Birthday Bash Featured Artist: The Holidays

The Holidays



(Image Courtesy of bands Facebook)

I can't lie I've wanted to write about these guy's ever since I first saw them open this year's Homegrown Buzz showcase I just kind of got a case of writers block and other distractions that kind of went on until I managed to only recently decide to get out of my writing rut as I was booking bands for this little gig of mine and that's when I managed to finally get around to hitting these guy's up and since then aside from a self titled EP they've released a new single, “We'll Never Change,” which according to lead singer George McMillian is something he wrote in the midst of last years election as a reactionary piece to the increased hostility in the world as a tune to express how you need to be proud of who you are and never change who you are.

It's a tune that along with a lot of their self titled EP gives off this early to mid 90's alternative rock vibe that for some reason makes me think of an episode of The Adventures of Pete and Pete this timelessly nostalgic tinged rock and roll that showcase a good sense of wonder and worthlessness while giving a youthful sense of wanting to see how things roll.

You can actually download all of their music for free on their website which is a hell of a steal if you ask me with the link to their website down below so you can give them a listen and if you like it maybe you should order a t-shirt or something because these guy's plan to get around to recording their first full length record completely independently here within the next show and if you're curious to see them before my birthday show they're having a show at Prohibition Hall August 18th which all the details should be available through their various social media and you should totally go to if you can.

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Birthday Bash Featured Artist: Second Hand King

So now that we've had some time to get the news out there that I'm having a show at my place for my birthday I figured I'd take the time to write about some of the people kind enough to bless me with this wicked opportunity so without further ado here's my highlighted act of the week in anticipation for my birthday bash... 

Second Hand King

   

 Kansas City's own self professed Doo-wop rapper Second Hand King is one of many examples of and artist thinking outside the box with a style that blends two genre's of music that you never realized aren't that far apart in terms of how they actually flow you have an artist using samples and an overall style that's a refreshing change of pace. 

 I just have to highlight this cut from his upcoming concept album, Frankie “Go So Wrong,” a decidedly old school tinged straight up doo-wop number that's one of many a heartbreak themed tunes that this man seems to know how to just expertly craft, this snap along jam is one oddly addictive little number that's not so much an expression of master class vocals but rather an example of how delivery is everything and this songs blending of light rapping and a chorus that's so stupid simple that you can't help but think this songs pretty damn brilliant. 

 From what I've noticed this guy's really growing into his role and really making some genuinely interesting tunes that are showcasing some overarching story of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness and I'm starting to really enjoy this show. Aside from the tune above some other excellent cuts of his you should check out would be Cold Shoulder, Glass Houses, and my personal favorite Before the Bomb Drops and if you like what you hear you can of course see him at my birthday show and also at the Riot Room on September 9 as well as checking out the links to his various social media where you can maybe purchase some stuff from him. 

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I also manage to find this interesting interview that I don't know who to credit beyond the channel itself that's also a good place to get to know this guy.

 Interview courtesy of Jamieson Edwards: