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February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
My Body Sings Electric - Interview
by Tim Wenger
twenger@coloradomusicbuzz.com
Being an independent musician is less about being a rock star than it is about being a tool to sell cover charges, beer and whatever else a venue is hawking, and the good bands understand that they have to sweat their way to the top. Indie and alternative rock and different takes on the genres have been blowing up the Denver music scene the past few years, and My Body Sings Electric has sweated their asses off to keep a step ahead of the pack. The band won 93.3’s Hometown for the Holidays in December, after watching Churchill take the prize last year. Not only do they get the bragging rights, but $1000 cash and recording time at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins as well. “We’ve actually been involved in the Hometown for the Holidays contest for three straight years,” says front man, Brandon Whalen. “The first year, we were a pretty fresh face on the scene and people kind of thought we came out of nowhere, but luckily we’ve been able to sustain a presence in the top three the following two years.” The contest is a prestigious one in the scene, and the band knew that if they wanted to win, they had to be all-in from the promo side as well as the music side. “We bought Twitter ads, paid to promote posts on our personal and band Facebook pages, and reached out to our email list several times,” said Whalen. We even text messaged our friends and family. It was like, ‘This year we’re going to do everything we can to improve our chances.’ After we heard Churchill’s song “Change” last year, we knew they had won. We really pushed the signups last year knowing we had an uphill battle. This year, we took no chances when it came to getting friends and family to signup for 93.3 music surveys. We pulled out all the stops and probably annoyed a lot of people in the week of the contest.” Now that they have won, the guys want to increase their touring and continue to grow outside the Mile High City, as well as release some new music. “We’re going to record two new EPs and release them over the next 18 months or so,” said Whalen. “We’re still writing and scheduling things, but we’re going to try to put out the best new music we possibly can and hopefully good things flow from there.” If you are new to the band, their hybrid style of modern/alternative rock subgenres reflects the raw talent that the band brings to the table. Certain songs might be labeled pop-punk if there weren’t as many intricate layers to the music. Others could fall into the trendy radio rock category, but the lyrics have too much actual meaning; although, that seems to be what has attracted thousands of fans to their music since their formation in 2007. My Body Sings Electric has gone from a newborn band, building their following by playing all-ages shows at local youth groups to a band that packs theatre-level shows. And their success over the last couple of years has come at the cost of the R & R and casual nights out partying that most of us take for granted. They are an independent act that handles their management duties by themselves, with Whalen taking the reins. “If you have a Friday or Saturday off with no show, and you aren’t out handing out flyers for your show the next weekend, you don’t care enough,” said Whalen. For these guys, working their way into the expanding spotlight that has been cast upon the alternative rock scene in Denver was a given from the time they started the band. They are there not because anybody else told them they were good enough but because they always knew they deserved to be playing with the big dawgs. “When we see a band playing a bigger show than us, we get jealous and we have to figure out why we’re not playing that show,” said Whalen. It was that drive that brought the band together in the first place. They evolved into their current state after founding members Nick Crawford, Jeff Fedel, Kalen Bigg and Dennis Dejnowski played a show with then band Mnemonic at the Gothic Theatre with Whalen’s former band. “I remember meeting the guys in Mnemonic out back and thinking, ‘This band is going to suck,’” says Whalen. “Then I saw them sound check and thought, ‘Holy shit! These guys are awesome, but their singer just doesn’t fit.’ We kicked it after the show at Nick’s house and partied a little bit. It was the first time I had met another Denver band that I really, really got along with.” Whalen admits that he secretly wanted to play with the Mnemonic guys after that night, and jumped on the opportunity when it arose. “Later on that summer, I saw Mnemonic post a MySpace message online that their singer had quit the band. I instantly texted Jeff and Nick and told them I wanted to try out,” he says. “After one practice it felt pretty right.” The band’s album Changing Color was recorded at Interlace Audio in Portland, Oregon. “What really got us interested in recording [there] was their previous work,” says Whalen. “They have recorded awesome albums from bands like Dance Gavin Dance, Fear Before, and Closure in Moscow, so we knew they could do great work. It was time for us to make a real album at a great studio, and Interlace was the perfect place.” Last summer, the guys took home a Westword Music Showcase award in the progressive-rock category, and have been rocking the airwaves around the state since the release of their debut album. With the enthusiasm and motivation that drives My Body Sings Electric, they just might be the next fish that jumps over the dam from the flooding Denver scene to an eager national audience on the other side. “We like to think that with the small amount of success we’ve experienced so far, we can act as a resource for other bands trying to improve and grow,” says Whalen. “Of course our goal is to grow into being a national act, but there isn’t another place in the world that we would rather call home.”
Holly Lovell by Jenn Cohen
JCohen@coloradomusicbuzz.com
Born and raised in the Denver, Holly Lovell moved to Australia at age 12 with her family. She quickly realized that surfing and tanning were not her thing, so she taught herself how to play guitar, and tried her hand at songwriting instead. It turned out to be the better option. At age 18, after graduating from high school, she returned to Denver to pursue her passion of music. Having spent the last few years developing her song writing and building a firm foundation playing shows on both sides of the Pacific, the time had come for her to take action on publishable work. This past year, Lovell has spent many hours in and out of studio under the production and engineering skills of Ben Wysocki (the Fray), and Joe Richmond (Churchill). The product is a solid work that reflects both Lovell’s depth of lyric and song structure, and the wonderful ability of Wysocki to showcase it. Alongside Lovell, the EP features the widely versatile musical abilities of Wysocki himself, Dave Welsh (also of the Fray), Tyler Rima and Mike Morter (Churchill). The work that has come forth is a beautiful EP that will hold the listener and become a mainstay on the playlist. Lovell has entitled this debut work The Illusions EP, inspired by a lyric in one of the five tracks, “The Illusion of Honesty.” “I tend to write a lot of my music about experiences I watch other people have to go through,” says Lovell. “I try to get in their head space and write in the first person. After being complimented on how ‘honest and vulnerable’ my songwriting was, I started to wonder if I was somehow deceiving people, making them believe I had lived these tales, when really I am the type of person who would sooner jump into an icy lake in January than agree to tell you what I’m really ‘feeling.’ So that’s what these songs are, in a way, an illusion of my honesty. Stories that aren’t really my own, but I wear them like a patchwork quilt, and tell them in honor of those who have truly lived them.” Lovell’s EP, will be available at her release party at The Walnut Room on Friday, February 15, where Stephanie Dorman and Dan Craig will join her. The event is 21+, doors are at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now at thewalnutroom.com for $7 and go up to $10 on the night of the show. The EP will also be available through iTunes and online: hollylovell.com
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February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Inside Reel Big Fish
American Power Metal on the Rise: Locals Vacant Throne Opening for Legendary Sabaton
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@coloradomusicbuzz.com
photo credit: Richard Harbaugh
by Axe
Power metal is a genre notably dominated by non-USA artists and fanbases, although American acts like Iced Earth, Kamelot, and Symphony X are at the top of their game, and household names internationally. Whereas acts like Blind Guardian might garner thousands of times more attention from international audiences than they do in the states, that doesn’t stop them from visiting their fans on this side of the pond, and Denver is a staple. Last June saw a tour by classic Italian group Rhapsody, for which locals Vacant Throne opened, and this month, Vacant Throne are honored to perform with another major player, Sweden’s Sabaton. Vacant Throne debuted in early 2011, and haven’t slowed for a moment. They’ve already released an album about the genocide of the Aztecs, Fall of the Feathered King, and are hard at work on a two-disc Arthurian-themed follow-up. They’ve earned dedicated followers around Denver with theatrically ornate shows, and were recently confirmed for June’s Warriors of Metal Fest in Ohio; an outdoor, underground metal festival.
