Federation of Horsepower
A cornerstone of Kansas City’s rock and roll scene is the band Federation of Horsepower.
“Fast cars, late nights in smokey back rooms, the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke, sin, redemption and more sin… these are just a few of the themes present in the music of Kansas City’s Federation of Horsepower. They’re not new themes… the subject matter is well-worn… but lets face it kids… this isn’t rocket science… it’s rock-n-roll!” - Federation Of Horsepower Myspace
F.O.H.P. was one of the bands to make it on this years Rockfest, playing in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans! Rockfest is certainly the biggest event that you could be a part of here in Kansas City and this self described Rock/Punk/Soul band made it onto the stage. “The guys in Dope and Parlor Mobb were really cool, it was a good vibe.” Some might think this would be a nerve racking experience, but Gregg explained that his major focus was getting everything on stage and getting their set done within the 30 minute time limit. Meaning there was little time to really absorb the reality in front of them.
Federation of Horsepower was formed about 5 years ago and has gone through several lineup changes before finally settling with the current group of Troy Van Horn, Catfish, Kriss, and Gregg. Together they form an intoxicating mixture of nearly every rock genre created, from Classic Rock to Punk to Grunge, it’s all there.
Just this last August F.O.H.P. played with the famed Judas Priest, Gregg remembers vividly as this was, “…the hottest day of the year, 105 degrees.” Whew. They’ve also graced the stage with names like Jackyl, Drowning Pool, Buckcherry, Slipknot, Supersuckers, and the legendary Motorhead. With names like those under your belt in only 5 years, I’d say that Federation of Horsepower deserves some attention!
The Kansas City music scene has changed quite a bit in recent years, many bands have come and gone, but Federation of Horsepower has managed to endure the rough seas of the local music scene. The very first show for the band was at the historical El Torreon in Kansas City, Mo. Later they found themselves lined up with bands Shotgun Idols, The Throttlers, and Whiskey Boots. Flash forward to current, “There’s more competition, and more places to play,” says Gregg, “Also, bands are more open to playing with non-like-minded bands now.” Meaning that there is less of a genre divide than there was when F.O.H.P. started. “It’s friendlier, not a big dog eat dog competition.” Some bands that you may find playing with Federation of Horsepower around the Kansas City area are 40 Dead Men, Rocker Lips, and The Rumblejetts at venues like Davey’s Uptown, and the up and coming Aftershock.
Although there are good changes that have occurred for Federation of Horsepower, Gregg did mention that negative changes have occurred as well. The expansion of digital tv to include hundreds of channels has led to less motivation for rock n’ roll fans. “People have 500 channels at home now, they need quality entertainment to get them out.” How do you get more people out then? “The only way to open yourself up to more people is by branching out.” “If you go to a show like AC/DC, you’ll see people from 16 to 60 there and that’s why they can sell out the Sprint Center.” Gregg went on to explain that many bands choose to pigeonhole themselves which limits their fan base.
How about some of the major changes around here such as the addition of the Power and Light District? “KCP&L is anti rock n’ roll, it does nothing for the local scene.” Any other advice? “You need to grow and change with technology to get the word out about your band. No one will come to your show unless you invite them.” Gregg mentioned social networking sites such as myspace as being important tools in promoting yourself.
To listen to Federation of Horsepower yourself, go to myspace.com/FederationOfHorsepower, while you’re there, you might want to check out their new CD entitled “Stay Down” as well as their website FederationOfHorsepower.com. As for what F.O.H.P. is up to, Gregg said that he’s excited to go check out Kansas City’s, Hammerlord, performing this Friday at The Riot Room in Westport, Ks. Support local music!
by
Jordan Smiley
KCAnthem.com
Click the above image for more information.
98.9 The Rock presents
Johnny Dare Birthday Bash
Steel Panther
with Federation of Horsepower
Day: Sat, Aug 29, 2009
Showtime: 8:00 PM
Days until show: 32
Ages: All Ages
On sale: Fri, Jul 31, 2009 10AM
Ticket Prices*: $9.89-
New photos of Federation of Horsepower
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