Colorado Music Buzz Magazine August 2014

MANAGING PUBLISHERS Keith Schneider Keith@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com Christopher Murphy CMurphy@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com MANAGING EDITOR Tim Wenger 303-725-9359 TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEBSITE EDITOR Tim Wenger TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEBMASTER SwamiSez Web Design Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

SENIOR WRITERS DJ Cola, Chris Daniels, Thom Jackson Angela Kerr, Leah Parker, Norm Provizer Charlie Sullivan, Tim Wenger, Tim Wintemute PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Altergott, Miles Chrisinger Jenn Cohen, Ted Davis, Alex Geller Abby Kaeser, Ray Tollison

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Angela Kerr - 720-849-9697 AKerr@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com Amanda Hedgpeth - 417-622-8866 DMiller@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com Eric Frank - 762-470-2759 EFrank@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com EVENT AND MAGAZINE MARKETING Chris Murphy 720-429-8717 CMurphy@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEB ADVERTISING Keith Schneider 303-870-7376 Keith@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com LEGAL Stephen Replin - 303-322-7919 SReplin@ReplinRhoades.com INTERNSHIP Maddie Norton Ryan Hughes Abby Kaeser

GENERAL INQUIRIES Info@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com SPONSORSHIPS / OTHER Please email us a written request proposal for all inquires to Editor@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com CMB Submissions and Advertising Policy Colorado Music Buzz welcomes submissions, advertisements and sponsorships from those connected to every musical genre and style, as well as the general public. Due to our publication’s community focus, article content and advertisements containing nudity, drug references, profane words/visuals, or sexually exploitative material will not be accepted. Please feel free to voice any concerns you may have and collaborate with us to adapt what you would like to present in a way that respects both our all-ages audience and your artistic integrity. We are here for the music, and we are here for you.

Colorado Music Buzz Magazine, LLC P.O. Box 2739, Littleton, CO 80161

Colorado Music Buzz Magazine is published monthly by Colorado Music Buzz Magazine LLC (Publisher) and distributed to over 650 locations throughout greater Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and surrounding areas.

Reproduction in any manner in whole or in part without express written consent of the Publisher is strictly prohibited. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or its staff. Colorado Music Buzz Magazine LLC does not limit or discriminate based on ethnicity, gender, age, disability status, spiritual beliefs, familial status, or national origin, and does not accept editorial content or advertisements that do.

TicketsMove Releases Video Chronicling History of Rock Music

SMASH Music MGMT Hosts Scholarship Fundraiser

Rock music is an extremely diverse genre and deals with a wide array of issues. Yes! most of the times lyrics stress romantic love, however, other themes such as sex, frequent social and political issues, and life styles are also expressed through this type of music. It aids cultural and social movements and helps them create the desired culture in a very progressive manner. Take the example of hippie culture that started from San Francisco in the United States and became famous all-round the globe. It would be hard to pin point a single year, artist, or track as the birth of Rock Music but it originated at some point back in 1950’s and encompassed the entire world under its spell. The whole process of evolution of Rock music is well elaborated in thsi video, recently published by TicketsMove.

by Tim Wenger

Rock music has been the medium to express youth revolt against established adult consumerism and traditionalism. Changes in social attitudes to sex, gay rights, and drugs use are specifically associated with this popular music. Rock music has given some great songs and artists who revolutionized societies in different parts of the world. But it is sadly losing its charm and fading away. Individuals who love rock music need to come up and express their love for this type of music. This might bring in an individual with required skills to bring this dying genre to life.

See the video at http://www.colomusicbuzz. com/evolution-of-rock-music-from-ticketsmove/

Leonard Jackson Drops Local Hip Hop Documentary Leonard Jackson has put together a solid documentary on the indie hip hop scene in Colorado. Through artist interviews, show footage, and recorded music, the video is an informative presentation on the state of Colorado rap. Here, Jackson speaks about the video and the process of making it. View the video at coloradomusicbuzz.com.

CMB: Tell us about the process of making the video.

10

Steele & Colfax from Denver and Jack & Jill from Grand Junction, both finalists in Colorado Music Buzz’s Bandwagon 5 competition this year, joined together to perform a benefit concert for a Niwot High student in need of financial aid.

Niwot High School Class of 1994 hosted their 20 year reunion party as a scholarship fundraiser for their community, and greatly exceeded their goals. “We started planning a party for our 20th hs reunion, and it ended up being a way to give back,” said Shelby Cooper, a member of the 1994 graduating class and owner of SMASH Music Management, the company representing Steele & Colfax. “We started with a goal of raising 1994.00, and my fellow classmates led

by Abe Layden were not satisfied....we raised almost 3500.00.”

Glass Delirium to Play “Bigggest Show Yet” Denver locals Glass Delirium will be playing what is being billed as their “Biggest Show Yet”!! That’s right they’ll be playing the Gothic on August 30, 2014. They’ll have a film crew present to shoot the show for an upcoming video and they’ve hired Denver Special FX to do the lighting and visuals. They’re looking for some great Denver support to come out and be part of the festivities. If you’re familiar with the band you know what to expect for newbies, don’t miss the fun this is a great local act!!

Doors open at 7:00 PM and they hit the stage around 10:30 PM. Online: glassdelirium.com

are

your

summer

LJ: Keep working I am an sound mixer at Hight Noon Entertainment so I mix alot of the reality shows on TV some are FIxer Upper (HGTV) Next Great BAker

The Driftin’ Suns are proud to be a part of the rapidly developing Colorado music scene that recognizes limitless potential to grow within the community. The theme “Rise To Unite” is symbolic of the Suns desire to reach the pinnacle of the music industry and unite the world along the way. A successful Kickstarter campaign that completely funded production of the EP is a physical example of this theme.

The Driftin’ Suns are Kristian Kerr (rhythm guitar, vocals), Adam Curtiss (lead guitar, vocals), Garret Curtiss (bass, vocals) and Jaydon Kershner (drums, vocals). Listen to the EP release interview with Moose on August 6, 2014 – 6:00 p.m. with worldviral.tv. The EP will be released at the Higher Ground Music Festival on the main stage at Casselman’s located at 2620 Walnut Street in Denver.

Tickets are available at thedriftinsuns.com - all ages are welcome.

The two bands met and became friends during the Bandwagon 5 competition, and hope to perform more shows together. “We’d love to work more with SMASH and the Steele & Colfax guys,” said Jack & Jill guitarist Aaron Seibert.Find out more on the bands at jackplusjill.com and smashmusicmgmt.com.

CMB: What plans?

Denver indie rock band The Driftin’ Suns will be performing an unforgettable EP release at the Higher Ground Music Festival on August 23rd.

While igniting stages statewide, The Suns have risen to create a dynamic four song collection entitled Spring to be the first instalment in a riveting four EP set entitled Seasons.

Since their establishment, the Suns have taken first place at the Cervantes Monday Madness Battle of the Bands and placed 2nd out of over 30 performers at the Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands. They have shared the stage with international acts like Bizzy Bone (Bone Thugs N Harmony), Nathen Maxwell (Flogging Molly) from the Bunny Gang and Sarah and the Meanies. Their music has been described as energetic indie rock with a Latin flair similar to a mixture of Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Santana.

Also included in the night was an early performance from DJ Escal8, who provided the music for the social hour prior to the concert.

The musicians donated their profits, SMASH Music Management donated their cut, and attendees also contributed to the cause. “DJ Escal8 donated 5 hours of playing, Steele & Colfax and Jack + Jill also contributed,” Cooper said. “I am proud to be part of the Colorado Music Community, a Grad of Niwot High and just to be associated with so many amazing and talented people.”

LJ: The process was pretty simple I just approached MCs from CO who have made a name for them self or are trying to make a name for them self . I wanted to use a diverse group of mc from all types of hip hop, race, sex, different sides of town. Each have a different perspective on what an MC is . I sat with each MC in their own environment and asked each of them what an MC is and let them go. After that I took footage I had from various events as well as some footage from the internet and put the story together. This is the second documentary we did (the first one was on producers and home studios) so I just wanted this one to have the same flow and feel to it .

Driftin Suns to Drop EP at Higher Ground Music Festival

(TLC) and Trip FLip (Travel Channel) There are some other shows coming up that I cant really talk about but I’ll just say stay tuned. Also working on some new production with my brother to try and get AIRES JACKSON some placements on some up and coming projects.

CMB: Where can we find your music online?

LJ: soundcloud.com/#kintnders

CMB: How does Denver compare to other markets you’ve been through?

LJ: No other markets can compare this is home and where my heart is . I have visited other places such as ATL, Philly, NY, Houston and it just didn’t feel like home and theres no place like home.

The only other place I’ve been and felt like it was home is Seattle cause I got fam up there . I want to do my part to make sure folk know about and talk about CO the way they talk about other markets so I won’t leave unless its for a very very very big opportunity.

SEE THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS AT COLORADOMUSICBUZZ.COM

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Preneur of the Month Ben Van Horne Aureus Audio

by Angela Kerr

I met Ben Van Horne for the first time via a Facebook post where he concisely let me know that he was a sound engineer willing to work with bands to achieve great sound. I was impressed with his approach which thoroughly described skill set and willingness. I decided to make arrangements to observe him in action at a performance and once there realized this was a young entrepreneur to watch. After almost a year of observing Ben in multiple locations and applications I am convinced he is. What made him remarkable in my eyes was a dedication to the musician – as he is one - and his calm, cool and collected approach to his work.

Customer satisfaction is without a doubt a cornerstone of his business model. To a musician this is a significant collaborator with a tremendous amount of experience to offer.

Ben created Aureus Audio to achieve his ultimate in life…. participation in the music business. A Denver native who graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a focus of sound engineering, he is in demand and works joyfully as a matter of course.

Ben’s roles are varied and many. In addition to taking on live sound engineering, he works with Immersive Studios in Boulder as a sound engineer, has his own home studio and contributes to a three piece band named Wrywood.

CMB: When did you realize that music was your chosen path in life?

Ben: I think I have always known that music was my path. It has always been a major part of my life and always will be, regardless of the role it plays.

CMB: You are a jack of all trades currently, giving time to Aureus Audio, Immersive Studios, and your band Wrywood. Tell me - how do you do it?

Ben: I just do. The bottom line is, I don’t waste much time. I am always trying to keep my momentum going in the direction I want it to. It makes for a busy life, one that is certainly lacking in the sleep department, but in the end it is all worth it. I am doing what I love, and what I am supposed to be doing.

That alone is motivation enough to just keep on trucking.

CMB: Talk to me about your role at Immersive Studios.

Ben: Prior to finishing school, I came to the realization that in order to achieve

my goals as a Sound Engineer, I would need a studio to work out of that fit my needs. Starting as an intern at Immersive, I learned all that I needed to know to start bringing in artists for various projects. Immersive is now my home base when it comes to recording. I work there as a freelance engineer and as a staff engineer when there is a need. It is by far one of the best studios in Colorado, so I am stoked to have the opportunity to call it my home.

CMB: Tell me about WryWood - how did you get the name, who is in the band, what instruments does each member play and how do you ever find time to practice and perform?

Ben: Wrywood is the brain child of guitarist/singer/ songwriter Adam Blair. He has a boatload of original material that we are currently refining as a trio.

Adam plays guitar and sings, Josh Fuson plays drums/percussion and I play bass. Our music is a blendofacousticallydriven folk and rock with a bit of a darker edge. We are set to take the stage in the very near future so check us out at Reverbnation to keep up with our current happenings.

CMB: Tell me about the current projects you are involved with.

Ben: I am in the process of mastering an EP that I produced, recorded, and mixed for a local singer/songwriter named Kelli Alissa. I also just started a project with the Driftin’ Suns recording a theme song for the Own It Mastermind Series. Outside of Wrywood, I am continually working on my own original material as well as producing songs for a Folk/Electronic project called Beatmunx. Soon I will be on the prowl for my next recording project so let me know if you are in need!

CMB: What are your goals for the remainder of 2014 and beyond?

Ben: I really am just trying to stay present in everything I do. My aspirations are endless. My belief is that if one focuses on producing nothing but positivity, life works itself out rather seamlessly. At the end of the day, all I want to do is positively affect everyone and everything that I am involved with. Music is the tool that I have been given in order to do just that, so that is what I am going to do.

Should you require a top notch professional in sound engineering Ben is your man. You may reach him at immersivestudios.com.

Wild High, Who Said Psych’s Dead?

The end of August should see the release of the much anticipated Sdreams the band’s ten song debut release.

by Charlie Sullivan

Denver’s Wild High are garnering some attention on the local music scene, and rightfully so. The lads have been diligently rehearsing and playing the club circuit nurturing their sound and have nailed it down. The crew is crafting some stellar modern psych rock.

The sound draws heavy on the lo-fi distortion from the dueling guitars of Cody Coffey (guitar, vocals, Ancient Elk) and Clay Cornelius (guitar, backing vocals). Throw in the manic psych bass of Pablo Cruz and Nick Layne’s hypersonic drumming and you have a formula for success.

Coffey drafted the talents of Cruz in 2012 and soon after latched ontothetalented Cornelius. The first year they managed to throw enough material together to play small sets, all the while looking for their sound. The trio mobilized their thought process and from it emerged the gritty psych sound that they’ve been hitting the local listeners with. Finding a drummer was a little more challenging but when the nimble Layne came along the crew sucked him into the fold like a cop at a donut shop.

The crew got a bit of a break recently with the Red Bull Sound Select and a gig at The 1Up on Colfax.

“We’ve been in the studio working with Alex Anderson,” says Coffey, “Anderson did the recording and engineering and we sent it out to Chad Saxton, Dryer Plug Studios, for the mastering.”

I had a chance to sit in with the crew for a rehearsal and loved what I was hearing. The music has so many layers to it; it’s extremely melodic, structured, and doesn’t get away from the listener. Coffey’s quirky lyrics are well thought out as you’ll hear on “God And Woman” a melancholy song about losses and relationships. “Symmetry” and “Soft Castles” are well developed psych rockers that should keep people out on the dance floor. “Dip” and “Palmist” take it little closer to psych pop with catchy lyrics. Keep your eyes out for the CD and a limited vinyl release.

The band’s live sets are spectacular. They like to start it out heavy, pour it on, slow it down a little, and then take the audience out on a high note. The crew stays tethered to the audience by the on stage antics of Cruz- the lad can gyrate and becomes part of the experience.

“People seem to be really enjoying our sound,’ says Cornelius, “People are up and dancing and I know that’s in large part to Pablo.”

“It was great,” states Coffey, “We played a good set and got a nice interview out of it.”

Watch these guys they have high aspirations for themselves. This band is happening and they have tremendous potential, get out there and see them before they become the main event.

“We were able to show off some of the new music we’ll be releasing at the end of August,” adds Conrelius.

“The only truth is music.”- Jack Kerouac facebook.com/WildHighBand

BAND INTRODUCTION: Liberation

by Tim Wintemute The local five piece Reggae/Rock/Hip Hop band Liberation is making waves in Colorado. For the last few months they have played and recently opened for P-Nuckle.

The band was started by lead singer and guitarist Jordan Armijo and bass player Hurley Sammon, who merged their respective solo projects to form Liberation. Arimjo recorded a solo EP last year called Positive Mentality and the band plays music from the EP and music from Sammon’s solo project. Liberation will be heading to the studio soon and plans to release a full length album by November.

In the meantime, Liberation will be playing the 1st annual Grind Festival in Pueblo, CO on August 29th at the Greenlight Tavern and will be opening for Dubkor at Lost Lake in Denver on September 25th. On September 26th, catch the group at Schmiggity’s in Steamboat Springs.

Online: facebook.com/liberationreggae

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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The Bunny GangThrive

by Tim Wenger

The masses are finally being treated to new music from The Bunny Gang, invoking an immediate feeling almost as euphoric as the album itself. Entitled Thrive, Nathen Maxwell and his diverse crew take the free-thinking punk rock mentality and infuse it with the inspiration of a Reggae upstrokes, melodica, and solid lead work from Nat Lort Nelson sit pleasantly under tales of unity, revolution, and the triumph of the human spirit. The songs are hard to pin down into one genre, but what it boils down to is this- they are living proof that the punk mentality has continued to grow up past the power chords and empty cries for insurrection, remained alive through the passing of so many trends over the years- The Bunny Gang provides relatable, realistic words that outline in vivid detail what is wrong, and what is right, with modern humanity. Denver was thrown a serious bone when Maxwell decided to plant his band’s roots here- Thrive is the best album we’ve heard this year, and high on our list for best record out of Colorado, ever.

Online: thebunnygang.com Michael ZuckerCalypso Unraveling

by Charlie Sullivan

C a l y p s o Unraveling takes us for yet another wild ride with Michael Zucker.

Unlike many of his previous instrumental releases we find him showcasing his lyrical and vocal prowess on the album. He delves into uncharted territory infusing a little progressive hip-hop into many of the pieces.

As much as I like the man’s instrumental works I’m impressed with the performance he’s laid on the listener with this release. As always the instrumentation is perfection the man is a guitar virtuoso. It’s the quality of the music that grabs your attention, swirling melodies, catchy back beats, and incredible vocal variety. Zucker is best described as a musician’s musician but with this release he brings his music to the mainstream listeners without dishonoring his progressive roots. The ten tracks on the album meld nicely into a great listening experience.

The hip-hop infused “Cut Throat” and “Dirt Nap” caught me with the attention to the vocal quality like Afrika Bambaataa’s “World Destruction” with John Lydon many years ago. “Stranger With A Body” pulls you in with a dark foreboding mix reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails piece. The album stands on its own with shear musical quality and is one of Zucker’s best releases to date; whether he wants to admit or not.

Online: michaelzucker.com

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Ark Life- The Dream of You and Me

by Tim Wenger

Jesse Elliot is at it again, this time with new project Ark Life. The debut album The Dream of You & Me drops August 19. Stylistically a bit more folk-y than Elliot’s efforts in These United States, the album really allows his lyricism to take the torch and run.

“What You Want To” stands out as a potential indie-radio hit, an upbeat number that is the most danceable track on the record.

