Colorado Music Buzz Magazine Dec 2013

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 Sal Christ, John Christen, Chris Daniels Angela Kerr, PeaceLove, Sarah Smith The Swami, Torch, Tim Wenger, Tru-Blu PHOTOGRAPHY Miles Chrisinger Alex Geller, Ted Davis INTERNSHIP Peter Munteanu ADVERTISING Chris Murphy - 720-429-8717 EVENT AND MAGAZINE MARKETING Chris Murphy 720-429-8717 CMurphy@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEB ADVERTISING Keith Schneider 303-870-7376 Keith@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 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.

Artists may submit press kits/CDs for review by mail. Please email requests for coverage directly to the editor and copy the writer of your choice in your musical style.

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.

Elevate Your Music Business Through Networking

CMB and Create MSU Denver Team Up To Offer Innovative Networking Series

by Angela Kerr and Leah Parker

akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com cfi@msudenver.edu

Colorado Music Buzz Media is dedicated to networking with the local music scene. We recently sponsored Own It, an event created by the Center for Innovation, Metropolitan State University of Denver, which highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit that exists here in Colorado. Networking is key to the success of any business – whether you are working with media, venues, support services, other musicians, and let’s not forget - your fan base.

We are teaming up again with the Center for Innovation in announcing their new webinar series, Own It-Music, providing monthly

webinars and networking opportunities for the Denver music scene. Expect to see webinars on: • How to turn your band into your full-time job • How to build a fan base using social media • How to approach and get into venues Hosted by local talent, experts, venue owners, and service providers, followed by networking all happening in the CREATE Showroom on the Auraria Campus. For those who would like dinner or drinks after the webinar we will publish the location prior to each event.

We also encourage aspiring musicians to take the next step in the development of their business by getting involved with the CREATE MSU Denver Virtual Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurs (CREATE). Check out their website for more information at www. createmsudenver.com. six week tour, they threw me on the bus. My responsibility was to have fun and play 45 minutes every night.”

Since the tour, Drabkin has consistently shared his music, as it is released, with Knolls. “I just kept sending him songs, and without even realizing it, they sent me an offer,” he says. The double whammy for Drabkin is that he retains the rights to his work, as the label is primarily just helping with promotion and distribution. “I did all the recording, funded all the recording, myself. These guys are helping with promo, which is awesome. It does help, this is the first time I have had a label affiliation.”

Rob Drabkin Signs with Rogue Island Records

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMuicBuzz.com

Rob Drabkin and his band have been hitting the scene hard in Denver and beyond, and his work is beginning to pay off. He has just signed

a record deal with Rogue Island Records to help with promo of his new album.

The deal has been a long development, coming to a head through Drabkin’s relationship with UK artist Davy Knowles. Knowles, a blues guitarist, took Drabkin on a US tour and their relationship has grown from there. “I toured with him in 2010,” says Drabkin. “We did a

The help seems to be paying off, as Drabkin’s new studio album is receiving radio airplay in multiple markets, and is currently charting on AAA Radio along with acts like Tedeschi Trucks Band and North Mississippi All Stars.

With the building commercial success, Drabkin plans to perform live in the markets giving him the airplay following his birthday bash to push the record and career.

It took some additional hard work to get this national airplay. “It’s something that I think is virtually impossible to do by yourself,” says Drabkin, referring to getting the music listened to by out-of-market stations. “We had to hire indie promoters. It’s crazy how much is based on relationships. If I sent the album to a station in New York and it came from me, it’s going to Stephanie, WCA “I like how her voice, it fits the rhythm.” Diana, Lincoln’s Respect Academy

Post Everything- A.D.D. Multiculturalism

An Album Review of : M.I.A.’s “Matangi”

by Youth on Record Students, West Career Academy (West High School) and Lincoln’s Respect Academy This week Youth on Record students reviewed M.I.A.’s latest release, Matangi. Our instructors asked students in the Introduction to Music

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Production classes to evaluate the album according to the following criteria: production value, lyrical content, theme and enjoyability.

These are their responses; they are more poignant than you might think, and please, go out and listen to it yourself. It’s an experience for sure, and a gem.

“I feel like I’m on an electro-dance tripout in India.” Sade, West Career Academy (WCA) “It’s loud and fast and doesn’t really make sense, but it flows.” Luis, Lincoln’s Respect Academy

This is where we need your help. Tell us what webinars topics you want to see by sending your ideas to akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com.

Look forward to upcoming Own It- Music webinars and networking dates by checking out the CMB and CREATE websites. See you there!

“It makes me want to party all crazy and travel to new places and meet new people.” Jason, Lincoln’s Respect Academy “It sounds like many different countries’ music melted together. The production is amazing but I can’t understand a thing that she is saying.”

Jesus, Lincoln’s Respect Academy “Her voice gives me a sweet, warm feeling my stomach. I feel like I’m in the middle of a huge party with the spotlight on me.” Andre, Lincoln’s Respect Academy

“I have never heard anything like it. It’s unique.”

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

get discarded, but if it came from someone they know. . .. Then you have to follow up.” He met some of the promoters through the label, and others through an annual radio conference in Boulder.

Drabkin also performs solo around Denver constantly when he is not performing with his band, pushing his music that way to people who otherwise might not have heard it. “Money these days is in live performing,” says Drabkin.

“It’s in licensing too, but selling your music is hard.”

The album, Little Steps, was recorded primarily at Colorado Sound Studios in Westminster with producer J.P. Manza. “It was a year and a half process, we did it one song at a time,” says Drabkin. “It was a smart move, mostly because you can release one song at a time.

There are album lovers out there, but then there are people who don’t have time to listen to an album.’

On January 17 Drabkin will headline the Bluebird Theatre for his seventh annual Birthday Bash, with Garrett Sayers of The Motet opening the show. Tickets available through AEG Live. He will also be perfoming New year’s Eve at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Winter Park. Pick up the album at any of the major online sources and at robdrabkin.com.

“I felt myself in slow motion walking like a G. Once that Caribbean beat dropped I could picture a beach and thought that the energy I felt was the sun shining on me.” Carlos, Lincoln’s Respect Academy “A single song switches up more than once which is pleasing to hear and avoids boredom.”

Ruben, Lincoln’s Respect Academy “I’m not the type of person who listens to this kind of music, but hearing her album definitely makes me want to buy it and listen to something new.” Vanessa, WCA Youth on Record is a nonprofit that serves students in Denver Public Schools and residential treatment centers. Our classes are taught by working Denver musician/educators and each of the classes is accredited in the state of Colorado.

Online: youthonrecord.org

Wesley Watkins Hitting Hard With New Band, The Other Black

Preneur of the Month

by Angela Kerr

AKerr@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Welcome to Buzzpreneur, the place to meet entrepreneurs who are kicking it up a notch in the Colorado Marketplace. We are introducing the column this month with Max Ralston of Ralston Photo who has entered the Denver Metro area by storm, shooting quality photography that has been gaining traction and attention in several categories including: Portraiture for Artists, Adults and Children, Maternity and Infants, Modeling Portfolios, Weddings, and one of our favorites ~ rocking the Music Community.

Ralston began his journey as a sole proprietor three years ago.

He came to the field naturally as his father, a photographer for commercial agencies beginning in the late 70’s, photographed Actors and Actresses. According to Ralston, “My father had a passion for the human face and expression,” says Ralston. “Dad built his own developing lab in the garage; as a child, I would watch as he developed the film with chemicals. It was magical to see the images come alive.”

Ralston continues: “In the 90’s, my teenage years, I fell in love with film and movies and started making my own videos. In 2011 I graduated from Chapman University Film School in the city of Orange, California with a Bachelor in Fine Arts focusing in New Media.”

Ralston explains that at this time, he studied Photoshop, visual effects graphic design and composition. As his craft matured, he became involved with motion picture graphics, animated logos and

working with commercials for companies such as Verizon. He additionally participated with creating motion graphics in Press Kits for films such as I-Robot, Ice Age, and Dare Devil. He pulls out his cell phone and gives me a quick glance at some of the video animation he has been involved with and explains: “With video animation, you are seeing 30 frames per second; in a 3 second animated short you are seeing up to 90 separate photographs.

With photography, you make an impact with one image—a picture really does paint a thousand words.”

“I eventually began playing with Dad’s camera, doing events in California and realized that photography was what I wanted to pursue,” he says. Ralston moved to Colorado a year and a half ago and admits: “I am still figuring out the Denver scene.” He continues: “I have photographed several bands including: Kelli Said, The Driftin’ Suns, 513, Paer, James & The Devil, Vices I Admire, The Bunny Gang which features Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly, Nolan McInnis, and The Moses Jones Band.”

Blues hall of famer, Bobby Messano commissioned a shot for his album which has been nominated for 9 Grammy’s including album of the year. Ralston states: “He just rolled through Parker and I was lucky enough to do the photo shoot in July of 2013.”

Ralston says with a smile, “I am falling in love with the performance part of it and feel like I am establishing a true connection with the art which has been my life’s passion.

“Photography is so subjective—you take 10 different shots and have 10 different interpretations. It is like music, it is all in the eye of the beholder.” Max and his wife Sarah are proud parents of two beautiful daughters: Clara (2 years) and Alex (2 mo’s.)

Visit Max Ralston RalstonPhoto.com Contact Max max@ralstonphoto.com

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

You may be familiar with Wesley Watkins.

Whether it was with Petals of Spain or Air Dubai, the guy has been making the rounds in Colorado’s music scene, and he is back with his latest project The Other Black. The Fort Collins based soul band is dropping an EP on December 12 and will be hitting venues along the front range to get the word out. Look for them in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and Boulder that weekend, with dates posted on the band’s facebook page.

CMB: Let’s hear about this record and the process of making it.

Where did you guys record, and how was the overall process?

OB: It has been a long process!

Initially we were recording it somewhere else, but in the end we ended up recording with Chad over at Unit E. I have been really determined to get a live feel out of the recorded sound for this band so we went from recording everybody live, to tracking individually, and finally recording sections of the group live. Thank god for chads patience, the bands patience, and whiskey and beer.

CMB: Who did most of the songwriting?

What would you say is the overall “concept” of the EP? OB: I did all the song writing, I have been working on these songs for a while and upon playing them for the band there have been some minor changes made, everybody has their sound ya know? So we try to fit it all together. As far as a concept for this EP goes...hmm, well initially it was going to be a full length, but finances have been tight so I decided to split it up into two EP’s.

A “Soul” EP and a “Hip-Hop” EP. But listening to them you can tell it all fits together. I like to think of the other black as a venture into space, traveling the universe to help people experience themselves. It should have a comic book vibe a bit. I’m intrigued to see if people can hear that.

player, and percussionist and via DU, and old friends we formed a group of killer musicians.

Then all the vocalist happened across each other. I met one in Fort Collins after a road 34 show, a few at unit E on a late night, one hit me up online. Its honestly like something was drawing all of us together.

CMB: What’s coming up after the release as far as live gigs, and how can we get a hold of tickets?

OB: So the CD release is a 3 day affair. Dec 12th in Greeley at the Moxi Theatre, Dec 13th at the Marquis in Denver, and Dec 14th at road 34 in Fort Collins . You can get tix to that online or from us. And after that we are planning some really specific “shows”, which I’m not really allowed to saying anything about accept that, but keep posted on our facebook! They will be a lot of fun.

CMB: Wesley, has your experiences in two pretty well-known Denver groups (Air Dubai and Petals) helped to shape this band at all, or is it totally different?

OB: Oh absolutely! Playing with bands like Petals of Spain, and Air Dubai, and Bonnie and the beard is incredibly informative. You get to SEE all the business, you learn the importance of performance, you learn the practicality of rehearsal. You can listen to lectures, and take notes all day long, but until you’re thrown into the madness of the music industry you know nothing about the business. I mean everyone has their strengths, and maybe the most import thing I learned was what my strengths are which makes The Other Black something totally different from the other experiences too.

Its more like writing for a big band and a gospel choir, Trying to travel to gigs is an ordeal, And keeping 16 personalities on the same page, well... ha. But seriously, you learn a lot from every experience.

CMB: Where do you guys eat after a show?

OB: Pete’s often. Or Jerusalem....I dunno 7-11 nine times out of ten, its close to home.

Online: facebook.com/theotherblack

CMB: Where can we find it online, and how bout record stores? How is the record being promoted and distributed?

OB: We’ll have it online at first( bandcamp, soundcloud, etc.) and after we the full record we will probably press it to vinyl. We are just promoting it ourselves, selling it to as many people as we can and giving it away to the rest.

We feel like we have an interesting sound, but that for the fans to choose, ya know? Putting out a record is the true test.

CMB: How did you guys come together to form this group?

