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, August 11, 2021

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam + Mike Alexander + MG Salazar & Ignacio Carvajal

“Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions”

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. Lava Dreams – “Out Loud”
   from: “Out Loud” – Single / R.I.O.T. LLC / August 13, 2021
   [“Out Loud” is the 6th single from Lava Dreams full-length, self-titled debut album, released . More info at: linktr.ee/lavadreams. Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Lava Dreams is planning to release an 11-song album later this year and will be releasing a new single every month leading up to the release. This is one of several single we’ve played.”Galaxies,” (the 5th single) was released July 9, 2021. “Simple Magic” was released May 7, 2021. “Surprise!” was released on March 26, “You’re The One” released February 26, and “The Amazing Wave” released Jan./ 8, 2021. All single were released through R.I.O.T. LLC The music was co-written and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams released their debut EP “Good Energy + Focus” on June 13, 2020. Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton is from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar & singing in several KC bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Julia Hamilton is also a filmmaker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila Unversity. http://www.LavaDreamsMusic.com]

[Lava Dreams plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO for PLAYBACK: 20 Years of Music Discovery, a special video tribute to the 20th Anniversary of 90.1 The Bridge with Jass and Ezmerelda (Kianna White).]

3. Sisterbot – “Approval (feat. Just Angel)”
   from: Truth House / Sisterbot / July 10, 2021
   [Sisterbot is a performing artist dedicated to breaking genre boundaries, creating cosmic musical and theatrical experiences. The 9-piece Sisterbot Band is a “punk pop chamber orchestra” complete with electric guitar, drums, piano, strings and horn. “Truth House (2021) is a concept album written over the span of three years, encapsulating a chapter of my life that I spent in a house alone, dealing with the aftermath of trauma and rebirth.”- Sisterbot (Adee Dancy). Written by Sisterbot. Produced by Jametatone and Sisterbot. Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by Jametatone, except “Approval” which was Produced, Engineered, & Mixed by Andrew Bonci Jr. at Magnolia Tree Studios, with AJ Bonci on guitar, Just Angel and Sisterbot on vocals. Cover Art by Mazzy Mann. Adee Rocket Dancy released the single “Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails)” on April 26, 2021. (This song is alon on the Sisterbot album.) Produced by Jametatone & Adee Rocket Dancy. Adee Rocket Dancy on piano & vocals & cello; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; Mikala Petillo on guitar & background vocals, Mixing and Mastering by Jametatone, (J. Asley Miller). Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “This is a song about my life-long love for the moon, featuring The Swallowtails (Rachel Lovelace and Miki P). Adee chose the date April 26, 2021, as their release date, to honor the full moon called “The Pink Moon.” More info at: Sisterbot.bandcamp.com]

4. The Roseline – “Paper Plane”
   from: “Paper Plane” – Single / Alt Country Club / August 6, 2021
   [The Roseline are releasing their third single “Paper Plane” off their upcoming record Constancy on Friday, August 6th. “This song is arguably the most epic and ambitious thing we’ve attempted. It’s almost seven minutes long and bookended by spacey guitar loops, so it’s pretty decidedly anti-single. I just wanted to write a really propulsive heartland rocker. Lyrically, it’s a fictional narrative about a person escaping a dead-end town. We’re all pretty stoked about how it came out.” – Colin Halliburton (lead singer/songwriter). / Colin Halliburton on acoustic guitar, vocals, aux percussion; Bradley McKellip on 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitars; Colin Jones on bass; Jim Piller on drums; Heidi Gluck on backup vocals; Chase Horseman on synth; Joel Nanos – engineer, production, mix, mastered, recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. // The Roseline are an alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 6th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2021. The Roseline released BLOOD on September 29, 2017; and TOWNIE on June 19, 2015. The band has toured the US and Halliburton has completed two European solo tours thus far, taking him through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com%5D

[The Roseline play 940 LIVE at South Park, 1198 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on Thursday, August 26, at 7:00 PM.]

