MANAGING PUBLISHERS Keith Schneider Keith@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com Christopher Murphy CMurphy@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com MANAGING EDITOR Tim Wenger 303-725-9359 TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEBSITE EDITOR Tim Wenger TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WEBMASTER SwamiSez Web Design Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com SENIOR WRITERS Sal Christ, Jenn Cohen, Chris Daniels, Daniel Rondeau, Charlie Sullivan, Swami, Darnell Teague, Torch, Wendy Villalobos, Tim Wenger PHOTOGRAPHY Miles Chrisinger INTERNSHIP Peter Munteanu ADVERTISING Lead Account Representative Chris Murphy - 720-429-8717 Account Representative Brett Finn - 719-217-9771 Finn@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 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.
[Art]illery Sound to Open Doors for Positive Change Through Music
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Denver will soon have another new recording studio. Unlike most studios, however, [Art]illery Sound will be very selective about who they
Flobots.org is now Youth on Record Why change the name? Now employing more than 15 local musicians who are tasked with teaching for-credit music classes to 900 at-risk teens in Denver Public Schools, we recognize the need for an organizational name that represents both the countless musicians who are working in the classroom, as well as the students who are making great strides towards improving their academic achievement. Youth on Record was formerly Flobots.org’s most successful
Folky Bluesman Andy Sydow to Drop Album
welcome in and who can represent their name on a finished product. The studio will not record just anyone, even if they show up with a wheelbarrow full of cash.
detailed list of the gift breakdown, visit the Indiegogo page.
Brent Adams, aka Ralph Lazo the Rappoet, is in the process of fundraising this new studio located in northeast Denver. “It’s on my property,” says Adams. “I gutted a two car garage, and then I built the studio inside that twocar garage.” Adams is now in the fundraising stage of the project, hoping to receive enough donations through an Indiegogo page to purchase all of the equipment needed to make the studio ready for launch. “What I’m doing the (Indiegogo) for is to raise money for the equipment, once I get equipment I can provide accessible recording and comfortable space.” Adams’ goal is $18,871. Donors will receive gifts based upon the amount given. For a
Adams will not be recording anything derogatory, misogynistic, or racial in the studio. “I won’t record any racist, homophobic or heterosexist content,” says Adams. This is why donating money to the studio does not guarantee future recording time. “I don’t want to enter into an agreement with somebody and I don’t know what kind of art they do, and then I’m obligated to record for them and their art doesn’t fit the vision of what I’d like the studio to be used for.” Adams also puts on anti-racist and positive workshops around the country, and wants the positivity to be present in his new studio. “There are a lot of poets and musical artists who have super fierce critiques of those systems, and who have really inspiring work, and all that knowledge is trapped. Most people don’t have access to it, so my vision is to amplify the potential of that kind of art, and sort of transform people into living in relationships of equilibrium.”
program. As the goals of the organization have evolved, Youth on Record is now part of a district-wide partnership with Denver Public Schools, the Denver Housing Authority, The Anschutz Foundation and Mile High United Way to improve graduation rates and prepare students for the workforce and/or advanced education. What Does The Future Hold for Youth on Record? The future looks bright for Youth on Record. In partnership with the Denver Housing Authority, YOR broke ground on a $2.2M Youth by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Andy Sydow is dropping a new album, and has big plans for the future. The record was dropped August 23 at Moe’s BBQ in Englewood, followed in September by a mini tour to Nebraska. As a graduate of CU Denver’s Jazz Piano Music Performance program, Sydow was able to make connections in the industry that helped him make this record happen. “Basically through school, I got together with this guy Anthony Catalano and we started doing some pre-production stuff,” Sydow says. “We focused for a while on narrowing
10
“I’ve spent the past eight months pretty much by myself learning how to build and then building a small recording studio,” says Adams. “The idea is to be able to provide a space that is accessible and comfortable to conscious musical arists and poets.”
Media Studio in West Denver in April 2012. Upon completion in September 2013, the YMS will open its doors as an innovative, experiential resource for students in Denver Public Schools and young people in youth residential treatment centers. Outfitted with cutting-edge technology, the YMS will serve thousands of youth as a centralized location for accredited arts-based programming for at-risk high school students.
A desire to work for positive change came in college for Adams after taking an Ethnic Studies class following reading the autobiography of Malcolm X. He proceeded to take more classes that opened his mind to derogatory systems that are in place throughout the world, and wanted to fight against them. As far as recording experience, Adams has a couple hundred hours of experience in the studio. He has also done vast research and reading on the art of recording and feels confident in his ability to produce quality work. “I don’t have any formal training, just a lot of committed practice,” he says. At first, he plans on doing most of the work himself on projects that come in to his studio, and bringing in help as needed. “Starting small and manageable, so it will be me recording and engineering, and then if necessary I’ll bring someone in to make sure the quality is top notch.” In order to record in the studio, there will be a brief application process in order to ensure positive and/or beautiful art. The link to the Indiegogo page is listed below. Online: http://igg.me/at/artillerysound/ x/4311013 Artillerysoundstudio.com Founded in 2007 by the internationally known Denver based hip-hop collective Flobots, Youth on Record (formerly flobots.org) connects underserved youth across Colorado with music and empowerment education. Led by a network of professional musicians, artists and educators, Youth on Record programs are designed to harness the power of music and those who love it.
Through music. Through poetry. Through the spoken word. We’ve recruited Colorado’s innovative, relevant, and socially conscious musicians toteachinDenver’smostat-risk and undeserved classrooms and treatment centers. About Youth on Record down which songs to do, I was writing some new ones and throwing the old ones out. Last summer, we got into the studio and had our first session for this album.” The recording took place at Elevation Sound Studios in Westminster. “We had our first session live with the tuba sax and drums, did five or six tracks. We listened to that, made new charts, new arrangements, and went back in January and just did all fourteen tracks live and then went back and did a bunch of overdubs.” He chose this studio because of Catalano, who works with the studio. Sydow has made a name for himself through consistent live performances. He has had the opportunity, through getting himself involved at one of Denver’s most notable small venues, to share the stage with some big names. “I started off working with Moe’s BBQ,” says Sydow. “We got in there opening for a buddy one night and I begged all my friends to go. I developed a good relationship over there, that was where I probably played my first half a dozen shows as
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
a band a few years ago. Eventually we had a reputation there and people would come see us there.” The successful shows at Moe’s and relationship with talent buyer Danny Sax led Sydow and his band to be booked at larger venues. “And then from that, we were able to open for a couple national acts,” Sydow says. “Delbert McClinton, Dick Dale.” Sydow has also shared the stage with Michael Franti and Spearhead and Kid Rock. His style is heavily influenced by the New Orleans sound, with hints of Americana, folk and blues all seeping through rock overtones. He takes his influence from artists who have defined the genre and have been around for years. “The music always comes a little easier than the lyrics,” says Sydow. “When I was in my early and mid-teens, I thought I wanted to be Bob Dylan like everybody else. And then I found guys like Jackie Greene, Anders Osborne, Warren Z Vaughn.”
Convalescents Look Toward New Album, More Touring by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Hi Tide Low Tide Climbing The Wave to Success by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
In today’s music world, artists have to go all in to even have a chance of making it. Denver’s High Tide Low Side are going balls to the wall, and their trashed out, lived in, thrashed up practice space on south Broadway is visible proof of their undying commitment to the music. Their name suggests the journey they have undergone thus far, with the attitude of each member suggesting, and reaffirming, that a new peak lie on the horizon. The group spent their summer gigging all over town, and are currently working on their second EP. “I think it’s gonna be five songs,” says guitarist Craig Down. “We’re working with Alex Scott at Red Wall Audio. This band has reformulated it’s sound. We had a big lineup change. We separated with one of our founding members. We have an EP out, it doesn’t represent us. Everything was just coming apart at the seams.”
transitions, and general band life. Colorado Music Buzz met up with the group in their practice studio, which has doubled as a recording spot and apartment. At the time of the interview for this story, the room is cluttered with workout equipment, party accessories, clothes and beds in addition to the band’s equipment. “Our living situations weren’t the best,” says Down. “Giles and I were living in this space. All the trials and tribulations, it was a rough time. It kind of still is, but we are getting out of it. There is a silver lining and we can see it.” Down and Cool will be moving into an apartment soon. “We stay with our girlfriends now,” says Down. “Giles and I have an apartment, we move in in a week or two.” The band added a new member, Caleb Gabs, to fill the void of the departed founding member, and have been working diligently to perfect their sound and live show. They feel confident about a bright future ahead, and are more than willing to put in the work necessary to ensure they get there. “I think we’re all at the peak of our game because we’ve struggled so hard,” says Down. High Tide Low Tide are working hard to pursue
The guys are very anxious to get the new record out and into the hands of eager music listeners from all over the scene, and solidify the image that the band wants to present. “This, however, 120% represents every one of us,” says Down. “I’m really excited about it. I’ve never been more excited about any piece of music in my whole life. We’re really trying to nurture this thing and do it right this time, and make, hopefully, a career out of this.” “Things are kind of financially screwed up for us at the moment,” says Down. “But we’re working two and three jobs, (drummer) Giles Cool works three jobs, to fund this thing. We’re trying to get back into the studio, but its going, and the guy that we’re working with is a close friend of ours. What we’ve recorded thus far sounds amazing to me.” They hope to have the record out by mid winter. A video looks to precede the release of the album. “We’re working with Adam Blackford with Showdown Media,” says Down. “We’re trying to encompass the last few months of our lives because it’s been one big fucked up mess. We’re getting out of it, and it was a very interesting time in our lives.” The video is in the vein of a short documentary, covering their living situations, member
YoumaybefamiliarwithFortCollinspop-punkers Convalescents. They have brought their funloving brand of punk rock around the country and have made a decent name for themselves here in Colorado. They recently returned home from a tour with Stabbed in Back and took some time out of their busy schedules to let Colorado Music Buzz know what they are up to and why DB and the Catastrophe just wasn’t cutting it as a band name. “Every four months we were changing band members,” says front man Dylan Busby. “But when we got into the studio, at least the three of us were locked down. There was DB and the Catastrophe because there was me and then there was people changing out all the time. But when you lock in and you find the right people and become like a band, it’s less about me doing something than this uniform thing happening.” Three of the band’s four members, including Busby, bassist Eric Lehman and drummer Ben Duncan, have known each other since middle school, and are a tight-knit group when it comes to playing in a band together. “We started our first band in the summer of eighth grade,” says Lehman. “While I was in DB and the Catastrophe, I met (guitarist) Gideon Priegel in school,” says Busby. “I only knew him for like a year, and he went out to Musicians Institute in LA and got a degree out there. When he came back we were just finishing up in the studio, and I called him up and said ‘Do you want to come practice with us.’” The band recorded their album Armageddon at famous Fort Collins studio the Blasting Room with Bill Stevenson. The songs on the record are a mix between old DB songs that Busby has been playing for years, and new stuff that the solidified group has written together. The record is available on iTunes and at shows.
their passion, with no qualms about anything, and plan to continue triumphing over anything that gets in their way to put their band where they know it needs to be. “Music is definitely why we’re living not the best,” says Down. “Everything we do that sucks is for music. You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes, especially if you’re passionate. We could all say fuck it and go get more reliable things, but a lot of people look back at their lives and regret what they could have done, and we are definitely not going to do that.” Online: facebook.com/htltband
to try and get a couple more songs so that we have something to choose from.” “With Armageddon down, after leaving that experience, we’ve written a couple songs,” says Busby. “It’s all about getting those songs down because they are a refined sound of what the Convalescents are.” Convalescents are becoming known for their live shows and frequent touring. The guys have played at the SXSW and NXBE festivals. Playing out of state festivals helped the guys figure out
the process of booking and executing tours, having already a destination and turnaround point in place. “It’s worth your time to try and tour on the way to those festivals, so we started touring from there,” says Busby. “A long, long time ago, probably six years ago now, I was at the Blasting Room getting something mixed and the Teenage Bottlerocket guys were there. Ray (one of TBR’s vocal and guitarists) and I were outside smoking at the same time and he told me to get out, to go and do your thing. Once we started doing that, it seemed to be the best option for us. The way we do it is every band member has to save up money (to finance the tours), day jobs are fueling it.” The guys hope to get back out on the road in the fall. “We get these two big tours a year,” says Lehman. “Just from saving up and getting the time off is kind of difficult, but two big ones at least a year.” “It’s starting to get more frequent, also with regional stuff, it’s almost every chance we get to get out of town,” says Busby. Catch the guys coming up at Surfside 7 with Calabrese September 23. Online: convalescentsmusic.com
They hope to get in and record an EP of new stuff over the next couple of months. “We have some new songs in the works, two or three right now that are pretty good,” says Lehman. “We’re going
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
11
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 6-8 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.
RADIO Dustin “Radio” Niall, born in San Diego, CA, now resides in Longmont, Colorado. After a short time in Salt Lake City, UT and many years in Las Vegas, NV. Radio, an ex-professional BMX rider, has always been hungry to entertain the masses. After finding music, he makes the cross over to modern hip hop music and creates “The Workshop Music Group.” Radio earns his name not from music, but from the BMX world he used to live in. I guess it’s just one of those names that stuck! Radio strives to keep a fresh, truthful and personal feel his music. Be ready to see this artist make big moves in 2013-14! reverbnation.com/whoisradio
Ben Rogers According to his mom, “Ben Rogers can’t dance, but put an instrument in his hands and he can do just about anything else.” This contemporary performer from the small Arkansas community of Fort Smith is quickly making his mark in the Denver music scene. He provides a unique blend of pop and blues feel that channels Andy Grammer and Jason Mraz’s musical exploits, while adding a personal element to create a style he can label his own. Ben Rogers was raised with the charm of a southern gentleman but not the accent; the skills of a national act without the ego. Having lived in Ethiopia by himself at 21, Ben returned with a history and a personal depth not many performers can claim. He has recently shared the stage with national acts such as Secondhand Serenade, Alex Goot, Joe Brooks, Joseph Vincent, Anuhea, and Justin Young. Ben would also like you to know that he thinks he’s a pretty swell dancer. reverbnation.com/benrogersartist
Core Zero Kick Ass Melodic Mosh Pit’n Metal! Core Zero is a Denver based metal/hard rock band that orginally formed in 2005 under a different name. Upon release of it’s first full length professionally produced album Doxology, Core Zero adopted their current name. The music can be described as melodic vocals, soaring solos, heavy guitars, and a tight rhythm section. If Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack, and Drowning Pool had a four headed love child it would be Core Zero! reverbnation.com/corezero
Skin Your Teeth Bringing a fiery breath of Reggae/Dub Mix, Skin Your Teeth has a mighty tight “White boy Reggae” rhythm, carried out by a brilliant bassJeremy (Remy) Mark, savvy drums-Christopher (Ape) Hicks, and a prevailing lead guitarist- Wyatt Trigg. This trio is playing passionate harmonies, rich, catchy melodies, rough neck rhythms, and intelligent, conscious lyrics that has fans humming their tunes hours after the show stops. The Band formed in Denver, CO 2011, Wyatt and Ape had recently run into each other at a house party. They decided to form Skin Your Teeth as a side recording project. The day before Wyatt was to play an acoustic St Patrick’s Day set the boys ran into Remy who had just moved back to Denver. The decision was made. They would play the show as a trio... with no practice... and they killed it. A perfect match of talented musicians. reverbnation.com/skinyourteeth
Clara Finn Clara Finn is a high energy 5 piece rock band from Denver that delivers melodious vocals and harmonies over heavy grooves with a blend of complex and catchy riffs. The band is comprised of long time musicians from the Denver music scene as well as KC and NYC/NJ music scenes. They are an all original group that is constantly working on new, fresh ideas that will bring back hints of your favorite bands. Clara Finn is playing shows in Denver and surrounding areas in support of their first album “From Ashes”. reverbnation.com/clarafinn
12
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Damon Wood’s Harmonius Junk
by the Swami
Swami@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
The Colorado music scene is once again rewarded with renowned guitarist Damon Wood. His latest album is a vehicle of new creativity in the “Jamband” arena. Most don’t know that Wood was a touring guitarist with Rock n’ Roll hall of famer James Brown for 7 years and it is evident of his experience throughout his latest disc, Sirens and Pipers. Showing amazing diversity, Wood and crew (Brian Efros on bass and Rob Buehler on drums) proliferate a mix of Funk, Reggae, Rock and Jam into a very friendly ride for ear. Self produced, the quality of the recording is top notch, artwork and overall presentation (any artist that includes a SECOND disc of info is a friend of all media) is pro-level. Wood’s solos, crafty rhythms, and knowledge of song structure are obvious and very well done. This is must have disc for the road-trip, chilling with friends, or just for attitude adjustment in a good way. Wood knows how to make you feel good about yourself, and rightfully so, because you deserve it! Online: reverbnation.com/ damonwoodsharmoniousjunk
ResonanceSomething Better, Something New
Joe JohnsonNew West Sound
by Tim Wenger
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Hard-rockers Resonance have demonstrated what hard work and dedication, in addition to talent, can do for a band on their debut full-length Something Better, Something New. They kick the album off melodically with “The Stare,” the perfect example of the smooth vocals, heavy doublekick drums and driving guitar sound that the band is becoming known for. What the band does best on the record is mix the heavy rhythms that are prominent in hard rock with intricately melodic and harmonious guitar work that makes the songs not only easy to listen to, but nearly impossible to not nod your head to. While the songs can be a bit lengthy, they fill them well and make them easy to listen to, completed with emotional lyrics that reflect, as all good music does, the life of the artist who created them.
