Kansas City and Lawrence boast such an expansive, creative, and original music scene, it's impossible to overlook. The depth of creativity and community in this scene is something truly unique. And we want to start regularly highlighting that homegrown talent.
Photo by Anna Selle
Who: Westside Royal, for when you want to forget everything else and dance
Westside Royal makes the kind of pop music you'd expect to see on a festival stage. Frontman Michael Schley works through the quartet's punchy, poppy set with extreme charisma that shines through any dimly lit, foggy stage. The quartet make a brand of music that is continuously excited and energizing to catch.
_____
Photo by Chase Smith
Who: Domineko, socially conscious hip-hop that also has some great pop culture references
Domineko is everywhere - in the best way possible. A veteran of the scene, Domineko has sculpted his niche and solidified his spot in the hip-hop community. On stage, he's a force to be reckoned with. His bombastic stage presence is felt throughout the whole room as he powerfully recites his songs. Domineko's lyrics are littered with little Easter Eggs and bits of truth, making it hard to cut attention from him.
_____
Photo by Anna Selle
Who: Pink Royal, for extremely intricate, groovy times
Reigning kings of "experimental groove-pop", the recently reformed - in a sense - Pink Royal are at it again with a new EP coming out later this month. After a lineup change, the band went into hiding to work out some new material, and the wait was worth it. With shimmering guitar lines, jazzy keys, and multiple singers, the band is ready for KC to fall back in love with it.
_____
Photo By Max Chaney
Who: Youth Pool, to drown out your feelings and chill
Youth Pool's Dive In came in as one of our top local releases last year, and the band recently debuted the music video for the title track. Along with the video, they also stated that, "DIVE IN is over. We leave you with this. The next journey lies right over the horizon." And honestly, that's getting us real excited to see what this dynamic group comes up with next.
_____
Photo Via Facebook
Who: Khrystal., for that confidence boost you needed
Khrystal. exudes confidence. For her first efforts found on Soundcloud, she's already made a place for herself in the music scene. Something that isn't so common, she's creating and owning. Khrystal.'s gentle flow and smooth tracks will prove to a powerful tool as this relatively new artist continues to grow.
______
Check out previous volumes of Local Bands We're Listening To here:
- Vol I ft. Mess, Run With It, & more
- Vol II ft. La Guerre, Chloe Jacobson, & more
- Vol III ft. Bears & Company, Jaenki, & more
- Vol IV ft. Hembree, The Roseline, & more
- Vol V ft. Pageant Boys, Smokey James & The Avalanche, & more
