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 4, 2022

WMM presents Brodie Rush of Be/Non + Kianna Alarid White & Cale Parks of Ezmerelda

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. Little Little – “Everyone Else But Me”
   from: “Everyone Else But Me” -Single / Little Little / February 22, 2021
   [Little Little is the solo music project of Drew Little of the band Heels, and formerly of Vedera. More info at: http://www.instagram.com/littlelittlesound%5D

3. Kevin Morby – “Random Act Of Kindness”
   from: THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH / Dead Oceans / May 13, 2022
   [The third single release from Kevin Morby’s upcoming 7th album THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH. From http://www.rollingstone.com: “In January 2020, songwriter Kevin Morby witnessed his father collapse from a medical event while visiting his childhood home in Kansas. In a state of shock, the singer spent the evening looking at old family photos and fixated on an image of his father as a young man, looking, as Morby states, ‘full of confidence.’ The experience forced Morby to confront both the idea of mortality and the passage of time — and, after an extended sojourn in Tennessee, these reflections came together in the form of his upcoming album, This Is a Photograph. To mark the announcement, the singer released the record’s eponymous single, accompanied by a music video directed by Chantal Anderson. Produced by frequent Morby collaborator Sam Cohen, This Is a Photograph was primarily written in Memphis’ historic Peabody Hotel, where the singer-songwriter holed up in search of inspiration and self-realization amongst the city’s dark past.” Morby will also embark on a 65 City tour of Europe and North America through the majority of 2022, which starts May 20 in Madrid, Spain and wraps Nov. 12 in Vancouver, BC. On October 16, 2020 Kevin Morby released SUNDOWNER, ranked #20 on WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020 and was the 6th release from Kevin Robert Morby born April 2, 1988. SUNDOWNER was the follow up to his 2019 release OH MY GOD. Kevin Morby released CITY MUSIC in 2017. Kevin learned to play guitar when he was 10. In his teens he formed the band Creepy Aliens. 17-year-old Morby dropped out of Blue Valley Northwest High School, got his GED, and moved from his native Kansas City to Brooklyn in the mid-2000s, supporting himself by working bike delivery and café jobs. He later joined the noise-folk group Woods on bass. While living in Brooklyn, he became close friends and roommates with Cassie Ramone of the punk trio Vivian Girls, and the two formed a side project together called The Babies, who released albums in 2011 and 2012. He began a solo career in 2013 releasing his debut album HARLEM RIVER. His 2nd album STILL LIFE was released in 2014. His album SINGING SAW was in WMM’s The 116 Best Recordings of 2016. His album CITY MUSIC was in WMM’s The 118 Best Recordings of 2018.]

[Kevin Morby Plays Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester, KCMO, on Thursday, November 3 at 8:00 PM with Coco. http://www.knuckleheadskc.com ]

4. Fantastic Negrito – “Trudoo”
   from: WHITE JESUS BLACK PROBLEMS / Storefront Records / Expected June 3, 2022
   [Follow up to HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND YET? Released August 4, 2020. This followed his June 15, 2018 release, PLEASE DON’T BE DEAD on Blackball Universe – Cooking Vinyl Records that was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. His 2016 album The Last Days of Oakland won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 59th Grammy Awards. In 2019, his album Please Don’t Be Dead won the same category for the 61st Grammy Awards.Fantastic Negrito was raised in an orthodox Muslim household. His father was a Somali-Caribbean immigrant who mostly played traditional African music. He was the eight of 15 children. When, at the age of 12, Negrito’s family moved from Massachusetts to Oakland, California. Oakland in 1970s was a million miles from Negrito’s conservative childhood. He went from Arab chants to Funkadelic in one day. By the time he was 20, Negrito had taught himself to play every instrument he could get his hands on. He was recording music, and after some difficulties on the streets he packed his bags and headed to LA, armed with a demo on cassette. Negrito signed with a million dollar deal at Interscope. The record deal was a disaster. Gangsta rap was ruling the airwaves and Negrito was in the wrong place at the wrong era. Negrito came out of the deal with a failed album and his confidence gutted. In 2000, Negrito was in a near fatal car accident that put him in a coma. For four weeks it was touch and go. Because his muscles atrophied while bedridden, he had to go through months of frustrating physical therapy to regain use of his legs. Rods were placed throughout his body. And worst of all, his playing hand was mutilated. Back in Oakland, Negrito forgot about life as a musician. He got married, he planted vegetables, raised his own chickens, and made money growing weed. He also settled into being a man, on his own, clear of the distractions of wanting to be a star. And then his son Kyu was born. He began recording without the hindrances that come with chasing trends. Negrito turned to the original DNA of all American music, the Blues. The beating life had given him primed him to channel his literal and musical forefathers: the Blues musicians of the Delta]

