Bishop Briggs at the Midland, 10/14/16
Bishop Briggs released one of the biggest songs of 2016 with “River.” Live, Bishop really brings the energy and her vocals are passionate. Check out this soulful version of “River” I shot during her recent set at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland.
GGOOLLDD live at the RecordBar, 11/11/16
I recently did a quick live interview with two members of the up-and-coming indie group GGOOLLDD. The Wisconsin-based band played Sound Machine, an event at the RecordBar curated by Kansas City label The Record Machine.
GGOOLLD at the RecordBar, 11/11/16
Check out my interview and the video for “Boyz” below:
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:
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.
Here’s a recent video I shot of Kansas City-based indie rock band Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type performing “White Girls.”
Yes You Are at KC Riverfest 2016, 7/4/16
Here’s a clip of up-and-coming Kansas City-based indie band Yes You Are performing “Echo” live at KC Riverfest on 7/4/16:
Yes You Are at KC Riverfest 2016
Here’s a clip of up-and-coming Kansas City-based indie rock band Yes You Are performing “World Without End” live at KC Riverfest on 7/4/16:
Laura Gibson in Kansas City, 6/20/16
Laura Gibson is a passionate songwriter and vocalist. She recently showcased her quality songwriting and glorious voice while opening for David Bazan in Kansas City. Gibson’s solo, acoustic set focused on songs off of Empire Builder, her excellent new album. Once you learn about Laura Gibson, you will have discovered one of the best singer-songwriters in music today. Her take on indie-folk is entrancing.
Laura Gibson in Kansas City, 6/20/16
The jaunty, weird love song “Two Kids” is a great example of Laura Gibson’s appeal. Gibson’s emotive vocals soar over the sparse accompaniment of her acoustic guitar. The song is simple, direct and beautiful.
Here’s a solo, acoustic version of “Two Kids” recorded live at RecordBar:
Myself and the lovely Laura Gibson
Boulevardia 2016
The 2016 edition of Boulevardia showcased beer, a street fair and music in Kansas City June 17-19th. I hit up Boulevardia June 17th to soak up the indie rock vibes. The fest was held in an industrial area known as the West Bottoms. Around 8,000 people attended the fest. The music lineup helped to highlight the excellence in the KC music scene.
The Greeting Committee at Boulevardia 2016
Up-and-coming indie rockers the Greeting Committee started off the day with an energetic set. The temperature was a scorching 95 degrees when the band hit the stage. In the middle of the set, lead singer Addie Sartino fell off the stage and just kept singing. The passion in the Greeting Committee’s playing and music proves why they are one of Kansas City’s best indie rock bands.
The Greeting Committee at Boulevardia 2016
Meg Myers at Boulevardia 2016
Going into Boulevardia 2016, Meg Myers had one of the most highly anticipated sets. Myers won over the crowd with her dramatic indie-pop and strong vocals. Songs like “Lemon Eyes” and the murderous yearning of “Desire” received big reactions.
Radkey at Boulevardia 2016
Radkey hit the crowd hard with their blistering rock. The intensity and interplay from the St. Joseph, MO-based band made for one of the best sets of the day.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at Boulevardia 2016
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness closed out Friday with a set mixing new solo material and classics. It was nice to see him dig back into Jack’s Mannequin tracks like “Dark Blue.” McMahon’s emotive vocals and soulful piano playing were a perfect end to the evening.
Boulevardia 2016
Overall, Friday at Boulevardia 2016 was one of the best days of music I’ve seen in at least five years. Every set was quality. Even in blazing temperatures, it’s great to see people enjoying themselves. Boulevardia 2016 served up beer and excellent tunes.
Florence + the Machine Crowd 5/24/16
You wanna get out and see some live music, huh? You want to throw down, rock out and taste the sweet sonic nectar that is a concert? I’ve gone to a least 400 shows over the years, so here are a few tips:
Expect the unexpected. Crowds, song choices, weather, and venues can all impact shows. However, just come with an open mind and lay the hammer down!
Be ready to wait. Sometimes, shows start right on time. However, be ready to wait it out. The rock can be worth the wait.
If you like the song, get down! The indie stereotype of staring at your feet and looking unimpressed is overrated. Throw down, baby!!
Earplugs, you might want them. Shows are often mixed really loudly. Earplugs can be helpful, because they don’t drown out the sound around you too much
Show up early for the opening acts. Your next favorite band could be the first act on tonight.
There will be an encore (usually). Will the band come back onstage? Don’t be fooled, they’ll be back.
Hearing a great song live is a joyous experience. It can get crowds lit up! It’s wonderful to see people come together, united by their love of music. Concerts can uplift your soul.
Get out there, rock out and have a good time! Beast it hardcore!
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