SoCal ska legends Reel Big Fish came through the Gothic Theatre on January 10, part of a world tour supporting their new record Candy Coated Fury. Front man and guitarist Aaron Barrett’s quirky song writing, on top of the band’s humorous, if sometimes a bit over-the-top stage presence, have served to define the personality of the band, a very appropriate personality for the third-wave ska they are famous for. Their single “SellOut” helped project them into the ears of a mainstream audience in 1997, and they have since established themselves as one of the long-running staples of third wave ska. Barrett and trombonist Dan Regan talked about their new album, tour life, and their favorite tour pastime, before the band took the stage at the Gothic. “This is our first album in a long time that people actually say they liked it right away,” says Barrett. “Usually we put out an album and everyone hates it for the first couple years, then a few start to come around. This one they like right away, which worries me.” Reel Big Fish have put out eight full-length albums, including the record Fame, Fortune, and Fornication, an album of cover songs. They have figured out what works for their band in the studio. “I think we’re working a lot faster, on this record especially,” says Regan. “I think we’ve figured out the concentrated formula of how to make it work,” says Barrett. “I like the way we did it this time because we made some demos, and instead of going into the loud practice room, I went in with the guitar and played the skeleton of the song, and brought everybody in one at a time so they could concentrate on making their part to it. I was a little bit different than usual.” Although ska music doesn’t have the mainstream popularity that it did in the late mid to late ’90s, Reel Big Fish have been able to stay at the forefront of their genre, and have not faded from the view of their longtime fans. “We’re very lucky, I would say, because it’s not that much different, [than in ’98)]” says Barrett. “Actually, we play more places now than we did in ’98. And everywhere we play, the shows are about the same size.” “The scene is pretty strong everywhere, it’s kind of a united thing,” says Regan. “There was a lot of excitement and energy back in ’97,’98. Our music was on the radio and TV. Nowadays, we’ve been doing it so long, we don’t really look up.” Many members have come and gone from the group over the years. The group has always replaced the player, even if they couldn’t replace the personality. “The last two people who left the band left because they had kids and they didn’t want to ever leave them,” says Barrett. “We’ve had subs play for different people a lot, so it’s never been like ‘Oh my god somebody left, what are we gonna do?’ You deal with it, you find somebody that can do the job. It might not be the same person or the same personality, but you make it work, cuz we don’t want to stop playing.” Barrett’s lyrics are often pretty depressing and self-loathing. “That’s just how I am,” he says. “I have a bad attitude; very depressive. But at the same time I’m really silly, I like to joke around and laugh. That’s what comes out in the music--really silly, wacky songs with really depressing lyrics.” “We’ve never had a bad show in Denver,” says Barrett. A reason for that may be that, like the title of their most popular song suggests, the guys love good beer and fit right in here in the Mile High City. Finding good brew is at the top of their priority list when they roll into a town. “We’re excited to have a couple good beers when we get to each town,” says Regan. “It’s an adventure. We go looking for beer, and drink a lot of beer.” The group has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. “We’re just excited to have a job, and be able to go out on tour with our friends,” says Regan.
Writer/lead guitarist Josh Mortensen cares deeply about Vacant Throne’s role in the intensifying American scene, and the group makes strides to collaborate with other underground artists (notably the unique Disforia, who will also open for Sabaton on their side of the hill in Utah). “Last year saw the release of many albums by relatively unknown US power metal bands like Judicator, Omega Reign, Phantom-X, and Axehammer,” Mortensen declares. “If only power metal fans would hear about these bands, they could be standing alongside the famous European bands like Helloween, Gamma Ray, Sabaton, and Hammerfall.... It doesn’t take long for a US power metal band to shoot through the roof. Look at Florida’s Seven Kingdoms, who recently toured with Blind Guardian and just now landed the opening act for Finland’s Stratovarius on their European tour.” Mortensen and Vacant Throne walk their talk, passionately networking with bands nationwide and taking strides to positively represent the American power metal community. It is this ambitiousness that has landed them gigs with well-established touring acts twice already, and their excellent writing and electrifying riffs defnitely don’t hurt. Denver has been earning notice in the metal universe for years, and with more and more solid contenders like Vacant Throne emerging along the Front Range, there’s no limit to the potential for local artists to join the ranks of the greats on international radar. Everywhere, the new uprising of American power metal is reflecting well on its traditional and power metal ancestry, producing more amazing projects every year. Vacant Throne consistently deliver a great concert experience, like the legends before them, and with Denver being the final night of Sabaton’sAmerican tour, they can likewise be expected to go all out for the fans. Catch them February 16 at Moe’s Original BBQ in Englewood, 3295 S. Broadway, near the Gothic. Presales are $15 at vacantthrone.com, or if you’d rather live dangerously and risk the show selling out, $18 at the door.
Crown the Empire
by Max Giffin MGiffin@coloradomusicbuzz.com photo courtesy of Facebook Three days into the Take Action Tour with The Used and We Came As Romans, melodic metalcore band Crown the Empire played the Summit Music Hall in Denver, much to the delight of their newly acquired fan base. Crown the Empire is a band new to the scene, signing to Rise Records just last year. In November, they released their first full-length album, The Fallout, which instantly ignited their career. The Fallout is catchy and theatrical. Vocalist Andrew Leo feels one of their strengths lie in “big booming choruses and a lot of stringed instruments.” The theatrical sound sets them apart from other post-hardcore bands giving their music a dynamic flair. Crown The Empire’s goal is to “reach out to a broad fan base ” according to David Escamilla, the band’s second vocalist. Escamilla shares that the album “definitely exceeded [their] expectations… [They] had no idea it would do as good as it did.” Not only was the reception from the fans strong, The Fallout peaked on Billboard Heatseekers at #1- a huge accomplishment for a little band out of Texas. At the show, Crown The Empire seemed just as excited as the fans. Before this tour they hadn’t had opportunities to play larger venues like the Summit. Their youthful energy showed when they took the stage. The band played their heart out. Music so heavily enhanced with electronic sounds and orchestra instruments is usually hard to recreate live, but Crown The Empire’s set was as rich as their recordings. Denver fans jumped along, yelling the words as if the band was headlining. The devotion of the fans and the band’s success can be attributed not only to their musical talent, but the band’s use of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. “They’re the only reason we can even say we have a career right now. Brandon Hoover (guitarist) actually takes it upon himself to respond to every fan that ever speaks to him. He’s on there all day,” says Leo. Crown the Empire strongly feels this fan-to-band connection has led them to where they are, and say that fans continuously come up to them at shows because of it. While they’re getting bigger, they make it a point to talk to everybody.
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
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Abi Robins-One Woman Wonder
Live Music at the Trailside Saloon
by Wendy Villalobos
by Axe
Packing several high-intensity metal acts into a modest bar venue must be like building explosives. Swinging Noose Productions maintains a diverse but distinct niche in bands. Ranging from core to technical death and complementary subgenres, their regular event Live Music at Trailside brings this wild showmanship to an intimate atmosphere, with none of the pretentiousness of urban bar venues. With friendly staff and great deals ($4.50 draft Shock Top – large, of course – $4.50 Beam, $5 Patrón), Trailside is an ideal neighborhood hangout. A glance around suggests that it wears many faces, with pool tables tightly compressed to the back of the floor during concerts. The stage is a tiny, low-corner setup, like the Marquis. There’s virtually no division between audience and performer, and the result is an immersive auditory experience that’s usually only achieved by sitting in on a band practice. The January 12 show was of six-act average length. The opener was Hollow, their sound check foreshadowing flavors of funk. This subgenre seems to engender some of the most visually entertaining instrumentalists (recent @Cheers Battle finalists, Pressure Point, come to mind), and the song “Denial” was especially animated. Hollow was a solid opener, and warrants headlining slots. From Within the Trench had a bit of a slow start, but ultimately delivered an engaging deathcore act. It couldn’t have been easy to fit a six-piece onto that stage, including the unusual pair of dedicated vocalists, but they managed a great follow up. For having been established a year and a half, the band displays serious promise and great stage presence, and can hopefully be expected to challenge themselves more on their songwriting and technicality as they progress. Next was Unreasonable Human, whose members and fans radiate a taste for thrash. Their sound was sometimes less speedy than one might expect, but the crowd’s reaction (quite a pit) was a clear indicator that their songs are plenty catalyzing without needing constant tempo tricks. For only having been established a year, their comfort and fluidity onstage is admirable – they were definitely a memorable act. Dissonance in Design have freshly reemerged from lineup changes, but they hardly seemed aware they had no bassist, and their pair of guitarists spun the same melodically intense prog-riffs that fans crave from this notorious group. Next, After Dark delivered their melodic death metal sounds exceptionally well (also with two competitively capable guitarists), ultimately pulling off an equally impressive set, and laying a great foundation for the eclectic and ever-enjoyable headliners, Xenocarnage.
In recent years, Denver has become a city to watch when it comes to hot, and young new artists springing out of virtually nowhere, to become mainstream wonders across the nation. In other words, Denver knows what’s up, and people are taking notice. Though there are many young musicians out there with the same drive and goals, many do not work themselves to death (almost literally), like Abi Robins. Robins moved to Denver only three years ago, and has already started to create a buzz. Grabbing spots in the Denver Post’s Underground Music Festival, and playing various music hot-spots all around the 303, Robins has proven to be a thriving, and possibly exhausted (in the greatest way possible), musician. Although it’s been three years since her last album, Robins’ new CD, Such a Mess, was worth the wait. “My song writing process hasn’t changed, but I have. We are never the same; and it’s so great, yet awesomely scary.” The experiences that Robins has gone through have helped shape the album, from the art on the front, to the theme of the songs. “This is my life. I’m young, and it’s ok, and I’m going to get through things. I wanted to write songs that spoke about that those same topics on a universal level, because we all are such a mess sometimes.” While she wrote the album, she was able to have her grandmother’s art studio in Arkansas all to herself and become inspired. Her grandmother, who is a gifted artist, had many pieces of art out, and being surrounded and submerged in that world created an “energy” says Robins. “Any art has a lot of power,” and indeed that phrase is true on all accounts. Robins is currently busy getting ready for an album release party on February 27, as well as a MidWestern tour spanning three weeks after the release party. She will also be participating in SXSW in Austin on this trip, an exciting and fantastic opportunity for exposure. Robins also has a Band Camp where new and old fans alike can find a merch store, pre-order a digital copy of the song, and more. For now, Robins has a lot on her plate and is ready for the adventure, and this is simply the beginning. Who knows, she may be inspired to write a new album on her upcoming journey. Until then, I’ll be out in front of the Hi-Dive on February 27, jamming out to some sweet beats. Online: abirobins.com
Small-time shows in Denver generally can be relied upon to expose one to interesting new bands, but few events, recurring or isolated, can compare to Live Music at Trailside’s cost-benefit ratio. The cover for these regular shows is only $5, and the bar’s atmosphere alone is worth a Saturday night. Hop on over to the southeast corner of 104th and Colorado Boulevard any weekend for a strong dose of worthwhile underground heavy metal. Online: facebook.com/trailsidesaloon
A.Ivy the dame (Chicktape Preview & Artist Introduction)
by Darnell Teague
DTeague@coloradomusicbuzz.com
A.Ivy loves music and that’s the bottom line. She doesn’t follow rules when it comes to creating. A.Ivy does what the hell she wants! For her, it’s more about capturing the raw feelings, thoughts and ideas. The beauty comes when others find pieces of themselves in the Dames music; A.Ivy lives for that, and feel free to sing along with her! This is not her dream it is her reality. Ivy raps. Ivy sings. Ivy writes. In the
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words of A.Ivy “I GO!” and she hopes to inspire self-confidence. She represents for the women who stand for something positive, even when there is so much negative in life. Ivy would explain her sound as a vibrant, fem-tastic blast of color and flamboyant personality, with a splash of sass and lip gloss, painted nails, and satin lace. HiGh hEEL music is her label AND her way of life. It’s a PiNk PLANET and she’s the girly-girl advocate of it! Any questions? Be on the look out for her lead song “Pusha” from her next project “The CHI x TAPE Vol.3,” coming 3.29.2013. Online: reverbnation.com/ aivythedame#!