OBS: Cosmic interference, haha. It’s wild. I wanted to start a soul group and randomly ran into Dandoo (who plays bass) downtown boulder while I was playing on the streets and told him about it and he hit me up to play. He brought with him the guitar player, keyboard

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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and I’m pretty sure it was based on his excitement for my last music video because one of the first things he said was that hadn’t sat through an entire video since the dawn of the dead. I hadn’t ever felt so relaxed in a studio and also confident in the producers I was meeting, so I think both parties were pretty pumped.

Sarah and The Meanies on New Single ‘Down Deep Down’

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Colorado Music Buzz reviewed Sarah and The Meanies new record in our November issue, and the band has released the first single “Down Deep Down” and are pushing it through all mediums available. CMB caught up with front woman Sarah Angela and caught the scoop on the latest happenings.

CMB: Take us through the process of recording this record. Our staff really dug it.

SA: It was chill at first sight. I drove up from Denver to meet Bill and was welcomed with open arms. He agreed to meet me on a whim

On recording day one, we spent the first hour or so reviewing the song and restructuring a few parts, making it transform from a great song into a “hit”. Tracked all instruments midway through day two. That’s when Bill came in with his mad vocal producing skills and basically sent me through vocal boot camp for seven hours. It felt good. On day three Jason, Bill & I sat together running through each instrument and its placement, setting the flare where it was due and...boomtown, “Down Deep Down” was formed. By the end of the week I had a mastered track ready for distribution. Definitely the most productive and successful studio experience in my life so far.

SA: Uhm… that’s a tough one to answer without sounding bias because I love everything about it. I think it incorporates exactly the feeling a person can have (and that is what people want, something to relate to) mixed with a

CMB: Where did the name authentic derive from A: At first I went by Solo, but as times changed I started going by Authentic because that’s who I am, and also I try my best to make authentic music.

CMB: When is the next Album dropping A: My next album is dropping in 2014 it is entitled Trust Issues CMB: So when you not busy recording how do you spend your time

by PeaceLove

PeaceLove@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

I had the honor to sit and converse with one of Colorado’s heavyweights Authentic. We got a chance to chop it up, we touch on issues as big as the lack of unity between local artist and as small as Sunday nights football game. It’s clear that Authentic is looking to

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CMB: Will there be a video for the song? If so, tell us about it.

SA: Oh, I’m so excited to spill about this one... but I also love making you wait and watching you wish I wouldn’t. So all I’m gonna say is; it incorporates killer Motion Graphics including drowning into a mattress, elevators falling, running barefoot in the snow and being pulled into a lake, only to sink into the bottom. Yes. CMB: Why did you choose The Blasting Room, and how was it working with legends like Jason Livermore and Bill Stevenson?

SA: I plead guilty. One of the main reasons I wanted to record at the Blasting Room is because a sticker with their logo on it is on the cash register in my favorite movie, High Fidelity. It didn’t hurt that artists like Rise Against, Lydia, The Gaslight Anthem have all recorded there.

drums himself, making them sound better than I could have imagined. Bill is the only vocal producer I’ve ever worked with, and he worked me. At this point I can’t see myself recording the rest of my record anywhere else and in any other fashion.

CMB: What’s coming up? Any big promo pushes for the single?

SA: We’ve got some exciting things planned in the coming year. The overall plan is to finish up the next record, filming the Down Deep Down video with my good friend and director of Drai Lloyd Films, and playing a few key shows here in Denver. We’re also joining Concerts for Kids to bring our music to the Colorado Children’s Hospital over the holidays. We’re lining up showcases at South by Southwest, and gearing up for a national tour next summer. It’s a really exciting time, the beginning of big times, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the support we’ve seen from Colorado.

Online: facebook.com/sarahangelamusic

Jason was amazing. He helped me hear my song with bigger ears & even tracked all the

CMB: What do you think stands out about “Down Deep Down” that pushes it into the “single” category?

bring in the New Year on his 1’s and 2’s.

Let’s take a brief look inside the interview.

Local Entrepreneur and Rapper Authentic Talks Upcoming Work

great melody, well thought-out instrumentation placement and an awesome back beat, and hopefully in the end, its a hit “single”.

A: When I’m not recording I’m spending time with my family. They inspire me, without them I would be reduced to nothing.

CMB: I know each track means a lot to you but which track do you feel is the your favorite A: I put a lot of effort into all of the tracks but there is one that is pretty special it’s called Man in the Mirror, keep your ear open for that one. I gave a special guest featured on it as well.

Online: therealauthentic.com

ReverbNation Featured Artists of the Month give independent artists who have not previously been featured in Colorado Music Buzz the opportunity to not only get their bio in the magazine, but also get their tracks on Music Buzz LIVE Radio (Wednesdays from 6-9 pm on callywoodradio. com) and get on our radar with what they have upcoming. Each month we select a varied group of musicians to showcase based on submissions through their ReverbNation profiles. This month, we caught up with Reason The Citizen.

CMB: What is the motivation behind your for Nas at Cervantes. I am eternally grateful for songwriting? What is your muse? their belief in my music.

RTC: My songwriting is motivated by everyday life. Work, family, friendships, society, culture, success; the aspects of our lives that help mold who we are as people. I’m inspired by uncertainty. The fact that achievement is never guaranteed keeps me motivated to continue m o v i n g forward.

Adversity only strengthens my resolve to succeed.

CMB: Who were some of the first clubs/ promoters/artists to give you a shot?

RTC: The first artist who really helped me grow was my good friend Input. We met on tour in 2006 and he introduced me to the Denver music scene, which eventually gave me an opportunity to move here from San Diego.

The first promoters to really give me a shot in Colorado were Soda Jerk Presents, who have given me shows at the Marquis Theater; and So-Gnar, who recently gave me an opening slot

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

CMB: What is coming up for you?

RTC: I’ve just released a new single entitled “Among Sharks” which I’ll be shooting a music video for this fall. I’m also recording a follow up single, and wrapping up a collaborative mixtape with SoGnar which will be released in January 2014.

I’m preparing to launch a full line of merchandise, along with a fully functional online store.

Expect to see my name on a lot of show flyers in Denver throughout 2014, this upcoming year will without a doubt be the biggest promotional push of my career.

Online: reverbnation.com/reasonthecitizen Check back in the coming months for more featured artists!

In The Whale- 7 Inch

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

InTheWhaledropped a new 7 inch to a sold out crowd at Larimer Lounge on November 22. Quickly becoming one of Colorado’s most beloved groups, ITW takes indie stylings and crashes them head on with modern alternative rock- a blend touching on The White Stripes and The Strokes with a colorful dose of classic rock’s heavier side, but not getting too closethey maintain their own identity through Nate Valdez’ vocals- his singing is so passionately powerful that if you close your eyes, you can almost feel the injection hitting your insides. It is not an easy voice to forget.

The group also turns up the knob on the distortion pedal- they do it deeper and, at times, darker than their influences (including the occasional stomach-curdling darkened scream). It is a relief to see these guys (and a small handful of their alt-indie counterparts) beginning to achieve the success they deserveif the Mile High City cranks out another mellow pop-rock international bestseller I just might start losing faith in our scene.

Online: inthewhalesucks.com Megan Burtt- In Good Company

by Tru Blue

Trublue@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Megan Burtt has given us a gift. She is credited as the Executive Producer, Dreamer and Boss Lady and her once in a lifetime compilation 11 track CD. Her passion project, In Good Company is as good as any KBCO Studio C album you could hope to own. During the several month’s long project Megan co-wrote songs with each participating band/artist and the result is musical perfection. The talent that she brought to In Good Company includes multiple heavy hitters in the Colorado Music Scene and the stylistically diverse body of music and musician is truly an inspiration… the kind that makes you say AHA! It’s these moments in time that are the reason why we do what we do here at Colorado Music Buzz. Justin Peacock of Immersive Studios does a masterful job of letting these songs reveal their own unique independent spirit as each one embodies song writing chemistry and brilliance that allows Megan’s imprint and each collaborators individual spin to percolate with the creativity and genius of intention. In Good Company features 11 co-written songs by Megan Burtt and Rachel and the Kings, Covenhoven, S HEL, The Congress, Chimney Choir, Bop Skizzum, Reed Foehl, Tyler Despres (Science Partner), Chris Daniels, The Epilogues, and John Magnie (Subdudes). Proceeds of In Good Company, Vol.1: The Colorado Sessions are supporting Colorado-based non-profit, Love Hope Strength.

Online: ingoodcompanymusic.com

Dog Day King – Self Titled [EP] by the Swami Swami@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Las Vegas transplants Dog Day King (who originally started their career here in Denver), bring their post grunge sound back to the Mile High city and should be a welcome addition. Their six song release drives down the Alice in Chains, and early Linkin Park road, along with a reminder of the early 70’s/80’s rock era. Lead singer Tony La Guardia shows great talent on blending raw power with an emotional and melodic contingency that represents the bands focus well. Guitar work is solid, with overall tones being absolute for the mix. They remind me a bit of ex-local rockers ION, but with more of the Pantera/Soundgarden element going on. If you enjoy a stable and consistent head-bang, this is for you.

Online: DogDayKing.com

The Trade-Ins

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

The Trade-Ins are Denver’s newest punk rock super group, made up of members of long time Denver punk front runners Frontside Five and other local celebrities.

Their debut record mixes punk stylings old and new. Front man Brandon Stolz delivers hard hitting, raw, and brutally honest lyrics complimented by the traditional power chords and rapid-fire drum beats that have become the staple of punk rock.

Their“questtoconquertheBakerNeighborhood” will be made much easier with this record outthe songs are powerful and direct. An easy listen for punk rock fans and those who enjoy good hard rock music, The Trade-Ins have split a new path from member’s previous projects and bring a fresh, genuine, and heartfelt voice to the music scene.

Online: thetrade-ins.com

Eight Thousand FeetElev8

by Sarah Smith

SSmith@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Eight Thousand Feet is a hip-hop group out of Southern Colorado who recently dropped their EP “Elev8”. Elev8 is a refreshing EP with three MC’s spitting over smooth, chilled out jazz, horn, and piano samples. The album speaks to living in Colorado, especially the 420 lifestyle. Songs like “Elev8”, “8000 Feet Anthem”, and “The Number 8” speak to the dispensary enthusiast and the perks of living the green lifestyle. Even if green is not your thing, Eight Thousand Feet will not disappoint. More thoughtful tracks, such as “What’s Life” ask for prayers to those affected by addiction and other problems. Eight Thousand Feet’s new EP “Elev8” offers a little something for everyone. Go check them out and pick up the album at www.bandcamp.com!

Online: soundclick.com/bands/default. cfm?bandID=836485

Prarie Scholars

Mark’s Midnight Carnival Show- Teach Me a New Handshake

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Mark’s Midnight Carnival Show has been at it a while now, and they strike hard in physical format with their new EP Teach Me a New Handshake. The album is a blender of different styles, mixed to a nice consistency that is easy on the ears- indie rock, jazz, pop, whatever- they’ve got it.

The songs lean heavily on rhythm guitar and front man Mark Bush’s catchy vocals, presenting a danceable sound that begs to be heard live. Catching them live is exactly what the band wants you to do- they have gigged well over 500 times in their four year existence.

The album is a fast driving, pleasurable listen and a good representation of the hard work they put into it.

Online: marksmidnightcarnivalshow.com

If their new album is any indication, Longmont’s The Prarie Scholars prefer to identify more with the musical culture of their native western Texas plains rather than the hipster-heavy element that seems to dominate so much of the Mile High City’s scene. They released a new single “100 Year Flood” this fall and donated all proceeds to flood relief efforts in the areas surrounding where they live, as well as a new album of twangy, folked-out light rock tunes that let the husband and wife duo’s harmony-filled vocals do the talking.

They play a style of soul music that is very soothing, with soft guitar melodies laden underneath the vocals, giving a solid backing while the main focus of the listener remains on the lyrics. Cheers to Andy and Jessica Eppler for taking us out of the city for while.

Online: prariescholars.com

Robby Wicks BandSongs From The Biltmore

by John Christen

JChristen@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

The Robby Wicks Band has taken a new approach to soul music. Heavily rock driven but with tinges of Americana and in places even some light hip-hop, Wicks and his crew have actually done something unusual with their full length record Songs From The Biltmore.

Acoustic yet catchy, with solid lead guitar and piano- the band throws in danceable elements of funk and folk music and vocals that seem heavily influenced by pop and blues- a true plethora of musical diversity. Good promotion of this album will lead to good things for the band in the near future.

Online: robbywicksband.com Kristina MurrayUnravelin’

by John Christen

JChristen@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Kristina Murray’s debut effort, Unravelin’, is a stellar compilation of honky-tonk country. Songs of remorse, heartache, drinking, and soulsearching accompany a full band complete with a steel guitar, fiddle, piano, electric and acoustic guitar. Unravelin’ offers southern hospitality and Murray incorporates elements of fellow Georgia native Alan Jackson and Nashville-style country.

