on the record
new years eve guide
she’s a keeper insider
u p t o w n t h e at e r
therecordkc.com JANUARY—FEBRUARY, 2013 1
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Photo illustration includes the microphone that sits on the piano in the living room of She’s a Keeper’s house.
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From a city rooted in music, comes a publication dedicated to just that:
the
Kansas city
record The Record is a local publication dedicated to music and musicians in Kansas City. Derived from the belief that music is innately communal, The Record seeks to bring together a community of music enthusiasts to tell their stories. From the residential to the road-warrior musicians, The Record exists to tell the story of struggle, success and celebration in music. To appropriately reflect the Kansas City music community, The Record relies on the benevolent contributions of those in the local industry. The publication welcomes the opportunity to tell your story. Everyone involved with The Record is working solely for the passion of this industry. We are a 100% voluntary staff.
o u r g r e e n i n i t i at i v e The Record is printed using soy-based ink that biodegrades quickly in landfills. The paper mill that we source our paper from is a member of the World Wildlife Fund’s Climate Savers program, committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Record intentionally prints slightly less than the market demands, in an effort to eliminate returned ‘waste’ papers. Additionally, we’ve adopted a bi-monthly print schedule to further reduce our environmental impact. Please refer to TheRecordKC.com for daily updates and monthly publishing.
Support Kansas City music. Advertise with The Record, advertising@therecordkc.com
therecordkc.com JANUARY—FEBRUARY, 2013 5
s ta f f A peak into our personalities, where we reveal our guilty music pleasures
N o e l R i va r d
jamie Housh
Danielle Self
j o n at h a n p e r e z
creative director
design editor
design editor
illustrator & designer
noelrivardesign.com
cargocollective.com/jamiehoush
cargocollective.com/daniself
cargocollective.com/jonperezdesign
Noel is a proud midwestern gal.
Jamie ends most of her days with a
Danielle has a serious reality TV
Jonathan is a creative goofball who
She likes Swiss modernism and
french silk pie blizzard with extra
addiction and enjoys playing with
enjoys long walks and tasty snacks.
chai with a shot of espresso.
pie pieces.
the puppies at Pet Land.
Randy Travis
Juicy J
Nickelback
Leonard Cohen
Sara minor
Rebecca roman
meagan edmondson
j e s s i c a j a n AS z
t r av i s r e a d
design editor
web developer
copy editor & journalist
photographer
photographer
behance.net/saraminor
@BeccaRoman
@mojomeg
@jessicajanasz
@djtravisread
Sara is slightly addicted to British
Rebecca is a print journalist turned
Journalist, Copy Editor and
A recent KU graduate with a
Travis is a Closing Coordinator by
entertainment (music, television,
online content producer/web de-
logophile. Her latest music kick
PhotoMedia degree, Jessica has a
day and photographer/DJ by night.
etc.). She also plays sousaphone—a
veloper. She likes listening to TED
includes The Lumineers, sprinkled
tendency to eat all things chocolate
He is too blessed to be depressed.
marching tuba.
talks, creating new Pandora stations,
with My Morning Jacket, though
and can’t imagine going a week
and dreams of meeting Clay Shirky.
she can never say no to The Doors.
without Mumford & Sons.
Alt-J
Garth Brooks
Ke$ha
Glee
Charlie Parker
special thanks to: Lori Novak, Nicholas Stahl, Jessica Casebier, Jessica Kenney, Sondra Freeman, Joel Nanos, Paul Johnson, Sherri Kober, Michelle Bacon, Margaret Duggan
Support Kansas City music. Advertise with The Record, advertising@therecordkc.com
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on the record // midwest musicians //
jan-feb 2013
w h at ’ s inside
09
local musicians // best of current music //
26
44
12
18
24
work it // music industry leaders //
venue spotlight // Uptown Theater //
new year’s eve guide // events schedule //
s p o t l i g h t / / S h e ’s a K e e p e r / /
E Q UIPMENT / / 1 0
radio columnists // 34
LOO K ING BAC K / / 5 4
BEEROLOGY / / 1 6
music guide // 42
BAC K PAGE BAC K STAGE / / 5 5
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MIDWEST MUSICIANS ANSWERING OUR Q UESTIONS
O N THE R E C O R D
Helen Proctor // Kansas City “In the future I hope to be involved in the music industry.”
photo provided by Helen Proctor
Freshman studying philosophy/sociology at UMKC
Favo r i t e l o c a l g r o u p
Mu s i c F e s t i va l o f c h o i c e
Clairaudients
SXSW
Favo r i t e nat i o na l m u s i c i an
In s t ru m en t o f c h o i c e
Led Zeppelin
Guitar, electric guitar
FavO R IT E g r o u p 2 y E A r s ag o
Favo r i t e l o c at i o n i n KC
Say Anything
Liberty Memorial, Westport Coffee House
N e x t favo r i t e g r o u p
favo r i t e Venue s
Rock and Roll
RecordBar, Czar Bar, Beaumont Club
E v en t s o f i n t ere s t
H ow yo u g e t yo ur m u s i c
Cherokee Rock Rifle
Bandcamp, soundcloud, last fm, facebook
The Riot Room // Jan. 28, 2012
What d o yo u wan t t o t e l l KC?
Z Z AJ n i g h t II Ramshackle Art Showcase
hosted by Palace Neapolitan FOKL // Jan. 21, 2013
There is tons of awesome music being made all around you and lots of killer shows. Support local music!
therecordkc.com JANUARY—FEBRUARY, 2013 9
Adam Stephens // Kansas City “I want to be in audio production- run my own studio, record and mix albums for artists.”
Freshman studying social science education at NMSU
Favo r i t e l o c a l g r o u p
Mu s i c F e s t i va l o f c h o i c e
Canyons, Regret the Informer, Oh Giant Man
SXSW, Cornerstone
Favo r i t e nat i o na l g r o u p
Drums – been playing nine years.
Portugal the Man
photo provided by Adam Stephens
Fav g r o u p 2 yr s ag o
i n s t ru m en t o f c h o i c e
Favo r i t e l o c at i o n i n KC
Molotov Solution
The Manheiman, The Plaza, Waterworks Frisbee Golf
N e x t favo r i t e g r o u p
H ow yo u g e t yo ur m u s i c
Creed
Vinyls, bandcamp
E v en t s o f i n t ere s t
What d o yo u wan t t o t e l l KC?
Arrowheads @ Art Closet
There’s so many ways to have a good time, you just need to find your own!
Jan. 22, 2013
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D J M - 2000
dream machine The newest mixer in the industry
P r o f e s s i o n a l P e r f o r m a n c e DJ M i x e r $2,500 Reminiscent of the JVC boombox craze of the 1980s, Pioneer’s DJM-2000 is the mecca of mixers. Featuring eight channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio onboard and an imbedded touchscreen, this digital DJ interface separates itself from all other mixers. •
4 channel performance mixer with built-in EFX section
•
Industry-first 5.8” full color multi-touch display
•
Pro DJ link that connects up to four CDJ-2000/900s
•
Highest Quality Sound
M i x e r L ay o u t The DJM-2000 inherits a larger footprint than its predecessors to accommodate a sectioned layout of features as well as cosmetically match the latest Pioneer CDJ series of digital media players. On the top center section of the mixer resides its EFX capabilities to give DJs a bounty of digital effects. Located on each side of the middle section is its audio mixing controls for connection of up to four digital or USB sources. Across the middle section, Pioneer added new INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) functions which allow DJs to further alter and create more sound effects. And, at the bottom center of the mixer is a large LCD touch display that provides DJs a window for remixing beats and adding effects with the ease of a simple touch of the screen. Compatible with any player in the market, the DJM-2000 is marked to be the pinnacle of mixers with technological advances that include the industry’s first 5.8-inch multi-touch screen effects, Evolved Beat Effects and Pro DJ Link. Source: Pioneer Electronics
SPECIFICATIONS : Number of channels: audio x4, mic x1 Power requirements: ac 120v, 60hz Power consumption: 42 w Weight: 18.7Lbs Dimensions: 16.9in(w) x 16.1in(d) x 4.3in(h)
Headroom: 19db Sampling rate: 96khz A/D, D/A converter: 24bit, 32bit Frequency response: 20hz to 20khz Total harmonic distortion: 0.004% or less
Signal-to-noise ratio: 107 db (line) Input terminals Cd / line x 6 (rca) Phono x 2 (rca) Digital in x 4 (rca)
photos provided by pioneerelectronics.com and canuckaudiomart.com
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tuning pegs peg box nut
neck fingerboard strings
upper bout
“C” bouts f holes bridge
sound post (inside)
fine tuners ta i l p i e c e
end pin ( ta i l s p i k e )
cello
instrument insight
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B EDTI M E F O R B O N Z O She’s a Keeper is not a band that is easily defined. When asked, the band responded with a jumble of what came together as alternative/singer-songwriter filtered with nontraditional folk Americana vibe with a hint of Irish influence. “I wish we never had to define our genre. I don’t think we ever set out to be a certain way,” said guitarist/vocalist, Zac Jurden. “Whatever comes out, we create as a band.” Because this band exhibits the many sounds that spread across the spectrum of varying musical genres, they are often questioned on what musical niche they belong to. “Music is so subjective, “ said, percussionist etc., Fritz Hutchison. “[The question of our genre] is one we shouldn’t have to answer. That is for the listener to determine.” She’s a Keeper, whose use of instruments like the banjo and the cello, are often compared to the likes of Mumford & Sons. Though Jurden expressed that he doesn’t think they sound like Mumford & Sons, he believes that if you like Mumford then you are sure to like their music as well.
SHE ’ S A K EEPER Meagan Edmondson
therecordkc.com JANUARY—FEBRUARY, 2013 1 3
They all bring some sort of twist to the stage. Colin Nelson, guitarist/banjoist/vocalist, brings an Irish flair to the group, representing his mother’s roots. Fritz adds the “improvisational elements of jazz and the poetic awesomeness of pop music,” while Zac leads the folk vocals and male harmonies with the others. Elliot Phillips’ bass guitar contributions were “just something that needed to happen.” Kate Sopcich, cellist/pianist, ties everything together with her “flowy string elements,” and as Zac states, they all come together to fill the gaps. The band is truly a collaborative effort, providing helpful and constructive feedback to each other. They see themselves more as a support system. “I’m so glad I’m not up there by myself,” said Jurden, “I need these people around me.” In She’s a Keeper, most members of the band are lyricists as well. To Colin, the most important part about it all is to be able to express themselves. “It’s a whole different place that I can’t really visit unless I’m using music to get there,” said Nelson. Fritz agreed, in saying, “As a musician, as a player of instruments, my goal is to be the most diverse that I could be. To contribute to the musical conversation in any sort of musical setting.” Many assume, that since Kate is the only female of the group that she is the keeper that the band title refers to. Fritz sets the record straight in elaborating on that group mentality that the band holds. “In “Star Wars”, Han Solo refers to the Millennium Falcon as a she. Well, she is an entity.
She is the band.” In reality, the way in which the band became known as She’s a Keeper has nothing to do with “Star Wars” at all. Elliot explains that the men of the group have known each other since the “skateboarding days”. Years before the group of friends came together as a band, he had made a mix tape and titled it “She’s a Keeper” – and it stuck, from a band that reminisced of the days when they called themselves Bedtime for Bonzo. Now, they have played events such as Kanrocksas Music Festival, South by Southwest (The Unofficial Showcase), Harvest Music Festival, The Night the Buzz Stole X-Mas at the Midland Theatre, and other various venues in the area such as The Brick, Crossroads KC at Grinders, The Bottleneck, The Granada and what they consider to be their “home-turf ” at the RecordBar. Their current step is to finish their new album, with Element Recording Studios, which is to be released in early 2013.
It’s a whole different place t h at I c a n ’ t r e a l ly v i s i t u n l e s s I’m using music to get there. Kate explained that with the upcoming recordings, they represent four different songwriters meshing many musical styles of interest. Zac adds that you’d be hardpressed to compare She’s a Keeper to Mumford & Sons after hearing the new CD. “The things we play are our own.” Zac asks, “Are you tired of hearing shit on the radio that’s made by computers? Then come watch us have fun, maybe you’ll have fun too.” She’s a Keeper’s message to KC: “There’s lots of really good, diverse local talent, check it out.” You can find She’s a Keeper on Twitter and Facebook. Hear their music on Spotify and iTunes or at shesakeeper.bandcamp.com or on soundcloud.com/shesakeeper.
photography by Travis Read
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photography by Travis Read
K a t e So p c i c h
The classy lady o f S h e ’s a K e e p e r
Sometimes you read something that totally changes your point of view. That is our intention with this page. We hope that you take the time to flip this magazine over (or tilt your head, if you must) to read into the perspective of one artist. It just might turn your whole world upside down…
Kate Sopcich’s official title is that of the cellist/pianist. While Fritz Hutchison, percussionist, etc. of She’s a Keeper, has a different idea of the role that Kate plays in the band. “I consider Kate to be a colorist to the sound, like an ‘atmospherist’ to the band,” said Hutchison, “She adds the flowy string elements that we need.” However, Kate’s musical background greatly differs from that of the She’s a Keeper sound. She started playing the piano at a young age, taking classical lessons from the same woman for several years. “As far as improvisation and writing your own music goes, doing only classical stuff really puts you in a box,” Sopcich said. After awhile, her parents encouraged her to pick up another instrument. “I was attracted to the cello by its tone,” Sopcich says. “It has the best range, and you can be so expressive with it. You have such control over the finesse of things.” While playing the cello in her high school chorus, she was introduced to the boys of She’s a Keeper by a friend. Kate felt that the group could benefit from female vocals. As a result, Zac, Colin, Fritz and Elliot thought she was attempting to “connive” her way into the band. Now, Kate brings a different kind of voice to their sound. “The strings are so emotional,” Kate said. “The cello sounds so much like a human voice sometimes, it’s a little eerie. You can really make it sing.”
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“ R e a l ly, t h o u g h m a n y m i g h t f i n d i t t o b e a s i l ly c o m pa r i s o n , b e e r a n d m u s i c h av e a l o t i n c o m m o n . ”
b e e ro l o g y Slowly sipping a Grimbergen Dubbel at Record Bar while listening to the eclectic jazz and funk fusion of Diverse. Quenching my thirst with a Mother’s Sandy at Crossroads KC while The Temper Trap floated their ethereal rock sound through the summer air. Carefully protecting my Great Divide Old Ruffian from spilling over at Riot Room while I bounced fervently to the bass-heavy Southern hip-hop of Nappy Roots. For me, beer and music are perfect bedfellows. And my 2012 was filled with exploration and enjoyment of both, often simultaneously. Like anyone else, I have my comfort zones in both realms. In terms of beer, you could hand me a Green Flash Rayon Vert any day of the week and I’d be happy. And musically, I could keep native Kansas Citian Mac Lethal’s music in constant rotation. But this past year, I made it a point to expand my horizons, break out of my comfort zone and explore areas of both brew and song that I had neglected previously. Hell, I even caught the 3OH!3 show at The Beaumont Club (Boulevard Pilsner in hand), and while I probably wouldn’t go see them again, I’d be lying if I said my head wasn’t bobbing at times throughout the performance.
a beer man’s guide to music Pa t r i c k M u l l i n / / B e e r B l o g ge r
Really, though many might find it to be a silly comparison, beer and music have a lot in common. In both worlds, you have diverse styles; you have your hits and misses. You have old standbys, and can quickly find new favorites. And certainly in both, there is so much more out there to discover than anyone realizes. And the deeper you dig into both, the more deeply intense your craving becomes to continue exploring. In 2013, I implore you to break out of your own shell.
Go to a new section of the cooler at the liquor store and grab an unfamiliar six pack. You’re convinced you hate dark beer, but something about a Vanilla Porter sounds intriguing? Order one. Hear a song that you like from an artist you’re unfamiliar with? Go home, Google them and spend a night listening to their entire catalog. That band that you THINK you hate, but your friend offered you a free ticket to their show? Just go. There’s a lot to be passionate about when it comes to both beer and music, so take a few chances. After all, life is too short to just sit there only drinking Bud Light and listening to Maroon 5 every day. Patrick Mullin is an Overland Park, Kansas native who, when not working as a marketing professional, serves as a local ambassador to better beer by writing for KC Beer Blog, a gig that has led him to appearances in Ink Magazine and on Fox 4 News. He provides an array of beer news, event information and general nerd likeness to the Kansas City public. When he’s not writing, you can catch him consuming his inspiration at one of the many fantastic beer bars around town.
photo provided by Patrick Mullin
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wakarusa
Thunder on
alliwantfor.kanrocksas.com
wakarusa.com
T hunderOnT heMountain.com
In early November, our 2013 Kanrocksas team met to begin planning in earnest. Our group includes national music and festival industry professionals as well as highly skilled staff from Kansas City and the region. At this meeting of the minds we laid the foundation for what will be another amazing year of Kanrocksas.
Wakarusa will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary this summer with an extensive lineup of artists playing everything from bluegrass to electronic music. Wakarusa will take place May 31 - June 3, will feature five stages and around the clock music. Set on scenic Mulberry Mountain, Wakarusa is a beautiful camping experience as well as an amazing celebration of music. Pipeline Productions has been bringing music-lovers world-class entertainment for a full 10 years now and this year’s festival promises to be better than ever. Over the years the community at Wakarusa has grown and strengthened into a gathering of old friends, where it’s a tradition to greet new-comers like family. Besides the wide range of music, campers can enjoy delicious food, enchanting vendors, fun river floats, fishing, waterfalls, nature hikes, premiere RV camping and lots more! This year’s unbelievable lineup will be announced next month, followed by interviews with headliners and more.
Thunder on the Mountain is a brand new festival, making its debut with an amazing lineup of Country Artists! Top tier stars like Toby Keith and Luke Bryan are headlining this huge music fest, set on the beautiful Mulberry Mountain just outside of Ozark, Ark. The mountain is situated on 650 acres of rolling hills and beautiful national forest. Thunder on the Mountain will feature three music stages, over 40 musical acts, camping, delicious food, nifty vendors, world-class river floats, fishing, waterfalls, hiking, rafting, premiere RV camping and more! Exclusive interviews with headliners like Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, Thompson Square and more will be coming soon! Look forward to a boot scootin’ good time!
Since the closing chords of Kanrocksas 2011, speculation regarding the lineup for the next Kanrocksas has been rampant. Everyone seems to have an opinion about who should or is going to play the fest. “All I Want For Kanrocksas Is...” is our way of letting the fans guess who we have performing at Kanrocksas 2013. Not only do fans have a chance to guess the lineup of the festival by submitting a “wish list”, but the grand prize winner and four friends will be put up in a hotel close to the venue and receive VIP royalty treatment for the entire festival! How do you participate and submit your wish list? Easy. Go to http:/ /alliwantfor. kanrocksas.com/ and log in using your Facebook. Simply enter all 20 of your guesses and BAM.......you have a chance to win! You can check out all of the rules and see the other great prizes by checking out the new Contest page that is part of the BRAND NEW Kanrocksas Fan Community. Grand Prize: VIP passes for you and three friends + hotel + backstage tour / festival founder. You and three friends will be hooked up with VIP passes, food and drink passes, plus hotel rooms close to the festival. This package also includes the ultimate backstage tour with the founder of Kanrocksas during the festival! If you have a burning question about Kanrocksas 2013, email the Record and we will try to answer in our next column!
S t ay t u n e d !
t h e M o u n ta i n
Artist Lineup
Kevin Fowler
Toby Keith
Josh Abbott Band
Luke Bryan
Casey Donahew Band
Big & Rich
Reckless Kelly
Montgomery Gentry
Bucky Covington
Thompson Square
Locash Cowboys
Justin Moore
The Lost Trailers
Gretchen Wilson
Moonshine Bandits
Easton Corbin
The Cadillac Black
Colt Ford
Adam Craig Band
Randy Houser
Bleu Edmondson
Pat Green
John D. Hale Band
Randy Rogers Band
The Sarah Hughes Band
Jana Kramer
... just to name a few
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year’s eve New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate.
