Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Michelle Bacon’s Favorite Releases of 2025 +
Wednesday MidDay Medley’s Favorite 15 Singles of 2025
10:00 – Top 15 of WMM’s Favorite 50 Singles of 2025.
In our first hour we count down WMM’s Favorite 15 Singles of 2025. In 2025 there were over 1675 local releases in Albums, EPs, & Singles…that we know of. Every week we have culled from these releases to bring you our show that features New & MidCoastal Release. Artists that live here in the MidCoastal area. 2025 was a year loaded with over hundreds of single releases. The tracks we are featuring today are WMM’s Top 15 of our 50 Favorite Singles of 2025. Our complete list can be found at http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org
- “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM’s theme]
- (#15.) Marmoppes – “4×10 = 75″
from: “4×10 = 75” – single / Big Nip Records / June 25, 2025
[The band premiered this single when they played live on our show on June 25, 2025. Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released six new singles. “Lightbulb” on October 1, 2025 / “4×10” = 75 – June 25, 2025 / “Nos” – March 23, 2025 (Big Nip Records) / “Gyatt Time” – Sept. 20, 2024 / “Yr Chemical” – April 28, 2024 / “Butterfly” – March 17, 2024 / “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” – September 5, 2023. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. // Simon Huntley is a British-American musician, percussionist, producer, composer and visual artist combining classical sentiments with new world rebellion. Growing up in France then relocating in 2011, Simon now divides his time between the United States and France, investigating and collaborating with the world’s best talent including: QUIXOTIC, A$AP Rocky, Mireya Ramos, Tech9, Making Movies, Calvin Arsenia, Mike Dillon + Nikki Glaspie, Chipotle, Hilton Hotels, Qatar Airways, and many more. Preformed in venues such as: Red Rocks Amphitheater—Colorado / The MGM Grand—Las Vegas / Faena Hotel—Miami / T-Mobile Arena. // And events such as: Invision Festival—Costa Rica / Alaska World Arts Festival—Alaska / Fringe Festival—Edinburgh / Live At Heart—Sweden / Wanderlust—Canada + California // As well as festivals, PACs, Live TV and Radio. // J Ashley Miller is a recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Foundation Generative Performing Artist Award. He’s a self-taught musician & composer. For nearly 20 years he has worked as Composer / Producer/ Recording Engineer / Founder of The Infoaming Vertex in Kansas City, Missouri, a recording studio which he built in 2006. For the last 12 years he has produced, engineered and mixed nearly 100 full length albums and countless smaller projects for both local and international artists including Calvin Arsenia and SSION // With SSION he co-wrote and produced 2 full length albums. The videos were always a central focus for the project, and he fine tuned his ability to work with a director and bring about a coherent final product. // He founded the musical entities Metatone and Jametatone with multiple released from 2013 through 2022. // He once told an art writer that his training was “tens of thousands of hours on computers and playing in bands”, as well as a conductor, music director, producer, performance artist, filmmaker, and recording engineer (among other interests). “I got into all of this by shooting live music films and really tailoring compositions to our filming locations,” Miller said, citing site-specific performances at La Esquina, Oppenstein Park, and Turkey Creek. Filmed and recorded onsite, in one take (multi-camera, multi-track), the final product of these shows was the resulting film or album. // Miller founded the performance group Quadrigarum for site-specific projects and to showcase the chariot instruments he designed, using wheel-mounted guitar picks and an amplified single-stringed guitar on a wooden frame. Chariots are a core element of the Atemporchestra, an ensemble of eclectic instrumentation (including pan flutes, vibraphone, drums, horns, computers, and keyboards, for starters) that he originally put together from the TEDxKC show. // Alyssa Murray recently released her album ‘SCROLLIN’ in 2023. that called “a sonic kaleidoscope of synth-tastic beats and experimental delight. Written, performed, and produced by Alyssa Murray and mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab in Kansas City, MO. // Always feeling a strong pull towards songwriting, Alyssa studied piano, voice, and guitar in her teens deep diving into such influences as Fiona Apple and Stevie Wonder. Further pursuing her passion for jazz and improvisation, Alyssa moved to Kansas City to study jazz-piano at the UMKC Conservatory while immersing herself in the local music scene. Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella. // In addition to her solo performances, Alyssa Murray plays with Marmoppes. Alyssa Murray also plays in the trio, Easy Match with Claire Adams and Steve Gardels. // Ernest Melton is a saxophonist, composer, and band leader currently residing in Kansas City, Missouri by way of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He relocated to his mother’s hometown of Kansas City, Missouri at the age of ten where he picked up his first saxophone at Longfellow Academy of the Arts. Bored with the classical curriculum of the music department, Ernest studied more contemporary genres of music and the guitar until the age of fourteen when he joined his first jazz program through the American Jazz Museum of Kansas City. Playing mostly tenor sax by the age of fourteen, Ernest joined Lincoln High School