 pregnant when she was in the studio recording the album. The record follows Mandell’s decision to break up with her partner, who appeared less than ready for children.

Mark and Eleni talked about the power of a pregnant woman, and Eleni’s twin children.

Paste magazine described Eleni’s music as “a triple-layer torch-song/New Wave/power-pop confection.” The new album lives up to this praise. The album seems timeless, beautiful, lush. Songs that seem to be instant pop standards. Can you tell us about your process of writing these songs for the new release?

Newly signed to Yep Roc Records. – Zedtone

Eleni worked with producer Joe Chiccarelli who had produced records for The Shins, The Strokes, and White Stripes, and you were able to put together a “dream team” musicians.

(variety of instrumental flavors that frame her dreamy, understated pop-noir vocals. )

Nathaniel Walcott of Bright Eyes contributed string and horn arrangements that can be heard on the track “Magic Summertime”

Mandell’s colleagues from vocal trio the Living Sisters Inara George and Becky Stark contribute backing vocals throughout the entie recording.

Pedal steel guitar of Greg Leisz helps paint the Southwestern imagery of “Desert Song.”

Steve Berlin of Los Lobos on Saxophone on “Who You Gonna Dance With.”

Benji Hughes plays Lee Hazlewood to Eleni’s Nancy Sinatra on “Never Have To Fall In Love Again.”

Joey Waronker plays drums throughout, including the brushed snares of “So Easy.”

“Mandell was weaned on artists like Tom Waits and X, and her dark and sexy songs have been compared to those of everyone from Chan Marshall to Patsy Cline. She has a sometimes smoky, sometimes wistful delivery, and, more often than not, her songs take on love from some new perspective.” – The New Yorker

Tom Hardy in Consequence of Sound compared Eleni’s voice to Karen Carpenter.

“a mix of emotional heart and musical command marks a move into the major leagues of American singer/songwriters.” -The Los Angeles Times

ELENI MANDELL TOUR DATES

TU 7/10 – LOS ANGELES, CA @ HOTEL CAFÉ CD RELEASE SHOW

TU 7/17 – PHILADELPHIA, PA @ WORLD CAFÉ LIVE

WE 7/18 – ANNAPOLIS, MD @ METROPOLITAN KITCHEN & LOUNGE

TH 7/19 – ARLINGTON, VA @ IOTA CAFE

FR 7/20 – NYC, NY @ JOE’S PUB

SA 7/21 – CAMBRIDGE, MA @ CLUB PASSIM

TU 7/24 – ASHEVILLE, NC @ GREY EAGLE

WE 7/25 – CHAPEL HILL, NC @ LOCAL 506

TH 7/26 – ATLANTA, GA @ THE EARL

FR 7/27 – NASHVILLE, TN @ THE BASEMENT

SA 7/28 – BLOOMNGTON, IN @ THE BISHOP

SU 7/29 – CHICAGO, IL @ ACE BAR

WE 8/1 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry

FR 8/3 – Iowa City, IA @ The Mill

SA 8/4 – KANSAS CITY, MO

SU 8/19 – SEATTLE, WA @ TRACTOR TAVERN *

TH 8/23 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ CAFÉ DU NORD *

FR 8/24 – SANTA BARBARA, CA @ MUDDY WATERS *

SA 8/25 – LOS ANGELES, CA @ BOOTLEG THEATER

TH 10/11 – CARRBORO, NC @ CAT’S CRADLE “YEP ROC 15TH ANNIVERSARY”

WE 10/17 – Quebec, Canada @ OCTAVE-CREMAZIE

TH 10/18 – Montreal, Canada @ L’Astral

Eleni Mandell, will be in concert in Kansas City this Saturday, August 4, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, with Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain. You can learn more about her new album: “I Can See The Future,” on Yep Roc Records at: elenimandell.com.

11:47

19. Eleni Mandell – “The Future”
from: I Can See The Future / Yep Roc / July 10, 2012

[Eleni Mandell plays Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, Sat, Aug 4, w/ Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain]

20. She’s A Keeper – “Headless King”
from: Live From Midwestern (Musical Co.) / Independent / March 12, 2012
[All songs written by She’s A Keeper, 2012, Recorded live at the Midwestern Musical Co. in Kansas City, MO. (midwesternmusic.com) Engineered by Dave Guame, Matt Kesler, & Cody Wyoming. Mixed and mastered by Steve Phillips. Band photo by Emmett Merrill. Design by Eric Lindquist.] [5-piece band from Kansas City, includes: Fritz Hutchison – vocals, banjo, percussion; Zac Jurden – vocals, guitar; Colin Nelson – vocals, guitar; Elliott Phillips – bass, mandolin; Kate Sopcich – cello, keyboard. She’s A Keeper has just recently recorded their first music video in promotion of a live EP recorded at Midwestern Musical Co. in KC.]

[She’s A Keeper play a special CD Release show Saturday, August 4, at Czar.]

21. Yellow Ostrich – “Hold On”
from: The Mistress / Barsuk Records / August 16, 2011
[“a bedroom project,” from Alex Schaaf, the individual behind the NYC based Yellow Ostrich, who now tour as a three piece band. ]

[Yellow Ostrich plays The Riot Room in Westport on Tuesday, August 7.]

11:59

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

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Show #432