Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2024

1. The Creepy Jingles – “Love Like You”

from: “Love Like You” – Single / High Dive Records / July 14, 2024
[This is the third of several new singles being released by The Creepy Jingles this year. The band released “Repeat After Me” on April 19, 2024. The band released “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. // Song (lyrics/melody/chords) written by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon. Mixed and Recorded by Paul Malinowski and recorded at Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, Kansas. Mastered by Zack Hames. Jocelyn Nixon on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Will Van Doorn on lead guitar & backing vocals, Andrew Woody on bass & backing vocals, Nick Robertson on drums & bait. // The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.] [The Creepy Jingles played Apocalypse Meow 17 on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at recordBar,]

2. Chase Horseman – “Silver Liner”

from: “Silver Liner” – Single / Chase The Horseman / October 25, 2024
[Silver Liner drums and additional engineering by Ian Dobyns, Additional vocals by Heidi Gluck. Mastered by Anthony Puglisi. Written, produced, performed and mixed by Chase Horseman at Element Recording. // Chase Horseman film composer, band leader, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. Chase Horseman has composed music for over 40 films. As musician and producer collaborated with Clairaudients, Teri Quinn, Heidi Lynne Gluck, KD Kuro, Nan Turner and more. On April 2, 2024 Chase released the 22 track Original Sound Track for Headcount, a feature film fro the Burghart Brothers, priduced by Continuance Pictures, Methoid Media, and Shout Factory. Chase created the music for two feature-length episodes of the Blum House Films and Hulu original series, “Into the Dark.” In February 2020 Chase released “Poor Song,” a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs track by Karen O Chase played Sequential Circuits Prophet 600, Dave Smith MiniMopho, Korg Minilogue Xd, Moog Grandmother, Roland Alpha Juno 2, Mellotron, Guitar, Drums, Vocals pall erformed by Chase Horseman. Recorded at Element Recording Studios and Winky World. Mixed by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Joel Nanos Chase the Horseman is a band, film composer, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. On May 1 Chase released, a quarantine cover of “Midnight, The Stars and You” written by Harry M. Woods, Jimmy Campbell & Reg Connelly Stanley. The most famous version was recorded in 1934 by Ray Noble & his Orchestra with an uncredited Al Bowlly on vocals. This was used in the ballroom scene and closing of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror film The Shining based on the novel by Stephen King. All of the profits of this single will be donated directly to service industry workers in Kansas City and Midwest Music Foundation on a 50/50 basis. Chase Horseman released Disinformation Blues EP on July 12, 2019. One of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Chase released the single “U Martyr U” June 19, 2018, and the single “Modern Ruins” on Oct 4, 2018. // More information at: http://www.chasethehorseman.bandcamp.com.]

#3. Ivory Blue – “Breathing Underwater”


from: “Breathing Underwater” – Single / IVORY BLUE / August 9, 2024
[IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024., “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, & vocalist. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around KC and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on Aug. 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on Sept. 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022, “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022., “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]

4. Daniel Gum – “Don’t I Know”

from: Sophia – Don’t I Know – Single / Manor Records / January 24, 2024
[Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017. Daniel Gum released the single “Julia” on December 9, 2022. Daniel Gum released the single “Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” on September 19, 2921. Daniel Gu, released the electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020. ] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020.]

5. Just Angel – “Dumb”

from: “Dumb” – Single / T.A.P. OUT MUSIC/ August 9, 2024
[Just Angel is a Kansas City based, singer, musician, songwriter, dancer. and creative artist. She recently contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: /distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justangel/just-angel–pt-1: Just Angel: Pt. 2 is a followup to Just Angle Pt.1 – EP released on December 24, 2020 Just Angel is a musician, songwriter, dancer, and creative artist. Just Angel, has been seen on stages of The Barn Players Community Theatre, at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center in BEAUTIFUL, The Carole King Musical,, The Music Theater Heritage: Ruby Room performance of “Piece of My Heart” in 2023, The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City “After Midnight” in 2022, and playing Osceola Mays in “Texas in Paris” in 2021. Her band, The Wades, can be found playing eclectic takes on pop music, and Just Angel‘s originals, from Part 1 & 2. Her new single “Dumb”, was released August 9, 2024. More at https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar%5D

6. Akkilles – “Who I Am”

from: “Who I Am” – Single / David Bennett / July 5, 2024
[Akkilles is the music project of David Bennett who makes music under the moniker Akkilles. He also helps other people make music. Akkilles released “Strange Dream” on July 10, 2024 and “Online” on April 19, 2024 written and produced by David Bennett. Performers include Nick Pickrell on bass, Ian Thompson on synth & keybopards, Baird Williams on lead guitar, Jared Bond on drums, Bryan Koehler on percussion and David Bennett on vocals & rhythm guitar. Recorded at: Aorist Studios in KC. // Akkilles released the single “Way I Feel” on May 5, 2023. Akkilles released the single “Happily” on April 21, 2023. Akkilles released three singles in 2019. “By Myself” – Single was released November 1, 2019. “Meet in the Middle” was released October 25, 2019. “Feelin’ My Self” was released February 1, 2019. Akkilles released the critically acclaimed debut record “Something You’d Say” on July 2, 2013.]

7. Epitome – “Way Up (Radio Edit) feat. Ayron Alexander)”

from: “Way Up” – Single / Syke Brand Music / July 12, 2024
[KC based rapper Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome. Epitome released his newest 10 track album, BOUJIE TYPE BEAT on February 19, 2024. Since then has released the new single, “Way Up (feat. Ayron Alexander)” on July 12, 2024. A protest of sorts, “WAY UP” is also a celebration of life and all its struggles. The raucous anthem delves into E’s mantra of “once you reach the bottom, the only way is UP!” Featuring the silky, smooth sounds of Ayron Alexander, the layered vocals transform this gritty griot into an alternative pop confection. Since 2016, Epitome has released 3 albums, 4 EPs. 20 singles, collaborating with artists including: The Royal Chief, Domineko, Regina Del Carmen, Amira Wang, VCMN, Scotty Wu, Lex Lingo and others.]

8. Pure xtc – “Fall Apart”

from: “Fall Apart” – Single / Taylor Hughes / March 1, 2024
[Pure XTC released the iongles: “Hurt Me Bad” on Ovember 15, 2024, “Mood Ring” on July 19, 2024. Fall Apart (Soft Faith Remix) on May 17, 2024. Pure XTC released the Shed My Skin EP on November 18, 2022. Pure XTC released the single “Get Lost“ on September 9, 2022, and “Shadow” released June 1, 2022. Pure xtc released the EP Nobody’s Home on November 12, 2021. Pure xtc is the musical project of Kansas City based Taylor Hughes. Taylor is also the drummer for the band EXNATIONS. The idea of pure xtc was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell.]

9. Stephonne – “1”

from: “1” – Single / Stephonne / August 21, 2024
[Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Trombone – Trevor Turla. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. // 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. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, organizing Tribute Shows, working as a Resident Artist at Charlottee Street studios, playing Music Festivals, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, 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 released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022 it was in the TOP TEN of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. Stephonne was a featured performer at the 23rd Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show on Friday, June 2, 2023, and also in the 24th annual West 18th Street Fashion Show.]

#10. Arson Class – “Junior” 


from: “Junior” Single Side A / Too Much Rock / May 3, 2024
[After a four-year break Too Much Rock is back with the eleventh installment of their acclaimed vinyl singles series. For this edition Too Much Rock features the Kansas City blue collar punk trio, Arson Class. This is the first vinyl release for the band. // Sid Sowder is the founder of the Too Much Rock, a music blog site he created in 1997 to share his photos, videos & comments of live music shows he attends. The Too Much Rock Singles Series is a collection of 45 rpm singles that marry great songs with great bands all for the love of vinyl. Each old-school two-song single features one unique song paired with one cover chosen by Too Much Rock who press 500 limited edition copies and then simply give them to the band. Schwervon!, Rev Gusto, Josh Berwanger Band, The Uncouth, Hipshot Killer, Witch Jail, Red Kate, Heidi Lynne Gluck, Brandon Phillips and The Condition, and in 2020 No Germ Candy have all recorded for the Too Much Rock Single Series. More info at: http://www.toomuchrock.com // Arson Class was formed in 2016 with brothers Chris Kinsley and Phil Kinsley and Marc Bollinger on bass.The 3-piece rock band released their self titled EP, Arson Class on May 6, 2017. They released the 5-track EP American Machine on May 6, 2018, recorded at Weights & Measures studio in Kansas City. Arson Class released the single “Rock & Roll” on November 21, 2020. The Band released their single “My Girl” on March 5, 2024. // For the Too Much Rock Single Series The A-Side features the band’s own song, “Junior.” The B-Side features a revved-up cover of John Cougar’s 1976 deep cut “American Dream” chosen by Too Much Rock. The limited-edition 7″ single will be out May 3, 2024 at area record stores, and directly from the band in both black and ultra-limited colored vinyl. // The A-Side features the band’s “Junior.” It’s a highly combustible rock & roll number featuring a breakneck rhythm, a driving guitar, and an anthemic gang chorus. The B-Side features a revved-up cover of John Cougar’s 1976 deep cut “American Dream” chosen by Too Much Rock. The song looks back on a gloriously misspent youth, pushes aside the stability of a 9-to-5 future, and aims for that big break. // The limited-edition 7″ single was released 5/3/24 at area record stores, online retailers, in both black and ultra-limited colored vinyl.]

