DEMENCHA

KC “Triumph Cypher” ft. Shadow, 2Stix, Deucifer, Stitch, Abnorm, Lou Rip, Headfella, Los Cauz & Osiris-1

Chris Mills — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:21:29 +0000

Nearly two handfulls of Kansas City’s finest MCs recently jumped on Wu-Tang’s “Triumph” instrumental and put it on soundcloud. While the cherished classic is probably one of the most untouchable songs in hip hop, these nine local MCs did their part in ripping it, fresh for 2013.

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Q&A: Chris and Judy of Mills Record Company, Westport’s Source for New Vinyl

Sean Malone — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:50:28 +0000

There’s a new record store in Westport. Or rather, there’s a record store in Westport. Since Streetside closed up shop a couple years ago, Westport has not housed a vinyl outlet or even a music store. Mills Record Company (MRC) looks to fill that void from its location in a former boutique next to Dave’s Stagecoach (314 Westport Rd.). Owner/proprietor Judy Mills in conjunction with music aficionado Chris DeLine (pictured above) are taking a multi-tiered approach to the KC music scene. They’ve launched a music blog to promote local acts, upcoming shows and any related musical happenings. The store itself is small, but cozy as are the prices. Their stock is still growing, but they promise to focus on new and reissued vinyl at a more reasonable price than some other local outlets. On the day I visited I noticed several reissues like Husker Du and the Replacements, along with the new release from Kurt Vile and an extensive metal selection. I sat down with both Mills and DeLine on the eve of their soft opening a couple weeks ago to get the skinny on what’s in store for MRC:

Demencha: How did the store come about?

Chris: It’s Judy’s store. It’s kind of been her passion for awhile. She was sort of in the position where she could go more corporate or go her own route. After plotting, and encouragement, she decided on a record store. This is also supposed to be a boutique but we’re not there yet.

Judy: There’s a couple people that will be displaying “etsy style” affordable artwork as well. That kind of thing.

Demencha: Chris, you’re not originally from the area, how did you end up in KC?

Chris: We drove. [Laughter]…Judy and I are kind of older friends and I was in a situation where I needed work, she needed help. She can trust me, I only steal half as much as normal people steal. [Laughter] For a number of years I was doing the freelance stuff [music writing] and that was sort of winding down for me.

Demencha: Where did you come from?

Chris: Nashville. I kind of moved all around. I was in Minneapolis before that.

Judy: I met him through his blog Culture Bully. And I coaxed him to come be a part of this.

Demencha: You’ve got sort of an enterprise going on here with the store and the blog.

Chris: Yeah, they all kind of point at each other. The blog is just local stuff. Eventually we hope to have in-stores for local artists. If you’ll notice, all the [record shelves] are on wheels so they all move. We wanna celebrate local music with the blog so that people can at least know what’s current…There aren’t too many outlets that are covering local music here. We’re a record store, it doesn’t hurt to have a music blog. Let’s bridge that gap.

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New Beats from Kansas City Producers: Z-Sonic, Rhythmonster & Ghost 816

Chris Mills — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:39:58 +0000

Kansas City-based producers, Z-Sonic (pictured above), Rhythmonster and Ghost 816 all have new music out, some for stream and some for free download.

Z-Sonic, a local jack-of-all-trades DJ and producer, has a new moombahton EP up on bandcamp through the BDR Dancefloor imprint, out of London. In typical Z-Sonic fashion, this Ultrasonic EP does not align itself with ~~traditional~~ more widely-accepted moombahton music, a genre that’s caught fire in small pockets over the past couple of years. There’s more of a psychedelic feel to tracks like “Laughing Meditation,” for example. If you happen to have reached your limit with the r&b-influenced moombahton numbers, the Ultrasonic EP is sprinting up your alley right now. Listen…

Z Sonic – Ultrasonic EP by Z Sonic

Rhythmonster, who’s appears to have been making casual beats for several years, may be catching more of the producer’s bug as of late, which we’re completely cool with. While his previous set of beats was really good, we can’t shake some similarities to Reggie B’s “future funk” sound on this second batch, just uploaded yesterday. Getcha some…

And finally, a former Demencha interviewee, Kansas City dwelling 20-something hip hop producer and drummer, Ghost 816, just unleashed a really slick hip hop beat on his soundcloud. Ghost isn’t one of the most sought-after hip hop producers around town, but in my humble opinion, he should be.

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Suppose it’s About Time for a Post about Morawsha?

Chris Mills — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:27:24 +0000

From what I gather, Morawsha‘s been making music for “a while,” but her “100 Bars” video from last year was just raised to my attention. She’s got more than a couple of youtube appearances within the past year or two that have gone somewhat viral, including “Like Hello”, KC Cypher Series Episode 3, and a rap battle video shot in Las Vegas back in February, which is still garnering comments today and has over 50,000 views to this point.