5. Marah McFadden – “Withdrawal”
   from: SIDE SHOW (EP) / Marah McFadden/ May 21, 2022.
   [Singer and actress Marah McFadden writes: “Growing up in small town Kansas, my family lived painfully below the poverty line. A superhero and single mother of four, my mom had to scrimp and save to be able to afford the dance lessons she put us in (starting age three). The arts became my great equalizer. Through theatre and dance, I found a precious and priceless part of myself that I was able to hold onto and keep sacred; giving me a deep desire to prove myself artistically. Every artistic endeavor I’ve encountered has thus been approached with that same fervor.” Marah has trained as an actor at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City and the open Jar Institute, She has appeared on the television show Billions, has worked onstage as a vocalist, actress, and choreographer More info at: http://www.instagram.com/marah.mcfab/%5D

[Marah McFadden plays an EP Release Show, Saturday, May 21, at 6:00 PM at The Ship. 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO, in the West Bottoms wth Kirsten Paludan & The Ringers]

6. Gee Watts – “Confidence (feat. Kye Colors & Jass) (Radio Edit)”
   from: NO RUSH (EP) / Caviart Records / March 23, 2022
   [Gee Watts released the 4-track EP, NO RUSH 3 on March 23, 2022. Kansas City emcee Gee Watts latest music capsule “No Rush 3”. The Ep includes features from Kye Colors & Jass. Production Includes Mike Summers, Money Miiike, & Drizi Dre of Tha GoonEz. GeeWatts started in 2009 with his Mix tape NO RUSH. // CTYDWRITING wrote about Gee Watts for https://ctydcreativespace.blog on March 21, 2022 – “It’s not uncommon to see that many Creatives will have different talents for which they have different uses. When one uses their craft to motivate and inspire others, however, it speaks volumes about their character. Gee Watts from Kansas City, Missouri, is a Rapper and distinguished figure within his city. Working with some prominent figures in the music industry, Gee is viewed as an inspiration and motivator to many Creatives residing on both sides of KC. Watts states there’s footage of him rapping Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” as a one-year-old, claiming that music has been with him from the beginning. Like other Creatives, Watts’ has been met with wins, losses, and lessons on many occasions. Despite the obstacles, his faith and encouragement from loved ones have kept him rooted to stay the course.” “I love the locals. I’ve worked with a lot of them, probably too many to name. I want to work with Janelle Monaé, she’s beyond special. Morgan Cooper, I need a cameo on Bel-Air. I wanna work with Ron Ron and Tech, they’re the two rappers I looked up to as a kid like alright I need in. I was on Techs project I want him on mines.” —Gee Watts. “Gee describes music in KC as unheard and under appreciated. Kanas City’s sound does not receive the proper credit it deserves. Places such as Detroit and Los Angeles incorporate the same bass synth & string sounds originating from KC and The Bay. Many do not associate KC with a style that has grown so eminent and recognized elsewhere. Watts will continue to work through his craft to educate and support those who come after, declaring his mission statement “Save Our Babies.” He says the future is God’s plan, the will of Allah. Wherever life may take Gee Watts, he’ll be 100% him until the end. “Without confidence, you’re twice defeated. With confidence, you win before you begin.” A man we’re confident will see many more wins. Always move #CloserToYourDreams” // More info at: http://www.geewatts1.bandcamp.com.]

7. Sault —”Heart”
   from: Air / Forever Living Originals / April 15, 2022
   [Air is the sixth studio album by the British rhythm and blues collective Sault, it follows NINE their previous release from June 25, 2021 on Forever Living Originals. Produced by Inflo, that album was only available on streaming services and as a digital download for a total of ninety-nine days, until 2 October 2021. // The album received widespread critical acclaim, appearing on several end-of-year lists. // SAULT (frequently stylised in all caps) are a pseudonymous British music collective that make a mixture of rhythm and blues, house and disco. The project is helmed by producer Inflo, best known for his work with Little Simz, Michael Kiwanuka, Jungle and Adele. Despite critical acclaim, Sault eschew interaction with the media, and features an array of unnamed collaborators. They frequently foreground black-centric issues. // SAULT’s albums in 2020, Untitled (Black Is), released in June, and Untitled (Rise), released in September, both received universal critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2021 for the latter. // On June 24, 2021, the band released their fifth studio album, Nine, which was available for 99 days from its release until October 2, 2021. In the same year, the band were nominated at the MOBO Awards, alongside vocalist Cleo Sol, for Best R&B/Soul Act. // The line-up of Sault remains mostly a mystery, with confirmed members: Inflo – producer, various instruments; Cleo Sol – lead vocals; Kid Sister // Studio albums: 5 (2019); 7 (2019); Untitled (Black Is) (2020); Untitled (Rise) (2020); and Nine (2021).] More info at: http://www.facebook.com/SAULTGLOBAL

10:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Interview with Brodie Rush

Brodie Rush is a musician, songwriter, band leader, graphic artist, actor, father and survivor. He is a Director of Animation & Motion Graphics and has created music videos for several bands and poster designs for theatre and music events. He is also the creative genius behind Be/Non, a Kansas City band that has been making music for over 20 years. Brodie Rush has been working to get his life back after surviving an Aortic Dissection in October 2019, and after being in a coma, and after months of therapy, recovery, and healing through two dangerous years of Covid-19. Brodie was working on a new song before this life-threatening event and it’s taken over two years to get it together. Be/Non, are playing their first show in over six years. Be/Non will play Opening Night at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO in the West Bottoms on Friday, May 6 at 7:00 PM with Men of Men. Be/Non also plays String Break 15, the Kirk Rundstrom Memorial Festival, Saturday, May 7 on the Hunz Farm, 14 miles west of Newton KS. We will also play Be/Non’s new single, “Instant Stooging.” The song is about Brodie’s personal experience of recovery.

Brodie Rush, thanks or being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Brodie Rush has been working to get his life back after surviving an Aortic Dissection in October 2019, and after being in a coma, and after months of therapy, recovery, and healing through two dangerous years of Covid-19.

Brodie was working on a new song before this life-threatening event and it’s taken over two years to get it together.

Be/Non’s new single, “Instant Stooging.” Brodie writes, “It’s real personal but it had to be done.“ The song is about Brodie’s personal experience of recovery. More info at: http://www.haymakerrecords.net

10:39

8. Be/Non – “Instant Stooging”
   from: Instant Stooging – Single / Haymaker Records / February 22, 2022

We are talking with Brodie Rush about his band Be/Non, are playing their first show in over six years. Be/Non will play Opening Night at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO in the West Bottoms on Friday, May 6 at 7:00 PM with Men of Men. Be/Non also plays String Break 15, the Kirk Rundstrom Memorial Festival, Saturday, May 7 on the Hunz Farm, 14 miles west of Newton KS.

Brodie Rush, thanks or being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

We will also played Be/Non’s new single, “Instant Stooging.” The song is about Brodie’s personal experience of recovery.

Brodie Rush is a musician, songwriter, band leader, graphic artist, actor, father and survivor.

He is also the creative genius behind Be/Non, a Kansas City band that has been making music for over 20 years.

Brodie Rush has been working to get his life back after surviving an Aortic Dissection in October 2019, and after being in a coma, and after months of therapy, recovery, and healing through two dangerous years of Covid-19. Brodie was working on a new song before this life-threatening event and it’s taken over two years to get it together.

Be/Non released their critically acclaimed 6th album, Mystic Sunrise / Sunset Magic, on Haymaker Records on February 29, 2016, followed by Freedom Palace in 2018 that had been stuck in the studio for 12 years due to disputes with the original record label and personnel changes in the band until Brodie rescued the tapes and remastered the album for Haymaker Records.

In 2020 – Last time we talked with Brodie was in April 2020 when Brodie released a new album containing alternate mixes, isolated tracks and demo versions of Be/Non’s 2009 release, A Mountain of Yeses. The release was called, A Valley of No: The Alternative A Mountain of Yeses. And it was released through Haymaker Records.

The Originally released May 12, 2009, “A Mountain of Yeses” was made by:
Brodie Rush on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards; Ben Ruth on bass guitar;
Ryan Shank on drums & percussion, Jeremiah James on guitar, Moog & Vocals.
Brodie writes: “This album is a journey into the sculpting process of creating “A Mountain of Yeses”. In contrast to the original release, this compilation contains alternate mixes, isolated tracks and demo versions. Be/Non presents a bizarro-like version of the AMOY album, showing an alternate universe what could have been if the creation of the album went on a divergent path. Behold the paradoxical serendipity of Be/Non’s unique take on constructing a space-themed story/album. “

More info at http://www.haymakerrecords.net

Brodie shared a new song that he was still mixing called: “Zipper Club” The song refers to his physical experience of being opened up in surgery and then being “zipped up.”

Brodie Rush, thanks or being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

10:52

9. Be/Non – “Zipper Club”
   from: Zipper Club – Single / Haymaker Records / 2022 (not Released)

[Be/Non, are playing their first show in over six years. Be/Non will play Opening Night at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO in the West Bottoms on Friday, May 6 at 7:00 PM with Men of Men.]

[Be/Non also plays String Break 15, the Kirk Rundstrom Memorial Festival, Saturday, May 7 on the Hunz Farm, 14 miles west of Newton KS.]

10. Art d’Ecco – “Only Ones”
    from: “Only Ones” – Single / Paper Bag Records Records / April 6, 2022
    [Last year Art d’Ecco released IN STANDARD DEFINITION on April 23, 2021 was on e of WMM 120 Best Releases of 2021. Art d’Ecco is based in British Columbia, “There’s more than a little David Bowie in both the sonic and fashion leanings of Art d’Ecco, a performer who fluidly crosses musical and gender lines, creating highly memorable tracks — and sporting an unforgettable look. Often labelled “neo glam,” the music boasts hints of everything from ’50s pop to psychedelics, from Velvet Underground-era art rock to Grimes-inspired electronics.” – CBC Music Art d’Ecco freleased the album Trespasser on Paper Bag Records on October 12, 2018. When d’Ecco moved into his grandmother’s cottage on one of the islands, he hadn’t planned on creating a new project. But, as it often does, circumstance charted his course. His grandmother, living with Alzheimer’s, suffered a related phenomenon called ‘sundowning,’ which triggers increased agitation and anxiety around sunset. “The only way to calm this lady down was to sit down at the piano,” says d’Ecco. He would play “Bohemian Rhapsody,” passing it off as Beethoven. After she was relocated, d’Ecco remained in the empty house where he had played as a child. Draped in memory, he gravitated toward the piano, spending the long, lonesome, quiet nights on the bench before the instrument. This is where Art d’Ecco was created. He relocated to a new cottage, built a studio and barricaded himself with copies of Deerhunter’s Cryptograms, Bowie’s Low, and choice krautrock records. In this solitude, d’Ecco would chase tones for hours. The result is a richly-realized confluence of the ferocious spark of those trailblazers and a distinct sadness, with d’Ecco as mad scientist, stitching together these delicious fragments and animating them. Art d’Ecco was our guest on September 29, 2021.]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Monta At Odds – “Hands Trace The Miles”
    from: “Hands Trace The Miles” / The Record Machine / May 6, 2022
    [This single follows the bands recent single and cover of the New Order classic “The Perfect Kiss.” Both singles will eventually be part of a companion album called PEAKED to be released in June, that has remixes and alternative versions of Monta AT Odds’ 2021 album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT. On the track the band is: Dedric Moore on synths & programming, Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Matthew Heinrich on drums, Lucas Behrens on baritone guitar, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Kenn Jankowski on synths.. // Monta At Odds released their 7th album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT on July 23, 2021.. // 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.’ // In 2020 the band added acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continued to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. With Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The nad releaased a remix of their single “When I’m Gone” mixed by The Record Machine label mate Kenn Jankowski, lead singer, co-founder of The Republic Tigers. The remix featured Kenn’s voice singing with Teri’s voice. The collaboration led to Kenn joining Monta At Odds as a voclist and synth player. And when Kenn plays out as The Republic Tigers the members of Monta At Odds become The Republic Tigers. On December 18, 2020 Monta At Odds released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 2020, 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. // In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” // Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram on May 1, 2020. The album was a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed 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 released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. Dedric Moore and Teri Quinn joined us on WMM on August 18, 2021 where Teri announced she was leaving the band. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D

[Monta At Odds will play the official vinyl release party for Peak of Eternal Light on June 25 with The Philistines making a live return.]