jazz band and many other musical programs around the Greater Kansas City area. Naturally excelling, Melton left school at the age of sixteen to study music on his own. With kind neighbors and a supportive mother, Ernest was free to practice the saxophone, study albums, and write compositions at any hour of the day. It was during this time he found his first major influences in jazz like Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, and Pharoah Sanders. Pharoah’s polyphony were like echoes of Melton’s father, a Primitive Baptist preacher, and became a large influence of his playing. An avid composer as well, Ernest studied with tutors in classical orchestration, big band arranging, and Afro-Cuban drumming. He cites Charles Mingus, Igor Stravinsky, and Wayne Shorter as his favorite all around composers and still tries to implement their techniques in his music today. After being accepted into Berklee College of Music he decided not to attend and began his career playing music in bands of every genre around the Greater Kansas City area. In 2018 Ernest release his first full length album entitled, “The Time Of The Slave Is Over”, which received raved reviews at home and abroad by media such as Plastic Sax, Quest TV, and JAZIZZ to name a few. Ernest Melton has played all over the country and plans to continue to travel abroad. // Ernest Melton released the single “Waves” on April 21, 2025. He released the single, “Sonnet for Sanity”on December 18, 2020 and the single, “Chronicles of Conception” on April 21, 2020, and “Narrative for Natives” on March 9, 2020. Ernest Melton released the album “The Standard Imperfections” on September 1, 2019. Ernest Melton is also featured on the BodaciousThang singles, “Drank!” on August 7, 2019 and “Say Hi” released Sept. 2, 2020 on Juicy Burrito Records. //More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes%5D
3.(#14.) Jocelyn Nixon – “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!”
from: “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!”-Single / Supe Brill Records / May 2, 2025
[Jocelyn Olivia Nixon is lead singer of the band The Creepy Jungles. Jocelyn told Nick Spacek of The Pitch, “that the songs she presents to her bandmates in The Jingles’ songs are poppier stuff, typically, while solo songs are more folky, mellow, weird, and lyrical. Solo work also gives her the opportunity to work with others outside the group. As Nixon explains, “It’s basically a tongue-in-cheek song making fun of hard right conservatives and social cliques who think only their way is ‘right.’” She said, “I felt like I needed something where I can be a bit more vulnerable and naked, I suppose,” the musician says. “I think because Jingles do rock n roll pop songs well, I think I’m kinda boxed in as an artist and singer. This is my way of saying I have many sides to myself as an individual and as an artist, and I can forge my own path and defy expectations.” Jocelyn Nixon’s next single, “Real Deal,” is due later this summer . // The Creepy Jingles released a series of 4 new singles in 2024 including “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. 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. ]
- (#13.) LyMerrick – “Medicine”
from: “Medicine” – Single / LyMerrick / October 3, 2025
[LyMerrick is a solo artist and lead singer of Supermoto. LyMerrick released the singles: “Broadway” with Ikey Suave feat. TOP MEECH; Ephemeral”- EP on October 1, 2024; Singles: “Lost and Sedated” on March 26, 2024; “Runaway” on August 24, 2020; “Look at You (feat. Sleepwalker) on May 13, 2020; “Early Days” on March 7, 2020; “Reminiscing to the Future” on April 5, 2019; “Lay Me Down” on February 8, 2018; “Moves (feat. Latenitee)” on January 31, 2019; “First Thing (feat. Latenitee)”; “Queen” on December 15, 2018; “Baggage” on December 9, 2018; “Pipe Down” on September 5, 2018; “Not Another Love Song” on June 27, 2018; and “Not Good Enough” on May 17, 2018. // LyMerrick is also lead singer of Supermoto who released ther self titled debut album, Supermoto /through Manor Records on September 30, 2024. Hailing from Kansas City, this 5-piece group started meeting in the pre covid winter of 2020. April of 2021 they released their first two songs “Moonlight” & “Polarized” which led to a run of energetic & successful live performances – all the while building up many catchy originals drawing on their inspirations of jazz, funk, r&b, city pop and disco. ]
- (#12.) Run With It – “X2myY”
from: “X2myY” – Single / Run With It / November 12, 2025
[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 // Run With It is on a new path dropping one new song a month and are fully self-producing as well. in October they released the single, “Darkest Days.” // In 2024 Run With It released their the singles: “Ghost Like You” on September 13, 2024; “Nightwatch” on August 21, 2024; and “It’s Not Over (feat. The Royal Chief) on April 10, 2024. // The band has always been known for their energetic live shows, leaving it all on the stage, and working their musical assets to make their audiences happy. The band has toured extensively. 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. Daniel Cole was born April 8, 1991 and graduated from Lee’s Summit West HS in 2009. Paul Seiz Paul graduated from Millikin University with a degree in Commercial Music and began his professional career as the Resident Music Director of Playhouse On The Square, a professional theater in Memphis, TN. Paul has been the regional entertainment director for Howl At The Moon for nearly eight years. And also plays with Songwheels and works as a DJ. Paul lives in Overland Park KS and has three kids. Cody Ryan Stapleton lives in KCK he has played with several bands including The Dear Misses. Matt Muckenthaler studied at Missouri Western State University and has played in several bands. // Run With it were last on WMM on February 12, 2025 and October 23, 2024, before that is was nearly eight years ago on March 22, 2017 when the band was aa three-piece with Miguel Caraballo on lead vocals & guitar, Daniel Cole on Drums, and Ben Byard on bass & vocals. promoting their EP How To Start A Fire release March 24, 201, recorded with producer Josh Gleave. // http://www.runwithitband.com]