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
by Jenn Cohen Denver’s loyal music fans have long known about the hidden gem, “a band called Churchill,” for many years. Perhaps you stumbled upon Churchill years ago when they opened for a better-known band, or maybe you’ve been a loyal friend or family member, doing your part to support them. Either way, Denver has followed this quintet, watching like proud parents as their fan base steadily increased, hoping someone would notice this goldmine of talent, and usher them to the big stages. Comprised of Tim Bruns (vocals, guitar), Bethany Kelly (vocals and keys), Mike Morter (mandolin, guitar), Tyler Rima (bass), and Joe Richmond (drums), Churchill has consistently played the Denver circuit for almost three years. Their songs are steeped with relatable, unapologetically candid lyrics, and catchy melodies that stay with you, long after the songs stop playing. Churchill has had a steady rise to their status as a nationally recognized band. In December 2009, the quintet placed third in KTCL’s Hometown for the Holidays (voted on by Colorado listeners). In 2011, they self-released their full-length album, Happy/Sad. In 2012, they signed with A&M/ Octone, and released the EP, Change. You might know them best for their title track, “Change,” which started the proverbial ball rolling on the national recognition they deserve. As of this interview, they were #41 on Alternative Albums on iTunes. The bulk of the band grew up within four miles of each other, some singing together in church on Sunday mornings, and some going to the same college. After perhaps a serendipitous move “for a girl,” Rima transplanted to Colorado from Wisconsin, and met Morter and Bruns at a Wing Stop. “He said he had gear,” says Bruns, “so we said, ‘Cool.’” Combining their various styles of singer/songwriter, country/bluegrass, and classical, with a taste of rock, Churchill has a sound that appeals to all appreciations. Like a lot of bands, Churchill worked hard, traveled a lot, and started at the bottom. “Our first show here (Meadowlark), we brought people out; we called, literally, everyone we knew, family.” So what shot this band into the iTunes “Free Song of the Week” in January 2013? “I think a lot of the success we’ve had is because of being in the right place at the right time,” says Bruns. “When we started the band, it was like a Lumineers type thing, and right before we have a song, the Lumineers blow up, and Mumford and Sons. I think bands like that kind of changed alternative music and paved the way for us, which is nice.” “From my perspective, from having worked with a lot of other bands,” adds Richmond, “I think the songwriting has a lot to do with it. I think our sound is unique enough that people pay attention. It’s not what everyone else is doing. Once we found out how we all worked together, you pair that with really great songs, and it’s just that simple, to me. Like you said, a lot of bands tour; we’ve definitely had a lot of help, but I think it just comes down to us finding our niche sound-wise and having great songs.” Adds Kelly, “The Denver music scene definitely has community. There’s no way we could be doing anything that we’re doing without what [Meese, the Fray, 93.3 and all the KTCL guys] did.” “[You need] people who believe in what you’re doing,” says Richmond. “Calling and emailing everybody like, ‘Please let us play.’” Adds Bruns, “You play that first show, and you meet another band that likes you enough to put you on another bill with them. Having people like Jonathan Bitz. He was the first guy who was really pumped to have us come play. He was the first guy who really believed in what we were doing, and the first guy to interview us.” You’d be hard pressed to get a consistent answer concerning the origin of the band’s name; and really, does it matter? Good music is good music, no matter what the musicians call themselves. The story behind the name today is, “It was a working title until we came up with something better,” according to Bruns, who added, “Where’s Mike when you need him? He always comes up
with a good story—a different story every time.” Mike, by the way, was out of the country, getting engaged. Congratulations, Mike! While the band credits Bruns for most of the songwriting, they all agree that the songs wouldn’t work without all of them. Says Richmond, “There was a really good review of one of our shows in Boston. It said something about how—and I’ve always felt this way about the band—if any one of us weren’t in it, or didn’t add our part, it wouldn’t be what we are. Like, you can’t just plug in any mandolin player, or any bass player. Even when we do recordings, we do it in stages, and it never feels right until it’s all of us together.” Churchill’s solid interpersonal chemistry is evident at their shows, and at the diner where this interview took place. Throughout our conversation, this harmony allowed them to easily lapse into several ‘comfortconversations,’ whether it was about the Broncos, stories from tour, or early memories in the recording studio. They are a chosen family, not a family you feel obligated to, and they genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company. They even held up a picture of the absent Morter on Kelly’s phone for their group photo. Since the band’s inception, they have seen two marriages (Bruns and Kelly--not to each other), and an engagement (Morter’s), played at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and played at venues where only 10 people showed up. “Detroit was probably the worst one, in terms of attendance,” says Richmond. “But I talked to people who were like, ‘We came from Canada.’ This kid made his mom drive him 200 miles to see the show, so it’s cool to be able to meet with the fans.” Adds Bruns, “The reason why we all do this is to play music, and so [at low-attendance shows] we feed off of each other, as opposed to feeding off of an audience. At least we’re playing music.” Exciting things are happening in the world of Churchill. Look for the official video for “Change,” soon. “We just got the final edit, and it will be out in the next couple weeks,” says Kelly. “You can find it online, and this is one that they’re going to try and put on MTV. And we’re officially playing SXSW, an official showcase.” Also, adds Bruns, “We’re bringing Nate Meese out on tour with us; he’s going to tour with us the whole tour.” Each band member contributes a different strength to fuse together the unique Churchill sound. Bruns and Kelly amicably share the mic, each bringing a diverse emotive value to their songs. Look for a new album, which they hope to drop by this summer, and check out their live show—their biggest headliner to date— on March 3, 2010, at the Ogden. A few days after our interview, not only was their video released, Billboard Music Magazine had this to say about our little gem. ““Change” is the sort of brilliantly simple chunk of alternative rock that becomes frozen in a listener’s memory after a single spin.” Added Esquire Magazine, “This might just be the best popradio hit to feature mandolin since “Losing My Religion” by REM. “We’re a band called Churchill.” A band that could, did, and is. And they’re just getting started.
stats/quotes Churchill is a Denver-based indie folk-rock band formed in 2008 by Tim Burns (guitar/ vox) and Mike Morter (mandolin/guitar). They expanded to include Bethany Kelly (piano/vox), Joe Richmond (drums), and Tyler Rima (bass) in 2009 before releasing their debut LP Happy Sad in 2011, and signed to A&M/ Octone in 2012. The lead single & title-track from their 2012 Change EP is now top-15 at Alternative radio and #6 at Triple-A, as the band continues to tour and preps for the release of their forthcoming new album in Spring 2013. “Change” is the sort of brilliantly simple chunk of alternative rock that becomes frozen in a listener’s memory after a single spin.” “...Mike Morter’s mandolin whittling is the song’s real prize, creating a conversation with Kelly’s voice by answering her cries with unexpected pizzazz.”
Music Artists to Watch in 2013: “Because something is in the water in Denver, yet this year’s Lumineers don’t actually sound much like The Lumineers. And because this might just be the best pop-radio hit to feature mandolin since “Losing My Religion.” Featured as iTunes “Single Of The Week” (12/28 - 1/7) 445,000 downloads
Churchill has recently opened for Passion Pit, AltJ, Of Monsters & Men, Fun., and Blondfire among others during recent promotional tour dates. Their current headlining tour will continue through this winter and into Spring. Pictured: crowd-shot from their Jan. 18th show at Main Street Armory in Rochester.
Me Too. Rather then supporting and showing love to people that are really putting in work, they’re sitting back saying, ‘I can do that too,’ or ‘I can do it better,’ which could very well be true, but put some time and effort into your craft before you try to subliminally compete with others. CMB: Where do you see poetry/hip-hop in the next 5 years and where do you want to be within it? Jai Harris: I think in the next five years, Colorado will be a truly credible place for music and music lovers to seek music. I think there are so many talented artists in Colorado that if our scene was more supportive and collaborative, we could really make big moves on the music and entertainment industry. All the really hard workers are starting to break into the game, and it won’t be long before we start to see that on a larger scale. I feel that being in Colorado we have to work harder then people in places like LA and NY. But unlike the North and South we come from a very mixed and integrated area, so we know how to interact and appeal to all different types of people. I think that is going to give us an upper hard. The genuine artists in the state kind of march to the beat of their own drum. I can’t speak for everyone, but I will be making a lot of moves in both film and poetry. I plan to travel the world, but no matter where I go, they will always know that I was raised in Denver. CMB: What should your fans know about you?
Jai Harris – Interview
by Darnell Teague and Shattara Camacho Dteague@coloradomusicbuzz.com
CMB had the honor of interviewing Denver’s own visionary, “Jack-ie of all trades,” Jai Harris. Learn more about his gifted woman, and then check out her new compilation release, Disconnected Vol. 1. CMB: Where are you from and where did you grow up? Jai Harris: I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A neighborhood called Park Hill. CMB: When did you realize you had a talent for words? Jai Harris: When I was 7 years old I wrote my first poem. When I was a freshman in college, I entered a poetry contest and got second place. I enjoyed the performance and went on to join a slam team, to the Apollo and perform for legends. CMB: Who inspires you? Jai Harris: My grandmother inspires my creative expression, drive, and hard work. She made me very creative and I always wanted to make her proud, so I’ve always had a very strong work ethic. Losing her has been the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with, but she prepared me to be great, and I have to live up to that for her. In 2007 I also lost my little brother, Damien “Yung Marq” Harris; he was a rapper in Atlanta, GA. He was killed in a murder/ suicide while trying to help a co-worker. He was only 17 years old and had 3-month old baby at the time. To lose the people I loved so much, so fast, and so unexpected, made me realize that every day is a blessing. We must seize it because when we are gone how will they remember us? What will be our legacy? We can be here today and gone tomorrow so Live Your Dream!! CMB: How would you classify your poetry/hip-hop? Jai Harris: I think my flow/delivery is different from a lot of poets. [It’s] very hip hop. But I stay true to lyricism and the art that is poetry. However, unlike a lot of poets, I am not very metaphorical; I want children, elders, Ivy League graduates, and high school dropouts to understand my poetry. But I also love music; especially old school music, so to combine classic samples and my style of poetry has been a rewarding experience. I pay homage to my ancestors and elders, and I am very inspired by them. I know they work through me and that is conveyed in my work. I think my poetry brings a realness that is rooted in the origins of hip-hop. It is that raw story telling at its finest. So my poetry with DJ Vudu Spellz’s amazing beats makes my poetry extraordinarily unique. CMB: What’s a major turn off for you in the CO poetry/hip-hop scene now? Jai Harris: My major turn off is that the hip-hop scene is over-saturated with mediocre music and videos. People are so busy trying to figure out the next artist’s formula, they don’t realize they could be putting that energy into creating their own formula, as the other artists have. We live in a city full of Mr. and Mrs.
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Jai Harris: My fans should know that I am always going to be real and true in this industry. I will not compromise who I am. But please understand that who I am, is a lot of things. I don’t want to be boxed in or categorized by what people think I should be, look like, sound like, wear, etc. I want people to open their minds enough to understand that. My arts saved my life growing up, I’m simply trying to do the same for others, by any means possible. If I could give some advice, I would say don’t wait for anyone else. If you think about doing something, DO IT! You never know whom you can inspire and motivate. Our art creates more inspiration for each other’s art, and we must continue to inspire one another. But stay true to your art. Don’t spend your time trying to figure out other people’s formula for success, create your own formula. The only thing that can stop you from manifesting your dreams is you. CMB: Who’s your biggest fan? Jai Harris: I think I am probably my biggest. I mean I’m not very cocky and I will always remain humble, but I like to hear my own voice sometimes. When I’m driving I will turn off the radio and just spit poems until I reach my destination. I know that these are gifts from my ancestors and God so it makes me feel blessed to hear what I’ve created. Outside of me, I’d vaguely say my family and friends. CMB: What element do you bring to CO? How do you plan to put CO on the map? Jai Harris: I am a filmmaker, poet, event coordinator, graphic designer, and radio personality. I’ve often been referred to as “JACKie of ALL TRADES.” I’ve always been very creative. So I bring a lot of elements. But as far as “putting Colorado on the map,” Colorado has been on the map. Since the Charlie Parkers and Billie Holidays, days. Don’t ever think they don’t know about us, we just need to make ourselves memorable. We need more proper exposure and more local support. But as soon as an artist from Colorado gets a buzz outside of the state, the people who once didn’t support soon will. Just the way of the land I guess. CMB: What’s your favorite memory growing up in Colorado? Jai Harris: Colorado is beautiful; it is my peace, my serenity, it keeps me sane. I’ve been a lot of places but at the end of the day, Colorado is probably where I will always end up. I have so many favorite moments growing up here. As kids, we actually played outside, had firecracker wars, vegetable wars, climbed trees, and lived off the land. We were so blessed. We could be creative; we were always surrounded by colors, seasons, good times and bad. I never take this place for granted, it taught me so much. CMB: What’s your favorite era in Hip-Hop? Jai Harris: I’m an ’80s baby, so Tupac, NWA, Aaliyah and TLC (Left Eye). They are all telling stories, only with music and different delivery. I remember the affect these artists had on me as a youth, and I understood their power. They made me realize that I was not alone in the things I was going through physically and emotionally. I knew that I had stories to share and I wanted to have that same affect on others. I wanted to inspire. At that moment, a poet was born. Since then, Lupe, Jay Z, Nas, Common, and Kanye West have made a huge impact on my art. The most significant right now is Kid Cudi. I remember it being so different that I didn’t know if I hated it or loved it but it caught my attention. When I really listened to it, I realized he was simply staying true to his art and himself. Not compromising for what rap or hip-hop “should” sound like. That was a huge push for me because I could easily adapt my poetry to rap, but stylistically I wouldn’t be staying true to myself. I can be different and the people will accept it. Online: jaiharris.com
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
CDs and publishing, (roughly 10 years after the “Brothers In Arms” track hit MTV).
I’ve managed my own band since the 1980s and despite the amazing change in technology, success in the music business is built around four tried and true elements: great music, really hard work, and timing (often mistaken for luck). The other key element is getting the help you need to make that luck happen. These days that help is everywhere. 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.
What that means for DIY artists, is that we have to become much smarter about revenue sources and using them all. If you are an independent artist, you’ve seen the crowding of the ‘live performance’ marketplace like never before. EVERYBODY is out gigging because that is, literally, the last money oasis in the desert. Between freelance performance and a ‘regular gig’ performance (like playing for a pit band or a weekly jazz gig at a restaurant), musicians are gaining almost half their living by playing gigs, (46%) according to the same Northwestern study. So how are working musicians making up the rest? By teaching (30%), session gigs (15%), merch, and “other” jobs - like writing charts etc. And what this means is that you HAVE to get smart about your revenue sources, and treat them with respect (the venues and festivals you work for), plus ‘mine’ for as many new sources as you can for added income.
“Get your money for nothing and your chicks for free,” was the line in Mark Knopfler’s hit song. But the reality, as of a new study that was just released by Northwestern School of Law is that only 12% of money that the average working musician/artist makes is now coming from the sale of songs and recorded music. This is a HUGE switch from 1995 when roughly 60% of artist revenue came from the sale of
Here are two examples of revenue streams that most musicians are not tapping: (1) Your performing rights organization (PRO) has got a section on its website for registering the songs you WROTE and play at the gigs you performed so you can pick up some PRO money. You need a few things in place – you need to be affiliated with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC), and you need to have set up a publishing company (or
The Manager’s Corner
by Chris Daniels
Photo Atlas by Tim Wenger
TWenger@coloradomusicbuzz.com
photo credit: SvetJPhotograpy
Popular Denver indie/alt rockers the Photo Atlas are dropping a new album entitled Stuck in a Honey Trap on February 8 at the Hi Dive. Recorded at Silo Sound in Aurora, the record is the best Denver has seen so far in this young year, and the bands in our scene will be hard pressed to put out a competitive match to what the Photo Atlas did with the record (for CMB’s review, see the ASides section). “It’s been a long process,” says front man Alan Andrews. “We’ve been working on it the last couple years, and touring a lot in between has been the problem. We kinda took the last four or five months, and were like ‘We gotta do this, we can’t keep touring on the records we had before.’” This is the first record with the group for current drummer Josh Taylor, and drums were the selling point for Silo Sound. “They have a real big, nice drum room,” says Andrews. “I’m a real stickler about how the drums sound.” Jeff Kanan and Nick Sullivan pushed the guys in the right direction with the record. “They know about the history of our band and know what we wanted to do.”