The two-stepping “Nothing But Wrong” has a pleasant melody and a likeable sound. “Rough Corners,” is a jaunty foreboding premonition with a driving beat and strong acoustic guitar picking. Murray showcases her sterling vocals as she laments the loss of a lover in “The Year Georgia Ran Dry” and “Lights Out for the Lonesome. Recorded at Stout Studios in Fort Collins.

Online: kristinamurraymusic.com

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Toad in the HoleApartment 203

Toad in the Hole is a collaborative force that joins more than two-decade’s worth of Colorado music scene expertise. Stacked with talent, Apartment 203 is a blossoming collection of urban folk-rock and adult album alternative that resembles Bela Fleck and the Crooked Stills. The five-piece band blends a cello, banjo, upright bass, drums, acoustic guitar, and harmonica into graceful, confident, and seductively delicious intricate harmonic arrangements. Simpler put, this band has depth for days.

“Shackled to Liars” is dynamite, exploding, crisp, sultry fire. Kristi VanDeWalker’s lyrics tantalize in “Fire Girl.” “Wiser” is catchy, with exquisite instrumental interplay that marches the song in step with defiant words of astute savviness. Eclectic, multi-faceted, jazzy, Toad in the Hole is intoxicating.

If you enjoy local favorites like Devotchka and the Lumineers, then Toad in the Hole will gain your affinity.

Online: toad-in-the-hole.com

Bees With GunsSchematic

by Tru Blue

TruBlue@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Bees with Guns 5 song debut EP Schematic takes you on a Little Ride(track 1) of soothing pop chords and intricate hooks. Recorded at Evergrove Studios, Schematic is the start of something good for Bees with Guns. Ben Willms on vocals and Jim Lischeske on guitar, keyboard, trumpet etc… provide a solid foundation for this band to build upon and their song writing prowess stands tall. When a band puts their collective heart into a project it’s easy to hear and Ben, Jim, Bert Rasmussen(Bass) and Randy Pettus(Drums) succeed in taking us to a place of understanding who they are and where the intend to go with their musical journey.

Online: beeswithguns.com

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the Lyric Highlighting James And The Devil - No Big D JamesAndTheDevil.com Photo Credit: Ralston Photo

By: Angela Kerr

akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com

I first met James & the Devil (aka J &The D) who hail from the city of Denver, Colorado through an introduction that Kyle Christy of Drum City Guitarland made. At the time I was working with CREATE MSU Denver and the development team of OWN IT 2013. After describing to Kyle our willingness to create a free concert for the tri-institutional campus at Auraria, Tim Kae of Drum City Guitarland not only sponsored the event, but Kyle directed me toward Adam Carpenter, one of the original founding members of J & the D (founded in 2007). Adam who serves as bassist extraordinaire, back up vocalist and band Manager reveals his humble and fun loving personality which comes alive on stage and through text which is the only way I had consistent contact with him. After a few of these exchanges—I was hooked and had the opportunity to work with J &the D over the eight week OWN IT event development. They arrived ready to rock, as true crowd pleasers and team players as sponsors for the event.

James Campbell, the “J” in J & the D, rhythm guitarist, the passionate lead vocalist and lyricist for the band submitted No Big D as the song lyric that meant the most to him. The song appears on their new album release SampleThis which is a rock your socks off ride filled with influences of bluegrass, hip hop, funk and jam that make it impossible to stay in your seat. I know because I saw them perform the songs at Herman’s Hideaway on November 2nd to a packed Halloween Costume-Character crowd. And yes, Miss Piggy won the costume contest—I mean who else was in the room? They lead off with the Halloween movie theme and then broke into…”fire in the disco….we’re up all night to get lucky,” as the crowd danced in synch to the beat. There was no room to dance on that floor independently so everyone danced in mass—together. Quite the site to see -such an enthusiastic fan base. The interaction between the band members provided pure entertainment no matter how they paired off—an insight to their offstage relationships. James Crutchfield, on electric guitar and back-up vocals shreds while the guitar is literally behind his back. You have to see it. Matt Stoner keeps the beat steady - a serious role for this hard charging band. No one can underestimate the significance of the timekeeper—especially when executed with Stoner style. Finally, enter the classically trained David Ross on the fiddle and background vocals. Pure talent.

An excerpt from No Big D: “Can you hear me? I’m the thing inside that makes you different. Could you hear me?

I’m your only chance—your voice of reasoning. Cause we bleed, however, we will not be broken ‘cause we believe, together we can beat the system. Hear me—when you’re acting like it’s no big deal and see that we are working toward a bigger picture.” Jim, as everyone calls him suggests: “This is an acknowledgement of a failing system of our earthly welfare. It continues to hold most of us down, tries to conform us—keep our voices and opinions quiet, and keep up borders to exploit our differences. But I believe there are many who stand to liberate the world, and do what’s right for humanity despite this constant effort to contain us.” This song reminded me of a recent comment made by a Sociology Professor instructing for Metropolitan State University. He was lecturing on a DVD called Food Inc., and made a reference about the accountability each one of us has in the direction our society and our world is taking. He made a distinction about the difference between authority and power, stating: “Power is not being forced to do something. Power is when you don’t even know there is a question to be asked.” Jim’s lyrics reflect this inability to contain doing what is right—all that is needed is reflection and action. “Cause we believe, together we can beat the system.”

After the show, the entire band is offstage and mingling with their fans. The conversation comes easy and familiar as if they had personal relationships with all of them. Definitely an area where J & the D shine is their offstage approachability and willingness to communicate with people. Gracious and honest in their delivery, the interview in the Herman’s greenroom after the show was a myriad of people coming and going as each band member came to share a few words as they were simultaneously packing up for the night. I broach the question about my favorite topic—”who writes the lyrics and how do you guys create the songs?” James Crutchfield who I am immediately told is “Buz,” chimes in with “the lyrics are 90% Jim and 10% the remaining members of the band.” When I ask about Jim’s background he says he studied computer science in school. I see Matt Stoner enter the room, he lights on the couch for a brief moment and then gets up and leaves saying nothing.

To this Jim states “Where’s the drummer? He is a colonist,” which I understand to be a reference to his Halloween Costume. Jim continues with: “Our drummer works for a legal magistrate.” That is the last I saw Stoner for the interview. We will say he is a man of many beats and few words. Adam chimes in and informs us they have taken two weeks off—which is unheard of for this hard working touring band. There is additional commentary about how much they’ve missed each other during this period, and Adam again shares that he and Jim live together, so never far apart—he can hear Jim rapping in the bathroom above him. These men are never far from the music. I then turn my attention to Dave Ross who I am told is a twin. I find out that Ross has played the fiddle since the age of 7 which means 26 years of relationship with that instrument. No wonder it bends at his command. “My brother (who plays guitar) and I were frequently in competitions, and were heavily involved in Children’s Choir and Orchestra growing up. My grandparents were my bluegrass influence and I also studied Jazz Theory.” To this commentary Jim suggests: “To be six feet tall and play the fiddle naturally attracts the women.” I would say it would not only be stature and talent, but conduct resembling the finest of gentlemen - a knock out, roaring fiddle player; the fiddle compositions being a huge influence in the overall J & the D dynamic sound. Ross and Carpenter also work together as Communication Specialists—so the band that lives together and works together finds not only immense camaraderie but efficiency in scheduling the intense amount of details required to keep a band performance ready and on the road a majority of weekends throughout the year.

After all the chiding, I return my focus to the lyric. Jim tells me: “I have written over a hundred songs. The only ones that supersede are the ones that are general and felt.” “People want to come out and let go. They don’t want to get serious.” “Many times the crowd does not care what they lyrics are about, especially younger generation.” Jim continues with: “Sometimes my lyrics are angry and sometimes passionate.” Buz adds: “That is Jim—energy and passion.” I reflect upon their performance and I need no further prompting for good understanding. Jim continues: “You know when it is a good song when you can sit down with a guitar or at a piano and sing the lyrics—no affects. I write a ton of songs that never make it to the live show.” To this commentary I ask about how they describe their unique sound. Everyone chimes in and speaks at once, my pen flying and the feeling reminiscent of my Brazilian relatives who carry on 5 conversations simultaneously with complete understanding: “James and the Devil...well we are just mental—fighting our own demons.” Adam describes the music as: “Bluegrass infused rock and funk.” Jim adds: “We are new mountain music, a niche variety show band that is not just metal, not just reggae.”

The doorman at Herman’s had provided a copy of Sample This, to my concert mate Garret Curtiss—I note with a quick review of the back cover that several of the tracks were recorded live. I promise to return the album to him (ok so he hasn’t gotten it back yet) and I walk to my car and put it in my CD player to keep me company on my ride home after the interview. The disc starts out with the melodic “This ain’t another Generic Love song baby; there is just no other way for me to explain it.” A catchy boot stomping tune highlighting the dance between the male and female characters, adding the message “love me when it’s over.” Ross is highlighted with fiddle and harmony—delicious. Jekyll is up next with that mountain music sound: “Take a look outside, got to open up your eyes...the moon has got me riled up and it pulls apart my mind. With Adam on background vocals: “Boom, POP OFF, Come on you want some more?” Followed by Alabama Lemonade Tea—”begins with a whaling fiddle ….”Alabama lemonade Tea, it’s good for you its good for me—you have one and I’ll have three….they fill it full of whiskey….and it looks like tea—yeah!” The rhythm section absolutely rocks this one. Huckleberry … a story about a young man out on the prowl…”don’t pull any tricks, the cops are out thick and they’ll put you in jail this time.” And then there is No Big D which in no small way is one of my favorites on the album—yes for the lyrical content but also the passion that Jim puts into the message vocally. The band rocks this song inside and out with a rhythm - almost a Celtic feeling and sound; it penetrates my Irish bones and it is impossible to sit still—there is no voice of reason when this song is played—it is pure composition. There are 11 songs in total including All These Years featuring Green River Vibe. James and the Devil are 2013 Westword Showcase Winners in the “Avant Pop” Category. What’s coming up for J & the D? Visit their website @ www.JamesAndTheDevil.com or their Facebook @ www.facebook.com/JamesAndTheDevil.

If you would like to submit a lyric go to www.thecoloradomusicbuzz.com and complete The Lyric application. An email will be sent to me for consideration.

16

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

The Colorado Music Hall of Fame Inducts Another Class of Stars

by Torch

Torch@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

The date was November 8, the location the Paramount Theater, and it was the perfect place for the induction of this class of Colorado Music Hall of Fame inductees. The theme was the Folk scene of the 1950’-60s. The head of the class was Judy Collins, followed by Chris Daniels, Bob Lind, and The Serendipity Singers. The evening started with swanky VIP party where the inductees mingled with the onslaught of press, family, friends, and all the local music business powerhouses. The food was elegant, the drinks expensive and Hall of Fame displays the focus of interest, only second to the stars. Each inductee had a display with various artifacts from their careers, items such as: albums, photos, clothing, guitars, billboard listings, news articles, and even booking calendars.

The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is the brain child of Chuck Morris supported by the board of directors: Chuck Morris- President and CEO, AEG Live Rocky Mountains, G. BrownDirector, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Lew Turner- Director of Business & Strategic Partnerships, Carson J. Spencer Foundation, Jeffrey AzoffAgent, Creative Artists Agency, Kathie Broyles- Adjunct Instructor and Advisory Board Member, ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado, Jay ElowskiEpstein-Owner,Twist and Shout, Brad

Farber-Attorney, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Aaron Friedman- Finance Manager, AEG Live Rocky Mountains, Mark Hartley- Co-President, The Fitzgerald Hartley Co., Kathryn KellerRealtor,RE/MAX of Boulder, George W. Krieger- D.D.S. Colorado music historian, Phil Lobel- Publicist, Lobeline Communications,DavidMcReynoldsPresident,Columbine Health Plan, Dave Plati- Associate Athletic Director/Sports Information, University of Colorado Athletic Department, Devon Taylor- Creative Director, Given Goods, Scott TobiasPresident and COO, Village Voice Media, Craig Umbaugh- Attorney, Hogan & Hartson. Whew that was some roll call!

But wait there’s more, the inductees so far include: Red Rocks, John Denver, Harry Tuft, Barry Fey, KIMN Radio, Flash Cadillac, Sugarloaf, and The Astronauts, Judy Collins, Chris Daniels, Bob Lind, and The Serendipity Singers. Future inductees as of now are: Dan Fogelberg, Joe Walsh & Barnstorm, Caribou Ranch, Dean Reed, Band Box Records, and Gary Stites.

The evening’s concert started amid the classic theater with the long flowing velvet curtains, golden accents that reflect a warm candle light feeling, and the seats were full with anticipation and fans. Freddi Gowdy introduced Chris Daniels who gave away credit to everyone else as per his usual humble self. He thanked G. Brown, and Chuck Morris, talked about Judy Collins’ music, and The Dips (Serendipity Singers) then mentioned, “I am so proud to be here with Bob Lind, I think many of us

lost our virginity listening to Bob Lind in the back of a Dodge Polaris.” The audience laughed with guilty knowledge. Chris did make a point of saying, “None of us stands here without the musicians we work with; no one stands up here alone. And I want to thank The Kings who have toured with me for 30 years. It was supposed to be a one night gig, so be careful of one night stands, they can last a lifetime.” (more laughs) The members of Magic Music deemed, “the first neo-hippie jam band” by G. came out on stage accompanied by Ernie Martinez, local phenom in his own right. Then for the second song The Kings hit the stage and they did the full horn rocking song ‘When The Sun Shines All the Time’. The crowd got into singing along and everyone on stage was having a grand time.

Bob Lind was the next inductee. He was introduced by Al Chapman, renowned Santa Fe Artist and former club owner of The Analyst, who gave many early Colorado Folk artists their start on stage.

Bob Lind was to be inducted, primarily for his song, ‘Elusive Butterfly’, a song over 200 artists have covered, including Eric Clapton, Cher, Aretha Franklin and so on. He is currently working as a writer, which showed in his poignant speech. He talked about living in a crummy apartment on Downing St. and being a musician living the strange hours that they do, and being generally inspired to write in twilight or dawn. He said sitting there as a young singer songwriter he had no idea where a song would take him. He also gave credit to the music business in general as being a place where you can be inducted into a hall of fame, but can get in your car and keep on going with your

career unlike most sports figures who end their careers in a hall of fame. He released a new album in 2012, Finding You Again, and played the song, Thunder of Good-bye, after a lovely acoustic version of Elusive Butterfly, the way it was conceived so many years ago.

Steve Farber introduced the Serendipity Singers. Five members of the group attended the concert. They did not perform as they were unable to rehearse. The performance was a collaboration of Paper Bird’s Esme, and Gen Patterson, along with Sar and Mark Anderson Plud Tyler Despres.

They performed two songs in the sweet Serendipity style.

Harry Tuft who was inducted in 2012, introduced Judy Collins. She was a graduate from East High School. In her interview with Kurt Montgomery of 9-News she said, “This kind of gathering celebrates the fact that some of us grew up here, and a lot of us have sung here for decades, and some of my fondest memories are of singing at Red Rocks, and the club I started at in Boulder in 1959, Michael’s Pub. It was very special to me.”

She played a full two hours accompanied by a piano, and she played guitar. Judy is now 74 years old and her distinct voice that marked a time with her characteristic operatic Folk style, was as strong and as it has ever been. She was stunning! The crowd sang, laughed, cried, remembered, and applauded.

Chris Daniels- The Groove That Holds the Whole Thing Together

By Torch

Torch@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

CMB: When you first heard about being inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, what went through your mind once you got over the initial “Yeah Hoo!” moment?

CD: It made me think about two things. First it made me think about the extent of my career and how lucky I am to have a career in the music business that has spanned 43 years.

The second one is my place in the pantheon of people who will be there, where will I fit in?

Where I fit in is as a really successful working musician, not a rock star, but a bandleader who made the most out of every opportunity to get to a larger audience.

CMB: What is the secret spice that has kept the band Chris Daniels & the Kings around and working for 30 years?

CD: It’s two basic things: Keeping the group of people you work with informed about what you’re doing. It is old-fashioned leadership skills. Ask them what do they want to do? Here’s our plan for the summer, does this seem good to you? And secondly, paying people as best as you can. You can’t always pay them great but as long as you pay them equally and evenly. If we play a gig that is $700 and there are seven of us, everyone gets a hundred bucks, that’s what keeps people around, honesty.

On the other hand what keeps our band together is that we have to reinvent ourselves.

We’ve never been plagued by having one hit that defined us as, “This song, this genre is who we have to be.” So we’ve been able to explore musically. If you go back and look at our 15 records and say choose one like In Your Face, it was basically heavy metal with horns.

Then turn to a record like Louis Louis - you’re listening to a record that was a tribute to Jump Blues and Swing. The Spark was very acoustic, very singer songwriter. We also did a collection of cover tunes called Stealing The Covers and it is all these fantastic, big horn band R&B tunes.

We’ve had the freedom to reinvent ourselves and I think our fans dig the variety.

CMB: What do you feel is the draw for your new fans as well as those that have been going to your shows for decades?

CD: It’s really funny - when we started out in Colorado years and years ago, there were no horn bands in Colorado, so we were breaking new, bold ground. We were looking back at Blood Sweat and Tears, Chicago, and especially looking back at a Stacks Records group Booker T and the MG’s that backed Otis Redding, and all of these amazing people. Now

there are probably 15 maybe 18 horn bands, and still new fans come around and say, “I’ve never heard your music, I really love it!” Which I kind of have to laugh after playing for 30 years, but when a new fan comes and says something after a show like, “It’s amazing you guys play real horns, it’s not synthesizers!” That’s what they like about us.

CMB: In looking at how your career evolving from the Folk style jam band of Magic Music to the Rock and Roll Rhythm and Blues of Chris Daniels & The Kings, how and why did that transition occur?

CD: Well, this is a short answer to a very long story. With Magic Music I was a teenager and then in my 20’s, it was a time period, it was a communal band. We all lived on a commune together. We played music living together living in the same house the way 20 year olds do. At the end of that six-year run I didn’t know anything about music. I didn’t have any formal training, could barely read written music, and knew very little about theory and all that. I had just been an ear player, and I wanted to learn more. My uncle David Daniels whom I really respected said, “You need to learn, you need to go to school.” He was a famous actor on Broadway, and more importantly he was right. I agreed, so I went back to school, and I did four years of college in three years and graduated cum laude. Then I returned to Colorado. When I came back I embraced the electric guitar. I started to look at great electric guitar players who played rhythm guitar. Rhythm guitar is a whole intricate skill in and of itself, it is different the lead guitar player who is out there with the flash and all the attention. Great rhythm guitar players are like Jimmy Nolan who played with James Brown’s band. And if you listen to it, he is the groove. He makes the whole groove happen. Bob Weir with the Grateful Dead is one of the best rhythm guitar players in the world. This was what I decided I wanted to explore, so I worked with the band Spoons and I toured with Russell Smith. At the same time I was still developing as an acoustic guitar player. New Grass Revival was backing me at Telluride Bluegrass, and at the end of the night I put down my acoustic guitar, and I started the After Hour Jams (now the Nightgrass Concerts) where we all pulled out our electric instruments including Bela’s first electric banjo. It was so much fun that I held on to my yellow Fender Stratocaster and really got into developing that rhythm guitar skill and then added horns in 1984. When I was sick and in the hospital and couldn’t play, that was the thing my band noticed. They said they were struggling to start and stop songs without my cues, because my guitar playing was the groove that held the whole thing together.

CMB: Being such an incredible bandleader, and front man for the band, is that a natural

talent or something key you learned along the way?

CD: (Laughing) No, that’s a great question. No, I didn’t really know how to be a bandleader. I just wanted to play music and I knew if I didn’t step up, nobody else would. So, I sort of jumped into the position. I’ve never considered myself to be a great singer, though a lot of people tell me that I have a great voice. I don’t have a voice that sounds like anybody else’s. I can list up to five different new bands right now and it is very hard to tell the difference because the singers all sound the same. But I have a weird voice you know. Look at Eddie Vedder, he never sings a consonant and you can’t tell what he’s singing. I’m the opposite ... hard consonants.

I have a very different kind of voice, and part of it was discovering what that voice was - and part of it was getting confident in it. A movie called The Last Waltz did that for me. I was an unconfident singer until I saw Rick Danko sing “Stage Fright.” I saw that and thought if he can do that I can. It was from singing that I started developing a presence on stage, and now it’s a whole creature that comes out.

Randy Newman had a great line, “It takes a whole lot of medicine for me to pretend that I am somebody else.” That’s the thing, all of a sudden you are somebody else, I have a person that lives inside of me that walks on stage and says “Hey Everybody” and you know you’re going to have a show. I stole my line from Sam Bush, “Howdy music lovers!” because that’s who they are. They are people who left their computers, and their twitter, and all of their crap and Facebook at home, and they came out to hear live music. What magic is that! So that’s what I do, I address them and say “Hey music lovers” and there’s this whole persona that comes out, I dread the day if it doesn’t because I’d be back to being scared as shit.

CMB: You’re kind enough during your music performances to make sure everybody gets a chance to shine, and you also have a conversation with your audience as opposed to the band playing a list of songs to the audience. How do you make that happen?

CD: I’ve been criticized for it. Somebody gave me a lot of grief about introducing the solos.

The reason I do that is that these aren’t my background players. There’s an old joke about what’s the difference between Lawrence Welk and a Moose? With Lawrence Welk the asshole is in front and the horns are in the back. (giggle) I didn’t ever want to be that, I never wanted to be that star guy that everybody is focused on; it’s a group effort. The Rolling Stones are probably the way I look at it. Every single one of those people is a huge individual, yeah Mick prances around and there ain’t no other Mick, but Keith Richards, Charlie Watts all those guys are just as much a part of The Stones. For our band, not everybody knows that’s Bones Jones playing lead guitar, and I want them to

know - and that he played with the great Albert King. When I introduce him his fans light up, it’s like YEAH!! And Doody ( Darryl Abrahamson) or Randy (Amens) or Bro (Kevin Lege) (who’s been with the band 25 years) have their own fans, and they’re the same way.

CMB: You also take your time to interact with the crowd, talk to them, engage them and most bands don’t know how to do that one key element. How did you figure that out?

CD: Weirdly enough that came out of American history, and my Master’s Degree. I studied music history and I understood where those songs came from. Rather than saying, “This was a song I wrote about when I was…” which is pretty boring stuff, what I realized was there was a story there. Sometimes it can be one sentence long, it can be, “I am going to take you back to 1938 when this was Rock and Roll!” and then play our version of “In the Mood.”

It’s like teeing up the ball in golf, you’re setting up this thing and if you do it well and with intent it gives the audience a wonderful sense of cool understanding. They start to see there is something behind the songs other than just a bunch of musicians on stage. When I do it wrong I get, “Oh shut up and play.” (laughing) It’s a balance, it’s a fine line and I never get it totally right.

What I try to do every night when I am on stage is I try to do something a little bit better, sing a note better, do a solo better, tell a story better, do a segue better, and that’s my goal.

CMB: Some things seem to be coming full circle with you’re being inducted into The Colorado Music Hall of Fame and being inducted with Folk Music. Can you share a bit about the Magic Music project you are doing now?

CD: In 2011 we did a Magic Music reunion at Swallow Hill and afterward I said, “Come on, let’s all go into the studio, we’re all sitting here in Colorado.” So we went to Coupe Studios and started recording. We recorded what eventually became 15 tracks. I live in and out of studios, they’re not problematic for me, but for a group of musicians that aren’t used to current studio technology, it was a tough start. We got some tracks that day and then I recorded the rest of the album’s rhythm tracks to a click so the rhythm was solid. I did all my banjo, mandolin and vocal parts and I sent them out to the other guys in Magic Music on the East coast. I said put in your parts and send them back. They said, “No, now it’s our turn to play around.” Tim Goodman started producing this record and he was with Southern Pacific and signed to Columbia Records for his own solo record. He’s a really good producer. So, he laughed and said he was going to work on all the parts. He has pushed us hard, and we’ve all stepped up.

It’s turned into the first multi track Magic Music record. Everything we had from back in those days was all two-track. What is so exciting for me is that I am back to playing banjo, back to

playing mandolin, back to some songs that I loved that were epics, there are 12 minute long songs about a Cossacks in Russia. It sounds a little strange but it’s actually pretty amazing.

It’s kind of like Pink Floyd’s The Wall but it’s done acoustically. It’s exciting to see this project develop, and it should come out next year. I imagine we’ll even perform it a bunch of times, and we are all looking forward to trying out on stage again.

It’s great to go back to the acoustic stuff, it’s kind of what I started with “Better Days.” My son Cedar wanted me to do an acoustic record before I croaked, and that was what started the “Better Days” project and album.

CMB: You have another project in the works as well that is about to go to the studio.

CD: Yeah with Freddi Gowdy from the old Freddi Henchi Band. Freddi has one of my favorite voices; he is a true Soul singer. If you listen to the great Soul music of the mid to late 60’s of the Otis Reddings, the Wilson Pickets, the Johnny Taylors, (one of my favorites), it’s really amazing stuff. Recently people have rediscovered it. It was kind of led by a tragic figure, Amy Winehouse, but there’s a whole lot of others who have come along, most recently a wonderfully dweeby looking guy named Alan Stone who writes these great songs and he’s really singing this great Funk, Soul music. I’ve just always wanted to drill down on that, and now with Freddi’s voice and my voice kind of doing a Sam and Dave thing. I am hoping to get into the studio this winter where we can put a lot of that together.

