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, June 22, 2022

Stephonne & Lawrence Pride + Monta At Odds

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]

1. Various Blonde – “Too Many Secrets”
   from: “Too Many Secrets” – Single / The Record Machine / June 9, 2022
   [Various Blonde. Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2021 Various Blonde released their single, “Love is How We Will Survive”. On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 2 through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]

[Various Blonde play RecordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:00 with Blvck Hippie, Hall Johnson, and Supermoto presented by The Record Machine.]

3. Making Movies – “XOPA”
   from: “XOPA / Cosmica Artists / June 17, 2022
   [Making Movies released the single “Calor” on March 11, 2022. Making Movies released the single “Sala De Los Pecadores” on April 13, 2022. Making Movies released the songle “Porcelina” on May 17, 2022, which features Tennis, singing in Spanish. All three singles are from the Making Movies album, XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas and mixed by Tchad Blake. Info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies is a Kansas City based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Prior to that, Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021, which includes their single “La Marcha.” On February 5, the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP was ranked #25 inWMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. The EP also includes: covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available on BandCamp for only three days on February 5 through February 7, 2021. Since then it has been made private, an is not available anywhere. Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV..” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Enrique Chi joined WMM on May 19, 2021. ]

[Making Movies are currently on tour: June 23 | @theparamountla | Los Angeles, CA. //
June 25 | @machacafestival | Monterrey, MX // June 28 | @foroindierocks | CDMX //
June 30 | @overtonparkshell | Memphis, TN]

4. Maria The Mexican – “Bottle of Wine”
   from: “Bottle of Wine” – Single / Independent / July 17, 2022
   [On March 11, 2016, Maria The Mexican released their album, South of The Border Moonlight. In 2013 Maria The Mexican released their debut full length, Moon Colored Jade. Influenced by traditional Mariachi music, Maria The Mexican is a hybrid of Mexican folklore and Rock. For over ten years, Teresa and Maria Elena Cuevas have performed with Marachi Estrella founded by their grandmother Teresa Cuevas in 1970. As one of the first all female mariachi bands in the country, Maria Teresa Alonzo Cuevas is a pioneer in the Hispanic musical community. Her band flourished in the 80s but was struck by tragedy when four of the seven members were killed in the Hyatt Skywalk collapse in 1981. Once Teresa recovered she began teaching her grandchildren Mariachi music. In 2000, Teresa and Maria began exploring other genres of music while simultaneously co-directing Mariachi Estrella. Today the fusion of Maria The Mexican is mixed with a touch of blues, soul, funk, and rock n’ roll enhanced by the musical knowledge and sounds of Garrett Nordstrom.]

[Maria The Mexican play The Aztec Shawnee Theatre, 11119 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas on Saturday, June 25, doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM]

5. Paige Hargrove – “Blooming Garden”
   from: The Name of The Game is Luck / Paige Hargrove / June 3, 2022
   [Paige Hargrove is a singer-songwriter from Chicago, who recently moved back after living in Atlanta, Georgia. Her music fits into the Americana/Singer-Songwriter genre. The Name Of The Game Is Luck was recorded at Cave Studios Pewaukee, WI. Produced by Kyle White, Zach Pietrini, and Paige Hargrove; Mixed by Kyle White; Mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room. Instruments by Paige Hargrove, Kyle White, Zach Pietrini, Josh Miranda, and Evan Lane. Songwriters are: Paige Hargrove, Zach Pietrini (Amelia)

[Paige Hargrove plays VIVO, 7300 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kansas on Friday, June 24, qt 8:00 PM with David luther and Tara Dente, presented by You Found Music]

[Paige Hargrove plays ULAH Live Sessions at 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, Ks, on Sat., June 25, at 6:00 PM. ULAH Live Sessions, is a monthly intimate in store concert presented by You Found Music.]

6. Jo MacKenzie – “The Cab Ride”
   from: “The Cab Ride”– Single / Jordin MacKenzie / June 17, 2022
   [Just graduated from High School, Jo MacKenzie received a full ride scholarship to attend the University of Southern California. “The Cab Ride” was produced, and performed by Jo MacKenzie, mixed by Jo MacKenzie, written by Jordin MacKenzie, Scott Krippayne, and Bryan Reynolds. On May 27, 2022, 18 year old Jo Mackenzie (producer and songwriter) released the single “Radiator.” On March 11, 2022, Jo MacKenzie released the EP, TOURIST. Last year, Jo Mackenzie and 19 year old Dia Jane (singer/songwriter) released the EP, BRAINBABY on September 5, 2021. The two met at an open mic in Kansas City, Missouri, when Jo was in 8th grade and Dia was in 10th grade. Three years later, the two reconnected to started a musical project together that eventually turned into Baby and the Brain, a self-produced indie-pop band. In 2020 Kansas City based singer songwriter, Jo MacKenzie released this year now collected together in a 5 -song EP, written, performed and produced by Jo MacKenzie. Mixed by Harper James. Jo MacKenzie released her Debut EP Proud on November 17, 2018. Along with Proud, Jo Mackenzie released the single “Just Like Rain” on August 18, 2018; “I Should Come with a Warning Sign” on September 28, 2019; and “Alaska” on November 23, 2019 and the single “Suicide Season” on February 1, 2020, and the single “Lose My Face” on April 24, 2020. More information at: http://www.jomackenzie.bandcamp.com or http://www.jomackenzie.com]

6. GAV7D – “The Privilege (For Anne)”
   rom: Thanks For Everything SoloBassVideoGame / GAV7D / June 28, 2022
   [This is the 4th release in the GAV7D series. The debut, “Thanks For Everything” was released June 21, 2015. The double album, “Thanks For Everything – Cartoonoirjazz” was released June 1, 2016. Thanks For Everything Punkfunkpolka was released on May 31, 2019 and included Johnny Hamil on bass, Clarke Wyatt on keyboards, Mikal Shapiro on guitars & vocals, Kyle Dahlquist on accordions & theremins & vocals, Charles “Critter” Sims on drums, and Chad Meise on Hendrix inspired guitars. Written & arranged by Johnny Hamil. Johnny Hamil told us that the 5ht and final album in the series, GAV7D “Thanks for Everything – ExoticaMiddleasternFreeJazz,” to be released July 28, 2022. Johnny said that it “reminded me that the outside listener doesn’t hear the whole project like I do, or the concert goer does.” He added “I really feel like it’s my major work of my lifetime, but even better, it tells the story of the KaC music community, which I’m so proud of.” KC based musician, composer, and teacher Johnny Hamil plays in the band Pamper The Madman. Johnny Hamil also plays bass for Mikal Shapiro, and Julia Othmer, and can be heard on the recordings of many KC and Lawrence based artists including Stephonne Singelton. Johnny Hamil collaborates with jazz combos, theatre productions, and is also known for his work with The Malachy Papers. As a teacher of the bass, Johnny Hamil was recently featured on Queer Eye on Netflix. Johnny is a founding member of Mr. Marco’s V7, a band that has been reinvented with each new release, and changed and evolved with different line-ups. Known for experimental, instrumental music, Johnny told us that the music he composed for the band came to him in his dreams. In 2011 the bassist noticed something revolutionary for his creative process when his dream compositions included lyrics for the first time This set him on a new path to create GAV7D, which is not Mr. Marco’s V7 proper, but members from throughout the long history of the the band. The concept was to collaborate a vocal version of the compositions with friends and then have various lineups of the V7 family interpret the material in different ways, CartoonNoirJazz, PunkFunkPolka, and FreeeExoticaMiddleEastern. GAV7D premiered at the Folk Alliance International. Chad Meise is a master of sound and the studio and stage producing and engineering records for Mr. Marco’s V7, Hearts of Darkness, Expassionate, Rex Hobart, MIke Dillon, The Gaslights, Atlantic Fadeout, and The Country Duo.]

[Johnny Hamil is releasing his latest GAV7D SOLOBASSVIDEOGAME with a special Album Release Show on at RecordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Tuesday June 28 as part of Johnny’a annual KCBassFest at recordBar (back for first time since pandemic). More info at: http://www.johnnyhamil.com]

[Johnny Hamil also plays the Amado Espinoza Quartet release their new album, Q’ansas CD, Friday, July 15, 2022 with a special show at recordBar. More info at: https://linktr.ee/AmadoEspinozaM%5D

[Johnny Hamil is releasing the final GAV7D album EXOTICAFREEJAZZMIDDLEEASTERN on July 28, 2022 with a special show at The Ship. More info at: http://www.johnnyhamil.com]

