Beatbox Battle Brings Kansas City to Life
In the heart of Kansas City, something exciting is happening, and it’s taking the local music scene by storm! The 2024 Crossroad Beatbox Battle took place at recordBar, drawing in a lively crowd of both local talents and visitors from across the country. From hip-hop rhythms to jazzy tunes, the air was filled with mesmerizing beats as competitors showcased their skills in this unique art form.
Community Roots
The mastermind behind this vibrant event is beatboxer Asher O’Connor, who launched the competition back in 2018 with a vision of building up Kansas City’s beatboxing community. He emphasized, “It’s just like being any other musician. You’re essentially just making mouth music.” And wow, has the art of beatboxing evolved! O’Connor describes how beatboxers no longer just imitate drums but are crafting full routines complete with melodies, singing, and even **synthesizer sounds**.
A Place of Connection and Kindness
What makes this event stand out is the strong sense of community among beatboxers. While individuals compete fiercely, the atmosphere is filled with smiles and hugs after each performance. O’Connor shared that aside from the competitive edge, beatboxers often jam together and network, fostering friendships and camaraderie among people who share the same passion. “As competitive as it is, it’s actually smiles and hugs afterwards,” he said, highlighting the unique mix of competition and community.
Diverse Styles and Creativity
The styles showcased at the battle were a delightful mix, ranging from electronic to jazz. Competitors like Clutch and Shield were seen going head-to-head, playing off each other’s rhythms and attempting to outdo one another with fast techniques and deep bass lines. O’Connor noted that while loudness can make an impression, originality is key. “It might be fast techniques or just more bass. There’s a lot of ways you can win,” he explained.
Open to All
Beatboxing isn’t just for a specific group. O’Connor pointed out that while many beatboxers are young men, “I think beatboxing is for everybody.” He emphasized that the art challenges individuals both mentally and musically, and many find joy in collaborating with others in the community.
A Local Favorite
Among the competitors was Kansas City native Coleman Stanton, known as Clutch, who expressed his love for the Crossroads Beatbox Battle. Having participated multiple times, he said, “It hits close to home… it’s really cool I get to have this outlet.” Clutch described his journey as one of growth—initially struggling with stage fright but now focusing on keeping his material fresh.
Learning and Growing Together
Creativity and learning are pivotal for these performers. O’Connor highlighted, “You don’t necessarily need to come up with crazy unique sounds… hanging out with other beatboxers is one of the best ways to develop originality.” As competitors share their knowledge, they also inspire each other, something Stanton appreciates about the gatherings. “It’s a lot of the sounds and the unrealness—How does this person make this noise?” he mused, recalling that excitement that keeps him coming back.
An Event to Remember
The competition attracted participants like Eric Amaya from Fayetteville, AR, who complimented the atmosphere, thanking O’Connor for creating such a welcoming environment. First-time viewer Laney Bevins echoed this sentiment, excitedly remarking, “It gets intense. There’s a lot to it and a lot of different flavors of beats.” After an initial elimination round at Lifted Spirits Distillery, the energy culminated over the final two days at recordBar.
Celebrating Talents
In the end, the winners took home not just the title but also a prize of $500 each. Shield clinched the solo category, Mouthguard triumphed in the tag-team section, and Waferboi shone in the loopstation. This friendly competition not only highlighted incredible talents but also strengthened the community ties, making sure everyone left with their hearts full of rhythm and their minds buzzing with inspiration.
