WATCH: KCK-raised R&B artist emerges from the ruins of vulnerability to ‘touch people’s souls’

For Alanzo McIntosh Jr., exploring his voice means journeying through the KCK native’s roots, along with themes of self-doubt and self-discovery, and a deep connection to the struggles faced by Black and brown people across the globe — and here at home, he shared.

“I wanted to make music that spoke to the soul and spoke to the inner parts of people,” the R&B artist, who performs as simply “Alanzo,” said of his most-recent work. “Hopefully, it will inspire somebody, or at the very least, create this dialogue around things such as success, self-doubt, and vulnerability, especially as it relates to men, and more specifically as it relates to Black and brown men.”

Still from Alanzo’s “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT,” photo courtesy of Alanzo McIntosh Jr.

His debut six-track EP, “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT,” dropped in late 2022, accompanied by a short music film.

A self-proclaimed Kansas City history buff, Alanzo showcases his hometown prominently throughout the “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT” short film, including shots of Town Topic and downtown.

The music video also features a scene at the Quindaro Ruins in KCK — a significant site on the Underground Railroad — which Alanzo said was a nod to his deep family roots, and the rich history of Black culture, in that area.

“I really enjoy learning and sharing the history of Kansas City, specifically within our Black and brown communities here,” he said. “Being able to understand the roots that we have here and some of the history that we have here in Kansas City is so important.”

Watch the short music film below, then keep reading.

Drawing musical inspiration from artists including Lauryn Hill, Brent Faiyaz, and Stevie Wonder, Alanzo said he allows himself to be vulnerable throughout the six tracks, with the goal of allowing listeners to see his “authentic” self.

“I really appreciate artists who share themselves and share their personal stories,” Alanzo said. “I feel like that’s when their art is the most potent. When there’s this level of vulnerability, you feel like you can see them. When you feel like you can see that artist, you often will see yourself. I feel like that’s how you touch other people’s souls.”

Leading with head and heart

Photo courtesy of Alanzo McIntosh Jr.

When he first stepped into a recording studio in 2020, Alanzo wasn’t planning to launch a music career. At the time, he just wanted to record a song called “4” he had written for his wife, Iesha, to mark their fourth wedding anniversary. (Iesha, along with other family members, is featured in the “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT” short film.)

“Like the rest of the world in 2020, we were stuck in the house; we were bored,” Alanzo said. “My wife and I were coming up on our four-year wedding anniversary, so I wrote a song, actually found a studio, and recorded it. I really enjoyed that process of creating a song from start to finish, so in 2021, I really dove in head first.”

The couple both grew up in Wyandotte County and met in sixth grade, Alanzo said, adding that he’s always been “super proud” to be from Kansas City.

“A lot of my friends growing up wanted to move away, but I just always imagined myself here,” he said. “In Kansas City, there’s a humility that exists, and that bears a certain level of respect, kindness, and common courtesy that doesn’t exist everywhere.”

Always the backdrop

Though Alanzo’s music career began in earnest only two years ago, music has always been a critical part of his life, he said, noting that he grew up listening to R&B, gospel, jazz, blues, and hip hop.

Still from Alanzo’s “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT,” photo courtesy of Alanzo McIntosh Jr.

“Music was always the backdrop,” he said. “It set the scene for every family function. The type of music being played dictated whether it was a cleaning day, or if there was something sad going on in the family.”

“Music has just always been there,” he continued. “There’s not a day that’s gone by since I’ve been a kid where I’m not listening to music or learning about some of my favorite artists.”

In addition to modeling his musicianship after artists who express vulnerability in their work, Alanzo said he appreciates artists who are willing to go against the grain.

“My favorite artists across all media are artists who aren’t afraid of making ‘bad art,’” he said. “They’re not afraid of experimenting and pushing themselves. I’ve always been one of those people who can tend to get bored with music. I’m always trying to discover new music and new sounds, so I just appreciate artists who aren’t afraid to explore.”

Alanzo added that he admires artists who “take their time with their craft,” something he emulates in his own approach to music, calling himself “a perfectionist to the worst degree,” especially as he spends time in the studio creating new music.

“I do want to release music this year, but I also don’t wanna force it,” he said. “I truly admire people who are able to release music on a constant basis. I’m just not one of those people.”

Compelled by collaborations

While it remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old will drop any new tracks in 2023, Alanzo is working hard to advance his young music career, he said, noting it’s a passion he pursues on top of his day job working within the city government in Wyandotte County.

Photo courtesy of Alanzo McIntosh Jr.

He’ll continue to promote “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT” while perfecting a setlist and assembling a band for live performances, he said. He also teased some additional coming visual projects similar to the short music film.

This winter, Alanzo was selected to participate in a 3-month fellowship program with Heartland Arts KC, a nonprofit organization which trains performance artists to become advocates for social justice. His final performance will be at the end of April, he shared.

At the same time, he’s dedicating hours in the recording studio, working with different sound engineers and collaborating with other local artists to create new music.

Specifically, he thanked engineers Felix Orie, T.J. Wynn from Tha Goonez, and Adae Lorenz from Atlanta-based Kreative Villains for their work with him, as well as videographer Chadwick Christopher and fellow musician Ayel, who’s featured on “PRAY AT MIDNIGHT.”

“I’ve known [Ayel] since middle school as well, actually,” Alanzo said. “He was kind of an inspiration as far as me getting into music, because I followed his journey.”

Alanzo credited a connective spirit within the Kansas City creative community, something he views as a unique advantage that can be leveraged moving forward.

“The creative community in Kansas City is very collaborative and community-oriented in a way that I don’t think other markets are,” he said. “I think once we learn how to capitalize on that unique trait that we have in our creative community, we could be a lot more impactful than we are right now, even though our reach and our impact are getting bigger.”

Ultimately, Alanzo hopes to keep advancing his music career in his hometown, all while enjoying the moment.

“I’m just trying to keep making a spectacle out of it,” he said, “and adding to this era, if you will, of my career.”