But what really stands out is the soul- you can almost feel the stories that Elliot portrays in his songs, truly a great picturesque songwriter.

The Dream of You & Me is a record that the band can stand tall on for years to come and Denver can be proud that Elliot’s travels have landed him here.

Online: arklifemusic.com

Luke Redfield- Born American

by Thom Jackson

Luke Redfield may only reside in Colorado half of the time, but his music captures the true spirit of the state. A pleasant blend of indie and folk with some country twang mixed in, his record Born American is a great soundtrack for a long drive. The album drops August 12.

Each song paints a different picture. His lyrics, like the title of the album, represent true freedom. “Mesabi Ranger” stands out as the most unique track on the record. Heavily influenced by classic country, the song is one of the few on the album that is very danceable.

Check Redfield out next time he’s in town, his acoustic sound must translate very well into live performance.

Online: lukeredfieldmusic.com

Junko BeatJamtronica

by Thom Jackson Jamtronica is a genre that goes over very well here in Colorado, and New Orleans’ Junko Beat will be bringing the sound to our fair state this month. Mellow but symbiotic, easy listening but danceable, the music is made to appeal to the stoner dance crowd, the Cervantes type, who are currently fresh off Global Dance Festival and hungry for what’s next.

While ripping guitar solos and original drum beats may not be found, the group knows that that isn’t what their crowd is looking for- they just want to party, and party they will to Junko Beat’s new record. Catch them at the Dark Star August 27 and the Stage Stop in Rollinsville August 29.

Online: facebook.com/junkopartners

Taking CanyonEyes on the Prize

by Tim Wenger

Hatch The BirdThe Wait

by Tim Wenger

The Wait, the debut album from local blues-rockers Hatch The Bird, cracked in May. Since then, the record has been taking listeners back to a time when quality lyricism combined with melodic, hard-hitting guitar lines to create an alt-rock sound that doesn’t just sound good, it paints a picture in the listener’s mind.

Their style is a good cross between what you typically hear along the South Broadway indie rock circuit and the divey, smoke-filled blues bars of old. Songwriter Ian Hatch doesn’t disappoint, and the title track “The Wait” fills its duty, really inviting the listener in to Hatch’s mind and begging them out to a show.

Online: facebook.com/hatchthebird

Kid Hum- Fossiel Fuel 2

by Tim Wenger

In Denver, Taking Canyon’s new record Eyes on the Prize is a much needed circle in the square for the Ronnie Radke generation. Choosing the stay true to the pop-punk roots of the early 2000’s instead of the screamo-metal-wackjob music that replaced the genre’s place in the hears of rebel teens, Taking Canyon brings to the table some of the finest pop-rock vocal work our city has to offer.

It may come as a surprise to some, but the Mile High City has a solid, and diverse, hip hop scene.

Take Kid Hum for example- his new record Fossil Fuel 2 incorporates elements of electronica and drum and bass mixed with a variety of instrumentation and samples to create clever song backdrops.

Kid Hum’s style allows the music to showcase itself and provide strong accents, something many artists struggle with.

The record dropped into welcome hands at the Marquis Theatre July 17, and we’re glad it did. Harmonic background vocals and melodic, pop-driven lead guitar sit over the typical power chord base, creating a unique sound and flavor.

If these guys can keep it together and keep it progressing, big things could be in store.

Hip Hop, in any general sense, doesn’t even describe the music- the album is a constant flow of music, emotion, and dubs. Lengthy, but easy to fall into, Kid Hum has opened the door into what could become a new trend in Denver.

Don’t judge a book by its cover- Kid Hum lets his flow do the talking.

Online: facebook.com/takingcanyonband

Online: facebook.com/kidhumdopegame

Looking For a Review?

Email editor@coloradomusicbuzz.com or mail to Colorado Music Buzz PO Box 2739 Littleton CO 80161

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Use” which will allow all participants to put what they have learned to date to good use in a discussion about creating an Own It Music Mastermind Showcase. We wish to highlight performers participating in the Mastermind since its inception. We will meet at IPie from 7pm. – 9pm. to talk about all the facets of a showcase including (1) Who would participate? (2) What kind of Event with Planning/ accountabilities, (3) Where - Venue Choice and coordination, (4) Marketing and Social Media, (5) Feasibility?

(6) When - Projected/desired outcomes and (7) Potential Sponsorships.

ReverbNation Featured Artists of the Month give independent acts that have not previously been featured in Colorado Music Buzz the opportunity to get on our radar, get their bio in the magazine, and get their tracks played on Music Buzz LIVE Radio on Wednesday evenings.

The artists are selected through submissions made via their ReverbNation pages.

BLACK LUNG Black Lung originated its’ filth style satanic punk around 1989 in Denver, CO. Black Lung released Necromancy Bleeds the Greed demo in April 1992. In 2003 Black Lung released The System Shutdown 7’ vinyl on Bad People Records and Soulless Lemming Records (Colorado Springs, CO) Later in 2003 Black Lung went back to the studio and recorded 5 songs for the Eviscerated Soul / Black Lung Split CD in preparation for their US Tour.

Black Lung went on tour for 3 weeks and was very successful on their very first and only US Tour. In 2011 Black Lung released their Light of Lucifer album. This marked a change for the band. Black Lung incorporated death metal into their hardcore punk style creating Satanic Punk Rock with a Death Metal twist. This music is not intended for the weak. If you like death metal, punk rock and horror films, you are sure to love the music of Black Lung. The Pentagram of Black Lungs Circle is Strong. Black Lung is one of Denver’s longest lasting underground hardcore punk bands in Denver’s History.

Online: reverbnation.com/satanicpunkkrocklegendsblacklung

Matchette Matchette is a trio consisting of Jay C on drums, Roman Soria on bass and Jeff Matchette on guitar and vocals. In previous bands Jeff has been an opening act for Godsmack, 3 Doors down, Candlebox, Dishwalla, and other touring bands.

Jay was the drummer for Emilio Emilo, 9/10s of the law and various other bands throughout Colorado. Roman Soria has been a bass player in several bands.

Online: reverbnation.com/matchette4

Coming up on September 9, 2014 Katey Laurel from One Way Music Services, LLC will team up with Michael St. James and will educate us on “Understanding Licensing and Publishing.” We will also feature an unplugged set by WoolEye from Ft. Collins.

CREATE MSU’s OWN IT Music Mastermind #6 —August 12, 2014

by Angela Kerr

Dave Curtis from Dave Does Designs and Vices I Admire took the audience on in an interactive experience with “An Artists view of Branding and Marketing.” The participants were also provided reference websites for “do it yourself” designing and affordable printing.

Representatives from local businesses such as Colorado Case Company, Aureus Audio and Bonfire Tavern with performing bands which included: Driftin’ Suns, Ando Gro, ATP, Two Girls with Guitars, WryWood, WoolEye, The Chris LaFata Band, Flint Forehead, Jason Vigil, and The Dead End Drivers participated.

We also had an outdoor performance from The Dead End Drivers, which highlighted a truly talented team of individuals.

On August 12, 2014, we will feature “Put Your Mastermind Experience to

Dave Mensch Dave Mensch, a singer/songwriter from Durango CO, crosses over genres from Rock to Country to Pop. But it’s not just the music and captivating vocals that make him sought after for live performances. “He is a pure entertainer. Drawing audiences in from city to city with his comedic personality, improv-lyrics and songs you love to sing! But the pleasant surprise with a Dave Mensch show is his ability to make you feel at home no matter what venue your in. A talented vocalist and songwriter with an extensive music library. As a venue owner, I’ve supported the local music scene in downtown Colorado Springs for over 11 years and have to say Dave Mensch is a rare find amongst musicians. Dave became a local favorite instantly.” (Phil Duhon - CEO Oscar’s Tejon Street) Performing 200 to 250 shows a year regularly across Colorado and New Mexico… he is always on tour. Two albums have been released on iTunes and a third is making it’s way to you at the end of 2014.

Online: reverbnation.com/davemenschmusic

To submit for the opportunity to be a ReverbNation Featured Artist of the Month, look for the “Submission Opportunity” on your artist page.

The Mastermind sessions are held at Metropolitan State University of Denver’s CREATE MSU Denver Showroom at 890 Auraria Parkway, Suite 120, Denver, and is broken into two segments.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Videotaped Panel Discussion and Audience Interaction; Registration Required (CREATEmsudenver.com) If you are unable to participate in the panel discussion, join us for the after-party networking at IPie. 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Networking Session at IPie in the Tivoli Student Union; Open to the Public The panel discussion is nearly full, so make sure to register for the Mastermind series at createmsudenver.com.

The Own It Music Mastermind series is sponsored by CREATE MSU Denver, Colorado Music Buzz Media, Guitar Center, Drum City Guitarland, Immersive Studios, Aureus Audio, IPie, Far More Band Videos, and Passion Fruit Networking Group.

Local Rapper Savior Overcomes Autism

by Tim Wintemute Artist Justin Fisher aka Savior is making a name for himself as a local battle rapper with Kush n’ Koffin battle league. As a an artist, Savior has also played local venues including the Fox Theatre, Lion’s Lair, Cervantes, the Roxy Theatre and various small clubs and house parties in Colorado.

