When you look at a map, Missouri might not stand out. It’s in the middle but faded from view after the skyrocket of musical popularity it had in the 1990s. Even though it is not necessarily well known in the music world any more, the “Show-Me State” still has a lot to offer to the world of music. From artists that have done their fair share, to newer artists trying to pave their way, Missouri is still the unsung gem of American music.
Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Starting in 1971 from Springfield, Missouri, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils brought the twangy sound out of the rural midwest and into the ears of beloved fans. With a music catalog spanning from 1974 to recent years, they have made their stamp on the beloved music of Missouri. With songs like, “If You Wanna Get to Heaven,” and, “Chicken Train,” they gave their audience a way to glance into their individual look on how they viewed the world. They never strayed from their original sound, showing that they believed in their upbringing and would never leave their true roots behind.
Pale Divine
From St. Louis, Missouri in 1984, the band “The Eyes” was born. After recording their first single and playing small bars around town, they were offered their first record deal with Atlantic Records. When signing with Atlantic, they changed their name to “Pale Divine” and became the true band that Missouri came to love. After the ending of the band, guitar player Rich Fortus played with The Psychedelic Furs and now plays with Guns N’ Roses. With only releasing one album, their music left the true 1990s alt-rock sound ringing in the ears of their fans for generations.
The Finns
Starting in 1985, The Finns began their journey in the local music scene. They began playing gigs opening for other artists until they were given a chance to play live on their own. Releasing songs like, “She Wears Black,” and, “Hello, Mr. Jenkins,” they gave their personal view of the world they witnessed going on outside their window. With having a few albums of their own out for the world to hear, along with some music videos, the band did call it quits in 1995. Even though they are no longer together, I am sure many people would love to see a reunion of this classic sometime soon.
Audio Therapy
Starting up their music career in 2006, Audiotherapy (originally named Snowangeldust) began furiously working and striving to be the best they could be. From killer bass notes to intricate guitar solos, the three men behind this project managed to climb the local ladder of St. Louis, Missouri. Playing shows at the Way Out club and in the Blueberry Hill Duck Room (opening for Chuck Berry), the band was able to make a meaningful musical connection with their fans until they decided to call it quits in 2011. Even though this band is not together anymore, their beautiful songs are still remembered by local music lovers all over the city.
Malibu ‘92
Starting out as a band you could only hear live, Malibu ‘92 became a beloved band to the audience they played for. After playing a range of local shows, they released their first track, “Chemical Caroline,” in February of 2019. They have opened for bands like Vesperteen, Last Youth, and Telehope. Their second song, “Are We Moving Too Fast?” was released in the later months of 2019. The fans of Malibu ‘92 are loyal lovers, eagerly awaiting their next possible release and concert date.
Even though the music does not run through the streets as intensely as it did in the late 1980s and 1990s, it is still a very important part of the history in Missouri. Many amazing voices come from this state, but these voices showed strength beyond possibility when they were around or in their current standing in Missouri music culture. They worked hard to prove their worth and come out on top as some of the most unique voices the midwest has to offer.
Written by Genevieve!
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