[The Roseline play Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on Sunday, September 19, at 5:00 PM, with Fred Wickham Caravan.]

5. namelessnumberheadman – “Mt Analogue St”
   from: Mt. Analogue St.- Single / Namelessnumberheadman / August 13, 2021
   [1st single from their new upcoming album, PLOT THE POINTS. More info at: https://soundcloud.com/nnhm. Mt Analogue St – Rene Daumal wrote a moving, amusing, and confusing book, Mount Analogue, in which there is an expedition to find a mountain that is so tall that the top can’t be seen. Why might someone want to take the journey up the mountain? Step after step plodding up the mountain, trusting that even though no one has seen the peak, that it’s actually there. Namelessnumberheadman is: Chuck Whittington, Jason Lewis, and Andrew Sallee. Plot the Points will be released on Friday, September 2, 2021. Back in 2019 Namelessnumberheadman released three instrumental records (The Ground, Current, and Meditations) which we were very proud of. But during the shutdown in 2020 we decided to dive back into our classic way of working: melding catchy rock/folk songs with sonic panoramas.]

[Namelessnumberheadman play recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Friday, October 1, with Elevator Division]

[Namelessnumberheadman play Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on October 23, 2021.]

6. CompanyNoCompany – “Passing Directions”
   from: Bright Fog / CompanyNoCompany / September 3, 2001
   [William Smith on vocals, guitar, synthesizers, RC-505, percussion; John Bersuch on drums and percussion, additional keyboards, synths; and Wade Allen Williamson on live support. Produced, Mixed, Programmed, Organized and Saxophone by David Gaume Los Angeles, CA. Recorded by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios Kansas City, MO. William Smith will be with us on WMM on September 1, 2021]

[CompanyNoCompany play recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave, KCMO on Friday September 3, 2021 with Lesser Pleasures and Redder Moon.]

10:28 – Underwriting

7. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged”
   from: The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged / Shafer / July 9, 2021
   [Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits. Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

10:33 – Interview with Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam

Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. – Nick Spacek The Pitch Kansas City

Bob Pulliam is a Licensing Specialist. He is a Drummer/Beatsmith at Bob The Beat Builder and Music Producer at THUMPR. Bon studied Studied Film and Media Studies at The University of Kansas from 2005 to 2010. He is the Founder/CEO at KC PUB CO. Bob attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam join us live in our 90.1 FM studios to share tracks from their new EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, that was released on July 9, 2021. Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, Lyricist Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam take on a slew of social issues on their 4-track EP release: police brutality on “P.O.P. Off”, quotes from revolutionaries and civil right activities on “Different Ships,” and the United States tragic apathy towards gun violence for the track “Child’s Play” featuring Bob’s dad, KC Jazz musician and teacher Joe Miquelon. More Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam thanks for being with us on WMM

This year is the 50th anniversary of Gil Scott-Heron‘s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”

Flare Tha Rebel told Nick Spacek in a July 13, 2021 article for The Pitch Kansas City:

“When you listen to it today, it is dated yet timeless at the same time, you know?” Flare posits. “The pop culture references that he had in that original song may not be as relevant today, but the essence of the song is very relevant, right? His call to action to us to say that change will not just be handed to us, will not just be delivered to us–we have to go out and do something about it.”

As Flare continues, he thinks that Scott-Heron’s song is still relevant, in that Americans are addicted to consumerism and ready-made products, to the point that we’re at risk of feeling that social change will be delivered to us on TV or Netflix on Instagram.

“In fact, we have to go out in the community and do something about it,” says the rapper. “I was motivated to take that essence and create a modern-day interpretation of that song, but then also have the new title, “The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged,” be a moniker for the EP ’cause the other songs on there aligns with racial and social justice.”

I think some people might hear it and be like, ‘There’s no point of ever touching that song,’ and I gotta respect that,” says Flare. “At the same time, I feel that, when you are an artist and you can empower and motivate, it’s kind of like picking up the torch.”

“Career and love” Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown KCMO from Chicago.”

Flare left KC in the late 2000s

“As a member of the hip-hop collective Anti-Crew m Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip hop scene.” – Nick Spacek The Pitch

Flare Tha Rebel aka Jeff Shafer is Executive Director for City Year Kansas City, an educational-equity nonprofit that places mentors/tutors in schools to keep kids on track to graduate. This was the job that brought him back to KC.

Flare Tha Rebel aka Jeff Shafer and Bob Pulliam went to middle school together and also went to Lincoln Prep Academy together. They played baseball together.

Bob Pulliam is a Drummer/Beatsmith at Bob The Beat Builder and Music Producer at THUMPR. Bon studied Studied Film and Media Studies at The University of Kansas from 2005 to 2010. He is the Founder/CEO at KC PUB CO.

Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam teamed up for, “Child’s Play” a track that features Bob Pulliam’s father, Kansas City based Jazz Musician, Joe Miquelon who passed away on March 5, 2021.

Joe Miquelon devoted his life to music. He was a renowned piano and saxophone player; playing in bands such as Jim Sweeney and The Jumpshotz, The Zoo, The Blue Riddim Band, New Riddim, Boko Maru, Tony DiPardo’s KC Chiefs Endzone Pack Band, The Elders, and The KC Aces. He shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughnn, Huey Lewis, U-Roy, Ida McBeth, Kevin Mahogany, Parliament Funkadelic, Mike Finnigan, Danny Cox, and many other stars. Joe also had a passion for teaching music. Spanning over 3 decades of private instruction, he taught hundreds of students and recently taught for The Kansas City Jazz Academy. In 2017, Joe wrote and released his piano book titled “The Beginner’s Emergency Handbook for Jazz Piano and Theory”. A celebration of his life was held at Knuckleheads on July 21, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s name to The Kansas City Jazz Academy.

10:42

8. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “Child’s Play (Radio) feat. Joe Miquelon”
   from: “Child’s Play (Radio) feat. Joe Miquelon” – Single / Shafer / July 12, 2021
   [Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam team up for “Child’s Play” a track that feature Bob Pulliam’s father, Kansas City based Jazz Musician, Joe Miquelon who passed away on March 5, 2021. Joe devoted his life to music. He was a renowned piano and saxophone player; playing in bands such as Jim Sweeney and The Jumpshotz, The Zoo, The Blue Riddim Band, New Riddim, Boko Maru, Tony DiPardo’s KC Chiefs Endzone Pack Band, The Elders, and The KC Aces. He shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughnn, Huey Lewis, U-Roy, Ida McBeth, Kevin Mahogany, Parliament Funkadelic, Mike Finnigan, Danny Cox, and many other stars. Joe also had a passion for teaching music. Spanning over 3 decades of private instruction, he taught hundreds of students and recently taught for The Kansas City Jazz Academy. In 2017, Joe wrote and released his piano book titled “The Beginner’s Emergency Handbook for Jazz Piano and Theory”. A celebration of his life was held at Knuckleheads on July 21, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s name to The Kansas City Jazz Academy. This was the first single from the EP, THE REVOLUTION WIL NOT BE HASHTAGGED. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits, such as his Royalty EP poster designed by muralists JT Daniels, which raises funds for the Equal Justice Initiative. More information at: http://www.flaretharebel.com]

10:47 – More Interview with Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam

We are talking with Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam about their new EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, that was released on July 9, 2021. Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, Lyricist Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam take on a slew of social issues on their 4-track EP release: police brutality on “P.O.P. Off”, quotes from revolutionaries and civil right activities on “Different Ships,” and the United States tragic apathy towards gun violence for the track “Child’s Play” More Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam thanks for being with us on WMM

Earlier this year, Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam team up with Oboi Kong to release the single “Happy Clouds (Bob Ross Flow)” on April 9, 2021, This single hip hop tribute to the legendary Television artist/host, Bob Ross. Check out their video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brTTvYOi2jQ. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music.

Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party.

Flare’s older brother Sike‘s time working at Recycled Sounds was memorable for Jeff as a young kid and as he developed into a DJ and graphic designer and got heavily into the scene with The Guild, CES Cru, Sounds Good, Brother of Moses, etc. it influenced Jeff and Anti-Crew to start releasing music and performing as well.

Many of Flare’s songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits, such as his Royalty EP poster designed by muralists JT Daniels, which raises funds for the Equal Justice Initiative.

“Happy Clouds” video shows Flare’s striking resemblance to Bob Ross.

Flare Tha Rebel told Nick Spacek in a July 13, 2021 article for The Pitch Kansas City:

“The entirety of The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged EP carries through on that sense of empowering and motivating the listeners. “Different Ships,” especially, interweaves a series of quotes from people by whom the rapper has been motivated, drawing its title from a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” As Flare puts it, “That’s a call for unity amongst the Black community, but it’s also showcasing the struggles that we’ve had in our shared experience.”

“I’m motivated by my ancestors,” states Flare emphatically. “I’m motivated by the revolutionaries and civil rights activists that have come before me and I’m motivated by the ones that exist today. I’m learning from them and when I’m creating art, I’m interweaving what I’ve learned from them into what I’m addressing. It was a way to create a lyrical pro-Black narrative that I felt was very relevant.”

To that end, Flare is releasing merchandise to tie in with the EP’s release which will benefit The BlocKC, a community organization which “focuses on Sustaining and Retaining Black men in education.”

“This isn’t a release to be preachy or tell people what to do as much as it’s also to encourage and amplify the action that’s taking place right now,” Flare explains. “There are a lot of people that are in the streets and getting very involved. The Bloc is a nonprofit I’ve gotten involved with and been very motivated by because they work to develop and retain more Black men as educators.”

As Flare explains, in our country Black men are being mistreated, demonized, killed, and not given the same structures that they need to be successful.

“We have to pull together ourselves as a community, but something like the Bloc is very education-focused and that’s something that I’m very passionate about. I can’t just talk about it. I got to walk the walk and, if I can use art to promote and raise funds for nonprofits and social justice causes that are making difference on the front lines, then that’s what I want to do.”

The end result of all of this is that The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged is a very powerful collection of songs, not just because of the strength in the lyrics and in Flare’s delivery, but also with a lot of empathy. The rapper isn’t attempting to shame anyone so much as he’s addressing sense of being overwhelmed by these things and understanding of how that can be for folks.

“You can’t do this without being empathetic, in my opinion,” Flare concurs. “I might be bringing up topics that are hard for people to swallow, but I hope I do so in a way that’s still motivating. Music is supposed to make you feel an emotion and hopefully, the emotion that people feel from this music is motivation to make a change, to make a stand, or–at the very least–to educate themselves about the realities of our country.”

Flare’s Art to Empower initiative, and about merchandise that was designed by your brother muralist Sike Style to raise funds and awareness for BLOC (Brothers Liberating our Communities).

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam thanks for being with us on WMM

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam about their new EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, that was released on July 9, 2021. IMore Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

10:56

9. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “Different Ships (Radio Edit)”
   from: The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged / Shafer / July 9, 2021
   [Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits. Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

11:00 – Station ID

10. Hipshot Killer – “All This Pain”
    from: Guns and Gas / Hipshot Killer / July 23, 2021
    [KC based 3-piece power punk band formed in the fall of 2008. The current line up consists of: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects, John Velghe and The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders), on guitar & vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol, John Velge and The Prodigal Sons) on bass & vocals; and Adam Phillips on drums. The band released their debut record Hipshot Killer, April 29, 2011. The band released their second album They Will Try To Kill Us All on January 16, 2016. It was number 7 in Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016. Hipshot Killer also released a single on Too Much Rock on October 21, 2016. Hipshot Killer released the album , ALL THIS TIME IS OURS on March 20, 2019. #21 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019.

11:03 – Interview with Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander is lead vocalist & guitarist of Hipshot Killer with Chris Wagner on bass & vocals, and for this recording Adam Phillips on drums Jon “Buddy” Paul on drums. Hipshot Killer released their debut album Hipshot Killer, on April 29, 2011. The band released their second album They Will Try To Kill Us All on January 16, 2016. It was # 7 in Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016. Hipshot Killer also released a single on Too Much Rock on October 21, 2016. Hipshot Killer released the album , ALL THIS TIME IS OURS on March 20, 2019. #21 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Mike Alexander has been a tireless organizer of the KC area punk scene and has helped to produce multiple years of the Center of the City Fest. Mike Alexander joins us to share information about Hipshot Killer’s new 7-track EP, GUNS AND GAS, released July 23, 2021.. More info at: http://www.hipshotkiller.com

Mike Alexander thanks for being with us on WMM.

Guns and Gas was recorded by at Mastered at Weights and Measures studio by Duane Trower.

All songs written by Mike Alexander

Hipshot Killer describe their sound as “a loud, three piece, power punk band from KCMO.” With Mike Alexander and lead vocals and lead guitar, Chris Wagner on bass and backing vocals, and for this recording Adam Phillips on drums. Mike Alexander played with Adam in the legendary KC band The Architects. Mike Alexander also plays with The Starhaven Rounders

For 2019 Hipshot Killer’s All This Time is Ours features: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects), on Guitar & Vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol) on Bass & Vocals, legendary drummer Jon

With bandmate Chris Wagner Mike Alexander plays with John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons.

Mike Alexander grew up in KCK. He currently lives in KCMO, not far from KKFI Studios. Mike also works full time at Revolution Records

Several years ago, Mike helped to create the 8-song tribute recording, I’ll Repay You: A Benefit for John Fackler – featuring the songs of John Fackler and Jettison .

Mike is also a much sought after guitar player and he regularly performs live and records with John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders, Revovers and The Architects.

Mike Alexander thanks for being with us on WMM.

Hipshot Killer’s new 7-track EP, GUNS AND GAS, released July 23, 2021.. More info at: http://www.hipshotkiller.com

11:19

11. Hipshot Killer – “I Am Not Alone”
    from: Guns and Gas / Hipshot Killer / July 23, 2021
    [KC based 3-piece power punk band formed in the fall of 2008. The current line up consists of: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects, John Velghe and The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders), on guitar & vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol, John Velge and The Prodigal Sons) on bass & vocals; and Adam Phillips on drums. The band released their debut record Hipshot Killer, April 29, 2011. The band released their second album They Will Try To Kill Us All on January 16, 2016. It was number 7 in Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016. Hipshot Killer also released a single on Too Much Rock on October 21, 2016. Hipshot Killer released the album , ALL THIS TIME IS OURS on March 20, 2019. #21 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019.

11:23

12. In The Pines – “Bones”
    from: Bones – Single / Arctic Rodeo Recordings / June 5, 2020
    [In The Pines are back with their first new release since the 2006 debut album In The Pines. “Bones” the single os from upcoming 2nd album, INTERLUDE on August 20, 2021, 13 years after the release the debut. Both albums are on Arctic Rodeo Records. More info at: http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.com . KC based six piece band with Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals, Darren Welch on bass, Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals, Matt Wolber on guitar, and Mike Myers on drums. Made up of two guitars, a bass, a violin, a viola, a pump organ, drums, and five vocals, their music is serene at times, other times brooding, creating an atmosphere ideal for their subject matter: narratives of a man wasted away in prison, a woman burning to death as her dress catches fire, a handless man intent on showing others the subtle gifts in life. It is dark, it is dirty, it is sometimes drunken. It is intimate. Arctic Rodeo Recordings wrote: When we listened to IN THE PINES from Kansas City for the first time, we were totally blown away. This melancholic, morbidly charming and dark sounding music was so special, it was a real discovery. IN THE PINES sounded so different than anything we had in mind for Arctic Rodeo: A 6 piece band, 2 playing strings, sounding more like folk than like rock, mixing it up with singer/songwriter elements, and their songs were slow and beautiful, and so sad at the same time. We fell in love with IN THE PINES right away and ended up putting their debut album as the 7th release on Arctic Rodeo back in 2008. The band came over to Europe for touring and opening up for The New Amsterdams and Kevin Devine. 13 years later, IN THE PINES have finished their second record. We became friends and have always been in touch during this long period of time, and at some point, we honestly did not dare to hope for a new album to come anymore at all. But as special as this band sounds anyway, they actually did it and proved us wrong. Now, as a five piece band, IN THE PINES are back with their second record called Interlude, that has just been mastered by non other that Bob Weston in Chicago. The first single called Bones has already been released in June last year. It shows our friends continuing exactly where they started back 13 years ago – and it was totally worth the wait.Please check out the video for the first single Bones below. Interlude will be available on limited edition white vinyl and on all digital platforms. Members of In The Pines will join us on WMM on August 25, 2021. More info at: http://www.inthepines.com

11:28 – Underwriting

13. Elexa Dawson – “New Song”
    from: “New Song” – Single / Lost Cowgirl Records / April 2, 2021
    [Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE (Lost Cowgirl Records) and her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. // Elexa Dawson writes: The song was written at the very beginning of the shutdown and is a call to all of our better, higher selves to imagine a better world. “The Way it has always been done is now gone. This is our moment to sing a new song.” // I thought it would be a great campaign song for Bernie Sanders, but the day after I wrote it, he suspended. Ah, well. It’s still a good song. ”“New Song” is Elexa Dawson on vocals & guitar, Kelby Kimberlin on bass guitar, Melissa Tastove on vocals & percussion, Jenna Rae on vocals & percussion, Martin Farrell on vocals & keys. Recorded, produced & engineered by Martin Farrell, Lost Cowgirl Records http://www.thelostcowgirl.com Mastered by Brody Wellman Mixing by Peter Oviatt, Moonflower Sounds http://www.moonflowersounds.com. Cover Photo: Jordan Storrer, Lifeleak Visuals Elexa Dawson joined WMM on June 2, 2021. http://www.elexadawson.com]

11:34 – Interview with MG Salazar and Ignacio Carvajal

MG Salazar is a poet, writer, performer, curator, business owner, chef, civil rights activist, assistant to Antoni Porowski for Season 3 & 4 of Netflix’s acclaimed television program – Queer Eye, cultural reporter & music reviewer for KCUR 89.3 FM, subject of the HBO documentary, Abortion: Stories Women Tell, and former host & producer on 90.1 FM’s long running LGBTQIA program, The Tenth Voice, Saturdays, at 1:00 PM. A lifelong activist for equality & justice, MG Salazar twice traveled to Standing Rock during the winter of 2016-2017 to stand as a water protector at the Oceti Sakowin Camp. In 2020 MG Salazar ran as a Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, challenging 8-term, incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II. MG’s latest book, Tiny Bits of Flesh was published by La Resistencia in 2019; their book, Striking the Black Snake: Poems from Standing Rock, was published by 39 West Press in 2017; and MG’s debut, If You See My Ghosts Like I Do, was published by Spartan Press in 2016.

MG Salazar, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Ignacio Carvajal‘s new chapbook, Allow: A Litany, is the most recent release from La Resistencia Press who will host a Book Release, outside, this Saturday, August 14, at 4:30 PM at InterUrban ArtHouse 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas. Ignacio Carvajal is the author of Plegarias, winner of the Poetic Bridges contest by Casa Cultural de las Américas and the University of Houston in 2019. He has a Ph.D. in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures, with a portfolio in Native American and Indigenous Studies, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies with highest distinction from the University of Kansas and a A.A. in Liberal Arts, with honors, from Johnson County Community College. He is an assistant professor of literature and language at the University of Kansas. More info at: http://www.laresistenciapress.com

Ignacio Carvajal, thanks for being with us on WMM.