CMB: Do you have anything to say about or to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame?

CD: Well God, it’s an amazing honor to be inducted into a place where Dan Fogleberg, and The Lumineers, Hot Rize, Dianne Reeves, and Ron Miles will be. All of these icons, of course Hazel Miller, Big Head Todd, Firefall, those folks will be in that Hall of Fame too, and to be included in that remarkable ring of talent, Wow! What can I say? The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is just getting started; they finally have a permanent home for it. A lot of states do this. Louisiana has got an amazing music hall of fame. Colorado has this incredible heritage of music, and I really credit G. Brown, and Chuck Morris and all of those folks with thinking, “Let’s not call it the Rock Hall of Fame, or the Red Rocks Hall of Fame,” but they called it, “ The Colorado MUSIC Hall of Fame.” It means a multi-Grammy winner like Diane Reeves - who lives over in Park Hill and is probably one of the best Jazz singers ever to grace the planet will be there with Harry Tuft.

This gives us a place to be recognized, and be there for future generations to go, ”Wow I wonder what Chris Daniels music was like?” and they can hop on i-tunes or whatever the i-tunes of 2075 is and they can go, “Whoa horn band music, I wonder if we can find a saxophone in 2075? Nobody’s doing that.” I think it’s a pretty cool concept.

CMB: Do you have any last words?

CD: Oh boy, last words, I try and avoid that. (laughs) Yeah, I want to say something to the Music Buzz. The Music Buzz has been kind enough to let me do a column for the last couple of years called “The Manager’s Corner” and I have to say a huge thanks because I’ve received a lot of great comments from young musicians who were inspired and helped by what I’ve written. They’ve said, “Hey thanks for writing about this issue…” I write about what’s happening with the music business - what I teach at CU Denver. The Music Buzz has givig me an outlet to write about the controversial stuff that’s going on in the music business as well as the good stuff, so truly, “Thanks Music Buzz for letting me get the column out there!”

CMB: Chris Daniels is an obvious choice for the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. He has dedicated his life to music as a player, student, teacher, advocate, mentor, and friend. His phone rings constantly friends playing him songs over the phone, people booking the band, students needing more time or mercy. His phone was ringing with somebody asking him to play for a cause, or borrowing bits of his PA system. He did his best to accommodate everyone. His old dog Sonya was snoring at his feet the whole time we were talking. For a man who is so highly educated, and accomplished, he is incredibly down to earth in his Levi’s, old flannel jacket, and fedora.

Congratulations Chris!

something new to offer your fans- a party atmosphere where they can get out of town and let loose without having to worry about driving, and can even get a hotel room if they are so inclined.

CMB provides entrants with all of the marketing materials and info they need to make themselves successful. Everything from photos for Facebook to press releases and tickets is easily accessible. Artists have the opportunity to network with radio personalities, videographers and photographers, press, and anyone else who happens to be at their show.

If Your Band is Participating in a Battle of the Bands, Look at it Objectively: What Are You Really Getting Out of It? editor@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Battle of the Bands competitions ring a familiar bell for many musicians, and often times the negative memories can out-number the positive. Most who enter will lose, despite the fact that most who enter feel that their band, or them themselves, have something going for them that none of the other acts do.

Artists often walk away disappointed from these competitions, but if you were wise enough to enter one that was put on by a respectable party (in Denver, our Bandwagon competitions, or Best of the West at Herman’s Hideaway are perhaps the two most well known, and there are a few others that take place throughout the year) your act has a lot more to gain from the comp than just a win or loss.

There are good and bad ways of going about putting on a battle of the bands. There are some “companies” such as Gorilla Music Productions that are notorious in musician circles for hosting “pay-to-play” events- often times at thesecompetitions artists are required artist to pre-sell a set amount of tickets to even be allowed onstage. The money from the tickets (or even out of band members pockets, in some extreme cases) is turned in to the promoter and the artists receive little or no compensation.

The “winner” is solely determined by who sells the most tickets and the prize generally fails to step above trophy status- a bong, a bar tab, or a few sets of guitar strings. Ask anyone who has participated in an event like this what their thoughts are, and their answer will likely be filled with anger and a general sense that they were completely taken advantage of.

Now, I know it sounds like we are just tooting our own horn, and we are, but we can back it up- our contest is attended (and in the later rounds judged) by music professionals from all over the city. We promote the hell out of it, your band gets a lot of name repetition, and this year we are offering a feature article to all acts that make it past the first round (which are half of the entries). The Central City location provides

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Additionally, if you play your cards right, you leave the comp with a ton of new contacts consisting of both bands and industry people. The artists who take full advantage of the resources provided come out on top inside the competition and afterwards. Here are what our first and second place winners from 2013’s Bandwagon 4, Qbala Music and The Driftin Suns, had to say about what they gained from the competition in addition to their prize money.

“The networking opportunities have been phenomenal,” says Qbala. “Since winning we have focused on that within the music industry.

It has allowed us to play more shows throughout Colorado as well as gain more friends and fans through live performances. The money comes and goes, but to us it was about the fans and doing something we love.”

We talked with The Driftin Suns in depth about their experiences with promoting the shows in Central City the competition itself. The guys, knowing that the competition was an hour away and in the mountains, decided that they had to go all-in to get the most out of it. They bought a couple hotel rooms at the casino, allowing their fans a place to crash if they over indulged or just plain didn’t want to drive back late at night. They also took full advantage of the bus system, effectively taking the need to drive up and back out of the scenario.

Being accessible is a big key as well, as bands need their fans’ support in the comp and the fans want to feel like they are a part of it too.

“We saw Bandwagon 4 as a really big deal,” says Driftin Suns bassist Garret Curtiss. “I think Bandwagon 4 was a huge notifier that Driftin Suns, we’re not the band that plays on stage and then goes and hides somewhere.

We’ll talk to fans before and after the show. We don’t run off and do our own thing.”

“We learned how to tighten up our scheduling,” says Driftin Suns manager Angela Kerr. “And we really saw the teamwork of the Colorado Music Buzz and how they were so willing to help bands.”

“It’s easy to convince yourself that this person would never want to come watch,” says Driftin Suns guitarist Adam Curtiss. “Some people I’ve known for years wouldn’t come but random strangers I talked to at work were like ‘Yeah!’”

“That’s kind of your drawback, it’s a long way away,” says Garret Curtis. “ “Everything about it took us out of our element and we had to play a bigger show, practice more, play better, etc.,” says drummer Jaydon Kershner. “Every step of the way it was a confidence building experience. We had to grab our balls and give it hell. Maybe we did it

the first time but can we do it the second time, the third time?”

The guys changed their set for each of the three rounds. “We took a risk on the second one so that if we did get into the third one we’d have an explosive set,” says front man Kristian Kerr.

Driftin Suns got to learn first-hand how loyal and dedicated their fan base is, and took full advantage of the opportunity to bond with them.

“They were so invested they wanted to see us win first, and they were more disappointed than we were that we got second,” says Garret Curtis.

There are definitely some things bands should avoid when entering a large competition like this. “Avoid going in with a negative attitude like they’re better than the other bands,” says Kristian Kerr. “Go in professionally. If you didn’t win, it’s not because of your talent really, it’s because you didn’t promote.”

“Avoid not approaching it as a business,” says

Featuring Members of The Subdudes and Pura Fe Trio, Young Ancients Look to Make Name in FoCo and Beyond

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

In the music world, the word ‘incestuous’ is more of a good thing than bad, and is used frequently to describe the scene here in Colorado. Young Ancients, a new super group from Fort Collins, fits the term perfectlyJohn Magnie and Steve Amedee of internationallyacclaimed The Subdudes, and Cary Morin of The Atoll and The Pura Fe Trio have come together to slide a new tile into the context of Colorado blues.

All three of the guys have musical roots around the country, but have been settled in Fort Collins since the late eighties. “Me and Steve moved up to Fort Collins in 1987 with The Subdudes from New Orleans,” says Magnie. “Cary was either there right then or very soon. We’ve played music together and known each other for a long, long time but this is the first time we’ve banded up together.”

Things came together quickly and efficiently for the group, and they began arranging songs in a manner that they liked almost immediately. “It was a whim of fancy, of John, to get together,” says Amedee. “We started working on some tunes, mostly Cary had a bunch of tunes he had written, and we had this great instant chemistry.”

The band is making the rounds up in Northern Colorado, having already hit Avogadro’s Number, Oskar Blues Brewery, The Blind

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Adam Curtiss. “And go into the crowd. Avoid just packing up your gear and just waiting around to see who won.”

“I think our best outcome from Bandwagon 4 came from our networking abilities and not our placement. I feel that we could have placed 30th and still gone to just as many shows and networked and made as many connections as we did,” says Garret Curtiss.

The overall feel? “We got so much more out of that than a place or some money,” says Adam Curtiss. Not bad for a band that had only been together for six months prior to the start of the competition.

Colorado Music Buzz looks forward to seeing YOUR band up in Central City come February!

Register online at coloradomusicbuzz.com and get your fans, friends, and family members to vote you into the competition! \ Online: coloradomusicbuzz.com Pig, and other spots with The Swing Station in Fort Collins coming up on December 14. They will also be gigging down in New Orleans and Austin in February, with plans to hit it hard in the spring and beyond back here in Colorado.

As far as an album, the guys have been putting down what they write as it comes and hope to have a recording for their fans as early as March.

They have been taking care of the recording themselves, in Amedee’s Knucklehead Studio in his home.

Stylistically, Young Ancients are a step beyond what the members have done in the past.

Morin brings a fingerguitar style to the band to complement the blues and Americana approach, and Magnie and Amedee are pushing the envelope on their own talents and approachingthisband from a new angle.

“We’re always trying to make something new,” says Amedee.

“These guys are artists here, and they are always pushing the envelope. As far as percussion, I’m always trying to look for different ways to make it happen. The feel is totally different with what we’re doing now. I’m not going to play the tambourine like I was in The Subdudes.”

“Steve and I love to do harmonies and be a rhythm section too,” says Magnie. “That’s why it works really good with Cary, because he is writing and singing and playing great stuff, and we can implement that and make it work together.”

“I’m excited to play this whole new set of music that just sprang up in the last few months,” says Amedee. “As a musician, you always love to have something new.”

Online: reverbnation.com/youngancients

Between The Covers: Stuck to the Bus with 30 Seconds to Mars

by Torch

Torch@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

The show was 30 Seconds to Mars and the buzz around the office was all about the lead singer, Gerod, Jerret, Garret something like that. I don’t know who he is, so I have had a string of employees come up to me saying, “He was in Fight Club, he got beat up.”

Well that was pretty non- specific, just about everyone got beat up in Fight Club.

“He was also in My So Called Life, the TV series!”

Sorry, I’ve never seen it. This continued on throughout the day as most everyone was swooning and acting like I am an idiot for not knowing who he was. I’ve learned by now, after the Dave Navarro mishap, to look up the band on the internet before the show so I could recognize them, and thus not Lucy my way into unemployment.

freaks me out, wondering what the hell we are all breathing. It occurred to me that now that smoking is banned from indoor events, that new fangled smoke must be created to lend to the ambiance of seedy nightlife and for their laser shows to really have the desired effect. Hum, tap tap tap where is the band?

30 Seconds my ass!

The show starts with the bass rumbling the old rafters and cheers of thousands rushes through the air vents. The energy is tangible with that much excitement expelled in a moment. The main act rolls into the parking lot, and a few choice words are exchanged as they do a quick fix set up for a late meet and greet. Most artists don’t like to do this at the end of the show as they are tired, need a shower, water, and want to get the hell out of there. The venue doesn’t like it either as they have to keep the security, fire, and medical staff there longer which equals more money, but that will all be worked out at the end of the night during settlement.

Back upstairs the phone rang, it was the band’s bus driver. I passed the call to the General Manager and hear him growl, “Well that’s just great!” He stomped out of his office and announced to the production manager, “They’re still on the fucking freeway, stuck around Alameda and I-25! The fucking tour manager is completely worthless!” This was true, it is the tour manager’s job to make sure they arrive on time. The bus wasn’t far but it was rush hour. The back stage back black comedy struggle to make everything run smoothly for the venue and the fans is common when dealing with the touring world.

“Hey Boss, the meet and greet should have started over a half hour ago, what are we going to tell those kids?” I tentatively inquired.

“The band is going to have to figure that out, we just need them to clear out and wait for the doors.”

I didn’t say anything more, but it pisses me off when bands don’t show up for their fans. Have they forgotten how hard it is for a teenager to come up with a couple of hundred dollars just to have a photo taken with a star? The meet and greet kids were herded back outside; a few in tears, as they were told the photos were to be rescheduled for after the show.

The smoke machines were overly tested as the venue looked like London on a cold night. It always

I kept thinking ‘crap that’s the talent!’ I am not going to screw up tonight; I am not going to screw up tonight. There was a van parked up against the front

Abandin Pictures Drop Full Length, Look to Touring

Okaaay, looking on line, his name is Jared Leto.

Cute. No, I don’t remember him from any of his films but that doesn’t surprise me from my non-stick brain.

I played a few seconds of some of the band’s songs on YouTube; yes they sounded vaguely familiar.

Alright, I will pop downstairs during sound check and take a quick look for myself and then be done. The first band did sound check; this seemed a bit odd as usually the headliner goes first.

The line around the venue started early, mostly teenage girls, dressed in half punk half gothic garb (there is probably some new fashion term for it but I refer to it as what it is, teen-aged angst). They were all twitter pated over seeing JARED (pant, pant)…

Many of them paid an extra few hundred bucks for a meet and greet with the band. That’s where they get to stand next to their beloved band member and have a photo taken. The industry term for this is a lap dance; stand there and smile with your arm around a complete stranger and click, next. I made an attempt to go from the office up stairs, to the ladies room in the venue and had to wade through the giggling girls waiting for the meet and greet. Hum, it should have started by now. Come to think of it the band should have been here hours ago for sound check.

wiped away with the fact that the steamy Leto was still shirtless, and that led to the thought, “If I had the time I’d like you to slap me on the ass like a stand-up bass.” Instead I blurted out “Good show, sorry it was so hot,” as I looked for an escape around the busses that were packed in tight. He thanked me in an awkward moment. I obviously worked there, hauling my lunch and work laminates dangling. It was a good thing I didn’t bash his face in with the door that would have cost the company a butt-load of cash. He went on with his conversation with one of the tour guys about how he felt his voice wasn’t so strong that night. I didn’t stop to tell him it was probably due to the altitude. I was bustling around them, back and forth in need of an escape. I kept trying to find a way out before the boss saw me talking to the talent. I do also realize that I looked like a lunatic in my John Lennon blue eyeglasses, teal silk jacket, long hair flowing all over and arms loaded with bags and keys clanging from my pinky.

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Denver has a major crush on Indie rock. This is made blatantly evident by the plethora of alternative bands all over the city making big names for themselves and consistently dropping solid recordings, with the hub of the live action undoubtedly being the Hi-Dive, smack dab in the middle of the south Broadway bar district. The scene is constantly evolving, with the players at the core expanding out to other venues in the Mile High City and beyond and leaving room for the next fresh and talented act to come up.

30 Seconds to Mars hits the stage to a roar! I leave my desk for a moment and go for a peek. Jared is shirtless, running around the stage waving a flag.

The band is playing but there is a notable track of music playing along with them, in my world that is cheating but most big acts do it. The smoke is thick, and the lasers are doing their dance. After about half of a song I go back to my desk. A good thirty minuets into the set the stage manager comes up and tells us Jared is hot, can we please turn on the vents. The GM said ‘sure’ to the manager, and explained how it will draw out the smoke for your lasers but that was okay with the band. Well the air was turned on and yes it was bloody hot in there. The fans were dancing and singing along with the band the whole show.

Overall the band was pretty good by my standards, not great as they are using a back up track, and they seem to lack originality. But remember I am nobody important, just an observer.

I do feel I am missing something here as one of the women I work with came up stairs giggling and flushed, chanting “Jared looked at me! This is better than any Christmas or my birthday!”

I busied myself with putting the bills together for the night. It was rounding the ten o’clock hour when I finished and the band finished too. My boss started shoving me out the door so I wouldn’t run into the band. I forgot to clock out. He followed me assuring my escape without incident with the band, as he is often the Ricky to my Lucy.

I scurried through the kitchen with my purse in one hand, lunch bag and laptop in the other. I grabbed my keys from security telling her how, “I need to get out before the talent!” Arms loaded I gave the door a half kick and stepped right into Jared Leto. We both stood in shock for a moment as I almost knocked out his teeth with the door. I looked into his blue eyes and sweaty face, that moment millions of women would kill for and the first thing I thought was “Oh God, don’t let my boss see me!” That was quickly

Abandin Pictures, a group of five guys who are right in the middle of the action, are looking to take that next step and kicking it into high gear with a record release show at the Larimer Lounge on New Year’s Eve. The band played their first show at the Larimer back in the fall of 2011.

“It’s very much like a story, a lot of our songs,” says Connor Birch. “I feel like our set is too. There are a lot of peaks and valleys, high points and low points. All of it is rooted in intertwining harmonies, and laid on top of that is the super solid foundation of bassist (Emerson Murphy) and drummer (Nick Berlin)’s drums.” The drum kit includes an electronic octo-pad, and the overall feel of their music has a bit of a shoegaze finish.

“We definitely have a harder set groove than a lot of indie rock,” says Noah Pfaff.

The record is intended to flow smoothly from start to finish, making for a consistent listen. “Probably six months ago, we were like ‘How do we make this a cohesive thing, how do we create interludes that will create movements in the album as an entire thing,’” says Birch. “It was really a goal of ours to not just have a collection of songs, and find ways the blend them all together.”

The release on New Year’s Eve is going to be an allout party. South of France and Kinky Fingers will be kicking things off and getting the stage warmed up for Abandin Pictures. “There are so many jam bands happening, but I feel like this is one of the only events for indie rock for New Year’s,” says Birch. Tickets are $10 and include a complimentary champagne toast.

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

of the band bus, so I figured it was my only way out, swinging one leg over the front I ended up straddling the bumper of the van, back to the bus and tried to slide out. My lovely Chinese jacket with the knot and tie buttons got caught in the grill of the bus. I was stuck, stuck to the tour bus like some unfortunate moth, wriggling and flailing. Shit! The vision of me going on tour as grill road kill made me give up my struggle in futility and wonder where the next stop would be.

I heard the General Manager’s voice in my head telling everyone “Stay off the bus!! If you get on the bus, you are off the payroll!” I wondered if that included the grill.

I looked back over my shoulder at Jared and the roadie, and decided not to call out for help, my arms were full so I couldn’t undo it myself, I just waited there until a security guard came and unhooked me.

While waiting I read the multitude of bumper stickers on the van. After all the hype of the day I had to agree that yes, Jarod Leto, blue eyes, half dressed and all sweaty was not at all unpleasant to look at.

An all-out approach is being taken for the show and will include some eye-catching, never before seen props. “We’re going to have a pretty cools stage set up,” says Jake Supple. “It’s not going to be your average indie rock show.”

They have came to the consensus that it’s only healthy to play out in Denver approximately once a month, and intend to take this record into other markets and begin a touring regimen next year.

“We’re hoping to do our first tour, we haven’t done that yet,” says Pfaff. “After the album release, we should be fiscally able to do that. That’s our main goal, we really want to tour and get our music out there, if it’s just a Colorado tour.”

Abandin Pictures is also just finishing up a Kickstarter campaign to help with that aspect of their goals, and to help with physical entities such as cd’s and merch.

The band did most of the recording at Coop Studio in Boulder, with the rest of the tracking and production work being done at various locations around town. The guys are eager to get the music out into the grabbing hands of their eager and growing fan base.

They corralled me into their vehicle in the Illegal Pete’s parking lot to get a listen at the tunes, and I won’t lie, I was impressed. Very ambient and melodic, with guitar lines and drum looping that demand constant attention, while never letting go of the true “rock n roll” factor that reels in an indie rock fan in the first place.

“We’re pushing a lot of physical sources, and we’re going to be pushing blogs really hard too,” says Connor Birch. The record will be available at nearly all of the online outlets and cd’s and twelve in vinyl will be available for physical purchase. “Hopefully we’ll be able to get all the independent records around here to sell it for us.”

2014 looks to be a productive year for the group and they are excited to see the rewards of their hard work. “I think if people take the time out of their day to check us out, they will be happy,” says Pfaff.

“When you listen to our music you can tell that we’ve put so much work into it.”

Be sure to catch a piece of their work at the New Year’s Eve Party at Larimer Lounge, and check the band out online.

Online: abandinpictures

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The Manager’s Corner

by Chris Daniels

CDaniels@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

I’ve managed my own band since the 1980s and despite the amazing changes in technology, success in the music business is built around some tried and true elements: great music & performance, really hard work and timing (often mistaken for luck). The book I wrote for my UCD class on artist management is called “DIY: You’re Not in it Alone” and that is exactly what you need to understand … you have partners out there willing to help…and you should count on them.

According to new figures just released Universal owner Vivendi declared that their music division (record company) passed the 50:50 point from physical to digital products. While this is no shock to anybody who loves music and has been exploring it through Spotify, Youtube or even iTunes, this confirms that digital sales revenue represents 53.9% of Universal’s sale of recorded music, compared to 47.6% in 2012.

Why is this important for people who manage themselves or who help manage other bands?

Because it confirms a trend in the “broader market” that points to increased ‘internet delivery’ of the music we love.

What that means for the local musician recording a “CD” is that you better understand the realities of the economics behind putting out a product. Specifically, in previous columns I’ve written extensively about the importance of vinyl, about alternatives to just having a CD to sell at your gigs, like download cards, and on using the Break Even formula to calculate

whether you can sell enough on your tour or gigging schedule to cover your cost. But the physical product sales drop is not about to change - so what’s an artist to do when it comes to local sales as they get started?

First, it means keeping your recording costs low. The extremely soulful and talented songwriter Megan Burtt did just that with her great new album “In Good Company.” (In the interest of full disclosure here I was lucky enough to write one song and sing a duet with Megan on the record). But what made the project compelling as a business model is that Megan spent next to nothing making the album.

She was wonderfully creative in getting friends, studios and fellow musicians to donate time and talent. The record was part of a fundraising and awareness concert and association with the Love Hope Strength Foundation. (Again, full disclosure, I love this group because they come out to huge concerts and collect ‘cheek swabs’ for donor matches for bone marrow transplants and I am a Leukemia survivor that has a transplant from my sister that is the reason I’m alive).

This kind of thinking for a young artist is essential to making the release of a CD something more than just another disc on the stack at the local radio station that never gets played. This project had a STORY and was remarkably well thought out by Megan…and it’s a great record featuring some of the best new talent including SHEL, The Epilogues, The Congress and many more. And she lined up great sponsors including Immersive Studios, Larabar, Eyedea Worx and more.

at how many bands aren’t prepared to present themselves as a business and garner attention through easy to find marketing materials. Below are what we consider “standards” and a few other things to think about.

This has been around a while, but I thought I would share it with you all…LOL! 1. Never start a trio with a married couple.

2. Your manager’s not helping you. Fire him.

3. Before you sign a record deal, look up the word “recoupable” in the dictionary.

4. No one cares who you’ve opened for.

Musician 101 – Round 6

5. A string section does not make your songs sound any more “important”.

by the Swami

6. If your band has gone through more than 4 bass players, it’s time to break up.

What to do to take it to the next level Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Back in the 90’s when I had a developmental deal with Sony, I was privileged to have several great mentors.

Then the labels still had A/R departments and would look for talented artists to sign and then “train” to be a pro. For me, I was lucky enough to have such encounters. Here in this monthly column I will share with you not only the things I learned from “the big boys” but really from the school of hard knocks and the other school of figuring out what not to do.

Each month I will pick a different topic that I think truly makes the difference between amateur and professional.

You need to laugh too!

Being in the media industry for several years as the Publisher of Music Buzz magazine, I am often surprised

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7. When you talk on stage you are never funny.

8. If you sound like another band, don’t act like you’re unfamiliar with their music (“Oh, does Rage Against The Machine also do raprock with political lyrics?”)

9. Asking a crowd how they’re doing is just amplified small talk. Don’t do it.

10. Don’t say your video’s being played if it’s only on you tube.

11. When you sign to a major label, claim to have inked the best contract ever. Mention “artistic freedom” and “a guaranteed 3 record deal”.

12. When you get dropped insist that it was

And that is the point. Young DIY artists have got to face the facts that (a) they are GOING to make recordings and (b) they are facing a diminishing market for earning money from those recordings. Megan’s project is one of the best examples I’ve seen in the past year of dealing with those realities head-on – and turning the realities of the marketplace into a positive … her innovative approach is getting noticed in and of itself…it augments the fantastic music she recorded (OK I am biased but it’s a great record … but I’m not writing a review). From Amanda Palmer to Megan Burt artists are reinventing the way they get their “music out there” while dealing with the realities of diminishing revenue from sales.

So the question for you, (the artist driven to record music), is how will you deal with the realities of the marketplace? If you are thinking that the old “record it and sell it on iTunes” will bring you the repayment for your costs of recording, you are mistaken. What is often taught in colleges as ‘entrepreneurial thinking’ is becoming a standard requirement for success.

It’s not just the marketing approach you take. It starts with the funding, business concept and organization you put into the business side of the equation. These can be just as important as the music itself.

