yify | music to ‘waste’ away to
This is a collection of songs that inspired “Waste” and its production.
Keep up with Yify here.
train @ sprint center
Train stopped through Kansas City a couple of weeks ago, and we got the pleasure of enjoying their set as they opened for the illustrious Hall & Oates at Sprint Center. The band made a point to hit all the high notes, working their way through hits like “Drops of Jupiter”, “Hey, Soul Sister”, “Drive By”, “50 Ways to Say Goodbye”, “Meet Virginia”, and many more. Though on previous tours, the band has married couples on stage during “Marry Me”, we were happy to see there weren’t any shenanigans around that this time around.
Though we did witness at least one proposal during that song.
Between songs, Pat Monahan regaled the crowd with selfies, yoga poses, and more. Ever the ladies man, we didn’t stop hearing about his performance for the remainder of the night. And we totally get the hype.
wonderfuzz, pageant boys, fullbloods, the beholders, + other americans @ motm 2018
Middle of The Map Fest 2018 brought insane amounts of talent from all corners of the U.S., though none as impressive as our Kansas City-based lineup. (That is, if we do say so ourselves.) Check out some photos of Wonderfuzz, Pageant Boys, Fullbloods, The Beholders, and Other Americans below!
sports, red shahan, the vik g. trio, calvin arsenia, + belle & the vertigo waves @ motm 2018
Middle of The Map 2018 was absolutely insane. Not only was it one of the hottest weekends in Kansas City of the year thus far, but there was construction on every corner, and a lot of other events happening in the area. Despite all of the hullabaloo, we were able to nab some photos throughout the weekend. Below, check out some shots of Sports, Red Shahan, The Vik G. Trio, Calvin Arsenia, and Belle & The Vertigo Waves.
the stubborn lovers, “drivin’ 22”
Portland band The Stubborn Lovers are here for a good time with their latest single “Drivin’ 22.” Their country-rock vibe shines in this track with an authenticity that only that kind of music can bring. The electric guitar riffs and upbeat vocals make for an extremely catchy tune. The lyrics relate to the child in all of us. They are bursting with nostalgia, with vivid opening imagery of a family making their way down Route 22:
Daddy’s at the wheel of a Ford Country Squire,
Mama’s putting makeup on down to the wire,
Sister’s in the back spilling Goldfish on the floor,
Shepherd’s in the way back scratching at the door.
The track is reminiscent of a simpler time by embodying the ambiance of an American summer. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to go back to the land of family road trips, fast food stops, and even the backseat fights with your siblings.
Be sure to check out their upcoming album Mother Road, out August 17. Keep up with the band here.
spooky cool, “black wine”
On Friday, Richmond, VA-based indie pop/rock collective Spooky Cool – comprised of Zac Hryciak, Paula Lavalle, Lee Spratley, Sean Williams, and Zavi Harman – is set to release their debut EP Every Thing Ever. But right now, we have a taste of what’s to come in their single “Black Wine”. Hard hitting from the beginning, the mellifluous vocals don’t hit until about the 57 second mark, evening out the rough, electric feel from the beginning. The singer’s vocal range is enticing in its far-reaching capabilities, making us swoon with each new line of lyrics. The instrumental breakdowns are perfect for jam band fans and mellow listeners alike, and we’re inundated with the good feels. (Despite perhaps, at times, the lyrical content itself.)
Keep up with Spooky Cool here.
kate kelly, “honey”
Today not only marks our success in cresting that mid-week hump (We see you, hump day!), but it also marks the release of Nashville-based singer/songwriter Kate Kelly‘s new track “Honey” and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. From her delicate yet sultry vocals – which are smoother than the song’s namesake, in our opinion – to the jazzy instrumentals, this song is a “sweet like candy” soundscape perfect for the (impending) cooling weather. And if you listen to the lyrics, there’s another layer to it all that most will find intriguing and relatable.
Says Kate of the track:
Writing “Honey” was so much more than writing a new song— it was writing a new feeling into my life experience. When “Honey” appeared within me, I found a version of myself I didn’t know existed. The song brought with it a new-found sense of self that was sassy, independent, and empowered in her truth. I still use “Honey” to remind myself to embrace my authenticity and independence, which is my biggest hope for listeners as well.
Keep up with Kate Kelly here.
julietta, “smooth sailing”
New York-based indie pop songstress Julietta is letting it all go with new track “Smooth Sailing”. The whistling certainly brings on the laid back vibes from the onset, though the hard-hitting bass is something of note from the very beginning. The way the instrumentals swell bring the song into a more freeing and interesting soundscape, and Julietta’s light as a feather vocals are expertly layered into the entire thing. It’s an impressive track, with easily relatable lyrics. As Julietta sings about “finding my way,” we just want to sing this track from the top of our lungs in a convertible as we drive down the highway.
After you check the track, you’ll concur. We guarantee it. So allow yourself to expand with a little “Smooth Sailing”.
Keep up with Julietta here.
26 favorite music videos of july 2018
Well, we’re over the hump of mid-year now, and most of us are probably sweating up a storm in our respective cities and homes. But we’ve been absolutely enamored by an outpouring of new music video material from some really incredible artists over the past month, so we thought we’d share some of our favorites. There’s really no reason or rhyme to it all. Some of these videos even make us yearn for colder weather and ice capped mountains. (But who are we to get ahead of ourselves here on this sweltering day?) So sit back, find a little something to try out, and enjoy!
Eric Hutchinson, “Hands”
Silent Revival, “Just One Voice”
King Princess, “Holy”
Jessie Reyez, “Apple Juice”
The Little Miss, “American Dream”
alt-j, “in cold blood” (ft. pusha t) by twin shadow
Bourgeois Mystics, “Jaan Pehechan Ho”
Dan Koshute, “All the Way Always”
Farao, “Lula Loves You”
Blood Orange, “Charcoal Baby”
Chantitown, “Mother of Sun”
Doe, “Heated”
Louis Cole, “Things”
Object as Subject, “Removal”
Tiny Eyes, “Just Saying”
Seasaw, “Big Dogs”
The Living End, “Don’t Lose It”
Miles Kane, “Cry On My Guitar”
Sofia Reyes, “1, 2, 3 (Official Solo Acoustic)”
Hannah Grace, “Oh River”
Kelsy Karter, “Sad Sad Summer”
Wild Rivers, “I Won’t Be Back”
Erik Deutsch, “Falling Flowers”
Billie Eilish, “You Should See Me in a Crown”
Ace of Wands, “10,000 Feet”
Whyte Horses, “Never Took the Time”