#903 – August 18, 2021 Playlist | Wednesday MidDay Medley

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 18, 2021

Monta At Odds + Stephonne + Geraldine Glen + Black Light Animals

10:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions” (PAL) ( :15)

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

Bobby Watson & the UMKC Concert Jazz Orchestra –”May I Help You”
from: The Gate’s BBQ Suite / Lafiya Music / Sept. 14, 2010 / Physical – Nov. 12, 2013
[A 2021 Limited Edition Vinyl Release (100 Copies) was made available through Diggers Factory. WMM got one!!!! Composed and Directed by Bobby Watson. Bobby Watson on Saxophone. The UMKC Conservatory of Music & Dance Concert Jazz Orchestra: Saxophones: Michael Shults, Mario Bennett, William Sanders, Steven Lambert, Justin Bayne. Trombone – Karen Zawacki, Ben Saylor, Eric Chapman, Sarah Braun. Trumpet Aaron Linscheid, Hermon Mehari, John Merlitz, Ryan Sharp. Rhythm: Nick Grinlinton on guitar, Will Crain on piano, Ben Leifer on bass, Ryan Lee on drums. Executive Producer: Bobby Watson. Associate Producer – Michael Carvin. Produced by: Bobby Watson and Bill Crain. Recorded and Mixed by Bill Crain at: BRC Audio Productions, Kansas City, USA. Assistant Engineers: Josh Williams & Bill Pollock. Mastered by Bill Crain at: Studio “C” BRC Audio Productions. All compositions written by Bobby Watson. Design Concept, by Lafiya Watson Ramirez: badchickstudios.com. Photography by Bobby Watson. More info at: http://www.bobbywatson.com // From wikipedia.org: “Bobby Watson was born in Lawrence, Kansas, August 23, 1953. he is an American post-bop jazz alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator. Watson now has 27 recordings as a leader. He appears on nearly 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role. Watson has recorded more than 100 original compositions. Watson grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas. He attended the University of Miami with fellow students Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius and Bruce Hornsby. After graduating in 1975, he moved to NYC and joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He performed with the Messengers from 1977 to 1981. After the Jazz Messengers, Watson work with many notable musicians, including: drummers Max Roach and Louis Hayes, fellow saxophonists George Coleman and Branford Marsalis, multi-instrumentalist Sam Rivers and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. In addition, Watson has served in a supporting role for a number of vocalists including: Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, and Carmen Lundy, and has performed as a sideman with Carlos Santana, George Coleman, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Bob Belden and John Hicks. Later, in association with bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis, Watson started the first edition of Horizon, an acoustic quintet modeled after the Jazz Messengers but with its own slightly more modern twist. In addition to his work as leader of Horizon, Watson also led a group known as the High court of Swing (a tribute to the music of Johnny Hodges), The Tailor-Made Big Band (16 pieces in all) and is a founding member of the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, an all-horn, four-piece group with alto saxophonist Ed Jackson, tenor saxophonist Rich Rothenberg, and baritone saxophonist Jim Hartog. Watson also composed an original song for the soundtrack of Robert De Niro’s A Bronx Tale (1993). A resident of New York for most of his professional life, Watson served as a member of the adjunct faculty and taught private saxophone at William Patterson University from 1985 to 1986 and the Manhattan School of Music from 1996 to 1999. He is currently involved with the Thelonious Monk Institute’s yearly “Jazz in America” high school outreach program. In 2000, he was approached to return to his native midwestern surroundings on the Kansas-Missouri border. Watson was selected as the first William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri, Distinguished Professorship in Jazz Studies. The past seven years he has served as the director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music although he still manages to balance live engagements around the world with his teaching responsibilities. Watson’s ensembles at UMKC have garnered several awards and national recognition.]

BLACKSTARKIDS – “Juno”
from: Puppies Forever / Dirty Hit Records / Expected October 15, 2021
[“Puppies Forever” is the fourth album released by Kansas City band BLACKSTARKIDS, and their second album under indie record label Dirty Hit. “Juno” is the first single from the upcoming album. Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of Kansas City in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Blackstarkids are a pop/R&B/hip-hop trio based in Kansas City, Missouri. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. SURF was #3 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Blackstarkids was one of the most played bands on WMM in 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The Kansas City scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]

Cheery – “Concept of Love”
from: “Concept of Love” – Single / Katlyn Conroy / August 3, 2021
[Cheery is the new “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who is based in Lawrence, Kansas. “Concept of Love” was written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015.]

Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (feat. Teri Quinn)”
from: PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT / The Record Machine / July 23, 2021
[“When I’m Gone” was the band’s second single from the new album. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // 2020 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D

[Monta At Odds play a Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set]

10:17 – Interview with Dedric Moore and Teri Quinn

KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore and his brother Delaney Moore are the founders of the prolific band Monta At Odds who just released their latest album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. Monta At Odds is brothers Dedric Moore on pulsing melodic bass and Delaney Moore’s artfully unhinged synthesizers in collaboration with acclaimed vocalists and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on baritone guitar, Matthew Heinrich of Mysterious Clouds on drums, Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers on synth, and Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth. The record contains Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, with guest vocalist Your Friend on two tracks.

Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Teri Quinn is a KC based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Teri moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study clarinet performance and Music Composition at the UMKC’s Conservatory of Music where she graduated in 2013. Teri released her debut EP, Moons and Meltdowns in 2017. Along with being a touring solo artists Teri has also played with Claire and the Crowded Stage, Abandoned Bells and True Lions.

Teri Quinn, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Monta At Odds play a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set.

Sonic prognosticators Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. 2021 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup of Krystof Nemeth (Emmaline Twist) on baritone, Matthew Heinrich (Mysterious Clouds) on drums, Kenn Jankowski (The Republic Tigers) on synth, and Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, along with guest Your Friend, Peak of Eternal Light is a cosmic sonic journey stopping off in post-punk and dark synthpop galaxies.

Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegaze guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind.

Monta At Odds is now on The Record Machine

Monta At Odds collaborated with labelmates Republic Tigers:

Monta At Odds released “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)” through The Record Machine on May 14, 2021. Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life.

Teri was on WMM on March 11, 2020 with Landon Hambright to share her single “Sweet Savannah”

Dedric Moore is the founder of the bands: Monta At Odds, Mysterious Clouds, and Gemini Revolution.

Last year Monta At Odds released the EP, ZEN DIAGRAM through their own label, Kosmic City, on May 1, 2020. Conceptual Kansas City art-rock combo Monta At Odds continue their experimentation in sound with an expanded line-up and a new EP, Zen Diagram. Led by Dedric Moore and fueled from 2020’s angst and uncertainty, the band adopts a darker, grittier direction that coincides with a post-punk indulgence. The result is an evocative four-song tableau, showcasing the veteran project’s drive to explore sonic territory as they lay down some mesmerizing jams. The title track opens the EP as a voyage into soundtrack dreams and sonic imagery. It’s a fully-packed production, featuring twin vocals from Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on epic baritone guitar, Lucas Behrens on Moog, and Delaney Moore on slide guitar. The song builds and builds over 10 minutes, introducing a bevy of interplaying elements and melodies. There’s a complexity that grooves. Monta At Odds embraces the grayer shades of these sessions with a faithful but otherworldly cover of “Movement of Fear,” the classic cut from Tones On Tail. Mikal leans into the vocals with gentle whispers as Lucas plucks the atmosphere. Meanwhile, Matthew Heinrich merges live drums with the programmed ones until he is one with the machines. The result is multi-textured and dubbed-out, exposing the bloodline of Monta’s aesthetic. “Two Lanes Two Paths” is frenetically powered by the jazzy drum drive of Alexander Thomas. Dedric’s relentless bassline, Delaney’s freeform synthesizer soloing, and Krystof’s expressive guitar tones conspire to form a congealed essence. It’s a spaced-out instrumental that could be from another time, floating defiantly into the present. Zen Diagram ends with “I Count The Steps To A New Sunrise.” The previous cut’s path takes us to a crest on a hill with a view of the damage below. The combo is locked-in, as skittering drums, cosmic synths, spacious noise guitars, and a pensive bass riff promise a way out. Dedric’s vocals are pure 2020, overcome with the zeitgeist of isolation and yearning to reach for something, anything. The diagram becomes a map, and this is how we find an escape.]