One final example: It’s the “Holiday Season” and there is a wealth of music hitting the stores and concert halls. You may have the best Holiday music on the planet - but if you don’t have a great business plan in place it may never get the attention it deserves. First, you need to start your recording no later than July…not necessarily the Christmas/Hanukah the worst contract ever and you asked to be let go.

13. Never name a song after your band.

14. Never name your band after a song.

15. When a drummer brings in his own songs and asks to perform one of them, begin looking for a new drummer IMMEDIATELY. : mad: ;) 16. Never enter a “battle of the bands” contest.

If you do you’re already a loser.

17. Learn to recognize scary word pairings: “rock opera”, “white rapper”, “blues jam”, “swing band” “open mike”, etc.

18. Drummers can take off their shirts or they can wear gloves, but not both.

19. Listen, either break it to your parents or we will; it’s rock ‘n’ roll, not a soccer game.

They’ve gotta stop coming to your shows.

20. It’s not a “showcase”. It’s a gig that doesn’t pay.

21. No one cares that you have a web site.

22. Getting a tattoo is like sewing platform shoes to your feet.

23. Don’t hire a publicist.

24. Playing in Huntsville and Conroe doesn’t mean you’re on tour.

25. Don’t join a cover band that plays Bush songs.

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

season. Second, you need to look at how you are going to get the biggest attention you can for the recording…one of the best ways is to affiliate with a charity. Third is to bring that altogether with a media sponsor to give it the push it needs. Jake Schroder, (Avalanche National Anthem singer and leader of the band Opie Gone Bad) wrote the book on how to do this with his series of “Opie Gone Christmas” records that featured a cast of remarkable stars like Diane Reeves and an affiliation with both Channel 9 (KUSA) and King Soopers for the Food Bank of The Rockies.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that the only successful way to get noticed for your recorded music is to affiliate with a charity, far from it. The point of my little rant on this subject is that both Megan and Jake began with the love of the music, and then backed that up with thinking that was every bit as innovative as the songs and the performances on the records.

And as hard as that seems, to really make the best use of a record release, you have to do the same thing, maximize your efforts by planning out your project, finding innovative ways to keep the costs low and the quality high and then come up with creative ways to affiliate with others to get the most traction in the market.

Sounds hard. And it is. But so were all those thousands of hours you put into learning to be a great songwriter, musician and/or singer. Nothing comes easy for the majority of musicians these days and you have to face the facts and deal with it creatively and with innovative plans and actions. But hey, this is Colorado and we are in the middle of a music explosion so we can do it!

26. Although they come in different styles and colors, electric guitars all sound the same.

Why do you keep changing them between songs?

27. Don’t stop your set to ask that beers be brought up. That’s what girlfriends are for.

28. If you use a smoke machine, your music stinks.

29. We can tell the difference between a professionally produced album cover and one you made with the iMac your mom got for Christmas.

30. Remember: if blues solos are so difficult, why can so many 16 year olds play them?

31. If you ever take a publicity photo, destroy it. You may never know where or when it will turn up.

32. Cut your hair, but do not shave your head.

33. Pierce your nose, but not your eyebrow.

34. Do not wear shorts onstage. Or a suit. Or a hat.

35. Rock oxymorons: “major label interest”, “demo deal”,” blues genius”, “$500 guarantee”, and “Fastball’s second hit”.

36. Three things that are never coming back: a) gongs, b) headbands, and c) playing slide guitar with a beer bottle.

Got a question or a topic to cover? Hit me up Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com - I am here to help!

Rhett Lee of Soiled Dove Underground

by Tim Wenger photo credit Kent Wilson

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Rhett Lee has put in his time in the music world. Currently, he holds it down as the Talent Buyer at the Soiled Dove Underground, which sits comfortably underneath The Tavern in Lowry. But he has certainly not spent all of his days in the “back of house” side of the business- he was the front man for prominent Denver act Ten Cent Redemption and has also rocked the stage with a handful of other bands over the years. Colorado Music Buzz hoists the Backyard Hero trophy in his honor this month and gives the word-hungry music fans in Denver a chance to get to know a little bit more about Rhett.

CMB: To kick it off, give us the scoop on how you got into music, and the road that led you to your current position.

RL: I started a band in high school in 1992 that evolved into Carolyn’s Mother in 1993. We had a successful regional run until we decided to call it quits in 2004. After that I started Ten Cent Redemption for a little change of scenery, but I ended up being drawn more towards booking for the (somewhat) more normal hours and more steady paycheck. I ran into Frank Schultz (owner of the Soiled Dove) at a party in the summer of 2006. He had just opened the new venue (Soiled Dove Underground) in Lowry and was looking for a talent buyer. The timing was right and after talking a few times, I was hired in November 2006.

CMB: What trends seem to be dominating the business in Denver right now?

RL: I think after you have a band reach national success, many bands tend to try to emulate what that band is doing. With the Lumineers blowing up in the last year, I’ve seen more bands trying a more acoustic-based folky thing.

CMB: Any future happenings in the works for Ten Cent Redemption or any other projects?

RL: Nothing in the works right now. Johnny and Tony from Ten Cent have a new band called Carmelita’s Lovers, and for their CD release party last January we got Ten Cent back together to play a few songs. This past August Carolyn’s Mother played a 20th anniversary reunion show to a sold out crowd at Herman’s.

It was great fun but no plans on “getting the band back together”.

CMB: What does it take to get into the Soiled Dove? What are you looking for, or maybe better yet, NOT looking for, in a group?

RL: We book a lot of world-class national acts at the Dove as well as a lot of the best

local acts. Ultimately, it comes down to putting butts in the seats. My favorite acts to work with are the ones that work hard to get people out whether they’re playing a 20-minute opening slot or headlining.

CMB: Any shows or groups that you are super stoked about heading into the new year?

RL: For NewYear’s Eve we have Colorado’s own Nina Storey (who lives in L.A. now). It’s always great to have her at the club! And then January 4 we have the legendary JD Souther who wrote many songs with the Eagles in addition to his successful solo career. DIshwalla is playing January 25 - excited for that one for sure. As for Denver bands, I’m really excited to see what The Yawpers do in 2014, and I’m ready for a new Thief River album. I’m keeping an eye on Dragondeer and Covenhoven as well.

CMB: What are some of the biggest obstacles you deal with at Soiled Dove in terms of putting together a successful show?

RL: Probably the biggest obstacle is being a destination venue. We don’t have a built in audience, so if the band doesn’t draw, they’ll

be playing to the bar staff and the sound guy.

That’s not good for anyone. I think the way we’ve overcome that is by providing a fantastic experience for bands and guests alike. The room is comfortable, classy and clean, and the sound is the best in town!

CMB: Do you feel that a record/distro/promo deal is a necessity for an up and coming artist these days?

RL: I don’t know that it’s a necessity, but it can definitely help a band gain a wider audience.

Though with the internet and the instant access it provides through social media, etc., it’s easier than ever for a band to get their name out on their own if they’re providing a solid product.

CMB: What else should people know about you?

RL: Chris Steele (Soiled Dove Underground’s sound engineer) is not my twin, or my brother.

We aren’t related in any manner.

CMB: Do you have any shout outs you’d like to give?

RL: Shout out to the Soiled Dove Underground staff, namely Chris Steele for making the shows sound so great and Jake Ruybal for making the shows look so great!

CMB: Where do you eat after a show?

RL: Why wait until after the show? We’ve got great food at the Dove provided by the Tavern Lowry upstairs!

Online: soileddove.com

December 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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Thu Dec 5 Radical Action w/Blind Strike, Maddy Ellwanger, Honeytree Whiskey, Imaginary Points @The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location Souls In Action Presents EPROM, GRENIER, SONKIN, ISHE @ Larimer Lounge Analog Future Tour 2013 : Pretty Lights w/Mikey Thunder @ Ogden Theatre MINNESOTA @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO Fri Dec 6 Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts w/Kevin Russell (former guitarist of Whitesnake), The Humbuckers, El Problemo, Pulse @ Herman’s Hideaway 6th Annual HomeVibe for The Holidays Concert! w/ NAVY, Kevin Mileski, Dave Tamkin, Derek Luttrell, Dave Preston, Rob Drabkin @ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location Trevor Hall / NAHKO (Solo) w/Cas Haley @ Bluebird Theater THE WOOD BROTHERS @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO Steve Selinsky @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location

Strong Survive Promotionz Proudly Presents G-Mo Skee w/ Reversal Of The Norm, Shaw Monsta, MHTS, and More!@ The Roxy Theatre Sun Dec 8 The Unlikely Candidates w/Medic, Get Along @The Marquis Theatre Strong Survive Promotionz Proudly Presents Mayday @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins , CO SUICIDAL TENDENCIES @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO Mon Dec 9 Twist & Shout Presents MIDLAKE w/SARAH JAFFE @ Larimer Lounge Tue Dec 10 Presented By: Channel 93.3 Low Dough Show This Century also featuring… Nick Santino & The Northern Wild w/Taking Canyon, Kimi Most @ The Marquis Theatre Radio 1190 Presents CASCADE KINZIE w/SHANE MCCORMICK , TMRB , JEFF BRINKMAN @ Larimer Lounge Wed Dec 11 Earphunk Music Presents: Daft Phunk w/ Vine Street Vibes @ Bluebird Theater

Phutureprimitive also featuring... Unlimited Gravity, Proper Motion, Patrick Lee @ Summit Music Hall

Johnny Richter (from Kottonmouth Kings) also featuring... Sozay, Prime Element, Rolphy, Weedkend Warriors @Moon Room at Summit Music Hall

Everlast also featuring… Big B w/Stephen Hashbarger (of Desciples) @The Marquis Theatre

106.7 KBPI Presents Wayne Static (Of Static-X) w/The Defiled, Madlife, Glass Delirium, Ghost of Ivy @ Gothic Theatre

DEAD ORCHIDS w/BOTTLE ROCKET SCIENCE, THE SOUND COLLAPSE, TAKE THE MICKEY @ Larimer Lounge

In The Beginning, Crow Agency, Skull Full of Blues, Two Man Blues Band @Herman’s Hideaway

Strong Survive Promotionz and IgotHope Entertainment Proudly Presents Devin The Dude w/Hunter, Weedkend Warriors, Mindstate, Hood Squad, Rare Revolution, Evident, Green House FX, Klassick, and More! @ The Roxy Theatre 97.3 KBCO Presents: moe. w/Magic Beans Ogden Theatre Sat Dec 7 Jimbo Darville & the Truckadours w/Babysitters (featuring Eric Allen of Apples In Stereo), Spider Kings @ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location 97.3 KBCO and KUNC Present The Wood Brothers w/Ben Sollee @ Gothic Theatre Captain Planet (90’s Covers) Tribute Night at Herman’s Hideaway! Pop Star Homicide (STP Tribute), My Own Summer (Deftones Tribute), Mr. Knowitall (Primus Tribute), Pipin’ Hot Ghost Peppers (RHCP Tribute), Tony Williams Presented By: Channel 93.3 The Dendrites Album Release Show w/12 Cents for Marvin, Pink Hawks, The Ruckus, Denver Vintage Reggae Society @ The Marquis Theatre

Radio 1190 Presents CATE LE BON w/ KEVIN MORBY (OF WOODS AND THE BABIES), FINGERS OF THE SUN @ Larimer Lounge Chanel West Coast also featuring... 40oz @ The Marquis Theatre Thu Dec 12 AutoNation Chevrolet & Treeline Present *Big Dogs Huge Paws Holiday Fundraiser* w/Archive Nights 2 Bit Prophet, The Next Arrival, La Madness, AdrienneO @ Herman’s Hideaway Alice 105.9 presents Alice In Winterland featuring… The Fray , ZZ Ward, A Great Big World @ Summit Music Hall 97.3 KBCO Holiday Concert Series Presents : The Head And The Heart w/ Ark Life – Second Show Added @ Ogden Theatre EARPHUNK PERFORMING AS DAFT PHUNK @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO The Burial Plot also featuring... The History of Hope @ The Marquis Theatre Larimer Lounge Presents BEES WITH GUNS (EP RELEASE PARTY) w/THE DRUNKEN CUDDLE , ROSSONIAN , INTUIT @ Larimer Lounge

Cirque de Bass: EOTO, Dirtyphonics, and Quixotic Fusion @ Fillmore Auditorium

A Benefit for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation : Alan Knight And Company w/Thief River, 3 Star Monday, Steve Selinsky @ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location

Presented By: Blackspy Mushroomhead also featuring... One Eyed Doll, ELETE @Summit Music Hall

Fri Dec 13 The White Panda w/Splyt Gothic Theatre

Sub.Mission Presents DJ MADD AUTHOR, SUBLIMINAL, CAUSTIK @ Larimer Lounge

Midknight Run w/Stellar Music Ent. ,LAMA Live, Conquer Everest, Who If Not Us, Delta Boi, Plot 38, A Travesty Prevented @ Herman’s Hideaway