According to a youtube description on the video featured above (my favorite Morawsha video thus far), Morawsha has a brand new disc coming out on May 18. As that date nears closer later this week, and though I might be a bit late, I’d be lying if I were to say that Morawsha is not one of the rawest spitters I’ve heard out of KC in quite some time. In a city dominated by male musicians across the board, it’s more than refreshing to see a femme fatale come out swinging for the fences. If you’re a fan of Ron Ron’s music, you will probably dig the video above just as much for one reason: personality. Unafraid, shameless, clever and occasionally dirty raps, delivered through time-honored, on-point hip hop flows are allowing Morawsha’s style to protrude through the local rap scene.

@MORAWSHA

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D/L: DJ Archi – “Chromed Out” mp3

Chris Mills — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:24:23 +0000

Kansas City’s own, DJ Archi, just hit us over the head with a brand new soundclouder for his latest track, “Chromed Out.” As 1/3 of the Secret Sauce DJ/production trio with Brent Tactic and DJ B-Stee, Archi has probably been the most consistent of the three, as far as free downloads go on his soundcloud. Archi’s affection towards rap music in general shines through on “Chromed Out.” Get some of this warm bass, at the embedding above (free download).

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New Videos from Local Artist, Adrian Halpern

Chris Mills — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:19:08 +0000

Kansas City visual artist, Adrian Halpern, is on a roll with his new-found animation practices. Earlier this year, he dropped a couple of wild videos on us, giving visual takes on Topp Boom and Nezbeat tracks. Today we bring you three new videos he recently put together over music from locals Topp Boom (again) and Madamsies. Head on over to www.adrianhalpern.com to get a taste of his other work as well.

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“Juxtapose” Night w/ DJs Pat Nice, DJ Chris, Todd Howard, Madamsies & JAH @ Uptown Arts Bar [3/31]

Chris Mills — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:30:41 +0000

We at Demencha are very happy to announce that we’ll be teaming up with the Kansas City Techno crew for their next edition of the regular DJ night at Uptown Arts Bar in Midtown for “Juxtapose.” For old school scene kids, just think “where The Hangout used to be.” For new heads, go to 3611 Broadway, Kansas City, MO (64111), basically right across the street from the Uptown Theater. RSVP HERE. (There is additional parking behind the building).

This May 31st show promises some serious jams mixed up by DJs who make it look easy. This show is for party-people who long for solid DJs, great sound, drink specials (on a weekend?) and a jubilant, bouncy atmosphere somewhere distant from Westport, but still retaining an urban feel. While the Uptown Arts Bar stands only a few blocks north of Westport on Broadway, you’re still right in the center of the city, freeing you up to be mobile with a quickness after the night at Uptown Arts Bar comes to an end.

But until then, expect Pat Nice, Tony Markham, Todd Howard and DJ Chris to rock the main room downstairs. “Demencha DJs” Madamsies (pictured) and JAH will be lacing you with a lot of exotic dance music upstairs on the second floor on 3/31.

Friday, May 31st
9pm – 1:30am
21+, no cover, all vibe
$3 well drink special

Main room >>

Pat Nice
https://soundcloud.com/theinfamous816

Tony Markham
https://soundcloud.com/tony-markham

Dj Chris
https://soundcloud.com/dj_c2002

Resident support from >> Todd Howard (kansascitytechno.com)

Upstair bar guest crew >> Demencha

Madame E aka Madamsies
https://soundcloud.com/madame_e

JAH
https://soundcloud.com/hackler

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Tef Poe Announces Distro Deal With Universal\Bungalo

J.P. McNamara — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:42:03 +0000

St. Louis mixtape machine Tef Poe has just signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group/Bungalo Records for the release of his upcoming solo project. While the project itself remains unnamed, it is confirmed for some time in the near future. Bungalo has produced records for Chino XL and Kurupt, among many others, and promises national distribution for the Missouri native. Currently Tef is promoting his mixtape with Rockwell Knuckles entitled, David Ruffin Theory. The duo have released a few singles on Tef Poe’s soundcloud page. It’s going to a big year for the BET Freestyle Friday Champion and Demencha is definitely excited to see the results of these new endeavors.

If you would like to read the Demencha review of Tef Poe’s last mixtape, Hero Killer look no further. http://demencha.com/2013/03/review-tef-poe-the-hero-killer-ep-st-louis/

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New Beats from KC’s, Rhythmonster

Chris Mills — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:31:38 +0000

After recently hearing Rhythmonster’s “Turbo Beats” collection from 2008 with the help of a tip from a friend, we had to follow him on soundcloud. The 2008 tape and this new set of tracks from Rhythmonster sound organic, and were most likely played out on some kind of MPC or MPC-emulating machine. But “Spontainin” is an early favorite from these newer jams. Could these oddball, hip hop-derived beats get him a gig at one of the upcoming Sucka Free Producer’s Showcases? Perhaps. I don’t run that show. But I do know that the embedding below might just wind up being the best soundcloud discovery you make all week.

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VIDEO: Dom Chronicles – “Fear”

Chris Mills — Mon, 06 May 2013 23:17:10 +0000

Dom Chronicles‘ latest release, the Potentially Rich EP from a few weeks ago, stands out as his best work yet hands down. The latest video from that record, “Fear,” is a song about taking risks in order to succeed. “To make it in this game, you can’t play it safe.” Be sure to follow the Kansas City rhyme-spitter on twitter…

@DomChronicles

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