Since their inception in 2005, the group has put out two records prior to Stuck in a Honey Trap. Their first fulllength, No, Not Me, Never, landed them a brief stint with Merrifield Records, and they toured extensively behind the album. 2009 saw the guys on stage over 200 times. In support of the new record, they will be hitting the road just after the album is out, touring through the mid west, west coast, and then heading down to South by Southwest in Austin, TX. The guys made a video for the song “Memory Like a Sinking Ship” which can be seen on YouTube by searching for the Photo Atlas. For those who aren’t familiar with the band’s rich history, they formed in California, and found their way to the 303 when their guitarist made the decision to move to Denver. They began hanging out at the Hi Dive, meeting people in the scene, and putting their music out, to the point now where they, through broad touring and constant playing around town, have become an integral and respected part of the local rock scene. They have fans all around the country, and like most bands with any kind of longevity, they are driven by the memories that playing music creates.
be signed to one) that is affiliated to the same PRO as you are. Then it is simple. You go to the site of your PRO (I’m BMI and so is my publishing company) and log in (I’m assuming you have registered your songs with your PRO). Then I go to the “BMI Live” section of the website and log in the date, venue, number of people, whether a cover charge was collected, phone, address (of the venue), and the songs I played in my set. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes per gig, but here is the payoff: I just received my first checks for me as a songwriter (and my publishing company) for about $400 for 30 gigs I did ($200 for me and $200 for my publishing company). Now, if you play the average Toad Tavern, Little Bear, Swallow Hill, Larimer Lounge gig, you are probably making somewhere between $50 and $200 per night/per musician (that is assuming you have made it to a professional level). Those checks equal, roughly, playing four gigs –or “money for nothing” – or just a little registering effort; as far as the chicks, I don’t know about you, but I find that there is no such thing as a free date … male or female.
audience is. If you are a young EDM DJ, your crowd is probably skinny and they drink a ton of water because of the ecstasy. Ok, ok, maybe it is just because they are dancing their ass off, but watch what they like--water bottles and skinny medium t-shirts? Whereas, a blues band with a 30-to-50-year-old crowd wants lighters for the break in the parking lot and bigger shirt sizes. Also, really, really important, get yourself a cellphone credit card reader. It’s easy and cheap and you will double your sales when your fans can put it on plastic.
Example 2: Take some time to research your merch offerings. It means making a few mistakes, so start out small. Don’t order 100 black t-shirts because you are getting a great deal. Order just enough to start figuring out what people WANT and what SIZE your
As I survey my students (and I have almost 300 this term at CU), I’m sad to say that the majority believes that the value of online-recorded music is next to nothing, and this is the reality. If you have been selling CDs at your gigs you have seen that number drop, while things like vinyl has shot up in sales. (Which brings up an interesting point. Why are we willing to pay $14 for an LP and yet we all stream those same songs on Spotify for next to nothing? Why does the LP version of the song have value and the digital version have next to none?) But the real point is, you must augment your income streams with new revenue sources. The future for the average working musician is not clear, but if we get smart and become savvy at these new tools, we can all bring great things to our fans (LPs and great merch – killer shows with great songs) and begin to replace some of the lost revenue from the sale of digital songs and masters with new revenue streams.
Revolutionary Figures in Music
about real-life situations, like people who have lost someone and the other parent is a drunk.” MizzUnderstood
NSchmit@coloradomusicbuzz.com
“My revolutionary figure in music is the Used because they are rockin’ and they have meaning and feeling and they are cool.” Tigress
by Nathan Schmit
This month, students were asked who they considered revolutionary in music. And while our discussion in class focused on people who have helped shape music as a medium (Duke Ellington, Dj Kool Herc, Miles Davis, and Lee Scratch Perry), the students were impressed by what certain artists said, rather than the instrumentation. The following are the responses from students at the Third Way Center, Lowry: “Bob Dylan is an extremely revolutionary figure in music. His lyrics are so poetic, and he speaks his metaphors as if they are an art form. Bob’s music has helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life and he is still appreciated today. Bob’s music has incredible vibes, and he is all about fairness and equality among the people of the world.” Galaxy “Chris Webby, because he talks about changing this world from being destroyed by us humans; and for all of us to work together as a team to fix this world so it doesn’t get destroyed.” MB17
“…Nirvana, because it fits me and helps me through hard times, and shows me that some lives are harder than mine.” Dj Superfluff Youth On Record, a program of Flobots. org, teaches music production and lyric writing in residential treatment centers across Denver and beyond, as a means of supporting their specific treatment goals. It is truly amazing what many young people will do and say when given the opportunity. About Flobots.org Founded in 2007 by the internationally known Denver based hip-hop collective Flobots, Flobots.org connects underserved youth across Colorado with music and empowerment education. Led by a network of professional musicians, artists and educators, Flobots. org programs are designed to harness the power of music and those who love it.
“I like 2 Pac because all of his music is REAL. What he raps about makes sense to my everyday life and the struggles I’ve been through growing up.” Infection
“What’s kept us going is how much fun it is,” says Andrews. “I’ve always figured as soon as the fun runs out then it’s time to call it quits. We’re just trying to have fun, and trying to get out there and get people to have fun with us.” Pick up the album on Spotify, iTunes, or grab a physical copy at a show.
“…Eminem, because he says what he feels and says what other people wouldn’t say.” Dj Dopie
Online: facebook.com/ thephotoatlas
“Someone that has inspired me is Carrie Underwood because she writes songs
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
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Too Late for Tomorrow by Jenn Cohen The latest effort from Too Late for Tomorrow is their self-titled, 6-track, debut EP. Consisting of Tim Wenger (vocals, guitar), Josh Cordova (drums, vocals), and Greg Bell (bass, vocals), the local punk band jumpstarts their album with the guitar-heavy “What’s to Gain,” and doesn’t relent as it carries you through the rhythmically solid EP. My favorite tracks, the ska-flavored “Catalyst,” and “So Long,” a track about saying sayonara to a toxic relationship, provide a solid first half, before rounding the album out with the catchy chorus on “Lines and Lies,” and ending with “I Guess I was Your Jimmy Cooper.” Formed in early 2011, these guys are making some noise around Denver. Catch them on March 22 @ Herman’s Hideaway.
Online: toolatefortomorrow. bandcamp.com
Jai Harris - Disconnected Vol. 1 by Darnell Teague
The Photo Atlas - Stuck in a Honeytrap by Tim Wenger
Glass Delirium: Diamond Lullabies by Charlie Sullivan
Scarlet Canary - Distorted Reality by Tim Wenger
The unique personality of Jai Harris has produced a mixture of poetry over hip-hop beats that only a highly elevated mind could create. Disconnected Vol. 1 is unlike anything we’ve heard before. The Denver native is not only a poet, she is the “JACKie of all Trades.” From film making to radio personality, she simply does it all. Grammy nominated producer Vudu Spellz produced the Disconnected compilation. The sounds of hip-hop with Harris’s poetry are a dream come true for a hip-hop heads, and poetry enthusiasts. The track “Rolling Stone,” with a feature from Champion SoundKilla Black of Foodchain goes through a vivid tale of a relationship through a daughter eyes. With other features from Hustle Man & Ontoneyo on the track “Messin Me Around.” We get to hear Harris drop bars on this track; it’s an easy transition from poet to MC for Harris as she displays moxie in her bars.
The Photo Atlas have been scratching their way to the top of Denver’s eclectic music scene for over half a decade, and their new record Stuck in a Honey Trap is going to put them, feet first, at the summit, with an oversized flag to stick deeply into the core. From the opening track “The Glass Crashed,” the band delivers their fast-time signatures layered with intricate indie rock guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum beats.
Glass Delirium’s new release, Diamond Lullabies, hit the streets in November, and what a stellar sophomore effort it is. The crew’s first album, Thanks to a Monster’s Many Hands, showed us a band with considerable potential. The new release showcases a band fulfilling that potential and coming into its own. The outfit has stayed true to their alternative hard rock roots, producing a well-rounded album. Never over powering to the sonic palate of the listener, the mix is clean, clear, and crisp. Michelle Huerd’s vocals soar on “Over the Ice” and “Consequential Halo” (a track just waiting for an arena audience). Pat Anderson’s (new member and still with Switch Pin) drums give the crew’s music a cohesive power solidifying the sound. The remainders of the band, Scott Uhl (guitar), Aeon Cruz (bass), David Newell (keyboards), are in fine form. The attention to detail on all of the tracks is refreshing. The release is a fantastic piece of work from a group of talented local individuals. I look forward to the next release.
Greeley’s Scarlet Canary strike hard with their new EP Distorted Reality. Hannah Haze’s melodic vocal lines flow well on top of a mainstream metal/ rock sound. The songs are somewhat angry, although Haze’s voice does not come across as hostile. The tracks also have an emotional feel to them, highlighted by dual guitar work that personifies the band’s hard rock sound.
Online: jaiharris.com
Their sound is the epitome of what is happening in Denver right now: upbeat indie rock with a dash of hipster flare, appealing not only to the South Broadway PBR-drinking party crowd, but to anyone who has not fallen into the black hole of EDM and still appreciates actual notes played by actual musicians. The guitar work on songs like “Swear I’m Innocent” and “Tell Me Again” have a hint of pop punk, with Alan Andrews high-flying voice giving the music a modern, fresh edge. The music is incredibly intricate for a rock band, and the great production only brings the talent out more. This is the first great record to come out of Denver in 2013.
