Colorado Music Buzz Magazine Jan 2014

MANAGING PUBLISHERS Keith Schneider Keith@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com Christopher Murphy CMurphy@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com MANAGING EDITOR Tim Wenger 303-725-9359 TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEBSITE EDITOR Tim Wenger TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEBMASTER SwamiSez Web Design Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com SENIOR WRITERS Joel Center, John Christen, Chris Daniels Ryan Edwards, Angela Kerr, Michael Montgomery, Leah Parker, Swami, Torch Tim Wenger PHOTOGRAPHY Jenn Cohen, Ted Davis, Ralston Photo Ray Tollison

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.

Denver Music Professionals to Design Networking Forum – Presenting the Own it Music Master Mind Series

by Angela Kerr and Leah Parker

akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com cfi@msudenver.edu

Last month we let you know about the monthly networking events hosted in collaboration with CREATE MSU Denver, a virtual incubator for creative entrepreneurs on the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus. We took our first steps with local Colorado music professionals in December, holding two meetings: the first was an introduction to determine who in the marketplace would like to participate; the second was a think tank of motivated icons who are dedicated to bring an educational networking forum that is certain to elevate music careers in Denver.

As a collective, we shifted the Own It Music formats from a live webinar presentation to a video series which will allow for audience

by Tim Wenger

tour that was put together prior to their signing with Atomic. The first tour as an Atomic Music Group artist should see the band heading into and out of South By Southwest in March.

Crazy Denver rockers A Tom Collins have signed with Atomic Music Group (Reverend Horton Heat, In The Whale, Agent Orange, The Yawpers) to handle booking and representation.

A Tom Collins plans to record their second album in 2014 in between their time on the road. “I’m taking of January to see if I can write some more stuff,” says Collins. “We’ve got about half an album ready to go.

We’re hoping that we will start recording in April.”

A. Tom Collins Signs With Atomic Music Group TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Circumstances worked out well for the signing, which came out of the band being added on to a Reverend Horton Heat/Old Man Markley show down in Colorado Springs. “We did a radio interview down in Colorado Springs,” says front man Aaron Collins.

“We were scrambling around trying to find a show in December and they were going to help us promote it. We ended up opening for Reverend Horton Heat. Our stuff got sent to their management to approve the opener.

Their management called up and asked to represent us. They were really excited about the band.”

They will be heading to Europe in February, a

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The good fortune is welled deserved for the band, following a year that saw them spend more than three months on tour and continue to perform at well-respected Denver area festivals and clubs.

Collins and the band are very excited about 2014 and this new chapter with Atomic Music Group. “In music, obviously you have to be good to get ahead as a band,” says Collins.

“You’ve got to be lucky, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. The other thing is you’ve got to go out there and work.”

Online: atomcollins.com

interaction—a bonus, because musicians who attend can directly exchange with industry professionals. Both the recorded sessions, from 7-8 p.m., followed immediately by networking from 8-10 p.m., will give you the opportunity to share your experiences. Colorado Music Buzz will also provide live music at each networking event – so get ready to see some awesome entertainment as part of each session!

Who can you expect to weigh in for initial events to bring you a wealth of knowledge?

Our professionals include, but are not limited to: Keith Schneider and Chris Murphy, publishers of the Colorado Music Buzz Magazine (CMB), with Tim Wenger, editor of the CMB; Will Dupree, Production Manager of the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase; Tony Buffalo, Regional Manager from Guitar Center; Mike Blecha from Kinnon Entertainment; internationally renowned #1 hit recording artist Sarah Atereth; Kyle Christy from Drum City Guitarland; Ben Van Horne from Aureus Audio; Anthony Casale, Booking Agent for AEG Live’s Gothic, Ogden, Bluebird Theatres; Coop &

Non-Profit Record Label Rainless Records Kicks Off in Denver

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

In the true spirit of independent music, local music luminary and Indigenous Robot drummer Ryan Longenecker has turned his own self-started business Rainless Records into a registered non-profit organization. The object of the not-for-profit label is to put out compilations featuring local acts both physically and digitally, spreading them into the hands of as many eager music fans as possible.

“I turned my company into a non-profit in April of this year,” says Longenecker. “It is part of a parent company called RL Audio.”

Currently, the label has an active Indiegogo campaign to fund its first comp and spread the word of the artists. “We’re raising money to create a compilation album, there are thirteen artists that are helping to create the record label.”

“It all started from an idea I had last February and March when I went on tour,” Longenecker says. “I wanted to create a compilation album and help independent artists and the best way to do that is to be a non-profit.”

Longenecker, originally from Seattle, has a background in audio engineering after studying at CU Denver, and has had a passion for music and supporting independent artists for a long time. Creating a legit non-profit takes a lot of motivation in addition to a fair amount of work, and in a true demonstration of his anti-lethargio

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Steve Fraga from Smash Music Management; Michael Devine from Reality Rap Records; and Sarah Slaton from the Vinefield Agency. Each participant will bring their extensive background in music AND business--guaranteed toenlighten and challenge.

Expect the first session on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. The video session allows for 50 participants – make sure you are on time as the doors will close once filming begins. Then we will overflow to IPie, 2nd Floor of the Tivoli Student Union, where we can accommodate additional participants. This will be your opportunity to network with the movers and shakers of the Denver music scene. CREATE MSU Denver (www.CREATEmsudenver.edu) is located on the Auraria Campus at 890 Auraria Parkway, Suite 120. Get ready to experience the Own it Music Master Mind.

work habits Longenecker started loading up on research a couple years in advance. “Mostly this year,” he says, “but I’ve been doing it the last couple years after being out of college.

All the bands thought it was a great idea and wanted to hop onboard.”

Getting his label to where it’s current state was quite a process, from registering with the state to selecting and contacting the artists.

The organization will hopefully continue to grow to the point where it can solicit grants and provide tax write-offs to donors as a nationally recognized organization. “It’s very, very complicated,” says Longenecker. “We’re in the very beginning stages of getting it all developed right now. In Colorado, we’re registered as a non-profit, but we are not a 501 c-3, which is a federal non-profit.”

Donations to support the project and get the first compilation album underway can be made at the Rainless Records Indiegogo campaign, igg.me/at/RainlessRecords. Bands can find information on getting involved with the compilations at rainlessrecords.com. “The goal would be to release (a comp) every six to twelve months,” says Longenecker. “In the grand scheme of things that is a long stretch in the music business, but it’s really a doable situation to build that community. I started talking to the bands in July, and now it’s December and we’re still working towards the first one. I think once we get the kinks worked out on the first one it will be a much easier process.”

The goal of the project is to put 100 discs into the hands of each band for them to distribute to their fans for free. “It’s all going to be free to help build the community,” says Longenecker.

Online: rainlessrecords.com

Between The CoversThe Grey Bar Motel

2.

Don’t make your private parts public, it is illegal and not all that interesting.

3.

Don’t do drugs on stage/ in the venue/ in the parking lot.. duh!

Addendum: Don’t ask the crowd for drugs (forehead slap… seen that too)

4.

Don’t solicit sex from underage fans.

5.

Don’t incite a riot! (this is how people die who just wanted to see a show)

6.

Don’thitpeoplewithyourinstruments or mic stands or other various equipment. (this includes strangling band mates or fans with your guitar cords)

by Torch

Torch@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Preneur of the Month

Welcome to Buzzpreneur, the place to meet entrepreneurs who are kicking it up a notch in the Colorado Marketplace. This month we focus on Gennaro’s Café Italiano located at 2598 S. Broadway in Denver. The owners of the GSpot, as it is fondly referred, Tonya Tiscanni and Irene Herrera are fun loving but no nonsense chicks when it comes to business. Together with General Manager Christine Roddy, this dream team has taken an establishment with 60 years presence in the community and transformed it to a neighborhood classic.

With many improvements both internal and external including painting, lighting, building a patio and adding a mural the ladies have focused on enhancing curb appeal. And if you were wondering, Gennaro’s is correctly pronounced as Genehr-os according to Tonya, who states “that is how Leonard Gennaro pronounced it.”

I caught up with the ladies in December while their gift selection was arriving for the families they would be sponsoring for Christmas, an annual community project. I was offered a Deschutes Stout, a delicious brew – one of seven they have on tap - and learned that their collaboration with Deschutes spans several years with Gennaro’s being one of the top sales teams in Colorado for the Oregon brewery established in 1988.

Tonya, a former owner of Wash Park Lounge, Zu Denver and 60 South with Irene who owned Wired, a Coffee Shop and Deli on South Broadway met through friends 25 years ago and joined forces to take advantage of the Gennaro’s South Broadway location. Little did they know that in the early years of their business startup, the South Broadway pedestrian improvement project would nearly cost them 45% of their business for eight months due to the closure of Vassar and Harvard streets which border each side of the Café.

In order to keep their doors open, they participated with Groupon and went from famine to feast where people were waiting for an hour to be served. Such is the life of entrepreneurs!

They felt the program helped expand their business to include 1100 new clients. Tonya shared: “It took us a full 18 months to get back to the point that we were in the business model prior to the construction. A lot of our neighbors didn’t make it, they sold or went under and we hoped and prayed every day that we could keep our doors open.”

Irene then adds: “As a result, we are trying to implement SoBo, a South Broadway merchants association.” Tonya explains: “It is nice to get your neighbors to work together…so we can share customer base in hopes you can develop those new customer relationships. It is always good to keep your neighborhood tight. It is always better to work with your neighbors and work together to support each other.”

When I asked about the live entertainment facet of their business, Irene, who manages the entertainment and booking for the team leads with “We have a set budget for the bands but many of the live performers expect top dollar – so it requires negotiation; but we expect they are going to bring in followers if they want that kind of money. A lot of bands promise a lot but are not able to deliver. It is hard to determine how to pay, as many times promises of a huge fan base don’t materialize. So we start with a reasonable base and pay a percentage above based upon the turnout that is achieved.”

Irene suggested that her music booking stems from people dropping off demos to their location or referrals from Christine who manages the open mic night. Knowing their clientele and their preferences is the key. Christine adds: “The bands know their fan base better than we do, so it is in their best interest to assist with posters, Facebook and promotion. I also do a lot to promote the bands by taking pictures and posting them onto our Facebook.” To this Tonya states: “Our capacity is 78 in the bar. We are not a $500 venue, but many live music venues rely on charging at the door; here we cannot do that with our regular customers. So far we have been very successful; our customers love the live entertainment and we can give local artists a place to come.”

When asking Christine about the open mic and the management of the restaurant, she reveals her personality: “I treat both responsibilities as one in the same really. It’s all about connecting with people. I do all the social media promotions for the restaurant and I think it has made a big difference, especially with open mic night which hosts up to 10 musicians who play individually and then stay to collaborate and jam. People who have driven by and have never come here don’t know what it looks like or what the vibe is. We have a very eclectic group of customers that you can’t say belong in any one category.

I can tell that I make a difference, when I make people happy and it is the reason they come back. Our employees feel the same way about working here; they love being here and they love our customers.” Irene shares: “We have different crowds for Karaoke, Bingo, Trivia, Open Mic night, and Poker is definitely a different group! We appeal to quite a diverse audience, and that is what we want.” To this Tonya adds: “We ask our staff to have an owner mentality. We are like a big family here and we want them to resolve any difficulties with our perspective in mind and to take pride in everything they do. I think this shows a lot in the relationships that we build with our customers.” With management and ownership setting the tone for this well run establishment, you are guaranteed a thumbs up experience with an incredible menu, reasonably priced at around $20 per person drinks and eats.

Jail is not the place to attempt your encore after a night of playing great music, yet oh so many musicians land in the pokey after doing really addlebrained acts on stage. The most notable start of such defiance would have been: 1967 when Jim Morrison was making out with a girl back stage and an officer hired as security for the band told them to vacate. The officer didn’t recognize Jim, and Jim told him to “Eat it,” the scene escalated to the point the officer maced Morrison in the face… the very man he was supposed to be protecting. You’ve got to love irony!

After much debate with the manager, police, and promoter, and giving Jim some recovery time, the show started late.

On stage Jim Morrison, in nothing but a self serving act, began telling the audience about the incident, and repeatedly insulted the officer in his public rage. The police stormed on stage and arrested him and the crowd responded with a small riot resulting in 13 additional arrests. This gave Jim the dubious honor of being the first Rock star to be arrested onstage during a performance.

Now that the history lesson is over, let’s see what we’ve learned- not much as musicians and fans are still going to concerts and getting hurt, arrested, and hauled off to the hoosegow.

Being a musician is a huge responsibility, as you grow in popularity more and more people depend on you to do your job of entertaining them… so remember if you get arrested during a show, the show is over and the disappointment rolls downhill and slaps your fans in the face.

New Year’s Resolutions for Musicians trying NOT to get Arrested During a Show

1.

Don’t pour alcohol into the gaping mouths of fans in the first row at an all ages show= serving alcohol to minors. (a recent observation at a show, that was immediately followed by the distinct sound of the shit hitting the fan backstage)

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

7.

Don’t ask the crowd to “Show your tits!” especially while doing a live internet feed, or take photos of your topless fans and thus adding charges of pornography..oops.

8.

Don’t punch the asshole who is yelling “Free Bird!”

Okay, don’t get caught punching the asshole yelling “Free Bird.”

9.

Don’t destroy the stage or venue or anything = destruction of property $$

10. Don’t light things on fire! **Bonus Tip- Don’t spit, urinate, or chuck feces like a mad monkey at the zoo! Ejecting biohazard of any sort is assault!

If you desire to be a crazy person or thug, do so in your personal time. Here is a bit of insight to mull over, violence and the whole drinking drugging thing just isn’t cool anymore; it’s been done to death and unfortunately to the death of some amazingly talented musicians. It’s like smoking- the cool people don’t smoke anymore, it’s just gross. The trick is to find the next cool thing, beards are popular, horn bands are back, maybe it is horn bands with beards! Whatever you decide try to keep your wits, remember this is a “profession” and spending the night in the grey bar motel is expensive, avoidable, and a drag.

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Music is Hope. What originally began as a tattoo design became so much more. Humphries sells t-shirts with his design to anyone and in the process takes a bit of the proceeds and donates them to local schools to help preserve the music programs that often get cut first; before sports or core programs like math and language arts. The shirts will be available at festivals around town and on Amazon and eBay.

Music is Hope Raising Funds for School Music Programs

by Ryan Edwards

REdwards@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

You can ask any musician, no matter what type of music they play or listen too. Whether its rap, rock, country, jazz, classical music or even theatre. No matter what it is, every one of them has a large amount of appreciation for how music has impacted their life, and realizes that music will mean something to future generations to come. I have always felt that true musicians feel obligated to give back what music has given them. Steven Humphries is a perfect example of that type of musician.

A local musician who has lived in Louisiana, Humphries recently moved back to Colorado last year. Humphries has been playing the drums since he was eleven years old and played in a cover band in northern Louisiana. Although Humphries considers himself an amateur musician, he still has an incredible passion for it and because of this he started a project called

Medic Selected for Grammy’s Gig-of-aLifetime Editor@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Medic, a local band from Castle Rock, CO, is representing Colorado as the only band selected from the state as a finalist in this year’s Grammy’s Gig-of-a-Lifetime! Of thousands of submissions, judges Fall Out Boy, Austin Mahone, and Emeli Sandé selected Medic and 39 other bands nationwide to compete for the grand prize — the winning band will be flown to Los Angeles, CA to play at Club Nokia during Grammy Weekend.

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“You hear about it all over the country, art and music are cut first,” Humphries told me. Humphries started the project on the side and has been working with his twentyyear old son. Humphries also has two daughters who are aspiring musicians and their school as of right now, Bear Canyon Elementary, is his primary focus. However, he has ambitions that do not set limitations and wants to branch out as much as possible and try to impact and save as many music programs as he can. Not only in Colorado, but all over the nation. “I think that funding is going to continue to shrink,” he says.

And as of right now... it is. Often local schools have thin budgets and only have the ability to stretch what they have so far. The music and art programs get put on the chopping block first, but with Music is Hope, Humphries is trying to eliminate such issues before they arise.

One area of focus after his daughter’s school might be the city of Brighton, which is the least funded district in Colorado. Afterwards, his love for music might take him anywhere, but when I asked him what he really wanted out of this ambitious project...”I just want it to be a beacon of hope for music programs,” he says. ...In my mind it already is.

Online: amazon.com

Medic needs Colorado’s help — voting is open and they need the greatest number of votes by January 10th to win. “In the midst of the trials that we go through these days, I think we are just tired of the same old,” says Aaron Wagner, lead singer of Medic. “Anyone can make art these days.

It’s so accessible to make and promote and yet most of it is so negative. It was wearing on us. Medic is about something new, we are about creating a community of thinkers, dreamers and believers that aim for something positive. This world will continue to fall apart if we keep talking about how it’s falling apart. But what if we dare to be the people to figure out ways to put things back together? That’s our platform. That maybe our music can be a part of someone’s healing process and spread from there,” says Aaron.

With an overwhelming desire to spread hope and life to others, Medic strives to make music with excellence and intentionality. They have been featured on Mainstage at Lifelight Music Festival in South Dakota and made their first Hometown for the Holidays appearance in 2012. Help Medic get to the Grammy’s! Voting is open on http://gig.cbs.com/#/ until January 10th and voters get 50 votes a day.

Please spread the word. For more information on Medic-https://www.facebook.com/events/ 225558457618035/ https://www.facebook. com/WeAreMedic

Rocker Alex Von Z Heads in New Direction With Solo Work

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Alex Von Z has been around the block with music- after working with his band Vonzeles, he decided the time was right to make music on his own, and with a new message. Colorado Music Buzz got the latest word right from the source about the Kickstarter campaign happening this month to fund his new record and his other planes for 2014.

CMB: What are the details of Kickstarter and the project it is funding?

AVZ: The project is the Implicate Order album from which I have already released 3 songs including the single “Drawn”. During the funding period I will be releasing acoustic versions of 3 other new songs from the album which will have a total of at least 12 tracks.

You can listen to all currently released material and get information on the campaign at www.AlexVonZ.com/ Kickstarter.

CMB: What is the focus of your music? Is there a certainmessageyou hope to get across?

AVZ: The focus is to raise consciousness.

The message is of peace, love, compassion and unity. Whether you call it spirit, essence, God, or universality, we are all one and are seeking to live in happiness. Creating songs with lyrics and music that inspire us to be and live in happiness is the theme of the music. There are so many ways to improve our lives, and listening to inspiring music can help motivate us in this endeavor.

CMB: How is the upcoming work different from the albums you have done previously?

AVZ: My previous work in the band Vonzeles was all about sex, drugs, and rock N roll. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun; but it never left me satisfied, happy, or feeling good about who I was being. Quite frankly, after a while it felt selfish and pointless. I had to take a look at myself and decide who I wanted to be. It was

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

then I decided I want to inspire others to live in happiness and avoid or remove themselves from the same pit falls of life in which we all find ourselves.

CMB: How did you get into music?

AVZ: I was always into music. Rock music grabbed me in the 80’s and there was no going back. It’s part of who I am. I have played piano, alto saxophone, trombone, and guitar. I love many varieties of music but especially rock music from its inception to current day artists.

CMB: What else is coming up in the New Year, and when can we catch you around town?

AVZ: Besides the Kickstarter project and finishing the album, I plan to play a few shows around town that will be listed on my websites and planning for a busy summer show schedule. I also plan to provide more content for my listeners in the form of videos and new material.

CMB: Where do you eat after a show?

AVZ: I like to indulge in some chocolate.

Usually I’ve burned many calories, so it’s an ideal time to eat some junk food.

CMB: What else shouldreadersknow about Alex Von Z? AVZ: That I am just like you. I get happy and sad. I feel the desire for love and compassion. I like attention and good friends. I also have done my best to become detached from all of these things because if they are the determining factor in happiness then we can always find a reason not be happy. I am incredibly blessed, as are most of us, and if we do not feel happiness then we are not giving enough happiness away. This is the purpose of my music – to give happiness away!

Online: alexvonz.com

American Haiku- e.p.

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Denver alt-rockers American Haiku strike with force on their debut from Little League Records, aptly titled e.p. The five tracks are heartfelt and honest, filled with the roller coaster feelings that dominate the emo genre and anxiously expressing battles of youth.

From screaming to melodic singing, the rough mix on the songs displays the punk effect on their music. The band has much room to grow, but have put forth a solid effort glittered with promising musical talent and a raw determination to get their message across. The record contains solid interludes and transitions.

Perfect for fans of Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, etc.

Online: littleleaguerecords.bandcamp.com/ album/e-p Archive Nights- Clock Ocean

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Archive Nights have dropped a relieving and fresh record entitled Clock Ocean. The six song EP showcases strong guitar lines throughout mixed with equally compelling vocal work, and the album as a whole is a very professional representation of the state of modern alternative rock.

Originally from Nashville, the quartet now calls Englewood home and should take full advantage of this record to find a nice home here in the bulging Mile High music community.

I hear bits of many different radio-friendly bands, including, randomly, the mellow side of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, a presentation of musical stylings which seems unfortunately to be very lost in today’s rock music. Cheers to Archive Nights for not jumping on the indiehipster bandwagon.

Online: archivenights.com

Nikki-Z

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Nikki Z rocks out hard- and with the level of intensity Nicholas Zamora and his eccentric band bring to the table with their new release Feel, it shouldn’t take long before they have left their imprint on Colorado’s music scene. They crank out heartfelt songs about love that and rapturously squealing guitar solos.

The A’OKs- Are You Double Fisting Drinks Like I Am?

Michael EngbergCollioscope

by John Christen

JChristen@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

A’OKs front man Mark Swan kicks off their new live album (recorded at Denver’s Gothic Theatre) Are You Double Fisting Drinks Like I Am? by proclaiming Denver as the greatest city in the world. There are many reasons why this is true, and one of the big ones is that we still have a ska scene. A diverse one, with The A-OKs carrying the torch with as much fury now they have for the last five years.

Ross McAffee of Noise Gate Studios takes the ten heavy hitting duck-and-flail classics and presents them with the raw energy that the band’s avid fan base has come to expect, except now we can listen to them over and over again without having to get out of the car.

One thing that boldly stands out on the record is the harmonies. A ska-punk band actually nailing them, on record, in real life, time and time again, is nothing short of inspirational.

Cheers to the guys and gal for representing not only Denver’s scene, but the musical talent that it takes to rise up. We want the world to know.

Let’s hope they spend some more time on the road in 2014- we hate to see them go, but it’s so nice to watch them leave.

Michael Engberg’s doublealbum,Collage and Collidoscope, is a tale of two cities. Collage is a man and his acoustic guitar sitting in a European coffee shop, possibly Spain or Italy, serenading passerby’s with orthodox classical offerings.

The traditional wordless arrangements tend to the listener’s imagination and calm the senses, lending to insightful perspectives. Fernando Sor’s “Etude in B minor, Opus 35, no.22” and “Le Soleil Se Coucher En Paris” are solid arrangements.

Collidoscope offers playful satirical content in the style of Cat Stevens or Randy Newman; however, it is a jumble of county fair songs.

“Old Lady Shaley” is an upbeat number about an old lady who scoops up neighborhood pets and turns them into jackets, stews, and other assorted edibles. “Rabbit and Bear” is a lovely duet. Perhaps trying too hard, the compilations feel stressed and hollow like a vanilla custard lacking spices.

Online: manyhatsmusic.com

Online: reverbnation.com/theaoks

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

We’ve been anxiously waiting for new tunes from Something Underground for quite some time, and our craving has finally been quelled with the release of Confessions. The band, gaining a good amount of momentum in the vast rock world surrounding the Mile High City, has delivered a release well worth waiting for- an EP chock full of catchy vocal patterns and eloquent musical work highlighted by the Larson brothers’ tag-team efforts on vocals and strings that amount to what is undeniably the most original sound coming out of Denver’s alternative scene right now.

Something Underground isn’t afraid to slow it down, letting their music and the emotions that follow do the talking as the vocals of both Seth and Josh sooth the listener’s mind with cavernously deep vocals and solid harmonies.

Confessions is the perfect closing chapter to a year that saw so many of Denver’s leading groups drop solid new releases. Three cheers for Josh, Seth, and drummer Trevor Mariotti.

Hopefully, 2014 will see them hitting the road and share the love with as many people as possible.

Online: somethingunderground.com

Fluorescent PhobiaIncandescence

Mosey West- Bermuda

by Tim Wenger

by Joel Center

TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

JCenter@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

Incandescence,

by Denver band Fluorescent Phobia is a five-track soundscape that takes listeners on a sonic journey from beautiful, soothing lows to driving, powerful highs – all within the span of 17 minutes. Written, recorded, and produced independently by this incredibly talented quintet at their own Substructure Studios, Incandescence is a testament to the dedication this group has to their unique sound. The haunting vocal melodies (a chilling example can be found on track 3, entitled “Flowers of Your Garden”) provided by Matthew Paradis and Brittany Mahoney perfectly compliment the vintage sounds laid down by the rest of the band using conventional rock instruments alongside symphonic ones played soulfully by Damon DuPont. Fluorescent Phobia is currently getting ready to launch an all-out attack on Denver venues beginning in January, 2014. Mile High residents would be wise not to miss out on this musical kaleidoscope of a band!

Something UndergroundConfessions

Surf-country is an interesting, hooking style of music that is working its way into the spotlight, and Mosey West is putting out the freshest offerings in the genre here in the Rocky Mountain region. Their latest offering, Bermuda, drops January 7 and is an eclectic mix of theatrical guitar work and enjoyable lyrics that make it an easy record to put on repeat while driving, writing, running, or just about any other activity that is made better with a soundtrack.

The group is not shy on the reverb, adding an emphatic tone to their music that solidifies their sound. At times, the record is harmonically psychedelic reminiscent of sixties classic rock, while the overall feel remains modern and (pleasantly) hip.

Online: moseywest.com

Online: fluorescentphobia.bandcamp.com

Strong elements of emotion are present throughout the record. They take the rockin’ elements of eighties hair metal and mix it with a funky, modern style of rock that is both catchy and unique. Definitely an album that will get you feeling alive!

SpokesBUZZ – Volume IV [LP]

by the Swami

Swami@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com

SpokesBuzz, founded by local music lover Dani Grant in 2009, has blossomed into a truly dedicated portal for local musicians looking to “Amplify the Colorado Music Scene.” With an already rich history of supporting local artists at SXSW, SpokesBUZZ continues to expand our scene beyond the borders with the latest installment of 12 diverse and well executed tracks, 10 of the 12 being recorded at the world renowned Blasting Room in Fort Collins.

Aside from the top notch recording, the disc really showcases the diversity of great artists in Colorado including The Echo Chamber, Common Anomaly, The Yawpers, Grant Farm, and Maxwell Hughes to name a few.

For local music fans and collectors alike, this is another must have album to add to your listening platter. Again, big props to SpokesBUZZ for helping bridge the gap between progress, determination and economy for local artists.

Online: SpokesBuzz.org

Online: nikkizband.com

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

13

Line 6 Spider Valve MKII 212

Focusrite.ISA.One

By Toby Guitar Center guru

By Olivia Cruz Accessories Department Manager Guitar Center, Englewood For budding guitarists of the drop tuned, chugging, and sweeping variety, Line 6 is a brand especially sought after.

I fell into this category when I got my first Line 6 Spider III about five years ago in hopes of obtaining the heaviest tone. I’ve grown up as a guitarist playing mostly heavy music aided by the intensity of the Spider III’s “Insane” channel. However, in the past year or so I’ve gone through a major style change and still have a Line 6 amp at my side.

Ever since my introduction to the brand, it has seemed to be typecast as “metal”. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely fits as such but has so much more to offer.

In the summer of 2012, I was approached by a creepy, little surf band called Dustin Bones and the Body Stealers to play guitar. I knew that I needed a gig worthy amp and something that could achieve a vintage, tube driven tone even with EMG’s blasting through it. I had always been a fan of Bogner amps, but not so much of their price tags. When I saw that Line 6 had teamed up with Bogner to produce an affordable tube amp, I looked no further. I sat down to play through the Spider Valve MKII 212 Combo and was instantly hooked. I could tell that the tube design of this amp was warmer, richer and rocked harder than anything else I was used to. With the models and built in effects I already knew and loved, I felt confident that I could easily develop a new tone for my new band.

Almost all of my guitars, with the exception of a Les Paul Studio, are equipped with EMG pickups. I know what you’re thinking, “There’s nothing vintage about that!” But there is so much to tweak on this amp I believe I have found a good balance that fits my style and the overall style of my band. The four preset channels allow me to have a little bit of dirt for my rhythm playing, and a little more for my leads. We keep it fairly simple. The other two I reserve for my at home playing and the occasional Metallica jam.

For absolute control in live situations, I have used the FBV Sortboard footswitch. It’s a perfect addition for a gigging guitarist. But I have recently begun to venture outside of my comfort zone and include other effects pedals in my rig. I run a Fulltone GT500, MXR Carbon Copy, and a ZVEX Instant Lo- Fi Junky through the guitar input. With the help of the two Celestion Vintage 30 speakers pumping out reverb, I’m still able to create my own weird, gritty, surf tone.

The Line 6 Spider Valve MKII 212 provides versatility and durability (I bought the floor model) along with all of its other features. However heavy or weird your style may be, this amp will help you achieve it.

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I’ve been doing voice acting through a nice Neumann TLM103 microphone plugged into a typical off-the-shelf $100 USB audio interface for years and it’s always sounded just fine to me. My relationship with Guitar Center allows me to take home gear to try it out from time to time, so I recently took home a Presonus ISA One microphone preamp a few months ago to record a few auditions for some commercials. After about 48 hours I realized it was something I had to add to my arsenal.

The ISA One has many bells and whistles, buttons and knobs, inputs and outputs. I was too excited to read the manual so I just plugged in my mic, turned on the phantom power and hit record. As soon as I hit the playback I could hear an immediate improvement in my voice quality. I could swear that I could almost hear each individual flap of my vocal chords vibrating and I could even hear the character of the actual plate inside the mic capsule – it’s that clean of a sound!

Ever plug a mic or instrument into an interface, crank the gain and still have a low signal recorded to your workstation and realize you’ve also cranked it so much you’ve added a ton of noise? That’ll never happen here! The ISA One allows you to select input levels for either microphone, level or instrument level devices. Then you have two level controls – the first sets up a relative amount of input gain (switchable from 0dB to 30dB or from 30db to 60dB), then a second gain knob that allows you an additional 20dB of gain control to be applied to that incoming signal.

The ISA One has a variable impedance selector with four settings: Low, ISA110, Med and High. Without getting into physics, let’s just say that lower impedance settings lower the levels but emphasize the lows and mids while higher impedance raises the volume, flattens the lows and mids, and improves the high frequency response of a microphone.

The ISA has many other features that make it a great tool for pros as well as amateurs: phase reverse, high pass filter, an insert for adding another device into your signal path, headphone jack, VU metering and digital metering with six LEDs for more accurate feedback from the signal, built-in DI and an amp input (also with variable impedance.) There are no unbalanced connections and there’s an optional digital card you can purchase that will give you 9-pin AES/EBU input, optical S/PDIF and optical ADAT, and word clock in and out to sync with your DAW.

Got the Right Gear?

By Dustin Bones Assistant Manager/Guitar Center Having the right gear is definitely a good start. But sometimes, it’s more important to have good looking gear and sacrifice your tone. Where is the balance? Can we have it all? Follow me through the next 300 words, and I’ll show you what I’ve come up with. Today, I chose to put the ever-so-bright spotlight on T-REX’s FAT SHUGA. The FAT SHUGA is a reverb/boost, 2 in 1 pedal. It’s vintage tone and design fits perfectly with the look and sound I’m trying to achieve.

I play guitar in a surfy, little rock & roll band called Dustin Bones and the Body Stealers (reverbnation.com/ bodystealers), in which I play with a minimal setup.

• Gibson Les Paul • Fender Excelsior 13w amp • T-Rex FAT SHUGA I don’t consider myself to be a “tone chaser”, or a “gear junkie”. I do, however, know exactly what I’m looking for and have the resources (the Accessories Department at Guitar Center) to find it. The only drawback to the 13w Excelsior is: no reverb! How can one have surf with no verb!? Once the FAT SHUGA came off of the truck, I was immediately intrigued by the dual ingredients - reverb AND boost. I didn’t even know I needed boost! Also, the brown pedal matched my brown amplifier perfectly. Again, it’s got to look good. The reverb feature has a 2 setting switch, ROOM and HALL as well as a knob to adjust the level of effect. I personally prefer the “HALL” setting cranked all the way up. It’s not overwhelming and has a great decay on the muted notes. The boost is the only setting I actually adjust from song to song. With a slight turn of the knob cleverly labeled “CREAM”, you can really tweak your tone.

The higher the adjustment, the more volume and tube-like crunch you get.

This isn’t a pedal I need on the ground for easy access with my foot. I actually have it mounted to the top of my amp using Velcro and love. When I power up the amp, I turn the FAT SHUGA on, and the two work together to complete the perfect, vintage tone with a full, dynamic range.

In conclusion, for me, you can have it all…beauty and the beast.

It really is a great preamp and at $450-$500 you are getting a very professional device at a budget price. If you’ve got a $3000 guitar being recorded through a $99 USB interface, you’re really missing out on the magic of your gear. Time to save up for something that will take your home recording to the next level.

Listen to Toby’s voice demos with the ISA One preamp at soundcloud.com/TheVoiceOfToby

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

by Angela Kerr

akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com

Highlighting The Driftin’ Suns - Skyzto Photo Credit Ralston Photo driftinsuns.com I hooked up with the Driftin’ Suns during a combined practice they were having with friends Whodunnit? All had collected to rehearse for their New Year’s 2014 show at the Bonfire Tavern. A knock your socks off version of David Bowie’s Fame awaited me as I participated with the band for the afternoon. In true Driftin’ style the Suns, like other bands I have interviewed interact with multiple conversations at once. I have come to the conclusion that artists are multi-taskers and communication between them is no different. Why elongate a discussion for hours when we can accomplish the entirety in a fraction of that time? The conversations begin with one or two having a discussion and then in a moments notice, three or four conversations are going at once. Collaboration and Networking are the Suns middle names; they thrive on the details involved with each interaction and outcome. I sat down in the middle of a barrage of activity as they described their feelings about their first album, Continental Breakfast and the process they use when composing music. The band members include Kristian Kerr on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Adam Curtiss, lead guitar and background vocals, Garret Curtiss on bass and background vocals and Jaydon Kershner on drums – also a background vocalist. Kristian and Garret work full time for Remcon, a remediation company who they say “supports their musical priorities.” Among other things, Adam cuts Lunar and Martian meteorites for Kerf Industries, and Jaydon works long hours to ensure everyone in the metro area has their pizza delivered on time. They state their true love is music so they work in positions which allow them the flexibility to focus on their primary goal: The Driftin’ Suns. So here is a look at Skyzto: _________________________________________________________ Can’t take this feeling anymore. So I replace, what we’re told for open doors. You think that, you have it figured out – then life shows you a different route. I’m feeling (I’m feeling), I’m feeling (I’m feeling), I’m feeling, like I’m stuck in-between (Dual Realities). All you need is to reach Higher Ground. Play with the clouds, till you’re forced to come down. Welcome Back! Guess what’s in store? A life where (A life where) change is evermore. I’m feeling (I’m feeling), I’m feeling (I’m feeling), I’m feeling (I’m feeling) like I’m stuck in-between (Dual Realities) Am I dreaming? (Am I dreaming?) Am I dreaming (Am I dreaming?) Am I dreaming? (Am I dreaming?) Or is this reality?

Chorus: And when I come home and I know I’m gonna have to face – dreams turned into movies always running never saved. I wonder why it feels so real when I’m taken to this place, a world so heavy, when I wake my brain just can’t explain, no my brain just cant explain..Been working, seems like every single day. Can’t seem to – find a hide away. Want to sleep, to forget to erase.

But my conscious (My conscious) creates a darker place (In my dreams I feel awake). I’m feeling (I’m feeling), I’m feeling (I’m feeling), I’m feeling (I’m feeling) Like there’s only so much (I can take). Am I dreaming? (Am I dreaming?) Am I dreaming? (Am I dreaming?) Am I dreaming? (Am I dreaming?) Pinch me now (Will I wake?) Repeat Chorus . Now I come home, continue episode.

Don’t wish to wake, just a couple seconds more. Not enough time, to find what’s inside. Alternate worldsstuck in overdrive.stuck in overdrive.

CMB: So how did this song come about?

Kristian: When I brought this song to the band – I had the idea, the lyric and vocal melody pretty well laid out. It is always a challenge to bring a song to the band in hopes the guys are going to like it…in this case, once I brought it in, everyone collaborated.

CMB: So tell me a little about what you were thinking when you wrote these lyrics.

Kristian: Ever since I was a little kid, I was preoccupied with the waking vs. dream state and the movement between the two. I was attempting to communicate the frustration one can have being in the world we live in where things are so challenging from every angle and the deep feeling of despair that one can have about our existing reality; then facing the same conflicts in the dream state as well … wondering which is the real reality?

CMB: How did the rest of you feel about incorporating the song into your repertoire?

Garret: There was quite a disagreement before I joined the band over a subtle 10 beats per minute time signature change that occurs during the chorus. As I had just replaced the previous bass player when Continental Breakfast was being recorded, I had to decide if I was going to keep in line with what had been composed in the past, or reach out for something I could make my own. This song gives me incredible vibes…it had an ominous feel ….one of hardcore thrash. The lyric may look repetitive, but the dynamic energy is hard to match.

Adam: This song marked the first time we embarked into the grunge - metal world. I resisted at first, but once I got the idea behind the lyrics and how they described a symptom prevalent in almost everyone, including the band, it made perfect sense to present it in a more abrasive light.

Jaydon: The main thing is it is open for interpretation. It can be perceived differently by each person whether they are living in a darker corner of the planet or just feeling that our reality is controversial.

CMB: So what is on the horizon for 2014?

Kristian: We are going to release our first full length music video to a new song we will be recording first quarter titled Bowler Joe. We also have plans to release four seasonal EP’s with art and album design concept by Dave Curtis of Dave Does Designs. We have composed enough music to release 4 songs per release including releasing Bowler Joe as a single. It is a fan favorite so we want to give them exactly what they want.” “We will also release our Video EPK in January as part of our marketing campaign to reach out to larger venues and expand our audience.

Jaydon: Yeah…I will be happy if we get all of this done in 2014 because I want to take our time to make sure the attitude, vision and attention to detail is just right. We have our hearts set on working with Josh Montoya from New Mexico on the Bowler Joe video (www.motionboundmedia.com); we just have to see if he can fit us into his schedule.” “Josh filmed our first video release of X-Rated the Colorado Music Buzz Bandwagon 4 competition in early 2013.

Adam: We are going to schedule mini-tours within the state and expanding to out of state tours by the end of the year….maybe even do an out of state in the summer for a couple of weeks. We will continue to collaborate with The Bonfire Tavern as their house band where we party with our fans on a monthly basis.

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.

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January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

2013 was a mammoth of a year for music in the Mile High City, leaving 2014 with big holes to fill. A handful of our beloved once-local groups have flourished into nationally touring acts, representing Denver to the masses nationwide. Some took the crown and ran, while others crumbled under the pressure. Our cover stories this year covered the gamut- indie rock bands, punk bands, solo artists, special events and festivals, even a music documentary all took their share of the spotlight in 2013.

Now, a new crop and up-and-comers look to make 2014 their year of glory, working to expand into new markets and increase their fan base away from home while maintaining their place in Denver’s scene. We’ve watched them grow, and now we are more than excited to sit back cheer them on as they continue to work toward their dreams.

Changing their name has not slowed down the momentum that the Wiredogs have accumulated over the last few years. With sharp social commentary and the catchy rhythms of nineties-era punk rock, this Denver four piece have developed a reputation for emotional, fast-paced live performances that continue to draw bigger and bigger crowds. Perhaps some of their widening appeal has been generated by their ability to gig across genre lines- you can often catch them one night rocking a full on punk show while their next gig will find them in the middle of an indie-rock lineup. The release of their recent EP Resistance saw the progression of the band in a more presentable, talent-focused light. Get your hands on their junk at facebook.com/wiredogs

Birch Street is establishing quite the reputation- they’ve taken home the crown in Denver’s Hard Rock Battle of the Bands and managed to secure fans from across genre lines. We are attracted to these guys because sheer talent emanates from their pores in every song- it is not often that such well endowed vocals flirt so incessantly with the melodies they sit over (after all, singing in key is still appreciated, right?). Their singe “Down The Line” is the perfect example of this- drawing in the listener with smooth vocals and a mellow undertone. CMB is more than excited about Birch Street’s upcoming album release. Check them out at thebandbirchstreet.com Rubedo

In The Whale

This year, we look forward to new records from so many great bands (including several of those featured here) and the staff at CMB is as excited as ever to see which artists are thrust into the limelight, thrust upward from our vast scene of artists and supporters below and pushed over the wall and into the national eye.

Here we have laid out the groups we are most excited about in the New Year, each of which have some expectations both of themselves and from others that they look to fulfill in 2014. Fortunately, given the amount of talent we are talking about here, living up to the hype shouldn’t be a problem.

Claymore Disco

In The Whale is so hot right now. So very hot, in fact, that in addition to being picked up by Atomic Music Group (The Yawpers, Agent Orange, Reverend Horton Heat), the group has been spending more time on the road and the EP the duo dropped a new EP in December (check out our review at coloradomusicbuzz.com) drew a sold out crowd to the Larimer Lounge for its’ release. Their humor-tinged take on indie rock’s harder side is exactly what the south Broadway scene craves, and we’ll be getting our fill again in 2014. Check their Facebook for a link to the video for “HEELS.” facebook.com/inthewhale

Originality goes a long, long way in making a band memorable. For Rubedo, that just comes naturally. These guys got on the CMB radar this year with unforgettable live performances and a pop-rock sound that makes us swoon. Lucky for their everyone, we won’t have to wait much longer to get a fresh taste of their catchy styleRubedo is dropping their new album at the Bluebird Theatre on January 25. This will be followed by a tour down to Tennessee and back in support of the record, culminating with a release show in their record label’s hometown of Nashville. Do yourself a favor and have a sample at rubedomusic.com.

Andy Palmer

My Body Sings Electric

After a victory in this year’s Hometown For The Holidays, Claymore Disco is looking to a big year- and rightfully so. Their synthed-out alternative pop sound is all the rage right now, and with tour number one in the books they can look to the future and expand into new markets with the confidence of knowing that the current hordes of musical consumers already dig their style. They just need to continue delivering solid, captivating live performances and progressing their sound melodically, the crowds will be sure to follow. They can be seen at many big shows in 2014 including Westword Music Showcase and, because of their HTFTH victory, the KTCL’s annual holiday throw-down Not So Silent Night.

Peep their single “Light Ahead of Me” and see their show listings at claymoredisco.com Wiredogs

My Body Sings Electric is the band currently diving headfirst over the wall and making a splash outside of Denver. The worldwide release of their new album Part 1: The Night Ends on January 28 and the Denver release party on February 1 conclude a long road full of promotion, multiple single releases, and lots of waiting, and we fully expect this album to blow up.

They rocked KTCL’s Not So Silent Night this year after winning Hometown For The Holidays in 2012, a process that saw their already spreading popularity soar to new heights. My Body is far from stagnating, and the future appears to be looking bright for these five hard working musicians.

Birch Street

Andy Palmer is fresh off signing a promotional deal, and has huge plans for 2014. He has been invited to record and air a 40 minute set for Comcast to be broadcast on one of their stations, has been invited to showcase at SXSW, and will be performing at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City. Locally, you can catch him at Illegal Pete’s DU on January 30th and Laughing Goat February 13. Check out his new record and more at andrewpalmer.com.

Something Underground

seriously and are far from humble about it. They look to be the group that instinctively comes to mind when people think of Fort Collins. They’ve got the talent, and we are more than ready to watch them step into a very large pair of shoes. Hear for yourself at aspenhourglass. com.

Megan Burtt

With the release of their new album Confessions December 14, Something Underground is poised to take their already poignant name and make it even bigger in Denver and beyond. The remainder of the winter sees the three-piece on stage in mountain towns around the front range. Something Underground is another band that could, with enough work, do huge things outside of Denver as well as in it, as their brand emotional, harmonic alt-rock seems made for the eyes and ears of the road. Give it a listen at somethingunderground.com.

Eldren

Dissonance in Design

We have been showing Megan some major love lately, but for good reason. In Good Company, the collaborative album she dropped in November, featured Burtt alongside heavy hitters such as The Epilogues, SHEL, Chris Daniels, The Congress and many more and was the most ingenious Colorado record of 2013.

With heavy touring to promote her highly appealing sound, Burtt may be well on the way to redefining the word diva (a term we’ve never heard accompany her name anywhere). She is one that we will be checking in with many times over the course of this next year. Check this out- ingoodcompanymusic.com.

The Yawpers

Feel free to over-indulge here, because there aren’t any other bands like Eldren around. Their live performance is an unpredictable, carnivalic show of musicianship that at first looks like madness, but once you take the time to soak it all in you begin to notice that the sevenpiece indie/folk/rock madness you are witnessing is (seemingly) perfectly planned at every step. The band is much more than the dubious characters that make it up- it is a true expression of creative originality. With the folding of a few of the indie rock heavy hitters in 2013, the stage is set for Eldren to make its’ big move.

Eldrenmusic.com.

Aspen Hourglass

Their new album Sentient is a solid representation of Mile High Metal, and we’ve had the pleasure of watching Dissonance in Design play some killer shows over the last year. They hope to hit the road again in 2014 to spread the love of the record. Their songs are rich with both metal and non-metal influences, resulting in an appeal not as specific as many of the heavy counterparts. If the band can continue getting their music to new ears, big things will come their way. Facebook. com/dissonanceindesign.

Rob Drabkin

The Yawpers are rightfully generating a reputation as one of the hardest working bands around. They’ve grown accustomed to life on the road, playing over 100 nights a year, and still managed to put out a cover album this fall and two albums of original material prior. Their shows are crazy- the passion flows from all angles and the sound is so diverse that they attract fans from any background, a big basis of their appeal. Watching The Yawpers is reminiscent of the movie RocNRolla- all holds are enthusiastically barred and in the moment, life seems perfectly, and chaotically, beautiful. Listen to the craziness at theyawpers.com.

Straight Outta Luck

Aspen Hourlgass put on the best performance of 2013’s Higher Ground Music Festival, no doubt. It was late, everyone was drunk, and the band owned The Meadowlark like a ravenous cat that just found an injured mouse, complete with a crowd-surfing guitar solo from front man Grayson Erhard. They take their music

Punk rock is alive and well in Denver, and unlike most cities these days, the scene is actually thriving.

Straight Outta Luck has grown their following in the punk community through well-placed opening slots and consistent progression in their stage show and songwriting. CMB has had the pleasure of seeing them a number of times over the last two years everywhere from bars around town like 3 Kings Tavern, to bigger venues such as Summit Music Hall, to our own Bandwagon 4 competition and the evolution of this band has been an amazing thing to watch. They are living proof that even in the punk world, professionalism and promotion mean everything. Currently in the middle of a kickstarter to help fund a new tour van, Straight Outta Luck is looking to make big moves in 2014. Facebook. com/straightouttaluck.

Rob Drabkin just signed a record deal and has been enjoying national indie-radio airplay, leading to national tours and exposure. A true chronicle of the “changing careers to pursue music full time” parable, Drabkin’s road has taken him through everything from all night bar-band gigs to headlining theatre-level shows, and it appears that he is still in the early stages. He plans to spend a good amount of time on the road in 2014, spreading his new album Little Steps to the masses. If our review of the album is any indication, he will be very well received. Sample the record at robdrabkin.com.

5th Annual RAWards- Well Done

by Angela Kerr and Leah Parker

AKerr@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

“All you need to dispose of a demon is hydrochloricacidandadumpster.”–Possession.

Directed by Hawk Vaccaro (http://hawkvaccaro. com/), Filmmaker of the Year; Written by MQ Tran (http://www.mqtran.com/).

Nearly 500 creatives and art lovers gathered on December 5, 2013, at the RAW:natural born artists’ Local 5th Annual RAWards Semi-Final, despite freezing temperatures in City Hall.

“We usually have about 900 people attend, but I was really excited about the turnout given the weather,” said Melissa Shipley, Showcase Director of Denver.

This year’s Indie Art Awards showcased nominees who were demons in their passion of visual art, film, fashion, accessory, music, hair, makeup, photography, and performing arts, yet created works that would bring tears to angels.

Musician of the Year, Vetta Star (http://www. reverbnation.com/vettastar), formed in summer 2012 and is hitting the Denver scene hard with their alternative-rock.

“We made the top ten for 93.3 KTCL’s “Hometown for the Holidays” in 2012, which put us in a fortunate spotlight to be chosen by Melissa to take part in RAW,” said Brandon Meagher, drummer and vocalist of Vetta Star.

RAW has given Vetta Star more exposure and a chance to expand their audience who can expect live recordings, videos, and a few more singles in 2014.

“We’re going to hold off on a full length album until we have the songs under our fingers live.

We want a super solid fan base in Colorado first, and then begin to move out,” said Brandon.

Other RAW music performances included Lost Caravan (http://www.lostcaravan.net/ a band which formed in 2012 and is making waves with their unique blend of pop-rock and gypsy jazz. Writing and performing her own music since age 12, Lindsey Saunders (http:// lindseysaundersmusic.com/?r=fw recorded her first album at 18, and has been winning over audiences with her passionate voice and popcountry sound. Indie rock band, The Dead End Drivers (http://www.deadenddrivers.com/, was a Director’s Choice and played last song of the night.

Five creatives stole the RAWards—each of which showcased exceptional talent bringing their art to life, and in their creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

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A graphic artist, Sarah Swingle of Sarah Paints People (http://www. sarahpaintspeople.com/), entered the bodyart world in 2012, when she fell in love with the fleeting impermanence of the living canvas.

Dressed in a white lab coat with a skull painted on half her face, Sarah revealed the process behind her passion as she set up shop in a corner and began forming her creations early in the night. Guests stood mesmerized as Sarah painstakingly combined textures of paint, material, and glued appliquebling onto her three models, rotating between them as their skins dried.

With each additional layer of color, ordinary humans morphed into fantastical creatures both terrifying and beautiful. The stage production further stunned the crowd, as her creations hissed from a cage, taunted by Sarah’s mad scientist alter-ego and two men in gas masks who broke their imprisonment with crowbars, allowing the art to pace the runway, show off their wings, and get up-close and personal with the photographers. One could admire the detail and the visionary work involved in constructing such a spectacle—a win well deserved.

Janrace Prudent, JRP, founded Art Shoes Online (http://artshoesonline.com/) where customers purchase three colors then mail their favorite gently-worn shoes to get splash painted. Though JRP didn’t win her category, her custom art shoes stole the RAWards show and the audience’s vote. Models strutted onto the stage in black leotards and tutus, psychedelic makeup, and hair done by nominated stylist Mallory (http://www.rawartists.org/mfbmallory).

They laid down on the runway, lifted their legs into the air and brought tennis shoes, heels, and boots drizzled in neon paint to eye-level— an in-your-face introduction to the featured accessories. Then the music started. These ladies tore up the stage with dance routines to Shaniah’s “Tutus and Tennis Shoes” that not only drew attention to the footgear but provided pure delight to a packed crowd. Fabulous and fun—the total experience in custom art product promotion.

Self-taught in one of the most rare and misunderstood mediums, Jay relocated from Oklahoma to Colorado this year where he joined RAW in October and made it into the Top 5. City Hall cut the lights as Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark” blared overhead. In a stark contrast, the unassuming Jay crouched down and sprinkled gun power onto a canvas flat on the ground. His sleeves rolled up, he steadily handled the torch as he let the green flame kiss the canvas then stepped back as flames shot up and smoke blanketed the stage. The audience struggled to catch a glimpse of the work until Jay dusted off the soot then lifted the piece. A collective gasp greeted the sight of nude woman burned onto the canvas—an awe inspiring reminder that a simple performance can be powerful. Jay hopes to perfect the uncharted art of gunpowder—an endeavor, we’re looking forward to.

An autodidact, Erin Graboski (http://www. eringraboski.com/) discovered photography at age 15 and began her journey into the fine art, “After I discovered I had a knack for the medium, I started to explore it more, and through practice and experimentation, I discovered I have a real passion for the fine art, conceptual portraiture type of work, and have since then committed a lot of my work to that specific photograph genre.”

Erin first showcased her work in October 2013 with RAW and has since made an impression on Melissa Shipley. Highlighted as a Director’s Choice in Fine Art, Erin encompassed entrepreneurship at its best—present all night at her display of seductive, ephemeral selfportraits. Her process involves photographing the foreground and background shots then combining them into a composite image and allowing her imagination to run wild. A current MSU Denver student studying psychology,

With over 10 years of experience, awardwinning bridal and couture designer Gabriella Martinez(http://gabrielacouture.com/) was beguiled by fashion since she was 7 years old.

“Growing up in a household of five sisters, my mom would sew the same dresses for us, with the same fabric and same patterns,” Gabriella said. “That’s when then I started restyling and making changes to my dresses. I liked to be different.”

Gabriella moved from Mexico to Colorado in 2001, where she has been an emerging name in the Denver fashion scene—and for good reason, too. Designated the last RAW show of the evening, the audience perked up when Gabriella’s red-carpet worthy evening wear hit the runway—a total of six stunning pieces that starstruck the crowd. Gabriella’s 50s inspired metallic-colored gowns showcased glamor, style, and a touch of elegance every woman could appreciate. Beautifully presented and a class act—we can expect big things from Gabriella as she moves on to New York Fashion Week and L.A..

Jay Sage (http://www.rawartists.org/sageart) originally painting with watercolors because the medium was uncontrollable—that was before he discovered fire and gunpowder: “I’m one of the three professional artists in the world who does that. I’ve spent years re-growing my beard.”

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

the symbolism of the darkened human state is visceral in Erin’s pieces, and her hauntingly romantic works were impossible to look away from. We can continue to anticipate more riveting pieces from Erin in 2014.

RAWards sponsor TogaTig (http://www.togatig. com/) evaluates artist’s designs and offers individualized product lines, such as iPhone and iPad cases, while providing an industry high royalty rate. True to TogaTig’s motto, “Together art ignites,” we met Lindsay Zollinger from LZ Art (http://www.togatig.com/pages/lindsayzollinger) who showed up in support of other RAW artists. It was a great seeing these two organizations collaborating to further creatives across the United States. Other RAWard sponsors included Latin Life Denver, Denver Westword, Yelp Denver, Fashion Denver, and Denver Art Matters.

RAW:natural born artists is an international independent arts organization located in the United States, Australia, Canada and the U.K. that helps creatives “be seen, heard and loved.”

RAW provides up-and-coming artists resources and exposure through bi-monthly showcase events beginning in January. In October, the public votes for their favorite artists online; a local judging panel looks at the top five votedon profiles in each category then distinguishes three nominees in each genre. Those nominees showcase at the final RAWards Showcase in December, where the winners are announced.

Those winners represent Denver in the national voting process, where judges look at all the city winners to determine the artist of the year in nine categories. Check out the national winners at www.rawartists.org/rawards2013.

The National RAWards Ceremony is hosted on January 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

For more information about RAW:natural born artists visit www.rawartists.org.

ReverbNation Featured Artists of the Month give five 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.

SuCh As a performer, SuCh has enough energy to power a small city; her passion for music emanating tangibly in venues large and small. As a songwriter, she writes simple songs about complex things - loss, family, love, life, friendship and hardship. She connects emotionally as both with her audiences through melodies that soar, woven in her clear, soulful voice, spiriting them away to distant lands, forgotten memories, and dreams of a better world.

SuCh is Haitian-American and a Boston born, New York raised, California educated, Denver transplant. Just like her upbringing, her road to music has been a scenic journey. It started at the age of 15, when she auditioned for the Grammy Highschool Jazz Ensemble. She was accepted for two consecutive years, 2000-2001, and she had the privilege to tour LA’s best jazz clubs and venues - The Brown Derby, Spaghettini’s, The Knitting Factory, etc. She attended the Grammy Nominee Dinner and the Grammy Awards where she met and performed with Patrice Rushen, Peter Cincotti, Kurt Elling, Dave Koz, Erykah Badu, Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Carlton and Latoya and Latavia (of the former “Destiny’s Child”).

Online: reverbnation.com/iamsuch

Mint Mint began playing music at a young age, taking cello for several years before convincing his parents to buy him a cheap electric guitar. From there he played in numerous bands that ranged from metal to hardcore to punk to rock to pop. He has always been driven to find a unique composition when writing and finding a melodic hook that can span genres. Throughout his time in bands he has used his talents for production, composition and instrumentation to refine the sound and vision of the artists he was working with. Having an extensive background in recording and production made for a smooth transition into the world of EDM and dance pop.

Mint is generally thought of as dance pop. His wide range of musical influences make for a broader range of genre spanning tracks; electro house, progressive house, pop.

Mint’s first single, “Make Me Wonder”, features a very talented vocalist from the Denver area. “HS”. They will be collaborating on more singles over the next several months. The single is available for free download until January 20th at soundcloud.

Online: reverbnation.com/mintofficial

The Blueberry Quaaludes The Blueberry Quaaludes began in January 2011 as a music and video project of Denver artist Steve Cramm. The music is made on the computer using layered loops, Garage Band, and any other sound making device that is useful. The music is mostly instrumental with very few vocal loops as a way of reaching global listeners without the need to understand any particular language. The music speaks for itself.

Online: reverbnation.com/theblueberryquaaludes

Shock Nation Colorado probably isn’t among the states in the union you’d list when thinking about Hip Hop’s influence. Denver’s Delasean (formerly, Wise One) has set out to change that with his partner Russell Grande(formerly known as Ayenar) with their dynamic duo group Shock Nation. The Rap/Hip Hop artist has quickly amassed almost 40,000 fans, several more singles and 75,000 song plays. Delasean was a co-captain on Montbello High School’s drum line in his senior year with Russell Grande. After performing at a Denver Nugget’s basketball game, and numerous other gigs he says drumming, making beats and cadences began to open up a whole new world for him.

“It was then when I started to develop my passion in music; After graduating high school my rapping went from being a hobby to serious business,” he said. “Since I was 16-years-old, I had a mission to use my talent and hard work to bring a different type of music. There’s not really one define ‘Colorado sound’, I have an opportunity to create it.” It wasn’t long before he recorded his first mix tape, Higher Level Thinking (2011) under the name, “Wise One”. “For me, it’s a full-time job; I have to make it work.” He has performed before packed-out shows in and outside Denver with the likes of Smoker’s Club Tour 2012, MiMs and Funk Volume. Delasean and Russell Grande are currently working on a collaborative mixtape called “The Clock In: For Spittas Only” to hype the release of Delasean’s highly anticipated third tape OTG. Online: reverbnation.com/shocknationwise1anr

Reign Project Our band members are: Annamul, DrRags, Gordon, Nicole, Allison and Reign.

Unsettled, different, all over the page in style. Not interested in more of the same, melodic, heartfelt, truthful. That is Reign Project.

Still finding our way as we are a new band. The demo tracks that are currently listed are in essence ‘song layouts’. If you like them, stick around, the band is now complete and we hope to come out and play.

Thanks for listening, Reign Online: reverbnation.com/reignproject

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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The Manager’s Corner

by Chris Daniels

CDaniels@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

I’ve managed my own band for 30 years. I’m in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame and we have 15 albums out so far. It’s been a fun career and it keeps developing. 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 … there are a lot of us out there doing everything we can to survive...learn as much as you can from your peers.

We are headed into the “awards” and “conference season.” The mother of them all in conference world is South By Southwest (SXSW) and the Big Daddy of them all is The National Academy of Recording Artist and Sciences – (NARAS) better known as “The Grammys.” What, if anything do you learn from these or from the CMA’s or the Americana Music Awards (held in September in Nashville) or the Triple-A Radio Music Conference held here in Boulder every August? For that matter what relevance does it have

by the Swami

Musician 101 – Round 7 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

What’s Up With Lyric House

by Tim Wenger

TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

Getting your song placed in film or TV, and the royalties and respect that can follow, might seem like a far-off dream for many musicians, but if you have professionally recorded music that is both appealing and marketable, Lyric House is here to help. The Denver-based licensing, placement and development company has been helping artists around the world get their music to where it needs to be.

Founded in 2012 by artist Jessica Cole, the organization seeks find an suitable media-related home for appropriate songs. The entire team at Lyric House is musically driven, which helps them relate to their clients and better understand their needs. “We all have a musical background, so that’s awesome when we are getting to know our artists,” says Cole.

“They realize that we’re not just business oriented, that they understand. I think it is a really nice, unique thing that we have.”

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to you if Taylor Swift wins a Grammy…”it’s all bullshit anyway!” Right? Not really.

While it’s true that a young artist who is not signed to a strong independent label or a major label has little chance of making much of a buzz that the ‘big boys’ will hear … it’s no longer impossible. You have to be very organized, very driven and most of all have a “product” that is capable of really standing out – meaning BOTH salable and interesting because it’s fresh.

Recently I’ve been watching the country music business because of two seemingly unrelated trends that are shaking the place up. One- “Bro-Country” is led by possibly the biggest selling song “Cruise” in country history. Two short years ago Florida Georgia Line got the attention of SIRIUS/XM before they had a record deal. The satellite radio started pumping the song in May 2012 and now about 18 months later they are signed to Big Machine and have 40 million YouTube hits…and then came the Nelly remix collaboration and “bam” we are talking mega crossover hit. There are two managers there, behind the scenes, who will, no doubt, get some serious shout out for their creativity in putting these two different artists into the hottest selling song of the year. That’s creativity on the business side. And it’s created a 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.

Knowing and Targeting Your Audience.

Some of the best advice I got from my time with Sony was understanding who truly is your audience. First is understanding what type of music you are creating.

Is it thrash metal? Alt/Indie? Folk-Bluegrass? By identifying your writing and performance style, you can begin to apply your branding, marketing and event schedule around it.

Branding: Does your logo, your instruments, your look, your stage presence, your flyers, your website, During their frequent visits Los Angeles to pitch their clients’ work, the Lyric House team represents Denver and helps spread the love by putting what our city has to offer up against the best of the best, often with great results. “When we go to LA and have meetings, the feedback is like ‘Wow, where did you find all these great artists and musicians,” says Roniit Alkayam, Sync licensing manager at Lyric House. “We’ll say we are from Denver, and people are surprised sometimes how much awesome talent has come out of Denver. Over and over again we’ve heard people say they like the quality of our music.

It’s cool for all these Denver artists to compete with the national competition.”

The trips to LA and the international clientele might seem surprising enough in itself, but the legitimacy of the Lyric House team is made even more apparent when you look at how short of a time period they have been around. “It’s been about a year and a half that we’ve been active,” says owner and founder Jessica Cole, an artist herself who originally got into the line of work to market her own music. “We’ve definitely grown a lot in that time period. We have about eighty artists now, and about 30-35 of those are in Colorado.”

Cole and her team, consisting of Alkayam, Jonathan Lapides, and Krista Van Allen, run the entire operation. “We’re very focused in TV, film and ads placement,” Cole says. “We have a whole catalog of songs, over 1,000 songs now. Basically we focus on pitching all of those to national commercials, tv shows and films. We have our base in Denver, but we go back and forth to LA every few weeks.

We have a presence there too, and we’re actually

“young party” country guy that is a new person. His truck is not old and funky, it’s got a ‘lift kit” and is as tricked out as any of the rides in hip-hop and the girls are every bit as hot. Serious, thoughtful music? Hell no. Seriously, successful music, hell yes. But most of all on a major music business level it is the kind of thinking that is fresh, different and, I hope this year, will get rewarded for being down right fun.

On the other side of this is the resurgence of great women in country music and my favorite is Brandy Clark. She is a seriously gifted guitar player and her wit is both poignant and cutting. “I got in my head that my goal as a songwriter was to write songs for people who didn’t write songs,” Clark told Neda Ulbaby on NPR in a story called “Songs for Drinking and Thinking.” Clark, who has been working in the writing trenches in Nashville for the past few years, was a critics choice for the 2011 SXSW -- and her current album 12 Stories may be the quintessential opposite of “bro country” yet I guarantee you will see here on some of these award shows.

So what is the take away? There are three basic ways to make the most of festivals like SXSW, (a) as an unknown, go to learn, make connections and immerse yourself in the business (b) if you have a showcase make sure that your manager, publicist, your social media pages represent your musical style? Does someone who has never heard you before, get a good idea of what you may sound like?

These are critical steps in creating a lasting and memorable image for your potential new fans.

Marketing: Are you placing your message in the right places? Are you connecting with the right people that represent your musical style? Are your flyers, logo and stage banners presenting your product correctly? Colors, backgrounds, and proper marketing trails are very important. Don’t place an ad in a “bedroom community magazine” if you are trying to reach a downtown audience! Don’t leave flyers in an indie clothing store if you are country band! You get the idea. Be strategic.

Events: So you know your target audience based on your musical style…If you are an indie band, work on getting a show at the Hi-Dive or Larimer Lounge. opening a branch in the spring in LA.” “Aside from us pitching to TV and film, we also provide opportunities to write custom for certain opportunities that we get,” says Cole. “We’ll bring in some of our writers and pair them together based on their strengths. We have two writing rooms with instruments and a comfy couch, and us here if they want to chat.”

Professional presentation is key to get your song placed. The team will help a band or artist get their online presence up to par before attempting to place a song. “If a band is fresh, we make sure that their image aligns with the quality of their work,” says Cole. “Everything needs to make sense, we need to make sure the band has a good image online. If we place them and they are being promoted, people are going to look them up and they need to think about that.”

If you or your band are planning to submit to Lyric House, make sure your song is professionally recorded and produced. Cole and Alkayam recommend heading to the Lyric House website and listening to some of the work they have placed, and judging your work accordingly to see if it is on par with the music they are working with. “We have to make sure that the quality is there,” says Cole. “It’s always about the quality for us. It’s also about relevancy. If the song is current and it fits in the songs that we are looking for or the opportunities that we are working on, or we feel that the song is going to be a hit, then we can evaluate that.”

Colorado Music Buzz will be keeping up to date

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

band members and entire team “work” the festival as hard as you can (c) follow up… you are going to make connections and follow up on all of them.

As far as the award show world goes, I advise the same. I was up for a Grammy in 2013 and so I went to the “show” and walked the red carpet etc. I learned an incredible amount about the structure of ‘big” music business and it’s paid off all year long in connections for selling songs to TV and movies and in connections with conversations and guest lectures for my CU Denver classes.

It’s easy to get caught in the cynicism and over the top exhibitionism that has become the daily bread of our 30-second news cycle (it used to be a 15 minute cycle). But resist the urge and look at what you can learn at awards shows and conferences - even right here in Colorado at Westword Music Showcase and Root 40 Music Expo coming in April. By doing so you will gain some valuable info. Trends like ‘bro country” will not last forever but collaborations like Nelly and FGL are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to innovative ideas. Who knows, next you may see String Cheese working with EDM artists to create Jam Band Electronic Dance music!

Jam band? Cervantes would be a great choice.

Metal, hit up the Roxy or Soda Jerk. You get what I am saying – identify your audience, and play those venues where your potential new fans know what style of music to expect. Another great tactic is to befriend similar well known local bands and ask if you can open for them. They already have a built in fan base that may very well like your music and performance too!

This is just a sample of the thought process you need to go thru to establish your identity in a local music market. Knowing who you are and who you are not is a very good thing to know, eh?!

Got a question or a topic to cover? Hit me up Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com - I am here to help! with the Lyric House team’s placements each month and will print the info here in this column. Below is a look at what they have done lately, and guidelines for submitting your own work for consideration.

January Placements: Mergence- “Harvest” on Shameless - Jan 19th on Showtime Ally Rhodes- “Deadbolt” on Giuliana & Bill on E! Fire In The Hamptons- “Kisses Are Candy” in Logitech Ad The Reel’s- “Made For You” in Lifetime movie “The Girl He Met Online”.

Ali Grayson- “Let It Go” in The Fosters on ABC Family Monarrk- “Alpha” on Teenwolf January 13th on MTV Denver Based artist placements Aaron Wagner from Medic had a song in Switched at Birth on ABC Family.

West Water Outlaws has been placed on Esquire, E!, Altitude, and a Denver Start Up Week ad Glowing House was featured on VH1’s Couple’s Therapy Ivory Circle was featured on VH1’s Couple’s Therapy Ally Rhodes (moving to Denver) was placed on Giuliana and Bill on E! Monarrk was placed in Teenwolf on MTV Ali Grayson was place on The Fosters on ABC Family.

Steven Lee Lawson from Oblios Arrow was placed in Cedar Cover on Hallmark.

Grant Sabin was placed in a movie called Warren GUNFNGR was placed on Giuliana and Bill on E! Sean Waldron was place in an advertisement for Daniel Diamonds

Online: lyrichouseco.com

Sarah Slaton of The Vinefield Agency

by Tim Wenger

The music business in Denver is, at its core, made up of people who are not afraid to wear many hats. Take Sarah Slaton, for examplewhen she isn’t busy with The Vinefield Agency (alongside fellow multi-taskers James Irvine and Evan Mellichampe), she does freelance work with heavy hitters like AEG Live and ESPN and fills the rest of her schedule with her own music and touring. As exhausting as all that may be, we got her to take a few moments to shed the light on Vinefield’s situation and give some advice for independent musicians.

She even gives props to some of the scene’s hardest working acts. Oh, what humanity!

CMB: How did Vinefield come to be?

SS: Vinefield was co-founded by James Irvine/ Evan Mellichampe in 2010. Irvine came to the table with a wealth of booking experience, currently books Larimer Lounge, and has founded HUG Records, a CO-based record label. Mellichampe had been booking acts, as well as touring as a musician in the mid2000’s. Both agreed that there was a lack of representation for Denver’s burgeoning music scene. I met Evan and James while they were coordinating The Vinefield launch party. At the time I was a recent graduate (B.S. Music Business) and had been working with AEG Live + managing my own music career/touring.

We brought entertainment attorney and Music Business Professor, Dain Estes , on board in 2011. The roster/staff has seen some changes over the years, but the goal of the company stays the same.

and heard “Monster Eats Pilot” feat. Kyle Simmons (Speakeasy Tiger/BOYS). I always say that there is a “lightbulb” moment when I know I just have to work with someone, and for TTTO, it was that song. The guys ended up being the most hard-working, respectful, and kind gentlemen I’ve met in music to date.

CMB: Do you take submissions from artists, or is it more of a “We saw you play and want to work with you” approach?

SS: Given that Vinefield is a boutique agency and a current passion project for most staff, it’s more so a matter of available time/energy. I currently freelance for a multitude of companies (ESPN/AEG Live/Coachella etc.) and have learned some hard lessons about overbooking myself. I’ve learned to only take on what I can handle, which means focusing on a smaller number of acts. I have mostly “known” I needed to work with an act after seeing them live, but a few folks I’ve hunted down after hearing their record. We take submissions from artists and are always open to hearing what’s out there.

CMB: Does a band from Denver need to spend a lot of time on the road to be successful?

SS: I believe the #1 thing any artist can do is focus on their craft and business equally.

Nowadays you can’t expect someone to just swoop you off your indie feet and hand you a platinum album. Record sales have declined and the old formula for success just doesn’t work. You’ll hear of many in

the industry telling artists to “get their numbers up”. It’s like musical shark tank, they want you to build a great product to pitch them before they get their wallets out and invest. With services like Tunecore, Indie On The Move, and various social platforms, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re going to tour, work smarter not harder.

Make sure you’re sending out a press release to local media in each city, finding strong local support, and always pay attention to your routing.

CMB: What are some of the key factors you look for in an artist?

SS: Song catalog/quality, marketability, business sense, overall preparedness and DIY knowledge. It helps if they have existing team members as well (Label / Management / PR).

CMB: What trends do you see dominating the Denver music community right now?

SS: There’s two sides to that talented coin. On the one hand, I see a lot of attention on our indie/folk scene (PaperBird / Ian Cooke / Nathaniel Rateliff), as well as the rock n’ roll backbone of the local scene (The Epilogues / In The Whale / Air Dubai). KTCL does a great job of highlighting local artists and has definitely brought a lot of attention to the local rock scene with ‘Hometown For The Holidays’.

Open Air/CPR has done a fantastic job doing the same for folk + genres across the board.

CMB: Got any big goals for 2014 for Vinefield?

SS: We’re primarily focused on nurturing the careers of our current artists, connecting them with folks in the industry, and heading back down to Austin for South by Southwest.

CMB: What are the most effective methods of PR that a band can employ themselves?

SS: Look at bands that you emulate or find to be in a similar genre as your own. Take a look at how they run things. Get online and pretend you’re a stranger to your own music. Visit all of your online presence from a fan standpoint and evaluate what changes you might need.

Here in Denver you can get your music out to a multitude of local radio stations, blogs, and “flyer” town the old school way. It never hurts to invest in targeted FB marketing either before a big show. Word of mouth is big in Denver and it’s easy to get a bad reputation if you book your band and consistently under-draw. Make sure you’re getting friends/fans to come out to shows and never over-promise ticket sales to a talent buyer.

CMB: Best live performance of 2013?

SS: Locally: Sarah & The Meanies @ Red Rocks this past summer. They had a flawless performance in front of 8k strong. I was one proud manager. I also recently caught Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats at The Gothic. I’ve got a feeling they have big things coming in 2014.

Nationally: Kishi Bashi @ The Bluebird, now that is a show I’ll never forget and one of the best nights of my life.

CMB: Where do you eat after a show?

CMB: Who were the first artists that you worked with, and why did you choose them?

SS: My favorite late night spot in town is William & Graham, OR Prohibition.

SS: The first artist that I chose to work with was TAKE TO THE OARS. Lead vocalist, Ryan Gombeski, had been stopping by my work and checking in with me periodically for months. I was spread too thin at the time and hadn’t given their record a proper listen. His eagerness left a big impression on me and I finally sat down

Online: vinefield.com, sarahslaton.com

January 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

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Sun Jan 5 D-Rock Imaging Photography Show: Captain Planet (90’s Covers), Grace’s Period, Almacoustica, OMNIISM, Scotty Brown, Symple Man@ Herman’s Hideaway Radio 1190 Presents : MARIA TAYLOR w/BLAKE BROWN , PJ BOND @ Larimer Lounge Josh Gross + The Rose Petition + Brother Saturn @ Lost Lake Lounge

w/Sophistaphunk (N.Y.), and Wagon Wheel Chandeliers (Members of YAMN, Kinetix, and Rally ‘Round the Family) @ The Bluebird Theatre

Wed Jan 15 Technicians of Distortion Tour 2014: Phillip H. Anselmo & The Illegals @The Summit Music Hall

Best Of The West 5 PRELIM ~ Round #9: w/Travellers Music, Anxious, SF1, The Contenderz, The FAMM, The Westcoastless Crew @ Herman’s Hideaway

Larimer Lounge Presents : ROBERT DELONG w/MANCUB, INNER OCEANS @ Larimer Lounge

In Her Own Words w/For the Win, Seasons Change / Almost, Maine@ South Moe’s BBQ - Englewood

Illegal Pete’s and KGNU Present: METALACHI (The Ultimate Metal Mariachi Tribute Band) , SKULLS (Misfits Tribtue Band), FOOL FOR A DAY (Rage Against The Machine Tribute Band) @ Larimer Lounge

Mon Jan 6 Pan Astral + The Vliets + The Baltic + Kiel Grov @ Lost Lake Lounge

Solar Garlic Ltd presents: Technicolor Tone Factory w/ Genetics @ 1Up on Colfax

Tue Jan 7 Sophistafunk and Turkuaz @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins

THE PAMLICO SOUND & INTUIT@ The Fox Theatre – Boulder

David Cook @ Bluebird Theatre 106.7 KBPI Presents: Low-Dough featuring In This Moment w/Butcher Babies, All Hail the Yeti, Devour the Day, Pop Evil @ The Fillmore Auditorium Larimer Lounge Presents: MALE BLONDING w/TOM WAITS FOR NO MAN, WANDERING , VELA @ Larimer Lounge Wed Jan 8 Larimer Lounge presents : ORTIS w/G.I.B. , CRUCIAL , DRAMATONE @ Larimer Lounge Thu Jan 9 The Evitable Conflict with Special Guests @Marquis Theater Rainless Records Artist Showcase & Fundraiser with The Repercussions / Champagne Charlie / Lawsuit Models @ The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall DIRTY FEW & PIZZA TIME - TOUR PRE PARTY! W/ BUD BRONSON & THE GOOD TIMERS + THE BORN READIES @ Lost Lake Lounge Lucid Vigilantes w/Charlie Milo Trio, Ode To The Marionette, Reign Project, Holly Roberds @ Herman’s Hideaway Larimer Lounge presents: SEA OF EYES w/GRAVITY TAPES, MOVE SHAKE PAUSE REPEAT, HR PEOPLE@ Larimer Lounge TURKUAZ & SPRINGDALE QUARTET @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder These Things Take Time Tour w/ Codependents and Traff The Wiz @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Fri Jan 10 BEAR. EP Release Show with Russell Scott, SuperSeed, Sun Time Hanna@The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall The Deceived with Public Display of Aggression, Sling Fist, Core Zero, Fallen and Forgotten@ The Gothic Theatre Channel 93.3’s E-leven Presents: Adventure Club @ Ogden Theatre Final Blow Album Release Show w/Total Annihilation , Make Way , 908, Impacts@Marquis Theater Twist & Shout Presents: Fox Street’s Whiskey Social

Shatterproof CD Release Show w/ Wiredogs & Fairwater @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Sat Jan 11 Lil’ Thunder Video Release Show with Wiredogs, Dead Set West @The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Roniit w/Amanda Hawkins, The Royal, Starcar Sunday @ The Bluebird Theatre KCSU PRESENTS: Mosey West EP Release w/ In The Whale & The Echo Chamber @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Tin Empire with Dino Romanelli @Marquis Theater Channel 93.3’s E-leven Presents: Adventure Club @ Ogden Theatre Silencer (15th Anniversary Party!) w/Arise in Chaos, Cellador, Horde Of Draugar, Cattleist @ Herman’s Hideaway ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRATEFUL DEAD REVUE FT. ROB EATON (OF DSO)@ The Fox Theatre – Boulder Larimer Lounge Presents : PAULA NELSON w/HOWL MOONSHINE HOWL, VON STOMPER@ Larimer Lounge

T Bird and The Breaks w/Andy Sydow @ South Moe’s BBQ - Englewood Thu 16 Jan Larimer Lounge Presents: CLOUD CATCHER , BLUE MESA , MUSCLE BEACH , WHAMPUS CAT @ Larimer Lounge 90.5 KCSU Presents: Yamn w/ UV Hippo & Genetics @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins CO 3 Pill Morning with Special Guests @Marquis Theater Radio 1190 Presents: Pickwick with Elliott BROOD @ The Bluebird Theatre Rainless Records Artist Showcase & Fundraiser with New Ben Franklins / Hot Apostles / Brave Song Circle / DRose @ The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall NAIVE MELODIES PERFORMS THE MUSIC OF TALKING HEADS @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder CO Fri 17 Jan Twist & Shout and KUNC Present: Rob Drabkin’s Birthday Bash w/ GS3 (Garrett Sayers Trio) @ The Bluebird Theatre Radio 1190 Presents : DRAG THE RIVER (ALBUM RELEASE SHOW) w/THE HOLLYFELDS, CASEY JAMES PRESTWOOD & THE BURNING ANGELS @ Larimer Lounge An Evening with Naive Melodies @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Best Of The West 5 PRELIM ~ ROUND #10: w/A Memory Down, Pull the Alarm, Resonance, Strip The Stars, Frozen Tide @ Herman’s Hideaway Channel 93.3 Presents: Reel Big Fish w/Suburban Legends, Mighty Mongo, The Maxies @ The Gothic Theatre The Dusty 45s with Special Guests @Marquis Theater

Lucida Tela @ Lost Lake Lounge

Trina with Special Guests @ The Summit Music Hall

Sun Jan 12 The A-OKs Live Album Release! w/BE LIKE MAX, Denver Port Authority, Kult of Skaro@ South Moe’s BBQ Englewood

Railroad Earth w/ Head for the Hills @ The Fillmore Auditorium

Colorado Blues Society Presents: IBC Send Off Party & Members Choice Awards Starring: The Ori Naftaly Band, Bad Brad & The Fat Cats, Jack Gaffney & Cary Morin@ Casselmans Bar & Venue Larimer Lounge Presents : BRONCOS PLAYOFF PARTY w/ ROSSONIAN@ Larimer Lounge Mon Jan 13 The Crenshaw Tour w/Nipsey Hussle @ The Gothic Theatre FREE - Comedy @ 7; Funk Jam Presents: Jimi Hendrix @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins CO Tue Jan 14 Larimer Lounge Presents: ROMA RANSOM w/DIXIE LEADFOOT & THE CHROME STRUTS, PIERCE MURPHY & THE CORSAIRS , HELLO THE CAMP @ Larimer Lounge Floodwood (Featuring Al Schneir and Vinnie Amico of moe.) @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins CO

THE NICK HEXUM QUINTET (311) @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder Skull Full Of Blues (CD Release Party!) w/ Two Man Blues Band @ Lost Lake Lounge Sat Jan 18 Radio 1190 Presents: Futurebirds with Natural Child, Dragondeer @ The Bluebird Theatre 42 Records Presents: NOCO ARTIST SHOWCASE w/ 17ent & Seen Loc @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Allegaeon @ The Gothic Theatre Band Dynamics Presents : Divide Zero, Our Generation, Deafening Silence, Optimal Illusion, Andie Valdez, Cameron Berry @ Herman’s Hideaway The Railbenders w/Reno Divorce, Thief River @ Herman’s Hideaway

Railroad Earth w/Anders Osborne @ The Fillmore Auditorium ROBOTIC PIRATE MONKEY @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder Larimer Lounge presents: BOX CAR EDDY w/RHEA HOVARTH, SOOFY & THE WALRUS @ Larimer Lounge Sun Jan 19 School Of Rock Denver@ Herman’s Hideaway Larimer Lounge Presents: DUSTIN BONES & THE BODY STEALERS w/MY WOODEN LEG , ARTHUR LAWRENCE @ Larimer Lounge Wed Jan 22 Gravity A @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Thu Jan 23 MarchFourth Marching Band with Eldren, The Widow’s Bane @ The Bluebird Theatre Channel 93.3 Presents: The Disco Biscuits @ Ogden Theatre The Toasters with The A-Oks / 12 Cents for Marvin, Kult of Skaro @ The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Hi-Fi Gentry w/Stasis of Seasons, The Faint Hearts, Yellow Dog Blues Band @ Herman’s Hideaway 2014 Waka Winter Classic Competition @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins K THEORY LIVE @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder Fri Jan 24 Araphahoe Highschool Benefit Featuring Filthy T with The Truth & Spectacle@ The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Larimer Lounge presents: LSD BAGS, THEE DANG DANGS @ Larimer Lounge Baywood Album Release Show with Special Guests @Marquis Theater Hog Magundy & Policulture @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins

BkG42 Presents: Liquid Assassin w/ Vicious Cycle @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Fist Fight w/Blakk Mantra, Hamara, Plural(s), Trail Of Ancients, A Travesty Prevented @ Herman’s Hideaway 45 + 1 (Hosted By Alf of 93.3 KTCL) @ Lost Lake Lounge The Motet w/ Snarky Puppy, Orgone, Mikey Thunder @ The Fillmore Auditorium Passion Pit DJ Set with Yacht (DJ Set) @ The Summit Music Hall BRILLZ @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder Sun 26 Jan CasualS CC & CasualS Crew Present: Team Alex: Carnival & Concert Benefit Featuring: 2MX2, Infinite Mindz, Leung and the Wreck, Aaron McMahon, DJ Izer, DJ Lazy Eyez, Venus Cruz, Ndaaz & Atomic Drifters @ Casselmans Bar & Venue Bloodoath with Special Guests @Marquis Theater EyeHateGod with Speedwolf, In The Company Of Serpents @ The Bluebird Theatre Mon Jan 27 97.3 KBCO and Twist & Shout Present: White Denim w/ Moon Taxi @ The Bluebird Theatre Tue 28 Jan A Lot Like Birds with Sianvar / Stolas / The Venetia Fair @Marquis Theater Solar Garlic Ltd presents: Soule Monde w/The Malai Llama @ The 1up on Colfax An Acoustic Evening w/ The Maine with Special Guests @The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall WHITE DENIM @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder CO St. Lucia with Sir Sly@ The Bluebird Theatre Wed 29 Jan Cody Canada & the Departed and American Aquarium @Marquis Theater

Solar Garlic Ltd presents: Kung Fu and Dopapod w/ Technicolor Tone Factory @ The 1up on Colfax Naked Raygun with Special Guests @ The Summit Music Hall Cody Simpson with Plug In Stereo @Marquis Theater STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9) @ The Fillmore Auditorium PEPPER @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder CO Sat Feb 1 My Body Sings Electric with In The Whale @Marquis Theater Larimer Lounge Presents : AGENT ORANGE w/WIREDOGS, ROYAL DEAD, HIGHBINDER @ Larimer Lounge Bailout! w/The Robby Wicks Band, Fleeting Matters, Bluzinators, En Tu Oblivion @ Herman’s Hideaway The Expendables @The Gothic Theatre Rocket From the Crypt @The Summit Music Hall Twist & Shout Presents: 2ND SHOW ADDED! RJD2 with DJ Amen @ The Bluebird Theatre Solar Garlic Ltd presents: Dopapod and Kung Fu w/Tiger Party @ The 1up on Colfax Devin The Dude w/ DIE & MIG @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins Sun Feb 2 Casselman’s Presents: A Game of Giving Fundraiser: Superbowl XLVIII @ Casselmans Bar & Venue Red City Radio with Elway / Direct Hit! @ The Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Mon Feb 3 106.7 KBPI Presents: Stone Sour w/ Stolen Babies @ Ogden Theatre Tue Feb 4 The Revivalists w/ Special Guests @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins CO

Jared Spool Delightful Content Means Business @ Casselmans Bar & Venue

Wed Feb 5 ACIDIC w/Dig the Kid, Motion The Gates, Averse To The End @ Herman’s Hideaway

DOPAPOD & KUNG FU @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder

For Today with Like Moths To Flames / Stray From the Path / Fit for a King@ The Summit Music Hall

ZOSO (The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience) with Bullethead (tribute to Van Halen) @ The Bluebird Theatre

Thu 30 Jan 303 Boards and The 1up present: An evening with Ray Barbee and The Mattson 2 @ The 1up on Colfax

Toxic Holocaust and Exhumed with Ramming Speed @Marquis Theater

Murs with Jabee, Marley B., Cash Lansky @ The Gothic Theatre

Channel 93.3 Presents: MxPx w/ Allister, Potato Pirates @ The Bluebird Theatre

Sat 25 Jan Rubedo feat. Ikey Owens of The Mars Volta with Tjutjuna, The Other Black, I Sank Molly Brown @ The Bluebird Theatre

Snowdown 2014 Feat. Juicy J, RL Grime, Salva, Bass Physics and More! @ The Fillmore Auditorium

Radio 1190 & Ultra 5280 present: BLKHRTS (Video Release Party) w/CHELLA NEGRO, 100 SHOTS @ Larimer Lounge

ETC! ETC! @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder CO

BEST OF THE WEST 5 PRELIM ~ Round #11: w/Digg, Solar, The Tickle Mafia, Aspen Hourglass, Bees With Guns @ Herman’s Hideaway Channel 93.3 Presents: The Disco Biscuits @ Ogden Theatre

Into It. Over It. w/ The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die , A Great Big Pile of Leaves @ Marquis Theater Draztik and Yoshi CD Release Party featuring Special Guests @ South Moe’s BBQ - Englewood

JONATHAN WILSON @ The Fox Theatre – Boulder CO

Bad Suns @Marquis Theater

Fri 31 Jan Twist & Shout Presents: RJD2 with DJ Chonz, Man Mantis @ The Bluebird Theatre BEST OF THE WEST 5 PRELIM ~ Round #12: w/Tattooed Strings, Centersphere, Two Fisted Tango, Backporch Romeos, Vivid Fiction @ Herman’s Hideaway

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