by Meredith Schneider | Jun 1, 2019 | snapshot
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.
Keep up with Billy Raffoul here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 31, 2019 | albums, review
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
Keep up with Luisa Lopez here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 29, 2019 | snapshot, visual
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.
Keep up with Barns Courtney here.
by Karina Marquez | May 27, 2019 | albums, review
Composer and performer
Thomas Kozumplik leads a 16-member orchestra in a riveting performance of instrumental artistry with his latest project,
Child of the Earth.
“Mother Nature (la inocencia pérdida)” is quite an attention-grabbing opening — with the cacophony of various bells and drum beats and piano chords that doesn’t quite allow you to figure out where the song is headed —mirroring the beauty and unpredictability of Mother Nature itself. Then it shifts with the use of heavy percussion and ominous vocal work that creates an intense juxtaposition to the first few minutes. As the composition comes to an end, it settles back down, bringing back the playful xylophone, plus some piano chords and vocals that ring with finality.
The next two tracks are the small but sweet filling between the two thick pieces of bread in this orchestral sandwich. “Mysticism (Carillon) resembles a wind chime in its breezy tone. It is the most serene of the tracks, bringing about a certain peace and calm that only chimes can do. “A Journey (baile de los tambores)” goes back to the more chaotic sound of “Mother Nature.” The intense yet catchy drum beats are a mirror opposite to the quiet romance of “Mysticism.”
“Beauty and its Passing (cuando habíamos podido amar)” is quite a triumphant ending to this large-scale orchestra. It is a more subdued work in a way that is more contemplative. For most of the song, the signature heavy percussion is not present, putting piano and marimba at the forefront, as a way of bringing the intensity of the orchestra to a gentle close.
Child of the Earth is an incredible feat. His work and artistry certainly speak for themselves — Kozumplik manages to create something entirely new and interesting, allowing listeners to disappear into a world of magical music.
Be sure to check out the album, and keep up with Kozumplik
here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 22, 2019 | albums, review
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?
Keep up with Forever X2 here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 16, 2019 | soundtrack, visual
If you’re asking us, May has been a phenomenal month for music. Coming in from all angles are talented new acts, incredible new singles, and visuals for miles that will make you want to get out with your camera this spring too! We’ve started compiling our favorite new releases of the month, but will continue to add in as we see new things through our inbox. Check back for more all month! And let us know your favorites in the comments on Facebook!