“Mark of the Beast” stood out to me as the most radio-friendly and enjoyable track on the disc. The song is fast; the drums give it a bit of a punk rock feel, with solid guitar work and bit of screaming from Haze. The record has a sound that can appeal to rock fans of many different tastes; their music would fit well on modern rock or heavy rock radio.
Online: facebook.com/ scarletcanary
Online: glassdelirium.com
Online: thephotoatlas.com
Fierce Bad Rabbit-The Maestro and the Elephant by Tim Wenger Band members Chris Anderson, Alana Rolfe, Dayton Hicks, and Max Barcelow display their unquestioned talent in their new songs. The band’s second full-length album, The Maestro and the Elephant, illuminates the obvious growth that the musicians have made. In this new album, Fierce Bad Rabbit effectively maintains their pop folk aura while still managing to develop new aspects in their music. While the songs give the impression of being more composed, the band explores a wide range of independent musical styles. “When All You Got Is Worry…Let Go” is particularly upbeat, as whistling tunes contribute to an incredibly playful focus in the pop rock song. The band experiments with a more southern folk element in “Better Days,” a simplistic song focusing on an elegant blend of harmonies. “Time Machine,” which was introduced to the public at the band’s set during New West Fest, embodies FBR’s classic act of entrancing their audience with passion. Absolutely striking lyricism and an effective balance of energy contributes to the brilliance of The Maestro and the Elephant.
Online: fiercebad.com
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The Midnight Groove EP by Myke Charles and Spoke in Wordz by Jonathan McNaughton & Darnell Teague
F.T Purple Magic Majesty Preview by Jonathan McNaughton & Darnell Teague Purple Magic Majesty is the first mixtape release of 2013 from F.T, a member of the #JediLife Squad. Set to drop on February 19, this album F.T displays his lyrical talent and makes his entry into the Colorado music scene. His southern sound and slight pimp-like mannerisms give F.T a unique sound that should play well for his longevity in the music industry. On the track “Hyp Hop Rocka” featuring Hyp Hop Sells, F.T hits you with a smooth sound mixed with insightful lyrics containing his feelings of what he brings to hip hop. F.T shows his versatility on the track “Tonight,” where his style shifts to more of a Chicago style flow reminiscent to mid-‘90s Do or Die. F.T uses various instrumental sounds throughout the album, and displays his knowledge and appreciation for the musical art form that is known as hip-hop. Purple Magic Majesty as an album enthuses the hip hop fan that is looking for that laid back, smooth music.
Online: spokeinwordz. candcamp.com
Knuckles McGee -Review by Darnell Teague Burntwood by Tim Wenger Redemption is a common theme for Burntwood, who have dropped their take on ambient rock--their music painting pictures of reality ‘from the other side.’ The album features slightly distorted guitar work underneath Jason Koski’s somewhat scratchy but enjoyable vocals. The album reeks of loneliness at times, which accentuates its ambient feel; picture the days (before the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act) of a single guy up on stage in a smokefilled room, singing his heart out to a bar full of brokenhearted fools. Burntwood throws basic drum beats into the mix, throwing in that taste of soul-soothing rock and roll that makes the music that much more aberrant.
We start this story with how Knuckles McGee was introduced to music by his father, a well-known guitarist within the community of Cookeville, TN. When coming from nothing, McGee learned to channel his life frustration into and through his music. He started making music at the age of eight; fine tuning his skills as a singer and guitarist, performing in rock bands, and winning several rap battles. McGee represents the conflict within him, and describes his music as a testimonial to his life and the things he’s seen. The self-titled 8-track album has an alternative hip-hop sound that showcases his lyrical skills, distrust of authority, and musical inspirations from such artist like Big L, Eminem (The Slim Shady Eminem), and Method Man. “Ol’ Country Road” is by far a favorite off the project. The visuals the words paint images of dirt roads in Tennessee, struggling through the feeling of love lost; it’s a song that a people will feel. The alternative blend of Knuckles McGee is worth checking out.
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
The Midnight Groove EP is the first collaborative album from Myke Charles and Spoke in Wordz, and with this EP, the ferocious tandem displays the potential of the two Emcees. Sometimes the sound that two artists exert while creating music together ignites a spark that manifests into good music. These two definitely feed of each other lyrically, and their chemistry is exhibited throughout this EP. On the title track of the album, the twosome hit you with a feel-good sound that has more substance than the usual formula that is used in hip-hop music. On the track “Miss Fly, ” the duo shows their softer side, and describes their desire for companionship with a nice female. The EP only has 6 tracks so I don’t want to spoil the rest of the album, but the album is fire. If you are looking for music that gets back to the essence of hip-hop then The Midnight Groove EP is the album for you.
Online: spokeinwordz. candcamp.com
recording their debut album, and was able to use the funds from the competition to pay for it. “It was just crazy how it came, we were able to just write a check, finish that cd, and then we just split the rest five ways. It gave us some extra holiday money.”
Moon. Recorded in 1973, Dark Side of the Moon has stayed on top of the Billboard TOP 200 Albums Chart for over 14 years, making it one of the top five selling albums of all time. This interpretation is our homage to the album on this historic anniversary. In our version, we follow the life of a man working to fit in, who ultimately goes crazy trying. He fights the evils of consumerism and capitalism, and meets the angel of death. He learns to breathe and hear his own heartbeat, and watches love happen and fall apart. In the end, he becomes the heartbeat, the breath, the money, the pain, the time, and of course death. We, the audience, the band, the performers, become him. The album will be played live in its entirety by Wish We Were Floyd, and will be fully choreographed with elite level modern circus artists. Circus artists will include aerialists, acrobats, dancers, fire, and burlesque.
“I was humbled and surprised that we made it to the final round,” Ramos says. “We’re new, so we don’t draw a big crowd right now. I’m pretty confident in how we are as a band and our live show. When it came to those final rounds, we were just worried about the draw. If it was all judges, we felt good.” “I went to a few different shows, and the bands I saw in the finals were who I expected to be there,” says Ramos. “Overall, we felt like it was run very well. @Cheers and Mastermind did a good job of promoting themselves.”
Cheers Battle of the Bands Winner
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@coloradomusicbuzz.com
The @Cheers Battle of the Bands has come to a close, with an unlikely winner pocketing $10,000. The Conflict Between, who were not scheduled to play in the final round until the day of, ended up with a nice Christmas bonus and a clean financial slate, at least as far as the band is concerned. The competition kicked off in October, with multiple rounds pitting the winners of each show against each other, leading up to the final on December 21. One of the bands scheduled to perform in the finals dropped off for unforeseen circumstances the day of the show, and the Conflict Between was called in to take their spot, having the highest judging scores from previous rounds. “We were just finishing up a CD, and were wondering where we were going to get the money to pay for it,” says front man Jerimiah Ramos. The band has just completed
Their album, recorded at LaunchPad Studios, is scheduled for released at the end of March. “John Connor recorded and produced it, just kind of walked us hand in hand considering it’s our first album, put a lot of sweat into that thing.” The Conflict Between is a Christian rock band, but they don’t want that to scare anyone away. “How we came together has a big background in [church],” says Ramos. “I think it’s important for people to know that, we’re not shy about it, but the way we go about it and how we live our lives, [the music] doesn’t come off religious or judgmental,” Ramos says. “Our angle is, ‘Hey, we’re no different, we’re the same as everybody, we just have a belief that may be different.” “I think it’s going to be a big year for us,” Ramos says. The group is looking to expand out to some other regional markets around Colorado this year, and just shared the stage with Random Hero on January 25. Online: facebook.com/pages/TheConflict-Between
Head Injuries - Interview
CMB: How’d you come up with the name?
JCohen@coloradomusicbuzz.com
JR: Well when we started the band, we were brainstorming with a few ideas for names that were just terrible, and then Head Injuries came up and we didn’t hate it! We weren’t quite sold on it though until our buddy Brandon’s band played a show with Weezer. He mentioned us to their bassist, Mikey Welsh, and that very night he died; that’s gotta mean something, right? But, I guess to answer your question we have a lot of skateboarding influence in our music and the name fits right in.”
by Jenn Cohen
Another great punk band from Fort Collins . . .what’s in the water up there? I recently saw Head Injuries, comprised of Jared Russell (vocals, guitar), Zack Hill (guitar, vocals), Conner Hampton (bass), and Jer Wood (drums). Russell was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions. CMB: Let’s start with how you all met, and when you got started. JR: We started Head Injuries in October of 2011 because we’re not good at anything else. How we met, that’s actually a funny question. I met our guitarist, Zack, in 6th grade, and I just hated that guy. I called him a poser punk cause that’s what you do in middle school. But time passed, and he asked me to play in his band, so I did. It wasn’t until 8th grade that we met Jer, who we just knew instantly was going to be our friend. Then, about six years, a few lost virginities, and a couple bands later, we started Head Injuries. I met Conner at the local skatepark. He had a Black Flag shirt on, and I asked if he played bass. Before I knew it, we we’re having practice and he was living on my couch.”
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CMB: How has the Colorado music scene treated you so far? JR: We have only been playing in this band for a little over a year now, and everyone has been amazing to us. We have played in many bands before this, but this is by far the most fun we have ever had. We have had an incredible amount of help and promotion from our good friends A Place to Stay out of Fort Collins, and everyone that has been in the punk rock scene for 20+ years has been more than willing to help us get a leg up. We have been working so hard at this, and it seems like everyone is catching on.” CMB: You mentioned some pretty impressive names on your Facebook page that you’ve shared
Cirque Side of the Moon MOTH Poetic Circus is proud to present THE CIRQUE SIDE OF THE MOON, a Voodoo Mardi-Gras Masquerade. A wild Mardi Gras party infusing DJs, live music, and contemporary circus! The theme of this year’s party will be THE CIRQUE SIDE OF THE MOON. 2013 will mark the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s timeless album Dark Side of the Moon. The album will be played live in its entirety by Wish We Were Floyd, and will be fully choreographed with elite level modern circus artists. including world-class aerialists, acrobats, dancers, fire, burlesque, trapeze, and contortionists.
Voodoo and Mardi Gras appear to intersect since gatherings in Congo Square in 1884 were forcibly ended, and then remerged as processions. Traditional voodoo costumes and décor reminiscent of death will warn the audience to live their lives freely, full of life and expression, or death may loom. This will be an event of irreverent self-expression, dance, music, lights, voodoo and excess. The audience is invited to participate and dress in Voodoo Mardi Gras attire, beads welcome, of course! This event will be an “annual” Mardi Gras Party that will take place this year on February 8, 2013 at Casselman’s Bar & Venue, with worldrenowned Lance Herbstrong performing live electro dub sounds, along with DJ Danni G, DJ Fubari, and DJ Walt White.
THE CIRQUE SIDE OF THE MOON, the story:
Tickets: mothpoeticcircus.com, casselmans. com holdmyticket.com/checkout/event/124828
2013 will mark the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s timeless album Dark Side of the
Portions of the proceeds benefit Colorado Creative (ColoradoCreative.org) and Conscious Alliance (consciousalliance.org).
the stage with. JR: “Well, it’s hard to say for all of us, but we have gotten lucky enough to share the stage with Teenage Bottlerocket several times and that has meant a lot to us. When I was 13 I saw TBR at a small venue in Fort Collins called The Starlight at the time. They were a blast, and one of the many bands that have influenced us. So becoming friends with them and getting to play on the same stage is always a good time. And I guess opening for Descendents and getting to sing “I Wanna be a Bear” with them wasn’t too bad either . . .” CMB: What do you guys have coming up? JR: We are releasing our first album, self-titled, on February 9, 2013. It will be on iTunes, but if people can find a way to steal it, all the better! We will be playing an album-release show in our hometown of Fort Collins, CO, on February 16 at The Art Lab, and everyone that gets in gets a free copy of the album SO BE THERE!! Their songs “Greatest Felony” and “Deadbeat” are available online. Online: facebook.com/headinjuries
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Cervantes 10th Anniversary
WinterWonderGrass
by Joel Center JCenter@coloradomusicbuzz.com
CRAZY MOUNTAIN BREWERY TO HOST BLUEGRASS AND BREW EVENT
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom has been a staple in the Colorado music scene for nearly ten years now, and on January 18 and 19, they plan to throw a celebration of that fact. Cervantes and its complimentary venue The Other Side (formerly Quixote’s) have, since their conception, been a priceless asset to the Denver music scene. Formerly owned by an enthusiastic deadhead named Jay Bianchi, the door-to-door venues earned a reputation as one of the hottest places in town to see some live jam bands. The bar was stocked, the rules were lax, and everyone in attendance was guaranteed a great time. Years of raucous success had taken its toll on Cervantes and Quixotes; furniture had become torn and unbelievably putrid, the sound system picked up the habit of releasing gutwrenching whines and moans that no speaker should ever have to endure, and the deadhead atmosphere was losing relativity amongst the youth. At the beginning of 2010, Bianchi sold the venues to Scott Morrill and Duncan Goodman who completely revamped the place. A new, modern sound system was put in, most of the ratty old furniture was thrown away and replaced, the psychedelic walls were exchanged for a more minimalist style, the name Quixote’s was tossed in favor of The Other Side, and suddenly a new genre could be heard pumping out of the property most nights of the week: Electronica. Since the change in ownership, Cervantes has earned back its former reputation as one of the hottest places to be in Denver. They have ebbed and flowed with the electronica craze with uncanny intuition and just the right amount of professionalism. Now, just because they are one of the first venues to come out of the mouth of your typical electronica fanatic doesn’t mean they don’t still book a decent variety of musical styles. Almost as if to prove this to the critics, they booked a band for their tenth anniversary weekend that has been an integral part of not only the Cervantes scene, but the Colorado music scene: the Motet. The Motet has been around since before Cervantes, and has taken the stage there dozens of times. As they prepare to do so again this weekend, they will have some surprises to unleash on their fans. On Friday the 18th, the Will Bernard Trio will be opening with Will Bernard himself sitting in with the Motet on the guitar. On Saturday the 19th, Chicago’s groovy funkadellic Zeppelin cover band AfroZep will be opening the night, and the Motet will be welcoming back their old tenor sax player gone superstar, Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli. Even if you’ve never experienced everything Cervantes has to offer, there is no better time to start than this weekend’s tenth anniversary show. Events like these always sell out in advance, so get your ticket stat!
The first annual WinterWonderGrass festival is coming to the Vail Valley on February 16 and 17, 2013. Mixing the finest ingredients of the Colorado lifestyle and delivering a batch to our global winter audience and local music enthusiasts. Lively regional, national, and local bluegrass, craft beers, warm BBQ and local food will surround locals and Vail’s experience-seeking guests in a Winter Wonderland. This intimate gathering will focus on sustainability, community business, and support of the arts. Crazy Mountain Brewery plays host to this year’s festival, offering the backdrop of the beautiful New York Mountain Range.
The festival will be hosting different local Colorado breweries for beer tastings, a main stage and acoustic side stage for the bluegrass jams, and local food vendors, brands and businesses. The first headlining act has been announced as the Infamous StringDusters who are currently making waves on the bluegrass scene around the country. Additional artists include; Grant Farm (acoustic), MilkDrive, Drunken Hearts, State Bridge All Stars, Olora Brothers, Old Town Pickers, and She Said String Band. A full list of confirmed acts will follow, as well as two more headliners who will be announced in the next two weeks. The final WinterWonderGrass lineup will total over 15 bands and 7 breweries over 2 days. Ticket prices are kicking off for a limited time with a discounted price of $50 for a two-day festival in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vail Mountain. Once the discounted tickets are sold out, the ticket price will have another round of limited sales at $62 to appreciate the year that Vail Mountain was opened in 1962. The advanced festival ticket price will include a two-day ticket as well as beer tastings and a commemorative festival beer mug. Online:winterwondergrass.com
Fierce Bad RabbitReview by Hannah Lintner
HLintner@coloradomusicbuzz.com
Fierce Bad Rabbit released their new album, The Maestro and the Elephant, on New Year’s Eve at Hodi’s Half Note. Before the show, the band celebrated their success with friends and family at the Opiate Gallery in Fort Collins. Following an array of heartfelt toasts, the entire band, along with talented album artist Susanna Dominguez, signed a large print of the album art to be auctioned off later at the show. The album, completed in September, relied on the support of many dedicated fans. With the assistance of 165 donors, the band’s Kickstarter campaign exceeded their goal of $10,000 required to finish producing the album. Colorado artists Dear Rabbit and Pep*Squad joined in the celebration of the New Year, the success of friends, and Fort Collins’ collective love for local music. Dear Rabbit, a solo project belonging to artist Rence Liam, uses trumpet, guitar, and accordion in his experimental, avant-garde folk songs. The constant switching of instruments contributes to a grand sense of movement onstage. The songs build up slowly, demanding the audience’s captive attention. The gypsy punk old-fashioned blues are perfect late-night drunken ballads. In absolute contrast to Dear Rabbit’s singularity, Pep*Squad formed a crowd upon the stage. Donning neon shades, lots of sparkles, and dark sunglasses, Fort Collins artists came
together to produce a project unlike most. Bassist Brett Schreiber gathered together Erin McGraw to play guitar, Sean Speer for drums, and Cody Witsken, who plays the keys. Devon Parker and Alana Rolfe added vocals and tambourine. Schreiber, Speer, and Rolfe also play together in the local band Stella Luce. After a hiatus of over a year, the band brought back their purely fun, dance-pop music. Absolutely impossible not to move to, Pep*Squad’s high energy contributes to a fantastically fun live show. Band members Chris Anderson, Alana Rolfe, Dayton Hicks, and Max Barcelow display their unquestioned talent in their new songs. The band’s second full-length album, The Maestro and the Elephant, illuminates the obvious growth that the musicians have made. In this new album, Fierce Bad Rabbit effectively maintains their pop folk aura while still managing to develop new aspects in their music. While the songs give the impression of being more composed, the band explores a wide range of independent musical styles. “When All You Got Is Worry… Let Go” is particularly upbeat, as whistling tunes contribute to an incredibly playful focus in the pop rock song. The band experiments with a more southern folk element in “Better Days,” a simplistic song focusing on an elegant blend of harmonies. “Time Machine,” which was introduced to the public at the band’s set during New West Fest, embodies FBR’s classic act of entrancing their audience with passion. Absolutely striking lyricism and an effective balance of energy contributes to the brilliance of The Maestro and the Elephant.