8. SEB– “seaside demo”
   from: “seaside demo” – single / Mom + Pop / May 17, 2021
   [Last year this song went viral on Tik Tok and in just a few days, the song had over 400,000 spins on Spotify alone. The Los Angeles up-and-comer wrote, produced, and engineered the song all within the confines of his bedroom, independently releasing the song after perfecting its chill, carefree vibe.// Growing up in Chicago – after hopping between New York, Haiti, Oklahoma and Miami – SEB has come a long way from free-styling over beats ripped from YouTube with his middle school rap group. Returning to New York for college, he interned at the iconic Electric Lady Studios where brief brushes with artistic giants spurred SEB on to seriously consider his artist project and make the move to LA. // Firmly in his own lane, SEB is inspired by emotionally charged songwriters like Kurt Cobain and Joni Mitchell, and other boundary-breaking artists like Tyler the Creator, Kid Cudi and Grimes. In a recent interview with Spindle Magazine, SEB explained “the fact that I’m black makes it hard for people to just call my music pop.” Adding “the whole point of my artist’s existence, right now, is fighting for the idea that a single black artist, who can write and produce their own music, can stand right next to a Taylor Swift or Harry Styles.” // Since releasing debut single “Boys Don’t Cry” in 2020, SEB has been connecting with fans worldwide and garnering critical acclaim from tastemakers in the UK, US, Europe and beyond. His debut EP IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING released on July 30, 2021 with lead singles “Coney Island”, “THEY DON’T LIKE ME” and “seaside_demo” (80MM+ streams) as a bonus track. The EP explores some of SEB’s darkest truths as he questions how the past shapes who he is today – complete with an enthralling visual world inspired by cult movies Gummo and Donnie Darko. // SEB’s release at the end of 2021,“god of the sunsets”, serves as a formal introduction to the character SEB debuted in the lyrics of IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING (as hinted at in his recent “All Eyes On” feature for SPIN), lending further context to the world established on his last project and paving way for the new music to come. // While “god of the sunsets” bridged the divide, SEB’s first single of 2022 “fuck it, i’m the man” fully introduces the second persona in SEB’s three-act project. While SEB views IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING as Act I, the second act can be defined by “fuck it, i’m the man”’s roaring statements on confidence, family, and finding your own groove. Alternatively, Act II faces some of SEB’s challenges with toxic behaviors and self-doubt, introduced in his newest single “SAVE ME”. Both themes thread throughout SEB’s upcoming project, which is sure to make a splash in the Summer.]

10:31 – Underwriting

9. Stephonne Singleton – “Cross My Heart (Sext M.F.) (Radio Edit)”
   from: “Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) (Radio Edit)” – Single / Stephonne / June 3, 2022
   [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums. This single will be part of the EP SIS: Side B to be released Friday, June 24, 2022. Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow and Regina Del Carmen on May 9, 2022. Stephonne released the single “The King’s Gambit” on July 28, 2021. Stephonne was part of the single, “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” from Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne, released April 9, 2021. Stephonne released the single “Beautiful Life (Acoustic)” on January 15, 2021. Stephonne released SIS: Side A on August 7, 2020. The 4 song EP contained the song “Want Me” that was also made into a video featuring body painting on to Stephonne’s body from artist Ryan Wilks. Stephonne 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. Stephonne grew up in KCK. 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.” ]

10:38 – Interview with Stephonne Singleton

Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton is everywhere these days. Playing and organizing a Tribute to Sade at Lemonade Park, playing shows for Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, recordbar, Raj Ma Hall, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. 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. On

On Thursday, June 23, Stephonne plays LIVE! In The Lounge at The Folly Theatre 300 West 12th Street, KCMO Thursday, June 23, at 7:00 PM in partnership with 90.1 FM KKFI.

On Friday, June 24, Stephonne releases his new EP SIS: Side B Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios

On Saturday Stephonne headlines Lawrence Pride, June 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. Marching in the Lawrence Pride Parade in Downtown followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street.

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

Lawrence Pride, is June 24 & 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. It starts Friday at 6:00 PM with an Art Fair at Vibe, 1014 Massachusetts, Continuing at 8:00 PM with music & drag from Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts. Friday’s closing event starts at 8:00 PM with a Ballroom at The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts courtesy of the KC ballroom community & Fatha Ambrosia.