MG Salazar is a cofounder of La Resistencia, a collective of LGBTQ creatives of color in the KC area: Jessica Ayala, Lucky Garcia, Alex Martínez, Miguel M. Morales and MG Salazar sharing their words, art, voices, & bodies with community and to live the pride of their people. Sharing & celebrate the lived experiences of QTPOC and amplifying voices.

La Resistencia Press removes the biggest barrier from publishing: The Gatekeeper. Too often, non-white folks are at the mercy of begging for a chance from someone who does not look like them, have the same cultural experience, or does not care to hear artists from outside their realm. So La Resistencia Press thier our own press.

Books:

Concealment – Pre-production – Alex Martinez

Allow: A Litany – Post – production – Ignacio Carvajal

Tiny Bits of Flesh (2018) – MG Salazar

MG Salazar ran as a Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, challenging 8-term, incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II. When running for Congress MG ran openly as a non-binary candidate. They / Them

From MG Salazar’s Campaign bio, MG wrote: “I can’t ask you to vote for me because I am Non-Binary. Or based solely on any of the identities I hold as a marginalized person. There are plenty of people who exploit their identities for political gain and do nothing to actually impact the community they claim to represent, or only represent the most privileged of their community. I do, however, promise to Queer Congress.” What does that mean? “It means challenging the status quo. Agitate Cisgender & Hetero-sexual Peers to reflect on their values. Make it clear that Queer & Trans people are not going anywhere without a fight. In many Indigenous Cultures, like the ones of my ancestors, Transgender & Gender Variant people were REVERED and CELEBRATED.”

MG Salazar aka Maite has had a passion for making change that started when they were very young. Their first time “organizing” was when they were a little kid, advocating for animal rights with plans to send a “Barbie Jeep” to save endangered animals from poachers. As they grew up, they got involved in the Anti-War movement during the Bush Administration, at the age of 17 going as far as participating in a direct action when President Bush was in town, that was powerful enough that he thought it was best to run from his car to the building of the event, rather than confront the protest. This was the start of Maite putting themselves on the front lines of movements seeking justice.

One of the most memorable movements they were a part of was the North Dakota Pipeline Shutdown protests facilitated by the Water Protects. During the protests, Maite raised thousands of dollars to support Water Protectors on the front lines, and even joined the front lines themselves, witnessing/experiencing first hand the full barrage of human rights violations and police brutality facilitated by the United States Government, North Dakota and Private Police forces on their fellow peaceful protesters.

As far as their adult life, Maite has worked Service Industry jobs for over 17 years, at restaurants, bars, call centers and more. Customer Service is one of their greatest skills.

They also have spoken at almost every University in the Kansas City area, including some guest lecturing for The Art Institute and Park University, as well as worked as a cultural reporter and music reviewer for KCUR.

MG writes that they are no a millionaire. Not groomed by any party. Not from a political family. Just a regular working class person with some powerful experiences who saw an opportunity to make a difference for the people of 5th district and the took it.

In 2020 MG Salazar ran as a Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, challenging 8-term, incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II. Why Challenge an Incumbent Democrat? MG believes in direct democratic representation, and that reaching your representative should be EASY and NORMAL. That a representatives responsibility is to be an ACTIVE member of community, not just a public figure who shows up for photo ops and fancy closed door fundraisers and events. MG supports Progressive Polices her opponent doesn’t believe in. They here to stay, and they are gonna keep challenging incumbents until they are replaced by people who understand what being a representative is REALLY about.

MG Salazar worked as an assistant to Antoni Porowski for Season 3 & 4 of Netflix’s acclaimed Emmy winning television program – Queer Eye. MG Salazar talked about how Antoni is just as beautiful on the inside as he looks on the outside. MG set up all of the food demos on the show.

Ignacio Carvajal specializes in interdisciplinary research on Mesoamerican Literatures, Languages, and Cultures and pedagogical approaches to Indigenous Languages instruction. He focuses on Mayan Languages from Guatemala, particularly K’iche’.