[Members of Monta At Odds will join us on WMM on June 22, at 11:00 AM]

12. Bartees Strange – “Heavy Heart (Edit)”
    from: Heavy Heart/ 4AD / October 2, 2020
    [Bartees Leon Cox Jr., known by his stage name Bartees Strange, is an American musician. Cox was born in Ipswich, England, raised in Mustang, Oklahoma, but is now based in Washington D.C.. In March of 2020, Cox released an EP of songs by The National that were re-imagined by him, titled Say Goodbye to Pretty Boy. Cox was named an Artist To Watch by Stereogum in September 2020 and released his first full-length album on October 2, 2020 titled Live Forever. The album is a mix of hip hop, indie rock, and jazz music. The album received universal acclaim from reviews. Bartees Strange participated in the 2020 Thursday Signals V2 live show. Cox was born in Ipswich, England, to a military father and opera-singer mother. The family moved from England to Germany, Greenland and various US states before settling in Mustang, Oklahoma, USA when he was aged 12. Before becoming a musician, Cox worked as the director of communications for a nonprofit environmental organization in Washington D.C.]

[Bartees Strange plays Grinders, Sunday, May 8, opening for Carseat Headrest.]

11:09

13. Luke Petet – “DOGME95”
    from: “DOGME95 / Luke Petet /April 8, 2022
    [4-track EP, DOGME95, on April 8, 2022. Luke Petet released the single, “Bleach+Hands” on April 15, 2022. More info at: http://www.lukepetet.bandcamp.com]

14. Ezmerelda – “I’m So Nervous”
    from: “I’m So Nervous” – Single / Ezmerelda / January 7, 2022
    [Ezmerelda is the diy collaboration between indie veterans Kianna Alarid White (Tilly & the Wall, Yes You Are) and Cale Parks (Yeasayer, Aloha). The duo formed in the final months of 2021, drawing on influences like Fever Ray, Budgie-era Siouxsie and the Banshees and early M.I.A. Combining elements of their high intensity live shows with art-rock improvisation, Kianna and Cale took to the basement to self produce their brand of industrial, drum heavy electro-pop in October 2021. The result was a collection of immediately realized dance tracks that will make up the duo’s debut EP. Produced, mixed, and recorded by Kianna White & Cale Parks. Mastered by TJ Lipple. More info at: http://www.ezmerelda.bandcamp.com]

11:15 – Interview with Kianna Alarid White & Cale Parks

Many of us were first introduced to Kianna Alarid White as part of the critically-acclaimed indie band, Tilly and the Wall, touring through the mid to late 2000s with bands such as She and Him, Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, and Of Montreal, playing venues around the world and major festivals like Coachella, Japan’s Summersonic, Reading, as well as performing on Late Night with David Letterman and Sesame Street before going on hiatus in 2013. Kianna has also performed guest vocals on Rilo Kiley’s “The Absence of God”, “In the Sun” by She & Him and co-wrote and sang on Tiësto’s song “You Are My Diamond”. In 2017, Kianna launched her band, Yes You Are, with husband and co-writer Jared White, with many song placements in movies, television and commercials, including a Pepsi Super Bowl 51 commercial. Known for their electrifying live performances, Yes You Are shared the stage with the likes of K. Flay, Young the Giant and Fitz and the Tantrums, and toured the US with Neon Trees. On November 15, 2019 they released one of our favorite albums of that year, “HERE’S TO THE GREAT UNKOWNS. In mid 2020 Kianna announced the band’s break up when unexpected and major changes in the lineup served as a clear sign it was time to move on. Kianna and Jared decided to start a new band behind Kianna as a solo artist Kianna White, releasing the single, “Homecoming Queen “ on September 25, 2020, along with an incredible video that Kianna herself filmed, starred in and edited alone in her bedroom using an iPhone, a Snapchat filter, a flashlight and iMovie). On April 30, 2021 Kianna released the single “All Alone With Everything.”

