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.
“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.
Keep up with Parker Matthews here.
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!
Keep up with Payson here.
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.”
Keep up with Rachael Cantu here.
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.
