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KC Soundcheck

KCUR's spotlight for Kansas City musicians on the rise, as heard on Up To Date. Got a suggestion for who we should spotlight next? Send us a text at 816-601-4777.

Up To Date airs weekdays at 9 a.m. on KCUR 89.3 and is available wherever you get podcasts.

  • A creative collaboration between a Lawrence high schooler named Flora and her dad, Flora From Kansas dropped its debut EP, "Homesick," on March 14. Flora says the musical project has made her feel less alone.
  • After years as one-third of the Kansas City indie rock/hip hop trio BLACKSTARKIDS, TheBabeGabe is going solo. Her new mixtape "HONEYPOP" aims to re-introduce her to the world.
  • Malek Azrael's new EP "Feels Like..." channels the angsty, pop-punk sound of the 2000s. He's out to reclaim rock music for Black musicians in Kansas City.
  • The singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Kansas, ruminates on life, family and relationships in the "The Great Conjunction," a new album released Feb. 7. Daniel Gum is playing an album release show this Friday at The Ship.
  • After 20 years, veteran jazz performer Tim Whitmer is out with a new album. Recorded live at the Black Dolphin, the two-disc record captures the sound and energy of Kansas City jazz.
  • The Kansas City-based band released their debut EP, "saturn return," this year. Led by Makayla Scott, the group says they want to make music that feels honest and authentic.
  • Vincent Orsolini's genre-blending, collaborative sound is highlighted in a new EP, "It's About Time," released last month.
  • The Salvation Choir started as a church choir for Congolese and Tanzanian immigrants in Kansas City. Now, it's a band with over 40 members that brings its infectious Rumba sound to shows and festivals across the region.
  • Irv Da PHENOM!’s song “Red and Yellow” has been a Kansas City anthem since its release in 2010. Now, the song has been given a second life after being picked up by Marvel for the soundtrack of “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
  • Formed in 2018, Sass-a-Brass is Kansas City's only LGBTQ+ street parade brass band, bringing an "infectious joy" to festivals, Pride events and other festivities. The group will host the second annual "People's Pride" on June 23.
  • The Greeting Committee was formed by four Overland Park high schoolers in 2014 and has since become one of Kansas City’s most well-known and beloved indie bands. Their third studio album is coming out in June.
  • The multi-talented musician and artist from Kansas City, Kansas, chats about her creative process, going back to school and showing up as her full authentic self.