For Ronnie Platt, stepping into the lead singer role of Kansas was more than just filling a vacancy—it was stepping into a legacy. Now, with The Absence of Presence, his second album with the band, he’s found his footing, his confidence, and a deep respect for the intricate, ever-evolving nature of progressive rock.
“When I first joined, I had no idea we’d be doing new studio music,” he admits. “Now, after close to 500 shows with the band, it feels like home.” The new record finds Kansas embracing their signature complexity, balancing grand instrumental passages with personal themes. Tracks like Throwing Mountains bring a heavy, almost progressive-metal energy, while Memories Down the Line offers a heartfelt ballad, proving that the Kansas formula still has plenty of range.
One of Platt’s key contributions to the album, Circus of Illusion, carries a storytelling approach that lends itself to multiple interpretations. “That’s the beauty of progressive music,” he says. “I love when someone tells me what a song means to them—because that’s exactly what it’s supposed to mean.”
And then there’s that title—The Absence of Presence—which has taken on an eerie relevance in a world suddenly forced into isolation. “We came up with it about a year and a half ago, but looking around now, it’s almost prophetic,” Platt notes. “There really is an absence of presence everywhere.”
As for Kansas’ place in rock history? Platt doesn’t see himself as reinventing anything—he’s simply carrying the torch. “I think we’ve been so influenced by this band that when we write, it naturally sounds like Kansas,” he says. “It’s not about chasing the past—it’s about keeping the spirit alive.”
With The Absence of Presence, that spirit is alive and well.
Listen to the interview above and then check out the videos below.