Dedric is also the creator the annual Kansas City Psych Fest, launched in 2012. The idea grew out of the music he was creating with his Brother Delaney Moore at the HQ Artspace in KCK. The KC Psych Fest is now called Outer Reaches Fest and is produced in collaboration with Haymaker Records and recordBar.

Dedric Moore has produced music for KC bands the Philistines, HMPH, and others.

Dedric has released several monthly compilations from his music label Kosmic City. More information at: http://www.kosmiccity.com

Recent Discography:

Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album ARGENTUM DREAMS on Oct 19, 2018.

Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP ZEN DIAGRAM last year on May 1, 2020, a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams, with minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegaze guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic dark-wave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind.

Monta At Odds released A GREAT CONJUNCTION on December 18, 2020 their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich.

Monta At Odd’s seventh full-length album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, was released July 23, 2021 on The Record Machine.

Dedric Moore, & Teri Quinn Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

10:30

Monta At Odds – “Other Side of Yesterday (feat. Your Friend)”
from: PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT / The Record Machine / July 23, 2021
[This is the third single from Monta At Odds upcoming new album, PEAK OF EYERNAL LIGHT released on July 24, 2021, through The Record Machine. For this song, the Kansas City-based band once again collaborated with Taryn Blake Miller, AKA Domino Record Co. artist Your Friend. Follow up single to the Republic Tigers remix of Monta At Odds’ “When I’m Gone” with Kenn Jankowski joining with Teri Quinn on vocals. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Band leader Dedric Moore tells us that after this album Teri Quinn is leaving the band and Kenn Jankowski is joining the band. Monta At Odds released the single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life.

[Monta At Odds play a PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT – Album Release Concert at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Friday, August. 20, with Emmaline Twist. The evening ends with a New Order Tribute Set. Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM. http://www.therecordbar.com ]

Dedric Moore, Teri Quinn, and Stephonne Singleton

1034 – Underwriting

Stephonne – “The King’s Gambit”
from: “The King’s Gambit” – Single / Stephonne Singleton / July 28, 2020
[Stephonne loves to push boundaries with his music by blending the genres of Alt-Rock & R&B/Soul. His influences, like Prince, Billie Holiday, and The Alabama Shakes, are apparent in the foundation of his music and his upcoming single “The King’s Gambit”. Stephonne wrote this track about having strong feelings for a man, but due to the fear of rejection, was afraid to share these sentiments aloud. In this track, Stephonne compares the skill of flirtation to a game of chess. In 2020 Ste[phonne released the EP SIS: Side A co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Stephonne grew up in KCK. He released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A video for “Want Me” was just released. “Want Me” is part of a new 4-song EP.]

[Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com]

10:41 – Interview with Stephonne Singleton

Singer, songwriter, & actor – Stephonne Singleton joins us to talk about his new single,”The King’s Gambit” released on July 28, 2021. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. His debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard” was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. In 2020, Stephonne released the EP, SIS: Side A. Earlier this year Stephonne collaborated with Lee Walter Redding on the single “Elephant Man.” More info at: http://www.stephonne.com.

Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne loves to push boundaries with his music by blending the genres of Alt-Rock & R&B / Soul. His influences, like Prince, Billie Holiday, The Alabama Shakes, are apparent in the foundation of his music and his single “The King’s Gambit”. Stephonne wrote this track about having strong feelings for a man, but due to the fear of rejection, was afraid to share these sentiments aloud. In this track, Stephonne compares the skill of flirtation to a game of chess.

Last July 15, 2020, Stephonne Singleton joined us on WMM to talk about his EP, SIS: Side A, released August 7, 2020, and the single “Deep,” released July 14, 2020. Stephonne co-produced his EP with Justin Mantooth who also engineered & mixed, at Westend Studios. Joining Stephonne was Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar, & Adam McKee on drums.

