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, May 26, 2021

New & MidCoastal Releases + The Black Creatures + Dylan Pyles + Remy Styrk + David Luther

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. Wyndsrfr – “Golden Years”
   from: Golden Years / Jacob Prestidge / June 11, 2021
   [First single from the band’s album. The single of Golden Years was released May 14, 2021. From http://www.wyndsrfr.com: 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]

3. 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. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com]

4. Dylan Pyles – “A Train Called Solitude” from: A Train Called Solitude / Manor Records / May 28, 2021
   [ Dylan Pyles releases music as a solo artist and plays in KC-based hardcore band Canyons. He released POPULAR SONGS FOR THE HEART, in 2019 and EVIL MUSIC FOR AN UGLY WORLD in 2020. Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music. Pyles is also a manager and record buyer at Mills Record Company and co-owner of Wise Blood Books in Westport, KC. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com. ]

10:15 – Interview with Dylan Pyles

Kansas City based musician, singer, songwriter, Dylan Pyles shares information about his new album, A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, coming May 28, on Manor Records. Dylan Pyles releases music as a solo artist and plays in KC-based hardcore band Canyons. He released POPULAR SONGS FOR THE HEART, in 2019 and EVIL MUSIC FOR AN UGLY WORLD in 2020. Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music. Pyles is also a manager and record buyer at Mills Record Company and co-owner of Wise Blood Books in Westport, KC. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com.

Dylan Pyles, thanks for being with us on WMM.

A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, comes out Friday, May 28, on Manor Records.

We talked with Dylan about the poetry and metaphor of his new album, asking him about the autobiographical quality of his lyrics. Dylan let us know that “solitude” is something he enjoys and needs, while also observing that during the pandemic solitude meant that many folks were lonely.

Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music.

The recording process of A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE was similar to you last release, Evil Music for an Ugly World, Dylan created and recorded most of the album during April, May and June 2020 during the “solitude” of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Dylan Pyles Discography

Dylan Pyles -“A Train Called Solitude”- May 28, 2021.
Dylan Pyles -“Evil Music for an Ugly World”- February 21, 2020.
Dylan Pyles -“Popular Songs for the Heart,” (20-tracks) – September 20, 2019.
Dylan Pyles -“Solo Acoustic Guitar Vol. 1” (6-song EP) – September 20, 2019.
Dylan Pyles -“You Have a Problem but You Are Not a Problem” (19-track) – Dec 2018

Dylan Pyles in interested in many types of music – psychedelic rock and country garage sounds.

Kansas City based musician, singer, songwriter, Dylan Pyles joined us on the phone. Last time Dylan was on the show was on March 18, 2020, just as the COVID-19 Pandemic was shutting everything down. Dylan was one of the last in-studio guests we’ve had in our 90.1 FM Studios and one of the last to play live in our studios.

Live music, for 14 months has mostly been gone.

Dylan Pyles is a music scholar, record buyer at Mills Record Company, and co-owner and manager of Wise Blood KC a bookstore in Westport. Wise Blood was opened just two months before the pandemic. Recently Wise Blood moved from its Westport Road location to inside Mills Record Company into a part of the record store that wasn’t being fully used. The bookstore actually gain in square footage from its previous location.

Record Store Day is coming up on June 12, and that is an unusually busy day for independent record stores. Last year because of COVID, Record Store Day was divided into three “Drops” or three different days. This year Record Store Day is divided up into two “drops” or 2 days, June 12 and July 17.

Dylan Pyles, thanks for being with us on WMM.

A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, comes out Friday, May 28, on Manor Records. Manor Records will also offer a cassette release. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com

10:27

5. Dylan Pyles – “Ten Thousand Houses”
   from: A Train Called Solitude / Manor Records / May 28, 2021
   [The recording process of A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE was similar to you last release, Evil Music for an Ugly World, Dylan created and recorded most of the album during April, May and June 2020 during the “solitude” of the COVID-19 Pandemic.]

