The Spicy Pickles On Schedule
Denver-based band The Spicy Pickles was originally formed in 2013 for the specific purpose of playing live music for swing dancers. Since then, the high-energy, personalityfilled group of performing and session musicians has gained a reputation for their dedication to reviving the sound of ‘30s and ‘40s swing music. But on their recently released fifth album, On Schedule, The Spicy Pickles venture outside of the big band swing and early jump blues niche
they’ve built. For On Schedule, they recruited pop, soul and jazz singer Hannah Rodriguez, whose vocals appear on nine of the ten tracks. Bandleader and trumpeter Joe Smith commissioned Rodriguez to write all seven original songs on the album, plus an arrangement for one of the three covers, in hopes of showing off The Spicy Pickles’ versatility while also easing them into a more contemporary sound.
While their new sound still isn’t exactly “modern,” it is a refreshing change of pace for the seven-piece band. Rather than emulating music of the ‘30s and ‘40s, The Spicy Pickles have timehopped into the ‘70s, and ‘80s, with elements of funk, discopop, and soul throughout the album. Staying true to their tagline “a band that will make you move,” On Schedule is filled with boogieinducing original tunes like “Love Game,” “Obvious” and “Good For You.”
But even when covering pop songs from the 2000s, they bring a vintage, big band feel that makes each song their
own, like their jazz-funk take on Paramore’s punk-pop classic “Still Into You.” Amy Winehouse’s famous cover of “Valerie” (originally by The Zutons!) is a natural choice for a band like The Spicy Pickles, and their slightly slowed-down version makes room for a sultry saxophone solo from Matt Burchard midsong. But as they are borrowing from ‘70s sounds elsewhere on the album, James Brown’s 1972 funk staple “Pass The Peas” fits in nicely as the third cover with a Spicy twist. While Fred Wesley’s trombone dominates
Brown’s iconic original, The Spicy Pickles’ homage allows several instrumentalists to shine during solo moments, including an unexpected flute feature from keyboardist Tom Amend. Triumphant bursts of brass harken back to The Spicy Pickles’ big band roots, but Rodriguez’s vocals bring the contemporary touch Smith was seeking. Now the only question that remains is, will The Spicy Pickles’ cult following of swing dancers follow them on this new trajectory?
On Schedule is out now on all music platforms.
Cleo Mirza BandWagon Magazine
A BITTERSWEET ENCORE AT EDGE FEST’S GRAND FINALE
BY NATE WILDE
PHOTO: MATTY VOGEL
Concert season in Cheyenne, Wyoming will be ending on a bit of a bittersweet note this year as the beloved Edge Fest returns for its final year.
However, what has been recognized as Wyoming’s largest free outdoor music festival in recent years will be making its farewell journey with a stacked lineup including Edge Fest veteran and powerhouse vocalist Bishop Briggs as the festival’s final headliner.
In case you’re not familiar, Bishop Briggs has been taking the musical world by storm over the past handful of years with perhaps the most watercooler-worthy achievement being a first-place victory on the popular reality show The Masked Singer.
While Briggs has referred to winning the singing competition, “the coolest thing ever,” the artist’s journey prior to donning her Medusa costume was fraught with tragedy and heartache; a journey that culminated into an especially emotional unmasking at the season finale.
Because of this, it’s only fitting that Bishop Briggs returns to Edge Fest as headliner once again to close out the festival’s legacy.
Bishop Briggs + the Spotlight: Tragedy, Hope and Success
Upon relocating to Los Angeles to pursue music, Bishop Briggs experienced her first big break when her first single, “Wild Horses” was featured in an Acura commercial during the Super Bowl in 2015.
Bishop Briggs: A Unique Early Life
Born on July 18, 1992 in London, Sarah Grace McLaughlin and her family moved to Japan when Briggs was just four years old. It was there that she decided at an early age that she wanted to be a performer, a revelation that came to her as a young child living in Japan, inspired by the sheer joy on her father’s face while singing Frank Sinatra at karaoke.
It was also around this time that the young artist became determined to adopt a stage name later in life in order to differentiate from Canadian singer and Lilith Fair founder Sarah McLachlan, a woman Briggs has referred to as “the queen.”
Briggs’s pseudonym was directly inspired by the Scottish town of Bishopbriggs, an area in which much of her family hails from.
The family eventually relocated to Hong Kong where Briggs and her older sister and best friend Kate attended high school before graduating and relocating to Los Angeles where the teen would pursue a career in music.
Edge Fest: All Good Things Must Come to an End
August 24th won’t be the first time Bishop Briggs has performed at Cheyenne’s Edge Fest as she previously headlined the event back in 2018, but it will likely be her last.
The festival’s name refers to the historic West Edge neighborhood of Cheyenne which has served as the setting for the festival since its inception back in 2013. Over the years, the festival grew significantly, eventually becoming the largest of its kind in the state.
Unfortunately, it has been made clear by organizers of the event that 2024 will mark the final year with a message on the official Edge Fest website encouraging the public to help them “GO BIG” on the final year.
However, it would be the release of her next single, the sultry yet powerful “River” that really saw Briggs’s career take off. The success of this single would see Briggs perform on late night shows, an opening spot for heavy hitters including Coldplay and Kaleo, and her first performance at Coachella.
