The music of Kansas City's Various Blonde is an energizing amalgam of psychedelic rock, funk, punk and progressive elements. Led by Joshua Allen on guitar and vocals, Evanjohn Mcintosh on bass, and Mark Lomas on drums, the band has existed since 2008, releasing a series of albums and singles that show an evolving sound. We are very fortunate to bring you an interview with Allen as the band gears up for a series of shows, including a spot at this year's Middle of the Map Fest. Enjoy the music!
Please introduce yourselves. Where do you live and work?
My name is Joshua Allen. I work at Up-Down KC Arcade bar.
Various Blonde has been around since 2008 and your most recent single is 2015’s “Indigo Children.” How would you describe the evolution of the band’s sound over the years?
I dunno. I think we just tried a lot of different thing over time and naturally different thing happened, "Indigo Children" being one of those things.
Delve a little into your own process of songwriting. What may surprise a listener of your music about how you create it?
Well, since about 2011, I wrote the bass lines for the songs first. I am actually in the process of writing the first song I've written on guitar in almost 5 years.
What inspires you the most about the Kansas City music scene?
The fact that it continues to grow and continues to offer more variety and gain more attention as it grows.
Joshua's recommendations from the Johnson County Library catalog:
Books
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien
Movies
Music
In Rainbows by Radiohead
De-Loused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Axis: Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix
Revolver by The Beatles