Cale Parks is best known for decades of drumming in the bands: Aloha, and Yeasayer, and in high profile side hustles such as: Passion Pit, Chet Faker, and Joan of Arc. Cale released the albums, ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT on Sept. 26, 2009, and SPARKFACE on November 3, 2008, and the EP TO SWIFT MARS on Augusgust 3, 2004. But On May 18, 2015, Cale released his 4-track solo EP, LAGOON FOOL giving his fans the first sign of becoming a more of a “mood-altering” electronic producer with his multi-faceted record featuring interlocking melodies and everything from acid techno asides to piano-laced synth progressions. Cale followed LAGOON FOOL with his most recent solo EP, BOARDS, released on January 24, 2020 on Whirling Wolf Records. Boards ventures even further into the ether, piling on the sort of polychromatic chords, artful hooks, and mood-altering melodies one might find on an old Air or Durutti Column album. A lot of this has to do with how it was made: in Parks’ home studio rather than a cramped apartment room, which gave him space to think and toy with a wide range of instruments. Listeners can thank a long overdue lifestyle change: a move from Brooklyn to Kansas City that made Parks look at music differently. “I didn’t own a car in New York,” he explains, “so all of my listening was done as I walked around the city. There’s something about the energy of New York that requires that electricity. Moving to Kansas changed the style of music I wanted to hear; I wanted room to let records breathe.”

We just heard “I’m So Nervous” from Ezmerelda. Kianna and Cales’s first single from their musical collaboration. The duo formed in the final months of 2021, drawing on influences like Fever Ray, Budgie-era Siouxsie and the Banshees and early M.I.A. Combining elements of their high intensity live shows with art-rock improvisation.Kianna & Cale took to the basement to self produce their brand of industrial, drum heavy electro-pop in October 2021. More info at: http://www.ezmerelda.bandcamp.com

Kianna White and Cale Parks Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Ezmerelda recently played plays The Ship 1221 Union Avenue, Kansas City, West Bottoms on April 23 with Redder Moon and DJ Apothecary.

“I’m So Nervous” was released on January 7, 2022, the result was a collection of immediately realized dance tracks that will make up the duo’s debut EP. To be released later this year.

The first time Kianna was on our radio show was on January 20, 2016, just after her tour with Neon Trees and the release of Yes You Are’s first music video.

The second time you Kianna was on the show was on September 30, 2020, just before her show at Lemonade Patk with The Creepy Jingles and after the release of “Homecoming Queen.”

The last time Kianna was on the show was January 19, 2022, with Cale Parks when we first played the new music of Ezmerelda.

Cale moved from Brooklyn to Kansas City and how that changed how you made your music?

Cale has said, “I didn’t own a car in New York,” he explains, “so all of my listening was done as I walked around the city. There’s something about the energy of New York that requires that electricity. Moving to Kansas changed the style of music I wanted to hear; I wanted room to let records breathe.”

Cale you grew up on Ohio, lived in New York City, and now lives in KC.

Kianna and Cale took to the basement to self produce their brand of industrial, drum heavy electro-pop in October 2021.

Esmerelda a fictional character in Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame a Gypsy Dance with a pet goat who is kidnapped by Quasimodo.

Esmerelda was also the name of a nervous and anxiety ridden witch on the popular TV show Bewitched.

Covid -19 has changed the last two years drastically. So many venues are only now coming back to life and again shuttering for various new outbreaks, how do you navigate in these times?

11:29 – Underwriting

11:31 – Interview with Kianna Alarid White & Cale Parks

We are talking with Kianna Alarid White and Cale Parks about their musical collaboration Ezmerelda. Formed in the final months of 2021, drawing on influences like Fever Ray, Budgie-era Siouxsie and the Banshees and early M.I.A. Combining elements of their high intensity live shows with art-rock improvisation.Kianna & Cale took to the basement to self produce their brand of industrial, drum heavy electro-pop in October 2021. More info at: http://www.ezmerelda.bandcamp.com

Kianna White and Cale Parks Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Last year, Team Love released a special collection of music from Tilly & The Wall plus.

Background info: Yes You Are was: Jared White – songwriter, rhythm guitar, backup vocals; Kianna Alarid – songwriter, lead vocals; Jacob Temeyer – lead guitar, keyboards, backup vocals; Joseph Wilner – drums ; and Willie Jordan – bass guitar, back up vocals. Yes You Are lead singer

Kianna Alarid White was also lead singer and bassist for the critical acclaimed band, Tilly and the Wall, who released 4 albums on Team Love Records (founded by Conor Oberst & Nate Krenkel in 2003). Tilly and the Wall was an indie pop group from Omaha, Nebraska. Their name originated from a children’s book called Tillie and the Wall, written by Leo Lionni. They are particularly noted for having a tap dancer, Jamie Pressnall, instead of a drummer. // The group formed in 2001 after the demise of several Omaha groups, including Conor Oberst’s Park Ave., of which Neely Jenkins and Jamie Pressnall (then Jamie Williams) were members. Jamie brought along Kianna Alarid from another band that broke up called Magic Kiss. Derek Pressnall and Nick White, natives of Dunwoody, Georgia were drawn to the music scene in Omaha, Nebraska and moved. Nick White was also one of the few constants for Bright Eyes in 2005, appearing on I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, as well as touring worldwide with the band. // Their first show was an open-mic night at the now defunct Ranch Bowl. Their first release, Woo!, was recorded in Conor Oberst’s garage, self-published, and distributed at shows around the Omaha area. The group released a limited-pressing eponymous 7″ on Rue Royale Records, followed by their debut LP, Wild Like Children in 2004. It was the flagship release on Oberst’s Team Love label and made with the help of Presto studios. Wild Like Children garnered the band a substantial amount of critical acclaim and propelled them to national tours with Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, and Of Montreal. In early 2005, Tilly and the Wall became the first “band in residence” at Omaha’s Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, using the Bemis Underground’s Studio T to develop their follow-up album to Wild Like Children. // In September of that year, they released “You and I Misbehaving” as a limited-pressing 7″ in the UK through indie label Trash Aesthetics. This release picked up further critical acclaim as well as support from BBC radio broadcaster Steve Lamacq. They played their first show outside of the US at the Freebutt in Brighton on February 14, 2006. // Bottoms of Barrels, the band’s follow-up to Wild Like Children, was released on May 23, 2006. Tilly and the Wall appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman on October 27, 2006, to perform “Bad Education”. The song was not played in full due to time constraints. A number of live dates were played to support the album. The band toured with Jenny Lewis in support of her album featuring The Watson Twins, Rabbit Fur Coat. They then went on their first headlining tour to promote Bottoms of Barrels, with acts such as David Dondero, Now It’s Overhead, and Wolf Colonel supporting them. They played the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 27, 2007. In addition to performing at 2007’s Splendour in the Grass festival, Tilly and the Wall toured Australia. Band members Jamie Williams and Derek Pressnall were married shortly after the album’s release, on August 12, 2006. // On February 25, Tilly and the Wall released a video for a new song entitled “Beat Control”. The digital release of the song was on March 4, with a new album track “Cacophony” appearing as a b-side. “Beat Control” was released only as a single and was not included on the album released later in 2008. // Tilly and the Wall’s third album, o, was released on June 17, 2008. Two songs they performed on their 2007 tour, “Too Excited” and “Chandelier Lake”, appear on the album. // Tilly have recorded their own version of the ABC song for the new season of Sesame Street. // The first single from the album is “Pot Kettle Black”. It was featured in the pilot episode of 90210, TV spots for the Seth Rogen film Observe and Report, the film Whip It and its soundtrack album, and in the video game Midnight Club: Los Angeles. // Tilly and the Wall released a new album entitled Heavy Mood on October 2, 2012, available in CD and vinyl formats.

In 2020 Team Love released a 16-track retro of Tilly and The Wall’s music from 2002

Kianna White and Cale Parks Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Ezmerelda released their debut single, “I’m So Nervous” on January 7, 2022. Ezmerelda released their 2nd single, “Reverser” on Friday, April 1, 2022. The duo formed in the final months of 2021, drawing on influences like: Fever Ray, Budgie-era Siouxsie and the Banshees, and early M.I.A. Combining elements of their high intensity live shows with art-rock improvisation, Kianna & Cale took to the basement to self produce their brand of industrial, drum heavy electro-pop. The result is a collection of immediately realized dance tracks that make up their debut EP to be released later this year.

