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The Depth and the Whisper: A Timeline
Chapter 1: The lead-up
1999-2007, Dave plays with Dark Matter, and Albert plays with mrzeroknew.
2006-2010, Albert and Dave play about 20 shows with Because: Music of The Beatles
July 2007, Dave joins Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles.
Feb. 8, 2008, Albert and Dave perform original material separately at the same open mic event hosted in Parkville by Laura Lisbeth.
December 2010, Albert asks Dave to lay down bass on some new songs. A songwriting partnership is formed, and the name The Depth and The Whisper soon reveals itself.
Chapter 2: ‘When are the shows?’
February-April 2011, studio sessions booked for what would become the band’s debut release.
Players and friends at the sessions include Go-Go Ray, Troy Van Horn, John Velghe, Elaine McMilian, Erik Voeks, Colleen Voeks, Jamie Tanner, and Picco the studio dog.
Dave takes copious studio notes, recording mantras such as “We only do what’s right for the song, nothing more, nothing less” and “It’s about making moments.”
Upon completion of the recording, performers ask “When are the shows?” The band is formed.
March 12, 2011, Albert and Dave play acoustic at Dukum Inn, Kirksville, MO
July 14, 2011, the group releases “One Steady Breath” six-song EP. Celebrates with a live appearance on KKFI 90.1 FM Local Showcase and a release party at Record Bar in Kansas City. The five-piece band plays (Albert, Dave, Troy, John and Go-Go) and is joined by Elaine McMilian for several songs.
Nov. 18, 2011, The Depth and The Whisper performs with Samantha Clemons and Fire Dog at Record Bar
Jan. 18, 2012, KKFI 90.1 FM’s Mark Manning, host of Wednesday Midday Medley, plays “Blindsided”
Jan. 27, 2012, the band opens for New Inhabitants and Nuthatch 47 at Record Bar
Feb. 8, 2012, KKFI 90.1 FM plays “Be Together”
Feb. 13(?), 2012, Alice 102.1 FM plays “Blindsided” and introduces The Depth and The Whisper in Local Spotlight
Feb. 14, 2012, Albert and Dave, joined by Betse Ellis on the song, “Stay,” open for Brannock Device at Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club
April 6, 2012, Albert and Dave perform an acoustic slot opening for Love Pump and Crunchy at Voodoo Lounge
April 16, 2012, The Depth and The Whisper participates in the KKFI 90.1 FM Band Auction in support of community radio.
Chapter 3: Instant hit
May 5, 2012, the band performs with “KC Drummer Girl” Kelsey Cook on drums for the first time, filling in for Go-Go Ray at Record Bar. She is an instant hit. Also on the bill are The Inwards and Chaotic Goods
May 12, 2012, full band with Kelsey plays Rotary Park in Blue Springs, MO.
June 1, 2012, The Depth and The Whisper, with Kelsey, perform at Inhabit as part of First Fridays in the Kansas City Crossroads District
June 15, 2012, the band performs as a four-piece (Albert, Dave, Troy and Kelsey) at The Brick, closing the show for Loves It! from Austin, TX, and Betse Ellis
July 20, 2012, Albert and Dave perform at the Sandbox at Vinyl Renaissance in KCMO with Amy Farrand on the bill
Aug. 3, 2012, four-piece with Go-Go Ray on drums plays at Inhabit for First Fridays, inviting East River Crossing (on tour from NYC) to perform
Sept. 15, 2012, Albert and Dave perform at a fundraiser for Hope House, a shelter that helps women and children heal after escaping abusive homes.
Sept. 27, 2012, Albert, Dave and Kelsey perform as a trio at Uptown Arts Bar for the MBird Local Artist Showcase hosted by Megan Birdsall
Oct. 3, 2012, The Depth and The Whisper is featured on Wednesday Midday Medley on KKFI 90.1 FM. Albert and Dave perform a new song, “All I Had.”
Oct. 4, 2012, Albert and Dave perform “Highway” and “Stay” (with Betse Ellis) during an Irish wake for friend Tom Ryan at Succotash in KCMO
Oct. 12, 2012, Albert and Dave sign a contract for the song “Be Together” to appear in a short film by the Hallmark corporation.
Oct. 17, 2012, full band with Go-Go on drums and John Velghe on keys opens for Frontier Ruckus and Buxton at Record Bar
Nov. 8, 2012, Albert, Dave and Kelsey return as the “featured band” at the MBird Local Artist Showcase at Uptown Arts Bar
Chapter 4: Draw your picture big and bright
Dec. 8-16, 2012, New York City bound.
Who we are.
You probably know what we sound like more that we do. We just write and let the song be what it was meant to be. If we feel it, we go with it.
The compositions are framed with openness and honesty, aiming big and bright without sacrificing an organic feel. Add a bit of tongue in cheek here and there, and you have a sound.
Basically, getting what's inside out with as much passion as possible.
Dave Tanner
Hometown: Listowel, Ontario
Why bass guitar: I have always felt the bass even before knowing what a bass was. I gravitated to playing after picking up a friend's right-handed bass. Even though it was missing a string, I offered to buy it on the spot. There was just something about it that I had to have and experience for myself.
What makes music so important: More than anything, music is in our minds and hearts and is a big part of who we are. There was a point in which my own music, (or our own music), swelled up to occupy the space within, and it has become more important than ever to develop and share it. I cannot envision a life that doesn't have this as a primary or secondary purpose.
Best gig: Feeling connections, experiencing reactions, and living in the moment make for the best gigs. I've had many of these experiences, so to single one out, I would have to start at the bottom of the list and work my up through several hundred good ones.
Favorite food: I love good Chinese food, but I also enjoy Tex-Mex when it's done right.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your musical life: It would have to be an actor who could play left-handed, make animated faces, double up a Canadian/Missouri accent, and carry a golf handicap of 5 or less. If this film is made before I die, I want to witness the casting.
Albert Bickley
Hometown: Kansas City
Why guitar and singing: I don't really consider myself much of a guitar player. I am more of a singer. I picked up guitar to help write the songs that I had buzzing around my brain. The more I play, the more I love to do it and experiement with it. As far as singing goes, it was just what was left to do in the high school band. And it kind of stuck. That said, it's what I love to do more than anything. There is something that happens in your soul when you sing for just the sake of singing. It can change you in the moment. It's really hard to describe. But, try it sometime... just sing with all your heart and don't worry about what it sounds like. You'll see what i mean.
What makes music so important: As a kid I used to draw all the time. It was my outlet. Then one day my friends and I decided to start a band. Once I learned I could write a song and sing it, music took over as the most prominent form of expression for me. I can say and sing things in songs in front of a room full of people that I could never say to your face. It's my sanity. It's in my blood. I can't run away from it, I've tried. If I make it to my eighties, I fully expect to be sitting on my front porch or in a coffee shop playing music.
Best gig: Unlike the rest of my bandmates... here's a real answer: January 9, 2009 at a now defunct club called Crosstown Station that is now a church. It was a packed house and the energy was off the charts. While I do agree with the guys that every gig is great because we get to do what we love. This one stood out. It was amazing.
Favorite food: Any? I really like ethnic foods. If I start eating indian food.. I can't stop... oh, and popcorn. That stuff is incredible. I could eat it everyday.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your musical life: Brad Pitt or Ryan Gosling! At least I would be good looking in some world. Actually, I really wouldn't care as long the person at least took lessons enough to look like they could actually play and sing.
Kelsey Cook
Hometown: Kansas City
Why drums: Always liked watching the drummer in bands. Oddly enough the very first drummer I ever saw was a guy with extremely long hair, whipping it around.. I wanted to do that!
What makes music so important: Music is important to me because it IS me. I put my heart into music and music makes my heart grow.
Best gig: Every gig I've had has been the best, because that's what I try and make it.
Favorite food: Favorite food has got to be Mexican. It's that sour cream and guac that gets me!
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your musical life: Interesting question... I think my Mom or my girlfriend would do a pretty good job. My Mom knows me so well and has been involved in my musical career since it started, so she knows what I've been through, plus she's funny and it'd be hilarious to watch her try and play the drums. My girlfriend would make me sound really smart, plus she can keep a beat with some sweet stick tricks! Either one, it's a win-win.
Troy Van Horn
Hometown: Parts Unknown
Troy has played in tons of bands and has decades of experience. Check out his other band, The Great Vehicle. More to come...
Go Go Ray
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
One of the most sought after drummers in Kansas City, he's played on big stages and small stages, and one of the best human beings you could ever meet. More to come...
John Velghe
Hometown: Kansas City
As well as playing the keyboards for The Depth and the Whisper, he also recorded and produced their debut EP, "One Steady Breath". He is an accomplished singer/songwriter and you can check out his music and learn more about him on his webiste, www.johnvelghe.com.
Booking: Albert Bickley - (816)529-6718 E-Mail: TDATWDA@gmail.com
Copyright 2012 The Depth and The Whisper, All Rights Reserved