10:28 – Underwriting

6. David Luther – “Home To Kansas City”
   from: “Home To Kansas City” – Single / Grand Central Bell Records / February 3, 2021
   [Recorded and produced by David George and Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). He released his debut EP David Luther in 2009, recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr. On 2017 David Joined David George & A Crooked Mile serving as a touring guitarist and back up vocalist. David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. Info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com]

10:34 – Interview with David Luther

Singer songwriter David Luther joins to talk about his new single, “Home To Kansas City” released through Grand Central Bell Records on February 3, 2021. The song was recorded and produced by David George and Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. More info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com

David Luther, thank you for being with us today on WMM.

When did you first start playing guitar and writing songs?

Where were you when you got the idea to write, “Home To Kansas City”?

In 2017 David Luther joined David George & A Crooked Mile serving as a touring guitarist and back up vocalist, also collaborating on “We All Come Together” David George’s “We Are The World” epic anthem for the pandemic.

Work with David George that led you to asking him to record and produce “Home To Kansas City”? and how did Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers get involved.

David George also helped you make the music video for the song.

The David Luther bio information reports that you are releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock.

David Luther released his debut EP, David Luther, in 2009, recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr.

David Luther is a single dad with two sons who are 14 and 11 years old.

In an article in INKansas City Magazine, written by Michael Mackie you revealed that you have watch the entire series of the acclaimed television show The West Wing at least 60 to 70 times.

David Luther, thank you for being with us today on WMM.

David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. More info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com

10:48

7. David Luther – “With Us Love”
   from: David Luther – EP / David Luther / July 22, 2011
   [David Luther’s debut EP, David Luther, was recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr. Info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com]

8. Passerine Dream – “Driver”
   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.]

9. 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

11:00 – Station ID

10. Remy Styrk – “Boy”
    from: “Boy” – Single / Remy Styrk / November 5, 2020
    [Written, produced, and recorded by: Remy Styrk (@remystyrk). Background vocals: Alexis Black + Danzell Capers. Bass solo: Abram Shaffer. Mixed by: Ben Soiefer of Sandblast Productions. Mastered by: Colin Bryson of The Bunker Studio. Remy writes about this new release: “The number of times someone or something washed my hands clean, stood me back up, and gave me another try is unmeasurable. throughout my life i’ve experienced death, drug addiction, anxiety, abandonment, and pure fear. some days are filled with 5 to 7 panic attacks. others are quiet, however a moment of “calm” from complete mental and physical exhaustion seems unbearable, almost more dangerous than a day of anxiety. 2020 has been a catalyst for me. igniting everything i’ve been shoving under the bed and breathing life into a debilitatingly unpredictable fire. the biggest question every time i step outside my front door is, ‘will i make it back home alive today?’” 21 year old Remy Stryk lives in Leawood, Kansas, originally from Newark, New Jersey. This multi instrumentalist has been writing & recording music for several years. Remy Styrk is a sci-fi and thriller film composer composer living in KC. His work is informed by his life experiences, and his life experiences have been a tragic journey on a compact time frame. Styrk was born in Newark, NJ to a homeless heroin addict in February 1999. He doesn’t really know who his parents were, because he wound up in a semi-closed adoption. After birth, he was in the hospital for three weeks, clinging to life. At the age of 14 months, he was adopted by a couple, the husband, a fashion photographer and wife, a creative director, Tom & Deborah. When 9/11 happened and the family wanted to get away from the East Coast. Styrk’s adopted father Tom got a job at Hallmark in Kansas City, Missouri and the family relocated here. Sadly, not long after making the move, Remy’s adopted mother Deborah passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm. Tom quit his job at Hallmark to come home and take care of his kids in this terrible time. Remy’s father was pursuing a photography gig full time during this period, and that set the tone for his kids. Push through everything. Never give up. Dedicate yourself to what you love and work towards it each and every day. Remy began pursuing music. His family that supported his goals. At an early age they got him a guitar, and by age six he was already learning the drums. Remy found folk music, thanks to the relocation into KC. Folk music was new to Remy, and based entirely in storytelling. Remy leaned into that hard, because the storytelling allowed him to process his mother’s death, and the series of other traumas in his life. Remy told Brock Wilbur of The Pitch Kansas City, “I grew up black in a predominately white school system,” Styrk says. “I felt like an outcast but it didn’t make me want to give up on who I was. It pushed me to work harder on being who I want to be. I won’t change for anyone.” Styrk started playing with local bands. He moved from the DIY scene into rock and indie, but then found the famous KC blues scene– and his place within it. This series of genre dabbles prepared him perfectly to start scoring for film. In 2020 Remy was a guest on WMM on May 27, where he talked about his latest interactive recording project, “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive. “In 2019 Remy release “Winter/Summer” In 2018 Remy released “In Too Deep” one of 5 singles Remy has released in the last 2 years. Remy Styrk released the EP Sunday, on Jan 25, 2018 a follow up to the Aug 12, 2015 full length album, Telling Stories Through The Basement Door.]

11:03 – Interview with Remy Styrk

22-year old Remy Styrk is a composer & creator. He makes short films about personal stories. These films are what he is thinking, feeling, experiencing, trying to figure out, and living. Remy writes, “Think old school MTV; just music & visuals.” Remy joined us on the phone to talk about his new film & musical compositions. Remy recently released the single “Boy” on Nov. 5, 2020; the single “Closer To” on January 16; the single “Personalia”- Single on February 1, 2021; the single “The Smell of Burning” on March 1, 2021; and the EP ANOMALOUS on March 1, 2021. Remy Styrk lives in Leawood KS. Info at: http://www.remystyrk.com

Remy Styrk Thanks for being with us on WMM

Remy recently released the single “Boy” on November 5, 2020. Remy writes about this new release: “The number of times someone or something washed my hands clean, stood me back up, and gave me another try is unmeasurable. throughout my life i’ve experienced death, drug addiction, anxiety, abandonment, and pure fear… 2020 has been a catalyst for me. igniting everything i’ve been shoving under the bed and breathing life into a debilitatingly unpredictable fire.”

We last talked to Remy exactly a year ago on May 27, 2020 about “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Where Remy created pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually, and asked listeners, to imagine and create the visual story.

Remy’s Patreon Page: http://www.patreon.com/remystyrkmusic

Remy Styrk Discography

ANOMALOUS – EP / March 1, 2021.
“The Smell of Burning”- Single / March 1, 2021.
“Personalia”- Single / February 1, 2021
“Closer To” – Single / January 16, 2021
“Boy” – Single / November 5, 2020
OF MY OWN DESIGN – Album / May 4, 2020
“Over It” – Single / April 17, 2020
PARTICLE EVOLUTIONS – Album / March 24, 2020
CHIOU – Original Mmotion Picture Soundtrack – March 15, 2020
PADS AND DRONES – Album / January 3, 2020
“Winter/Summer.” – Single / 2019
“In Too Deep” – Single / June 13, 2018
SUNDAY – EP / January 25, 2018
“Feel So Old” – Single / November 10, 2017
“October” – Single / October 17, 2017
“17” – Single / September 1, 2017
TELLING STORIES THROUGH THE BASEMENT DOOR – Album / August 12, 2015

WMM first heard of Remy when he was 12 or 13 through a through a youth songwriting contest sponsored by Money Wolf

Remy Styrk is a 22-year-old film composer living in KC. His work is informed by his life experiences, and his life experiences have been a tragic journey on a compact timeframe.

Styrk was born in Newark, NJ to a homeless heroin addict. He doesn’t really know who his parents were, because he wound up in a semi-closed adoption. After birth, he was in the hospital for three weeks, clinging to life. He survived and was adopted by his forever parents: Tom & Deborah.

9/11 happened and the family wanted to get away from the coast. Styrk’s adopted father Tom got a job at Hallmark in KC and the family relocated here.

Just after making the move, Deborah passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm.

Tom quit his job at Hallmark to come home and take care of his kids in this terrible time. Remy’s father was pursuing a photography gig full time during this period, and that set the tone for his kids. Push through everything. Never give up. Dedicate yourself to what you love and work towards it each and every day.

Remy began pursuing music. And he was spoiled. Because he now had a family that supported his goals with 100% of their efforts. At an early age they got him a guitar, and by age six he was already learning the drums.

Remy found folk music, thanks to the relocation into KC. Folk was new to him, and based entirely in storytelling. Remy leaned into that hard, because the storytelling allowed him to process his mother’s death, and the series of other traumas in his life. Of which, aforementioned, there were many.

Remy told Brock Wilbur of The Pitch Kansas City, “I grew up black in a predominately white school system,” Styrk says. “I felt like an outcast but it didn’t make me want to give up on who I was. It pushed me to work harder on being who I want to be. I won’t change for anyone.”

Styrk started playing with local bands. He moved from the DIY scene into rock and indie, but then found the famous KC blues scene– and his place within it. This series of genre dabbles prepared him perfectly to start scoring for film.

“Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy wants to create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive.

We are talking with 22-year old musician and film composer and now film maker Remy Styrk .

“Follow what you’re curious about,” Styrk says.

Remy listens to what the movie wants. He follows what the picture says it needs, rather than inserting his own wishes into the situation.

“That’s what I strive to do as an artist,” Styrk says. “As an outsider, I’m just adding what is beneficial to a project. My whole mission is to never overpower what I’m working on. Just complimenting the project.”

“If what I do doesn’t fit with the project it becomes irrelevant.”

The 21-year-old is taking part in many projects, both released and on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

Listen to Remy

soundcloud.com/remystyk/first-light
soundcloud.com/remystyk/ellis-by-spec-trailer-audio
soundcloud.com/remystyk/prague

Remy Styrk Thanks for being with us on WMM

To learn more about Remy’s work in music and film you can visit: http://www.remystyrk.com

10:16

11. Remy Styrk – “The Smell of Burning”
    from: “The Smell of Burning” – Single / Remy Sryrk / March 1, 2021
    [22-year old musician and film composer Remy Styrk joins us to share details about “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy wants to create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive. ]

12. Dreamgirl – “Sometimes”
    from: “Sometimes” – Single / Dreamgirl / May 12, 2021
    [Dreamgirl is a ‘dream-pop’ music group formed in St. Joseph, Missouri in 2013. Now based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and building off of the success of their breakout EP “Illuminaughty” (2015), Dreamgirl has released a full-length, self-titled LP and is currently working on a new EP. They have gained an impressive following. Up until the summer of 2018, they operated and managed themselves completely internally. Now they have partnered with Rogue Booking Agency. Dreamgirl has benefited massively from internet platforms like Spotify and Youtube. Members include: Lacey Hopkins on lead vocals, Grady Drugg on guitar, Skylar Smith on guitar Joe Gronniger on bass, Ian Dobyns on drums. This single is a follow up to ther September 25, 2020 single release “All You Wanna Do Is Dance.”]

[Dreamgirl play Lemonade Park, Saturday, June 5, at 7:00 PM with The Moose, We The People, and DJ Jonisthenwblk presented by The Pitch and District. Lemonade 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.]

13. 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.]

[Kemet Coleman plays Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow and also featuring: The Black Creatures.]

14. 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

[Riley The Ghost will be on WMM on June 23, 2021]

11:28 – Underwriting

23. The Black Creatures – “wretched (it goes)”
    from: “wretched (it goes)” – Single / Center Cut Records / July 17, 2020 [remastered]
    [“wretched (it goes)” was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. Recently released as a single in collaboration with Center Cut Records who remixed a few of the songs, and added some new vocals, and remastered the album. Although it is basically the same record, the sound quality is improved. Center Cut Records plan to release the full remastered album on August 28 2020. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. The band joined us on the radio on the August 26 edition of WMM. “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 play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.]

