Missouri Executive Order 44 (MEO44 for short) are a fierce hardcore band that commemorates a bigoted history in the Show Me State. Mormons who called Missouri home were forced out of the state by the aforementioned Executive Order, so 17 Mormons were killed during that unfortunate siege. We talked about what it means to be from Kansas City (for the band Killa City) and what it’s like to take their mission on tour. We also requested a list of the best bands from KC, both past and present, and threw in a surprise for good measure.
Today, the band also debuts a video for the song “Let’s Jump A Cowboy Together!” The name is a reference to a large, belt-buckle-clad bully who started a fight with the band at a show in Austin, Texas – the band called it the best of the tour. Those buttoned shirts, bike helmets and six-speed transmissions are just a facade for the wild music that lies within.
Your album Salt Sermon will be released on 16 Augustth Learning Curve & The Ghost are on Clear Records, be sure to check out their Bandcamp for the most up to date information.
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What is Missouri Executive Order 44?
Missouri Executive Order 44, also known as the Mormon Execution Order, was a state executive order issued by then-Missouri Governor Lillburn Boggs on October 27, 1838. This order was issued in response to the Battle of Crooked River, a recent clash between Mormons and the Missouri State Militia that took place in northern Ray County, Missouri (one hour northeast of Kansas City).
This order stated: “The Mormons are to be treated as enemies and exterminated or expelled from the State if necessary to protect the public peace – their atrocities are beyond description.” He is responsible for the massacre of 17 Mormon men and children in the so-called Hawn’s Mill Massacre of 1838 and the mass expulsion of Mormons from the state.
This decree remained in force for 138 years and was finally repealed on June 25, 1976.
Where are you from, people?
Originally from Independence, Missouri. Most of us now live and work in Kansas City, Missouri, with the exception of our singer who lives on a farm further north in Ray County.
What is the band’s musical goal?
We’re a brash, combative hardcore band. Sporadic and energetic, but not afraid to hold back. There’s a mix of intensity and breadth that we like to play with in our songs. We try to keep the pedal to the metal all the time, but give you a rhythm that you can effortlessly fall into. Lyrically, we try to tell stories about all the ways people try to take your power away from you, and how solidarity and community can literally and figuratively blow that crap up.
What are the 5 best bands in the Kansas City area and why?
Current or all time?
Current?
- Nerver
- Riddled with arrows
- God’s Computer
- flooding
- Spine
No matter if loud riffs, HM-2 worship, outsider art, melancholic slowcore or hardcore with a capital H. Killa City doesn’t play.
And always?
- Merge
- The life of the boys
- violet
- Giant’s Chair
- Molly McGuire
- Second place: Puddle of Mudd
A very simple list of Kansas City All-Timers. Each band here has a unique discography worth delving into.
What does it mean to “jump a cowboy”?
“Let’s Jump a Cowboy Together!” is a reference to a show last year at the Chess Club in Austin, Texas. Elos was punched in the back by a drunk with a big belt buckle and his friend for no apparent reason. Jarom chased them outside and knocked one of the guys down, which led to a brawl between band members and the wannabe cowboys on 6th Street right outside the venue. The best show of the tour.
How many gears do your mountain bikes have?
Two six-speed, one seven-speed and one ten-speed bike. However, lately Jarom has been riding his fixie bike, nicknamed the “Driveway Princess”, much more often.
Would Joseph Smith approve of the violence in your music video?
The same Joseph Smith who organized Mormon militias, approved of the actions of the Danites, and called for the march of Zion’s Camp? That’s what we believe.
What’s so punk about Mormonism?
Nothing really. But it is a valuable vessel for our message.
What do you hope to achieve with your mission?
Missouri’s Executive Order 44 is a reminder to all listeners: We must stand together in our communities to overthrow the bigoted and hateful forces of government, police, and fascism in this country and around the world.
The extermination order is a warning, but also an all too familiar experience of our
Brothers and sisters, right here, right now – the state can and will oppress those it deems “different” or “less worthy.” Our message is one of retribution, anti-colonialism, anti-state, and humanity. If you cannot fight the oppressive hatred you face, we stand with you. Hopefully, our mission helps people everywhere feel a little less alone in the daily struggle for peace and autonomy in their lives.
Would you like to add something else?
“Salt Sermon” will be released on 8/16/24 as LP/CS/CD on Learning Curve & The Ghost is Clear Records. We hope you like it.