After 2018’s Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard and the release of two singles, ‘Want Me’ and ‘Dominate’, on 2020 Stephonne released SIS: Side A EP. Stephonne wrote, “I finally found a full confidence and strength in myself again. There were a lot of years that passed, where I really felt that I couldn’t do this independently. I stopped listening to the music and instead listened to rejection, doubt and a lot of self-sabotage.” After a 2018 New York showcase, Singleton laid in A friend’s Philadelphia bed and thought about what was next. He had taken a step he hadn’t before and it was that precise step that woke up a sleeping giant. “It all hit me at once! I got so much closer to my dream than ever before and a dream with steps and goals that I’d written down and prayed aloud for since I was 7.”

Stephonne’s talked about his single, “‘Want Me’ had been written before his debut was released but was just sitting and, honestly, after I decided I needed to go about this alone I remembered that I was broke,” laughs the singer-songwriter. From jobs in corporate America, local theatre and drag Stephonne put his money where his dreams were. After crowdfunding success, the songs just showed up and demanded attention. SIS, in the case of this EP, actually means Summoning Insatiable Spirits.

“That is what I do every time I write a song. The spirits are my emotions, thoughts, traumas, fears and joys.” On Side A and, an upcoming, B we find those spirits. “All of these songs came to me in an instant. They are really from some relationship that I have with the ether that I can’t explain. Whole songs in 10-15 minutes that I hear over and over until I get in with the band (Johnny Hamil, Ben Byard and Adam McKee) finish writing with everyone and then record them. They are literal sprits or ghosts that demand to be heard.”

Side A’s first single, ‘Deep’, came to Stephonne on a return to MCI from SEA. “There I was… crying on the plane like a big ass baby because of some dude I fell in love with and knew it wouldn’t work out with. The melody and lyrics hit me like a brick and after trying to hide my weeping face from the two passengers next to me, I went to that tiny bathroom and got everything on my phone.” Like ‘Want Me’, the pop gem would sit and scream at Stephonne until late 2019. The influence of 90’s and early 00’s radio rock reigns supreme on ‘Deep’ and we find Stephonne in his greatest melodic and lyrical territory yet. “I feel like you are always trying, unsuccessfully, to write a hit and with every single one of these songs there was no trying. I listened to life, wrote it down and got out of my own way.” Each song holds its ground without overproduction and a desperation for chart placement that holds back many industry hopefuls. What is delivered is sincere, raw but refined, pure and honest music that is accessible no matter your love of genre. With that being said, that this is a rock record is undeniable. “The frustrating thing for me about it, is that radio and audiences look at my skin color and automatically label everything as Hip-Hop and R&B. I’d say I did music as a kid and people would ask me if I was a rapper without even a second passing… Music of every genre has BLACK origin and yet where are we on the radio? We continue to carry the industry on our backs and are still having to use the back door!”

The genre jumper doesn’t deny his R&B, Soul and Jazz influences on SIS. It’s quite the opposite. Rock and R&B collide with the sultry, silky and vocal grit of Stephonne. He is an artist who conjures up the spirits of Prince and Billie Holiday (his biggest influences) but that delivers something inimitable, visceral, strange and beautiful. Even on the sugary and hyper sexuality of ‘Sweet Tooth’ and the dark but hopeful beauty of ‘Middle Man’, there is a triumphant transcendence that was a staple of yesteryears Popular music. A time when saturation wasn’t heavy and when artist development was embraced over carbon copying. “I only have interest in being me. Sis, I’m Black, unapologetically Queer, and very sex positive. I’m at a point in my life where I embrace every single part and won’t spend energy on anything but self-love, my music and the things that I can help with to change this world for the better.” SIS: Side A reflects all of the above exclamations of Stephonne but it also puts him in position to step into the world’s radar and officially begins his legacy as one music’s greatest treasures.

For more visit www.stephonne.com!

Stephonne slinks and slides into ears with ‘Want Me’. The dark and slickly polished track oozes of sex, confusion and tension. “Those things describe my coming of age as a black gay man. I’ve put my heart and mental health through a lot, trying to find love.” With Stephonne you find a painfully personal style of writing. Here, he delves into the point of view of an ex-lover. “I kept trying to make it work and the outcome was always the same. It was so confusing, that it haunted me. I was with a person who loved me but that didn’t want anything to do with love. I was just a body for sex and a cheerleader when he decided it was game on.” The song was his final straw and a way to make sense of what he’d been through. It also examines the hookup culture of apps like Grindr & Scruff. “The app culture feels like shopping at a butcher shop for meat. It’s a bunch of ghosts, most of the time, who appear and disappear as soon as they cum. Sex can be utility but I suddenly don’t exist after that?!” Being black, becoming fetishized and turned away from members of queer communities has been an often occurrence for the singer-songwriter.

The writing and production comes solely from the Kansas City native, with a huge helping hand from co-producer, Justin Mantooth. Recorded at Westend Recording Studios the track features Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Singleton continues to defy genre, but instead of dipping his toe into his alternative rock roots he takes a deep dive in. Still marked by breathy vocals, buttery falsetto, gospel rasp and innate jazz sensibilities, the track and brand new music video lift Stephonne to new heights.

The video transports us into the center of a horror movie. Surrounded by candles and ancient sigil work, Stephonne is painted in a nod to Grace Jones and Kieth Haring. Artist, Ryan Wilks makes Stephonne and the set a canvas, where he resurrects someone he probably shouldn’t. From a mere snap, we travel through a film noire that is equal parts Nosferatu, The Craft and an inescapable heat and sexuality that emit from both the songwriter and featured dancer, Courtney Germany. “I needed black girl magic in this video and what was most important to me was to have someone who could express every bit of agony and yearning in the song with their body.” Courtney is breathtaking. Choreographed by Ashley Personett of Empire Dance Academy and That’s Entertainment KC, Germany turns into a lovelorn golem who will do anything for the attention of its maker. “There is a magic that BIPOC hold within us that comes from a 24/7, 365 day struggle just to survive. On top of that, we also have to live, love and try to find time to heal. We are worthy of so much more than this world gives us.” In this way, Stephonne becomes a symbol for what’s not given and for what doesn’t wish to be given in the video.

The multi-layered and cinematic masterpiece was helmed and directed by Method Media. You may know them from the critically acclaimed and TIME magazine reviewed/featured videos by Kansas City natives, SSION (Inherit, At least The Sky is Blue and Comeback). Every detail is given the utmost attention by director and editor, Jordon Rioux. Every tone, shot and transition contains an edge and sophistication that only heightens this supernatural affair. The video production is an affair of its own. A Kansas City love affair that showcases the talents, locations (filmed at Heidi Van’s Black Box) and savvy of a slept on city that has recently gained new notoriety due to shows like Queer Eye. “We are a city full of so much treasure and promise! Every part of this video was responsible because of Kansas City businesses, costume/jewelry makers, artists and more. I will always rep my city.”

Joshua Davidson of Lee Walter Redding told Mark Manning that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI and heard Stephonne for the first time. (WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004.) Lyrics and music by Lee Walter Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear.

Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

10:54

Lee Walter Redding – “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”
from: “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”-Single / Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne /Apr. 9, 2021
[Lee Walter Redding told Mark that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. Lyrics and music by Lee Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. // Stephonne grew up in KCK. He released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A special video for “Want Me” was released in 2020. Stephonne joined us on WMM on July 15, 2020]

The Grisly Hand – “Why Make Me Cry”
from: “Why Make Me Cry” – Single / The Grisly Hand / August 20, 2021
[Since April 2021 the band has been in the studio working on a handful of tracks, with the intention of releasing singles over the summer & fall, and possibly a full-length release at the end of the year. On May 14, 2021 they released the ingle “Now That You Know.”It has been four and a half years since The Grisly Hand has released new music. The band released Hearts & Stars on November 18, 2016, and Flesh & Gold on October 2, 2015. The band had spent a year with Joel Nanos at Element Recording and decided to split the songs between two CD/digital releases: and also release them both together as a double vinyl album release, called The Grisly Hand, released November 18, 2016 with a new reshuffling of songs for the vinyl LP format. Jimmy Fitzner on guitar & vocals, Lauren Krum on vocals & percussion, Kian Byrne on drums, Mike Stover on steel guitar, bass & vocals, Ben Summers on guitar, vocals & mandolin, Dan Loftus on bass, keyboards & vocals. For the double albums the recordings also featured: Rich Wheeler on tenor saxophone, Nick Howell on trumpet, and Mike Walker on trombone. More info at: http://www.thegrislyhand.com]

