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Established in 2019, Katy Guillen & The Drive is an independent Indie Roots Rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, founded by partners Katy Guillen (Vocals, Guitar) and Stephanie Williams (Drums). Katy Guillen & The Drive prides itself on fostering empowered spaces for women in music both onstage and off, and performances showcase the group’s signature all-female powerhouse formation, technical prowess, and electrifying chemistry. This core value heavily influenced the band’s most recent full-length effort Make That Sound. Guillen admits, “Having never worked with a woman in the studio, that’s something we wanted to change on this record. We wanted more female energy, ideas, and power to influence this album.” With this goal in mind, the band was eventually led to Producer Megan McCormick (Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah). As a result of their fast friendship and facile chemistry in the early stages of collaborating, the duo embraced this newfound creative connection and ran with it. Within a matter of a few days, the three collaborated on everything from songwriting and arrangements to live tracking and overdubs, resulting in a liberated, emboldened, and nuanced new record. Guillen speaks to the inspiration behind the songs and process, “In creating this album I felt particularly inspired by the countless strong and important women in my life, the love that I’ve grown with my partner, and the strength I’ve gained from digging inward through challenging times.” Make That Sound is a celebration of self-empowerment, liberation, vulnerability, honesty, and love. In addition to McCormick, the band was fortunate to work with engineers Brandon Bell (Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell) and Annie Petrik on tracking and mixing, as well as mastering engineer Kim Rosen (Bonnie Raitt, Allison Russell). The band partnered with Nashville-based indie label and artist collective Are & Be Recordings for the October 2025 release, which was instantly met with industry and audience praise. Glide Magazine described it as “a relentless rock vibe, combining Wet Leg’s modern edge and Courtney Barnett’s knack for guitar-based hooks,” while Rainbow Rodeo declared, “It’s raw, it's tight, and it's utterly compelling.”Make That Sound is the follow up record to the band’s 2022 debut album Another One Gained, produced by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Heartless Bastards), which “hit the sweet spot with a mix of spiky garage rock and soulful country torch songs,” lauded Uncut Magazine. Under The Radar Magazine declared the duo “evoke(d) a timeless indie rock sound” and displayed “effortless instrumental chemistry that gives both members a chance to shine.” The subsequent 2023 deluxe edition, Another One Gained Deluxe, featured three new songs and a highly anticipated Spanish version of a fan-favorite, ‘Battalas,’ which spotlighted special guest Latin Grammy winner Mireya Ramos (Flor De Toloache) on violin and backing vocals.
2025 saw the band touring the U.S. coast to coast, including festival stops in Alaska, a west coast tour supporting legendary guitarist Robin Trower, and an east coast headlining tour in support of Make That Sound. The band plans to continue this momentum throughout 2026 with further album support dates, festivals, and creative collaboration.
https://katyguillenmusic.com/
Haley Burke
Haley Burke is a Kansas City-based guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose music is rooted in the blues while confidently exploring rock, country, Americana, and mixed-genre influences. Known for her expressive guitar playing, strong stage presence, and emotionally driven performances, she has earned a reputation as a dedicated and rising artist in both her local scene and the broader music community.
Haley has studied music under the accomplished Kansas City musician Adam Wyatt, as well as vocally under Belmont University alum Hana Burrows and rock vocalist Anne Marie McLaughlin, continually pushing herself to refine her craft. Over the years, she has performed across Kansas City and beyond, playing a wide range of venues, festivals, and live music settings. From intimate club stages to larger festival platforms, Haley brings a consistent intensity and authenticity to every performance, reflecting a deep respect for the genre and its history. Her live experience spans local showcases and nationally recognized events, giving her a well-rounded and seasoned performance background at a young age.
Haley has participated in programs through the Pinetop Perkins Foundation, where she studied and collaborated with accomplished musicians while further developing her artistry. She also performed in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, representing her region on a national stage and gaining valuable industry experience. As a supported artist through the Kansas City Blues Society, Haley remains closely connected to the blues community that shaped her musical path. She has performed at major events and venues, including Knuckleheads KC, Lyrical Belles Showcase, 515 Music Hub, Women in Blues Showcase, and the King Biscuit Blues Festival, one of the country’s most celebrated blues festivals.
In addition to her performances, Haley is an active collaborator, sharing stages and jam sessions with established artists and continuing to grow through real-world experience and mentorship. Haley has had the pleasure of playing alongside Amanda Fish, Danielle Nicole, Brandon Miller, Nick Schnebelen, and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. Her playing reflects both technical discipline and emotional authenticity, blending traditional blues influences with a modern, energetic style that resonates with today’s audiences. With a growing catalog of original music and an expanding list of performances across the region, Haley Burke continues to establish herself as a serious and driven artist. Her dedication, extensive live experience, and industry involvement position her as a strong emerging voice in the next generation of blues rock musicians.
https://haleyburkemusic.com/
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2715 Rochester St, Kansas City, MO, United States, Missouri 64120
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