Archive for the ‘Kansas City’ Category

Mike Doughty “Circles” and “Lazy Bones” Live at Mills Record Company

November 26, 2016
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Mike Doughty live at Mills Record Company, 11/25/16

Mike Doughty recently stopped by Mills Record Company to play a solo, electric set. Check out the videos I shot of the Soul Coughing classics “Circles” and “Lazy Bones.”

The Naked and Famous “Higher” and “Punching in a Dream” Live at the Midland

November 25, 2016
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The Naked and Famous at the Midland, 11/4/16

The Naked and Famous recently smashed Kansas City with an energetic, two-hour set of indie-pop at the Midland. Check out footage I shot of the new single “Higher” and the classic “Punching in a Dream.”

KITTEN “Cut It Out” and “Japanese Eyes” Live at the RecordBar

November 24, 2016
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KITTEN at the RecordBar, 11/17/16

KITTEN recently performed a rocking set to a packed RecordBar. Lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Chloe Chaidez’s energy and passion for music and performing live is inspiring. I often criticize indie bands for not moving around onstage, KITTEN doesn’t have this issue. They bring the energy live. Check out these blistering live versions of “Cut It Out” and “Japanese Eyes” I recorded at RecordBar.

K.Flay “Blood in the Cut” Live at the Tank Room

November 24, 2016
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K.Flay at the Tank Room, 11/5/16

K.Flay recently smashed through a set at a sold out Tank Room, in Kansas City, MO. Check out this blazing version of her hit single “Blood in the Cut” I recorded live on 11/5/16.

 

Sylvan Esso Light Up “Radio” and “Coffee” Live at Fed Up Fest 2016

November 17, 2016
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Sylvan Esso at Fed Up Fest, 10/15/16

Sylvan Esso lit up a recent performance at Fed Up Fest at CrossroadsKC at Grinders. The glorious vocals and thumping beats blended together perfectly. Sylvan Esso closed their set with their latest single, the grooving “Radio.” Check out this live version of “Radio” I shot in KC last month:

They also played the classic tune “Coffee”:

The Happy Clappy Glory of Grouplove

November 16, 2016
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Grouplove at the KC Live Block, 10/21/16

Grouplove recently smashed an energetic two-hour set at the KC Live Block. I consider the California-based band to be the “Kings of Happy Clappy” indie rock. They have a special relationship with KC and always bring the heat live. Grouplove’s latest album, Big Mess, is one of my favorite albums of the year. The songs are more intricate and feature more dynamics and texture than some of their earlier material. Live, the new songs meshed well with the older tunes. Check out live footage I shot of the new track “Good Morning” and the classic “Tongue Tied” below:

Interview: Comedian Chloe Pelletier

November 16, 2016

My interview with Kansas City-based comedian Chloe Pelletier. She discusses a favorite joke, the impact of Huntington’s disease and her decision to not let fear control her life.

McClain Approved: Witch Jail.

October 8, 2016
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Witch Jail at Outer Reaches 2016.

Kansas City-based band Witch Jail unleashed their hard-hitting garage rock to Outer Reaches 2016. The left-of-center music festival was held at the RecordBar, in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 30th and October 1st, 2016. Witch Jail lead singer Guy Smiley looks like Roy Orbison and fat Elvis had a sweaty, trippy baby. Their short set was raucous, abrasive and excellent. Dive into the vibes of Witch Jail recorded live at Outer Reaches 2016:

A Visit to Art Alley.

September 17, 2016

I recently visited Art Alley in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, Missouri. The alley showcases quality street art.

Check out a video tour of Art Alley:

 

 

McClain Approved: Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type “White Girls.”

August 31, 2016
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Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type Live at RecordBar 7/29/16

Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type is a Kansas City-based indie rock band. Songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Rachel Mallin’s lyrics are smart and biting. The band recently released their new EP Degenerate Matters. Live and on record, they bring the energy.

Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type’s “White Girls” is my favorite song of the year so far. The track is getting radio play from Kansas City to Sweden. Lyrically, Mallin brings the snark and lays the smackdown on stereotypical white girls, “There’s a special place in hell for girls like you/Go out on the weekends/Prey upon weak men that haven’t got a girl to come home to.” This heat is counterbalanced by an upbeat, indie surf rock vibe. It’s the kind of song Best Coast would love to write. It’s always great when sharp lyrics and an energetic groove combine to form a quality song. “White Girls” is one of the year’s best.