Something Exciting Coming Up!

Hey all! This post is going to be a little different. I'm working on a post that is going to be spotlighting a local band that is having a release party for their new EP on Friday, September 30th. This show would be awesome to go to is you are at all interested in local music. Kangaroo Ali is from Topeka Kansas, made of mostly Washburn students, and they kick butt! The show is at 7:00 PM on September 30th. It's at B&B Backyard in North Topeka. It's five dollars to get in and the first 100 people that show up get a free wrist band. They're releasing their new EP online for free and it would be great to see as many people as possible there for them.

I'm going to link to their SoundCloud here, and throw in a YouTube video of an interview from them recently. I hope I'll see many of you at the show!

SoundCloud

The New Blues

This group of teenagers from Washburn Rural High School exploded onto the scene last year and have been tearing it up since their inception. Their sound is very similar to Cage The Elephant, but with more punk rock and heavy guitars. Singer/Guitarist Jake Cook belts his lyrics with the sincerity of Kurt Cobain, and slams his guitar with the energy of Jack White (high compliments, as far as I'm concerned). Bassist David Lowry lays down the rhythm smooth and with a high amount of groove. Percussionist Bennett Smith holds everything together with a solid beat and some tasteful drumming. Keyboardist Ethan Stanley is the icing on top with his strong chords and backing rhythms.

Though they don't have a large set of releases (only one, actually), I'm excited to hear more from them soon though. I hope that they keep it up. They don't have much on the calendar either but i'm hoping to see more soon.

Here's a link to their FaceBook and BandCamp:
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/thenewbluespage/

Shadow Rabbits

Originating as a songwriting collaboration between singer/songwriter Ashley Dattola and instrumentalist and filmmaker Jon Ulasien. Their sound is very laid back and soulful. If people still made black and white films un-ironically, then Shadow Rabbits could do the soundtrack and win all of the awards. Ever. Ashley Dattola's singing is dark and reminds one of a lounge singer in the 50's or 60's. The instrumentation is mysterious and suspenseful.

The live performance of these songs add musicians Keenan Stump on bass, Bo McCall on guitar, and Ryan Whitehouse on drums. As a whole they have an appropriately shoe-gazer attitude. Lots of swaying and standing in one place. Which adds an entire layer of mystery to their sound.

They released an EP in late 2015 entitled Truest Blue. You can buy it on their BandCamp page, or at any of their live shows.

The Westerners

This four piece band originated in the Kansas City/Lawrence area and, through the release of their EP (link at the bottom) have gained some serious popularity in the Midwest. The EP showcases their manic style. Driving guitars and flying drum patterns are abound. It's filled with youthful energy and the lyrics capture an insane amount of wit and cynicism. This energy is always extended into their live shows.

Live, the Westerners bring a stage presence that you might only expect out of a stadium performance. They are not afraid to get loud and even with a little amount of room to run around, there will still be some running around. They have an amazing performance and you should not miss them, should you get the chance to see them live.

Welcome to the Cause!

Hello all you people! Do you like music? Do you like local music? If you said yes to either, then you are in the right place my friends. This blog is going to be dedicated to local music acts in the Kansas City/Lawrence/Topeka area. I love music. I am a musician myself. In this blog I am going to be highlighting some local groups and giving you the rundown on who they are and what their music is like.

My name is Will Hartner and I have lived in Topeka Kansas for my whole life. I started playing music when I was in the fourth grade. Since then I have been developing my talents and writing my own music as well. I really love seeing bands live and some of the best bands I've seen have been local groups. Local music is really important because the people in those bands get to realize their dream and have a lot of fun doing. It's incredibly important to show them support and help them. As a result I feel this blog is really necessary to get people involved in their local music scene and to help great bands get discovered.

I can't wait to get this started and begin sharing awesome music with you guys! See you soon!