The Local Ear

From the heartland of America, in the small town of Willard, Missouri, a star was born. Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, known professionally as Chappell Roan, has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of 1980s synth-pop and early 2000s pop hits. Her music, described as “campy”, is heavily influenced by drag queens, adding a layer of theatricality and flamboyance to her performances. Roan’s journey to stardom began at the tender age of 17 when she uploaded an original song, “Die Young”, to YouTube. This caught the attention of Atlantic Records, leading to her signing a contract with them shortly thereafter. In 2017, she released her debut EP, School Nights. Her 2020 single “Pink Pony Club”, marked a stylistic departure from her early releases and played a significant role in her initial rise to prominence. However, the journey was not always smooth. In a surprising turn of events, Roan was dropped from Atlantic Records the same year she released “Pink Pony Club”. But this...

Dangerous Doug Harper, a name that resonates with the rhythm and soul of Nevada, Missouri, has been a cornerstone of the local music scene. His recordings, a testament to his musical prowess, have been largely produced in his hometown, unbeknownst to many. There are several recording studios tucked away in the corners of Nevada, hidden gems that have been instrumental in shaping the local music scene. Among these, two studios have been particularly significant in Harper’s musical journey - Point Lookout Recordings, run by Jason Moomaw in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and the Armadillo Sound Studio, once managed by his brother. The Armadillo Sound Studio, once located in the old FM radio station building at 129 N. Main Street, Nevada, MO, holds a special place in Harper’s heart. It was here that some of his most memorable tracks were recorded, contributing to a unique music mix that has become synonymous with his name. When one listens to the full band recordings of Dangerous Doug Harper...