Thousands were busy seeing Midwest Princess Chappell Roan on her two-day stop in Kansas City in October. Local support is important to Kansas City residents, and that was made clear with an outpouring of love towards the artist. But another group of Midwestern artists held a showcase titled Bad Luvr’s N Friends Pt 2 at Sk8Bar in Westport. The event took place from 7 to 11 p.m. with over 15 acts, most hailing from Kansas City. The Stylus was lucky enough to interview some of the local artists about their views on the local music scene, the support of the Midwest, and some personal questions.
Artist Lydia Alem is a local singer who’s been maneuvering through the local music scene with mindfulness. As a lover of all types of music, she said she does not want to put herself in a box or only appeal to one audience.
“If I saw a show or line-up that resonated with me in general, I try to reach out to those people,” she explained. With luck and open minds, she’s been performing in spaces both large and small. Her soulful voice and elegance stand out from the crowd but simultaneously blend in gracefully. Alem navigates an array of spaces, like lounges, outdoor events, and intimate local venues like Sk8bar. “It feels natural to be in these spaces. Parts of me resonates with this space,” she said. Even in the lounge, she explained that the crowd may be different, but the music is what connects her and the audience. “Overall, I do feel connected to every genre. Music is music.”
Povee Halo is a local rapper with an insane level of talent and energy to match. Although he is a Kansas City native, he was not known by the city as a rapper until about a year and a half ago. Before attending Missouri State, where he began rapping, he hadn’t been a part of the local scene. But when he came back, he made sure to get in front of as many people as he could. He explained that other Kansas City artists he’s met have a passion for the art.
“People just love this stuff [music] hard. So you gotta work hard, we want to see what you’re doing,” he said.
The fans are also passionate, and he wants artists to put forth effort and earn their place here, which is something he also loves. The evening was the first time in two months that he and his girlfriend could go out since becoming parents. He said the birth of his son has had an effect on his creativity.
“It makes me want the art to mean more than just, like, being an artist,” Halo explained. “It has to mean something, to do something for other people. And I feel like art, at the end of the day, is about telling stories and connecting with people.” His new role as a father allowed music to pour out as he wrote eight new songs the week his son was born. The songs will be part of a project set to be released in November.
Rapper Kelron of independent label Glib Entertainment, who hosted the event, sees community being built amongst artists in Kansas City. “I feel like everything is lining up perfect for artists here in Kansas City. Anything is possible, you can reach out to just about anyone doing music and you can work with them,” he said. Historically, the Kansas City music scene has had its controversies and feuds, but the love and respect for music has calmed things down in recent years. Community support means everything to him, he explained. “Having the people where you come from backing you…ain’t nothing like it.”
Kelron is a man of many trades: rapper, fashion designer, watermelon/watermelon juice seller, and active member of his community. He shared his secret to maintaining his health and passion simultaneously: “Me time! Keeping up with personal routines,” he said. “Doing things that nourish me personally, to where I can give great things publicly.” With that, he was right back to work selling t-shirts and preparing for his set that night.
The music was incredible and featured other notable acts like OkCasheyy, who put on the event. His set brought in an excited crowd and rejuvenated the energy that long evening with his mix of hip-hop and alternative sounds. Michigan native and R&B artist HQ was welcomed warmly by the Kansas City crowd, bringing a huge energy to a small stage. New rap/rock artist Melly released all of his anxiety on stage, giving an incredible debut performance that left the crowd excited for the future. Although not marketed as a festival, the event felt very much like one. If you missed out, you’ll have another chance to see these acts soon. Bad Luvr’s N Friends Pt. 3 is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 23 at the same time and place. In the mean time, be sure to follow and catch up with all the artists on social media.
