This Friday, Federation of Horsepower will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of rocking the hell out of Kansas City and all over the country. The Friday show will feature an all-star lineup of every official member of the band, and is the farewell show for drummer Kriss Ward before his move to Austin. In our feature, we talk to founding member and frontman Gregg Todt all about FOHP. Where they started, what we can expect for Friday’s show, and what lies ahead. You can check it out right here, and be sure to hit The Brick Friday for what’s sure to be one of the biggest rock shows of the year. 

–Michelle Bacon

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Seems the good ol’ folks at Stereogum still got a little flavor left in them. Apparently, out of their top 40 new artists from around the world, five of them are Hip Hop artists who claim NYC as their home. Topping their alphabetical list is Azalea Banks, the cherry-bomb rapper known for lacing electro-clash beats with her staccato street flow. She is so damn sexy and, remarkably, most of her appeal comes from her amazing lyrical agility. Joey Bada$$ chimes in with an old school flavor reminiscent of NYC in the 1990s. For cats who appreciate straight lyricism over some classic boom-bap, he’s bringing it back. But what’s a top five rap list without a bit of nonsense? Das Rascist affiliate Lakutis (pictured) makes a bunch of words rhyme with little reverence for linear thought or punchlines—a headache to some, a welcome relief for many. Scroll a little bit further down and find young Le1f, the crunk southern-rap revivialist. His lean-back approach to lyricism has him vacillating between super triple-time and borderline chopped and screwed raps – highly recommended for altered mindstates. Speaking of altered mindstates, fifth and final NYC rap rep Meyhem Lauren garnered his acclaim simply by having a party in his SXSW hotel room and recording the whole thing for posterity. Wish you were there? Download his most recent mixtape and you can experience the cannabis-imbued fury of him and all his friends. – Broke MC

Photo Source: Jetman Jet Team

Jetman Jet Team are in the opening slot at the High Dive this Saturday, September 13th. Kingdom of the Holy Sun are also playing the gig.

Although they do not have a full-length out currently, the three songs available on their bandcamp seem to encapsulate – if not their whole sound, per se – some of the ways in which they mill their instruments for sonic machinations.

"Candy Loop" is an engrossing example of how the harsher palatte of noise-fueled shoegaze can become a beacon for bliss. It is clear that Jetman Jet Team do not take directives from any particular band or influence; their guitars’ metallic and mechanical reverberations blend with more mystical incantations to achieve a disorienting whirl of soundmaking.

In contrast, "Need Action" can recall certain experimental electronic acts like Boards of Canada or M83. Dreamy with a chit-chattering beat, the short song appeals to similar impulses as their other material while still making a distinct, floating impression.

To catch Jetman Jet Team this Saturday the 13th, make sure to get their on time – they play at 5pm. The show costs $5. Stream "Candy Loop" below and check out their bandcamp to hear several other songs.

– Cameron LaFlam

The folks over at Stereogum have just published the list of their 40 favorite new bands, so here’s a little round up of the local talent to be found on said list, led on the NYC front – no surprise there – by Harlem’s loudmouth Azaelia Banks. But what NEXT?

Second in line (the list is organize alphabetically) comes new Brooklyn four-piece DIIV (formerly Dive) who after three singles and a full-length has found itself a decent crowd and a place under the spotlight with its dream pop delights, followed by Ice Choir‘s punchy synthpop straight from an 80s flashback. After a cast of four up-and-coming rappers (who’ll be covered shortly by brokeMc) we find two of the city’s hardworking young rock&roll trios Nude Beach and Sleepies (pictured) – both of which released new albums this year and are gradually attracting their well deserved lot of attention. Finally we get to TEEN, new indie pop project by ex-Here We Go Magic keyboard player Kristina Lieberson, which only emerged on the radar about a month ago ago with a debut album ‘In Limbo‘ and clotures the list – that’s what you get when you pick a band name starting with "T". Ten out of 40, with a list that spreads over to Europe? Not bad at all New York – check these bands out on the playlist below! 

After six weeks on the road and their third coast-to-coast tour, Brooklyn-based Outernational is back on their home turf. This Friday, September 14, the five-piece will not only be marking their homecoming but also celebrating the release of their latest EP, “Future Rock,” with an intimate show at 92YTribeca. Joining them will be youthful and precocious soulful rockers, The Skins. Outernational’s Future Rock can be streamed here. The band recently received coverage on NY1’s Sound Advice segment back-to-back with Madonna and Bob Mould, announcing this Friday’s gig and showcasing the “We Are All Illegal’s” video. Come “future rock” with Outernational at 10pm; all ages welcome! – Meijin Bruttomesso

We found this lo-fi, self produced music video for Lizard Kisses‘ "Close" (off their forthcoming album) in our Open Blog and were intrigued by it. On Tuesday September 18th, the band will be performing in at Blue Warbler House in Brooklyn alongside best buds Mutual Benefit and Kevin Greenspon. It will be a small intimate show with accompanying projections. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). The Deli’s NYC Open Blog is powered by The Music Building.

Part-time residents of the subway’s best busking spots, playing their sets to Time Square’s puzzled commuters, You Bred Raptors? (the name, a line out of Jurassic Park) is an instrumental trio from Astoria, NY with a taste for strange performances. Over an EP and two full lengths – the latest of which, Hammond, was released at the start of the year -the band deploys a rich catalogue of experimentations ranging from unique orchestrations to ambitious takes on some familiar patterns as varied as funk, metal or even celtic rhythmics – all served by a cast of drums, cello, 8-string bass & the occasional keys, bearing freakish masks from ghostface to grimacing jester. A tastefully weird, out-of-time local gem straight from the city’s underground that you can catch on September 21st at Galapagos Arts Center for Rebecca Brand’s new album release show. – Tracy Mamoun

(Photo by Todd Zimmer)

This week’s On The Beat features one of Kansas City’s most longstanding and voracious drummers, Kriss Ward of Federation of Horsepower. Kriss will be playing his last show with Federation of Horsepower this Friday before he relocates to Austin. We sit down with him and find out where he’s been and what’s coming next. Catch the beat right here!