97.3 KBCO Presents : moe. , w/Technicolor Tone Factory @ Ogden Theatre

Lettuce With Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Amerigo Gazaway @ Fillmore Auditorium

Joel Tromburg @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location

The Other Black also featuring... SF1, Soul Explosion, Albany@The Marquis Theatre

The Uncommon Cold @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location Twist & Shout and KGNU Present PATTERSON HOOD OF DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS (NIGHT ONE) w/T. HARDY MORRIS @ Larimer Lounge Souls In Action Presents : The Floozies / Manic Focus , Muzzy, KeepLove (Folk Step) @ Bluebird Theater DC Fallout also featuring... Falstaff, The Larimers, Pipe Wrench Fight@ Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Block Art ENT presents Irv Da Phenom & Block Art Ent @ The Roxy Theatre Sat Dec 14 CD Release Party - Something Underground ! w/Angie Stevens & The Beautiful Wreck, Dave Preston @ Bluebird Theater Danielle Ate the Sandwich w/Poet’s Row @ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location Denver Black Sky Dying Fetus, Ghoul, Exhumed, Skinless, Speedwolf, Power Trip, Mammoth Grinder, Call Of The Void, Reproacher, Weekend Nacho’s, Iron Reagan, Axeslasher, Primitive Man, Vimana, Of Feather And Bone, Native Daughters, Black Sleep Of Kali, Dead Temple, Flight Of Sleipnir @ Gothic Theatre No 1 Left Standing also featuring... LAMA LIVE, Y-Jay & Fame, NexKin, Averse to the End @The Marquis Theatre The Dub Police Tour : Dub Police, (Caspa, Trolley Snatcha, J Kenzo, Subscape)@ Ogden Theatre School Of Rock Denver Presents – Daytime Show Denver School Of Rock Fall/Winter Season Preview Show @ Herman’s Hideaway BEST OF THE WEST 5 PRELIM ~ Round #5 w/Stray Suns, Tyler Stanfield Band, Montana Tapwater, Another Mother, Sweet Ball Peen @ Herman’s Hideaway Twist & Shout and KGNU Present MiMOSA, Trinidad Jame$, Thriftworks @ Fillmore Auditorium PATTERSON HOOD OF DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS (NIGHT TWO) w/T. HARDY MORRIS@ Larimer Lounge Sandy Colfax @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location MANIC FOCUS & THE FLOOZIES @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder LSP, Slo Pain Recordz and The Roxy Theatre Proudly Presents Black X-Mas 2013 w/Scum, Insane Poetry, Troll, Dejangles, Dark Half, Smallz One, Diabolik, Luni Spade, Hex Rated, Luni Cydal, SSB, Kill The Carver, That Which Grows Within, B-Nasty, DBW, Hunter, 66nocid6, Kraziak @ The Roxy Theatre Sun Dec 15 My Jerusalem also featuring... Confluence, The Royal @ The Marquis Theatre Singer/Songwriter Showcase w/Megan Kelley, Vince Johnson, Stephan Hume, Lauren Gale, Diana Linger, Matthew Rossi, Jeremy Cline @ Herman’s Hideaway Mon Dec 16 KBPI Presents BEWARE OF DARKNESS, DISGRACE THE TRAITOR @ Larimer Lounge Tue Dec 17 Rabbl presents TRUTH AND SPECTACLE, STEAL.FIGHT.KILL, HOWL MOONSHINE HOWL, MULDOON @ Larimer Lounge Wed Dec 18 “THE GIVE-BACK SEASON” (Xmas Food/$$$/Toy Drive Concert) 6 O’ Clock w/ Subculture Icons, S.T.O.I.C., Jack Flash, aidUS & P Rose, Urbs & Payaso, ONENation Eternal @ Herman’s Hideaway Capsize also featuring... Anterroir, Impacts @ The Marquis Theatre Larimer Lounge Presents THE GRAND DÉPARTURE , TANGLE OF WISPS, JACOB RUSSO, JOHN STRELEC @ Larimer Lounge

We Still Dream also featuring... Giants at Large, The Coast Is Ours @ Moon Room at Summit Music Hall

Joel Tromburg @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location

Parker Millsap w/The Uncommon Cold @ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location

Sun Dec 22 TalkSiq Ent w/Rez the CornHustler, Dirty Bong Water, Draztik, Melody Monroe, Body Bag Sydikate, ScotFree, Cavern Dwellers, Saint Syko of Saint Hood, Overloaded, Wrecc, Shadow Of The Phoenix @Herman’s Hideaway

Thu Dec 19 Larimer Lounge Presents JEFF CORMACK (ALBUM RELEASE) w/JOHN RUNNELS, PATRICK DETHLEFS @ Larimer Lounge Will Hoge w/Red Wanting Blue @ Bluebird Theater “LIVER POOL” ~ Liver Transplant Benifit + comedy by: Jordan Doll, Mara Wiles, Kristin Rand & Chris C- 90’s Type Thing w/Jessa Raskin, Speaker Monster, Bobby Doran, The Faint Hearts @ Herman’s Hideaway Stars in Stereo @ The Marquis Theatre MAYHEM @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO Fri Dec 20 Hosted by OneRepublic Good Life Foundation : 3rd Annual Denver Acoustic Christmas: A CO Flood Relief Benefit @ Ogden Theatre Twist & Shout Presents THE KNEW w/THE OUTFIT, BUD BRONSON & THE GOOD TIMERS, AUTO SHOP RULES @ Larimer Lounge KBPI’s Locals Only XMAS Show featuring Lola Black’s Nightmare Before Xmas also featuring... Tattooed Strings, Flood of Souls, Inelements, Extreme Turbo Smash @ The Summit Music Hall Lotus Gait w/100 Shots, Scavenger, Parasite Core, No More Excuses @ the Gothic Theatre Hot Congress Records Showcase: featuring Princess Music w/The Blue Rider, Science Partner, Shady Elders @ Bluebird Theater The Epilogues also featuring... Wiredogs, We Like Monsters, Viretta @The Marquis Theatre BEST OF THE WEST 5 PRELIM ~ Round #6 w/We’s Us, Robert Harrison and the Outsiders, Matt Nasi Band, FIERCE BAD RABBIT, The Messers @ Herman’s Hideaway MR. ANONYMOUS CHRISTMAS PARTY @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder Adam Gardino @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location Lost Dog Ensemble (Tom Waits Tribute) w/Elin Palmer, Roger Green@ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location Sat Dec 21 97.3 KBCO and Twist & Shout Present - A Holiday Show Benefiting There With Care Zach Heckendorf w/ Hannah Samano @ Gothic Theatre Presented By: Channel 93.3 Random Hero also featuring... No Fair Fights, A Memory Down, The Conflict Between, We the Sheep @The Marquis Theatre Souls In Action Presents : MILKMAN@ Larimer Lounge Presented By KBPI Public Enemy @ Summit Music Hall Strong Survive Promotionz Proudly Presents Stevie Stone @ Hodi’s Half NoteFort Collins

Volumes also featuring... Make Way, Flagship, The Panoramic @ The Marquis Theatre

BROTHER ALI @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO Twist & Shout and Westword Present : The Sword w/ Helms Alee, Native Daughters @ Bluebird Theater Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine also featuring... Git Some, Joy Subtraction @ The Summit Music Hall

Mon Dec 23 LARIMER LOUNGE XMAS FESTIVUS (FREE BEFORE 9PM) w/OL HICKORY, CASEY JAMES PRESTWOOD AND THE BURNING ANGELS @ Larimer Lounge

New Years Eve & Album Release Party ABANDIN PICTURES (NEW YEARS EVE & ALBUM RELEASE PARTY) w/SOUTH OF FRANCE, THE KINKY FINGERS, BLOODHOUND @ Larimer Lounge

Thu Dec 26 97.3 KBCO, Twist & Shout and Westword Present : Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue w/Analog Sun @ Ogden Theatre

NEW YEAR’S EVE CD RELEASE PARTY WITH THE SAMPLES! The Samples (CD RELEASE PARTY!) w/The Fabulous Boogienauts, Snackcakes & Beer @Herman’s Hideaway

Fri Dec 27 Sunboy / Deerpeople, Swing Hero, The Wild After @ Bluebird Theater

New Years Eve w/ The Original Members Of Meniskus! w/seven7hwave, Vj DizyPixl @ The Walnut Room - Walnut Street Location

Channel 93.3 Presents Synthetic Elements / P-Nuckle w/Head Injuries, Outta Controllers, Straight Outta Luck @ Gothic Theatre

Thu Jan 2 Presented By: Channel 93.3 Caramel Carmela also featuring... Bleach Blonde, The Broadway, Rumours Follow, Anchorage, DJ Electrobliss @ The Marquis Theatre

BEST OF THE WEST 5 PRELIM ~ Round #7 w/The Blunt Instruments, We Were Cosmonauts, JohnnyOsi, Hobo Swagger, Carnie Bums @ Herman’s Hideaway Victory Heights also featuring... From Thin Air, Heavy Hearts, Defy You Stars @ Summit Music Hall

Larimer Lounge presents: SNUBLUCK, DAWN SAFARI, DALCO, PHONOreason, UTOPIAN VIBES @ Larimer Lounge

Larimer Lounge Presents : STEELE & COLFAX , BEAR ANTLER, VIVID FICTION @ Larimer Lounge

Fri Jan 3 Twist & Shout Presents Sleep w/Helen Money @ Gothic Theatre

97.3 KBCO, Twist & Shout and Westword Present : Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue w/The Congress @ Ogden Theatre

Anaya also featuring... Vespyra, Inoculate, Celestial Abomination @ Moon Room at Summit Music Hall

Sat Dec 28 Preston Creed @ The Walnut Room - Broadway Location Throttlebomb w/Cutthroat Drifters (EP Relesase), The Fabulous Boogienauts, Grace Period @ Bluebird Theater Umphrey’s McGee w/Cherub @ Fillmore Auditorium ForTheLoveofPunk.com Presents: Leftover Crack w/The Repercussions, Truckasaurus, Rotten Blue Menace @ The Gothic Theatre ETC! ETC! @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO Sun Dec 29 Larimer Lounge Presents: THE ROOMMATES, TAKING CANYON , RHEA HOVARTH , THE KING STAN BAND , AUTO SHOP RULES, FUZZYLEATHERBONE , SOOFY & THE WALRUS @ Larimer Lounge Umphrey’s McGee w/Dumpstaphunk, Joshua Redman @ Fillmore Auditorium Pristeen Events presents Snow Daze @ The Summit Music Hall

Sat Jan 4 Who’s Bad: A Tribute to Michael Jackson @ Ogden Theatre Vetta Star also featuring... Anthony Ruptak @ The Marquis Theatre Strong Survive Promotionz Do Or Die / Real Note Records, Da Krew Ent, and More! @ The Roxy Theatre Lyrical Snuff Productions and Dies Irae Entertainment Presents 970 Black New Years @ The Moxi, Greeley KRONEN @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder Sun Jan 5 Larimer Lounge Presents : MARIA TAYLOR @ Larimer Lounge Tue Jan 7 David Cook @ Bluebird Theater 106.7 KBPI Low-Dough: w/In This Moment, Butcher Babies, All Hail the Yeti, Devour the Day, Pop Evil @ Fillmore Auditorium

Mon Dec 30 Channel 93.3’s Throwback Lunch and Twist & Shout Present Reverend Horton Heat w/Old Man Markley, In The Whale @ Gothic Theatre

A CHRISTMAS ROCK & ROLL BLOWOUT with Amanda Capper and Friends: Angie Stevens & Susan Phelan, Kerry Pastine & The Crime Scene, Mr. Majestyk’s 8 Track Revival (And His Cavalcade of All-stars), Prison Bound @ Herman’s Hideaway

Twist & Shout and Westword Present : The Sword w/ Helms Alee and Tauntaun @ Bluebird Theater

Twist & Shout Presents : Railbenders w/Casey James Prestwood And The Burning Angels, Jamestown Revival @ Bluebird Theater

Tue Dec 31 97.3 KBCO Presents : The Oh Hellos, with A Boy and His Kite, Covenhoven @ Ogden Theatre

DJ SOMETHING BIG, SPECIAL GUESTS BECKS & WRIGHTEOUS & HARRIS COLE @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO

Channel 93.3’s Throwback Lunch and Twist & Shout Present Reverend Horton Heat w/Old Man Markley, Reno Divorce @ Gothic Theatre

Strong Survive Promotionz Presents Slaine of La Coka Nostra w/ Young Blood, Cannibust, Zodeak, and More! @ The Roxy Theatre

Umphrey’s McGee @ Fillmore Auditorium

BROTHER ALI @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder CO

Flobots @ The Marquis Theatre

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