Major Games

Major Games is a rock group out of Lawrence Kansas like no other rock group from Lawrence Kansas has been. Major Games presents beauty in many different ways, from extreme aggression to soft whispers. Their influences are many, and the make an incredible amalgam out of all of it. The variety of styles found in them is astounding, especially since they make it all sound so amazing all together.

The band consists of guitarist/vocalist Doug McKinny, bassist/vocalist Jeremy Sidener, and drummer Steve Squire. Steve Squire can drum with the best of them if their debut album titled Major Games is any indication. Both vocalists have excellent voices and convey their messages very well. Their debut album was released in April 2015 and is available on their BandCamp page, and their music is on Spotify. I have not seen them live but if the album is anything to go by, the experience would be like nothing I've ever experienced before. Which is high praise, let me assure you. You can catch them in Lawrence.

Band Camp: Major Games
Like them of Facebook: Major Games

How to Make It Big Podcast

Here I briefly discuss my top five tips on how to make it big in the local music scene.

The 785 Big Band

Based out of Topeka Kansas, the 785 Big Band is a, you guessed it, Jazz style big band made up of Washburn University Jazz Students and incredible local players from the area. If you like Jazz then this is the best band in the area for you. It was founded by Washburn Students Andrew Anderson and Cale Paquette in the summer of 2016. Their mission is to spread the sweet sounds of smooth jazz all over the Topeka area. Something we could use desperately.

From the Band's Facebook page

They're very new, but they're very good and you can see them at places like The Classic Bean and other cafe's around town. Featuring five saxophones (two tenor, two alto, one baritone), four trombones, five trumpets, and the best and tightest rhythms section I've ever heard. Their Facebook is young so there's not much to see but that's alright because these guys have nowhere to go but up. If you can catch them I would highly recommend it.

Like them on Facebook: 785 Big Band

The Ovaries-eez

This all girl trio from Lawrence came in to existence in 2012 and since then has graced the Lawrence area with their beautiful harmonies and ethereal folk tones. Founded by Amber Hansen and Johni Lacore, they were joined by Monica George in 2013. They are accompanied by an electric guitar only. They trade off guitar responsibilities but no matter who is playing, they all sing, and they always sound great. These ladies are amazing vocalists and their harmonies are well done and beautiful. Each one shares in the songwriting and performances. They write most of their own lyrics, but on their debut album, Lawrence poet Nicholas Ward writes many of the lyrics.

Photo by Fally Afani

As mentioned, they have an album released on Band Camp called, "I Saw You in My Dreams." it's really great certainly worth the $5 for the digital version. $10 for a physical CD which I would also strongly consider getting. They don't have any shows coming up but if you go like them on Facebook, I'm sure you'll hear about it there first.

Facebook: The Ovaries-eez

Local Venue Topeka Map

Just the same as the Lawrence map, except this map is for Topeka. There will be a short description of the venue and its address. Here we go.

1. Live Music Institute: Located at 5224 SW 17th St. The Live Music institute is the place to go for really everything musical. They offer private lessons, rehearsal rooms for bands, an instrument shop and much more. Bands can rent out the main room to preform shows for a reasonable price. I have seen the Cozies there twice, and the Kansas City band The Greeting Committee at this venue. It's a great place to see great, young, Topeka bands.

2.  The Celtic Fox: Located at 118 SW 8th Ave. The Celtic Fox is an Irish pub with really excellent food and a great local scene for all kinds of music. They hold open mic nights some nights, and other times they have scheduled bands come in. Bands like Smith & Liston frequent this venue.

3. The Classic Bean: Located at 2125 SW Fairlawn Rd. and 722 S Kansas Ave. The Classic Bean is a local chain of coffee restaurants and also a great place to see local blues, jazz, acoustic, bluegrass, folk, and Celtic music. Usually shows are on Friday and Saturdays.

4. The Boobie Trap: Located at 1417 SW 6th Ave. The Boobie Trap, often just referred to as "The Trap" is a bar where local rock bands go to be very loud and very rowdy. The venue is outfitted with pool tables and pinball so while you wait for your favorite band you can do something fun.

5. Kansas Expocentre: Located at 1 Expocentre Drive, which has to be the least helpful address ever. It's right past 17th and Topeka Blvd. on Topeka Blvd. The Expocentre is a place where many things go on. Hockey games, exhibitions monster truck rallies, and the like. But every once in a while there are band performances. Not usually any small local bands, but it is a local venue for music. So it gets a spot on the list.

Varma Cross

Varma Cross hurls themselves out of the gate at 100 MPH on most of their tracks and stays there comfortably. Their guitars and bass are kicking and driving as the drums play cruise control and keep it all together. Their whole sound is a call back to the alternative rock and grunge bands from the '90s. The vocals sound like My Chemical Romance, and that's a good thing for sure. Varma Cross is one of the best alt-punk bands that I've heard in the last few years. It's really great to have them so close too.

Varma Cross has also gotten into the recent trend of releasing EP's and albums on cassette as well as CD and digital downloads. Those can be found on their label's Band Camp page. They have a show coming up on December 18th, 2016 at the Riot Room in Kansas City. It would certainly be worth the trip up to KC!

Facebook: Varma Cross

Sona

Founded in lovely Lawrence, Kansas this trio of "shoegaze" rockers are the product of husband and wife, Brian, and Jenna Goodman, plus their drummer, Bobby Reeves. Their sound is very reminiscent of Sonic Youth, calling up the best memories of Sonic Youth's "EVOL," and "Daydream Nation." Drifting, and mysterious soundscapes that are held together by solid drums and excellent musicianship. Brian Goodman's guitar is floaty and mystifying, with smooth lines and lingering tones that never get in the way. His vocals are very fitting to the shoegaze feel and spacey sound of the band. Jenna Goodman's bass is driving and an incredible foundation for the rest of the band. The best bass players add so much to the feel and go totally unnoticed. It's clear that J. Goodman is vital to the band. Bobby Reeve's drumming is solid and just as important to the foundation as J.Goodman's bass.

The band recently released a five song EP on Band Camp, with 30 minutes of music for $4. Which is a steal if we're talking about music of this quality. The link to that is below. Also there is a link to their Facebook page. The band is performing in Lawrence on December 2nd at the Replay Lounge if you decide you need something to do that night.
Facebook: Sona