I love featuring musicians live in-studio, especially when those musicians are amazingly talented — and just happen to be local, as well. Today I had the good fortune of presenting the radio debut of The KEY KIDS (Madelyn Hartke and Charley Markson), whose new (aptly named) album “Townie” comes out November 15. The KEY KIDS are also part of the stellar line-up at the Faribault stop of this year’s 2019 Caravan du Nord — the Minnesota Music Coalition‘s traveling showcase of some of the best Minnesota musicians — Friday, Oct. 11 (tomorrow night!) at the beautiful Newhall Auditorium at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. The KEY KIDS will be performing along with Emily Haavik & the 35s and Reina del Cid. That’s one heck of a line-up!
I will admit I’m relatively new to Madelyn and Charlie’s music but what they’re doing immediately got my attention (and in the best of ways!). They refer to their sound as “Future townie rock for record collectors” — let’s just say that as a record collector myself, I’m excited to have their new album as part of my own collection. Jangle pop/rock at its best with smart lyrics and crazy cool harmonies. They both sing. And both play the guitar. And both play the drums. And some times trade instruments mid-song!?!
We chatted about the name of the band — and the tongue-in-cheek inspiration for the name of the album — as well as their creative process and how they recorded/produced “Townie.” Which they did entirely on their own. Did I mention how talented these two are?
We spun two tracks from the album — “Division Street” and “Bad Trip — and Madelyn and Charley performed an acoustic version of their song, “Passenger Side.”
I literally got chills. And gushed, as I tend to do when I REALLY LIKE SOMETHING. I can’t wait to hear the new album and, as I officially stated on air, The KEY KIDS are the next big thing in Minnesota music. Get your hands on a copy of “Townie” and get your tickets to see them tomorrow night in Faribault! Tickets/more information here.
Listen to the entire segment here.
