On Wednesday, March 29th, Billy Raffoul and KC favorite Jake Wells opened for Parachute at recordBar in Kansas City, MO. Through both of the first sets, the large crowd was more respectful than any crowd we have ever been a part of, a fact magnetized several times when Raffoul swapped out guitars and didn’t have to ask us to settle down before his next track. His witty banter on stage made the show that much more incredible, and his fan base has no doubt multiplied in Kansas City. His deep, gravelly, charming vocals stayed with us for hours after, and we are thrilled to name him as one of our favorite live performers of the season. Some photos from the intimate evening below.
A twinkling intro locks in the mood, as Swedish pop artist Be The Bear‘s (Christina Wehage) ethereal vocals hit the track before the bass sets in. A dance track to its core, the new track “Mermaid” has more than just a bit of energy to it. And it’s layered, as it was originally written for Wehage’s friend who was struggling with their mental health. As we start to really hone in on the importance of providing support and care to all people, and normalizing a broader discussion about mental health, this inspired art keeps our heads above water. But at 1:02, you’d better be ready to groove.
Today, Houston-bred, Nashville-based artist Luisa Lopez released an incredible 8-track feat titled 45. Her entrancing vocals add a level of poeticism that wouldn’t otherwise be attainable, a fact that simply elevates the appeal of the release. But before we even get to the content of the album, the title itself holds significance in many areas of Lopez’s life. It was both the age at which she began to create the release, as well as the number that represents our current President, a person who fueled some of the work.
Beginning with “Tired”, Lopez plays with dissonance instrumentally and gives us a taste of those far-ranging pipes. “She Had to Go” and “Heaven” bring in a groovy, nineties-inspired feel, while “They Ain’t Gonna See Me Coming: An American Western” picks up the pace, and with “Heart Side”, she ensures you can feel that emotions that went into the song’s production. “China” unfolds into a very specific story and is littered with unique instrumental layering that is absolutely inspired. “Nothing Left” and “Nothing New Under the Sun” slow the pace down quite a bit, bringing forth a vibe that could easily be played at a casual cookout or in a hotel lobby. However, if you truly examine the lyrics, “Nothing Left” is centered around the lives affected by police brutality, especially in black communities. Her social commentary is sobering, yet so beautifully presented.
Above all Lopez admits, “I want people to feel something. I want them to feel inspired. I want them to put themselves in these sounds and I want them to want to hear from me again. I want them to be curious about what will be next.”
Mission accomplished.
Track list
1. Tired
2. She Had To Go
3. Heaven
4. They Ain’t Gonna See
Me Coming: An American
Western
5. Heart Side
6. China
7. Nothing Left
8. Nothing New Under
The Sun
On Tuesday May 14th, Barns Courtney opened for Elle King at The Truman in Kansas City, MO. It was a high energy night, and we’re thrilled with this little snapshot of it all.
Recently, Brooklyn-based musician IYVES – the moniker for R&B artist Hannah Taxman – released the acoustic version of her soulful track “Gold”. Her vocal range delicately and gorgeously takes the forefront with this production, where she plays with dissonance between lyrical lines. A gospel choir placed sparingly lights up this particular body of work, and we’re left in an intrinsically beautiful ambiance it creates.
Forever X2‘s new self-titled 6 track EP is thrilling, from the very first, edge-tinged lines of “Keep the Devil Waiting” through the last, soothing notes of far more ethereal sounding “Forever Times Two”. The four tracks between are simply the well-rounded center of the Oreo, AKA all some type of amazing. “Think About It” and “Walk the Ocean” have similar paces, the focal point, so to speak, of each track truly being the artist’s raspy vocals. “Mad For Me” sounds much more influenced by punk music, It’s our favorite, as it feels 80’s other-worldly and we’re more than into that headspace right now. If you take the time to sit and enjoy “God Don’t Want”, you’ll feel so much better about the world around you. And the inclusion of such varying soundscapes might inspire you in a different direction.
Forever X2 is definitely worth a listen. I mean, don’t you want to stay on top of new music?
Seattle-based alt-country rockers Massy Ferguson – comprised of Fred Slater (keys), Dave Goedde (drums), Ethan Anderson (Bass/lead vocals), Adam Monda (guitar/vocals) – recently released the music video for their track “Maybe the Gods”, and we’ve got it here for your viewing pleasure. Fun illustrations basked in brilliant, contrasting colors make for a gorgeous and entertaining visual. Check it out now!
Elliah Heifetz has a fresh EP titled New Folk Songs, which is reflected as such. His latest single is titled “Paranoid Blues”, and we’ve been reeling from its beauty ever since we first set ears on it! His gorgeous, rasp-tinged vocals draw you in with a sense of nostalgia, while the strings and light percussion take you on a very earthy, beautiful sonic journey.
Indie rock outfit Manzanita Falls – Jeremy McCarten (Guitar, Vocals), Cameron Morris (Drums), Matt Robinson (Bass), Ross Barbieri (Guitar, Vocals) – releases their new music video for “Windows” today, and we’ve got your first look! Charming, well thought out, and visually engaging, the video follows the band members as they carry a red door around on an adventure. Watch it all unfold with the backdrop of this incredible song below!