[The Grisly Hand play Brew At The Zoo & Wine Too on Saturday, Oct, 9, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive in historic Swope Park, w/ Fainthaert, DJ Sybematix. More info at: http://www.kansascityzoo.org]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productio

Whim Grace photo by Tom Boehme / Art by Rachel Rosenkoetter

Whim Grace – “Light Leaks””
from: My Dear Sweet Dystopia EP / Whim Grace / July 4, 2021
[Now recently based in KCK. Since 2013 Whim Grace has released two albums, two EPs, one live EP, and six singles. She has 41 published songs. Whim Grace is an award winning multi instrumentalist who is best known for her sultry soulful voice and unique sound. Born in the Philippines, Whim has been wandering the world ever since, seeking sound and connection. She is always hoping someone will understand and answer her siren’s call. // About My Dear Sweet Dystopia Whim writes, “This EP means alot to me. The culmination of so much time and effort. Three songs with all the sound of space, time, earth, and hope I could possibly jam into them. Sean Berahmand and I made every single sound you hear. We re-created the Apollo moon landing in the studio to avoid any possible copyright issues. Every beat, static, or melody, we made. I wrote every musical line of this EP, I guess to prove I could, but also to better communicate the world I hear with others. Sharing that impossible fantasy place with you.” // Whim continues: “I often spend alot of time out of my body, somewhere else… Maybe it’s disassociation from years of trauma, maybe it’s meditation, or time travel, or astral projection, or death, but this allows me often to see the world, and even my life, from above, a wonderous bewildering colorful thing. This view of life gives me peace. Everything is so beautiful from above. Earth and us, and all the chaos. Let’s not forget the miracle of our time here. The miracle of each other.” // Whim says, “That’s what sound gives me. The reminder of the connection to all places things people. Let’s try to remember how beautiful the earth is. Protect and honor her, and all the pieces of existence. I feel like that’s our only true purpose floating in space on this small blue imperfect thing. Take care and honor what we have been given. // Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Sean Berahmand. Sound by Whim Grace. Album Art designed by Rachel Rosenkoetter. Photos by Tom Boehme. More information at http://www.whimgrace.bandcamp.com]

Miss Boating – “It’s A Lie”
from: “It’s A Lie” – Single / Miss Boating / December 31, 2020
[Miss Boating is: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. With Pat Conway on samba orchestra. Ross Brown covered engineering & mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep. Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering New single from Miss Boating who released their debut The Vhargon Sidestep on January 1, 2020 and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne & Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend & bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill & Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us. The jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. . Charles Colborne & Bill Belzer were our guests on WMM on April 1, 2020. More info at: https://missboating.bandcamp.com%5D

[Miss Boating plays Southside Wood Company, 3001 Merriam Lane, KCK, on Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Black Creatures, and Porch And Parlor Music.]

Kelley Hunt – “The Beautiful Bones”
from: The Beautiful Bones / 88 Records / May 20, 2014
[Kelley Hunt’s acclaimed albums have reached the top ten of the Billboard Blues Charts, she has toured all over the world, and has performed six times on A Prairie Home Companion. Born in Kansas City and based in Lawrence, Kansas, Kelley Hunt is a 2007 recipient of the State of Kansas Governor’s Award for the Arts, and is a 2006 Kansas Music Hall of Fame inductee alongside such artists as Mike Finegan, Melissa Etheridge, the Byrds’ Gene Clark and Big Joe Turner. Known as a roots/blues/Americana singer songwriter Kelley Hunt’s latest full length release, The Beautiful Bones, is her 6th full length recording, from 88 Records, and was part of WMM’s 114 Best Recordings of 2014. Kelley Hunt co-produced “Bones” with her husband and manager, Al Berman, at Sixteen Ton Studios in Nashville.]

[Kelley Hunt plays Light Up The Lawn at Johnson County Community College’s Midwest Trust Center outside on the Nerman Museum Lawn on Friday, August 20, at 8:30 PM.]

11:11 – Interview with Geraldine Glen

Vocalist Geraldine Glen joins us to talk about her debut single, “Interim Love” released July 23, 2021, on Groove King Records with help from Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals. Geraldine Glen told Michelle Bacon at the http://www.bridge909.org: that “Interim Love” reflects on that feeling of imbalance and negligence through the lens of a past relationship. I recognized that I was being treated as an interim love. At the time, this was not such a big deal to me so long as my autonomy would be respected. It wasn’t,” she says. “So, this is me telling the lazy man eating his cake and ice cream: ‘Don’t get mad when the sugar walks out.’”

Geraldine Glen thanks for being with us on WMM.

Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals helped write, arrange, mix, and produce the new track.

They also played on the track with The Freedom Affair’s Brett Jackson and Pete Carroll on horns.

Geraldine Glen move to KC from Wisconsin. She move to the Kansas City area to be closer to her twin sister who recently had a baby. Geraldine Glen moved here to help her sister with the baby.

The name “Geraldine Glen” was taken from her aunt.

11:17

Geraldine Glen – “Interim Love”
from: “Interim Love” – Single / Groove King Records / July 23, 2021
[Geraldine Glen collaborated with Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals helped co-write, arrange, mix, and produce the track, with The Freedom Affair’s Brett Jackson and Pete Carroll on horns. More info at: http://www.groovekingrecords.com]

Geraldine told us she mostly composes her songs on the piano. She brought a couple dozen songs to Cole Bales and Branden Moser, and they ended up choosing “Interim Love” as her first single, the team built the recording around her voice and vocal track.

Geraldine Glen thanks for being with us on WMM.

More info at: http://www.groovekingrecords.com

11:28 – Underwriting

Cole Bales, Branden Moser, Geraldine Glen, and Cody Calhoun

Black Light Animals – “Dark Fantasies”
from: Playboys of The Western World / Groove King Records / July 3, 2020
[Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Members include: Cole Bales on vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun on guitar, Branden Moser on bass, and Zach Harris on drums. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

[Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com]

11:34 – Interview with Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun

Joining us live in our 90.1 FM Studios are Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun who are here to talk about the Vinyl Release of their band, Black Light Animals debut album, Playboys of The Western World, that was digitally released on July 3, 2020. Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Cole & Branden also play with The Freedom Affair.

Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com

It was just a little over a year ago that Cole and Cody joined us on July 1, 2020 to talk about the new record.

Cole Bales – vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun – guitar, Branden Moser – bass.

Recently Alex Hartmann (of the band Pink Royal) to over on drums replacing longtime friend and band member Zach Harris.

Instant Karma Discography:
Make Me a Man – Single – April 7, 2016
Three Little Flames – Single – May 22, 2016
Wait On Love – Single – May 22, 2016
Trying To Find My Mind EP – July 22, 2017
Give Me Freedom / Shine on – Single – May 11, 2018 (Sunflower Soul/Chris Hazleton)

Cole Bales and Branden Moser also play with The Freedom Affair. The Freedom Affair is a unique collective featuring 3 powerhouse female vocalists in front of a dynamic 6-piece band. On “Freedom Is Love”, each of the ladies get their time to shine individually, but the magic is on full display when all 3 come together in unison and harmony, symbolically embodying the messages that they sing about. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording technologies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. The Freedom Affair is: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar; Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ, tambourine, Glockenspiel, & Chimes; Dave Brick on drums. The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!” Chris Hazelton was our guest on WMM on Sept. 16, 2020.]

Colby Bales & Cody Calhoun, thanks for being with us on WMM

11:49

Black Light Animals – “Special FX”
from: Playboys of The Western World / Groove King Records / July 3, 2020
[Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Members include: Cole Bales on vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun on guitar, Branden Moser on bass, and Zach Harris on drums. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

Black Light Animals – “Halo”
from: Playboys of The Western World / Groove King Records / July 3, 2020
[Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Members include: Cole Bales on vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun on guitar, Branden Moser on bass, and Zach Harris on drums. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

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

Next week on WMM, on August 25 we talk with members of the band, In The Pines who are releasing their 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. We also talk with singer songwriter performer Taylor Avanzpour about his musical project Zava and his new single “Wrong.” We also talk with members of the band Eggs On Mars about their new album, BRIGHTER NOW. AND, we welcome musician songwriter experimental music mastermind Tucker Slough about his new album, Dracula Vision.

Stephonne Singleton Photo by John Brant

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

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #903