“Hit and Run” is the latest single from Parker Matthews who also just released a video for the track. Before I watched the pop newcomer’s video, I had to just listen to the song itself. “Hit and Run” is a bubblegum pop infused track with, of course, the perfect voice (Parker Matthews) to complete the song.
“Start it one-by-one, cuz’ this ain’t no hit and run,” Parker sings, proclaiming a love song for a special someone. With Parker’s high voice, catchy tune, and upbeat chorus, I soon found myself swaying by the end of the song. The second time I listened to the song I viewed the video for “Hit and Run.” Set in city night life and donned in an all black outfit (shades included), we see Parker walking up to an apartment for a house party. With a crowd dancing and Parker singing, he shows off his fierce dance moves and has no problems “feeling himself,” which adds to that “pop-party” vibe that the song encompasses.
Pop Dust, who premiered the video described “Hit and Run” as “decorated with sticky drum loops and fluorescent synth makeup, embodies classic dance music but dispatches a crucial, heart-pounding message.” Pop music, in its essence, is something you can dance to—but also be in your feelings about and “Hit and Run” definitely hits the nail on the head.
Payson Lewis just released the video for his latest single “When Love Was Young”. The video opens up to beach with a beautiful sunset, then cuts to Payson singing and playing piano in the living room. We then see Payson walking on the beach with a girl holding hands. “So you go go go back, when you love somebody— you let them get away, get away, but what’s done is never done,” sings Payson on “the one that got away.”
The video is touching, with the scenes of the beach and a happy couple reunited. The video for “When Love Was Young” is an acoustic version which gives us a glimpse at Payson Lewis’ talents which include his amazing and bone-chilling vocals and his ability to beautifully handle a piano. The video to “When Love Was Young” had me tearing up and I hope you find it equally as sweet!
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.
On April 10th, Missio made a colorful and enigmatic appearance at recordBar, with support from the phenomenal Morgan Saint. Here are a few photos from the evening.
The Amanda Fish Band brought roots rock to the Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines on February 10. The Kansas City band was a semi finalist in the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Minnesota Blues Challenge Winner Ken Valdez performed at the 2018 Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines on February 10. The New Mexico native was also joined on stage by Kevin “BF” Burt.
Rachael Cantu just released her refreshing video for the latest track “You’re the Most.” The video opens in a kitchen with a girl sitting in her kitchen pondering life. The scene then cuts to the sink where we see roses and a pink cake batter being mixed (baking a cake for a lover is my suspect). Cut to an adorable girl in pink, smiling while walking down the street. Then the cutest thing happens. Both parties meet in front of a rose bush. Sometimes staring at each other, sometimes hugging. This video is a very candid depiction of what it means to “start falling in love with someone.” There are always conflicting feelings of that point when one starts being vulnerable with someone which is why the lyrics state “I’m a loner, that I’ll own it–you’re the most I’ve ever wanted.”
On Sunday, April 8th, The Darkness made an incredibly entertaining night of it as the headliner at The Truman in Kansas City. Rockers Diarrhea Planet opened, and Michael Porter caught some pretty impressive photos for us.
Following a gloomy week in Kansas City, April 4 brought crisp and clear weather – and a sold-out show by L.A.’s Billie Eilish at recordBar in support of her Where’s My Mind tour. Some of her fans waited for hours in the cold for a chance to be close to their favorite artist. Imperfect Fifth writer Veronica DeFeo and photographer Michael Porter were there to capture the one-of-a-kind evening. Killer performances from openers Reo Cragun and DJ Kiero got the night off to a great start. Reo busted his lip open a few songs in, but he didn’t let that stop him from delivering a fantastic set, much to the delight of the energetic crowd.
Following Reo and Kiero’s set, anticipation was evident as the concert-goers started chanting Billie’s name. In a moment of electric delirium only found at the best of shows, the lights went down and drummer Andrew Marshall and Billie’s brother, Finneas O’Connell, came onstage to an electronic sample of “my boy”, dressed in white coveralls and Billie Eilish kerchiefs. The crowd went insane when Billie came on seconds later, starting off the night with her acclaimed single, “bellyache”. Every voice knew every word, evidencing Billie’s deep connection with her fans. Not skipping a beat, Billie led the crowd into her hauntingly beautiful “idontwannabeyouanymore”, showcasing her velvety vocals. Next up was “watch”, immediately followed by “&burn”, which features Vince Staples on her record, dont smile at me. Billie not only flawlessly sang “watch”, but also took on Vince Staples’ verse from “&burn”.
Billie gave the crowd a chance to fill in some vocals on the next song, “Bored” (which was anything but boring). Fans were eager to give Billie their gifts throughout the set, and Billie expressed her love and gratitude for everyone who came multiple times, letting them know that she would not be where she is without them. Taking a more serious and mature tone, Billie performed an older track, “Six Feet Under”, which displayed not only her vocal talent, but also her lyrical skills. Billie introduced her drummer and brother to the crowd before inviting Finneas to perform his slinky, moody track, “New Girl”. As her producer, co-writer, backing vocalist and guitarist, but most importantly, brother, Finneas is always supportive of Billie, as well as having his own career as lead singer of The Slightlys and starring as Alistair on Glee.
Billie took the stage once again, enthralling the crowd with a unique cover of Drake’s hit song, “Hotline Bling” – on ukulele. In her next song, “party favor”, Billie showcased more of her ukulele skills during the fun track, which also features hitting lyrics. Billie next treated the crowd to an unreleased song, asking them all to be in the moment with her. The track that got Billie discovered, “Ocean Eyes”, was up next, and the crowd got a unique, lighthearted rendition as Billie accidentally bumped a fan with her mic; following this, Billie closed out the song on a stunning note. An electric, flawless performance of fan favorite “my boy” finished her regular set, but Billie wasn’t done yet. After raucous shouts for an encore brought her back onstage, Billie delivered with “hostage” before taking a selfie with the crowd and hugging fans. Billie closed out her show with a rocking performance of “COPYCAT” that did not disappoint. After commanding her fans to get low during the bridge, the crowd went wild with the signal word “sike!”, and the last seconds of the song were unforgettable.
At just sixteen years old, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than many artists dream to at a young age. When she makes up her mind, she gets the job done; despite her youth, Billie knows her craft and how to work a crowd. Her March 4 performance is not one that will be forgotten. Kansas City can’t wait for Billie to come back.