There’s no better way to ring in the new year than with live music! This guide highlights all of the NYE shows in the Kansas City area. No matter where you roam, there is sure to be a show to pique your interest.
photography by Jessica Janasz
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DOWNTOWN
CZAR BAR 1531 Grand Blvd. // 7 p.m. $5 Reggae, ska, dub… If you’re ready to rumble into 2013, stop for a moment and pay some respect to the up-and-coming Kansas City reggae band, Arm the Poor. With seven members, Arm the Poor represents .000015% of Kansas City’s population. More importantly, the group represents some of the best roots, ska and dub reggae available in a threestate radius. Arm the Poor delivers with strength and energy. Keeping true to the Czar experience, the evening is well-supported with Born in Babylon, DJ Jabberock and DJ S Ranx. Babylon’s expansive reggae groove flirts with jazz, blues, as well as gospel.
photo provided by ReverbNation
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N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E AT
N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E AT
Millie Edwards and Mike Pagan will grace The Majestic. For those who know these names already, enough has been said. Mike Pagan (a contributor to The Record) is an award-winning, critically acclaimed composer in the jazz idiom with roots that settle deep in the Kansas City music scene. Ed Fenner, of KC Jazz Voice, describes a night with Mike as “a memorable evening of superior jazz musicality.” From the keys of Pagan to the soul of Millie Edwards, this combination will undoubtedly activate your emotions. Look beyond the notes and into the venue and you’ll find yourself surrounded in true Kansas City jazz heritage. Dust off your pocket watch and make your reservation for a true Kansas City experience.
With history, charm, depth, character and class, an experience at the Phoenix Jazz Club is worth every penny. For the evening, the Phoenix has booked Tim Whitmer, who fits the scene and delivers an unforgettable experience. After a stint in NYC’s jazz clubs, the city’s Village Voice praised him as “the best swing band to come out of Kansas City since Jay McShann” (a Grammy Award-nominated phenom). Tim Whitmer has traveled the world, playing at the top venues and festivals in the world, including Lugano Jazz Festival (Italy), Montreaux Jazz Festival (Switzerland) and this little place called Carnegie Hall. Executive Chef Glenn Bindley hosts two dinner seatings at 5:30 and 7 p.m. ($100/couple). Music starts at 9 p.m. ($15).
THE MAJESTIC 931 Broadway // 6 p.m.
M i k e an d M i l l i e 6–10 p.m.
B ram W i j nan d s , R o d F l eeman , B arry S p r i n g er an d P h i l i p W a k ef i e l d i n t h e Ja z z C l u b 6:30 p.m.––12:30 a.m.
P H O E N I X JA Z Z C L U B 302 W. 8th St. // 7 p.m.
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T H E B L A C K PA R T Y i x : NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E AT
MICHAEL SMITH 1900 Main // 6 p.m. Dinner for $75, starting at 6 p.m., followed by music starting at 8:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve at Michael Smith is an event of charm and celebration in the grandest of Kansas City fashion. The Grand Marquis is a five-piece band of energy and passion. The Boston Blues Review describes the music as “completely infectious...it begs to be played loud, it begs to be danced to!” The Grand Marquis’ music can bring to mind a variety of settings and places as well: Prohibition-era KC, the streets of New Orleans, 1950s Memphis and even 1930s Paris. Their sound remains grounded in roots that keep inspiring The Grand Marquis to innovate and elaborate on the foundation of American music. Their style defies the limitations of genre, be it jazz, blues or swing fusion. Call Nancy Smith at (816)842-2202 to book a reservation. Your date will thank you.
Firestone Building 2001 Grand // 9 p.m. $85 GA, $110 VIP If you are among Kansas City’s clubbers and young professionals, then you should know The Black Party. With this being the ninth year, the party boasts a new location, four floors of entertainment and three DJs spinning multiple genres. VIP grants you exclusive access to a private room, private DJ, premium food and champagne service. Join 1,200 of Kansas City’s finest at the newly renovated Firestone Building. F o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n a n d t i c k e t s , v i s i t B l a c k P a r t y KC . c o m
N Y E at t h e t e m p l e Scottish Rite Temple 1330 E. Linewood Blvd. // 7 p.m.
photo provided by The Grand Marquis
For seven hours, The Temple will host 10 open bars, four levels, 10 DJs, eight party areas, shadow dancers, laser light show, confetti cannons, the world’s largest balloon drop, extensive bottle service, shuttle service; NYE at the Temple sounds more like a top NYE destination in Vegas. Examiner.com has labeled this Kansas City event as “one of the best New Year’s Eve events in the country.” Mix 93’s Steve Serrano holds down the main floor of this 115,000 square-foot party. VIP access to the presidential balcony goes for $2,500. If a party is what you’re looking for, NYE at The Temple is where it’s at. N o ta b l e D J s i n c l u d e : Steve Serrano DJ Ray Architekt
EAST SIDE R EGGIE & M A R D R A TH O M AS w i t h SPECIAL GUEST BOBBY WATSON
The Blue Room 1616 E. 18th St. // 8 p.m. Tickets from $83
photo provided by Kevin Bordegon
Mista Matt vs DJ 315 DJ Lektrik DJ Audiomatic Nathan Graham Projekt-X.
GA: $79.13 prior, $85.13 on Jan. 31 V i s i t N Y E K C . c o m f o r d e ta i l s
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MIDTOWN
NEW YEAR ’ S EVE AT
U PT O WN THEATE R 3700 Broadway // 7 p.m. $55 at the door New Year’s Eve at The Uptown is Kansas City’s 18+ event of choice for those looking to dance into 2013 and keep change in their pocket. Everyone is VIP this year, with unlimited access. The six party rooms will be blasting the best of the 70s, 80s, 90s, techno, classic rock and R&B. For more information about the party and VIP hotel packages, please call (816)753-8665, or visit uptowntheater.com.
D O LEWITE The Brooksider // 6330 Brookside Plz. // 10 p.m. NYE WITH
THE M AGNETI C S The Levee // 16 W. 43rd St. // 10 p.m. N U G LI F E NEW YEA R WITH d j c l o c k w e r k , t h e n e w r i d d i m , booty jamz
The Riot Room // 4048 Broadway // 8 p.m.
NORTHEAST
N e w y e a r ’ s e v e WITH
photograph by Jessica Janasz
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NEW YEAR ’ S
AT C ALI F O R N O S 4124 Pennsylvania // 8:45 p.m.
New Year’s Eve with the Rainmakers, the Bel Airs, W at e r m e l o n S l i m & t h e W o r k e r s
Knuckleheads Saloon 2715 Rochester // 8 p.m. $47.50 Knuckleheads Saloon has booked a banger of a night with three top-notch bands who aren’t strangers to praise and accolades. The Kansas City-based rock band, Rainmakers, was recently inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. They have also graced the screens and publications of MTV, Billboard and Newsweek. The Bel Airs are “one of the best undiscovered musical treasures in the country,” according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Finally, Watermelon Slim & The Workers have received 17 Blues Music Award nominations in just four years, with a record-tying six nominations in 2007 and 2008 (tied with BB King, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray).
LAWRENCE mingle new year’s edition
w i t h t e a m b e a r c l ub The Eighth Street Taproom // 801 New Hampshire // 10 p.m.
SELL O U T Liberty Hall // 644 Massachusetts // 8 p.m.
New year’s eve
N e w y e a r ’ s e v e WITH
a t fa t s o ’ s 1016 Massachusetts // 10 p.m.
M U R DE R B Y DEATH , C O W B O Y INDIAN B EA R , Y ( O U R ) F R I ( END ) The Granada // 1020 Massachusetts // 9 p.m.
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photography by Travis Read
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U PT O WN
VENUE SPOTLIGHT Jessica Casebier
A VENUE WITH PRIDE IN A RICH AND DIVERSE HISTORY.
If you’re a Kansas City veteran like I am, you’ve probably been to a show or two (or 10) at the Uptown Theater. Or, if you’ve spent any quality time in Kansas City, you’ve at least seen the venue’s famous marquee.
Built in 1928, the Uptown originated as a film and live performance theater. This was no run of the mill venue. It was the only one of its kind in the entire state of Mo. Not only was it exclusive in its architecture, but exclusive in its content as well. During the 1950s, 1960s, and part of the 1970s, the Uptown was the only place in town where moviegoers could see Disney films. Along with the exclusivity of Disney films, the locale also jumped on the movie craze bandwagon in the 1940s profiting off of showing the popular movies of the time as well as showing first-run movies in the 50s and 60s. While the venue has since shifted its focus to operating predominantly as a live event space, its rooms are still clad in movie posters and memorabilia. Of course, the nostalgia wouldn’t be complete without a small movie theater seating around 40 people. Although the Uptown has a considerable history around film, it is most notably known as premiere live performance space. Just how significant is the Uptown? If the number of big-time celebrity appearances count as a criterion, consider it a worthy contender. In the late 1920s to 1930s, names such as Bob Hope, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers graced the venue’s stage. Need a more culturally relevant name drop? U2, No Doubt and Rob Thomas are among those who have performed at the
Uptown. From Marilyn Manson to Muse, Ted Nugent to Nelly to local celeb Tech N9ne, bands are familiar with the Uptown. The venue has been with countless acts on their way to stardom. Back in 2006, the female band The Veronicas played a show of just 88 people in the Nowhere Room. Their opening band was none other than the teen heartthrob group, the Jonas Brothers, who managed to sell out Kansas City’s Sprint Center the following year. Today, the Uptown offers six different rooms to fit any show size. Whether it is a concert for a well-known band held in the Theater Room, a small gig in the Nowhere Room, or even a techno show in the Cabaret Room, you’re sure to make your own history and have an unforgettable experience. The Record is gathering stories, both tall and true, that build the character and spirit of The Uptown Theater. Submit your Uptown story to comments@therecordkc.com.
photography Jessica Janasz
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GI F TS
SPEA K ERS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR
CROSLEY LANCASTER TURNTABLE Your favorite records, CDs, MP3s and cassettes all in one. $99.99 available at Best Buy
SONOS PLAY: 3 Wireless speaker system controlled from all over the house. $299 per room, available at Sonos
ihome ihm89 mini speakers Stand-alone speakers perfect for any party. $49.95 available at Apple
the amplifiear The best accessory to project sound from your iPad. $99.99 available at Uncommon Goods
b o s E u n i v e r s a l f l o o r s ta n d s Speakers that stand at a perfect height and hide wires. $99.99 available at Best Buy
p o r ta b l e m a g n e t i c s p e a k e r A small yet powerful speaker, with attached magnet. $24 available at Uncommon Goods Kansas City music stores: please contact us for inclusion in the next issue.
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W O R K IT
professionals in the music industry Five professionals speak about their experiences and passion for music
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when you’re doing something you love the work doesn’t seem m u c h l i k e w o r k at a l l S a m B i l l e n / / W r i t e r, P e r f o r m e r a n d P r o d u c e r
Since I started working in the commercial music business— that is, creating music and sound for advertising, film, and video games—I’ve had a number of friends contact me and ask how to ‘make it’ doing this type of music. On the other hand, after kind of stumbling into commercial music by being asked to score a short film for some friends a few years ago, I’ve been able to build a reliable stream of income by doing something I love – crafting music and sound. In this column I plan to share ways that I’ve learned to navigate the business side of commercial music and hopefully offer some practical tips that you might be able to use to help turn your passion into a career.