While things seemed to be going great for Briggs, her older sister Kate, who also served as her manager, would tragically be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This would prove to be a grueling battle for the eldest sister that claimed her life at the devastatingly young age of 30.
Needless to say, the untimely passing of her sister and best friend would prove to be a crippling blow to Briggs and something that she would struggle with greatly.
Just when everything seemed to be falling apart for Briggs, it wouldn’t be long before she would discover that she was pregnant, a revelation that brought her great joy when she needed it the most.
After an exhilarating subsequent performance at Coachella while in her third trimester of the pregnancy, Briggs would give birth to her first child in August of 2022, an event that would provide some much-needed healing following her sister’s passing.
Bishop Briggs + a Bright Future
The season finale of The Masked Singer in which Briggs’s identity was revealed and her victory was secured was filled with emotion. Briggs participated in the show shortly following giving birth and was “still breastfeeding and pumping” while competing in a full Medusa outfit.
Fresh off of her victory, Briggs has made it known that she is currently preparing to release a new album in the near future and promises to deliver a “soulful experience” complete with “a lot of sweating, jumping, and running around” at Cheyenne’s Civic Commons Park to bid adieu to the beloved Edge Fest on August 24.
CHRIS CART3R: TALKING MY SH*T
BY LANDON UNGERMAN
In the pulsating heart of Denver's music scene, Chris Cart3r stands as a beacon of resilience and creativity. An alternative rapper with deep roots in Louisville, Cart3r has forged a path marked by full-circle moments and a steadfast dedication to his craft. His music tells the story of his journey and the communities that have shaped him.
FULL CIRCLE MOMENTS AND MILESTONES
Opening for Dizzy Wright in Denver on 4/20 was an honor for Cart3r, one that brought his journey full circle. "I used to listen to him when I was younger," he recalls, highlighting the significance of sharing the stage with an idol. This milestone was more than just a career achievement; it was a tangible reminder of how far he had come, but didn’t compare to the feeling of hitting the stage his own way.
His sense of achievement rang loudest at his recent headline show, a self-curated event that underscored the strong local sup port he’s garnered. "It meant everything," Cart3r reflects. "I put the line-up together top to bottom. Everybody had a really good time. There was a lot of love in the room that night." This night was a celebration of both his personal success and the vibrant Denver music scene that has embraced him.
ROOTS AND REALISM: LOUISVILLE TO DENVER
Growing up in Louisville, Cart3r's formative years were a blend of challenging experiences and deep inspiration. "There wasn’t a whole lot to do. We just partied, did drugs, and hung out at the skate-park," he explains. With a grow-up-quick mindset, Chris lost many friends to violence along the way. "I take a lot of inspiration from the homies that aren’t here anymore, and from living through a really crazy time in my city," he says, infusing his music with the raw realism of his Louisville roots.
Transitioning to Denver, Cart3r found a thriving and supportive music community. "Most music communities I’ve seen aren't as put-together as Denver’s. There’s constant touring artists, a mil lion music venues, and lots of opportunities," he notes. Denver has been the perfect training ground for Cart3r, providing countless opportunities to hone his craft and connect with fellow artists. "Denver is what ignited me to get my music going," he adds, ex pressing his gratitude for the city's dynamic scene.
CREATIVE DROUGHTS AND VISUAL INNOVATIONS
In the midst of a creative drought, Cart3r turned whispers of doubt into a powerful branding campaign with "WHERE'S CAR T3R." I couldn’t write anything, dude. I definitely heard the whis pers about me not doing enough, so this branding is my way of playing into it," he explains. Collaborating with photographer Trey Karson, he executed a visual branding strategy that not only reignited his creative spark but also engaged his fans through mystery and creative custom newspapers.
This meticulous approach to his visual world reflects his commitment to his art. "The music always comes first, and from there, I can see the visuals in my head. I write them down and I make them happen," he says. Chris is blending musical and visual worlds to create a cohesive experience for fans.
A NEW ERA OF VULNERABILITY AND GROWTH
As he prepares to release new music, Cart3r reflects on his artistic evolution. "I love to sing and rap at the same time and mesh them together. It merges the new school and old school," he says. This new season of music is marked by a deeper level of vulnerability, a shift from simply wanting people to hear his music to wanting them to truly understand him. "I am putting out me. I am more vulnerable in these tracks," he emphasizes.
Amid the whirlwind of his music career, Cart3r finds grounding in his family, particularly his two kids. "My two kids bring balance to my life. They help me chill down," he shares. Their presence provides a counterbalance to the pressures of the music industry, allowing him to stay focused and motivated.
A CHRIS-TAL CLEAR VISION
For Chris Cart3r, being an artist is not just a career—it's a way of life. "Honestly, it means everything," he says. Despite the challenges and the advice to diversify his efforts, he remains committed to his music and his brand. "I authentically built my persona and brand from nothing to what it is today. That’s insane!" he exclaims. His kids, who see him as a rockstar, serve as a constant reminder
LISTEN TO 2-PACKS STILL LOST & BLUE GRASS BABY OUT NOW WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR MUSIC, AND FOLLOW CHRIS CART3R AT @CHRISCART3RMUSIC TO FOLLOW HIS JOURNEY!
BANDWAGON PHOTO OF THE MONTH | JASON ALFARO OF RIGHT EYE MEDIA KEVIN GATES | RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER - MORRISON, CO | 6/ 18 / 24