- (#11.) Stephonne – “Worship at the Chappell”
from: “Worship at the Chappell” – Single / Glory Blue Music / August 15, 2025
[Co-written with Shawn M. Stewart and produced with Patrick Meagher, the song is a declaration of power, pleasure, and pride—a sonic celebration of being fully and freely oneself. “Worship at the Chappell” is a bold, genre-bending anthem from Kansas City artist Stephonne—an electrifying fusion of disco, pop, and gospel spirit. Inspired by fellow Missouri native Chappell Roan, the track transforms the dance floor into a sanctuary for queer joy, spiritual liberation, and unapologetic self-love. With soaring vocals, provocative lyrics, and infectious grooves, Stephonne delivers a soulful sermon for the marginalized. // 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. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. // Stephonne is an Alternative/Genrequeer singer-songwriter, cultural producer, and generative performing artist from Kansas City, MO. They synthesize music, written/spoken word, performance and visual art/media into an inimitable art. They share their struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through multidisciplinary performance and have sent audiences on visceral and experiential journeys through a multitude of music and video releases since 2015. Bold new 2025 singles and videos continue to push boundaries! New experiences, both sonic and visual, await us from the upcoming sophomore LP, STEPHONNE. // Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. Stephonne released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne released the single “I think its Gonna Be Alright” I April 2025. Stephonne released the single, Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) on May 21, 2025. // Stephonne was on WMMon Sept 10, 2025 before his run in RENT playing Angel for Music Theatre Heritage. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]
- (#10.) Keo & Them – “Eyesore”
from: “Eyesore” – Single / Midtopia / March 14, 2025
[The new single marks a sonic departure from previous Keo & Them releases, something bandleader Keo notes is by design and a welcome change from previous material from the group. // Keo & Them released their single “Fire”on 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.]
- (#9.) They’re Theirs – “Midland Empire”
from: “Midland Empire” – Single / Chase The Horseman / February 18, 2025
[As a live band They’re Theirs consists of Chase Horseman on vocals and guitars, Sky Cowdry on bass and Ian Dobyns on drums. // “Midland Empire” was produced by They’re Theirs, engineered by Ian Dobyns, mixed by Ian Dobyns Chase Horseman and Sky Cowdry. Mastered by Justin Perkins/Mystery Room Mastering. Recorded at Element Recording. // Chase The Horseman released the single “Silver Liner” on October 25, 2024. 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 has composed music for over 40 films and as musician and producer collaborated with Clairaudients, Teri Quinn, Heidi Lynne Gluck, KD Kuro, The Roseline, Nan Turner and more. Chase The Horseman film composer, band leader, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. // On April 2, 2024 Chase released the 22 track Original Sound Track for Headcount, a feature film from the Burghart Brothers, produced by Continuance Pictures, Method 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 all performed by Chase Horseman. Recorded at Element Recording Studios and Winky World. Mixed by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Joel Nanos. // On May 1, 2020. // 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 Bowley 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 the Chase Horseman single were be donated directly to service industry workers in Kansas City and Midwest Music Foundation on a 50/50 basis. // Chase The 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 info at: http://www.chasethehorseman.bandcamp.com.] [They’re Theirs played the Play Loud Fest Thurs, Sept. 25 for the Pre-Party on the recordBar Main Stage with Post Sex Nachos, and Malek Azrael & The Vibes at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]
10:27 – Underwriting
- (#8.) Lava Dreams – “Thirsty”
from: “Thirsty” – Single / Lava Dreams / September 12, 2025
[Written by Lava Dreams and Spencer Hoad and produced by Spencer Hoad. Lava Dreams (she/they) is 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 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. 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. Lava Dreams released the single, “Thrill Ride” on July 1, 2022. Lava Dreams released the single “Driver” on May 24, 2024. Lava Dreams released the single “Your Warrior” on August 9, 2024. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Lava Dreams (Julia Hamilton) is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University. More Info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com] [Lava Dreams played Apocalypse Meow 18, Saturday, November 1, at recordBar, with: Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream.]
