Features
Seratones: Astral Soul, R&B & Sci-fi Funk from Shreveport
It’s a summer Tuesday in Kansas City. I’m standing in recordBar, born in a strip mall but now one of the city’s preeminent live music venues. In between sets, I’m at the bar sipping on an energy drink cocktail. I feel like I need a shot of caffeine after a long day, but little do I know my energy level is about to be lifted, whether I’m ready or not.
Bedlam on Grand Boulevard:
L.A. Witch returns to Kansas City
Garage rock trio L.A. Witch doesn’t need a bubbling cauldron, vials of neon potions, or voodoo dolls to cast a spell on its audience. For over a decade, the group has been captivating crowds with smoky vocals and a simple instrumental setup: guitar, bass, drums.
Try It On: Middle Class Fashion
Once I arrived at Off Broadway, I followed the Pizza Hut delivery driver to the side stage doors and was ushered upstairs to the green room—and I mean it when I say green, because it was quite literally a neon lime green room. There, all the members, except Brad Vaughn, who was unintentionally locked outside for the second time that day I was told, were waiting for me. Jenn Malzone, the lead vocalist and songwriter for Middle Class Fashion, immediately moved from her chair and took a seat on the black floor, the band all reaching for pizza to fuel up for the concert later that evening.
Welcome to the Neighborhood:
Indie Rock Concierge Addie Sartino of The Greeting Committee
Pride Month in June is a significant time of the year for the LGBTQ+ community, including its wealth of talented artists. Celebrated in a variety of ways, the event brings together millions of participants as they share in the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally. Addie Sartino is counted among these individuals.
Wrecking Balls: SF's Destroy Boys
San Francisco-based Destroy Boys have been releasing music since 2015. Currently, the trio is shredding the road on their second headlining tour in support of their new album, Open Mouth, Open Heart. We caught up with lead guitarist Violet Mayugba and drummer Narsai Malik before their Sunday night performance in May at Off Broadway.
Muscular funk, emotional rock and classic soul:
Super Hero Killer
The definition of “lifer” is someone who has made a lifetime commitment. Donald Williams is a prime example of being a “lifer” in St. Louis’ music scene. Thankfully, that’s a good thing, as the city’s music culture has benefited greatly from his dedication to his craft going back to the 1980s.