[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]

11:04 – Interview with Jade Green & Xavier Martin

Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures who recently played The Ship last weekend and coming up will play the Troostival Street Tour, at the Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee AND they will also play SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. The event is sponsored by Center Cut Records. The Black Creatures recently released their single “Negative Zero” on April 2, with a music video that was the continuation of a story from their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, originally released on The Black Creatures 2019/2020 album Wild Echoes. Wild Echoes landed at #2 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019, after being remastered and reissued by CenterCut Records in 2020 and was named “Album of The Year” from The Pitch Kansas City. 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

Jade Green & Xavier Martin welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley.

We talked with you both on the show last August 26, 2021 after Center Cut Records signed The Black Creatures to their label and remastered and re-releasing your album Wild Echoes on Friday August 28, 2020. I had the honor of seeing you all play a Center Cut Records Showcase on Friday, August 28 at 7:00 PM with Kadesh Flow, and Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 PM with Calvin Arsenia, at Lemonaid(e) Park. That was one of the few live performances for the band in the last 14 months.

Congratulations on being signed to Center Cut Records

We just heard “wretched (it goes)” thaty was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. In 2020 the band released as a single in collaboration with Center Cut Records who remixed a few of the songs, and added some new vocals, and remastered the album. Although it is basically the same record, the sound quality is improved.

Jade Green & Xavier Martin who were our guests on the September 25, 2019 edition of WMM. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs).

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.

Xavier Martin is DJ/Writer/Producer/Rapper/Singer at The Black Creatures

Jade Green performs with: Arquesta Del SolSoul. a Kansas City-based music collective featuring 3 musicians who worked together in Hearts of Darkness. They call themselves: African Futurist Genre Killerz from the Middle of the Map bringing an innovative multidimensional sound inspired by our founding musical ancestors to decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa.” Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Jade Green, Chalis O’Neal, Irving Graham, Ernest Melton, Andres Ramirez, Fabian Prado.

The Black Creatures Discography

The Black Creatures “Mouth 2 Mouth” – Single, June 5, 2016.
The Black Creatures released their debut album, See No Evil, Dec. 6, 2017.
The Black Creatures “Elements” – Single, February 14, 2018
The Black Creatures “Silver Tears” – Single, June 19, 2018 with additional voices provided by AniMal (Ana Marcela Maldonado Morales) , Barbara Solomon , Kassidee, Quaranta, Adres Va Cortas
The Black Creatures “Dare” (Gorillaz Cover)” – Single, August 8, 2019
The Black Creature – Wild Echoes – September 30, 2019
The Black Creatures – “Turn” – Single, October 30, 2019
The Black Creatures – “Quartz (Twilight)” – Single, November 13, 2019
The Black Creatures – “SHINE” – Single, December 11, 2019
The Black Creatures- “Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” – Single, January 8, 2020
The Black Creatures – “To Whom It May Concern” – Single, January 22, 2020
The Black Creatures – “Arcade Love” – Single, February 5, 2020
The Black Creatures – “Run Up” – Single, February 19, 2020.
The Black Creature – Wild Echoes – September 30, 2019
The Black Creatures – “wretched (it goes)”- Single [Center Cut], July 17, 2020 [remastered]
The Black Creature – Wild Echoes – Album (Remastered] August 28, 2020 [Center Cut]
The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero” – Single/Video [Center Cut]

The Black Creatures play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.

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

The latest single is Negative Zero” released through Center Cut Records on April 2, 2021
All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. 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.”

Jade Green & Xavier Martin, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The newly remastered album Wild Echoes is available in digital format and on vinyl at your neighborhood record store. The Black Creatures play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.

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

For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

11:52

16. 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 play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.]

[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]

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

Next week on Wednesday, June 2 we welcome special guests: Bob Walkenhorst, Elexa Dawson, Alisa Jefferson, and Jeremy Ragland

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:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

Show #891