11. Dragon Inn 3 – “Clock Machine”

from: “Clock Machine” – Single / American Laundromat Records / August 23, 2024
[Clock Machine: Performed by Dragon Inn 3: Drums by Nick Wilkerson. Mixed by Scoops Dardaris. Produced by Philip Dickey. Side B: “All I Know.” Performed by Dragon Inn 3. Produced and mixed by Philip Dickey. Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios. Design and Layout by Emily Only Design Co. // Last year Dragon Inn 3 released Trade Secrets on American Laundromat Records on April 18, 2023, their long-anticipated sophomore release from Dragon Inn 3. Features 10 brand new songs plus a fantastic cover of Yazoo’s “Only You.” // Dragon Inn 3 is: Grace Bentley on vocals; Philip Dickey on synths, drums, guitar, bass & vocals; Sharon Hamm on synths & vocals; David Hill on vocals & synths. Recorded from 2018 to 2022 at Davey’s house and Sharon’s house. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Philip Dickey. Additional recording and mixing help from Ross Brown, David Hill, and Chase Horseman. Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios. Additional musicians: Bill Belzer percussion “I Can’t Stop”, John Cardwell guitar “Finally Going Down”, Ben Collins guitar “I Can’t Stop”, Tim Gillespie saxophone “I Can’t Stop” “Out Of Control” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Anita Kitungano vocals “See It Your Way”, John O’Hallaron guitar “Teleport”, Bora Wilondja vocals “See It Your Way” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Mauwa Wilondja vocals “Trade Secrets Theme”, Pelo Wilondja percussion “I Could Never”. Additional writers: Emma Bentley Ruzicka “Not Enough”, Bora Wilondja “See It Your Way”, JR Top “See It Your Way”, and Vincent Clark “Only You”. Cover photo: Dominik Podlipniak. Design: Dustin Williams. // Kansas City based band formed in 2012 with Grace Bentley, Sharon Bowie, Philip K. Dickey, E.P. Marcus. Dragon Inn 3’s debut LP DOUBLE LINE on August 17, 2018 through American Laundromat records. DOUBLE LINE was part of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. The band spent six years whittling away on the songs. Combining sugary pop hooks, hypnotic beats, and huge MOOG synths, Dragon Inn 3’s playful take on 80s pop could double as the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie (if John Hughes directed Blade Runner). The cinematic origins of Dragon Inn 3 can be traced back to 2012, when Philip Dickey (leader of the indie-pop group, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin) wrote a theme song for the award-winning short film Ghoul School. “If you watch the trailer you can tell it’s the same premise and look as Stranger Things–we just accidentally made it three years before them,” Dickey says. “I had so much fun making the soundtrack with the director (E.P. Marcus) that we decided to start a band.” Dickey recruited his sister, Sharon Bowie, an occupational therapist, and his wife, children’s librarian Grace Bentley, to help with songwriting and vocal duties. The group self-released the Ghoul School Soundtrack EP in late 2012, receiving high praise from Consequence of Sound, Philadelphia’s WXPN, and The Riverfront Times, before climbing to #1 on Bandcamp’s cassette charts. Then it was back to the studio (i.e. the bedrooms, kitchens, garages, and hotel rooms that doubled as makeshift recording studios). In between full-time jobs, parenthood, graduate school classes, and cross country moves, the members of Dragon Inn 3 put Double Line to tape. “I’m a stay-at-home dad now, so I would work on song arrangements and rough mixes when our toddler was taking his naps,” explains Dickey. “Grace would come home from work and record all her parts after his bedtime. We recorded all the breathy vocals in the living room and all the yelly parts in the garage so we wouldn’t wake him up.” The result is a highly addictive album that creates “a soundtrack for the more introspective moments on and off the dance floor,” according to critic David Greenwald. With members spread out over the country (KC, LA, and Springfield, MO), the group signed to American Laundromat Records in early 2018. A demo of “Bad Boy” (co-written with Free Energy’s Paul Sprangers) landed in a commercial for Ryan Adams’ Beats 1 Radio show before the song was even completed. More Info at: http://www.dragoninn3.com] [Philip Dicky joined us LIVE on WMM on May 3, 2023.]

12. Monta At Odds – “Forget About You (Religion of Heartbreak remix)”

from: “Forget About You (R.O.H. remix)” – Single / The Record Machine / Sept. 4, 2024
Monta At Odds released their single “Forget About You” on April 12, 2024 with Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth wielding the baritone guitar, and founding member Dedric Moore polymathing on all other sonics. // On August 9, 2024 Dedric Moore on vocals, synths, bass, guitar, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals; Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar; Delaney Moore on synth riff; Regan Moore on electronic percussion loop, released the single “Dark Hour of Meditation” as Religion of Heartbreak. // Religion of Heartbreak, an offshoot of Monta At Odds, dives deep into darkwave and EBM territories, crafting a sound that’s nostalgic and cutting-edge. For fans of Depeche Mode, Boy Harsher, and The Soft Moon, this remix offers a fresh take on the dark side of dance music.// Monta At Odds’ “Forget About You” gets a dark nightclub makeover in this haunting remix by Religion of Heartbreak. The post-punkers strip down the original’s sound and rebuilds it as a brooding synthpop masterpiece, perfect for late-night dance floors and introspective listening. The remix retains the original’s raw emotion while adding layers of pulsating beats and atmospheric synths. Mikal’s yearning vocals float above Krysztof’s ringing baritone guitar and Dedric’s mechanized rhythms, creating an ominous earworm that’s impossible to shake. Exploring themes of dangerous attraction and the transformative power of heartbreak, this one’s tailor-made for those nights when forgetting is the only option // Monta released their EP Crystal Momentum on March 24, 2023. The band released the single “Looking Back” on February 27, 2023, and “Everybody’s Baby” on January 27, 2023. Monta’s latest, the Crystal Momentum EP, hones the Kansas City band’s mastery of electrified dreamworld post-punk, presenting four spacious songs to accompany out-of-body explorations. Monta’s core players — Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth and Lucas Behrens on guitars, Dedric Moore on electronics, Matthew Heinrich on drums, and Teri Quinn with additional vocals — accompany their visions with a groovy flow that rings with subtle tensions, introspective instrumentation, and chorus-fed uplifts. // Found within are “Everybody’s Baby,” an otherworldly adoration of unnamed strangers set to transfixing melodies and a snake-like groove; the buoyant “Looking Back,” which shines a danceable, sonic brightness through a haze of ecstatic reminiscence; the inspired “Perimeter Dancer,” an ode to those who fight for the cause, accompanied by a punky disco beat and a chorus that launches the song upward to a mirror-ball-lit sky. And then there’s “Luna Lost In Your Gaze,” a righteous desert sleepwalk of a tune that recalls the spaghetti western tones of Monta’s past while remaining on the current trajectory. // With the Crystal Momentum EP, Monta grabs the moment, further defining the distinctive mix of synth-pop and dark psychedelia that’s become the band’s trademark. Take a leap and fall into their world. // Monta means “to climb higher.” Through lineup changes and scenes ebbing and flowing, this band continues that climb. Founded by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore, Monta (originally Monta At Odds) has grown into its own community with a rotating cast of musicians and characters. More Information at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co] [[Dedric Moore joined us on WMM on Oct. 4, 2023] [Religion of Heartbreak played minibar, 3810 Broadway KCMO, on Oct. 23, 2024, w/ Belgium-based Ultra Sunn and Juliette Frost.]

