After almost two years of Local Radar, and another 25 of being in bands, I am still remarkably reluctant to talk to other musicians I have not met, even just to say, “Hey! I really like your stuff!” This is not merely shyness; it is truly a form of deference and respect, especially at shows. I know I am wrong in this calculation (we would all like to be affirmed), but I also understand that once you’ve played a show, you either 1) have more work to do, such as breaking down all your equipment, or 2) are exhausted and don’t want to engage in casual pleasantries.
As such, I have never met the band Radkey.
I first encountered them at a show we played together in downtown Springfield 11 years ago. A trio of spunky youths out of Liberty, Missouri, homeschooled by a dad who raised them on a diet of The Misfits and The Ramones. I could not have been more enamored. But this was a festival bill (many bands) and their band name was a much larger font size than ours on the poster.
I dared not approach.
In a succeeding comedy of errors, as they have returned to town multiple times over the last decade, I somehow always arrive just as they are wrapping up their set (so, the worst time to talk). I have never actually seen them play another show, and I have never talked to them.
No moment was crueler than last summer, rushing over to a show on a Friday night just after an episode of Local Radar, thinking I had timed things perfectly and...I blew it again. But there they were! All three! Just hanging out. Relaxed. Unperturbed. My moment had arrived.
And my polite midwestern shyness kicked in.
I had been actively playing and promoting these fellas on the show for over a year. I had earnestly followed them online. I HAD A SHIRT. We had once even shared a stage. It didn't matter.
And so, I am certain they don’t know I or Local Radar exist. This is fine. This is not their job. But they are one of the most played artists on the show, and for good reason. That Misfits/Ramones sound has added a solid bit of Weezer and Nirvana sensibilities to it over the years without losing their original flair and is truly unique in the modern rock landscape. Heck, they did a run opening for the Foo Fighters last year. That should tell you everything.
Their new album “Bedroom Sand” just came out a few weeks ago and it is as solid a record as they’ve had so far. Check them out for yourself, pray they actually come back soon, and give me the strength to bother another musician. One day.
We’ll see you next week!