From his accomplishments, one would never guess that Savior was diagnosed with Autism at two years old, with doctors telling his parents he would never speak. To help with treatment, his parents eventually turned to music therapy.

The therapy was successful, and Savior credits his early treatment and eventual discovery of hip hop music in helping his speech development. By age 10, Savior was listening to artists such as the Notorious BIG and the WuTang Clan. In 2011, under the name of Savior, he released his first mixtape, Newfame Militant and followed it up in 2013 with Rehab And A Shower.

Savior is also a member of the Boulder based hip hop group, The Microphone Militants, who in 2010 released the album You Should Have Been There and the Tell Your Friends mixtape in 2012. Savior is currently working on his next album as a member of the Boulder-based hip hop group, DEM3, called Its A Business Doing Pleasure With You. Online: savior.bandcamp.com

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

13

Snowboard on the Block Festival Returns for 2nd Year

by Tim Wenger

September might be the most anxiety-filled month of the year here in the Colorado. With summer starting to wind down and school kicking back in, the weeknight concert season slows and nights start ending earlier. Jeans become a necessity around the campfire. The tourists have all but returned home to the Midwest, lightening traffic just a hare.

Everything appears to be mellowing out a bit. Then one morning, you find yourself waking up in a cold sweat, full of adrenaline and looking frantically back and forth around your bedroom trying to find a clue as to your abrupt awakening. A few seconds go by.

You remember. It happened. Your annual dream of ripping pow lines and sticking that perfect Cab 5 off a freshly groomed booter has refilled your gut with the craving for snow, and you let out a slow, heavy sigh and immediately dread the thought of the next two months of anticipation. Work sucks that day, and it doesn’t look like it will be getting better for a while.

Luckily, Adam Schmidt and crew have an appetizer in store. The second installment of Snowboard on the Block, the largest snowboard film and music festival in the world, returns to Denver on September 13. “It is a film festival premiering all the new snowboarding films of the season,” says Schmidt, the promoter and founder of the event, whose name you may also recognize from the pages of Snowboard Colorado magazine. Snowboard on the Block is also “a music festival and rail jam competition all put together into one closed-street festival.” The event is all ages.

An LED wall will be used to show the films, which is new this year. “It’s three times the size that it was last year, with its’ own dedicated audio system,” says Schmidt. Jagermeister will also be bringing in an additional stage specifically for music, and the rail jam competition has also been stepped up. “We’ve got more snow, better riders.”

Capita will be hosting the world premiere of their new video DOA2 at the event. Videograss, Never Summer and Snowboarder Magazine will also be premiering their new films.

At press time, Schmidt and his team had twenty films scheduled to show at the festival including the four world premieres. Fans will be able to stop by each company’s tent and pick up schwag, register to win a slew of prizes and maybe even meet some riders. “Every brand in snowboarding that becomes a part of this festival sets up their own tent, their own activation,” Schmidt says. “Everybody is trying to draw people to their tents by giveaways. The amount of chances to win new gear is just unbelievable, not to mention we have the retail part of it, where we put all the core snowboard shops in the region together to do a giant supersale.”

Think something along the lines of SNIAGRAB, but directly from the companies. “(These) guys are doing up to 70% off goods,” says Schmidt. “People are walking away getting their new boots for the season, a new deck.”

Showcasing Mobb Deep as the musical headliner, along with a slew of other national and local acts including (but not limited to) Misfits, Total Chaos, The Reminders, DJ MFM, Speedwolf, Expire, and Pizza Time, the festival is giving some hard-working Denver bands like King Rat, MF Ruckus and Plan B Rejects the opportunity to share the stage with top talent across many genre lines and in front of thousands of people.

but the vision of Schmidt and the team to include more music and films, as well as the rail jam, didn’t fit within the confines the amphitheater. Taking it to the streets, where more films, music, and people could fit, seemed like the logical approach. “We needed something that was more scale-able,” Schmidt says. “Red Rocks is an amazing venue to an event at, but when looking at taking it beyond three films, beyond three bands that played, giving something for everybody was way too restrictive.”

The SOTB team wanted to let festival goers see as many films as possible, the main impetus for moving the event. “It was really hard to select just three films. This festival allows us to not only bring the competition side of things, where people can actually see these snowboarders that have parts in the films, but we’re able to include everybody from the largest productions to the small guys that are just starting to make films.”

Sailor Jerry will be on hand with a tattoo team giving free tattoos all day, but expect a line if you don’t get there early. “I highly suggest people get there early,” Schmidt says. “11:00 is going to start the festivities, and I think people learned last year that some of the best goods were given away early in the day.” The Rail Jam kicks off at 1:00 pm, with music and films taking place throughout the day.

“It’s a festival that encompasses the entire culture of snowboarding. It is a celebration about the season coming, one giant party to kick off the season. It showcases everything in snowboarding. If you are just beginning snowboarding, there’s something for you. You learn more about the culture that you want to be involved in. For those that have been in the industry for years, all the pros are there. It’s one big party.”

Never Summer will be making custom Snowboard on the Block snowboards that will be raffled away to ticket holders to buy tickets in advance. Two extremely lucky ticket holders, who purchase tickets in advance will win a heli-boarding trip in Revelstoke, British Columbia courtesy of Eagle Pass Heliskiing, so get your tickets in advance.

Find more information on the event and purchase tickets here- blockfestival.com

Before last year, the event had taken place at Red Rocks and was dubbed ‘Snowboard on the Rocks,’

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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Whitney and vocalist Arnie Blomquist both recently became fathers, another reason the band has slowed as of late. “We took like three months off,” says Whitney. “We had babies a month and a half apart. I called Arnie to tell him I was having a kid the day he found out he was having a kid. I called him and he was in that ‘right after’ shock. Being a father is the most amazing thing ever, and it’s the most time consuming. We definitely had to take step back.”

The management of Schmiggity’s revolves around teamwork between the two owners, Kim Haggarty and Pat Waters, and veteran sound engineer Scott Singer. Haggarty and Waters gave Singer the opportunity to build his dream venue, and using his 40+ years as a sound engineer, Singer did just that. “I wanted to build a room I could control” said Singer.

“Rather than one that controlled me.”

Schmiggity’s of Steamboat Springs: High Quality Sound with High Altitude Vibes

by Tim Wintemute

A local ski town in Northwest Colorado is establishing a reputation as a music town.

Although many touring acts often choose to play in other cities when touring the state, Steamboat Springs will soon become a desired stop for touring bands coming through Colorado.

Schmiggity’s in Steamboat Springs recently opened with the goal of attracting great musicians to the Yampa Valley by providing studio quality sound and great vibes.

Schmiggity’s is the first music establishment to be exclusively built for live music in Steamboat Springs.

Managing Owner Pat Waters has created a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to both local residents and tourists.

Scott Singer covered every wall in the room with sound panels and even more on the ceiling and surrounding the stage. The stage is hardwood flooring set on mass loaded vinyl, sitting on 29 inches of blown insulation. Hidden under the front of the stage, Schmiggity’s installed all QSC speakers: 2 KLA12’s per side on top, 2 KW181 sub-woofers down low and a single K-Sub bottom center for good measure. To top it all off, Schmiggity’s has full multi-track audio recording capabilities.

S ince the venue opened on May 15, 2014, Schmiggity’s has hosted many well-known acts including James and the Devil, Juno What?, MTHDS and will soon host John Brown’s Body. Waters will continue booking great acts throughout the summer and is currently booking for the fall and winter ski season, which looks both promising and entertaining.

Look up Schmiggity at schmiggitys.com, and give them a call at 970.879.4100 if you have any questions and make sure to visit them

The room is cozy and familiar like a neighborhood bar but features national touring acts and sounds better than most studios. Because what really makes Schmiggity’s great is not just the great bands but the extremely high sound quality. In fact, Schmiggity’s incorporated many of the same sound proofing materials and recording equipment found in high end recording studios.

Schmiggity’s has just raised the bar in defining how small venues should be designed and how they should sound.

To just call Schmiggity’s “nice” does not do justice to the hard work and dedication put into building and designing the room. Schmiggity’s is likely one of the best sounding small venues in the nation, let alone west of Denver.

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The guys, including drummer Lucas Strickland, agreed that music will continue to be a part of their lives, and have not ruled out the idea of reunion shows in the future. “Music is so important to us, it will never be totally gone,” says Blomquist.

“Music is a part of us at this point,” says Strickland. “Until we’re like 97, we’re still going to be playing.

Musuji Call It Quits, Drop New Album

by Tim Wenger

One of Denver’s most unique acts has called it quits. Musuji, who have been rocking around the country since 2007, performed their final show July 18 at Herman’s Hideaway. The show also served as the release party for their new record Perspectrum, an album that certainly captures the maturity of the band and leaps boundlessly across genre lines like few records this year have done.

Life, which in Musuji’s case has involved everything from newborn babies to changing band members, has stepped forward and forced the band to end its reign as Denver’s weirdest rock and roll band. “We went through one lineup change with a guitar player about a year ago,” says bassist Thom Whitney.