On Saturday June 25 the Lawrence Pride Parade happens Downtown, followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street, featuring performances from: MsAmanda Love, Stephonne, Deja Brooks, Cuee, Novacayne DeMornay, Sasha May Carmichael, Raven Jade Von’Du, Candice Marie, Ms. Eda Bull, The Rose Champagne, Victor Shawn Von’Du, DJ Chance Romance, The Sass-A-Brass-Marching Band. This an ALL AGES event. More at: http://www.iheartlocalmusoc.com.

Stephonne’s 4-track EP, SIS: Side B, is out on June 24, 2022 through Glory Blue Music.

Stephonne’s band is called: The Gay Rodeo

Miki P on drums
Benjamin Hart (Byard) on lead guitar
Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles on keyboards
Spencer Thut on bass

(on SIS: Side B Johnny Hamil is on bass, and Adam McKee is on drums)

Stephonne and The Gay Rodeo hold band practice every week at Charlotte Street Foundation where Stephonne is in his second year of a residency.

The recent performances of Stephonne with The Gay Rodeo show a whole new sexier Stephonne wearing very little clothes wearing mostly women’s undergarments and erotic costuming. Stephonne credits his work in therapy during the pandemic that has helped him take control of his own sexuality

Stephonne’s latest publicity photos are taken by photographer John Brant.

Stephonne believes he is doing a better job of “receiving” in this part of his journey.

Stephonne Discography

“Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) (Radio Edit)” – Single / Stephonne / June 3, 2022
[Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums.

EP SIS: Side B to be released Friday, June 24, 2022.

Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow, Regina Del Carmen on May 9, 2022.

Stephonne released the single “The King’s Gambit” on July 28, 2021.

Stephonne was part of the single, “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” from Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne, released April 9, 2021.

Stephonne released the single “Beautiful Life (Acoustic)” on January 15, 2021.

Stephonne released SIS: Side A on August 7, 2020. The 4 song EP contained the song “Want Me” that was also made into a video featuring body painting on to Stephonne’s body from artist Ryan Wilks.

Stephonne released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.”

On August 18, 2021 Stephonne joined us on WMM to talk about his single “The King’s Gambit.” 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.

On 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 this 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.

Notes from Stephonne’s SIS: Side A EP

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. “With ‘Want Me’, 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.” ‘Want Me’ would spawn a very successful Kickstarter for its major music video and an EP that Stephonne had no idea he’d end up writing.

‘Want Me’ had been written before my 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.”

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 & 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 KC businesses, costume/jewelry makers, artists and more. I will always rep my city.”

Lee Walter Redding told me 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.

10:53

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

On Thursday, June 23, Stephonne plays LIVE! In The Lounge at The Folly Theatre 300 West 12th Street, KCMO Thursday, June 23, at 7:00 PM in partnership with 90.1 FM KKFI.

On Friday, June 24, Stephonne releases his new EP SIS: Side B Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios

On Saturday Stephonne headlines Lawrence Gay Pride, June 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. Marching in the Lawrence Pride Parade in Downtown followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street.

Stephonne will be back on WMM on July , 2022

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

10:54

10. Cuee – “Boss Talk (feat. Kay V)” [Radio Edit]
    from: “Boss Talk (feat. Kay V)” – Single / Cuee / March 21, 2022
    [Lawrence based hip-hop artist Cuee is a rapper with a Master’s Degree. Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a graduate of Artist Inc. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC with exciting live performances. On August 8, 2021 Cueereleased the single, “Silky (feat. Silky Ganache)”. On May 7, 2021 Cuee released the album GOSPEL which was #4 on WMM 120 Best Recordings of 2021. And since 2017 Cue has released two critically acclaimed albums, an EP, multiple singles. We last talked with Cuee on March 3, 2021 and on May 5, 2021 and before that, on August 12, 2020, when he released the single “Who’s Back.” and before that on May 29, 2019. Cuee released the single: “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” on April 29, 2021 and part of GOSPEL the album. In 2020 Cuee’ track, “Shook” landed on an official Spotify playlist dedicated to transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid musicians across the globe including Kim Petras and Lex Allen. Spotify sent out a note said, “Hey Cuee you hit a high note this month.” Cuee said he didn’t even know what that meant, and he looked up to discover he had over 24,000 listener during the month of June on Spotify. I was trying to figure out what happened. I did a little research, I logged onto my instagram account, I was starting to get a flood of followers. I was just tracing it back and I landed on a Spotify playlist, it was an editorial playlist so he couldn’t find out who put him on there. “Someone found me.” Cuee made three trips home to Chicago to record the record. For the new album GOSPEL Cuee explained that this term can have biblical connections but it also means ‘the truth.” The video for “Ain’t Going Back” takes place in a church, and is a declaration of freedom, and identity, while also paying respect. Cuee talked us about how the track was created in the studio and translating the song into a video that was shot in a church. Last time we talked with Cuee he shared his thoughts about ‘”Queerness in a church,” Cuee said, “you know, is very…different, I mean I wanted to bring that into that space, and freedom into that space, allow that space to be seen and heard by other people who traditionally wont take up that space.” Originally from Chicago, Illinois. 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. Cuee has gained fans over the last six years in Lawrence and Kansas City for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Along with getting his Master’s Degree, Cuee has released around 30 different musical tracks, legally changed his name, and has transitioned physically and vocally. The song “Ain’t Going Back” features Cuee’s friend Joel Leoj who is originally from Florida, but after moving to Chicago, became friends with Cuee in school, and recently moved to Lawrence to make music and collaborate on recordings with Cuee. Cuee explained that they have known each other since high school, that they “started a Hip Hop culture club in our high school, to bring music, kinda having a place to chill after school, write music together as a community. That’s how we started.” “I moved out here to Kansas, to go to school, he stayed back in Miami, and then we kind of connected back, maybe about two years ago, and hit it off really strong. We decided we wanted to pursue this music thing together. We decided let’s just do this. So he said he was going to move to Lawrence. I didn’t believe him at first, until he showed up on my doorstep, and I was like, Wow, you are here, let’s do this.” Joel Leoj released the album, JOEY IN WONDERLAND on January 31, 2021. Cuee was our guest on WMM on March 3, 2021, and May 5, 2021. More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]

[Cuee is releasing his EP, COMING OUT on June 24, 2022. More info at: http://www.cueemusic.com]

[Cuue plays Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts St. with Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne.]

[Cuue plays the PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street, featuring performances from: MsAmanda Love, Stephonne, Deja Brooks, Cuee, Novacayne DeMornay, Sasha May Carmichael, Raven Jade Von’Du, Candice Marie, Ms. Eda Bull, The Rose Champagne, Victor Shawn Von’Du, DJ Chance Romance, The Sass-A-Brass-Marching Band. This an ALL AGES event.]

11. Vicman – “Need To Be”
    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 Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts St. with Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne.]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Monta At Odds – “When Stars Grow Old (Single Mix)”
    from: Peaked – Alternative Takes and Remixes / The Record Machine / June 24, 2022
    [Peaked – Alternative Takes and Remixe contains songs from Peak of Eternal Light in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. “When Stars Grow Old.” was released as a single from the band’s 7th full length album, Peak of Eternal Light, from The Record Machine. Dedric Moore describes the song , “it’s an android of a song, combining the human and the electronic into a sizzling new sonic creation. “When Stars Grow Old” is the sound of humanity visiting new worlds across the dark spaces of time, reconstructing the beat of music through memory and instinct. An ad hoc band plays to the sparkling, unfamiliar sky of a distant world. It’s the music of the future if formed from ghostly, discarded impressions of the past.” The band describes their music as: Mutant Disco, minimal synthwave, post-punk dance, Electronica, Indie, Space Rock, Ambient. Monta At Odds is a psychedelic, experimental indie/space rock/electronic collective based in KCK formed by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. Recently the band had added Mikal Shapriro and Teri Quinn and Lucas Behrens to the line up. Monta at Odds 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.Past supporting members: Alexander Thomas, Adam Davies, Zach Bozich, Aaron Osborne, Matthew Hayden, Mika Tanaya, Sterling Holman, Bree Plaster; Eric Bessenbacher, Ryan Shank, Jeremiah James, Samer Saba, Doug Hutchinson, Erin O’Neill, Sam Behrens, Sam Hughes, Tom Romero, Caleb Aldrich, John Aldrich. Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on October 19, 2018.]

[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]

[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]

[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]

More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co and http://www.montaatodds.bandcamp.com

11:03 – Interview with Dedric Moore

KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore and his brother Delaney Moore are the founders of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl and Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club. On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. We’ll also play Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.

More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co and http://www.montaatodds.bandcamp.com

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

Monta at Odds 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 (who is currently on a summer hiatus).

Monta At Odds PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT was created by 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.

Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. 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.

11:10

11. Monta At Odds – “Hands Trace The Miles”
    from: “Hands Trace The Miles” – Single / 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 are part of a companion album called EAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES to be released June 24, 2022. The album contains 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.
13. 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.]

[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]

[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]

[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]

More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co and http://www.montaatodds.bandcamp.com

11:15 – Interview with Dedric Moore

KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore and his brother Delaney Moore are the founders of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl.

Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.

On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.

Monta At Odds play a vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.

More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co and http://www.montaatodds.bandcamp.com

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

Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. In Argentum Dreams, Monta At Odds welcomed guest vocalist Your Friend (Taryn Blake Miller) to sing the lyrics for each of the albums songs. When the band played the official Argentum Dreams Album Release show on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 8:00 PM, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, (with SHANA FALANA [NYC}, MIKAL SHAPIRO & “The Musical” Band / with live video projections from VJDN8) Your friend was not available as she had relocated to NYC so MONTA AT ODDS invited Mikal Shapiro to perform the vocals in a special ‘One Performance Only’ show. That one performance only turned in multiple performances.

Then for Peak of Eternal Light, Teri Quinn joined the band too. Teri Quinn and Krysztof Nemeth had recorded music and performed together in the band Abandoned Bells. Teri’s spooky folk vocals worked perfectly with Monta At Odds space-aged-sounds.

Dedric Moore and Teri Quinn joined us on WMM on August 18, 2021 where Teri announced she would continue recording with the band but was was leaving the band for live performances.

The third single from Monta At Odds album, PEAK OF EYERNAL LIGHT (July 24, 2021) was “Other Side of Yesterday (feat. Your Friend),” released through The Record Machine on June 11, 2021. For this song, the Kansas City-based band once again collaborated with Taryn Blake Miller, AKA Domino Record Co. artist Your Friend.

This single followed Monta’s “When I’m Gone (Feat. Teri Quinn) (Republic Tigers Remix)” Republic Tigers lead singer Kenn Jankowski remixed the track, joining Teri Quinn on vocals. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. 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.

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. Monta At Odds released the single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021.The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine.

11:22

12. Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)”
    from: When I’m Gone – Single / The Record Machine / 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. // 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.]

[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]

[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]

[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]

15. The Republic Tigers – “Trust Fall”
    from: Mind Over Matter / The Record Machine / June 5, 2020
    [Hailing from Kansas City, MO, The Republic Tigers spike their lushly orchestrated indie rock with organic and synthetic elements. Founder Kenn Jankowski originally moved to Kansas City in 1999 and began playing guitar for The People, a band that later changed its name to The Golden Republic (Astralwerks Records). He also made fast friends with local musicians Ryan Pinkston and Adam McGill; and when The Golden Republic disbanded seven years later, he opted to launch his pop-based project with the other two multi-instrumentalists. Taking their name from Jankowski’s high school mascot, The Republic Tigers expanded their lineup with bassist Marc Pepperman and drummer Justin Tricomi. Electronic structures remained to play an important role in their music (via convenience/sensible creation-farming/forming), and the band issued a self-titled EP in late 2007 before putting the finishing touches on Keep Color, which arrived in 2008. Then there was a cool EP in 2011 titled “No Land’s Man” which featured the emo smash hit “The Infidel” and the extremely fun “Merrymake It With Me”. And then a second concept LP was concocted, “Mind Over Matter” – written from the year 2008 to the year 2011. Mixed and mastered in the year 2012. But then it was sadly shelved by the original labels. Which leads us to now, the year is 2020. Something new is going to happen. Kenn Jankowski joined us on WMM on June 3, 2020. More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co]

11:29 – Underwriting

11:31 – Interview with Dedric Moore

We are talking with KCK based musician and producer about Monta At Odds critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, released on July 23, 2021, that has now, 13 months later, just been released on vinyl.

Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar on Friday, June 24.

On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.

Monta At Odds play avinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.

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

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

In 2020 Monta At Odds released Zen Diagram EP on 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

Last year when Monta At Odds played a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM, the band welcomed Krystof Nementh’s band Emmaline Twist and also performed a very special New Order Tribute set.