M a kE co n n e c t i o n s
Once I had my site all put together I started the difficult task of trying to connect with people in the industry. Have you ever had someone write you an e-mail asking you for your business when you can tell they don’t care much about who you are or what you do? Everyone hates that. It’s the same in this and every industry. No matter how interested I was in seeing my business take off, I came to the realization that I was in this business to serve my prospective clients. I’m a firm believer in the idea that as an entrepreneur, as a musician, as a friend, as a person, I need to be genuine when I reach out to someone new. HAVE PATIEN C E
I did my research when I sent out e-mails to people I didn’t know. I found out what they did, how long they’d done it, how I might already have been connected to them (mutual friends on Facebook, etc.), and I reached out without expecting anything in return. We all know what it’s like to be busy. The second we assume someone should feel obligated to give us their time is the moment we lose their interest. It probably goes without saying, but this process of reaching out took time. A lot of time. It wasn’t long though before some people started showing interest in working with me, and after a handful of projects I was finally able to put more quality commercial work into my portfolio.
Develop a web presence
I started into this field with very little experience. That was probably my largest barrier at the beginning. I knew that having scored one short film couldn’t count for much in terms of a portfolio to show potential clients, so I had to find a way to build from the ground up. The first step I found to doing that was to develop a web presence – a way to let people know that I was serious about doing commercial music, not just as a side-shot from my regular music releases. I put a lot of time into making a simple, clear website that presented what little work I’d done in commercial music as well as a variety of samples of other music I had created over the years with the Billions and on my own. I aimed at presenting a diverse, yet concise, set of musical pieces that could give someone a quick glimpse into what I was capable of musically. Throughout the process of making the site I had to keep reminding myself that although some of those songs were near and dear to me, my website’s visitors were not coming to ‘dive deep into my music’. They simply needed a quick peek at the types and quality of music I was offering to create for their projects. For that reason I kept the samples short and made a multi-track media player (via soundcloud) easily accessible on the front page of the site. I also knew that many people I’d be working with had backgrounds in advertising, where every company needs a ‘brand’, so I put a rather large effort into finding just the right logo and design scheme for the site.
L O VE WHAT Y O U D O
As I gear up for the new year, I look back on the last few years and all the things I’ve done to develop my capabilities as a musician and as a business owner. It seems like I’ve done a lot of work, but I know that this is just a start. The good thing though is that, whether it’s in music or in art, in cooking or in advertising, when you’re doing something you love, the work doesn’t seem much like work at all. photos provided by Sam Billen
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we want the love t o g o v i ra l By Sherri Kober
In Aug., Kansas City was graced with a DJ duo ready to take on the stage, one good deed at a time. DJ Gent (Preston Parsons) and DJ JT Quik ( J.T. Quick) are not your every day performers. Gent, a thrill-seeking hairstyling freestyler, pairs perfectly with his counterpart. JT Quik is knowledgeable, mellow in comparison and a producer who has years of music-scene experience under his belt. With an arsenal full of stage antics and years of experience, together they are the perfect musical culmination. If you ask them, they will tell you they are not a team or a collaborative project, they are “yin and yang, a force.” They are a force to be reckoned with. Gent and JT are in it for the love of music, and just as importantly, to throw a damn good party every night. For them, it is about giving the people a positive experience that is unforgettable. Passion and energy are absolutely necessary, and they have an abundance of it. If you’re down for champagne showers, confetti and the occasional stage dive, you won’t be disappointed in the least by their live show. This untouchable, blissful atmosphere that includes crazy stage outfits, speaker climbing, the occasional stage dive and one-upping each other’s performance, is a celebration of life. Both men have left behind a life of addiction and found music as their outlet. “We would like to lead by example,” said Parsons, “If our fans see us going out and getting our hands dirty, we’re hoping it will inspire them to go out and do the same and add to their own community. We want the love to go viral.”
photo provided by Project X
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According to J.T., who has been involved with community service projects during the day. music in Kansas City since 1998, Kansas is JT will be there spinning some phat beats different from most large cities in that during the classes to create a fun learning cliques are not a common occurrence. “The environment for everyone involved. By night, main thing that sets the music scene apart they will be the dangerous duo spinning at is the tight knit group of core people that clubs and doing what they do best, causing support the scene. KC has a very loyal core a ruckus. group of people that will support anything You will also be seeing these guys in the near locally positive that sounds great,” said Quick. future working on service projects before their This spring, you can catch them on an first big festival this fall, “Dancefestopia”. education tour across the country. Preston Visit their facebook page, www.facebook. will be teaching at Paul Mitchell schools com/DJsProjektX, to keep up to date and and taking the students to participate in find out where you can see them live next.
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photo provided by Jamie Whitehead
C o n c e r t s h a v e a b e a u t i f u l w ay o f b r i n g i n g p e o p l e o f va r i o u s wa l k s of life together for one common p u r p o s e — t he l o v e o f t he m u s i c Jamie Whitehead // Cricket Wireless General Manager
I was a teenager when I discovered that I wanted to work in the concert industry. Growing up, I was always enamored with music. I had a bigger CD collection than anyone I knew, and as a kid I would spend hours in my room listening to music, memorizing the lyrics and devouring the songs. I can remember attending some of my earliest shows and that euphoric feeling I felt each time I saw a live show. There is something magical about the concert experience for me. One of the best experiences in life is to be absolutely lost in a show; so focused on the experience, it’s as if you get sucked into a time warp. Concerts have a beautiful way of bringing people of various walks of life together for one common purpose – the love of the music. I wanted to help bring that same magical feeling to others when they attended a show.
stressful, and hectic. But at the end of the night, when I’m standing on stage during the show looking out into the audience, I get that magical feeling all over again and I am reminded why I do this. I love being a part of a team and there is no greater reward than to see months of work come to fruition. One particular high point for me was during “Kanrocksas Music Festival”, when Eminem took the stage. To look out into the crowd of thousands of enthusiastic fans and know that in some way, I helped bring this amazing event to our city was incredibly rewarding. Our team worked so hard on that festival for months and to see it all played out over the course of the weekend was the best feeling for me. It’s amazing what a team of hard-working people and some focus can bring about.
Through various internships and a wonderful first job out of college, I got my feet wet in the concert industry and ultimately decided that I loved the venue management side of the business. For me, it takes the various aspects of concerts – booking, operations, production, marketing, sponsorship, accounting/settlement and ticketing – and combines them all together, so I get a little taste of everything.
The 2013 concert scene in Kansas City looks very promising, and as an avid concert attendee (I’ve been to 300+ shows in my life) I’m looking forward to attending a big portion of those. There are rumblings of some great shows to come next year (including a handful of great ones coming to Cricket Wireless Amphitheater) and I know KC won’t be disappointed. For a smaller market, we have an incredibly large number of venues and show options including a great offering of high-caliber acts thanks to a world-class venue like the Sprint Center. As a columnist, I hope to give you an inside look of what goes on in the KC concert scene and share great stories and experiences with you along the way. After all, that’s what this industry is about – creating memorable experiences.
As General Manager of Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, I get to do just that – a little bit of everything. No two days are the same, and sometimes it can be incredibly long hours,
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i t i s r e a l ly h a r d t o b e l i e v e t h at t h i s i s work most of the time Joel Nanos // Element Recording Studio
Whenever I work on a project of any depth or extended length of time I form very close bonds with the people involved. It’s a fury of hyper focused creative energy and they have entrusted you with their art. Or at least they are trying to and that is a very personal, intimate, vulnerable experience. They become like family and in the end the ultimate compliment is when they tell you that you are essentially now a member of the band. It is like being welcomed into
the family and this is no easy task. It starts out with suspicion and doubt and fear and if you get to the place where you become an honorary band member it is just an amazingly great feeling. You know you haven’t failed, you’ve been validated, and you now have a new group of awesome friends. To succeed I think it is really important to connect with the artists from a genuine place. Find the whole story at TheRecordKC.com
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How did you get into the recording studio business?
It’s a pretty common story I think for guys who find themselves in this position (probably because the passion and motivation come from a similar place or experience). Music was always the only thing that was really important to me from the time I was a kid. I genuinely obsessed over, horded and collected coveted albums. It really was my identity. Later I worked at record stores and played in bands on and off. From as young as 12, I would buy little mixers from Radio Shack & record to a tape deck or reel to reel and just thought it was a very cool thing to do. Eventually in my early 20s, my band was able to record in a studio with Lou Whitney in Springfield. It felt like such a big deal, but what really struck me was the fact that this guy gets to do this everyday. I loved all of the equipment and really wished I knew how to use it. I had always listened to records from an audiophile perspective, thinking about how they got certain sounds, shaped the stereo field, or how they were able to translate feelings and vibes. But it was all a bit of a mystery, and felt like a pipe dream completely unattainable. Flash forward seven or eight years, I decided to start picking up some basic recording equipment (what I thought was super hi-fi at the time) in order to start arranging some songs of my own in the basement. I had just been working the boring job, stopped playing music for a while and one day, for whatever reason, all of the motivation came back. Something snapped and aligned with a combination of fortunate events so that I found myself with the time, money and family support to make a run at turning a hobby into a profession. I had always felt like a pretty mediocre musician from a technical standpoint but with really good ears and instincts. I didn’t have much time and was traditionally a little old to start over, so I wanted the fast track. I did an apprenticeship with Lynn Allred at L.A. Audio and turned my basement into a decent little studio (as so many have done). I listened around the clock, and read everything I could get my hands on concerning audio engineering and production. I spent every day I could in the studio with Lynn, and he gave me a great foundation to build on. He was also encouraging and validated photo provided by Joel Nanos
that I was actually going to be good at this (you never know if you’re delusional or not). Plus, he demystified so many of the technical aspects, which is a big intimidation factor when starting out. As I got my sea legs, I started to contract a little bit of my own work out of his studio and my basement. The more work I did, the more people started to show up. My ultimate goal was to have my own “real” studio and that’s exactly what I worked toward with the help of several friends. A great friend, Jeff Thomason, was extremely integral in helping to get things started. We spent a lot of time together developing a vision and learning. I had a business plan and was looking for a building when out of the blue, Jeff heard from David Gaume that there was a shuttered studio space he had been using downtown. Dave and I looked at it with flashlights late on a Saturday night. Adam Mcgill and I met with the landlords on that Monday morning, and we moved in on Wednesday. It was a whirlwind. I guess I had a bit of a “field of dreams” mentality as in “if you build it they will come.” My experience as a musician was that studios were always sterile and intimidating. The Engineer/Producer was often stoic and scary. I wanted a place that was truly about musicians and not about the Studio or the Engineer. I envisioned a studio that had all the same equipment and sound quality as the big boys, but felt like your living room. After all, performance trumps every other factor when recording because without a great performance all the equipment is worthless. I wanted artists to feel relaxed and creative and have the experience I had always fantasized about as a musician but never had. That’s what we built and in doing so I get to experience it over and over again, which is the coolest part for me. Element is more of a community of musicians and engineers (way too many to name but they all know who they are). We help each other, teach each other, support each other, and play on each other’s records. It really sounds cheesy and altruistic, but it’s 100 percent true. I think the personal investment and ownership everyone has in this place has been the biggest factor in its success and mine.
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photo provided by Joel Nanos
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What are some of the most memorable recording sessions ever? Most recently, what individuals/groups stand out the most?
This will sound like a bit of a copout but it really is hard to pick. I (almost) always enjoy myself. In fact, it is really hard to believe that this is work most of the time. Even when people or technical issues are challenging, it still beats any other way I can fathom making a living. Whenever I work on a project of any depth or extended length of time I form very close bonds with the people involved. It’s a fury of hyper focused creative energy and they have entrusted you with their art. Or at least they are trying to and that is a very personal, intimate, vulnerable experience. They become like family and in the end the ultimate compliment is when they tell you that you are essentially now a member of the band. It is like being welcomed into the family and this is no easy task. It starts out with suspicion and doubt and fear and if you get to the place where you become an honorary band member it is just an amazingly great feeling. You know you haven’t failed, you’ve been validated, and you now have a new group of awesome friends. To succeed I think it is really important to connect with the artists from a genuine place. I’ve been there and I know how intimidating it is on the other side of the glass. The engineer/producer has to become the audience and all musicians know how bad it sucks to play for a stoic, standoffish, unresponsive audience.
That environment is not where great performances come from. To directly answer the question, I think the most memorable sessions are when I achieve that “bandmember” status because they are so satisfied. Some of the big ones for me on a personal level have included; Jenny Carr, Root & Stem, Lucky Graves, Minden, and Soft Reeds. It’s been a really busy year and I’ve completed (or almost completed) so many albums that haven’t been released yet. I recently got to go to Portland and work on another Minden project with Larry Crane (founder of Tape Op and producer for Elliot Smith, M. Ward, Death Cab, and The Decembrists) at Jackpot, which was a really great experience. I’m also super excited about new albums from The Architects, The Grisly Hand, Soft Reeds, Parts of Speech, She’s a Keeper, Maps for Travelers, La Guerre, Madison Ward and so so many more. I can’t even begin to consider all the strictly mastering projects I’ve been lucky enough to work on. On top of that, Dave Gaume, Adam McGill, and Chris Cosgrove have been working on some stellar projects that have or will soon hit the streets from The Dead Girls, The Caves, Kirsten Paludan, Republic Tigers, Rev Gusto, Chaotic Goods and Silver Maggie’s. I’m sure I’m forgetting several that don’t deserve to be forgotten, but there are just so many great records coming out of KC!
T o s u c c e e d I t h i n k i t i s r e a l ly i m p o r ta n t t o c o n n e c t w i t h t h e artists from a genuine place
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Commitment is the one thing that separates the real picker from the wanna-be David Smart // Picker
Kansas City Guitar Life
Life is full of special firsts. Some are more lasting than others, but each was a starting place to more wonderful life experiences. I remember my 6th-grade school girlfriend (we sat next to each other in home-room and in school band), my first car (1964 robin egg blue, Ford Galaxy station wagon) and my first guitar (a beat up, Kay electric, twin pickup, hollow body). Do you?
photo provided by David Smart
Getting Started
Getting started is probably the hardest part of playing any instrument. No, that’s not quite right. I really think the sticking it out is the toughest. Commitment is the one thing that separates the real picker from the wanna-be. A real picker fights through the first sore fingers, a real picker gets the best gear he/she can afford, a real picker maintains his/ her instrument, a real picker really listens to other players, a real picker plays when the whole world is listening and when there is only an audience of one. What have you committed to lately? View the video that some pickers and I have produced about sticking with it on YouTube: Southwest Rush by Charles David Smart.
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t h e wav e s words from radio personalities
JERINEY Music Director // Middays KRBZ 96.5 The Buzz Radio was not something I thought of when I was saying “When I grow up…” So, let me just start by saying, I have no idea what I’m talking about! I’m just a small-town girl (I swear I’m not named after the band Journey) that had big dreams of being a high school band director. I was your typical band geek and was very proud of it! However, college took me in a totally different direction. Something that I do know is that I love music…REALLY love music. It has always been the one thing that I always remember as being a part of my life. So, when I fell into the radio program at William Jewell College, I knew I had found something. In May of ‘03, I realized that graduation was right around the corner and that I was destined to move back to the small town of Diamond, Missouri. I started looking for radio jobs. I was lucky enough to get hired at 96.5 The Buzz and have been there ever since!
There is something about creating music that I have always enjoyed and admired. I don’t know how to explain what makes a “good” song. For me it’s a feeling. When a chord progression or melody hits perfectly, it feels like when you lose your stomach on the top of a roller coaster. I don’t know if that’s the best way to try to explain it, but how do you really describe a feeling? That’s what I love about doing the Homegrown Buzz program on Sunday nights. When I go to a live show and see a band for the first time, I’m looking to find that feeling. It’s not about how
a band looks or what genre of music they are playing, it’s about seeing someone, or a group of people, creating something that they love and are proud of. That, above everything else, makes a “good” band. There are so many amazing bands in the Kansas City area that work so hard doing what they love and I feel honored to be able to share that with others. As I said before... I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I do know that if a band is passionate, and believes in what they are doing, then it will come through.
it’s about seeing someone, or a g r o u p o f p e o p l e , c r e at i n g s o m e t h i n g t h at t h e y l o v e a n d a r e p r o u d o f.
to see more of Jonathan Perez’s illustrations visit therecordkc.com
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Yes, my f irst radio experience involved profanity.
TABATHA LEVRAULT KKSW 105.9 KISS FM // Program Director Midday Personality 10a–3p This is my first time living and working in the Kansas City area. With this issue being the first issue of The Record, I don’t feel so alone. I’ve been in radio for over 15 years and have experienced quite a few firsts in my career. My first time on the radio, I was 18 years old and won tickets to Lollapalooza (back when Smashing Pumpkins and Beastie Boys headlined). The disc jockey called me, live on the air, and told me that I won tickets. My reaction: “Who the Hell is this?” YES, my first radio experience involved profanity. Since then I have wised up. I went to Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, IL and majored in radio broadcasting. My starting radio internship was at WVRV 101.1, The River in St. Louis. My first paying radio job was
at WIBV in Belleville, IL. I spent the nights reading news and weather during the Art Bell Coast To Coast show in the middle of a cornfield. Talk about scary! My first celebrity interview was Blink-182. They were playing at a smaller venue, and I interviewed them in their van on the way to the show. It was quite amusing when Tom DeLonge slid open the van door at a stoplight and tried hitting on a girl walking across the street. The first guest that I had in the studio was Ludacris, an amazing guy! He is still the best interview [that I’ve done] yet. Now, it’s my first time doing radio in the Kansas City area, for a radio station that will be celebrating its first birthday on Jan. 20. There are so many things
to look forward to musically for 2013. A great example are the amazing shows coming to Kansas City from Kiss artists like Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, Neon Trees, Owl City, One Direction, and 2 shows in August with Taylor Swift. Keep an ear out for new music too. In 2013, we’ll hear new albums from Mariah Carey, Selena Gomez, The Wanted, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and the reemergence of 50 Cent and Eminem. c h e c k u s o u t at 1 0 5 9 k i s s f m . c o m
illustrations by Jonathan Perez
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B r o o k ly n M a r t i n o Radio Personality // Interviewer // Writer // Music Lover KPRS Hot 103 Jamz Brooklyn got her start on-air at KPRS Hot 103 Jamz in Kansas City. Hip Hop was more than a passion, so she sought out artists to get all the information possible. Creating “Backstage with Brooklyn Martino”, she has independently interviewed over 50 mainstream and underground artists to give fans a first hand look. Find all interviews at brooklynmartino.com and subscribe to her youtube.com/brooklynmartino. @ b r o o k ly n m a r t i n o
Now Bring It Back… When it comes to trends, hip hop is like a teenage girl. It wears the trend for a few months then drops it as soon as their best friend discovers skinny jeans. In 2013, we will see many new trends. Some may phase out by March, while some may be here to stay. Let’s start with my adoration for Kendrick Lamar. I have studied his music, and he’s not your average bubblegumrapper with only-radio-hits kind of artist. Kendrick speaks his mind, tells stories and makes you feel emotion. The game has been lacking that kind of truth in the past few years, which is why fans latched on so quickly. In the first week for his debut album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City”, 241,000 copies were sold. According to Nielsen Soundscan, this landed him the number one spot on Billboard R&B/ Hip Hop albums chart.
However, Kendrick is not the trend: conscious rap is. With the Waka Flockas and Travis Porters, we’ve had massive club hits, but we are lacking content in the songs. Conscious rap is taking over as more artists try to make story-telling music, but we will also see many emerging artists who actually do it well. For instance, A$AP Rocky, coming out of New York, has made the word trill (a combination of the words true and real – derived from the south) a very common part of his vocabulary. Kanye West has been rapping over trap beats for years, but more so recently with “Niggas in Paris”. Also, with the 2 Chainz takeover and return of Juicy J, along with the success of the song “Bands a Make Her Dance”, it’s safe to say trap music is back on the scene as well. With trap music, comes the latest trend: dubstep.
It didn’t seem that dubstep was going anywhere (it always held its place in other genres like trap and house, but never arose on its own), until an episode of Key & Peele where they turned on a dubstep track and hit so hard their noses started bleeding (comedy). At that point, the realization set in. It’s more than just hearing DJs mix it into your favorite hip hop song at the club, we’re going to hear this all over. Overall, the more people who execute a trend properly are the ones who turn it into a style; style that will stay around for years to come. Hate them or love them, many end up finding a new trend to rock before the last is over. The year 2012 is over, so out with the old, and in with the new. Grab your conscious, trap, and dubstep records for 2013, it’s time to rock out with our… you perverts.
With trap music, comes the latest trend: dubstep.
Carson, Codie, and Meet and Greet Lines I co-host the Wake Up With The Wolf show Monday through Friday from 6A.M.-10A.M. on 106.5 The Wolf, with one of radio’s finest personalities, Roger Carson. He has been a voice heard here in KC for nearly 30 years. I’m no stranger to the microphone either as I have been on air playing country music for more than 10 years, I have seen my share of country music artists rise to stardom. It feels a bit like a reunion as I stand in a meet and greet line just waiting for the chance to congratulate them on their success. For most, it didn’t begin in that line. They had to get their start somewhere and that was usually in radio station lounges singing for anybody the program director
to see more of Jonathan Perez’s illustrations visit therecordkc.com
therecordkc.com JANUARY—FEBRUARY, 2013 3 7
Roger and Codie bio 106.5 The Wolf Roger and Codie make waking up in the morning fun with their diverse personalities. Two very different people bring one explosive show to Kansas City on 106-5 The Wolf. Roger Carson has been a known voice here in Kansas City for nearly 30 years. Codie Allen is no stranger to the microphone either, she has been entertaining country music fans in this area for 13 years. They love partying with the wolf pack and bringing them closer to the stars. They have travelled the country taking their show from Mission, Kan. to Arrowhead Stadium, and even Nashville, Tenn. leaving behind a legacy of… well, they don’t know what but it remains a work in progress!
My goal is to go on tour and get my music heard all over the us with an artist like Justin.
could scrounge up that morning. Stars such as Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton have all been down that road. Roger and I have seen many new artists find their way from small bar gigs to selling out arenas such as the Sprint Center. Luke Bryan wrote songs for many artists including Tim McGraw before stepping into the spotlight and the morning show was there to hear his first hit, All My Friends Say, during a radio tour. These talented artists come from everywhere and we want to be a part of their success when
they take that next step into stardom. X-Factor contestant and Belton, MO resident, Tate Stevens, is on his way to a record deal and Roger and I have already had him in our studio to talk about his journey. We are excited to see how far this ride goes for Tate. We may end up in his meet and greet line for yet another reunion. I am really loving another local talent, Noe Palma, who is still trying to find his way onto a tour in hopes of getting his music heard all over the country. Noe Palma grew up under the musical influences of Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, and
Travis Tritt. “Both of my parents sang and my dad played guitar. Nobody ever told me not to sing”, said Palma. “I thought it would be a great way to pick up chicks”. Noe has performed under the hot lights on stages such as Kanza Hall, Whiskey Tango, and Power and Light, but his favorite memory comes from opening the show for Alabama at Sandstone Amphitheatre. Last September he shared the stage with country music artist, Justin Moore, at the Power and Light District. Moore had just finished his show at Sprint Center where he joined Eric Church’s tour to a sold out house. He went across the street after playing his set to join Noe in an encore performance. “My goal is to go on tour and get my music heard all over the US with an artist like Justin”, Palma said. Although Palma doesn’t have a tour set up yet, you can still hear his music live around Kansas City as the gigs keep pouring in for him and his band mates. He does have a CD out at amazon.com and noepalma.com. Kansas City and 1065 The Wolf will be hosting some pretty big tours such as Brantley Gilbert at the Independence Events Center, January 31, 2013, Scotty McCreary March 9 at the Uptown, Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation Tour at Arrowhead June 15th and Taylor Swift at the Sprint Center for two shows Aug. 2 and 3. I see myself waiting in some fairly long lines in the near future. Might I add that the bigger the star, the longer the lines, but definitely worth the wait! illustrations by Jonathan Perez
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The bottom line is country music is cool, and it speaks to everyone.
to see more of Jonathan Perez’s illustrations visit therecordkc.com
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TJ M c E n t i r e Music Director // Afternoon Host Q104, Number One For New Country I wasn’t country when country wasn’t cool. In fact, if you would have told me growing up in Independence, Mo. that I would spend my adult life on the radio, I would have laughed at you. If you would have told me it would be on the radio playing country music, I know I would have slapped you right across your face with my Madonna fingerless glove! After all, my little sister liked country. I called her a goat roper for goodness sake, even though neither of us lived near a goat or knew how to rope one. Now here I am, almost 19 years of playing country music on Q104, I know right?
Kidding aside, it is exciting to be a part of the country music industry; I think it might be catching on.
Kidding aside, it is exciting to be a part of the country music industry; I think it might be catching on. If you range in age from the age of 9 to 90 years old, there is probably a country artist you could love. The newbies have taken over in the younger demos. You know what I mean, your kids are driving you crazy singing Taylor Swift songs over and over again. This wide appeal artist sold more copies of her current CD “Red” in one week than most artists will sell all year. Even if you never ever, like ever, want to hear that girl again, she is here to stay, like forever. This August, she will bring her “Red” tour to the Sprint Center, My guess is that tickets were on quite a few Christmas wish lists, that and the hope that she finally finds love. She isn’t the only wide appeal artist out there either, Hunter Hayes is also making a splash. This 21-year-old kid can play like 20 different instruments, and he produced his debut CD himself, which has already gone gold. Not to mention, he has 16-year-old hearts swooning. Okay, so he is a cutie. I say that in a mom way. Other rising stars are taking over as well. Jason Aldean is not only selling out stadiums, he made TMZ. So it wasn’t
the best press -- he is a married man caught flirting with a young hottie -- all the same, the music rocks. Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert and many others are selling out shows across the country. Their shows are high-energy spectacles that remind you of rock shows, baby! Our super stars are on fire as well. Kenny Chesney, who will be at Arrowhead in June of next year, had one of the highest grossing tours of 2012. Keith Urban is a new judge on “American Idol”, and that Blake Shelton guy has broken all boundaries as a judge on “The Voice”. This is a guy who is as country as it gets, drunk tweets constantly, and speaks his
mind…and America loves him. Oh, and he is one of “People Magazines Sexiest Men Aive” and he is married to female superstar, Miranda Lambert. Move over George and Tammy, this is new country! The bottom line is, country music is cool and it speaks to everyone. Let’s be honest, they aren’t hard to look at either. Most of them don’t even wear hats, and some that do even have hair. So with 2013 we will see “The Cowboy Ride Away” as our king George Strait begins his final tour, but I guarantee there will be many in line ready to take his crown.
illustrations by Jonathan Perez
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m i x i ng
music and design good design in the music industr y
l a w r e n c e , kAN . e v e n t p o s t e r s
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Bahamas, Barchords 2012
Beastie Boys, The Mix Up 2007
Fitz and the Tantrums, Pick up the Pieces 2010
The Architects, Here and Now 2011
The Get Up Kids, Guilt Show 2004
Everyday/Everynight, #Fire 2012 by Nicholas Stahl
The Record’s creative staff chose what they believe to be the most well-designed album covers, some even from Kansas City. After this first issue, we expect you to share your favorite album covers. Tweet us your name and a link to the best cover and we’ll put you in the next issue.
@therecordkc # b e s ta l b u m c o v e r
Tech n9ne, Sickology 101 2009 by Liquid 9 KC
The Republic Tigers, Chop Shop 2011
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MUSIC
therecordkc.com JANUARY窶認EBRUARY, 2013 4 3
Tommie Sunshine U p t o w n T h e at e r Jan. 11
Tom DeMasters, Millie Edwards, Mike Pagan T h e P h o e n i x J a zz C l u b Jan. 12 // 7 p.m.
Kansas City Symphony Orchestra Kauffman Center Jan. 13 // 7 p.m.
The Darkness the beaumont club Jan. 30 // 8p.m. $15+
Lady Gaga sprint center Feb. 4 // $51.50+
KURT ELLING THE GEM THEATER Feb. 16 // $45+
and so much more
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december
12.29
01.05
S a lt y D a w g ’ s , COLD SWEAT
son venezuela
Flameing Daeth Fearies
Jazz // 7p.m. // Kansas City, Kan.
The Granada // 9 p.m. $7
The Bottleneck // Lawrence
Son Venezuela brings fiery Latin American music straight to your neighborhood. Lead by Luis Guillen, “Son Ven” brings salsa and flamenco dancers of various experience levels to venues spanning from Topeka to Kansas City. On December 29, they are back at the Granada Theater. Lawrence music goers get another chance to test their moves and enjoy the upbeat rhythms that Son Venezuela brings to the stage.
S c r a p p y ’ s At t i c Barnyard Beer // Lawrence
january
M o n t h o f M aY, R e v G u s t o , K e n n e t h P. N u i s a n c e & L o v i n g I t The RecordBar // 10 p.m. $7 For those who have recovered from New Year’s Eve celebrations, RecordBar seeks to put you back in recovery mode. Rev Gusto ( Jerry Frederick, Sam Frederick, Quinn Hernandez, Peter Beatty, Shaun Crowley) are fresh off an EP release and determined to make you party. If you’re a fan of The Ramones and The Kinks, you’ll dig Rev Gusto.
01.04 Rev Gusto, Claraudients Jackpot Music Hall // Lawrence Clairaudients continue to gain popularity among KC/Lawrence fans... rightly so, as performances are consistently well-reviewed. Known for their hearty and energetic performances, the night coupled with Rev Gusto is a hell of a party.
Brody Buster Band The Phoenix Jazz Club
CoA, Joey Cool, The Abnorm, Dom Chronicles
Terry Quiett Band
The Riot Room
Fat Fish Blue // 7p.m.
C l a i r e a n d t h e C r o w d e d , S ta g e Run With It
The Architects, Drew Black, D i r t y E l e c t r i c A p p r o p r i at e Grammar
The RecordBar
The Somebodies
01.03
01.12
Dirty Bird Lounge // Raytown
01.09 Sk y S m e e d Trouser Mouse // Blue Springs
01.11 Adam Lee and the Dead, H o r s e S o u n d C o m pa n y Davey’s Uptown Bar // 9 p.m. $7 If good-time drinking, dancing, rocking and honky-tonking is right up you alley, do not miss Kansas City’s own Adam Lee and the Dead Horse Sound Company. The hard-working and incredibly talented band has performed at hundreds of venues across the country with rave revues. Love Johnny Cash? Check out Adam Lee and the Dead Horse Sound Company at Davey’s Uptown Bar.
Me Like Bees, Burrowss, G e n t l e m a n S ava g e
The Riot Room // 8 p.m.
Rumblejetts, Dollar Fox The RecordBar // 7 p.m.
The Rising, Goodbye 99, To the West Coast Refuge Concerts // 7:30 p.m. // Overland Park
J a zz D i s c i p l e s Gem Theater // 8:30 p.m.
The Sharrows Coda Bar and Grill // 8 p.m.
Kansas City Symphony Orchestra Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts // 7 p.m.
W i l l M at t h e w s Sullivans // 7 p.m. // Leawood
Ta m e l a M a n n Folly Theater // 7 p.m.
01.13
CHASE RICE
The Riot Room
The Bottleneck // Lawrence
Tommie Sunshine
Kansas City Symphony Orchestra
ELLIS PAUL
Uptown Theater
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts // 7 p.m.
Unity Church // Lawrence
K i l l N o i s e B o y s , S o n s o f G r e at D a n e , H o t d o g Sk e l e t o n s
01.14
At t h e L e f t H a n d o f G o Trogldyte, Moiré, Sequia
The RecordBar // $7
Reel Big Fish, The Pilfers
Kansas City based Sons of Great Dane, is one of the most well-reviewed bands on the rise in Kansas City today. Check out The Deli Magazine’s album review of Sons of Great Dane at KansasCity.TheDeliMagazine.com and go see them live!
The Granada // $20
The Riot Room
J a s o n V i v o n e , T h e B i l ly B at s Coda Bar and Grill
THE BOSS K ING Z Icons Restaurant and Lounge
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Damned by the Pope Czar Bar Damned regrouped in 2012 with the intent of making a serious statement in the regional metal/death metal scene. Fans of Cannibal Corpse and ZAO Official will enjoy a night with Damned. To make your decision easier, Czar Bar booked Ghosts of Normandy, a band metal to-the-core. Keep an eye on Ghosts’ new guitarist, Matthew Epley.
01.19 L a d y f i n g e r , M a p s F o r T r av e l e r s , E v e r y d ay / E v e r y n i g h t The Riot Room
01.20 E l i o t L i p p, S o u n d R e m e d y The Granada // $12
photo provided by Danmed by the Pope
K e a n e , Y o u n g b l o o d H aw k e Midland Theatre // $22.25
01.23 Trampled By Turtles
Tom DeMasters, Millie Edwards, M i k e Pa g a n The Phoenix Jazz Club // 7 p.m.
01.16 “ Ta k e A c t i o n T o u r ” w i t h W e Came As Romans, Crow The Empire, Mindflow The Beaumont Club // 7p.m. $35.45+
01.18 Thunder Eagle, ARENTWEALLDEAD , A Light Within, Awa k e n t h e G i a n t The Riot Room // $5
Rodney Carrington
Midland Theatre // Ages 16+ // $23+
01.28 Sum41, lamdynamite, H u n t e r Va l e n t i n e The Granada // $20
The Darkness
The Riot Room // $15+
The Beaumont Club // 8p.m. $15+
No Justice The Granada // $10
01.25 D a n c e f e s t o p i a 2 0 1 3 DJ Competition Tour The Granada The Dancefestopia DJ Competition Tour stops in Lawrence and provides the opportunity for top local DJ’s to compete for a spot on the main stage at Dancefestopia Music Festival in September. The winner of the Lawrence event travels to KC for a Battle of the Champions. For contest details, go to www. facebook.com/DFT2013DJTour.
James Carter Organ Trio Folly Theater // $18+
The Riot Room
Knuckleheads // $18 and $22.50
M i d C o a s t Ta k e o v e r SXSW F u n d r a i s e r
The Granada // $12
F r o s t: W i n t e r EDM F e s t i v a l with Zed’s Dead, Krewella, F i g u r e , F u r y + MC D i n o , S e v e n Lions, Popeska
I n s p e c ta h D e c k
B i l ly J o e S h a v e r
Kevin Fowler
01.26
01.30
F r o s t P r e - Pa r t y w i t h C h a d i l l a c FST Z , H o o d N a s t y, NVS
Liberty Hall // $25+
Knuckleheads // $12
The Granada // $20
Midland Theatre // $27.50+
Jeff Magnum of Neutral Milk Hotel
L i l’ E d , t h e B l u e s I m p e r i a l s
The RecordBar // $10 Check TheRecordKC.com for more details on this fundraiser. Support Kanas City music with a night of outstanding music at a great KC venue.
01.31 B r a n t l e y G i l b e r t, K i p M o o r e Independence Events Center // $24.75+
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02.02 Calexico The Granada // $18
KiD Rock, Buckcherry The Sprint Center // $35.5+
Morrissey Liberty Hall // $58+
02.03 Ed Sheeran Midland Theatre // $25
T h e G r o w l e r s , R a d k e y, Uz i s The Riot Room // $10+
02.04 Lady Gaga The Sprint Center // $51.50+
02.06 S av o y The Granada // $13
02.08
Ellie Smith & The Commotion, M y O h M y, T h e G i v i n g T r e e B a n d Czar Bar // $5 Czar Bar has put together an excitingly solid evening with high-quality bands. Elllie Smith & The Commotion are a Topeka-based band with outstanding musical character, telling stories with bluesy-rock flair. The Giving Tree Band produces feel-good, up-tempo music. They found success in their last album released in late 2010, as it spent several weeks on radio charts. Folk/Indie fans will undoubtedly love The Giving Tree Band. For $5, this is a no-brainer.
02.09
Jason Boland & the Stragglers The Granada // $15
Victor Wooten Knuckleheads // $29.5
Blue Fruit Snacks, Large The C l e m e n t i n e s , D r e w a n d PH r i e n d s The Riot Room // $5
Chris Knight Knuckleheads // $18
Zac Brown Band, Blackberry Smoke The Sprint Center // $29.50+
Kenny Garrett Quartet Folly Theater // $18+
02.16 Kurt Elling
Every Time I Die, the Acacia S t r a i n , Va n n a , H u n d r e d t h , No Bragging Rights
Gem Theater // $45+
The Granada // $17
Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club // 10 p.m.
02.10 B r o n c h , Sk at i n g P o l ly, T h e E m p t y S pa c e s The Riot Room // 7p.m. $8
C a r r i e N at i o n a n d t h e S p e a k e a s y Hailing from Wichita, KS, Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy is an energetic six-member band playing in a mixed-bag bluegrass/punk/dixieland/americana genre. Call it whatever you want, the sound is original and talented on the verge on insanity. The musical output of Carrie Nation & the Peakeasy is pure, raw art. The brass will get you moving. www.carrienationandthespeakeasy.com
02.11 T h e K o f f i n K at s , American Dischord The Riot Room // 8 P.m. $8
N o n N i g h t s “ Va l - o - w e e n ” 2 0 1 3 The Beaumont Club // 8:30 p.m. $32.90
02.15
02.12 T o r n t h e F u c k A p a r t, M a c aw b e r , U n m e r c i f u l The Riot Room // 8p.m. $5
02.14 Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears The Riot Room // 8p.m. $15
Carrie Rodriguez Knuckleheads // $15
Support Kansas City music. Advertise with The Record, advertising@therecordkc.com
Photo provided by Peter Lee
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02.17
02.21
02.25
Electric Six, The Dead Girls
Z Z W a r d , M a r t i n H a r l e y, Mike Borgia
G-Eazy
The Riot Room // 8 p.m.
The Riot Room // 7 pm. $10
Kishi Bashi, Plume Giant The RecordBar // $10 Having toured extensively and performed at Austin City Limits and SXSW, “K” has a strong following across the states. The artist’s musical background is complex. Despite his core background as a classical violinist, K’s music skills extend well beyond the classical instrument and style. Expect outstanding violin, vocal looping and beat boxing.
02.22 Ta l i b K w e l i The Granada // $22
02.23 Uncle Lucius The Granada // $8
The Granada // $12
999 Eyes Freakshow The Granada // $10
Maroon 5 with neon trees and owl city The Sprint Center // $27.5+w
02.28 R a s c a l F l at t s The Kansas Expocentre // $26.25+
Tom Russell Knuckleheads // $25
K ANSAS C ITY P O STE R S MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHY
11035 W. 96th Place Overland Park, KS 66214 913.269.6709
K ANSAS CITY POSTERS AND POSTCARDS 1 8 X 2 4 posters — $ 1 9 . 9 5 + $ 2 . 0 0 P ostage
Support Kansas City music. Advertise with The Record, advertising@therecordkc.com
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L O C AL M U SI C IANS THE BEST OF CURRENT MUSIC In June of 2012, Dancefestopia Music Festival featured more than 30 local and emerging artists on the Red Bull mobile DJ stage. In preparation for Dancefestopia 2013 (September 13 and 14), Nitro Productions has organized a three-state, eight-city DJ competition where more than 100 DJs will compete for a spot on the main stage at Dancefestopia. This competition will provide emerging DJs the exposure and attention necessary to
advance to the next professional level. Agents from the largest and most prominent talent management companies in the world will be on-site at Dancefestopia, providing the perfect opportunity for a break through performance. Contact the company at nitroproductionskc@yahoo.com or visit the tour Facebook page at Facebook.com/DFT2013DJTour for all details.
dj competition locations Kansas City, Kan. • Lawrence, Kan. • Topeka, Kan. • Wichita, Kan. • Lincoln, Neb. • Omaha, Neb. • Columbia, Mo. • St. Louis, Mo.
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top 10 local albums of 2012 Mark Manning // 90.1 FM KKFI
The 112 Best Recordings of 2012 are based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley. In 2012 Wednesday MidDay Medley has featured hundreds of new and local releases. We’ve featured dozens of live in-studio performances from area performers, and we have interviewed over 150 local and national artists. Among the recordings on our list, 70% are locally produced. Sing The Delta—Iris DeMent Flariella // October 2
Ghost— Ghosty M o r e Fa m o u s e r R e c o r d s / / A p r i l 1 7
Courage—Schwervon! Olive Juice Music // September 28
Shelf Life— The Hearts of Darkness Shipshape Records // A ugust 25
Don’t Let Me Stay— John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons Lakeshore Records // March 13
Rainbow Records—Hidden Pictures Golden Sound Records // July 17
Duplexiaville— The Caves Golden Sound Records // November 24
Molly Picture Club—Molly Picture Club Independent // March 3
Easy Virtues [EP]— The Latenight Callers T L N C / Fe b r u a r y 2 5
From The Rivers of Missouri and The Banks of Fear —Thee Water MoccaSins I n d e p e n d e n t / / Fe b r u a r y 2 2
photos provided by Dancefestopia
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THE PASSI O N NEVE R FADES R ay h i l d e b r a n d J i m M a t h i s / / P h o t o g r a p h e r, M u s i c i a n a n d W r i t e r
Whether we consider it a gift or a curse, the passion for music is something that many of us have had since earliest childhood and it never goes away. It is because of this lifelong passion that I wanted to be a part of this new publication. And particularly I wanted to write about the many people who have devoted thirty, forty, fifty years or more of their lives to music.
One such person is Ray Hildebrand. Ray smashed onto the music scene in 1963 with the number one hit “Hey Paula.” Ray wrote the song for a college buddy to sing to his girl friend, and he and Jill Crawford recorded it in 1962 in their hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. The song went number one on Valentine’s Day of 1963 and stayed there for three weeks. They followed up “Hey Paula” with “Young Lovers” and five other songs that hit the top 100 list. But Ray was overwhelmed by the fame and adulation and left the group “Paul and Paula” in the middle of a tour. He went back to Texas where he became the artist and repertoire person for LeBill Music. There he became one of the founding fathers of the genre that would become known as Contemporary Christian Music.
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frost R y a n Wa a g e / / M i d l a n d T h e a t e r P r o m o t i o n s
FROST is Kansas City’s largest winter dance music event and it returns on January 26, 2013 to the Midland Theatre. Born from the same party-hardened and creative minds of those who put on Global Dub Festival every fall and Global Dance Festival every summer, FROST is truly an exciting event for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) fans across the Midwest. Zeds Dead, headlining FROST, is a Canadian electronic music duo from Toronto, Ontario comprised of DC and Hooks whom, together in 2009, released their first track under the Zeds Dead moniker. The live performance of Zeds Dead can best be described as watching two maestros concoct an intriguing and mind-blowing witches brew of electro house, hip-hop, and glitch into their primarily Dubstep oriented focus.
He traveled for The Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a speaker and performer and later became a youth director for a church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Ray was a frequent guest as a singer for the Billy Graham Crusades.
T h e p a s s i o n i s t h e g i f t. M u s i c i s w h at c o m e s f r o m t h e g i f t. C h a n g e d l i v e s a n d c h a n g e d h e a r t s i s t h e r e s u lt. In 1983 he hooked up with fellow Christian artist Paul Land. They knew immediately that they were onto something magical and the duo “Land and Hildebrand” was formed. Since then Land & Hildebrand have played together all over the United States. Together they have recorded sixteen albums. Now in his seventies, Ray lives in Overland Park, Kansas and plays regularly as a solo artist or occasionally with Paul Land and sometimes Jill Crawford as the original Paul and Paula. Ray agrees that the passion never fades. After sixty years of singing, there is nothing he would rather do than make music with his friends. The passion is the gift. Music is what comes from the gift. Changed lives and changed hearts is the result.
Next up we’ve got Krewella, whose catch phrase is “making you wet, one song at a time”. That sentiment couldn’t be any more true. Krewella is comprised of Jahan, Yasmine and Rainman and made their first waves into the EDM world with their debut video of “Killin’ It” in early 2012. Their sound can best be described as a clashing of heavy masculine bass beats with sweet, melodic, sometimes poppy, vocals from Jahan and Yasmine topped with an adrenaline shot to the jugular. You better show up prepared to party. Rounding out the lineup is Figure, Seven Lions, Popeska and DJ Fury who each bring to the table their unique sound and styles. Figure is the epitome of filthy, heavy, grinding bass music. The progressive Dubstep artist Seven Lions will be wooing the crowd over with his sensual synth leads and entrancing, pounding bass lines topped with beautiful vocals that are sure to send you into a state of bliss. Popeska, arguably the freshest talent on the lineup, is an electro house producer with experience with professional guidance from Wolfgang Gartner. Not too shabby. The last artist on the bill is DJ Fury and his MC “Dino” who will be bringing the rough and tumble genre of drum-and-bass and jungle to center stage. Dju Fury is credited with maintaining one of the longest running weekly parties in the nation, known as “Breakdown Thursdays.” FROST tickets are available now and can be purchased by going to the Midland Theaters website (www.midlandkc.com). $23+
S e e a l s o : T h e P a s s i o n N e v e r Fa d e s . c o m F e e l f r e e t o c o n t a c t m e b y e m a i l a t : J i m @ A f t e r Ta x e s M u s i c . c o m photos provided by Jim Mathis
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most popular venues M i k e Pa g á n / / J a z z P i a n i s t
First time visiting Kansas City? Great. By now you’ve probably gathered that this is our first run of “The Record”. For this inaugural issue, let’s look at some of the most popular jazz venues in KC – the ones you should try to hit if you’re a musician or enthusiast who is new to town, or just passing through. D i s c l a i m e r : T h i s l i s t i n g i s n o t i n a n y r a n k i n g o r d e r.
Westchase grille 11942 Roe Ave., Overland Park, KS
Westchase Grille presents jazz Wednesday through Sunday nights. For more information, visit westchasegrill.com.
mu t u a l mu s i c i a n s fou n d a t i o n 1823 Highland, KCMO
The Foundation is a true historic landmark in KC and home to the famous all-night jam sessions on Friday and Saturday nights, literally going until 5:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Because of the after-hours nature, many marquee-name, touring jazz musicians appearing in KC stop in the MMF after their evening performances to sit in. You’ll never know whom you may see at the MMF. For more information, visit thefoundationjamson.org.
The Majestic R e s t a ur a n t a n d j a zz c l ub 931 Broadway, KCMO
There is live music on each of the restaurant’s two levels and a Sunday night jam session beginning at 6:30 p.m., no cover. For more information, visit majestickc.com.
The phoenix 302 W. 8th St. KCMO
The Phoenix has jam sessions on Monday and Tuesday night beginning at 7:00 p.m., no cover.
t h e b l u e room 1616 E. 18th St. KCMO
The Blue Room is located at the historic corner of 18th and Vine in the historic jazz district of Kansas City. The Blue Room is open Mon, Thu, Fri and Sat. There is no cover on Mondays and Thursdays and Monday is a jazz session. If you are an instrumentalist or singer, be sure to head in. Entertainment usually starts at 7:00 p.m. on weeknights and 8:30 p.m. on the weekends. For more information, visit: americanjazzmuseum.org and click on Blue Room.
D i ck h aw k ’ s gaslight and b a ckroom 5020 W. 137th St., Leawood, KS
Dick Hawk’s has live jazz Wednesdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m. as well. For more information, visit gaslightgrill.com.
ta k e f i v e coff e e b a r 5336 W. 151st St., Leawood, KS
Take Five a true coffee house with a bar and delicious goodies. Visit takefivecaffeebar.com for a schedule of the many jazz shows they present, including a Sunday night jam session at 7:00 p.m.
chaz on the plaza 325 Ward Pkwy., KCMO
This intimate lounge of the Hotel Rapheal has live music featuring jazz Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit raphaelkc.com/chazontheplaza.
Whether you are a visitor or a “homie” be sure to get out and support live j a zz i n K a n s a s C i t y.
therecordkc.com JANUARY窶認EBRUARY, 2013 5 3
photo provided by The Phoenix Jazz Club
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L O O K ING B A C K
MIDLAND THEATER
THEN
NOW
On October 28, 1927, the theatre opened its doors, making the Midland the third largest theatre in the United States, behind the Roxy and Capital Theatres in New York City.
The theatre renovations, including the 2008 remodel, totaled $16 million.
In January 1961, the theatre closed for remodeling and reopened briefly as the home of the Kansas City Stars, a National Bowling League team.
Photos provided by the Midland and National Register of Historic Places
therecordkc.com JANUARY—FEBRUARY, 2013 5 5
b a ck pa g e b a ck s t a g e Matthew Hawkins // Production Runner
As I look back it seems like forever ago, even though it’s only been about 10 years. I think about all the different things that I have been through in my career. I have been through handing out flyers to running the coolest shows. What stands out the most to me, is that I have been in this industry for over a decade and I’ve never done the same job, it’s always something different. I wish I could describe just how awesome this job is, but I can’t find the words that would do it justice. I can’t imagine doing anything else. After the glam (as I like to call it) wears off, it’s just another job. Yes there are great perks, but the fun and enjoyment I once had in it has faded. This job is stressful at times but after a show is settled, the fulfillment of the accomplishment is all that I need. When I first started, I never thought I would reach a point where I would be running the shows or controlling the booking of the talent. The process is long and horrifically stressful, which includes emails back and forth between you and the tour/ production manager, going over service and technical riders and hiring your local staff (including security, fire marshals, stage hands, riggers, runners,
lighting designer and sound engineer… the list goes on). This isn’t a career for everyone, but for the right person it is the only thing that matters. Some days are as long as 20 hours -- day in and day out. For those of you that do not know all that goes into producing a concert, I will fill you in: Work on a single show starts months before it is even announced. It takes that much time to plan everything. On the day of the show, we start as early as 6:30 a.m. and most nights won’t finish until 3:30 a.m. We have our stagehands unload the trucks full of sound equipment and road cases filled with everything from cables to dressing room/office supplies. Then, the stage is put together. In doing this, the lights are hung, the sound system is set up and then we do a sound check.
You don’t get to ask for autographs, you must act professionally at all times. When something goes wrong, as the production runner, you are always the one responsible for the wrongdoing. Sometimes the pay is worth it, other times it is horrible. I have worked with some of the most dedicated runners in the business. Those that do a lot of our bigger shows in Kansas City. From Rockfest, Buzz Under the Stars, Sprint Center shows, Kanrocksas and Dancefestopia, to the concerts at Arrowhead Stadium. They are usually the first on scene and the last to leave. They truly are the backbone of every show.
Our production runners make multiple trips to various hotels, dry cleaners, Home Depot and they frequent the local coffee shop. These runners are essential to the show. If and when anything goes wrong, they fix it: the specialty tool that broke, that weird cable that no one has, they are the ones to find it. The common person may think, “oh, I can run errands”, and you’re right, you probably can. However, with this job, you cannot act like a fan.
s tay tuned therecordkc.com fa c e b o o k . c o m / t h e r e c o r d k c @therecordkc Send us your comments and requests to comments@therecordkc.com
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