“Nate (Huisgen) from Yerkish filled in for (former guitarist) Pierce (Strickland). It was going really well, but he has to move back to New York City, so at the time it’s like, he’s moving, our plans have kind of stalled.”

on your next ski trip to Steamboat. They are located in downtown Steamboat Springs at 821 Lincoln Ave.

July 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

The new record contains four songs, all named after colors. It is their first record where most of the recording happened live, with all members playing at once, instead of broken down into stages. “We took a different path on this album, I think,” says Blomquist. “We were wondering what it compared to with our other music, because this was the first recording with Nate playing guitar.”

“It is very different,” says Whitney. “A new member of a band is always a strange thing.

When you have a band mate, you get to know them so much quicker than you get to know any other human.” After putting over 90,000 miles of touring in together and with the departure of Huisgen, the guys felt that it was time to throw in the towel and move on to different things.

“We’re still going to jam whenever we get the chance,” says Strickland.

The new record is available at the major online retailers. Relive some of the epic past moments at facebook.com.musujimusic.

The Manager’s Corner

by Chris Daniels

I’ve managed my own band for 30 years and I’m in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. While all that’s nice, today’s music business is changing at light-speed and you have to know what’s going on. Careers are still built on some tried and true elements: great music, performance and timing. But today’s artists must work harder than ever before to succeed. And we have new tools to help young musicians grow their fan base.

The book I wrote for my class at CU Denver on artist management is called “DIY: You’re Not in it Alone.” While you are ultimately responsible for your own career, these days there is help out there.

Vinyl. The LP is back baby! But there is a lot of hype and misinformation about it. There are also serious technical, financial, and thematic considerations. In order to help young bands contemplating this step let me give you the basics.

First a little fast history. When talking about physical sales figures, CDs replaced cassettes as the dominant music delivery system in about 1989 after being introduced by Sony in 1982.

Cassettes replaced vinyl about 10 years earlier.

My band, Chris Daniels & The Kings, was the first Colorado-band to put out a CD in 1986. Back then our record came out in all three formats - CD, cassette and LP. By adding the “new” medium of the time (the CD) we got a big bump in sales and much better radio airplay.

In 2014 we are hoping for the same sales bump by including vinyl but there are some real differences. First, it’s an old technology that is complicated and pricy. Second, radio and internet is not going back to analogue. Where vinyl is essential is that it really helps with your recorded music revenue stream. In a phone interview with Paul Epstein from Twist & Shout Records on Colfax Ave. in Denver he said, “This year vinyl has really come into its own and it’s almost more important for a band to do vinyl than it is to do a CD...almost.” SoundScan has vinyl sales up 40% over last year.

There is also a myth that the vinyl LP sounds “better” than the CD. That is really a matter of taste. The facts are that CDs have greater dynamic range and clarity but they are digital - and some people don’t like that clarity – it feels brittle. CDs are not subject to the various distortions inherent in the LP format. For example, LPs are susceptible to “inner groove distortion.” That’s when a mastering engineer does not deal with the tendency for the inner grooves (songs closest to the center of the record) to distort because of the pressures and the speed of the needle traveling through those inner grooves. You hear people say, “I just love the sound of vinyl because it is so warm and not distorted.” The warmth actually comes from the imperfections, compression and minute playback distortion from a needle in grooves.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the sound of vinyl but it is like an old analogue fender tube-amp, it’s the imperfections that make it sound great – perfect can sound brittle. Our label will press vinyl for our new album, “Survivors” coming out later this fall. Why – because it is a great sounding old medium that young and old are ‘Columbusing’ and - it increases the revenue streams for the artist. As far as radio, it is a computer-based industry and they are not

going back. So no bump there. As far as the technology, it brings back a number of old issues that are essential to understand about vinyl.

Here are some technical and “programing” considerations to make when pressing vinyl.

First, unlike a CD where you have 74 minutes (or more) of programming in a linear fashion, vinyl has less “program” time. The CD was designed using the length of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

With a CD, you simply line up your 15 or 18 songs in the order you like – no consideration about the A & B sides. Vinyl has limited ‘side time’ (between 22 and 26 minutes per side.)

And it has to be flipped over (obviously) so there are different song choices. The question you ask yourself: which great song do we hold off Side A to use for the first cut on Side B – or better – what CD songs go on the LP - in what order and spacing. Cut 1 side B is important.

There are a number of “B-side” hits over the years including The Rolling Stones’ “Let’s Spend The Night Together.”

Technical issues start with mastering. CD songorder may change to fit on your vinyl. You can’t ‘brick-wall’ your mastering levels like CDs and get away with it - you will bounce your needle out of the inner grooves or it will distort. You need to master FOR vinyl and check the “test pressing.” It’s a very specific skill-set and few mastering labs understand it. I like mastering for vinyl because I’m not a fan of brick-walling and you work with the dynamics of each song.

There are different qualities, sizes and colors for vinyl. There is standard weight, 150 gram and the audiophile weight of180 grams. According to Paul at Twist & Shout, “Some bands are even doing 200 gram vinyl or more, it’s all part of the extras you choose to give the music fan.

But it costs more. Pretty much these days 150 is the new minimum.” There are different sizes7 inch, 12 inch and there are different colors for the vinyl itself plus labels and sleeves - not to mention the cover and whether you are doing a single or double album look, (called a “gatefold” – used even if you don’t have two discs) to give the music fan more value for their investment in your record. Paul suggests that you consider making your “tour vinyl” different from your “retail” vinyl. Obvious things like signing it - but some go much farther like rainbow vinyl for the tour.

indicate that between 15% and 30% of fans that buy vinyl don’t actually have a record player!

What to press: The average merch booth gets about 10% of the fans at any given show. That means that if you play to 200 people you will be doing really well if you sell SOMETHING to 20 fans. These are big general numbers and you should look closely at your own merch sales to make a better determination as to what you’re really selling when it comes to your CDs compared to “soft merch” like t-shirts. If your average audience size is 500 people and you play 60 shows in a summer that means that you can sell between 2,500 and 3,000 units of something during your summer touring. That is actually very high because what you are really looking at is 2,500 customers at your merch booth buying something – that may or may not be your new vinyl album…they might just want a free sticker. Be conservative when estimating your sales and revenue.

There are a number of plants and most have good online cost calculators. Small companies like Bill Smith will do runs of as little as 100-minimum but the standard at places like Rainbows or United in Nashville is 300-minimum. The cost varies depending on the album weight, colors and how you want it packaged. You can figure on an average of approximately $3 per unit cost total for a 12 inch 150 gram black vinyl disc with white sleeve and full color label, though some do it for less.

Additional costs can be for shrink-wrap and the insertion of a download card (this is a ‘must’

and will increase your merch sales and only costs $18 at United plus the 56 cents average per download card).

Time: vinyl takes time! You can figure on about 55 days from test pressing approval to delivery so understand that it is going to take you 2 months to get your records…and that depends upon when they can schedule your “run.” At various times they are swamped – the ramp up to Christmas is happening RIGHT NOW! So your 55 days might be 90 days.

Last but not least, this article is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to pressing vinyl.

DO YOUR RESEARCH! There are good vinyl and CD mastering companies in Colorado. Ask questions. Look at your gig schedule and your online sales carefully to see if you can sell the units you think you can. Do the math. This is a great new/old medium and sales of LPs are increasing nationally. The numbers may be there for you to justify considering this step.

But don’t just do it as a ‘vanity move.’ Better to put the money into marketing your release than blow it on albums that will sit in boxes in your band storage locker or rehearsal hall. Be realistic and if the numbers add up and you have the fan base to support it, I recommend having it as part of your physical sales. Vinyl is more complicated, expensive and problematic than the CD or download - but audiophiles and regular consumers alike have rediscovered the LP.

Retail: great stores like Albums on the Hill in Boulder, Twist & Shout in Denver, Wax Trax, Bart’s Music Shack all love the rise of the LP. They are glad to work with you on selling your album at their stores. Stores typically sell your vinyl album for $14.99 and as high as $24.99 depending on a number of different extras you include for the music fan. Again Paul from Twist & Shout said, “It’s all in the ‘value added’ – at a minimum you have to include a download card - and some records like the new Dave and Phil Alvin record are going for $23.99 and have a download card and a CD included in the package.” For a standard “European design” which is an album design that Disc Makers features with no “jacket spine” called an envelope cover (no gatefold) with download card, a retail store will sell it for about $15 and the artist will get $9 to $10.

On tour most bands are getting in the $20 range for that same vinyl for two basic reasons (a) it’s usually signed and (b) music lovers just saw the show and really want something cool from it. There are some interesting facts to understand about selling vinyl at shows. In stores people are buying the LP because they love the music and they are a fan of the vinylmedium and they have a player and system to support it. Preliminary figures for LP sales for touring bands at venues, festivals and shows

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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Capitol Hill People’s Fair. “We are working on really promoting service that has to do with trash clean up, waste management, and how we get to better goals that way,” he says. “Most people don’t realize that the city of Denver lags far behind national averages on recycling. I think people think we do a good job, but we don’t.”