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Joe Johnson has put out the front range’s latest take on unyielding country twang with his record New West Sound. Johnson’s vocals and lyrics serve not only as the focal point of the album, but also as the inarguable definition of the band’s sound. Melodic and untamed, pure country style untainted by the modern pop-country overtaking have given the listeners of Johnson and his crew something true and unique.
Justin FrancoeurMoving Through Universes
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Justin Francoeur has friends- lots of them- and they all came around to throw in their two cents on his new record Moving Through Universes. Francoeur used a plethora of guest musicians and multiple recording destinations to deliver a record that is the definition of a pleasant, easy listen.
With upbeat driving riffs maintaining the energy of solid country as well as the stringy, mellow sound needed to properly convey Johnson’s emotion, the record is raw and proper- the way country music should be.
Ambient and melodic, Francoeur takes the listener on an enjoyable journey through his emotions and his talent. The title track is the strongest on the record, serving as the definitive voice of Francoeur’s sound- light rock with pop influences and strong instrumentation. The album is musically strong, well put together and a solid listen.
Online: blanktaperecords.org/joejohnson
Online: facebook.com/justinfrancoeurmusic
Online: resonancerock.com
Mule DixonPillow AmericanMade
Steele & Colfax
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Mule Dixon have dropped a new album entitled PillowAmericanMade. Recorded and produced at The Spot Studios in Lakewood, the record is a clear vision of well-rehearsed pop-sensible Americana. The vocals have a country twang to them that signifies the sound, backed by strong instrumentation including organ, banjo, mandolin, piano, slide guitar, and more. A mellow ride with the musical power to take the listener out of the present and into the mind of the musicians who created the music, the record is well played and thorough, covering all emotions one would expect to hear in just under an hour of solid Americana. Online: https://soundcloud.com/muledixon/ sets/pillow-american-made/s-iYU0B
Rob DrabkinLittle Steps by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Rob Drabkin has put together another pleasing collection of songs on his new record Little Steps. The record kicks off with the mellow mood-setting track “For You I Would Die,” then transcends
Tim Yunker is the man, and the new EP from his project Steele & Colfax is nothing if not more proof of that fact. The self-titled EP is funky danceable, but retains the hipness of modern hip-hop- think Bop Skizzum meets urban soul with a dash of rock flair provided by solid lead guitar work. The track “Devil at the Crossroads” is the definitive song for the group- starting off mellow with the funked-out vocals doing the talking, then diving head first into up-tempo rock riffs and presenting a catchy chorus hook almost demands that the listener play the track again. Steele & Colfax is now more than a mere intersection in our fair city, it is a musical high point full of the freshest culture our music community has to offer. Online: facebook.com/steeleandcolfax
easily into the steady drum beat of “Down To Fate,” both classic examples of what we have come to expect from Drabkin- sensible vocals in the line of John Mayer, melodic ambience and instrumentation that is not only easy on the ears but begs them to listen closely, and a rock feel that leaves the listener yearning for a chance to see Drabkin perform live. Another solid record from one of Denver’s best. Online: robdrabkin.com
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Covenhoven
by Jenn Cohen
JCohen@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
If you’re looking for happy-mellow,instead of sappy-mellow, this is the album for you. Covenhoven’s self-titled debut album, releasing on September 20th, contains 10 solid tracks of illustrative lyrics, complimented by beautiful melodies. My favorite tracks are “One Night” and “My Paradise,” but the entire album stays true to the concept that Covenhoven intended: the love of a person, the building of a foundation, and a lifetime of memories. For a free download for “A Love Sincere,” check out the website. Online: Covenhoven.com
4914- Livin?
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
4914 Livin? is a fresh take on Colorado hip hop- the album mixes influences from R&B, jazz and pop to create a style that is a welcome refreshment from the mass produced mainstream hip hop heard every day. Encouraging instead of discouraging, the album invokes positive images and encourages a creative mindset. With catchy lines and inventive beats, 4914 has created a record that begs to listened to over and over. Online: reverbnation.com/4914folife
13
Defying the Naysayers by Wendy Villalobos photos:: Miles Chrisinger The music scene has seen plenty of changes in the last ten years, though not all of them have made the industry any better. Songs are sounding repetitive, and pop music is (mainly) still ruling the music world. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid to admit I still love listening to old school Britney Spears or newer artists like Selena Gomez, but sometimes I don’t want to hear the same party song about raising my glass up. For now, though, I’ll get off my high horse and really get down to business; by focusing on the countless talented musicians out there in every state that are popping out of the wood work and making musical waves (excuse that saying). Musical superheroes are usually what I refer to them as. One of those very musicians lives right here in Denver, and he’s making sure people know exactly who he is. Josh Blackburn made the move from Florida (after a few detours along the way) to Colorado almost nine years ago, and ever since he’s been making a name for himself in the music circuit. According the Blackburn, he believes that “music should have meaning, and should tell a story. Everything should fall into place after that. The lyrics need to stand for something.” He couldn’t be more right, and I was glad to hear him say it. When he said it, it didn’t sound forced and I understood exactly where he was coming from. Working as a solo act most of the time, Blackburn has a busy schedule that keeps his musical pipes in check. As a musician, he has to keep on top of all of his bookings, because he likes to be in control of the shows that he plans. “I use Google Calendars. They’ve definitely saved my life and it’s easy to access and it lets me stay hands on.” Josh also explained that he likes to only use booking agents every once and awhile, but doesn’t rely too much on other people so he can take care of everything else. His music is a little bit of everything rolled into one, but if he had to define it he would say it’s closer to adult contemporary rock. He also has a goal of “bringing back a Floyd like sound. That’s what I really want to accomplish.” However, Blackburn almost abandoned music completely for a short period in his life. After he went away from his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, he made the move to Nashville, but surprisingly didn’t take to the stage in the traditional sense of the word while he was there. He worked odd jobs, particularly one with Comcast that really made a negative impact in his life. To balance how much he disliked his job at the company he would go to music stores, trying to pick up his love for music, though he didn’t find the motivation to fully commit at the time. “One day finally, I was approached by someone who heard me playing in one of the music stores and asked if I wanted to work for Disney. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it at first, but then it hit me that I had to. They were going to pay more than what I was making at my (then) current job, so I jumped on the opportunity.” And taking that chance really brought a lot of things into motion. He stayed on with Disney, traveling on their cruise ship and playing one show a night for most of the week. “This was the point in my life that really brought me back to music.” And his determination is still in full force today. Blackburn now plays shows almost every night of the week, and does it simply for the pure pleasure of playing gigs so he can build a big fan base. Even though he’s played in Denver for years, he knows his name isn’t necessarily the one people talk about, but it doesn’t stop him. He also puts his efforts into making sure he books enough shows to help his wife get through school, so she can focus her attention on getting a degree; something that Josh truly wants her to do. In the meantime, Blackburn isn’t taking his act out on the road, or at least not until he feels he’s developed a better fan base in Colorado altogether. The big push he has been waiting for, however, might just come after playing the Higher Ground Music Festival, which will be on September 14, 2013. Changing it up just a bit, Blackburn will be playing with a full band, instead of his solo gig. “I think that this could definitely be my breakout moment. My solo shows have done very well but adding the band element is going to take the music to a much higher level of complexity. And on top of that, it is my Flipside album which was the first album that I recorded in Colorado. It is going to be a really special experience for me and hopefully for everyone there to see it.” Blackburn also is a master of using a looping technique in his shows, something that creates a different and unique flow to his sound. “I like to play the lead, and not as much the rhythm. I noticed how the looping made a big difference in my music.” He also mentioned how overall it brought a lot of diversity and more opportunities for his sound. I told him how I had seen shows in which the musician used quite a bit of looping and how it really does make that person stand out from the crowd. Josh is hoping for some great changes to happen, and Higher Ground is just the beginning. The possibilities are going to start opening up, and I’m pretty excited to see where he’ll be heading. One thing is for sure: after taking a second and hanging out with Josh (who by the way is a pretty nice guy), I believe that he is definitely someone to watch out for the next time that you’re out looking for a local show. Online: joshblackburn.com
“I think that this could definitely be my breakout
moment. My solo shows have done very well but adding the band element is going to take the music to a much higher level of complexity. And on top of that, it is my Flipside album which was the first album that I recorded in Colorado. It is going to be a really special experience for me and hopefully for everyone there to see it. ”
Live: Higher Ground Music Fest Sept 14 5:20p - 6:50p
SAT SEPT 14TH, GATES AT 11AM. ALL AGES! 27TH AND LARIMER ST, DENVER
A ZEBRA
MEADOWLARK INDOOR 2:15P
ORIGAMI
MEADOWLARK INDOOR 4:05P
Origami is a local Indie-Alternative band from the Fort Collins area of Colorado.The band has undergone many changes since it’s inception.
ALL SAINTS DAY
P-NUCKLE
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 3:20P
MAINSTAGE 4:00P
All Saints Day has four members which include Cross ( Lead Vocalist, Rhythm Guitar ), Smedz ( Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals ), The Fox ( Bass Guitar ), A-Rod ( Drums ).
Sometimes the moment of clarity becomes something continual, rather than an instant. For Denver rock reggae/ska outfit, P-Nuckle, that evolution is about to be more apparent than ever.
ASPEN HOURGLASS
PORTOBELLO ROAD
Aspen Hourglass is a Colorado-based progressive/alternative reggae-rock band consisting of Grayson Erhard, John Napier, and Sean Hanson.
We are a random yet powerful mix of music with backgrounds in grungy blues, rock, alternative, and punk.
BRITTANY DEVENS
QBALA MUSIC
I was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. I picked up my Daddy’s 1965 Gibson guitar out of the garage, started to teach myself & then learned to sing with it.
Hip Hop / Funk / Spoken Word
THE DRIFTIN’ SUNS MAINSTAGE 7:30P
RYAN CHRYS AND THE ROUGHCUTS
Eat the Sun is a band from the Denver/ Boulder area of Colorado that will rock your face off and make you wet your pants at the same time.
For the last 10 years he’s cut his teeth as lead guitarist for award winning Colorado bands and singer/songwriters.
EAT THE SUN
THE SOUND JUNKIES
Eat the Sun is a band from the Denver/ Boulder area of Colorado that will rock your face off and make you wet your pants at the same time.
Tim Yunker and Alex Buxton are Colorado Natives. Tim and Alex united to create a sound that can only be described as unique.
GREEN RIVER VIBE
STARCAR SUNDAY
Straight out of Denver, Colorado, Green River Vibe has set the mark for progressive reggae-rock music that knows few stylistic boundaries.
Starcar Sunday is simple: we play rock ‘n roll. But it’s not as simple as that: it’s the chemistry of these five people in the same room playing their hearts out for the greater good.
MAINSTAGE 10:10P
MAINSTAGE 1:20P
MEADOWLARK INDOOR 5:00P
MAINSTAGE 12:00P
I AM THE WOLF
MEADOWLARK INDOOR 3:10P
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 9:30P
MAINSTAGE 8:50P
MAINSTAGE 2:40P
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 4:40P
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 12:40P
TATTOOED STRINGS
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 6:50P Tattooed Strings masterfully combines music and lyrics that are unique, but identifiable for all music fans across the globe.
LAMA LIVE
VIRETTA
A ProgRap band based out of Denver, Colorado. Collaboration at it’s absolute best.
Viretta is a four piece alternative rock band from Parker, CO. with influences like Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Circa Survive, Viretta is growing more and more in Denver’s music scene.
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 8:10P
MIDWEST REBELLION
MEADOWLARK OUTDOOR 6:50P
Born out of the Midwest, the Rebellion has roots in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Blending a sound and a groove that’ll shake yo money maker, Midwest Rebellion is gonna make you move.
MAINSTAGE 8:00P
GATES OPEN AT 11A - FOOD TRUCKS, THE LEFT HAND BREWERY BEER TRUCK, AND OTHER VENDORS MAKE THIS A DESTINATION BLOCK PARTY UNLIKE ANY OTHER! SORRY, NO PETS OR OUTSIDE DRINKS THIS IS AN ALL AGES EVENT! 27TH AND LARIMER ST, DENVER
The Coast is Ours is Claiming Their Stake with Upcoming EP by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
The Coast is Ours is becoming one of the most looked at faces of Denver pop-punk, and they have been beaming, bright and wide, right back by putting their heart and soul into their live performances and upcoming short album, the Lighthouse EP. We stole their smile for a few minutes and got the latest word on the upcoming record. CMB: What’s the status on the album? TCIO: Well the EP is done. We call it the Lighthouse EP. We’re very proud of it. There’s been a lot of positive feedback on it from people at shows, online, and even on the street or at our jobs when people recognize us. We really feel good about how it turned out. CMB: How did you guys go about recording it? Did you do it live or multi track everything? TCIO: We recorded the instruments and vocals at our drummer Austin’s home studio, then sent the tracks to Zoinga Recording to get mastered. So a big thanks goes to Mick at Zoinga for working his magic and taking our sound to the next level. CMB: How are you going to go about promoting and distributing the record? TCIO: Like every great band in history we’re doing it all ourselves, by word of mouth, utilizing
mediums like Facebook and Twitter, and of course playing shows where we’ll be selling the record along with some other merch. Also, anyone can get the album online at Bandcamp. com and iTunes. CMB: What’s the craziest story you have from a show in Denver? TCIO: We’ve had a fight or two in the crowd during our set, which is strange and funny at the same time because we really don’t play music you normally see kids fighting to. Also, we played this year’s Warped Tour at the Denver stop, and had a middle-aged lady moshing with our friends in the crowd. That was very entertaining for us.
CR: and it’s funny because neither of us do any of that stuff. It’s a really mellow place to be and people are just chilling and relaxed. So really the answer is… (Pause)
CMB: What else is coming up in the near future? TCIO: We plan to keep building our fanbase and keep writing music. We already have a few new songs that were written immediately after the EP was released that will eventually be on our full-length. And no doubt playing tons of shows. CMB: It seems like there have been a few Denver bands with a similar style as you guys that have been releasing albums and then breaking up shortly after. Please tell us this isn’t going to happen to The Coast is Ours. TCIO: That definitely is not the case for us, and we believe that it stems from the fact we are like-minded individuals who really could care less about any musical or fashion trend around us. We are a group of real friends that are making music that we enjoy playing, whether its in style or not. And in the process if we hit a snag we are level headed enough people to put our egos aside and learn to compromise so that we can continue on and not make this band a waste of time for each other. The short answer though would be that The Coast Is Ours will not see an untimely end because everything that comes from this band comes from the heart. CMB: Breakfast King or Denver Diner? TCIO: Most of the band has not been to Breakfast King, so its Denver Diner by default....but if Breakfast King wants to send some complementary meals our way we would not decline! Online: facebook.com/ TheCoastIsOurs
22
JP: I don’t know if I should be funny or serious! If you are a consumer of alcoholic beverages… anywhere in Denver or up there will do because you get drunker faster. They also have those ‘jazz’ cigarettes too…
JP & CR: Colorado… It’s Chill
Vans Warped Tour: Advice and the Great Centennial State story and photo by Daniel Gallagher
DGallagher@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Since 1994, Van’s Warped Tour has hit the majority of the nation’s outdoor venues. From parking lots to football stadiums, this tour has featured genres from punk rock to electronic and much, much more. Over the summer, Colorado Music Buzz had the opportunity to sit down with several of the artists and ask them what Colorado is about, or in other words, how to promote/sell the lifestyle of a Coloradan as well as their favorite part about the Centennial State. They also gave advice on how to pursue a dream most people have of becoming a musician. Nathaniel Motte of 3OH!3 CMB: If you were to promote Colorado as a lifestyle, what would be the few things you would mention? NM: I love boulder, it’s a great place to grow up and it’s so beautiful. The untamed, natural beauty is really breathtaking especially for people who aren’t used to seeing mountains or rivers. Boulder, Colorado is a very open town with lots of ideas flowing through there and has always been a very dynamic place of change. It’s nice to live there and is a great breath of fresh air. CMB: If you were to give advice to songwriters and aspiring artists, what would you say? NM: The most important thing is to have fun and be creative. I think it’s important to try something new and to try something different and believe in what you’re doing. Anyone from anywhere can hear it when you put your work online. Justin Pierre (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar) & Claudio Rivera (Drums) of Motion City Soundtrack CMB: What are your favorite things about Colorado? Sports Authority Field was your favorite performance of the tour so far – What else do you love about Colorado?
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
CMB: What would be the advice you give to people that are aspiring to be musicians? JR: You have to do what you love no matter what. You have to not give a rip about what anyone thinks of your band even if everyone hates your music. We just kept playing and kept doing it and people eventually listened and loved it. CR: My advice would be to just do it. There is no manual that we read… there was no book or conference we read or attended… we just did it. We were terrible at first… but just do it and do it a lot and you’ll get there. Dave Stevens of We Came as Romans CMB: What would be the advice you would tell musicians to keep their head up and press on? DS: I think if you want anything bad enough and you’re willing to sacrifice and work hard enough for it I think you can get it – no matter what it is. It just depends on what you’re willing to sacrifice and how far you’re willing to go to make it happen and that’s where you get stuck. With music I had to put college aside and gamble with it and see if I could make this happen and we went ten-fold and we made this happen. I’m a firm believer in anything you want to do in life you just have to go for it and make it happen. In short, music has a place in everyone’s life and there will be people out there who will try and take that dream from you. Whether it’s becoming a painter, lawyer, or musician there is always inspiration to be found in music. It’s changed, saved, and improved lives from the very beginning and draws us closer and closer with each new song or album. Sometimes there will be oppressors and negative forces holding you back from achieving your dream. But as Nathaniel, Justin, Claudio and Dave all said… it just takes passion and initiative to achieve your dream. Whatever it may be it always comes down to those two factors and if you try hard enough and keep your head down… wonderful opportunities will start to unfold right in front of you. All that’s left to do is decide which door to walk through.
handed construction of a beloved family cabin in Medicine Bows, WY, Van Horne drew upon the, “nature of solitude and stillness from the cabin,” and the pride of “doing it yourself,” to complete this album.
Covenhoven Reapproaches with New Album
by Jenn Cohen Photo credit Skullflower Designs and Lucia De Giovani JCohen@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Local musician, Joel Van Horne (formerly Carbon Choir, and creating under the moniker Covenhoven), is releasing his self-titled, debut album, Covenhoven this month. Named and inspired after his grandfather’s 10-year, single-
Covenhoven set out to construct this concept album entirely on his own; to pay tribute to his grandfather’s hard work and dedication that created infinite, valued memories for their family. Every contribution is Covenhoven (except the mastering), and the influence of the Covenhoven cabin is evident in every song. Catch the album release on September 20th at the Walnut Room, and if you’re unable to make that, the album will be available via digital outlets on the 24th. Also, the album will be streamed in its entirety 2 weeks prior to the show on Covenhoven.com. Check out an album review in this month’s A-Sides. Online: Covenhoven.com Xavier Rudd was amazing. You have to admire an artist who can seamlessly play the didgeridoo at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Quixotic was truly an amazing experience, a combination of music and performance art, such as Ariel artists and fire performers that left the audience in awe.
Recap of the 1st Arise Music Festival by Sarah Smith photo credit Erin Renee
SSmith@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
The Arise Music Festival, hosted at Sunshine Ranch in Loveland, CO amazed me with its’ diverse lineup, incredible organization, polite staff, art, workshops, and a family-friendly area. For a festival in its’ first year, I feel that Arise was an incredible success. I did not find the problems that typically plague first year festivals, parking was convenient, camping was easy to access and there was plenty of room to spread out. The three stages spread throughout the festival represented many different genres of music, from bluegrass to electronic. There was literally something for everyone. One of the main highlights at Arise was Michael Franti and Spearhead. This act was not to be missed and was one of the family friendly shows that both adults and children could enjoy. I believe my favorite part of the act was seeing Jaden Carlson, a 12 year old who shreds on the guitar sit in with Franti for the song “Yes I Will”. Another great act was Chali 2Na, of Jurassic 5, who delivered a flawless hip-hop act that had the entire crowd moving.
The Solar Overdrive Stage hosted several must-see acts such as Octopus Nebula, a live electronica band from Colorado who creates a dance party every time they play. This stage also hosted several artists who had won slots to play through a contest put on by the The Untz. The two acts that stuck out to me were GKen-E who literally kept the crowd, and the entire stage, bouncing to his upbeat, all original tunes. Beat Machine, another winner, brought their message of awareness and the importance of being a present member in the community with originally written songs such as “The Ship”. As an electronic fan, my favorite stage at Arise was the Syntonic Stage, which was hosted by Family Moons. Decked out with a Function One PA system, this stage had electronic music pumping until the sun came up. Although I struggled to make it, I arrived at the Syntonic State at 4:30 a.m. to catch Citrus vs. JustBen, two Denver locals who know how to keep the crowd dancing even in the early morning. After these two finished a flawless show, the Desert Dwellers took the stage to play the sunrise set. With their chilled out beats and the sun coming up over Arise, it made for an incredible moment. It is obvious that a lot of love went into making Arise a possibility. From the art, to the workshops, to the diverse music line-up, there is not one thing I would change about this festival. I would like to give a big thanks to all the artists, performers, volunteers, and staff who had a helping hand with Arise Music Festival!
Between The Covers: Lost and Found
by Torch
Torch@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
All right you are ready to head out the door to the concert, ticket in hand, and you run through a quick list of the necessities, wallet, sunscreen, rain poncho, blanket, sandwiches in a clear plastic bag, (as per the instructions), one factory sealed bottle of water (also as per the instructions) a small camera, your cell phone, no lawn chair for this event, and yes your car keys. You jam it all in a pack; grab your favorite Columbia hat, and are feeling hot in your “New Guy” t-shirt and baggy shorts. Bounding out the door to pick up your friends, you stop and grab a 12pack of cheap beer for the parking lot party with your buds. Thank you for calling ““insert venue name” how can I help you?” “I was at the Dark Season of Rock Festival last night and I lost my hat. It is roundish, and says Columbia on it, and there might be a t-shirt with it that says New Guy. Also, um yeah, and I lost my shoe, a leather sandal.” “Sir, were you naked when you left the venue?” “No, huh huh huh, almost. The night just kind of got away from me.” “Well, nothing has been turned in matching that description but let me take your name and number just in case it shows up.” I spend an entire day answering these calls. People lose all sorts of stuff. First off if you lose something, call- we may have it. Keep in mind not everything can be recovered, so if you have lost any of the following items at a show: cash, your virginity, drugs, weapons, or your alcohol soaked memory- these will not be returned to you. I have yet to see a single wallet turned in with cash in it. Caller-“Um yeah, I lost my wallet at Stoner Fest, and it is leather with a metal star on it?” “Oh yes, it was turned in last night.” “Can you check and see if my license is in it or my cash?” “Okay. No, your license is not here or any cash, but your social security card is still there.” “Damn! Well what else is inside?” I don’t go through people’s wallets unless asked, as it seems like an invasion of privacy. This guy asked me to look, what an idiot! “You have a King Sooper’s card, a few other business cards, and …your stash.”
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
An awkward silence chokes the air. “You can come pick it up at the box office today, but we are having a show so parking will be messy.” The conversation ends. I ask my supervisor what we do with drugs, and we turn them in to the cops. Later that day I ran into the police on duty for the concert and tell them about the little baggies of powder with $ signs on them. They follow me to the office and just as I am turning the wallet over to the police we get a call that the owner is out front to pick it up. The police were so kind in that they delivered the wallet to the man personally and he was then arrested not only for the drugs but he had several other warrants. Now what kind of an idiot asks someone to go through their wallet knowing they had drugs in it? Furthermore, he now knows that we know about the drugs and he still comes to pick it up. AND, he has warrants pending but comes to get this wallet with the only thing of value in it being his drugs! (Forehead smack!) I know you are having fun at the concert and most people partake in some form of fun booster, just plan ahead. In general men tend to lose their IDs and women lose their credit cards, there is no logic to this, just an observation. Most stuff is predictable right down to the Jerry Springer umbrella lost at the Trailer Trash rock show, but there are still those weirdoes out there. Message on the lost and found line- “I am calling because I wear a Jason mask and preach the word of the lord while wearing it, and some foul woman took it off me and threw it into the crowd. I am hoping someone turned it in, as it is really important to me.” Okay first things first, Really?! The lord must be so proud. Calls such as this I don’t return, as I do try as a courtesy to call everyone and let them know one way or another if their stuff was found. I however exercise my right not to return the phone calls of the creepy psychos. And his mask was not found, this mystery I leave to the lord. The number one lost item that people want back the most is their precious phones. FYI- iPhones are rarely turned in to lost and found. So, when you are standing out in the parking lot at the end of the night taking inventory of your missing keys, wallet, condom of hope, sunglasses, left shoe, and dignity; call a cab. Next time take in only what you need, and tie it on to yourself just like your mom did in kindergarten with your red mittens and the string through the arms of your jacket. * Note: the names of the shows have been changed to protect the venues and their fun loving patrons. Rock on and see you next time!!
23
Nick Nunns of TRVE Brewing
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
TRVE Brewing has been rocking fresh micro brew on metal for just over a year now, and their concept has been gaining some steam. Proprietor Nick Nunns took his passion for beer from his home to their current spot at 227 Broadway #101 and has created a hotspot for those inclined not only to down a brew or two but also get down on some heavy tunes at the same time. CMB: How did the idea for TRVE come to fruition? NN: The big bang of an inspirational moment can sometimes be hard to lock down. I had the idea to open a brewery as a general idea before the actual concept of TRVE was solidified. After mulling it over a bunch I decided to go with what came naturally to me, and decided to make the brewery a slightly veiled and amplified extension of my own personality. I will 100% admit that Kuma’s Corner in Chicago played a big role in proving to me that the concept could fly if executed well. CMB: How did you get into brewing beer, and decide that you wanted to turn it into a career? NN: Like many other people in the industry I had been brewing at home and was hooked. And again, like most others in the beer biz, I was working a soulless desk job and needed to get out. Brewing provided an escape route. CMB: How hard was it to secure a location and get a hold of the equipment? NN: The hunt for the right location was the hardest part of getting open. Our location can’t be beat for a brewery, and I’m so stoked we were able to find such a great space. Equipment wasn’t hard to get since I went for all new gear, but the lead times were up to almost six months, so that part sucked. CMB: So it’s a metal-themed brewery, are you a musician? How did you get into metal? NN: I do happen to be a drummer, though I haven’t played in a band for about half a decade now. I can distinctly remember the moment I got into metal: The drum intro to Death’s Sound of Perseverance. That album singlehandedly changed my entire life.
CMB: Do you guys ever host shows or special events? NN: We can’t have shows at the brewery itself - the layout of the space and how we’ve set it up doesn’t lend itself too well to the idea. We have very rough plans for how we might be able to in the future, though. Sponsoring shows is something we can, have, and will continue doing. Our First Anniversary show at the Hi-Dive was a huge success, and easily the show with the most positive energy I’ve ever been to. In October we’re looking to put on a pretty rad event around GABF, and we’ll be brewing a beer for Denver Doom Fest down at 3 Kings (which is looking to be a killer show). Early next year we’ll be doing the same for Infernal Rites. CMB: Can I find your beer anywhere outside of the brewery? NN: Nope! We only serve our beer here at our taproom, and that’s just how we like it. Our space and concept is about community and knowing your neighbors and all the people who are drinking TRVE beer, all of which are lost to us at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. CMB: What’s on tap right now? NN: We keep insanely busy at our taproom, and as a result the list is always changing. The easiest answer to that question is to recommend that you visit our website where we keep a list of what’s on tap at all times. CMB: Where do you eat after a show? NN: Totally depends on where the show is. Marquis Pizza is always great when I’m over that way, and Illegal Pete’s is great after shows on South Broadway. Online: trvebrewing.com
This release will be a full length album, released as a two-sided LP. “We consider it a full album but I’m sure some people will call it an EP because it’s 32 minutes long,” says Netzorg. “In terms of songs, there are basically two songs on each side that are five to ten minutes long a piece, and then a couple of instrumental intros. We played a little bit with atmospherics and stuff. I also used a lap steel guitar that I tune to an open minor tuning that I use for a drone that we play in the background. For lack of better descriptions, a lot of atmospheric type things in this record.”
In The Company of Serpents Finish First Vinyl Release by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Doom rockers In The Company of Serpents, who have worked their name to the forefront of Denver’s sludge metal scene, are dropping a new record. Sludge metal legend Billy Anderson (I Hate God, High on Fire) mixed and mastered the album, which will be available early to mid September.
24
The record will be released on vinyl with hand designed packaging done by Mike Lawrence. The guys are stoked to be putting out an actual album with solid artwork and a packaging, something tangible for their fans to have instead of just a digital download. “He did a really cool detailed black and white cover and back cover,” says front man Grant Netzorg. “It’s going to be something that we enclose in another envelope. We’re getting an envelope printed to enclose that cover, the true cover of the record.” The package will contain a few other surprises as well.
For those unfamiliar with the band’s sound, they are a sludgy two piece that brings it harder than most three or four piece groups. Netzorg, the lone stringed instrumentalist in the band, brings both the treble and bass effect to the group. “I’ve got a full bass rig, Sun Head running through an Ampeg 8x10 cab, and then a full stack running through a Fender head for the guitar side,” says front man Grant Netzorg. “I play them both full blast pretty much the entire time. It’s all guitar, but it’s a baritone guitar, and I tune to A. It’s bassy enough that it’s no problem running through a bass rig.” The band is able to recreate their recorded sound very well when playing live. “The only thing you’re not hearing in our live performance is just that drone on the lap steel,” says Netzorg.
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
“The recordings are very indicative of how we sound. We both burn a ton of energy every single show. We are very much a live band and we love playing live, so you’re not going to hear some weird studio trickery on our record that we would be unable to reciprocate live.” Catch In The Company of Serpents at Snowboard on the Block September 14 with the likes of Pentagram and The Adolescents. Online: inthecompanyofserpents.bandcamp. com
The Manager’s CornerSeptember by Chris Daniels
CDaniels@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
I’ve managed my own band since the 1980s and despite the amazing changes in technology, success in the music business is built around some tried and true elements: great music & performance, really hard work and timing (often mistaken for luck). The book I wrote for my UCD class on artist management is called “DIY: You’re Not in it Alone” and that is exactly what you need to understand. Most artists who are recording and performing, bluegrass to DJ & EDM to rock and Hip Hop, are still trying to make a buzz about what they are doing that propels them to the level where people start asking “who are they” and “boy I’d like to hear/see them.” And that is the goal ... to break beyond the local market.
Denver, Ft. Collins, Boulder and even smaller cities in Colorado are becoming well respected on the national and even international level. The reason this is happening is because we have a lot going on. Rolling Stone Magazine named Beta and Red Rocks as #1 in there “Best of” series written by our own Steve Knopper. Bands and artists are doing great things here and the live scene is one the best in the world with The Bluebird, The Fox and The Fillmore all making the Top 20 list for best venues. But here is the ‘underbelly.’ For artists just starting out – you will most likely get a “give away” tickets deal … which is not “pay to play” but is not far from it. So without naming names – let’s talk about what I will call “the free tickets” pay scale and the “pay to play” question. First and foremost, Colorado is lucky not to be a ‘pay to play’ state. If you live in NYC or Nashville or L.A. it is all too common to have the small club CHARGE YOU MONEY to put your band “on the bill ($150 to $200 just to play the club).” Now before you go all high and mighty you need to understand that this is somewhat of an industry standard in L.A. and cities like that and it has (sadly) come in some remarkable forms. Over the past three weeks I have been working
with Alex, a student and friend who is managing a new young successful band. To make a long story short they did a great summer tour and they came to the attention of The Agency Group, one of the major booking agencies like William Morris or CAA or Paradigm. In talks with one of the agents this young band was offered the North American leg for a national tour as a “BUY ON.” Never heard of a ‘buy on’? Well, sad to say they are an industry standard ‘pay to play’ deal. Acts as diverse as Van Halen, Paramour, Bill Wyman The Who and even Oz Fest have all offered ‘buy ons’ to “baby bands” – meaning young artists with no national following…even though they might be well known in their region. I was offered one with Bill Wyman back in 2008 for Germany, Belgium and France. The one that Alex told me about was pretty typical. His artist was offered approximately 45 dates with a national touring act playing fantastic venues like Madison Square Garden, The Honda Center and Austin 360 Center. The cost to Alex’s band would be roughly $2,000 per show. Let me write that again. They would not “make” $2,000 …they would PAY $2,000 a night for the privilege of being on the tour. Now before you start hollering, understand that in the big leagues, this is not something that is new. It’s been going on a long time. The “industry standard” – if you can call it that – is between $2,000 and $15,000 per show. For Alex’s band this is a big chunk, roughly $100,000 and that is not including all the road expenses for a tour that starts in Seattle and runs though New Orleans, New York and finishes in Minnesota. And that also means that there is no pay for the band for two months. Why would anyone do that? Well, let’s go back to that local gig at a Denver club where they give you 100 half-price tickets. In most of these deals for new young bands you get a $5 discount ticket for a $10 show and the club pays you one or two dollars for each ticket that you gave away (or sold). As I wrote earlier, we are lucky in Denver: we don’t pay Each month I will pick a different topic that I think truly makes the difference between amateur and professional.
# 3: Promoters and Venues are your friends! When I started out on the original circuit here in Denver in ’89, I played everywhere I could…any time, any day, any venue. I basically screwed myself by doing it. What do I mean? Let’s look at the two examples…
Musician 101What to do to take it to the next level by the Swami
Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Back in the 90’s when I had a developmental deal with Sony, I was privileged to have several great mentors. Then the labels still had A/R departments and would look for talented artists to sign and then “train” to be a pro. For me, I was lucky enough to have such encounters. Here in this monthly column I will share with you not only the things I learned from “the big boys” but really from the school of hard knocks and the other school of figuring out what not to do.
1 – Performing anywhere all the time…Good: exposure, experience. Bad: diluted fanbase, inexperience on stage, no main fan support (your friends), bad venue relations because of no fans, shitty day to play on (Tues for example) which all equals to little or no $$ (maybe a pitcher or beer). 2 – Strategically planning shows with venues and promoters…Good: larger fan/friend attendance, more time to market, better event day, venue and promoter makes $$, you make $$. Bad: none. Any artist who is serious understands that the venue or promoter needs to make $$ - bring your fans = ticket sales, liquor sales and happy owners and promoters. The misconception is it is the venue or promoters responsibility to get people to the show…Not true – the reason they booked you is so YOU can get people to
to play. But here is the reality. The standard in the industry for bands that have made it to a certain level (playing the Bluebird or Ogden) is to get a guarantee of close to 50% of the gate and between 85% and 95% of any profit after expenses. We call this an 85/15 split deal (85% to the artist 15% to the promoter after expenses.) Now let’s look at those tickets you got. That deal (where you are getting $2 for every $10 ticket that is sold) is a 20/80 deal with 80% going to the promoter or venue. So …while not pay to play…this “industry standard deal” is sadly not a good one for young bands.
that the band will gross $6,000. If you multiply that times 45 shows it is $270,000. Now that is your gross…so you can figure that roughly 60% of that will be taken by manufacturing the items, hall fees and sales tax the 40% remaining is $108,000 about enough to cover the ‘buy on’ but not band pay and travel expenses. So this is a risk. What is the other payoff? Well that is easy. A relatively unknown Colorado band will get to play in front of almost half a million people in 45 shows in some of the best rooms in the US. This could make their career. What would you do?
As for the question of is a “buy on” worth it? Well let me start by explaining that it is a risk! What will payback the investment that the artist’s record company puts up -- assuming they give them the ‘tour support’ to cover the tour expenses and the ‘buy on’? It will not just be sale of CDs but a percentage that the label gets in a “360 deal.” It will usually be a percentage of between 10% and 15% of everything - merch, publishing, sponsorships and endorsements that the artist gets by (I hope) becoming well known through this tour.
And that is the real question that so many young artists face. Should I play for 20% of the door on a Wednesday … $50 and a beer tab? And my answerer is always the same. If you can get something out of it … then it is worth playing the gig…and I don’t always mean money. The first major label deal I signed in 1989 gave me almost nothing up front. And that was for a reason. I told the label NOT to give me money for the record. (I had funded that through sponsorship with Coors Beer - thanks again guys!) What I told them was, “take that advance money that you were going to give me… and guarantee me at least 4 European tours (two per album) because it was a European label) and spend it on tour support. I didn’t make a dime on those tours…my band did, but I didn’t. BUT I didn’t lose any money either.
But what if the band does not have a label? If they have a great benefactor or two who will help them out … how will the benefactor get paid back? There are many possible ways … and many pitfalls in a deal like this … especially for the artist. The biggest two are (a) the question of what happens if the artist cannot payback the front money and (b) what happens if the artist strikes gold …what does the investor get? The nitty-gritty: If you remember the Manager’s Corner from last month and a few months back talking about merch … you will remember that merch is running between 1% and 8% per cap for every audience size. What that means is that between 1% and 8% of any given audience is loving the artist enough to buy something from the merch booth. So in the case of Alex’s band and a venue like Madison Square Garden that holds 20,000 people: if 3% of that audience buys just one $10 item that means the show – they believe in you. Venues and promoters do have a responsibility. That is to get the word out via advertising and social media, treat you with respect, and communicate with you at a high level before and during the event. What do I suggest? Book a show every 8-12 weeks. Dedicate yourself to a couple venues and one promoter. Build a fan base at those venues. Talk with the owners and let them know you want to devote yourself to the venue and build a fanbase there. Trust me, you will be rewarded. And one thing, your fans will know where you are, the new fans that saw you there look forward to you returning, and the $$ will follow.
And, because of those first 4 tours we had a record climb to #1 on the Dutch version of MTV = Countdown Café show on Veronica Dutch radio in Amsterdam, and we got to play for the Queen and in front of 450,000 at one gig called Parkpop, and (knock on wood) if all goes well and my health hangs in there I will go over for my 20th European tour in fall 2013. Was it worth not making any money on 4 tours…you bet, but it was a risk…just like playing for 20% is at a local club…and just like getting a backer to come up with 100k for a “buy on.” My hope is that it really pays off for you and Alex’s band in a major way. But in the music business we all take risks.
3 – DON’T GET DRUNK BEFORE YOU PLAY: Seriously, you owe it to your fans, the venue, the sound guy, and the rest of your band to be pro. Party like a rock star with your fans afterwards. 4 – DON’T THINK YOU DON’T HAVE TO PROMOTE: You have a website, Reverbnation, Bandcamp? You have FB and Twitter. Frickin update them! You have friends and fans you can text and email? Do it! And be consistent – do it every time for every show. Venue owners and promoters are watching, believe me.
A few BIG DON’TS at a show 1 – DON’T BE LATE: Be there at least 30 minutes earlier that you are asked to be there. 2 – DON’T LEAVE EARLY: Stay the entire event – bailing early is not only unprofessional, but resonates in the minds of all parties involved in the event. Pretty selfish IMO.
September 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
and the venue.
5 – DON’T LOLLIGAG ON STAGE AFTER YOUR SET: Get off the stage, whether you’re the first band, last band – whatever. It is a prime opportunity to shake hands, make new fans, and celebrate a good show. Hiding backstage or leaving early (#2) just disrespects your fan base
I will share more don’ts and do’s in future columns. Want to share your thoughts with me? Hit me up Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
25
Sep 13
Sep 20
Sep 28
Rescue Atlantis w/ We The Wild, Mission To Mercury & American Blackout @ Marquis Theatre
Arcanium w/ The Dawn Chose Orion, Bodies We’ve Buried & Flood of Souls @ Herman’s Hideaway
Bee Sting Sessions @ Denver Art Society
Peter Hook & The Light w/ Slaves of Venus @ The Gothic Theatre
Lisa Marie Presley @ Bluebird Theater
Trap Her Keep Her w/ The Rotten Blue Menace & Engage The Hammer @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Sep 5
Scarub (of Living Legends) w/ Black Pegasus, Professor Greenhouse, Loaded 45, Tullie Rap & Pickster One @ Herman’s Hideaway The Tide Pools w/ The Feel Good & Weird Spread @ Lion’s Lair Vibe Squad w/ Russ Liquid & Freddy Todd @ Casselmans Bar & Venue
Sep 6 Fluorescent Phobia Album Release w/ Decollage, Indian Test Pattern & Hatch The Bird @ Larimer Lounge Torch The Wagon w/ Pull the Alarm, Breakneck Betty, Omniism & Gang Forward @ Herman’s Hideaway
Lil’ Thunder CD Release w/ Native Daughters, The Knew & Indigenous Robot @ Hi-Dive The Octopus Project w/ Paper Lions & Mombi @ Larimer Lounge KUNC Presents: Anders Osborne w/ The Mother Hips @ The Gothic Theatre Murder By Death w/ In The Whale, Post Paradise @ The Bluebird Theater Saddle Bums w/ 3 Piece Special & One Ton @ Lion’s Lair Afrojack @ Ogden Theatre
ELETE Album Release Show w/ Subsonic Fallout, Sublingual & The Barronwood Movie Premier @ Summit Music Hall
Savage Hacks w/ Yevtushenko & Murder the Cat @ Lion’s Lair
Jackson Scott w/ Fingers of the Sun @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 29
No More Heroes w/ Swashbuckling Doctors @ Lion’s Lair The Epilogues w/ The Echo Chamber @ Hi-Dive
Yellowcard: Ocean Avenue The Tour w/ Geoff Rickley (of Thursday) @ Summit Music Hall
Twist & Shout Present: Savage @ The Bluebird Theater
Sep 30
Wax Tailor & The Dusty Rainbow Experience – Full Live Band w/ Buck 65 @ The Gothic Theatre
Sep 21 MakingFuck w/ TBA @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
The English Beat @ The Gothic Theatre
Sep 14
Bizzle w/ Diction, IAMMusic Group, J.B. Damessenga & Dj Timeko T @ Herman’s Hideaway
Trout Steak Revival @ Gold Hill Inn
A Zebra HGMF @ Higher Ground Music Festival
White Fudge w/ Crash Endings @ Lion’s Lair
Reno Divorce w/ Vices I Admire, The Blackouts, The Eight Bucks Experiment & Chainsaw Love Affair @ Herman’s Hideaway
Patrick Dethlefs 7″ Release Show w/ Ark Life & Kristi Stice @ Hi-Dive
Space in Time Record Release/Tour Kickoff w/ Native Daughters & Git Some @ Hi-Dive
Sep 7 The Acacia Strain w/ Within the Runis, Xibalba & Fit For an Autopsy @ Summit Music Hall MTHDS w/ SF1, Glitta Kings, Albeez 4 Sheez & Hash @ Herman’s Hideaway
Typhoon w/ Radiation City & Confluence @ Hi-Dive Ewert & The Two Dragons @ Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Steven Roth @ Lion’s Lair
Buncha Grief Presents @ Lion’s Lair Matt Wertz w/ Elenowen @ The Bluebird Theater Method Man & Redman w/ The Foodchain @ Ogden Theatre The West w/ Idlewhile & The Ghost Towners @ Denver Art Society
ZZ Ward w/ Alpha Rev & James Bay @ Ogden Theatre
Sep 22
Greedy Mouth w/ It’s For A Cop & Rhogog @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Channel 93.3′s Throwback Lunch Present: The Orb @ The Gothic Theatre
KGNU Present: Phosphorescent @ The Bluebird Theater
Postal Holiday w/ Wild High & Sweetfire @ Lion’s Lair
Kamelot w/ Delain, Eklipse @ The Bluebird Theater
Sep 23
The Technicolors @ Marquis Theatre
Miles to Mountains w/ The Noir & Bobby Meader @ Lion’s Lair
Between The Buried & Me w/ The Faceless, The Contortionist & The Safety Fire @ Summit Music Hall
Sep 15
Ruptures w/ The Sheds & Comeback @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Trout Steak Revival @ Swallow Hill Music @ Daniels Hall Deerhunter @ Bluebird Theater
Cabin w/ The Belle Jar & Poet’s Row @ Hi-Dive
I Sank Molly Brown w/ Hopper, The Good Gracious & Common Anomaly @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 16
Icona Pop w/ K. Flay & Sirah @ The Gothic Theatre
Sep 8 Arise In Chaos w/ Gomorrah, From Within The Trench, Sinful Flesh, Knife to a Gunfight @ The Gothic Theatre
The Forum Walters w/ Current Youth @ Seventh Circle Music Collective Vista Chino feat. John Garcia and Brant Bjork formerly of Kyuss w/ Black Pussy & Luna Sol @ Summit Music Hall Wild Belle w/ Saint Rich @ The Bluebird Theater
Jake Bugg w/ honeyhoney @ Ogden Theatre Radio 1190 Presents: Wavves @ The Bluebird Theater Shigeto w/ Beacon & Nitemoves @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 24 Anathema w/ Alcest & Mamiffer @ Summit Music Hall Whenskiesaregray w/ SNAFU & La Fin Absolute du Monde @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Black Salt Tone w/ Imaginary Points @ Lion’s Lair
Porcelain Raft w/ Lovelier Other @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 9
Sep 17
Downfall of Gaia w/ Black Table & Flight of Sleipnir @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Mad Dukes w/ French Kils @ Moon Room at Summit Music Hall
Ra Ra Riot w/ Caveman @ Summit Music Hall
Action Bronson & Danny Brown @ Ogden Theatre
Chelsea Wolfe w/ True Window @ Larimer Lounge
Dirty Few w/ the Rich Hands, Lochness Mobsters & Pizza Time @ Hi-Dive
Zedd @ Ogden Theatre
Disappears Weekend w/ Hallow Talk @ Hi-Dive
Calabrese w/ Capt Blood & Disguise the Spy @ Lion’s Lair Foxygen @ The Bluebird Theater
Sep 25
Ben Rector w/ Tyrone Wells @ The Gothic Theatre Tom Odell w/ Vance Joy @ The Bluebird Theater J Roddy Walston and The Business w/ Dragondeer @ Hi-Dive
Oct 1 Kristen Ford @ Seventh Circle Music Collective Black Carl w/ Jack Littman & Blame Gravity @ Lion’s Lair Stereophoincs @ The Bluebird Theater Travis w/ Rathborne @ The Gothic Theatre Houses w/ Amp Live & Frugal Father @ Larimer Lounge
Oct 2 Gold Panda w/ Slow Magic & Luke Abbott @ The Bluebird Theater Helloween w/ Coldsteel, Cellador, The Deceived @ The Gothic Theatre Slaughter Daughters w/ Reverend Deadeye & Two Tone Wolf Pack @ Hi-Dive
Oct 3 Blue October w/ Tori Vasquez & Unlikely Candidates @ Ogden Theatre Darto @ Seventh Circle Music Collective Nicholas David @ The Bluebird Theater Hey Marseilles w/ the Apache Relay, Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir @ Hi-Dive Mount Kimbie @ Larimer Lounge
Oct 4 Katatonia w/ Cult of Luna, Intronaut & Tesseract @ Summit Music Hall St. Christopher Webster w/ T. Junior, Nate King Band, Insomniaxe & The Drunken Cuddle @ Lion’s Lair Citizen Cope @ The Gothic Theatre Papadosio @ Ogden Theatre Shooter Jennings & The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band w/ Leopold & His Fiction @ The Bluebird Theater
Animal Collective w/ Dan Deacon @ The Ogden Theatre
Dix Hat Band w/ The Whale Tales @ Lion’s Lair
Sep 10
The Slackers w/ The A-Oks @ The Bluebird Theater
Throw the Fight w/ A Memory Down @ Herman’s Hideaway
Parachute w/ Paradise Fears & Matt Hires @ Summit Music Hall
Wild Nothing w/ U.S. Royalty & Shady Elders @ Larimer Lounge
Bryan McPherson w/ Broken Bow @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Charli XCX w/ LIZ @ The Bluebird Theater
Weird Girl w/ The Carnivores & Shrimp Train @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
The Growlers w/ Cosmonauts, Gap Dream & together PANGEA @ The Bluebird Theater
Chris Daniels & the Kings w/ Hazel Miller Band & Kicked to the Curb Duo @ Herman’s Hideaway
Sep 18
Hanni El Khatib w/ Bass Drum of Death @ Larimer Lounge
We Came As Romans w/ Silverstein, Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, The Color Morale & Dangerkids @ Ogden Theatre
Summa w/ Hellburner Cult, Quantum Creep & Sun Time Sunnah @ Larimer Lounge The Haymarket Squares w/ Finger Pie @ Lion’s Lair
Cher Lloyd w/ Fifth Harmony
Stolas w/ Strawberry Girls, Eat the Sun & Boats Without Oars @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Dirty Kid Discount w/ Days N Daze, Matt Pless, Screaming Queens & Blind Man Deaf Boy @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Wesley Hartley and the Traveling Trees w/ King of the Tramps @ Lion’s Lair
Hanson w/ Paul McDonald @ The Bluebird Theater
DJ Shadow w/ Salva @ The Gothic Theatre
Yip Deceiver w/ Andy D & Jackie Wake @ Hi-Dive
Fidlar w/ The Orwells @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 11 Steal. Fight. Kill w/ Vertical Arrays, Frozen Tide & Move Shake Paus Repeat @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 12 We Butter the Bread with Butter w/ Incredible Me & The Fulfillment @ Moon Room at Summit Music Hall Sep 12 @ 7:00 pm Hoopsnake w/ Bulletproof Tiger, Cloud Catcher & Titan Arum @ Seventh Circle Music Collective Royal Southern Brotherhood w/ West Water Outlaws @ The Bluebird Theater Team O w/ Bees With Guns & Ghostranger @ Lion’s Lair
Brother Ali & Immortal Technique w/ Diabolic, I Self Devine, Hosted by Poison Pen @ The Gothic Theatre Titus Andronicus w/ Lost Boy & The Knew @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 19 P.O.D w/ Stars in Stereo @ Summit Music Hall Bossillator w/ Aeromona, Stephen Pino, Electrobots & Dead Like Disco @ Seventh Circle Music Collective Stray Suns w/ Stompcat @ Lion’s Lair
Cody Chestnutt w/ The Ever @ Hi-Dive
Hindershot w/ Wire Faces @ Hi-Dive
Darwin Deez w/ Caged Animals & Rubedo @ Larimer Lounge
On an On w/ Hands & Inner Oceans @ Larimer Lounge
Sep 26
Blue Sky Black Death w/ Sister Crayon @ Larimer Lounge
Oct 5 Blood On The Dance Floor @ Summit Music Hall
Signal Path @ The Bluebird Theater
Oct 6 Former Friends of Young Americans w/ Scatter Gather & Geoff Baker @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Sep 27
Langhorne Slim w/ Johnny Fritz @ The Bluebird Theater
7th Circle 1-Year Anniversary Party: Titan Arum w/ Angelic Desolation, Centuries, Pray Teeth & Valensorrow @ Seventh Circle Music Collective
Young Galaxy w/ Mister Lies & We Like Monsters @ Hi-Dive
Eldren w/ The Dendrites, The TreeTet @ Herman’s Hideaway
Papa @ Larimer Lounge Tim Kasher w/ Laura Stevenson @ Larimer Lounge
Varlet- Release Party for “American Hymns” w/ Tjutjuna, Attic Attack & Champagne Charlie @ Hi-Dive El Ten Eleven w/ Eliot Lipp @ The Bluebird Theater Supersweet w/ Sleepy Kitty & Cobary @ Lion’s Lair
Want to be listed here? go to coloradomusicbuzz.com and submit your event!