- (#7.) The Whips – “Together in Agony”
from: “Together in Agony”- Single / Midtopia Records / November 14, 2025
[From Music-News.com: Kansas City-based rock band The Whips – featuring singer-keyboardist Max Cooper (fresh from a four-chair turn on NBC’s The Voice and a spot on Team Michael Bublé), guitarist and co-vocalist Max Indiveri, bassist Quinn Cosgrove, and drummer Miles Patterson – return with “Together in Agony,” out now. The single previews a new slate of material the band will roll out with Wichita’s independent label Midtopia early next year. // Written by Indiveri and recorded in the band’s 10×10 bedroom studio, “Together in Agony” lives in the tension between comfort and self-respect – “the kind of relationship you know is breaking,” he says, “but you’re still in it because you’re scared to start over.” The track builds from quiet reflection to a cathartic climax, mirroring that internal tug-of-war. It’s an early glimpse of a band coming into its voice, unafraid to sit in the feeling and let the lyric breathe.If you know The Whips from the internet, that tracks. Early on, they were the kids ripping through call-and-response solo battles and left-turn funk covers that exploded on TikTok and Instagram. One clip meant for friends woke up to a million views; another hit five million. What started as a handful of posts between college classes turned into a full-blown community of fans who connected with the band’s mix of humor, skill, and heart. The growth was real, but so was the risk of being seen as “the TikTok band.” They leaned into what felt authentic instead – community, curiosity, and the joy of playing without pretense. Those same fans now show up in person, singing along and hanging after shows like it’s a reunion with old friends. // The group’s story goes back to a Kansas City school bus, where Cosgrove and Patterson decided to start a band. Indiveri joined with a songwriter’s ear and a sharp melodic sensibility, and an Instagram search led to Cooper, whose recent Voice run (four chairs, Team Michael Bublé) has given the band an extra spotlight without shifting its center of gravity. Through it all, The Whips have remained what they were from the start – four friends figuring life out in real time and writing songs that capture the process. // “Together in Agony” marks the start of a new chapter for The Whips – one defined by honesty, self-production, and a growing sense of creative independence. The band plans to release more music with Midtopia early next year as part of a slate of projects highlighting emerging Midwestern artists under the label’s Buy Before You Stream initiative, which gives fans a physical connection to new music before it hits streaming platforms.// The Whips released their 12 track debut album HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE on Lotuspool Records on September 1, 2023, Recorded with Audio Engineer Chris Cosgrove. the album features an array of their favorite local musicians guest in various tracks including: Malek Azrael, Anna Duntz, Atomic Blonde, Die Jane, Tre’ Mutava, Lymerrick & Lucy Brock. // The Whips released their EP STARDUST & MOTOR OIL on Midtopia Records on August 2, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. The Whips released their single, “Begin Again”on February 2, 2024. The Whips released their single, “As Long As You Want Me” on March 8, 2024. The Whips released their 6-track Debut EP, NEVER CHANGE, OR DO on August 20, 2021 on Draft Crew Records. The Whips released multiple singles in 2021. // More info at: ww.thewhipsband.com]
- (#6.) Lucy Gray – “Purple Skies”
from: “Purple Skies” – Single / Lucy Gray / July 25, 2025
[Music & Lyrics by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Vocals, Ukulele by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Bass, Guitar & keyboards by Gregory Gagnon. // Lucy Gray released the single “Sixteen and Happy” on May 24, 2024. Produced by Gregory Gagnon- ShapeNote Studios & Robert Rebeck- Westend Recording Studios (Kansas City, MO). 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! ]
- (#5.) Shy Boys – “Upperclassmen”
from: “Upperclassmen” – Single / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 16, 2025
[Written by Collin Rausch. Engineered by Ross Brown. Mixed by Ross Brown. Mastered by Mike Nolte
Recorded in Kansas City, KS.With additional vocals by Sadie Rausch. From Polyvinyl Record Co. “The energetic single, “Upperclassmen,” is a freewheeling anthem for the underdog that rides high upon bright jangle-pop verses, and charming vocal harmonies led by the commanding falsetto of singer / guitarist Collin Rausch. // Capturing Shy Boys’ ever so gentle punk proclivities, “Upperclassmen” is charged with nimble guitars that evoke the early 80s spirit of South Bay SST bands like Minutemen and Descendents. // Meanwhile, Kansas City artist Diyana Shipp’s beautifully detailed cover illustration of two leaping ‘letter-jacket jocks’ (who will undoubtedly “kick your ass”) calls to mind the iconic pen and ink contrast work of Raymond Pettibon. // Saved by the bell, yet again, “Upperclassmen” gets in and out quicker than you can make it to homeroom. “ // Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Members of Shy Boys represent the bands: The ACBs, Ghosty, The I’ms, Fullbloods , and Koney. The group formed shortly after Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin became roommates in 2012. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. Soon the band became a 5-piece. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014 the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Co. Shy Boys release Bell House on Polyvinyl Records on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys released their third album Talk Loud on Polyvinyl Record Co. on September 25, 2020. More info at: http://www.shyboys.com]
- (#4.) REVISER – “DEAD EYES”
from: “DEAD EYES” – Single / REVISER / October 16, 2025
[“DEAD EYES” is Goth-Pop. A musical bit of sour bubblegum in the vein of the poppier side of The Cure, with guitars at the forefront spilling melancholy melodies that chime and angle around a dancey drum machine, a catchy bass-line, and moody organs for good measure. Lyrically, “DEAD EYES” is an anti-love-letter, a tale of a long-suffering narrator realizing the mistreatment they’ve endured as a result of their abuser’s lack of a soul…// Calling to mind classic 80’s bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, and Tones on Tail, REVISER sounds complimentary to such contemporaries as Actors, House of Harm, and Traitrs. REVISER collects and redirects its familiar influences into something both familiar and foreign, a sound that is dark, deep, and danceable. // REVISER is: Dedric Moore on keyboards and Krysztof Nemeth on vocals and baritone guitar, and Dawn Don (of The Bad Ideas) singing with Krysztof. This is the 5th single from REVISER who released”CELESTINE” on February 28, 2025, “DARKSIDERS” on October 18, 2024, and “ASSASINS” and “BURN IT OUT” on March 15, 2024. REVISOR is a continuation of the musical collaboration from Static Phantoms, Religion of Heartbreak (with Mikal Shapiro) and Monta At Odds.] [Re:vis:er opened for Lene Lovich, the Post-Punk/New Wave icon who could count John Lennon and Frank Zappa among her fans, is set to return to the US for the first time in 18 years with a show at recordBar, 1510 Grand Blvd KCMO., next week on Wednesday, November 5, 2025]
- (#3.) Ivory Blue – “Echo”
from: “Echo” – Single / IVORY BLUE / September 5, 2025
[What IVORY BLUE says: “Echo” is about the energy in the world and how we get back what we put into it. The theme came to me when I was in the hospital, listening to stories from all kinds of people who were there. Our situations were different, but we were part of the same community striving for the love and connection we all deserve. I wanted this song to capture the echoes of our actions, our struggles, and our hopes all returning to use like a gift from above.” // Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Mirrors” on August 1, 2025. //IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 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, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 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. // 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’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 when 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 with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at 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. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // 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. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]
- (#2.) Various Blonde – “Silent Partner”
from: “Silent Partner” – Single / Various Blonde / April 11, 2025
[One of three new singles released in the last few months from Various Blonde. “Couldn’t Love Me” was released March 7, 2025, “RAW”was released January 10, 2025. // Various Blonde released the 10-track album, Love Is How We Will Survive on September 1, 2023. That album contained 4 singles released over two years from 2022 to 2023. Various Blonde is a Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Love is How We Survive.” On August 19, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Obtuse”. On June 9, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Too Many Secrets.” On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. “More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
16 (#1.) Kemet Coleman –”Stay In Your Lane (feat. Marcus Lewis Big Band, Kadesh Flow & Kimology) [Down Home Version]
from: Stay In Your Lane (feat. Marcus Lewis Big Band, Kadesh Flow & Kimology) [Down Home Version] –Single / Kemet Creative (Vine Street Records) / October 24, 2025
[Nearly a decade after “Get Out” helped launch KC’s streetcar, Kemet Coleman returns with “Stay In Yo Lane”—the bold, brass-fueled anthem for KC’s $600M Main Street Extension. // The KC Streetcar teamed up local musician, artist and business owner, Kemet Coleman, to create an original song and music video to celebrate the opening of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension. // The original song and video, “Stay in Your Lane,” premiered during the KC Streetcar Main Street Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, October 24, at the Plaza Transit Stop. Later that same day, Kemet Coleman performed the song live for the first time at the Community Celebration at the UMKC Streetcar Stop. The high-energy performance capped off a full day of festivities marking the 3.5-mile extension of the streetcar route from downtown Kansas City to UMKC. // The track features an all-star lineup of Kansas City talent, including Brass & Boujee (Marcus Lewis Big Band), vocals by Kadesh Flow (Ryan Davis) and Kimology (Kim Newsome), with Grammy-nominated producer Dominique Sanders on bass and Robert Tribbett III on keys and organ. Coleman served as executive producer of the project. // The music video, filmed by Sensei Brands, showcases Kansas City’s culture, landmarks, and community — from the heart of downtown to UMKC — celebrating the people who make the city move. Both the song and video were officially released on October 24 in conjunction with the Main Street Extension grand opening. // 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 Street” 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; Kimology 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]
10:59:37 – Station ID
You just heard the Top 15 of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2025. For the complete list check http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2024.
NEXT WEEK we begin our 4-week, annual special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2025. Our celebration of the music of 2025 based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. Tune in December 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. Eight hours packed full of 120 musical recordings representing outstanding albums and EP released from Kansas City and the world. In 2025 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 175 interviews with 159 special guests.
11:00 – Michelle Bacon’s Favorite Musical Recordings of 2025.
Michelle Bacon is Content Manager at90.9 The Bridge, where she shines a light on musicians & events. Michelle has written for KC Options Magazine, The KC Star, Deli Magazine, andFolk Alliance Int. Her stories and interviews on area and national musical acts help define the musical community of Kansas City. Michelle plays drums in the band Frogpond, and plays bass & drums in many other bands. Michelle is also the leader of The Band That Fell To Earth who will be celebrating the music of David Bowie with a “Super Group” of KC’s finest musicians organized and led by Michelle for two weekends in January – January 16 & 17. and 23 & 24 at recordBar. Michelle shares her Favorite Musical Recordings of 2025.
Michelle Bacon, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
In 2025 there were over 1675 local releases in Albums, EPs, & Singles…that we know of.
- (#10.) Julia Haile – “You Weren’t Around”
from: EP / Julia Haile / October 31, 2025
[New 7-track recording collection of Julia’s most recent songs. On November 5 we played “Keep It Comin’” a track that offered a mini reunion with Julia’s former band mate Les Izmore from the KC super-group The Buhs. Julia Haile on vocals; Tim Braun on guitar & bass; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Chase Horseman on keyboards, & synthesizers. // Julia Haile is an Indie Soul singer-songwriter with a voice that balances power and elegance. Her music pairs sweet and stirring vocals with driving guitar and funky beats, taking the listener on a genre-mixing journey of conscious baring offerings. Julia has carved out a unique sound that blends elements of Jazz, R&B, Pop and Rock. Along with musical partner Tim Braun, the pair have crafted songs with rich melodies and authentic storytelling, reflecting themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience. // Drawing inspiration from classic greats like Ella Fitzgerald all the way to the modern sounds of Erykah Badu and H.E.R, Julia continues to create music that marries instinct and raw ability. Her single Up Late is a Disco and Soul soaked party with heavy, dance inspiring guitar. Set Out begs you to leave behind what you know and venture into new depths. Each a view into the singer’s perspective on living life in this evolving day and age. // Haile studied Vocal Performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. // She has been a featured artist in bands such The Buhs and Hi-Lux. She has collaborated with musicians around the country and world. // Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group aims to create music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). but also claims a spotlight of its own in the musical world. Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b/w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. The band brings together elements of soul, reggae and funk for a unique and dance inspiring sound. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]
- (#9.) Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Not Easy To Do”
from: Fumbling / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / March 21, 2025
[Fumbling by Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is the artist’s 8th full length release of original music. Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews. Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo. Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys. Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle. Joy Zimmerman: vocals. Marco Pascolini: pedal steel. Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Aryana Nemati: flute. Laurel Parks: violin. Sascha Groschang: cello. Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
- (#8.) Claire Adams – “Passenger Seat”
from: Passenger Seat / Claire Adams / May 2, 2025
[New 11-track album Recorded at Rio Verde in Guadalajara, Jalisco with Additional recording at Maniax Studios GDL and Weights + Measures KCMO. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures. Claire Adams on bass, rhythm guitar, vocals; Abraham Villaseñor on lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals; Jean Pierre Chaurand on drums; Christian Jiménez on keyboards; Carmen Aguilar on violin; Allysa Bell Jackson on viola; Mike Stover on pedal steel, Juan Carlos Chaurand on percussion; Stephanie Williams on percussion. // Claire Adams lives in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico but still gets back to Kansas City often to work on musical projects and see family and friends. // Musically curious and multifaceted, Claire Adams has spent more than a decade touring, recording and songwriting to hone her melodic instincts and vision. A bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Adams has lent a discerning ear and versatility to a number of projects. // Picking up guitar as a teenager, Adams was immediately drawn to songwriting. Her penchant for wordplay and melody led her to Nashville to study, write and perform, sparking an interest in traveling, touring and working in collaborative environments. // Upon returning closer to home in 2010, Adams set up shop in Kansas City, Missouri, and Claire founded the eight-piece genre-jumping collective Claire and the Crowded Stage – a project that united her pop sensibilities with non-traditional instrumentation. This project teamed her up with guitarist Katy Guillen and drummer Stephanie Williams, leading them to form the nationally touring blues-rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls in 2012, with Adams on bass and backing vocals. In recent years Adams has been performing solo, collaborating with the KC based string quartet Rewound, pianist Alyssa Murray, Steve Gardels. // On April 2, 2024 Claiere Adams released the EP Words of Love with Claire Adams on vocals, bass; Daniel Dissmore on trumpet; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Jackie Myers on piano; Trevor Turla on trombone; Abraham Villaseñor on guitar. // Recorded, mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, KCMO. Additional recording by Odin Parada at Rec4 Studios, GDL. // Musically curious and multifaceted, Claire Adams is dedicated to collaborating, recording and songwriting to hone her melodic instincts and vision. A bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Adams has lent a discerning ear and versatility to a number of projects. Claire founded the eight-piece genre-jumping collective Claire and the Crowded Stage – a project that united her pop sensibilities with non-traditional instrumentation. This project teamed her up with guitarist Katy Guillen and drummer Stephanie Williams, leading them to form the nationally touring blues-rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls in 2012, with Adams on bass and backing vocals. In recent years Adams has been performing solo, collaborating with the KC based string quartet Rewound, and in a trio featuring pianist Alyssa Murray. // Claire Adams Alyssa Murray and Steve Gardels released the EP Easy Match on November 1, 2023. Easy Match contains 5 songs. // Claire Adams released “It’s All in Fun” – Single on June 30, 2023. Claire Adams told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge, “”I wrote the string arrangement in the summer of 2021 and we went in to record it this past spring,” Adams said. “I’ve had the happiness of working with Alyssa Bell (viola) and Carmen Dieker (violin) for several years now, mostly playing my songs as arranged by others and I wanted to give a try to arranging a song myself.” “I feel like having an understanding of everyone else’s styles and strengths gives me a sense of direction and focus on what can otherwise be a really abstract craft,” she said. On bass, she, Guillen and Williams comprised the acclaimed trio Katy Guillen & The Girls for seven years, while she has consistently been working with Murray in the years to follow. The four of them got to work with Duane Trower, who has recorded and engineered the majority of Adams‘ solo songs. // Claire Adams released “If It Isn’t Right (Alyssa Murray Remix)” on April 15, 2022 Claire Adams wrote to us saying, “Alyssa Murray made a super cool remix of one of the songs off the last album and I wanted to share it with you. The song is ‘If It Isn’t Right’ and also features the Rewound string trio and an arrangement by Peter Lawless. Alyssa really made it her own and gave it a whole new spin, she’s amazing!” Here are the full credits: Vocals: Claire Adams, Alyssa Murray, Fritz Hutchison. Synths and Beats: Alyssa Murray. Cello: Ezgi Karakus. Viola: Alyssa Bell. Violin: Carmen Dieker. String Arrangement: Peter Lawless. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures Soundlab. Cover Art by Cassie Allen. ‘If It Isn’t Right’ written by Claire Adams. This song was originally on Claire’s acclaimed album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU originally released April 24, 2020. // Claire Adams released her album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU April 24, 2020. Lost in the COVID 19 of 2020. The album was properly given a “release show” and put out on CD in 2021. 10 songs all written by Claire Adams. Recorded at The Blue House in Kansas City, MO. Additional tracking at MARZ Studios in Nederland, TX. Mixed & mastered at Weights + Measures Soundlab in KCMO. Written by Claire Adams, with Claire Adams on guitars, bass, and vocals; Alyssa Murray on keyboards & vocals; and Fritz Hutchison on drums & vocals. // Claire Adams released: Words of Love EP on Feb. 5, 2021 – Recorded and Produced by Claire Adams at Casa 34 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures in Kansas City, MO. Cover Photo by Hugo Parasol. ‘So This Is Love’ written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. ‘Pocketful Of Rainbows’ written by Ben Weisman, ‘Till There Was You’ written by Meredith Wilson. “Words of Love” written by Claire Adams. ‘Calico Skies’ written by Paul McCartney. // Claire Adams released the EP Moras under the moniker, Mismo Sismo (same earthquake) on July 21, 2021. Claire Adams wrote and recorded this EP at home during the first months of the COVID-19 quarantine. The three songs are meant to be played all together but also stand alone. Mismo Sismo is a collaboration with photographer Hugo Parasol.// Claire played guitar on True Lions album THE FEMPIRE STRIKES BACK. In 2020 Clairplayed with the band Ondist for their three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on Aug. 14, and Mise en Place on Nov. 13, 2020 with songs recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals. Claire also participated in Katy Guillen and The Girls Reunion shows in summer of 20. More info at: https://claireadams.bandcamp.com%5D [Claire Adams plays BB’s Lawnside BBQ, on Friday, December 12 with Mike Stover, Michelle Bacon and Alyssa Murray.]
- (#7.) TheBabeGabe X The Human – “Futuristic Lovers”
from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025 (HONEYPOP RELOADED Aug. 8, 2025)
[Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on Sept. 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track 7th studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on Oct. 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On Oct. 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. KC is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.”]
- (#6.) HAILES – “Angels”
from: FIVE (EP) / Magic Mango Music / September 29, 2025
[Debut EP from KC based R&B artist HAILES. After graduating from Blue Valley West High School and briefly attending college, Hailes spent two years in the U.S. tour of The Wizard of Oz before moving to New York in 2017 to continue her acting career. COVID-19 shut down theatre and HAILES turned her energies toward writing music. When Broadway came back to life, HAILES returned to theatre and joined the Hadestown Broadway Tour for three years. While on tour Hailes continued writing music. // The music on her debut EP FIVE came from her time attending a writing camp in Austin, Texas. // HAILES told Cameron Castaldi of KJHK “On the road, I always had my recording equipment, so in every hotel that we got to, I would set up my little studio and write sporadically throughout the week.” // After living in New York City for the last seven years, R&B artist, songwriter, and actress Hailes is back home in Kansas City. She had her first concert in Kansas City on August 5, 2025 at The Blue Room. / More info at:www.hailes.komi.io/.]
11:27 – Underwriting
- (#5.) Liney Blu – “If I Were A Cowboy”
from: Scout / Liney Blu / October 24, 2025
[Kansas City singer songwriter Liney Blu writes from a unique place of personal experience and identity. They vividly show us how vulnerability is strength and require us to see love, frustration, disappointment and humor through lenses we may not have considered. Every song finds Liney passionately and sometimes bravely exploring a broader, more inclusive understanding of the human experience while letting us into some sacred personal spaces to do so. And while many listeners are just finding Liney Blu, she set out on her path as a songwriter and artist as a teenager. // At age 17 as Caroline Blubaugh she released a first EP titled “Green” which featured the single “San Francisco” that quickly saw 185K Spotify streams. In 2023 as Liney Blu, came a 2nd EP, “Pennsylvania St.” with bandmates bassist Renee Huey and drummer Jones Goldman. “Pennsylvania St.” is an introspective, sometimes raw, indie pop rock/folk synthesis built on innovative arrangements relentlessly pushed along by Liney’s deep, resonant vocal, subtly insistent delivery and very personal passion. // New music building on the release of “Pennsylvania St.” is in the works. Liney Blu can be heard in venues around the Kansas City/Lawrence area with an expanded show schedule planned for 2024. More infoo at: http://www.lineyblu.com] [Liney Blu played an Album Release Show on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms, with Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, and Alex May & Friends.]
- (#4.) Big Fat Cow – “Yellow Belly Boy”
from: “Garbage In, Garbage Out / Big Fat Cow / September 26, 2025
[Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com][BIG FAT COW played a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade! Were on WMM on Sept. 10, 2025]
[Big Fat Cow play Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 7:00pm who along with Madisen Ward are opening for Me Like Bees.]
24. (#3.) The Freedom Affair – “Get My Share”
from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025
[Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar=, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio. // The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse. // Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.]
25. (#2.) Kat King – “I Might Like It”
from: Merry Go Rounds – EP / Kat King / September 12, 2025
[Kat King released the single “It’s In a Dream” on July 11, 2025. // Kat King released the single “Somersaults”on May 2, 2025. // Kat King released the single “I Might Like It” through Manor Records on February 28, 2025 / / Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. Produced by Isaac Flynn of Hembree. // Kat King released the EP Domestic Bliss on April 5, 2024. Domestic Bliss was in the Top 25 of WMM’s 129 Best Recordings of 2024. // On October 6, 2023 Kat King released the single. “Bight-Eyed.” // On June 16, 2024 Kat King released the single “Baby Talk.” // On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. // Kat King’s career started as far back as 2nd grade in small town Kansas. As a solo singer-songwriter act, she produced one 13-song album and three EP’s. Now based in Kansas City, Kat King graduated into a 5-piece indie-pop rock group who are gearing up for the release of their second EP together. Their infectious energy has landed them on some of KC’s biggest stages.]
- (#1) Snocaps – “Heathcliff”
from: Snocaps / Anti / October 31, 2025
[Snocaps is the debut full-length album from American indie rock band Snocaps, consisting of Katie and Allison Crutchfield, joined by multi-instrumentalist MJ Lenderman and producer Brad Cook. The album was surprise-released on October 31, 2025.[2][3] The album was named one of the “11 New Albums You Should Listen To Now” by Pitchfork upon its release. // The Snocaps project marks the first time the Crutchfield twins had recorded music together since the split of their previous band, PS Eliot. It also marks Allison Crutchfield’s first new music in seven years, following the release of the fourth Swearin’ album Fall Into the Sun in 2018. In a post to her Substack newsletter, Katie Crutchfield noted that she and Alison had initially broached the idea of a new project in 2023, prior to the release of the Waxahatchee album Tigers Blood. She wrote that the sisters were interested in “making something akin to what we made when we were younger” with “no ambitions and no plan, purely for our own enjoyment, for the experience of making something we ourselves wanted to hear.” The album was recorded with Cook and Lenderman over the course of a week, with Katie describing the experience as “realigning with the earliest, purest versions of our music-making selves”. // All tracks are written by Katie Crutchfield and Alison Crutchfield.]
- Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Michelle Bacon, is Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge, where she shines a light on musicians & events. Michelle has written for KC Options Magazine, The KC Star, Deli Magazine, and Folk Alliance Int. Her stories and interviews on area and national musical acts help define the musical community of Kansas City. Michelle plays drums in the band Frogpond, and plays bass & drums in many other bands. Michelle is also the leader of The Band That Fell To Earth who will present the 10th Annual multi-day Tribute to Davie Bowie in January at recordBar. Michelle is sharing her Favorite Recordings of 2025.
Michelle Bacon thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
NEXT WEEK on Wednesday, December 10 we begin the first week of our 4-week, annual special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2025. This is our celebration of the music of 2025 based on the playlists of this little ole radio show. Tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December for our 4-week series on December 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. Eight hours packed full of 120 musical recordings representing outstanding albums and EP released from Kansas City and the world. In 2025 we’ve played hundreds of New & MidCoastal Releases. We conducted over 175 interviews with 159 special guests.
The text in this playlist is a collage and “cut & paste” of information from artist’s websites, press releases, event info, wikipedia, social media pages, BandCamp, liner notes, and where noted.
You can find our playlists at: http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & http://www.kkfi.org
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
http://www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley
http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.
Thanks for listening
Show #1124
Wednesday MidDay Medley 