Backyard Hero

Ean Tafoya, from Denver City Council, Wants to Make the City’s Festivals and Events Sustainable

by Tim Wenger

Ean Tafoya has many ideas about how to make festivals and events in Denver more sustainable. Serving with Capital Hill United Neighborhoods has given him the opportunity to work with both the CHUN People’s Fair and City Park Jazz, and he hopes to use his position on the Denver City Council to work towards making those and other Denver area festivals more eco-friendly.

Born on Earth Day right here in Denver, Tafoya has always had a passion for the Mile High City as well as environmental action. “I’m a Denver native,” Tafoya says. “I was part of the bussing system here, I was integrated into schools across the city. I watched T-REX be built. I rode a bus every day from 1st grade to 8th grade, so the idea of being on an RTD bus and consuming that time, that was my time. People say that the bus takes forever, but it’s time that is reclaimed to you. I read books, I did my homework. When you’re in a car and you’re angry, you can’t do anything else.”

After spending a few years at the University of Colorado in Boulder, he moved back down to Denver and finished his degree at Metropolitan State College of Denver. “I graduated as Valedictorian of Arts & Sciences from Metro State, and I was recruited by the mayor of Denver on a project called Denver Seeds,” Tafoya says. The goal was, “How do we get to 20% local food by 2020? I would go and I would talk to farmers and I would come back and talk to the policy people.”

He also works with City Park Jazz and is constantly working to make that festival as sustainable as possible, and he hopes to take his ideas to many more festivals locally and regionally. “I’ve been to some giant festivals,” Tafoya says. “I’ve been to Electric Daisy Carnival, Wakarusa. All these places, everyone’s trying to work towards (environmental) initiatives.” With simple ideas like marking recycling, trash and compost bins with high-flung balloons so people know where they are, Tafoya hopes to see some of these initiatives implemented in Denver’s events.

“I think something in the city, when they are talking about event’s policies, there is really no standardization in how they go about it. I think (standardization) would enable and facilitate more sustainability. At these large festivals, they float these giant balloons in the air- blue is where water is, black is where trash is, you know where those bathrooms are. People I think are more willing to carry their trash an extra 100 yards if they know where they need to go to do it. Once you get to a point where you have it standardized at every festival, then people realize what they need to do.”

Tafoya speaks of aluminum can recycling, saying that it is engrained in people’s minds to recycle aluminum cans because it is so easy to do so at many places including homes.

He leads that idea to recycling at festivals and large events- if recycling stations for all disposable items are clearly and consistently marked at public places, people will be more apt to recycle more often.

Getting to these events sustainably is another important issue, says Tafoya. “Where we decide to have these large festivals, and how accessible they are to public transit, is important,” he says. “With City Park Jazz, wouldn’t it be great if we had a booth with people working that had maps saying ‘Where did you come from?’ They say, ‘What would it take to get you on a bus?’ I would like to see people who are legitimately educating them saying ‘Here’s a giant bike map. Here’s the bus route. Can you make a commitment to come with your friends?’”

Something such as a reserved seating area for guests who arrive via bike or public transit would be a great way to reward those who honor their commitments to sustainability, he says.

DJ COLA Offers Advice for Beginning DJs

by DJ COLA

If you want to get hired as a bar or club DJ you are eventually going to have to put together a bio/resume with your DJ Mix. You may be thinking, “I haven’t had any gigs.

I’m just starting out.”

This is totally okay and if this is you I am going to give you some tips on how to stick out from all the other DJ wannabe chumps out there.

The DJ Mix you make is very important. It shows your skills on the one and twos. You have probably practiced a lot and have a mix you are proud of and you are ready to promote it, but you don’t have a resume or bio. What you really want to do is show that you have people skills and experiences outside of the bedroom studio. The majority of promoters and club managers WANT to know about what you have been up to.

Have you hung out at the local college radio station in town? Put that on your resume. Did you get on a podcast or are you on some website like mixcloud.com or Soundcloud? That’s legit and put it in there.

Have you told your Facebook friends about your best friend’s band or DJ night? Have you hung up posters printed out at Kinkos for them? Say, “I have done PR/Promotion for local acts (insert name of friend’s band here). Tasks included street promotion, Facebook/social media promotion and communication with marketing and sales teams at local venues in (your hometown or where you live inserted here!).”

Did you play at your cousin’s wedding? Put down you have done “Weddings”. Did you play for free at your friend’s house party? Put down you have done “Private Parties.”

Have you played for free at a charity function?

Have you played in a fashionable retail clothing store? Have you played for coffee and tips at the local cafe?

Write the names of those places down.

Maybe you’ve been to a DJ convention like the Winter Music Conference in Miami because that’s how passionate you are about DJ culture. Dope! Put that in your resume.

Tafoya is now a Legislative Assistant with Legislative Services office at the Denver City Council, the legislative and administrative policy backbone of the City Council. As part of his duties, Tafoya writes a weekly public blog called the Council Connection that tracks what is happening with the City Council and the issues currently at hand. He also facilitates meetings, does graphic arts and poster design for city events and works on a plethora of special projects ranging from environmental efforts to bringing the live music to Fillmore Plaza. Through his work, Tafoya hopes to help Denver bring efficient environmentally friendly options to public events such as festivals and fairs. “I really don’t think these community events should do community harm,” Tafoya says. “There is enough of us. Get us together, a lot of this should be really possible.”

The same goes for food vendors. Working only with vendors who use non-Styrofoam products, or rewarding those who work without them at your festival with fee discounts or other incentives, would be an easy way to start, he says. “In my dealing with vendors, nine times out of ten, they can make that leap easily if you give them a heads up,” Tafoya says. “Especially if you are consistent across all festivals, again the standardization that I’m talking about. We need to be talking right now with them about next year. You can’t just mandate it three days before the festival.”

To help take that belief to a bigger scale, Tafoya serves with a neighborhood group called Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, who are responsible for the annual CHUN

He would like to see the city offer some kind of rewards program for vendors who work to make sustainable

It wouldn’t hurt to get some pictures done. I got hired once based on my pictures (The club manager thought I was cute!)

==Find out more about Denver festivals and events at denvergov.org

If you think you can’t put up money for a photographer don’t be silly, my friends have taken great DJ pictures of me. One of them

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Wow! You are starting to sound like you really know your stuff even though you haven’t headlined any big event yet! This isn’t telling lies. This is what you should think about when you write your resume. You should think, “How can I look professional?” It’s totally worth it and when you finally get your resume to the right person they will understand that having ANY experience related to music at all is better than having none and you will get gigs.

You can also go to any famous DJ’s website and write your bio/resume like they do. You can just imitate it.

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

was even used in a local newspaper and all it was was me standing in front of a wall at the mall that looked really colorful and cool. It took two seconds for my friend to take that picture with his phone.

You can also go to clubs with friends and have them take pictures of you near whatever DJ equipment or DJ lights are there if you want to. I wouldn’t do much more than that though because you don’t want someone to ask you if you played at a certain club when you haven’t! But use your friends as photographers, they will be more than happy to do it and help you with your DJ Career!

Once you have your resume and DJ Mix done all you have to do now is just make some copies and hit the streets.

I usually like to make around ten or so copies, put them in simple brown mail document envelopes and walk into bars and clubs. All you really have to do once you get there is ask “Who is the talent buyer?” or “Who hires DJs?” The bartenders and waitresses will be glad to help you and usually you can introduce yourself to the person in charge on the spot and give them your demo. Otherwise leave it for them if they are not there.

Or you can call bars and clubs on the phone and ask who the talent buyer is and then send it to them in the mail. This works brilliantly and all you have to do is sit at home on the phone. You really should get a name instead of sending your demos out cold. If the club doesn’t answer the phone look them up on Facebook or google. You will have to do some digging, but you will find a name associated with the club in no time.

When you get names of the talent buyer don’t call him or her constantly asking to talk. Most likely when they are at work they need to work and not be on the phone with you.

I have walked into bars more than once and talked to the same person over and over again and gotten gigs that way. They usually will tell you exactly what you need to know and do if they see you more than once, being persistent. Be sure to be VERY polite and understanding and of course THANK THEM if you do things in person like that.

Otherwise just pop those babies in the mail and wait. If you hear nothing and no one calls you can find some more places and do it again. Maybe tweak you resume and send it to the same place if you are dead set on that particular venue.

I once added a little paragraph of what I had been up to, kind of an update, since the last time I sent them a demo. You have to think that they saw your demo once, so why are you sending another one? Reiterate how awesome you are and say a couple of things you have been up to most recently. Remember that they WANT to know why you are better than all the DJ wannabes they have to put up with.

I sometimes here of people who just walk into club nights with their music on them expecting to play. I don’t really understand people like this.

READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE AT DJCOLA.NET

Jack + Jill Making a Name from Grand Junction

by Tim Wenger

The evolution of jam rock and its infusion with other genres has provided modern music with some very diverse bands pulling from its’ basket. In Colorado, we certainly have seen the full gamut of the genre from 20 minute guitar solos to the more modern, alternative takes on the genre such as Dave Matthews Band. Yesterday, I even listened to a submission from a group from New Orleans labeling themselves as “jamtronica.”

Here in Colorado, Jack + Jill, a band reaching further and further outside of their hometown of Grand Junction, is a band that that focuses on the modern side with heavy influences from alternative rock and grunge. Aaron Seibert brings a background in metal and harder music while his wife rocks out on the violin, bringing a lighter air to the sound. “I’m really trying to meld the two,” he says. “I enjoy vocal harmonies, I enjoy happy go lucky stuff just as much as I enjoy head banging. It works.”

The group got their start following Aaron and wife Jessica Seibert’s marriage several years ago, growing from a two piece into the electric four piece seen onstage today. “2008, 2009 was when we really started kicking things

WHY JAZZ MATTERS: TRACK 5

by Norman Provizer

This month, drummer GingerBakercelebrates his 75th birthday. From the perspective of the 1960s, when Baker propelled Cream (the first rock super group with Baker, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce) and Blind Faith (with Steve Winwood and Clapton), the very idea that the drummer, who had a lot of habits, would have made it out of that decade alive never mind to the age of 75 might have seemed like an exercise in wishful thinking. But survive he did despite all the bridges he burned in the process.

Looking back at Baker’s career, it’s not at all difficult to say that, in many ways, he was the founding father of modern rock drumming and one of, if not the most influential drummer in rock history who essentially created the drum solo in the music (listen to “Toad” on the 1966 album Fresh Cream). Yet from his early days until today, the British-born Baker has always seen himself as a jazz player. In the striking 2012 documentary Beware of Mr. Baker, Ginger recalls how, as member of a school gang, he listened to records as a decoy while his schoolmates stole albums from the store.

That’s when he heard the album Quintet of

off,” says Aaron. They began playing around the Junction area and started developing a decent local following. Gigs kept piling in, eventually reaching a point where the duo needed to become a quartet in order to have a bigger sound. “The demand got so high that we had to higher other musicians because the events were so big. It’s like ‘I can’t fill this room with just her and I. I need a drum and bass.’”

The fuller sound stuck, increasing the diversity of their music which in turn increased their appeal. The band now entertains fans of nearly every subgenre of rock from metal to jam and routinely gigs with just as diverse a lineup of bands. Jack + Jill has toured the Rocky Mountain region extensively behind their latest release COLORADiO. After spending much of the last two years gigging heavily in Idaho, Wyoming and Utah, Jack + Jill is spending more time in Colorado this year. They have built a solid fan base in the Grand Junction area (enough that they are able to make the finals of Colorado Music Buzz’s Bandwagon 5 competition, the first western slope band to ever do so). “We’re loving Colorado life,” says Jessica.

the Year, a live recording of a famed 1953 concert at Toronto’s Massey Hall that featured alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianist Bud Powell, bassist Charles Mingus and drummer Max Roach – a virtual be-bop hall of fame. When he heard Roach, the 14-year old knew that was it.

Ginger was 17 when got his first paid gig as a member of the New Orleans-style Storyville Jazz Men; and before too long he replaced Charlie Watts with Alex Korner’s Blues Incorporated group. Then it was on to the Graham Bond Organization before the creation of Cream that turned the rock world upside down during its two-year run from 1966 to 1968. After that, there was Blind Faith, followed by the large Ginger Baker’s Air Force ensemble (“air force” being the name used by insiders to describe the heavy drug users in the Duke Ellington Orchestra).

Over the years, Ginger’s drumming heroes were the British player Phil Seaman (who introduced him to the power of African drumming), Max Roach, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones. In fact, he would do drum battles not only with Seaman, but also with Blakey (whose Jazz Messengers nurtured a long list of jazz greats) and Jones (who drove the classic John Coltrane Quartet).

On the surface, the idea of a rock drummer dueling with the improvising giants of jazz drumming may seem a bit ludicrous (no offence to the singer Ludicris), unless that “rock” drummer is Ginger Baker.

They are also loving life in their hometown, which they say has a very strong local scene that, contrary to popular belief, offers up much more than just overplayed metal wannabes and Country Jam. “(Grand) Junction is amazing,” Aaron says. “The music scene is really good.

It’s amazing that it hasn’t blown up. I know Denver has good music but when you have a national act on every corner, it’s hard to pay attention to the little guys. Junction has one or two main theatres and the rest are local places where local bands can get a good start.”

“Since Colorado Mesa University opened, it has totally turned everything around,” Jessica says.

The current lineup in Jack + Jill, also featuring Jake Cram on drums and Cory Roberts on bass, will be answering the call for a new album in the near future, once their busy tour schedule calms down a bit. “We’re booked out through October,” says Aaron.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Jack + Jill are working hard and the members are all happy with current lineup and constant gigging.

“This is the most satisfied, comfortable group that we’ve ever had,” says Jessica about her bandmates. Through numerous member changes, the music has continued to progress and maintained the same drive behind the Seibert’s dream. “It’s nice because the music keeps going. It isn’t ‘Oh, now we have to write new music because some of it was this guys or some of it was that guys. The show must go on!” Catch the group in Denver at Higher Ground Music Festival August 23.

Check out Jack + Jill at jackplusjill.com

After an extended stay in Nigeria (where he developed a strong connection with Fela Kuti) and time in Italy and Los Angeles, Baker, by now a devoted supporter of polo, ended up in Colorado for much of the 1990s where he combined polo matches in Parker with jazz performances. During his Colorado years (1993-1999), Baker released two discs (Going Back Home and Falling Off the Roof) by a trio that contained jazz greats Charlie Haden on bass and Bill Frisell (who grew up in Denver) on guitar. Then in 1999, Atlantic released Coward of the Country by Baker’s Denver jazz group that included at its core trumpeter Ron Miles (who wrote much of the music played by the band), tenor saxophonist Fred Hess, pianist Eric Gunnison and bassist Artie Moore.

For Baker, it was returning from the music he came from and he would refer to his Denver group as “probably the best band I had.” A judgment he reiterated in a 2013 interview in Rolling Stone in which he commented that, “The DJQ (the Denver Jazz Quintet) was really a great band.” As writer Chip Stern put it, Ginger’s DJQ was a group that could “go toe-to-toe with any band in New York or on the planet.”

Most recently, Baker has returned to England and has been touring with a quartet called Jazz Confusion that has Pee Wee Ellis (who was a key figure in the James Brown band) on saxophone. That group has a new CD out called

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Why? on Motema Music. And if you wonder why jazz matters, just ask the drummer whose autobiography Ginger Baker: Hellraiser was published in 2010.

Speaking of Ron Miles, the trumpeter is among the players performing at the free “Jazz on 2nd Avenue” event in Niwot on August 16 that also features Liquid Soul, Jeff Coffin and singer Dee Alexander. The month starts with the Telluride Jazz Festival on August 1-3 with guest of honor Poncho Sanchez, Monty Alexander, Lettuce, Snarky Puppy, Dragon Smoke and others. It ends with the Vail Jazz Festival that has the Clayton Brothers, Jeff Hamilton, Curtis Stigers, Eric Reed and Monty Alexander along with a host of other players.

In between festivals, the Jamaican-born pianist Alexander and his Harlem-Kingston Express are at Dazzle in Denver on August 2-3. Italianborn singer Roberta Gambarini is at Dazzle on August 15-17, followed by guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel’s New Quartet (with Denverraised Colin Stranahan on drums) on August 28-29. Additionally, the annual KUVO “Live at the Vineyards” event takes place on August 9 with New Orleans saxophonist Donald Harrison, the master of the Crescent City piano Henry Butler and Meters’ guitarist Leo Nocentelli at the Balistreri Vineyards in Denver. There’s also Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui at the Soiled Dove Underground in Denver on August 1 and a tribute to Herbie Hancock at the Fox Theater in Boulder on August 13.

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Trinidad ArtoCade - Art Car Parade

By Angela Kerr akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com

The ArtoCade festivities will get rolling on Friday night with “Vehiculart” - vehicle and art car related art exhibitions in numerous venues downtown from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Next up is CarBash at BRIX, the local sports bar on Main Street. Meet some of the cartists, eat good grub, and rock out to the drivin’ tunes of The Driftin’ Suns who will begin performing at 8:30 p.m.

The ArtoCade parade starts at high noon on Saturday and will travel through downtown Trinidad. For best viewing opportunities, Main Street (between North Animas Street and Elm) is the place to be.

various other revue-like and wacky acts.

The ArtoCade is a great way to end the summer. The CREATE team and some of their clients are pitching in to support the event. Hope to see you all there.

For more information about the ARTOcade visit www.artocade.com or contact artcarfun@hotmail.com.

Meet the cartists, view their art cars, and listen to music by the Traffic Jamboree after the parade at the “Ogle, Look and Play,” located at the corner of Commercial and Elm.

“Spike the Big Red Dragon” by Gail & Charlie Holthausen. Photo by Michelle Goodall.

On a recent trip to Trinidad, Colorado, I had the opportunity to meet Lucky Murphy who just opened L&L Fine Art Gallery on Main Street. Lucky is a mover and shaker in this town. In our discussions of the local music scene and musicians supporting the art walk, he shared a flyer for the ArtoCade on September 12-14, 2014. The flyer featured an art car equipped with ears, lips, and eyeglasses.

This was too good to pass up, so I made an appointment with the developer Rodney Wood to see what he was up to.

I met Rodney at his studio, located in his gallery, Galerie Vivante.

Rodney explained what ARTOcade was all about, “Artists started participating in the art car parades as an anticommercial gallery movement by creating pieces of art that are off the wall and not for sale. It is not about the money. Artists are coming from all over the region and the country to share their car art.

It is so refreshing – how much fun and how silly can we be?”

Don’t miss CarDango, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, a gala/dance/revue/circus at the Sebastiani Gym which will feature Leopard & Vine (a gypsy cabaret), Swelter & Burn (naughty/ sultry singers), and

“Earth, Wind & Fire” (2012) by Rebecca Bass and Jefferson Davis High School students in Houston, Texas. Photo by Rodney Wood.

year we will be the second largest art car parade in the United States – not bad for our second year and a great thing for this town.”

The idea that this event is community oriented is important to Rodney who has been contracted by the Trinidad Tourism Board to put on the ArtoCade. Instead of bringing in vendors from outside of the city, they are promoting local businesses.

“Although we do bring in acts from out of the area, we try to keep the majority of the collaboration local,” Rodney said.

I had the opportunity to see “Earth, Wind and Fire” a famous art car that was constructed under the tutelage of Rebecca Bass, an art educator from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, Texas. Rebecca has made one vehicle a year for the last 25 years with her class as she teaches them about the history of Rock and Roll.

Viewing the car is nothing short of amazing. According to Rodney, 25-30 students participated in its creation and “Women Rock” by Bonnie Blue who will be crowned that underneath the the 2014 ArtoCade Queen at the festival. Photo by art is a Saturn station Bonnie Blue. wagon. He further explained that the students learned welding, armature building, He added, “Last year, the first year of carving, and the art of giving. The car required Artccade in Trinidad, we had 55 entries 35+ cases of silicone caulk adding 800 lbs. and this year we are expecting around 75.” to the weight of the vehicle. The only way to believe it is to see it as pictures will not do it Rodney explained that Houston, Texas, is the justice. There are many more exciting creations leader in these events and the attendance at their which include a fire breathing dragon, the last art car parade boasted 300,000 spectators.

“Stink Bug” decorated bikes, and ATV’s from as far away as Massachusetts, Michigan, “Huge crowds watch the Rose Bowl parade, New Jersey, Nebraska, Florida, and Texas. why can’t the same numbers watch an art parade?” Rodney said. “If we hit 80 cars this

When asked about the history of the event, Rodney stated that it was hard to identify who was responsible for it as the art form dates back as far as the hippie movement.

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August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com | CREATEmsudenver.com

ARTrepreneur of the Month

By Leah Parker CREATE@msudenver.edu

perfected my pitch and diction and where I cut my teeth on many different styles of singing.

2) Tell us about your involvement with the Grand County community.

Let me first say that I LOVE Grand County!

My husband and I had good friends in Grand County and began visiting them in 1994. One weekend I got up and sang with Steve Cormey who played in Grand Lake for many years.

From that moment on I was invited to play in the area, and for the next 6 years my husband and I drove up every weekend. We fought the traffic every Sunday going home and couldn’t wait to get back the following Friday! In 2000, we bought land in Grand Lake, and for the next 6 years camped there during the summer weekends as I played in the area. I wrote so many songs on that little piece of heaven and will never forget those simple times. In 2007, we built our dream house, made Grand County our permanent home, and never looked back.

3) Do you have any recent successes?

Singer/Songwriter Peggy Mann from Grand County, Colorado. Photo by Johnny Quattlebaum.

Singer/songwriter Peggy Mann has sung over 250 radio commercials, including one for American Furniture Warehouse that ran for over 13 years, and recorded seven CDs, including her summer 2014 release “Don’t Waste Time.” Peggy is Grand County’s 2010 Entertainer of the Year and the August 2014 ARTrepreneur of the Month.

1) Tell me how you got into music.

I have been a working singer/songwriter for over 30 years. My career began in school choir, musical theatre, and singing at church in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, IL. In my early 20s I moved to Colorado and started songwriting. After moving, I was hired to sing radio commercials in Colorado Springs and Denver. I also sang the campaign song for Gary Hart’s successful senatorial race.

Singing commercials in the studio was where I really honed my singing skills. This is where I

I have had so many successes in my life. Your question reminds me of the young people I mentor who want to get into this business and I ask them, “What does success look like to you?” This is a question that I’ve asked myself over and over throughout my career. Is success making a hit record? Making a million dollars?

Being famous? Success, to me, is doing what you love and doing it well. Success is affecting people in a positive way with your words and your music. Success is having family and friends that love and support you. Success is raising two beautiful daughters and a 20 year marriage to my wonderful husband. These successes make me who I am and allow me to write my songs. I have been successful in writing well over 100 songs. I have 7 CDs and recently recorded “Don’t Waste Time” in Nashville with world class producer and songwriter, Monty Powell. I met Monty at a songwriting workshop in 2008 and we stayed in touch. He took one of my songs back to Nashville and that song is one of the cuts on this new record. Monty has produced and written with artists such as Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Diamond Rio,

and Rascal Flatts. He has won Golden Globes, has many Grammy nominations, and even wrote 3 number one songs in one year! He believes in me as an artist which is why he produced my recent CD. We are not only business associates, but also friends, and I call that a success. One definition of success is, “The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted.” My desire now is to be successful in selling my songs. According to Monty, this new CD is the “best calling card in the world.”

4) What are some challenges in the music business or local music scene?

There are many challenges in the music business and the biggest one is keeping a positive attitude. It’s easy to get down on yourself when you work so hard for so long. Awards and accolades come and go. I have won several songwriting awards and singing contests with the hope that I get “discovered.”

It’s challenging to find venues that pay enough to make a decent living. It’s challenging not being a 16-year-old and have Photo by Kathy Koreny. the “business” still see your value. It’s challenging to keep faith when you know you have what it takes but the music business awards those with questionable talent and skills. This industry, like many, is a “who you know” business. Sometimes it’s not always the most talented that make it. So again, I have to keep reminding myself what success is. It’s challenging to stay true to yourself, but I’m still here and I’m making a living doing what I love.

5) What advice would you give upcoming musicians or performing artists?

My best advice is to know who you are, be solid in your character, and keep perfecting your craft. Know what success means to you and what you want from your life. If you want to be is a star then move to where that is most

likely to happen and understand that doing so might mean giving up other things in your life. Try and be happy with where you are now because you can’t get back the time you waste wishing for something else. Always do your best and be the reason that someone else is changed in a positive way. And, stay grounded in your faith, because in the end that’s what is left. I DO expect to be critically acclaimed in heaven which means the most to me.

6) Do you have any upcoming events?

I am booked through the end of September so I am really busy, which I am grateful for. I just finished 2 SOLD OUT cd release concerts for “Don’t Waste Time” which took an enormous amount of time and effort, but worth every minute of it. I will travel back to Nashville this year to do some co-writing, and, according to my producer Monty Powell, I will be playing at the Bluebird Cafe which is THE place in Nashville to play as a songwriter. Many people have had their songwriting discovered there so I am setting my intention that will happen. In the fall and winter I do private house concerts.

This is something that I have done for years and really love.

It’s a way to perform in a quieter atmosphere and share the back stories of my songs. I regularly receive comments from concert goers that they weren’t sure what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised what an awesome way it is to hear an artist up close and personal. I believe my live performances are where my followers really receive the full impact of what I can do and they like it.

7) Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes, I would like to thank the 1000s of people in my life that have supported and loved me throughout the years. I would be nothing without them coming time and time again to my shows. Thanks to them we sell out our shows every week!

For more information and schedule dates, visit Peggy at peggymann.com.

Colorado Dog Days of Summer Festivals Telluride Jazz Celebration - Telluride 42nd Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival Crested Butte

Vail International Dance Festival – Vail August 1-3, 2014 Crestone Music Festival 2014 Crestone Bluegrass and Beer Festival – Keystone

7th Downtown Frisco Art Fair Frisco August 15-17, 2014

August 23, 2014 Higher Ground Music Festival Denver August 27 - September 1, 2014

August 1-17, 2014

Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest - Fort Collins

Piknik Theatre Festival - Steamboat

August 17-18, 2014

August 29-September 1, 2014

Golden Fine Arts Festival - Golden

Vail Jazz Festival - Vail

August 22-23, 2014

Resource: coloradoinfo.com/festivals-fairs

20th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. Photo by Amanda Spilos.

July 27 - August 9, 2014

August 9-10, 2014

August 7-17, 2014 Telluride Chamber Music Festival - Telluride

August 8-10, 2014 MotherLode Music Festival - Lake George ARISE Music Festival - Loveland August 9, 2014 Denver Blues and Brews Festival - Denver

Telluride Film Festival - Telluride

Keystone Mountain Music Festival Keystone August 22-24, 2014 30th Annual Genuine Jazz & Wine - Copper Mountain

2014 Evergreen Arts Festival. Photo by Leah Parker.

August 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com | CREATEmsudenver.com

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