kevin morby, hand habits @ barracuda
On April 12th, the phenomenal Kevin Morby made an appearance at Barracuda in Austin, TX alongside the ever-entertaining Hand Habits. Photographer Erica Tello was on hand to nab some photos for us.
kevin burt @ winter blues fest
Having just collected three major blues awards, Kevin “B.F.” Burt performed at the Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines on February 10. Burt, of Coralville, Iowa, is the 2018 International Blues Challenge winner for Best Solo/Duo Act, Best Harmonica Player and Best Solo/Duo Guitarist.
Keep up with Kevin on Facebook.
lo moon @ the riot room
I had the pleasure of seeing Lo Moon for a second time on Sunday, January 8th at the Riot Room. Lo Moon was in Kansas City last year at Buzz Under the Stars 2017, as well as opening for Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness in Music Alley for a smaller show during the warm summer months. A second time around, Lo Moon shined in the intimate setting at The Riot Room. The trio’s energy was in full effect, bringing a soulful and wondrous vibe to the room that isn’t often found in this space.
The band has gained quite a following after their iconic first single “Loveless” was released in September 2016. This was a proven fact as The Riot Room was packed with loyal fans. Lead singer Matt Lowell also professed “We love Kansas City” to the audience, which had every measure of sincerity.
And honestly, how could you not love a city that breaks new music? Take a peek here.
Keep up with Lo Moon here.
jaunt, cue
Fresh off the presses, Jaunt‘s new 5-track EP Cue is ready for your waiting ears. Launched on Friday the 13th, there’s nothing spooky about this release, though it does play with dissonance and ambient sounds to bring you into a whole different soundscape than what you might be used to. While first track “Machined” feels like a slight machine interaction – small noises that lend themselves to its overall 70s-inspired feel -,second track “Best Case” continues at a slow tempo, the occasional guitar riff lending itself to a far more groovy sound.
“Intimate Sunset” exists in a soundscape similar to what the title infers. Beachy vibes almost drop from the speakers, and we’re already feeling like we’re on a much needed vacation. “Faster Interactions” is chill, groovy and psychedelic. With the use of a keyboard organ, soft high pitched vocals, and a variety of electronic sounds “Faster Interactions” stays true to its name. The video for “Faster Interactions” also really displays the band’s creativity with a psychedelic feel of fast paced iridescent lights and unexpected visuals.
Of “Faster Interactions” Jaunt says:
“Faster Interactions” is probably our zaniest track to date! It was one of the first written for Cue, but also took the longest to complete. We quickly knew that it would be a single, and playing it repeatedly live has helped us finesse it’s nuances. Caitlin and Eliza really helped bring a new energy and dynamic, ultimately making the song more joyous. We’re also trying very hard to bring back the sound of cheap keyboard orchestra hits in pop music.
They round out the magic with “Cued”, a slower track with more of a vibey, enchanting sound to it all. It’s the perfect bookend to what we have just experienced, and we’re enthralled enough to hear more.
Keep up with Jaunt here.
gin wigmore releases highly anticipated fourth album ivory
Gin Wigmore’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Ivory is finally here. A collection of twelve songs from the catalog of her best music, Wigmore uses her strong command of emotive melodies and pop anthems to create the perfect sound for Ivory. One of the songs from the album is titled “Girl Gang”. and is all about girl power. The song empowers women to have a stronger voice when it comes to love, opinions, and being stronger. With the track follows a video titled “#GIRLGANG”, with a music video that is a tribute to women of all ages, highlighting their unique feminine power.
The album sets a standard for itself with the opening of its title track “Hollow Fate” which is an incredibly beautiful and complex treat for the ears. Wigmore’s vocals are unique and powerful on each track she is on. The entire album is a piece of artwork that is progressively different from what Gin Wigmore has done before.
Ivory is available now. Keep up with Gin Wigmore here.
matt and kim, twinkids, cruisr @ the midland
On March 28th, Matt & Kim helped us ring in the springtime at Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland with an insanely executed show, featuring talented acts Twinkids and CRUISR as openers. Photographer Meredith Schneider got a few photos amidst the high energy set.
