Thursday, August 26, 2010
This summer, Kansas City electro-pop trio Antennas Up traveled far from home to find inspiration. “We wanted to get a change in creative space and go isolate ourselves so we had nothing to do but write,” says lead singer and bassist Kyle Akers. So from mid-June to July the band worked in Bethel, a secluded area on a mountain in Maine.
Antennas Up formed in 2008 and is currently comprised of three members: Akers, guitarist and vocalist Bo McCall, and drummer and vocalist Ryan “The Ryantist” Whitehouse. The band released a self-titled album in April 2009, played at the South by Southwest music festival in 2010 and were nominated for Best Indie Pop group for the Pitch Music Showcase, which took place Aug. 5. But the most genuine recognition comes from the fans.
“Their music is top-notch in all regards; they’re excellent musicians but also really excellent performers,” Robin Smith, Lawrence senior, says.
Akers says the band’s isolation in Maine helped with the writing, but the members enjoyed being home and playing live shows, which they enhance with light shows and a fun, interactive vibe.
“I think that’s important for live shows–you really get to meet people and get people involved with your music,” Akers says.
Catch Antennas Up Aug. 20 at The Dance Spot Loft in Kansas City, Mo., or download the free self-titled EP at www.antennasupmusic.com.
Stage presence: Random Rain
Local musicians, feel free to swoon.
Stage presence: Rooftop Vigilantes
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
Stage presence: Roman Numerals
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
Stage presence: The Noise FM
Local musicians, feel free to swoon.
She Rocks
For years, women were excluded from the boys-only rock ‘n’ roll club. ...
Stage Presence: Honest Cowboy
Feel free to swoon.
Stage Presence: Cowboy Indian Bear
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
Stage Presence: Oh! The Humanity
Feel free to swoon.
Peaks and valleys
A look at how local bands keep local venues alive — as ...
Stage Presence: Tangent Arc
Rising stars. Feel free to swoon.
New name, same sound
Don’t call them ‘Volunteers’ anymore. They’re ‘the Vols,’ and the Lawrence band ...
Stage presence: The Wiseacres
Local musicians, feel free to swoon.
Get Some Culture: Pearson Lawn Rock-a-Thon
It's not all about pizza and beer pong.
Shake-ya-boogie with SELLOUT!
Behind the scenes with a local cover band
Stage presence: Mammoth Life
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
On the Road Again
The Brody Buster Band has gigs lined up all over the country, ...
I’m with the band
Stage presence: The Will Nots
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
Belting out some noise
Exploding engines and a wall of noise
Get some culture: Summer and Jake
It’s not all about fast food and beer pong.
Who???
Amateur Hour
For some local bands, open mic nights provide a launching pad for ...
Question & answer
With Volunteers singer Tyler Jack Anderson
I'm with the band
Notes from the Underground
Stage presence: My Brother, the Vulture
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
Guest Column: Have any recent bands lived ...
"Across The Universe," with all its sexy men and (less importantly) artistic ...
Get some culture: Summer and Jake
It's not all about fast food and beer pong.
Q&A: Paul Benjaman Karleskindt, guitarist/vocalist of Paul ...
Because we have questions. Celebrities have answers.
Stage presence: Mouth
Local musicians, feel free to swoon.
Junkyard Jazz helps fans remember the classics
The band encourages people of all ages to come enjoy the music ...
Local band set to release first album
Stage presence: Quiet Corral
Local musicians. Feel free to swoon.
Q&A: Sherri DuPree Bemis of Eisley
Because we have questions. Celebrities have answers.
A band built on tradition
The Marching Jayhawks continue to impress by carrying on decades-old routines
Pickin' on Lawrence
“Never let the truth spoil a good story,” preaches Steve Mason, Lawrence ...
Stage Presence: The Atlantic
Feel free to swoon
Music review: Interpol (Matador | 2010)
KJHK's weekly guide to sonic consumption.
Stage Presence: The Runaway Sons
Feel free to swoon.

From left: Kimberlee Hinkle, Libby Johnson and Hannah ...
1 comment
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID