Local Music Wishlist
Local Music Lover Wishlist
Wayne Moots curated a list of recommended local merch to consider for your holiday gift giving. From items such as VHS tapes to recent local releases, there is something on this list for everyone. Click the image to purchase & support local music now.
R.I.PETER VHS TAPE
R. I. Peter released his first music video this year for the songs Cruisin’ and Rising Sun. Originally released in November it is now available for purchase on VHS tape. Made in collaboration with Manor Records and Fuzzy Optics, join Peter on his dad’s motorcycle as he “cruises” his way through the first half, then walk with him through his family’s land in the countryside as he sings Rising Sun. There are only a few copies left so be sure to order yours now!
SHY BOYS LUNCH BOX & ROLLING PAPERS
Local stars Shy Boys released their third full-length album in September, and a couple of the most fun local merch items of 2020. Talk Loud has this incredible pastel clown aesthetic, which means CLOWN MERCH! They currently only have 8 lunch boxes left, but be sure to also get stocked up on your Shy Boys rolling papers! You can find these, and the limited edition pink vinyl, through Merch Bar.
CRYSTAL ROSE ARENA BUCKET HAT
Crystal Rose’s EP Arena was one of the more intentional local releases of 2020, and she’s got some slappin’ merch to match! Her powerful voice is quickly making a strong name for herself here in Kansas City. Also, who doesn’t love a good bucket hat? She also has a hoodie, an inspirational coffee mug and more available at www.jumpinthearena.com!
KEVIN MORBY COWBOY MERCH
Kansas City native and national act Kevin Morby has also had a busy year with his release of 7 EPs and a full length album. If you haven’t gotten the memo yet, cowboy is cool again and Morby is one of many musicians who have successfully worked the county aesthetic into their look. Luckily for us it has seeped into his merch this year too! He had a super cool cowboy koozie design, but that sold out in like two days, so we’re settling for his enamel pin with the same design. Get yours now before they also sell out!
EBONY TUSKS STOCKING CAP
Self-described as “loud rap music” Ebony Tusks has had a busy year! For many locals their introduction to the Lawrence group was their music video for “HDF” released in February. Just last month they released their shocking debut full length album Heal Thyself. Blurring the line between rap and underground electronic music they are quickly establishing themselves on the local stage, and are at the top of my “go to” show list for when those start to happen again. Until then, be sure to rock out to their Vinyl and buy a beanie available now through their label, High Dive Records.
DANIEL GUM THIRTEEN T-SHIRTS
Daniel Gum made waves on Spotify this fall with his recent releases. This year he released two music videos, two EPs and a full length album, available for streaming on his bandcamp and Spotify. His song “In the Worst Ways” currently has almost 28,000 streams! Be sure to grab one of his super cute t-shirts from his Bandcamp, and buy a cassette while you’re at it!
Another 2019 must-have is Hadiza.’s album Shadow Weight, which has recently been made available on vinyl. Her deep, buttery voice and the diverse instruments made her album dubbed “the fur coat of local winter releases” by our review of the album on the Manor Blog. Cuddle up next to your fireplace with a glass of mulled wine while listening to help get you through the cold winter months.
SCABB “NADA” EP STICKER PACK
Scabb, an artist to keep your eye on next year, released his EP Nada in early November. His hip-hop has a strong soul influence and is riddled with experimental samples. The multi-disciplinary artist also paints murals around town and has recently started designing stickers. Be sure you get your sticker pack and download his digital album now from his bandcamp.
HXXS VINYL
One of my all-time favorite local acts released an incredible album last year on vinyl, and they STILL have some available! HXXS is one of those groups who pushes the boundaries of what music can be, and really asserted themselves in 2019 with their album Year of the Witch. Originally from Portland but well established in KC, their sound is shrill and danceable, and one of the best electronic acts in the city!
BLANKY MERCH BUNDLE
Genre-defying Lawrence band Blanky also released a thoughtful and provoking album this year. No Summertime is easily one of my favorite releases of 2020, and they’ve got some great merch! They are offering a “Blanky Bundle” which includes two cassettes (No Summertime and their previous album Baby Blue), a sticker, a button and a t-shirt! Get yours on their Bandcamp!
Written by ::
Wayne Moots
Manor Blog Contributor & Co-Organizer.
Manor Records gives 100% of the article author rights to Wayne Moots.