13. VCMN & Joel Leoj – “Fab (Vmix)”

from: Fab (Vmix) – Single / VCMN Music / September 2, 2024
[VCMN released the single “Fab” on July 26, 2024. VCMN release the single, “Boounce (Remix) [feat. Amira Wang & The Epitome] on August 11, 2023. VCMN released 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. Victoria and Emmanuel “Manny” Cable—aka the “Vic” and “Man” of VCMN. Victoria grew up in the Bethel International Center of Worship church in Kansas City, Kansas, where her father, Cleveland Drone, was a pastor. From the ages of 10-19, she toured across the country singing gospel music. Manny came to performance via a different path: ballet and modern dance. They’ve been working it out with the rhythms and the rhymes for years now. VCMN Project was first birthed into existence when they were still dating; the album was finished after they were married. It all began on their living room sofa. The VCMN Project is just as much a party as it is a beautifully written love story. The 10-track “The VCMN Project” encompasses a song from every top 40 music genre. R&B, Rap, Pop, Alternative Rock, Ballad, Country, Hip Hop, and Dance Pop. VCMN played Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at Lucia, 1016 Mass with Cuee & Friends. INFOt: http://www.vcmnofficial.com%5D%5D

#14. Kemet Coleman – “Android (feat. FlareThaRebel & Kadesh Flow)”


from: “Android (feat. FlareThaRebel & Kadesh Flow)” – Single / Kemet Creative / April 26, 2024
[Kemet Coleman is a Kansas City based musicians and is a member of the Hip-Hop duo COA (Center of Attention) and is the lead singer of the Funk/Rap/Soul band The Phantastics. Kemet is also a core element of The Marcus Lewis Big Band for Brass & Boujee. Kemet is a two time Pitch Music Award nominee for “Best Hip-Hop Act.” Kemet is known for his unprecedented collaborations with UMKC, KC Streetcar and The Kansas City Royals. He is also highly regarded for his impresario role within the Sly James for Mayor Campaign in the 2010-2011 where he created the first ever KC mayoral candidate rap song. A UMKC alumnus, Kemet, created “Gold and Blue” for UMKC’s sports teams, which has garnered thousands of plays on YouTube and has been featured on prime-time television commercials for the university. In 2020 Coleman contributed his song, “The Virus” to the compilation, Kansas City Syzygy, music created by over 25 KC-based musicians in the middle of the map of a pandemic. All proceeds donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone has a safe, accessible, affordable home. Kemet Coleman released, BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL on Aug. 1, 2020. Kenet Coleman released the single “Eyes On The Srtreet” on May 21, 2021. The Phantastics released their single “All That Fine”on May 6, 2022. The Phantastics are an 8 member band from KC formed in December of 2010. Kemet the Phantom on lead vocals; originally Leigh Gibbs on lead vocals; JJ Cantrell on lead guitar & vocals; Danny Florez on electric bass; Ashley Thompson on drums, DJ Mitchell on saxophone; Ryan Jamaal Davis on Trombone and rap vocals; Austin Quick on keyboards. The Phantastics specialize in genre-blending dance floor activators. In 2015, the music group was crowned “Kansas City’s best party band” by the KC Star. Musicianship and diversity are at the core of their success. Rock, Rap, Dance, Funk, Jazz & Soul are all incorporated into their music. “The band that can do it all”, according to I Heart Local Music, has shared the stage with some of music’s most legendary acts including George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic. On Oct. 18, 2019 The Phantastics released LIVE AT THE PLAZA ART FAIR. On Aug. 24, 2018. The Phantastics released the EP, LIFE OF THE PARTY. On Dec. 14, 2013 The Phantastics released their debut album THE CLOSER. Info at: http://www.thephantastics.com]

15. Mikal Shapiro & The Musical – “Sunshine Lover”

from: “Sunshine Lover” – Single / Mikal Shapiro / November 15, 2024
[Mikal wrote to me to tell me that “The song is inspired by the counterculture, anti-establishment musicals of the 60/70s like Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar.” Recorded with The Musical. Music and lyrics by Mikal Shapiro. The Musical is: Mikal Shapiro on vocal & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Featuring harmonies by: Erika Cecilia Noguera, Beth Watts Nelson. Harmony arrangements by: Beth Watts Nelson. Recorded at Weights and Measure Sound Lab. Engineered by Duane Trower. Made possible with the generous support of Jean and Steve Spikes. Currently available on Bandcamp. // Mikal Shapiro & The Musical released THE MUSICAL II on May 26, 2018. It was The sequel to Shapiro’s 2015 concept album “THE MUSICAL” Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Special guests include: Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Tina Bilberry on viola & violin, Damon Parker on keyboards, and Lauren Hughes on vocals. Engineered and co-produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios. Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. She has toured extensively across the U.S. and has recorded five critically acclaimed albums. KC Star and Tim Finn declared her album “The Musical” to be one of his top five releases of 2015. A third generation storyteller, she draws inspiration from her travels, love life, and the state of the Union. More info at: http://www.themusicaltheband.com]

16. The Freedom Affair – “If You Don’t Want Me”

from: “If You Don’t Want Me” – Single / Sunflower Soul Records / May 15, 2024
[The Freedom Affair is a 9 piece soul juggernaut from Kansas City, MO. The band formed in 2017 with a vision to write original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future. Their new single “If You Don’t Want Me” features: Shon Ruffin on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on guitar, Chris Hazelton on bass, Dave Brick on drums, Pete Carroll on trumpet, Brett Jackson on tenor Sax, Pat Conway on congas, and Nick Howell on tambourine. Written, Recorded & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Mastered by JJ Golden // With their debut album FREEDOM IS LOVE, The Freedom Affair has received critical acclaim and have established themselves as a force in the soul music scene across the states and abroad. Keep your eyes and ears open for their songs and album art featured in the series Bel-Air, an Apple commercial, a Netflix series, etc… This band is just getting started. // The Freedom Affair’s live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events moving audiences both physically and emotionally to joy. // The Freedom Affair released their debut album Freedom Is Love on September 25, 2020. from The album explores themes of love, heartache, empower-ment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording techno-logies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. For the debut record The Freedom Affair was: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns. The Freedom Affair played The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest.]

17. The Forcefields – “Slip Away”

from: “Slip Away” – Single / Frickin’ Awesome Records / February 27, 2024
[The Forcefields is a brand new project, a new cosmosonic collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. The Forcefields presented TRANSMISSION where they debuted for Charlotte Street’s series, In(SITE), highlighting local, regional, and national acts at pivotal points in their practices. In a multidisciplinary collaboration with artists Simon Huntley, Sarah Hearn, and Mikal Shapiro, Transmission is an exploration of cosmic vibrations and soundscapes in a stunning one-night-only production.]

18. Lava Dreams – “Driver”

from: “Driver” – Single / Lava Dreams / May 24th, 2024
[The alternative pop anthem – produced by Spencer Hoad and written by Lava Dreams – brandishes hard-hitting drums, funky bass lines, and powerful vocals.You just heard the voice of Lava Dreams (she/they) a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember.​ Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 90.9 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called “YOUR WARRIOR.” She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release.​ Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. More info at: http://www.lavadreamsmusic.com]

19. Calvin Arsenia – “Glory Box (Great Big Panda Version)”

from: Glory Box (Great Big Panda Version) / Calvin Arsenia / July 2, 2024
[While Calvin has several albums of original songs he is also know for his dynamic covers of “Toxic”, “Psycho Killer” and “Case of You.” Here he covers, “Glory Box” a song by English electronic band Portishead, released on January 3, 1994 by Go! Beat as the third and final single from their debut album, Dummy (1994). It samples “Ike’s Rap II” by Isaac Hayes and peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, the song was a top 10 hit in Iceland, while entering the top 20 in France, Ireland and Scotland. Beth Gibbons has said it is a misinterpretation to see the lyrics as a demand for a return to more traditional masculine and feminine roles. She has said “The key line in the song really is “Move over and give us some room” because I do think that women are very much taken for granted. // On June 23 2023 Calvin released his 14 track album Paraduise. It is only available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer where at 24 he released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of VERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]

20. Kadesh Flow – “Overcome (Nanami)”

from: “Overcome (Nanami)” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / January 1, 2024
[Instrumental/Verses/Hook/Trombone/Mixed/Mastered by Kadesh Flow≥ On Friday, January 19, 2024 Kadesh Flow releases another new single “Stand on Business”. On November 17, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Stakes” produced by Dominique Sanders (who received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Janelle Monae’s “AGE OF PLEASURE album.) // On January 6, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Switch Up” with Instrumental Production by Dominique Sanders, Written & Performed by: Kadesh Flow, Mixed by: Kadesh Flow, Mastered by: Kadesh Flow. // In 2022 Kadesh Flow released 6 singles starting with “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” on January 21, 2022, with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. :Move Different” was part of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. On October 21, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single ”Chill (feat. Mir Blackwell).” On October 10, 2022 Kadesh Flow released “Dream For Me.” On September 30, 2022 Marcus Lewis Big Band released the single, “You’re Very Special (feat. Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow & Kevin Church Johnson).” On July 1, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single “Away From You.”About that single Kadesh told us “I’ve been a little quiet from a release standpoint because I’ve been scoring a feature length film.” “This song is… inspired by Eren Yeager and his tragic, brutal journey in Attack on Titan but is also deeply personal to me. There’s a lot of current world problem glazing that I’m doing on it as well.” “Also, June 30, 2022, marks five years since I left my financial tech career to pursue my performing and recording artist career full time. I’m releasing this on July 1, partially in celebration of that milestone.” This was one of over nearly 30 new singles Kadesh Flow released in 24 months: In 2021 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 plays with The Phantastics, Marcus Lewis Big Band, and Deshica Rage (w/ Jessica Paige). Info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com]

21. Keo & Them – “Fire”

from: “Fire” – Single / Midtopia / March 15, 2024
[Keo & Them released their 7-track album, THIS TIME AROUND on October 28, 2023. // When Neo-soul meets funk, meets R&B, meets pop, meets hip hop & even rock sometimes. Keo & Them released the single “Fool Me Once” on October 6, 2023 on Midtopia. Leo & Them released the three song single “Don’t Say” with “Be Still” and “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” on June 2, 2023 on Midtopia. And earlier “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” was release by itself on March 2, 2023. For Wichita-based, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Keo, making music is as much about the one creates and the songs one writes as it is about making deeper connections with the other people partaking in an artistic journey. From the unique flavors, perspectives, and performances they each contribute, Keo finds the “Them” that brings her project Keo & Them full circle. // First formed and conceptualized by Keo in 2018, the collective consists of Keo and a revolving door of musicians and collaborators, each of whose contributions would leave an indelible mark on the project’s ever-adapting sound that merges the worlds of 70’s pop and R&B with the moody glow of contemporary neo-soul and beyond. For Keo, the project’s sole constant member, the fluid line-up allowed her to become immersed and acquainted with a Wichita music scene she was completely new to and overwhelmed by. Through meeting, jamming, and performing with the Kansas town’s tight-knit and eclectic music scene in which Keo found something akin to a family. More info at: https://linktr.ee/keoandthem [Keo & Them played Outer Reaches Fest, on Sat, Oct. 14 at recordBar, On the Les BonsBons Electrique stage w/ Sweeping Promises, Static Phantoms, Alyssa Murray.] [Keo & Them plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Aug. 24, at 6:45 PM on the Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. w/ Western Cuts, Rachel Maxann, Jamogi, Back Alley Brass Band, Flight Attendant, KC March Falcons and KC Marching Cobras.]

22. Field Daze – “Hate Me”

from: “Hate Me” – Single / Solstice Audio / September 13, 2024
[1 of 10 singles Field Daze has released in the last 2 years. Field Daze, is an Indie Rock/Dreampop band, originated in KCMO when Rodd Fenton & Dan Camino responded to a Facebook call to start a Dreampop band. Their collaboration led to the creation of early demos. Shortly after, they were joined by Tracer Cauy, Kyer Lasswell, & Beau Harris, solidifying the band’s lineup. // Their magnetic sound quickly found a home in the KC music community, playing The Rino, The Ship, and The Bottleneck. Field Daze’s live performances became synonymous with an immersive musical experience, drawing in crowds with their captivating melodies. // Currently, the band channels their creativity by recording homegrown tracks within Rodd Fenton’s personal studio, honing their craft and evolving their unique sound. More Info at: http://www.fielddazekc.com Field Daze play The Ship, 1221 Union, KCMO on Nov. 15 w/ The Highwater and Black Light Animals]

23. Jamogi – “Hot Block”

from: “Hot Block” – Single / Jam Tunes / May 30, 2024
[Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on December 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022.][Jamogi played the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, Aug. 24, on the Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. w/ Western Cuts, Rachel Maxann, Keo & Them, Back Alley Brass Band, and Flight Attendant, KC March Falcons and KC Marching Cobras.]

24. LYXE – “Hard To Talk”

from: “Hard To Talk” – Single / LYXE / October 4, 2024
[Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass,. This indie/alternative rock band LYXE, hailing from Lawrence, Kansas, is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated new single, “Hard To Talk.” This catchy track captures the essence of modern rock while weaving in nostalgic threads reminiscent of the vibrant sounds of the 80s. With its infectious guitar riffs and punchy rhythms, “Hard To Talk” is poised to resonate with fans of both contemporary hits and classic indie anthems, drawing comparisons to iconic bands like The Strokes. // “Hard To Talk” showcases LYXE’s signature sound, blending the jangly guitars and punchy drum patterns that evoke the playful energy of 80s rock while maintaining a fresh and modern vibe. The band’s unique approach to songwriting shines through as they tackle themes of communication and vulnerability. This dynamic new single encapsulates the essence of youthful exploration and the struggles of navigating relationships in today’s fast-paced world. // Lawrence, Kansas band LYXE is a band with big guitars, a driving backbeat, and a glowing purple neon sign. Formed in 2019, they’re an energetic three-piece whose music blends the best of modern rock radio with danceable ’80s New Wave. If Wavves listened to a lot of early INXS, the music they made would sound like LYXE. I Heart Local Music describes them as “…easily Lawrence’s most exciting band at the moment, and they prove it with every show.” // LYXE, a three piece pop-rock outfit formed out of the love of getting fans to sing and dance along to hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds. They quickly became a favorite of crowds and musicians alike with the lead of Ryan Wise’s crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. The trio has an undeniable chemistry that caught the local scene like wildfire. Bassist AJ Knudson brings a loveable charisma to their live presence, while drummer Jimmy Girod’s subtle, elegant delivery gives this act a sophisticated backbone. // In their debut EP, Everything You Could Ever Want, LYXE strives to create an infectious party environment that hips cannot deny. Pulling inspiration from a wide range of genres, this six-song EP has a pop-rock, new wave nostalgia that sinks its teeth into you. Luring in listeners with dramatics and lush hooks on “Wave,” yet unafraid to tap into their feral side on “I Got Everything.” The record closes with “Fit,” which makes you feel like you’re in an argument with your prom date in 1989. In July of 2022, LYXE recorded their debut EP, Everything You Could Ever Want, at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. The new EP gave listeners a different side of Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. .The EP was released on September 15, 2022. // On June 23, 2023 LYXE released a remastered version of their song “Wave (Remastered 2023)” produced by Joel Nanos. Remaster by Jake Vertigo, with: Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass, and Chase Horseman on synthesizer. This was originally the debut single “Wave.” // LYXE release their singe ”Ice Cream” on June 23, 2023 // For additional information or inquiries please contact: wearelyxe@gmail.com ]

#25. Cavves – “Alma Mater”


from: “Alma Mater” – Single / The Cavve / September 6, 2024
[Since 2016, Wichita’s The Cavves have served as the foremost purveyors of land-locked surf music. Packing an anthemic indie rock/pop wallop within a sun-soaked package of summery guitars, vibrant soundscapes, and an undeniable lyrical bite, the band oozes with character and creativity both on and off the stage. With two albums under its belt and an expertly honed live show (which has performed alongside Together PANGEA, Silvers Pickups, The Regrettes, Slothrust, and more), the quartet of Sophie Emerson (guitar, vocals), Matt Clara Bennett (guitar), Jackson Relph (drums), Justin Labadie (bass) has established itself as a staple in Wichita’s and the greater Midwest’s bustling indie music scene.]

26. Malek Azrael – “in ur mind”

from: “in ur mind” – Single / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2024
[On October 15, 2021 Makek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. [Malek Azrael played Manor Feet 6, Saturday, June 1, at 1:00pm at Third Place Lounge, 1744 Broadway Blvd KCMO with Mason Blaize and Nick Shoulders] [Malek & The Vibez played Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on Friday, June 16.]

27. Jo MacKenzie – “Newly Fallen Snow”

from: “Newly Fallen Snow” – Single / Middle of The Map Music / April 12, 2024
[Jo MacKenzie also released “infinite (DEMOS)” on August 16, 2024, “Etch a sketch” on July 19, 2024, and Magellan on June 14, 2024. Just a 20 year old girl who wants to make music forever. Jo Mackenzie released the single “So Much More” on February 14, 2024. // Jo Mackenzie released the 5-track EP RADIANCE, GIRL on July 15, 2022. // Jo Mackenzie released the single “The Cab Ride” on June 17, 2022. // Jo Mackenzie released the single “Radiator” on May 27, 2022. // Before that on March 11, 2022, Jo Mackenzie (producer and songwriter) released the EP, TOURIST. Jo Mackenzie and 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. Info at http://www.jomackenzie.com]

28. Danny McGaw – “Start Over”

from: “Start Over” – Single / Danny McGaw / July 25, 2024
[Manchester, England born Danny McGaw was a footballer, then a street musician, then a bar musician, and then a husband and father living in Lawrence, Kansas, where he released one of our favorite recordings of 2012 called, “Eccles Road.” After that he formed the band, Welles The Traveler with Jason Jones, Dan Hines, Chad Brothers, and Mike West, who produced the group’s debut recording. Eventually Danny and family relocated to California. He has made over 10 records in 25 years and records his songs in his home studio.][Danny McGaw plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 4:45pm, on the The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. with: Jelly Rose, Zee Underscore, Starhaven Rounders, Aztlán, and Supermassive Black Holes.]

29. Christena Graves – “One Good Thing”

from: “One Good Thing” – Single /Junco Records / February 24, 2024
[On August 3, 2023 Christena Graves released the single “Summer’s End.” // On June 28, 2023 Christena Graves released “Swingin’ On The Stars.” // Christena Graves released her album, FINDING MY FOOTING on February 11, 2021. It was one of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing marks her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.” More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com] [Christena Graves was guest on WMM on February 10, and on July 7, 2021.]

30. Lucy Gray Hamilton – “Sixteen and Happy”

from: “Sixteen and Happy” – Single / Lucy Gray / May 24, 2024
[Music & Lyrics by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Guitar, Vocals, Violin by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Percussion & Upright Bass by Gregory Gagnon. Produced by Gregory Gagnon- ShapeNote Studios & Robert Rebeck- Westend Recording Studios (Kansas City, MO). Original photo by Tara Duckworth Photography. This recording was made possible by the Heartland Song Network and Gregory Gagnon of ShapeNote Studios. // ‘sixteen & happy” for me is a lot of things. It’s being sad on your birthday. It’s how crushing it can be when someone you were once so close with isn’t around anymore. It reveals how hard it is to acknowledge true feelings and how it can take time to express them. My deepest gratitude to Heartland Song Network and Greg Gagnon at ShapeNote Studios for making this recording possible!” – Lucy Gray // SONGWRITER, COMPOSER, MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST – Lucy Gray grew up performing on festival stages from the young age of 7 while studying classical & fiddle style violin. By the age of 9 she was performing her own original songs leading her to 4 awards for songwriting & composition, invitations to speak at events, repeated radio spins, tv appearances & most recently a grant to record her latest single! ]

31. Krystle Warren & The Faculty– “LA DOLCE VITA”

from: “LA DOLCE VITA” – Single / Parlour Door Music / March 1, 2024
[KC born and internationally known singer songwriter Krystle Warren is one of our most played artists on the WMM radio show. Krystle is also one of our most frequent guests. In 2023 Krystle Warren released her new song, “Macca” from Krystle Warren & The Faculty, that was recorded on the heels of sessions for the band’s upcoming full length album EXTENDED PLAY. Krystle says that the song, “became equal parts: a love letter to (Paul McCartney) and a note of encouragement to me. Which is a wonderful thing if you think about it.” // Krystle Warren began performing in her native KC at the age of 16. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. // Krystle Warren moved to NYC, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her band, The Faculty. // From Diary EP to Extended Play A Truncated History of Krystle Warren & The Faculty From http://www.krystalwarren.com written by Phil Anderson: Krystle Warren met Solomon Dorsey some weekend at a high school debate competition in Kansas City. After she had trounced Solomon’s debate partner, the two ended up in an open classroom where they began playing music—Krystle had brought her guitar and was practicing chords, and Solomon, then an accomplished violinist, cellist, bassist, and singer likely had some sort of instrument on him, and even if he didn’t he had his voice. // Due to some specific details we’re not going to get into, Krystle was already living on her own; she was eighteen and he was seventeen. But she had a friend who had an apartment near hers, and this friend was having a party. “Wanna go?” she asked Solomon. And, as Solomon puts it, he has seen or spoken to Krystle every single day of his life since. // So when Solomon decided to attend the jazz program at New School in New York, he asked Krystle, “Wanna go?” And a few months after he moved, Krystle showed up. On her first night in the city, Solomon introduced her to Zach Djanikian, a saxophonist he’d become fast friends with at school. They lived in the same dorm, and Zach and Solomon took Krystle to a practice room in the basement and the three of them played musical games. According to Zach, “We’d sing as many melodies as we could over four open strings of the upright bass, plucked successively. ‘Norwegian Wood’ and the theme to ​Family Matters​ were a couple favorites.” // This led to busking as a trio, and each of them was hustling for gigs. An Italian restaurant that featured live music gave Krystle a regular night, and she often had Solomon and Zach play with her. Zach’s friend from Philadelphia, Ben Kane, would come to these nights, and he brought Mike Riddleberger. //After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, who gave her a one way ticket to France. // Krystle moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French & British TV programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling on world tours with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. // Krystle left Because Music and created her own recording label, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace / A Time to Refrain from Embracing” a double album recording from a 14-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. In 2019 The Kansas City based Owen/Cox Dance Group premiered a new dance piece titled “Love Songs” with choreography by Jennifer Owen, set to all 24 songs, in the order they appear in the recording. // Krystle Warren has collaborated with Erykah Badu, Keziah Jones, Zap Mama, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright, Brad Cox Amadou & Mariam, Lakecia Benjamin, Guarco, Teddy Thompson, Gwyneth Herbert, Hercules & Love Affair, and Joon Moon. Along with being included in the compilation “NYC Subway – Songs from the Underground,” and tribute recordings for Kate McGarrigle, and Nick Drake. // In an article in SPIN Magazine, December 6, 2020, The 35 Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years, Picked by 35 Well-Known Artists Krystle Was named twice! // Joan as Police Woman on Krystle Warren: “Most stellar voice, tender and strong in equal measure with a range nothing short of miraculous. Incredible writer of songs, the type of which used to get written and go on to become classics. Exquisite live performer in the way you forget completely where you are and what’s happening in your life.” // Rufus Wainwright on Krystle Warren: “Krystle Warren’s voice and performance style seared an indelible mark on me years ago when she joined Martha and I on tributes to our mom Kate McGarrigle in both London and New York. Her haunting interpretations, vocal timbre and singular look completely devastated all present, and soon after I had the honor of taking her out on the road with me. Be it covers, her own material or harmonizing with others, she is a true musician and should be considered an international treasure.” ]

32. 90 Minute Cassette – “Hold Back The Water”

from: “Hold Back The Water” – Single / Scatterplot Sounds / August 2, 2024
[Crafting jams that you can dub on a mixtape right alongside your favorite classic synth pop hits, 90 Minute Cassette is a fresh and nostalgic surprise. The duo from Kansas City, Missouri, made up of Chuck Whittington (namelessnumberheadman, Madisen Ward, Summer Breeze) on guitar/vocals and Hillary Watts (The Hillary Watts Riot) on synths/vocals, creates a vibe that fuses analog sunsets and digital sunrises. // 90 Minute Cassette weaves together dancy rhythms, shimmering synths, and infectious melodies to create a sound that transports listeners to a neon-lit retro-future. Drawing from influences like Tears for Fears, INXS, and Duran Duran, their music evokes the spirit of underground clubs and vibrant city streets of the past. From club shows to packed dance floors, their music resonates with fans of all ages, on a journey through time and sound. // 90 Minute Cassette is booking live shows to promote their two new singles, bringing their energetic and retro-futuristic music to audiences in the region. // Genre: synth pop/new wave/dream pop // RIYL: Beach House, Duran Duran, Nation of Language, Human League. // “Tunes sure to delight anyone who still cherishes their Pretty in Pink soundtrack.” -Too Much Rock // “Hold Back the Water is a perfect synth-pop jam.” -Nick Spacek, The Pitch] [90 Minute Cassette play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Friday, Sept. 6, at 7:00 pm with Palm Ghosts, and House of Transgressor.]

33. Religion of Heartbreak – “Dark Hour of Meditation”

from: “Dark Hour of Meditation” – Single / Religion of Heartbreak / August 9, 2024
[Dedric Moore on vocals, synths, bass, guitar, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals; Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar; Delaney Moore on synth riff; Regan Moore on electronic percussion loop. // Religion of Heartbreak, features members of Monta at Odds, and delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and darker Synth Pop. Trading in their black jeans for a darker shade of black. The songs are clever and filled with lost love as we follow our dark hearts. // “Dark Hour of Meditation creeps along with a deliberate trance-like rhythm as Dedric Moore and Mikal Shapiro’s voices drift softly above a sea of echoed guitars and spacious synths. Krystztof’s baritone guitar adds a deep undercurrent, while Dedric’s mechanized beats and brooding bass provide a steady, relentless pulse. The result is a sound both sprawling and intimate, a dark dance between the vast unknown and the familiar shadows we carry within. It’s the kind of track that lingers like a whispered confession in the dead of night, heavy with the weight of what was – and what could have been.” via Post-Punk.com] [Religion of Heartbreak play minibar, at 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO, on October 23, 2024, with Belgium-based Ultra Sunn and Juliette Frost.]

34. Black Light Animals – “I Wanna Be Down”

from: “I Wanna Be Down” – Single / Black Light Animals / August 19, 2024
[Black Light Animals take on Brandy’s seminal classic “I Wanna Be Down”. Alex Hartmann on drums, Branden Moser on bass, Nate Hubert on Rhodes & background vocals, Cody Calhoun o guitar, and Cole Bales on lead vocals, background vocals, and Synthesizers. Produced by Cole Bales. Mixing by Cody Calhoun. Mastered by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio. // B.LA. Also released “nobody let to blame” on November 15, 2024, “make u mine” on October 25, 2024, “Pink Lemonade” on January 15, 2023, “Persephone” on September 23, 2022. Black Light Animals released their full length debut album, Playboys of The Western World on Groove King Records on July 3, 2020. Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. // Branden Moser and Cole Bales also play bass and guitar in the soul powerhouse, The Freedom Affair. // This band is also “The Boys” as in Jass and The Boys, plus Clarence Copridge on keyboards, who have been releasing their own string of singles “Daydream Girl” on August 25, 2023, “GVN2U” on July 14, 2023, and “Love U Like I Love U” on December 2, 2022.]

35. Friendly Thieves – “Get it Yourself”

from: “Get it Yourself” – Single / Friendly Thieves / June 7, 2024
[Friendly Thieves also released: “The Wolf and the Lamb” on November 12, 2024, “Let the City Burn” on October 11, 2024, “Wasted” on September 10, 2024, “Hot Summer” on August 9, 2024, “Who The F**k Cares” on July 8, 2024, The five-piece alt-funk band, Friendly Thieves are: Sam Wells on lead vocals, Jamae Breeze on lead guitar, Sam Millard on bass, John Goss on drums, and Ben Baker on saxophone. // Friendly Thieves released their debut album Til Death on October 31, 2023. // From Michelle Bacon’s piece in http://www.bridge909.org: Friendly Thieves describes themselves as if “Alabama Shakes and Young The Giant had a Vulfpeck-inspired love child,” and well, that’s pretty spot on. Their single captures that intersection of vibrant indie-rock energy and exceptional musicianship, with an intriguing funk aroma. // The bands show at ULAH is their only KC show so far this year before the ban sets off on tour to Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Nashville. // Sam Wells released her debut EP, FOR THE DEFLATED on French Exit Records on December 31, 2020. Sam Wells is a Kansas City, based singer songwriter who has shared stages with Betsy Phillips, Kelly Hunt, Andrew Ryan, The Zack Pietrini Band, and The Phantastics. She was featured as a composer and performer in the Kansas City Repertory Theater production of “Ghost Light” performed on the lawn of The Nelson Atkin Museum of Art in October, 2020. Sam has also performed in Troostival (2020), Kansas City Porchfest (2019) and Jamdemic. In 2019, Wells released her debut single “Lesson Learned.” In early 2020 Wells released her second single “Sugar” producer and engineered by Riley Corbin at the Lawrence Kansas Public Library recording studio. It was only a decade ago, Sam Wells sat in her bedroom learning the Corrine Bailey Ray classic “Put Your Records On”. This was all it took to ignite a lifetime love affair with music. With her smooth and sultry voice and the warm tones of a baritone ukulele, she shares stories of love, loss and everything in between. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Sam Wells has lived in Lawrence, but now calls KC home. Sam Wells also contributed to The Black Lives Matter Compilation from French Exit Records that featured tracks from 22 acts from the area, and was released on July 6, 2020. Sam contributed the song, “Dear Black People”. On WMM we featured tracks from: Blackstarkids, Daniel Gum, Crystal Rose, UpKeep, Bream, Heavy Surface, Palace Intrigue, Self Harmony, and Sam Wells. All proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. French Exit Records launched in 2018, and is an independent music label based out of Kansas City, Missouri founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond, and has organized live events. ] [Friendly Thieves played at Boulevardia Friday, June 14, at 5:05 on the Visit Missouri Stage.]

36. The Rainmakers (Bob Walkenhorst, Jeff Porter, Rich Ruth, Pat Tomek), The Nace Brothers, Kelley Hunt, Danny Cox & Family, Sunny Snoderly, Joseph Snoderly-Cox, Sunae Fisher, Kadesh Flow, Betse & Clarke – “Waiting on a Wave”

from: “Waiting on a Wave” – Single / Robert Walkenhorst / August 15, 2023
[Motivated by the importance of the upcoming election veteran KC rockers The Rainmakers’ principal Bob Walkenhorst wrote a song titled \“Waiting On A Wave” and enlisted the help of other KC artists on the studio sessions and video.  Among those he reached out to was The Rainmakers (Bob Walkenhorst, Pat Tomek, Rich Ruth, Jeff Porter), The Nace Brothers (David and Jimmy Nace), Kelley Hunt, Danny Cox and family, Sunny Snoderly, Joseph Snoderly-Cox, Sunae Fisher, Kadesh Flow and Betse & Clarke/ Last year Bob Walkenhorst released My Version Of The Story on BAT Records on November 1, 2023 For this record Bob played all instruments and sang all vocal parts and recorded this himself in his home studio. This new release follows Bob Walkenhorst’s last album A Thousand Words a 12 song album released June 1, 2021 on Bob’s 68th Birthday. Bob’s solo releases are beautiful and demonstrate the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet. The album is also evidence of the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving listeners lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, not in a falsetto, but actually singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW with that was released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, in clear beautiful harmonies, with that extra special shared musical DNA, that can be heard in the harmonies of The Carter Family, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, or Shy Boys. FOR TOMORROW was #2 on WMM’s 118 Best recordings of 2018. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 12 albums. Bob’s solo record continues the spirit of FOR TOMORROW. // From http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com : Bob Walkenhorst has spent most of his life as a musician, as lead singer and songwriter for the critically acclaimed rock band, The Rainmakers. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Bob and the band have released 9 albums over their 30+ year career, and continue to tour and record. // Bob’s songs gained attention for their lyrical content – thoughtful, humorous, witty, with insightful social commentary. This interest in the power of words eventually led to the publication of a book of Bob’s song lyrics – Scribbling On the Walls of the Mansion – published in 2019. And now Whirlybird Day – published in 2020. // Bob grew up in the small town of Norborne, Missouri, and also spent years in Maryville and Branson. These years of small town life served as the inspiration for the stories in Whirlybird Day. // Bob lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife, Michele Sewell, two daughters and two granddaughters nearby. // Bob Walkenhorst is a Kansas City-based singer, songwriter, musician, and painter. After growing up in his hometown of Norborne, Missouri, he became a founding member of the popular Midwestern U.S. roots rock band The Rainmakers. In the Kansas City area, he currently gives weekly performances and participates in art gallery shows. For some shows, he is joined by his daughter Una. // As the singer/songwriter of his band, The Rainmakers, from 1986 to 1996, Walkenhorst’s discography included five full-length studio albums, one live concert recording, and one “best-of” album. After the dissolution of the band, he released his first solo album, The Beginner, in 2003. In 2009, Walkenhorst and fellow Kansas City musician Jeff Porter released an album entitled No Abandon, under the moniker Walkenhorst and Porter. The Rainmakers reformed in 2011 and have since released three more albums. // Throughout his career as a musician, Walkenhorst has maintained a reputation for producing clever and provocative lyrics, which have garnered him wide critical acclaim. In discussing the self-titled debut of The Rainmakers, Billboard called them “a band with a rarity: a genuinely witty songwriter.” A 1987 review in the Washington Post cited the cleverness while also noting irreverent humor. On a very different note, a review from later that year in the Chicago Tribune observed, “Walkenhorst’s lyrics are preoccupied with morality, although he avoids a moralizing tone.” Over three decades later, in 2018, the Richmond (Missouri) News said, “His unique vocals and viewpoints have garnered him a dedicated following, through more than 30 years in the music scene.” // Perhaps the best-known fan of The Rainmakers and Walkenhorst was Stephen King, who included lyrics from the songs “Downstream” and “Drinkin’ on the Job” in The Tommyknockers. In Gerald’s Game, King excerpted “One More Summer”—citing Walkenhorst by name—and adopted Walkenhorst’s character “The Lakeview Man” in service of the story. // More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com] [Bob Walkenhorst joined us in WMM on June 2, 2021]

37. Madisen Ward – “Hangin’ On”

from: “Hangin’ On” – Single / Madisen Ward / Video released September 23, 2024
[Not released as a single. Madisen shared this for me to play on the radio show. “Hangin’ On” is part of a video released Aug 23, 2024 and created by Madisen Ward & Bryce Veazey, The video features ill Forte, Mark Normand, Kaylin Hurley, Adam Ward, Brayden Ingram, Kri Chay, Amanda Parra, Baby, Regan Hurley, Keyo Chay, amd Madisen Ward as himself. The Video Post-Production was by Major Oak Creative. Music produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Jeremy Wurst and Gene Abramov at B-24 Studios. Sun logo by Barry Blankenship. Filmed in Independence, MO. / Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2007. Madisen’s journey to become a musician, was “melodically passed down” through the songs of his mother, where Madisen grew up watching his mom perform at local coffee shops. Eventually he began to learn to play the guitar, and poured his talent for writing into the music to create original songs. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have garnered international acclaim, and new fans from all over the world. They opened for BB King at The Midland. They signed with Glassnote Records in 2014 and recorded their debut full length album in Nashville with acclaimed producer Jim Abiss. They performed their debut single “Silent Movies” on The Late Show with David Letterman, they’ve toured across the United States, and Europe, more than once. They were featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s The Today Show, and “Later With Jools Holland and played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, and the Newport Folk Festival, and the Ryman Theatre, in Nashville. Madisen Ward is now performing as his first ever solo project, still crafting his own personal brand of Americana music. The same sound which launched the careers of the Family Folk Duo Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. / We first played your music on this radio show in early May of 2013 after our mutual friend Joel Nanos of Element Recording sent me a copy of your independent EP, “We Burned The Cane Field.”where your first recorded Madisen’s original songs. Madisen Ward plays Percheron Rooftop Series, at The Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central Stree, KCMO, TONIGHT, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Doors at 7:00 Show at 8:00 PM.]

38. Redder Moon – “Drown The Fire”

from: “Drown The Fire” – Single / Jarmcharm Records / October 1, 2024
[Redder Moon Unveils New Single “Drown The Fire” To Kick Off Spooky Season Featuring Bold New Direction from Founding Member Jeremiah James // Redder Moon is excited to announce the release of their latest single with accompanying music video , “Drown The Fire,” Directed by Los Angeles based Mary Chicken Soup, marking a powerful new chapter for the band. This track showcases a fresh creative direction, led by founding member Jeremiah James, who takes center stage as the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter. Known for their evocative soundscapes and dark, emotional undertones, Redder Moon elevates their artistry with *”Drown The Fire” blending raw intensity with lyrical depth. // Jeremiah James’ commanding presence and fresh perspective breathe new life into the band, adding a unique edge that fans both new and old will appreciate. With *”Drown The Fire,”* Redder Moon ventures into uncharted sonic territory, creating an anthemic and haunting track that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. // “Drown The Fire”* is available now on all major streaming platforms // Redder Moon previously released Hell Is Other People on vinyl on March 18, 2022 (Vinyl)/ Music by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brody Lowe. Vocals, Lyrics by Jill McKeever (additional/bg vocals: Brody Lowe, Jeremiah James Gonzales) Mixed by Ross Brown. Mastered by Eureka Mastering. The band uses layered synths & production with live bass, drums, guitars, and vocals. Redder Moon tends to skirt the line between traditional electronic act and indie avant garde. With washed out guitars, thick bass grooves, and distant reverb soaked vocals, the songs beam with the almost tactile feel of a sound track to a lost movie but with enough dance-ability to pull you out of your seat. In the last few months of 2020, the band has written and recorded an album’s with of songs, over 20 actually, without playing together, and with each member individually recording their parts at home. This was a welcome channel of creation in a time of restraint. The result is a collection that explores everything from synth pop shoegaze, to dark wave indie sounds More info at http://www.reddermoon.bandcamp.com.] [Redder Moon played recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave. KCMO, October 3, with Essenger.]

39. Comet Tide – “1984EVER”

from: “1984EVER” – Single / Wonderfuzz / September 13, 2024
[New KC musical entity made up of members of Wonderfuzz[Comet Tide. Play the St. George & The Dragons play a Vinyl Release Party, September 19, 2024 at 8:00pm at Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester St, KCMO.]

40. Run With It – “Ghost Like You”

from: “Ghost Like You” – Single / Run With It / September 30, 2024
[Miguel Antonio on lead vocals & guitar. Daniel Cole on drums, Paul Seiz on keyboards. Cody Ryan Stapleton on lead guitar, and Matt Muckenthaler on bass guitar // Ghost Like You delves into the intoxicating pull of a toxic love, where the protagonist is entranced by a ghostly presence that blurs the line between pleasure and pain. The lyrics explore the conflict between desire and self-destruction, as the protagonist grapples with the consuming nature of this almost supernatural connection. // Run With it were last on WMM seven years ago on March 22, 2017 when the band was aa three piece with Miguel Caraballo on lead vocals & guitar, Ben Byard on bass & vocals, and Daniel Cole on Drums. They joined us to promote ther nre EP How To Start A Fire release March 24,2017. // The power trio were known for their energetic live shows, leaving it all on the stage, and working their musical assets to make their audiences happy. The band was always touring. How To Start A Fire, was recorded with producer Josh Gleave. The band put together 60 songs before going into the studio last year. We sifted through them with producer Josh Gleave and found the 6 best songs that you ended up recording. // Run With It are influenced by The Black Keys, Maroon 5, Bill Withers, and more. With backgrounds in gritty rock, groovy soul, stylish R&B. // Miguel Carabello was born June 11, 1980 originally from Junction City, Kansas, Married. Ben Byard grew up in El Dorado Kansas, plays in David George and A Crooked Mile. Daniel Cole was born April 8, 1991 and graduated from Lee’s Summit West HS in 2009. // More information at: http://www.runwithitband.com]

41. Erin Eades – “The Lesser of Two Evils”

from: “The Lesser of Two Evils” – Single / Erin Eades / January 26, 2024
[Erin Eades is an Americana singer-songwriter and solo acoustic performer from Kansas City, drawing influence from indie rock, alternative, and country music. Through her music, she weaves a narrative of resilience and transformation, inviting listeners to embrace the bittersweet complexities of the human experience. Erin frequently performs in Missouri and Kansas, and plans to release her sophomore effort, a full studio project, in 2024. More info at: http://www.erineadesmusic.com]

42. Hotel Leo – “Another Low”

from: “Another Low” – Single / Hotel Leo / May 10, 2024
[Hotel Leo also released the singles: “Give It a Chance” on June 21, 2024, and “Time Apart” on August 2, 2024. Hotel Leo is the musical project of Stephen Roper who told It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine, “ Hotel Leo has always been a studio-only project, and the idea to bring these songs to a live format is a fairly recent one. I’m lucky to have met several awesome musicians over the past year, and bringing them in to play on Hotel Leo songs feels like unlocking a whole new dimension of the band. I love the different sounds and ideas everybody brings to the table. When writing songs I don’t think about how I’m going to recreate them live – I just try and serve the song however I can. Moving those songs into a more traditional live band lineup has been a challenge. For example, how do we translate some of these synth parts to electric guitar? Or how do some of these songs recorded with a drum machine sound with real drums? I’m really enjoying the new takes on the music, and I feel like it has given new life to these songs.]

43. Lorna Kay – “What Ever Happened”

from: “What Ever Happened” – Single / Independent / October 18, 2024
[Lauren Krum solo project with Mike Stover. Follow up single to “Havin’ A Ball” released July 12, 2024. Lauren Krum is known for her work as lead singer of The Grisly Hand who had their last show on May 11, 2024 at The Ship. The band first started playing live in 2009. When The Grisly Hand released their debut album Safe House, the entire band (at that time: Lauren Krum, Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder, Mike Tuley. Ben Summers & Kian Byrne) climbed into our studios and performed live on our Nov. 10, 2010 show. // Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder were in a band called Left Behind. Lauren had played with them at The Brick, before laving Kansas City to go to Columbia College in Chicago. N Chicago Lauren created the group The Strumpettes a soul-inspired group featuring four female singers and a four-piece band. When the Strumpettes dismantled in 2008 and her life in Chicago started to fall apart, Krum decided to move back to Kansas City. She immediately began singing with From Before. // Within a few months, Krum, Fitzner, Nichols and Snyder were performing as a new group. They had brought on Andy Davis to play mandolin. Krum had found the name “the Grisly Hand” iafter coming across it in the poem “Webster Ford” from Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. The most Current grouping of The Grisly Hand was Jimmy Fitzner, Lauren Krum, Ben Summers, Mike Stover, Johnny Nichols and Kian Byrne. / A super group of sorts several members have also been involved in other projects. Lauren has played and recorded wirthg Ruddy Swain (with David Regnier), and Lorna Kay, and Lorna Kay’s Country Club, as well as being a DJ.]

44. My Oh My – “I Just Don’t Understand”

from: “I Just Don’t Understand” – Single / My Oh My / June 28, 2024
[My Oh My is a three-woman, five-man band from Kansas City, Missouri, that plays a big, bear-hugging blend of Americana, classic rock and folk. The band’s second release, the 2015 EP Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way, delivers six weighty tracks of full-throated choruses, jagged guitar, rowdy keys and tent-revival-sized anthems about life as it’s lived. // A.M. Merker on guitar & lead vocals; Stephen Berry on guitar; Grant Buell on keyboards; Sarah Wittman on vocals, Melissa Geffert on vocals; Justin Rogers on bass; Jacob Horpinjuk on drums. // Equally at home in a saloon or an outdoor festival, Kansas City’s My Oh My draws from the broad history of American song to deliver a big, bearhugging musical experience. // Crafted around the powerful songwriting and soulful vocals of A.M. Merker, My Oh My covers the entire range of emotion: from joyful, two-steppin’ dance tunes to heart-wrenching ballads and rollicking rock burners. Singers Sarah Wittman and Melissa Geffert add depth and shine to Merker’s grit. Grant Buell keeps it all cohesive with his deft keyboard skills, even while Stephen Berry’s rowdy guitar work threatens to tear everything in the place down. Jacob Horpinjuk (drums) and Justin Rogers (bass) keep everything nailed down from the backline. // With well over a decade of shows and releases, My Oh My has proven its unique approach to Americana not only has staying power but also continues to surprise, elate, and enrapture audiences.]

45. Adriana Nikole – “Unglued”

from: “Unglued” – Single / Adriana Nikole / September 13, 2024
[“Unglued is one of several new singles Adriana Nicole has released this year. Hailing from the Detroit area, Adriana Nikole carries an old sound. Channeling Motown and an early jazz vibe, she sings with soul and passion, with a touch of grit at times. Her time in Kansas City has helped her grow as an artist. Her writing is honest, raw, and will either break your heart or make you get up and dance..Adriana Nikole started performing at open mics in Michigan in her early 2000’s, and then started writing songs, and getting gigs. Adriana moved to Knoxville then to Nashville TN performing on the street for a few months then finally settled in Kansas City, MO after her parents moved here for their work. Nikole’s music is rooted in Motown, 50’s doo wop, old school country, and love of experimenting and singing with electronic music as well.]

46. The Distant Now – “Borrowed Dime”

from: The Dime Variations / The Distant Now / March 27, 2024
[Kansas City, Kansas based musical duo, The Distant Now who released “The Dime Variations,” on April 2, 2024. Anson the Ornery and Brandan Hoffman created two new songs that are two sides of the same coin. “Some Thin Dime” antes up a classic soul tune, recorded to sound live in a smokey nightclub. “Borrowed Dime” then doubles down by flipping “Some Thin Dime” to create new meaning and context. “The Dime Variations” is streaming on all platforms. Last year The Distant Now released the EP Want Not is Deth on July 29, 2023. The Distant Now is now a duo, but last year it was a trio with Jacob E.chord, Anson The Ornery, & Brandan Hoffman. More info at: http://www.thedistantnow.bandcamp.com]

47. Charlotte Bumgarner – “Never Say”

from: “Never Say” – Single / Manor Records / June 14, 2024
[Written by Charlotte Bumgarner. Produced by Kendal Osborne and Charlotte Bumgarner. Acoustic guitar by Charlotte Bumgarner, drums by Ramsey Thornton, violin by Olivia McGraw, piano by Max Helmrich, cello and bass by Matt Magerkurth, electric guitar by Kendall Osborne. Cover art by Emma Davenport. // Charlotte Bumgarner released the single, “Red With Love” on March 28, 2021. Charlotte Bumgarner released the single “Haunted House” on January 22, 2021 / Charlotte Bumgarner released the single, “Honey Touch” on December 11, 2020. All were written & performed by Charlotte Bumgarner, with harmony, synth, production, mixing & mastering by Drew Richardson.. // Charlotte is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Tulsa. She has been playing the local Tulsa scene for about 2-3 years as a solo artist and for about a year with her band Graveyard Party. Charlotte’s sound can be described as a mix of many influences, but is mostly a emo singer/songwriter & folky fusion. Charlotte is also a big activist for female equality & rights and tries to integrate that into my songwriting and my footprint in the scene in general.// In 2018 Charlotte began self-recording and releasing her own music with the single “where are you” and night blooming flowers EP. From then on Charlotte continued playing throughout the local Tulsa scene as well as branching out and touring regionally as much as possible. KOSU Radio called Charlotte a “passionate about young women being taken seriously and making the music scene a safer place for everyone.” More info at http://www.manorrecords.com]

48. The Sexy Accident – “Becoming”

from: “Becoming” – Single / The Sexy Accident / October 9, 2024
[The Sexy Accident includes: Jesse Kates on vocals & guitars, Ramone Hall on drums, Ryan Leip on keyboards, Mack McKinney on bass, Rachel Jaggard on vocals. The Sexy Accident has released 17 albums/EPs and multiple singles. More information at http://www.thesexyaccident.com%5D

49. Duncan Burnett – “Goodbye”

from: “Goodbye” – Single / R.I.O.T LLC / August 16, 2024
[Olathe, KS based hip hop artist, singer, songwriter, producer, musician, drummer. // Duncan Burnett s the drummer and member of Making Movies. He also has produced music for Lava Dreams. // From Tim Finn’s Back To Rockville (KC Star) Blog Sept. 9, 2015 – When he settled on hip-hop as his music genre, Duncan Burnett had two missions in mind: Keep the messages positive. “I’m big on spirituality and being a positive influence,” he said. “When I started, my goal was to have my nieces and nephews be able to listen to their uncle’s music and love it and be able to repeat every line and lyric but also to have people my age relate to it.” His second mission was to provide live music during his performances. Burnett has been performing live since he was 7. Live music, he said, is in his blood. Duncan released the EP One of These Days on Apppril 10, 2020, it was a follow up to his 2018 EP, The Almighty.]

50. Buck Moon – “Indigo Night”

from: Indigo Night / Buck Moon / January 25, 2024 (Full Moon)
[Produced by Ivory Blue. Buck Wimberly performs as “Buck Moon” an LGBTQ artist and singer-songwriter who started his life in rural Texas growing up Southern Baptist. Being raised in smaller communities brought challenges for a young, creative, closeted gay kid, pushing Buck to hide parts of himself to minimize bullying, be accepted by his church community, and feel loved by family and friends. // Buck eventually came out at 33 after overcoming depression and has since been on a journey of self-discovery. Now in his forties, having raised two boys, and happily living with his life partner, he has been working on healing past traumas through shamanic experiences, expanded consciousness, and discovering the power of the medicine found within. // Believing that healing the world begins by healing oneself, Buck’s music aims to challenge the listener to learn self-love, connect with the Earth and the world around them, and discover the medicine within themselves. Buck weaves together genres of folk, roots, Americana, country, indie, and electronic to share personal stories and empathy-driven messages that are mindful, conscious, motivational, and self-empowering. // In Buck’s coming music, you’ll find the universally human themes of self-discovery, personal identity, love, struggle, mental health, growth, questioning one’s purpose, redemption, and self-actualization. Buck’s first single “Indigo Night” is a sonic painting of his transformative and spiritual rites of passage experience in the mountains of North Carolina. // More information at: http://www.buckmoonmusic.com]

51. Bobcat Attack – “Pallas”

from: “Pallas” – Single / The Record Machine – Les Bon Bons Electriques / September 18, 2024
[Bobcat Attack is the alter ego of electronic musician Nathan Reusch. Reusch has a passion for blending dub, techno, and ambient electronica into his own improvised vision. His compositions, crafted with synthesizers, drum machines, and modular synths, create a pulsing soundscape that is both intimate and lush, setting him apart in the electronic music scene. // Reusch first started making electronic music influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. // After a year of playing and organizing shows with the KC Synth Collective, he is regaining his footing; Reusch is ready to release his first new material in nearly two decades. Bobcat Attack bridges the gap between ambient, dub-techno, and house music. The result is a rich textural environment of blooming melodies, entrancing techno beats, and ambient soundscapes that immerses the listener in a vibrant, flooding forest of electronica. His arrangements are patient and complete, and there’s always a discovery bubbling underneath the surface. // The debut track, Pallas, will be the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques imprint. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine.]

52. Kate Cosentino – “Swim”

from: “Swim” – Single / Kate Cosentino / February 3, 2024
[One oif six new singles Kate Cosentino has released so far this year. Kare Costentino Well-versed in the art of puns and guitar-shredding, Kate Cosentino’s music is something of jazzy sleekness atop the lyrical precision of witty slam poetry. Whether you saw her rock the stage as a part of Niall Horan’s team for Season 23 of The Voice or saw one of her many goofy social media posts, Cosentino’s fun-loving personality, unique sense of style, and witty songwriting shine through in everything she does everything she does.][Kate Cosentino played Boulevardia, Saturday, June 15, 3:45 PM on the Visit Missouri Stage.]

53. The Canterberries – “Small Steps”

from: “Small Steps” – Single / The Canterberries / March 1, 2024
[According to their Instagram page, singers Abby Parra, Emma Vogt, and Hannah Dahlor are just “3 pals singing in our living room.” KCUR Radio writes: “Together they create a choral effect, like competing voices in your head teaming up to encourage you to have a little grace with yourself.” Small Steps describes the mental struggle against a racing mind and too many things on the to-do list.] [The Canterberries played the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 24, at 4:00pm, on the Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. with: Howard Mahan & Friends, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, The Swallowtails, Beth Watts Nelson, Rural Grit All Stars, and Les Ismore & The Goats.]

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Wednesday MidDay Medley – Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
TEN to NOON Wednesdays on 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio,
Streams Live + (2-week) Archives at KKFI.org

This is our celebration of the year in music based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. In 2024 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 120 interviews with 152 special guests.

On Wednesday, November 27, Bill Brownlee, creator of the blogs: There Stands The Glass, & Plastic Sax, Judy Mills, owner of Mills Record Company, Chris Haghirian, host of 8160 on 90.9 The Bridge, and Fally Afani – Founder & Editor of I Heart Local Music will share their Favorite Musical Releases of 2024.

In 2 weeks we begin WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. Tune into WMM thru Dec. for our 4-week series on Dec. 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th. This is our celebration of the year in music based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. In 2024 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 120 interviews with 152 special guests.

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