His interests include Indigenous responses to colonialism, particularly how early-modern notions of territory relate to political organization, authority, and religion. Drawing from Literary Studies, Ethnohistory, Indigenous Studies, and other disciplines, he analyzes indigenous language documents, doctrinal materials, religious chronicles, and other sources to better understand colonialism and coloniality, along with its contemporary remnants.

He is also interested in pedagogical approaches and the creation of open access materials for the study of Indigenous languages. He is a member of a team of collaborators working on Chqeta’maj le qach’ab’al K’iche’ (Let’s learn K’iche’!), an open resource, digital repository of language lessons, which are also the base for his K’iche’ class at the University of Kansas’s Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Ignacio reads & writes poetry. His work has appeared in journals such as Acentos Review, Rio Grande Review, Coal City Review, and in the anthologies The Wandering Song: Central American Writing in the United States and Primera Página: Poetry from the Latino Heartland. He is a member of the Latino Writers Collective of Kansas City, the Taller Literario Don Chico in Costa Rica, and the board of directors of Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, in Austin. Ignacio has a Ph.D. in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures, with a portfolio in Native American and Indigenous Studies, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies with highest distinction from the University of Kansas and a A.A. in Liberal Arts, with honors, from JCCC. ignaciocarvajal@ku.edu

MG Salazar and Ignacio Carvajal, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Ignacio Carvajal’s new chapbook, Allow: A Litany, is the most recent release from La Resistencia Press who will host a Book Release, this Saturday, August 14, at 4:30 PM, Outside, at InterUrban ArtHouse 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas. More info at: http://www.laresistenciapress.com

11:49

14. Margo May – “SoCal For The Summer”
    from: “SoCal For The Summer” – Single / Margo May / August 5, 2021
    [Margo wrote this song with Zack Hames from Kansas City. Singer Songwriter – All around pop song writing gal. More info at: http://www.soundcloud.com/margomay.“ Inspired by everyone from Loretta Lynn to Lykke Li, Margo May has been writing songs since she was 15. Because she was underage at the time, May slowly gained some traction in her hometown, Kansas City, by playing whatever coffee houses and venues would let her on stage. That was a comfortable place for May as she’d worked in professional theatre as a kid. Now that she’s older, May balances her love of acting with her passion for pop, crafting songs than span a spectrum which mirrors her influences. “At the end of the day, though,” May has said, “I know my strength and it is folk music.” Despite appreciating the immediacy of pop, May also understands that folk music ages well. It’s also a lot more portable and playable for a solo artist on the rise, and it suits the sound of heartbreak a bit better.” – The Blue Grass Situation, 2015. Margo May released the 9 track album “I’m Not Coming Home” released July 19, 2015 With Margo May on vocals & acoustic guitar with Doby Watson on acoustic and electric guitar. Margo May released the 5-song EP HIPPY BOY KILLERS on May 29, 2014 Margo May released the 11 song album SPACE​/​FACE October 12, 2012, Recorded in Portland Oregon (2011) by Yahnee Kilfe. More info at: http://www.margomay.com]

11:54

15. Camp Clover – “Covered in Gasoline”
    from: “Covered In Gasoline” – Single / J Ashley Miller / August 1, 2021
    [ Camp Clover is a band and a new musical project of J Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley]

[Camp Clover plays recordBar, 1520 Grand KCMO on Thursday, August 12, 2021.]

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

Next week on WMM, on August 19 we welcome Dedric Moore and the band Monta At Odds who released their new album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT on July 24, 2021, through The Record Machine. We also welcome singer & actor Stephonne Singleton about his new single “The King’s Gambit” and his show at Lemonaide Park on August 28. We also talk with Geraldine Glen about her new single “Interim Love” released July 23, 2021 on Groove King Records. Also, Cole Bales and Cody Calhoun of Black Light Animals share their newest release and details about their show at Lemonade Park with The Freedom Affair on Saturday, August 21.

Flare Tha Rebel photographs by Selina Rios

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 #902