11:38

16. Monta At Odds – “The Perfect Kiss”
    from: “The Perfect Kiss” / The Record Machine / March 18, 2022
    [This cover of the New Order classic is part of the companion album called PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES 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. // The Perfect Kiss” is a song by the English band New Order. It was recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London and released on May 13, 1985. It was included on a studio album, Low-Life. // The song’s themes include love “We believe in a land of love” and death “the perfect kiss is the kiss of death”. The overall meaning of the song is unclear to its writer today. In an interview with GQ magazine Bernard Sumner said “I haven’t a clue what this is about.” He agreed with the interviewer that his best known lyric is in the song: “Pretending not to see his gun/I said, ‘Let’s go out and have some fun'”. The lyrics, he added, came about after the band was visiting a man’s house in the United States who showed his guns under his bed before they went out for an enjoyable night. It had been quickly written, recorded and mixed without sleep before the band went on tour in Australia. // The song’s complex arrangement includes a number of instruments and methods not normally used by New Order. For example, a bridge features frogs croaking melodically. The band reportedly included them because Morris loved the effect and was looking for any excuse to use it. At the end of the track, the faint bleating of a (synthesized) sheep can be heard. Sheep samples would reappear in later New Order singles “Fine Time” and “Ruined in a Day”. //Despite being a fan favorite, the song was not performed live between 1993 and 2006 due to the complexity of converting the programs from the E-mu Emulator to the new Roland synthesizer. However, it returned to the live set at a performance in Athens on June 3, 2006. // 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 band released 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 vocalist 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. / Info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D

[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]

[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]

[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]

11:42 – Interview with Dedric Moore

We are talking with KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl.

Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar on Friday, June 24.

On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.

Monta At Odds play avinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.

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

Earlier this year Monta At Odds will play this song at the Treefort Fest in Boise, Idaho on March 18, 2022.

11:45

17. New Obsessions – “Lies”
    from: “Lies” – Single / Haymaker Records / June 17, 2022
    [New Obsessions is basically a solo project for Jorge Arana who is the creative force and lead singer and lead guitarist for the Jorge Arana Trio. More info at: https://www.facebook.com/newobsessionsmusic / Jorge Arana Trio released Mammoth on Haymaker Records on September 23, 2016. Recorded in early 2016 by Justin Wilson at Sound 81 Productions. Jorge Arana Trio is: Jorge Arana, Josh Enyart, & Jason Nash. Formed in 2011. Mammoth is the 3rd album and 2nd full length release. Jorge Arana Trio played their first album release concert at recordBar, September 2 with 34 and Riala. The Jorge Arana Trio joined us live on WMM.]

[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]

11:48 – Interview with Dedric Moore

We are talking with KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl.

Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar on Friday, June 24.

On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.

Monta At Odds play avinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.

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

11:54

18. Static Phantoms – “Bathed in a Blue Light”
    from: “Bathed In a Blue Light” – Single / The Record Machine / February 22, 2022
    [We premiered this new track on February 2, 2022. The first single from upcoming album BATHED IN BLUE LIGHT. Their 2nd single “Ghostwalk” was released March 18, 2022. Static Phantoms are: Dedric Moore on synths, drum programming, backing vocals, & production; and Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, bass, synths, lead vocals. The Pandemic offered Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth the opportunity to pass the time and get creative in the studio exploring the music and themes of New Wave music of the 1980s. Those who follow the bands: Monta at Odds, The Republic Tigers, Emmaline Twist), you know about the passion Dedric and Krystoff bring to their synths and guitars. As Static Phantoms, the duo is influenced by the 1080s trailblazing bands: The Glove, Tones on Tail, Tears For Fears, and Soft Cell.]

[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]

[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]

[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]

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

Thank you to everyone who called in last week during our Spring Fund Drive Show.
46 people donated through Wednesday MidDay Medley at total of $2689.00

Next week on Wednesday, June 29, we welcome back to the show Les Izmore and Jade Green of Arquesta Del SolSoul, plus we welcome Scott Hrabko who has a new double CD rlelease of 22 new songs called The Wonderful World of Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits, AND Kansas City powerhouse vocalist, Just Angel makes her WMM debut.

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

Find our playlists for the past 10 years at: http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org

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Show #947