On The Beat is typically brought to you by Sergio Moreno, but has been overtaken this week by drummer and The Deli – Kansas City editor-in-chief Michelle Bacon. This weekly interview features some of the many talented drummers in the area.

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Victor & Penny is the charming, self-proclaimed "Antique Pop" duo of Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling. The two have spent their summer touring the country extensively, and look forward to recording another album this fall. Their unique brand of ukelele and guitar music brings a modern flair to early 20th century songs and a clever, intimate approach to original songs.

The Deli: Gun to your head, 1 sentence to describe your music. What is it?

Victor & Penny: Antique Pop is the popular music from the time when jazz was young, sassy and all the rage—the Top 40 before there was Top 40.

The Deli: Tell us about your latest release or upcoming shows. What can we expect?

V&P: We just returned from an extended summer tour that went really well. We’ve played over 100 shows so far this year (most of them on the road), traveled 30,000 miles and we’re still going strong. We’ve been touring on and off since last summer and we’ve learned a lot about the road and ourselves—it’s been a fantastic experience. But now, we’re home in KC for most of the fall and winter and we’re glad to be back in the thick of all the great happenings here. The news is that we’re going to record our next album in October here in KC and we’re writing songs that will appear on the album alongside more antique pop. The album will appeal to kids of all ages.

The Deli: What does "supporting local music" mean to you?

V&P: First and foremost: going out and seeing live music performance. There’s nothing else like the thrilling give-and-take between performer and audience. Secondly, please purchase local music when it’s for sale. Many independent artists (especially those on the road) live on the income from merchandise sales. People might not know that the bar doesn’t always pay the bands, nor do bands always get the door money. These days, often it’s the audience buying merch and tipping the band that is the payment for live music. I’m not saying that’s the best system, but it’s often the way it is.

The Deli: Who are your favorite "local" musicians right now?

V&P: KC is exploding with talented artists of all kinds right now—it’s hard to choose. But we’ve been very impressed with the dedication and character of some of the young stars like Enrique Chi (Making Movies) and Hermon Mehari (Diverse).

The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?

V&P: We love to listen to other independent artists we’ve met on the road like Tina & Her Pony, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Brian DeMarco and Lucas Young & The Wilderness. Besides that, the new Fiona Apple album is really interesting.

The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy bill to play on?

V&P: It’s a triple bill: Us, Radiohead and Duke Ellington.

The Deli: Would you rather spend the rest of your life on stage or in the recording studio?

V&P: We’d split that 50/50—Erin enjoys the stage most and Jeff enjoys the recording studio.

The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?

V&P: Erin: Aretha Franklin, Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald and Joy Williams. Why: These are women singers I admire (all for different reasons).

Jeff: Django Reinhardt, Johnny Marr, Les Paul, Marc Ribot. Why: These guitarists influenced me the most

The Deli: All right, give us the rundown. Where all on this big crazy web can you be found?

V&P: http://victorandpenny.com
http://www.facebook.com/victorandpenny
http://www.twitter.com/victorandpenny
http://www.reverbnation.com/victorpenny

The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for The Deli audience?

V&P: We’re glad to be back—we’ve missed everyone!  Come out, come out and play…

You can hear the delightful sounds of Victor & Penny this Saturday, September 15. They’ll be at La Esquina for the Manifest Destiny Art Installation at 2:00 pm, then at Davey’s Uptown with Howard Iceberg & The Titanics and Miss Tess and the Talkbacks at 9:00 pm.  

–Michelle Bacon

Michelle is editor-in-chief of The Deli – Kansas City. She also has a weekly column with The Kansas City Star and reviews music for Ink. She plays with Deco Auto, Drew Black and Dirty Electric, and Dolls on Fire. She is lactose intolerant but really enjoys cheese.

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JBM, the moniker of singer-songwriter Jesse Marchant, will be on tour this fall opening for buzzy British band Alt J. The tour begins tomorrow, September 12th, with a hometown show for JBM at the Bowery Ballroom. Marchant has recently expanded upon his humble acoustic beginnings with the release of his second full-length record, “Stray Ashes.” The album finds Marchant experimenting with loops, drums, and the electric guitar, resulting in a fuller, more intricate sound. “On Fire On a Tightrope” showcases JBM’s airy and majestic ambiance that simultaneously conjures a sense of warmth and emptiness. Check out Marchant and his band on September 12th at the Bowery Ballroom, and watch the video for “On Fire On a Tightrope” below. – Josh Johnson

Get pumped – The Muscle Milk EP is here!  It’s hard to find instrumental music that carries weight these days, but thanks to NYC’s Hot Sugar you get the brick in your stomach that you always wanted.  However, instead of feeling weighed down and sleepy, this brick lifts you with effervescent beat-trickery, catchy melodies, and funky synth work.  If Kool Keith went mute and was forced to make instrumental music, it would be Hot Sugar.  Go download the Muscle Milk EP right now and let the expansion process begin. – brokeMC

Treasure Teeth released their new EP "Sell Your Gold"at Public Assembly on September 9th. This is – reportedly – a US-UK duo based between NYC, Miami, and London (somebody must travel a lot!) making aquatic womb-like experimental glitch pop with hip-hop and R & B inflections. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). The Deli’s NYC Open Blog is powered by The Music Building.