10:38

15. Ezmerelda – “Reverser”
    from: “Reverser” – Single / Ezmerelda / April 1, 2022
    [Ezmerelda is the diy collaboration between indie veterans Kianna Alarid White (Tilly & the Wall, Yes You Are) and Cale Parks (Yeasayer, Aloha). The duo formed in the final months of 2021, drawing on influences like Fever Ray, Budgie-era Siouxsie and the Banshees and early M.I.A. Combining elements of their high intensity live shows with art-rock improvisation, Kianna and Cale took to the basement to self produce their brand of industrial, drum heavy electro-pop in October 2021. The result was a collection of immediately realized dance tracks that will make up the duo’s debut EP. Produced, mixed, and recorded by Kianna White & Cale Parks. Mastered by TJ Lipple. More info at: http://www.ezmerelda.bandcamp.com]

16. Kadesh Flow – “Move Dfferent (Feat. Gr3s0n)”
    from: “Move Dfferent (Feat. Gr3s0n)”– Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / January 21, 2022, 2021
    [Lyrics: Kadesh Flow, Gr3ys0n. Instrumental: Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow This is one of over 22 new singles Kadesh Flow has released in the last 14 months: Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 16th single the year, so far. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 17th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on Sept. 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. le, “Gardens Out The Gutter” on Dec. 3, 2021. This is one of 22 singles and a 13 track album that Kadesh Flow has released so far this year. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “CHOICE (The Cost)” on December 17, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. This is one of 22 singles and a 13 track album that Kadesh Flow has released so far this year. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow played the 17th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 11, as part of Deshica Rage (with Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige) at 10:00 PM on Community Lending of America Stage at Lemonade Park. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com ]

[Kadesh Flow plays The Ship with Dimension Bill Edwards Tomorrow , May 5]

[Kadesh FlowPlays Boulevardia Friday, June 17 with The Phantastics, Sat. June 18 as part of Deshica Rage (with Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige), and on the same night in a closing set with Trevor Turla.]

17. Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores– “Your Sunshine (Feat. Hannah Davis)”
    from: “Your Sunshine (Feat. Hannah Davis)” – Single / Paul Jesse / April 29, 2022
    [“Your Sunshine” is a chill, trip-hop and classic R&B inspired song about feeling the warmth of one’s love even when they’re not in your presence. Over a bliss bed of murky drum samples, chunky bass, jangly guitars, and lush keyboards, Paul layers his vocals with featured vocalist and friend Hannah Davis to create huge harmonies. The anthemic chorus is an instant earworm. This song was the first collaboration between Paul and Deegan, and has led to a fruitful musical partnership. // Paul Jesse is a 20 year old singer songwriter based in Kansas City, MO. Paul Jesse & X-GD released the single “To The Sky” on February 25, 2022, and “Stuck This Way” on October 6, 2021. Paul Jesse released the single & video for the song,“Gone,” directed by @strife.studios. Info at: http://www.facebook.com/pauljessemusic/ Deegan Poores release his album “Vanishing” on February 11, 2022. It was a follow up single to “Vanishing” released December 19, 2021. Deegan Pooresis a singer, songwriter, and producer from Kansas City, Kansas. “Vanishing” was co-produced by Remy Styrk. To see the “Vanishing” video, directed and produced by Remy Styrk visit: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCie5UaItSkEugr7MJ6ubzvg // Paul Jesse is a singer and songwriter from Lawrence, Kansas who combines his smooth and passionate vocals with production that combines elements of hip-hop, trap, pop, and psychedelic R&B. His self-produced debut EP, Stuck This Way, came out late last year and is a great document of his sound. His debut album is coming out later this year, and you can listen to lead single and X-GD collaboration “To the Sky” here, also available for download and airplay.// Producer Deegan Poores is also from Lawrence, Kansas, and he combines elements of indie rock, power pop, R&B, yacht rock, synth pop, jazz, dance pop, and electronic music to create an eclectic, genre-bending sound. His debut album, The “Vanishing” Album, came out in February, and documents his sound well. Reply back if you would like downloads of either Paul’s EP or Deegan’s album]

18. Vicman – “Overdose”
    from: The VCMN Project / Vicman / November 12, 2021.
    [VCMN releases their debut album entitled “The VCMN Project” on Friday May 13, 2022. VCMN is an American singer-songwriter duo who’s artistry is shaped by way of edgy, alternative R&B, Pop, and Rock. More information at: http://www.vcmnofficial.com]

[VCMN plays an Album Release Show, Friday, May 13, at 8:00 PM at The Rino, 314, Armour Rd., North Kansas City witRegina Del Carmen, Shilow, Kaydence, and Oxytoxin.]

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

Next week on Wednesday, May 11 Luke M Harbor aka Music By Skippy at 10:30 AM and in our second hour we welcome Shaun Crowley who will help is survey the upcoming Manor Fest.

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

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Show #940