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. This month we're taking a dive into the five acts playing the Do816 Day Party at Middle Of The Map.
_____
Who: Second Hand King, the original doo-wop rapper
Where: Check out Second Hand King's upcoming shows
Something about the Kansas City music community: we have a penchant for producing unique, one-of-a-kind acts, and Joe Stanziola, AKA Second Hand King, is at the top of the ranks. "The Original Doo-Wop Rapper" he calls himself, and no one is arguing. Stanziola blends that old 50's soul with the self-deprecating braggadocio of a melancholy songwriter...with some hip hop beats and cadence thrown in there. Sounds a little odd, right? Give it a shot, you'll have "Go So Wrong" stuck in your head for longer than you care to admit.
_____
Photo by Chris Mullins
Who: Run With It, a powerhouse pop-rock trio
Where: Check out Run With It's upcoming shows
Fresh off the release of their latest EP, "How To Start A Fire", Run With It is taking the town by storm. The trio has a reputation for being extremely hard working. Anyone who seen these guys can automatically pick up on their charisma and go-getter attitude.They are constantly touring, and actively engaged with their fan-base on social media.
_____
Photo by Jordan Durkee
Who: Mess, your new favorite break-up band
Where: Check out Mess's upcoming shows
Mess is a relatively new band on the scene. Forming as a collaboration between songwriter Allison Gliesman and guitarist Kevin Briody, Mess has grown into a tight quartet. The band is currently working on their debut EP, due out later this year. Their atmospheric sonic vibes meld brilliantly with the somber, poetic lyrics. In a recent interview, the band describes their music using the following quote, "Hey my girlfriend just broke up with me and I want to continue riding this downward spiral but have fun doing it."
_____
Photo by Carlos Lima
Who: False Brother, for that moody angst
Where: Check out False Brother's upcoming shows
Another newcomer to the KC scene is False Brother. The collective efforts of veteran musicians form to create a heavy hitting post-punk / shoegaze sound. An older sound that's fresh on the ears of this town. Local writer Aaron Rhodes (of Shuttlecock Music Magazine) puts it best, "The band writes songs as interesting as they are moody, as well as creating an ideal tone; chilling and gloomy without feeling overly synthetic."
_____
Who: American Slim, reviving your faith in rock music
Where: Check out American Slim's upcoming shows
What started as a group of teenage friends playing classic rock covers, American Slim has bloomed into a full-fledged blues rock outfit. Having just released their debut full-length album, "Irreplaceable" last week, these kids have solidified their place in the KC music community. For such a young group, the band truly understands the connection between the music and the audience, and they constantly strive to strengthen that connection.
_____
Check out all five of these bands, and 100+ more, at this year's Middle Of The Map.