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
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Glossary, w/The Maykit, the Lollygags, Wed, 2/6, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver Leghounds, w/ Leung & The Wreck, North Side Tragedy, Slanted Jack, Wed 2/06 , Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, This event is 21 and over, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Enslaved with Pallbearer / Royal Thunder / Ancient Vvisdom, Wed, Feb 6th Marquis Theater, Denver BENEFIT CONCERT for the African Community Center of Denver: feat Robby Schechter & the Motion Detectors w/Technicolor Tone Factory, The Beer Truck Trio, Grooved Shoulder, Thur 2/07, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Broadway Calls & Red City Radio with Silver Snakes / St. Fall Apart, Thur, 2/7, Marquis Theater, Denver Vance Romance and the Bluebirds w/Nomad Scientist, Sunsquabi, Dj Dioxin, Crashopper, Thu, 2/7 Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • HiDive, Denver CO Colorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present: Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Bop Skizzum, Straight Outta Luck and Bound By Karma, Fri 2/8, Lava Room, Central City CO Illegal Pete’s, Twist & Shout and Radio 1190 Present: The Photo Atlas CD Release w/The Epilogues, In the Whale, New Lungs, Fri, 2/8, Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO The Growlers with Bad Weather California / Dirty Few, Fri, 2/8, Marquis Theater, Denver BEST OF THE WEST 4 ~ PRELIM #12 feat. Monoco, Clara Finn, The Campfire Vendetta, Portobello Road, Davey & Kit, Fri 2/08, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Graveyard w/The Shrine, Fri, 2/8, Show 9:00 PM • All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, Englewood Colorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present: Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Qbala, Ashfield, and EZ and Rolphy, Sat 2/9, Lava Room, Central City CO AEG Presents: An Evening with Emilie Autumn, Sat, 2/9, Show 8:00 PM • All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, Englewood Tour De Force: Raashan Ahmad with Coolzey / 3Two / An Hobbes, Sat, 2/9, Marquis Theater, Denver Valentine’s Date Night!!! Feat. Hazel Miller Band w/Chris Daniels & the Kings, The Humbuckers, Sat 2/09, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 7:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO Holy Underground and Radio 1190 Present: Flashlights, South of France, Shady Elders, Sat, 2/9, Doors 9:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Twin Peaks w/School Knights, Wild High, Sun, 2/10, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Illegal Pete’s, Twist & Shout and Radio 1190 Present: Ty Segall w/Thee Dang Dangs, Tue, 2/12 Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Fuel/Friends Blog presents: Night Beds, Wed, 2/13, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Jahni Denver’s Hip Hop Wednesday! w/ JAHNI DENVER, RawBee, Turner Jackson, Hyp-Hop Sells, Cay La Vie, CollieRAD, King Muse, J.ILL, Unspoken Records, DJ Stretch Wed 2/13, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO Herman’s Hideaway Valentines Day Soiree! Feat. DJ Cavem, w/ Wandering Monks, LAMA Live, Travellers Music, Sid Madrid, Elusive Thu 2/14, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO The Rouge with Take to the Oars / War Over Water, Thur, 2/14, Marquis Theater, Denver Illegal Pete’s Presents: Bonnie and the Beard’s “Masquerade Carnival” w/the Raven and the Writing Desk, Champagne Charlie, Thur, 2/14, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Colorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present: Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Lama Live, Medic and Fujita Scale, Fri 2/15, Lava Room, Central City CO
Illegal Pete’s and Radio 1190 Presents: Snake Rattle Rattle Snake w/Prism Waves, Pale Sun, Fri, 2/15, Doors 9:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO
Coupstick (VIDEO RELEASE) w/Sudden Uproar, Glen The Robot, Adverse To The End, Sat, February 23, Show 9:00 PM • All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, Englewood
Turisas w/ Firewind / Stolen Babies, Fri, 2/15 , Marquis Theater, Denver
Natty Vibes with Green River Vibe / In Due Time, Sat, 2/23, Marquis Theater, Denver
BEST OF THE WEST 4 ~ PRELIM #13 feat. Whiskey Tango, James and the Devil, Thief River, We’s Us, Vine Street Vibes, Fri 2/15, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO
Hour 13 w/Hot Apostles, Red Tide Rising, Burn The Gallows, Model Citizen, Torked, Sun 2/24, Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 6:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO
Colorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present: Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Brittany Devens, The Echo Chamber and Lionized, Sat 2/16, Lava Room, Central City CO
the Reckless Nights - “the Return of Rick!”, Sun, 2/24, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO
MOTH CD RELEASE PARTY!! NEW ALBUM “ENDLESSLY IN MOTION” feat. MOTH, Iconocaust, Dead For Denver, Cattleist, One Shot One Kill, Sat 2/16, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO Bingo Players w/ Aviva, Sat, 2/16, Show 9:00 PM • The Gothic Theatre, Englewood Mod Sun & Cisco Adler : Road Trippin’ Tour, Sat 2/16, Marquis Theater, Denver Rowboat Album Release w/the Big Get Even, Hollow Talk, Sat, 2/16, Doors 9:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Ollie’s Barbershop Presents: Reno Divorce w/A Mouthful of Thunder, Sleeping Weather, Sun, 2/17, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Off! w/ Negative Approach / Bad Antics, Sun, Feb 2/17, Marquis Theater, Denver Wicked Winterfest, Sun, 2/17, Show 11:00 AM • All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, Englewood Free if You Were Born in February! Mark Mann’s 1st Annual February Birthdays Bash, Mon, 2/18, Doors 7:00 PM • 21 and over • HiDive, Denver CO Wednesday 13 w/ Calabrese / Cold Blue Rebels, Tue, 2/19, Marquis Theater, Denver Terror & Bane with Backtrack / Code Orange Kids / Cruel Hand, Wed, 2/20, Marquis Theater, Denver Extra Koll w/Time, Church Fire, Maudlin Magpie, Dash Render, Wed 2/20, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Radio 1190 Presents: The Ruby Suns w/Tommy Metzl, Wed, 2/20 Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Illegal Pete’s Presents: Sweet Tooth Meat Tooth = Gold Tooth “ A Sock Hop Benefit”, Thur, 2/21, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Flint Forehead, w/S-Train, Will Kilduff & Friends (frmly: Hot Cheeze Soup), The Jacob Cade Project, Thu 2/21, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 7:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver
Moody Mondays w/ Guest DJs Vin Camparetto and Josh Stratton (playing 70s punk), Mon, 2/25 • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Maserati w/Doubters, The Echo Chamber, Tue, 2/26, Doors 8:30 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO UNIQUE & THE MIDWEST FAMILY PRESENT: THE OFFICIAL 420 UP IN SMOKE FUNDRAISER! Feat. Lex Luana, w/T-Ballin & D-Money, ClutchTime, Jb (Elite), Emmett Collins, Mr Churchill, E & D-Man (fypa), K-Money, Sepremo (Fetti Gang), Tue 2/26, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver The Ready Set & Outasight, Tue, 2/26, Marquis Theater, Denver FRESH & PAID ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS: feat. Ras Kass, Hosted By: DJ Woogie Fresh, GeedUp, ThaNumberTwo, Nasa-Victory Smoke, Tre-Substance Abuse, Royal Blue, Mr Verbal, 420 Preck, Wed 2/27, Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 8:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Abi Robins “Album Release Party” w/Brave Song Circle, Sean Renner, Wed, 2/27, Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Radio 1190 Presents: BRONCHO w/ Hindershot, The Blind Pets, Thur, 2/28, Doors 8:30 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO DENVER HEAVY METAL SOCIETY PRESENTS “BEAST FEAST” feat. Black Lambw/ The Xiphoid Process, legion of death, Carnivorous Greed, Wyvern Spire, Thu 2/28Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Aim2MIss Album Release Show with Anaveil, Thur, 2/28, Marquis Theater, Denver Defile The Pure w/The Blackouts, Wanker, Ryan Chrys & Friends (of Demon Funkies), Quadrosonic, Fri 3/01, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 7:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver Itchy-O and Munly & the Lupercalians with Special Guests, Fri, 3/1, Marquis Theater, Denver Speedwolf w/Warhawk, Dirty Few, Fri, 3/1, Doors 9:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Black Lamb w/Throttlebomb (CD Release), Red Stinger, Sat, 3/2, Doors 9:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO
Rival Sons w/ Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Thur, 2/21, Marquis Theater, Denver
The Summer Set with We Are the In Crowd / Go Radio, Sat, 3/2, Marquis Theater, Denver
Colorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present: Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Portobello Road, The Sound Junkies and Nikki Z Band, Fri 2/22, Lava Room, Central City CO
88.5 FM / 1390 AM KGNU presents: Israel Vibration w/Ras Marcus Benjamin and The Nyabinghi Warriors, Sat, 3/2, Show 9:00 PM • All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, Englewood
10 Years with Young Guns / Inelements, Fri, 2/22, Marquis Theater, Denver
Secondhand Serenade with Alex Goot, Sun , 3/3, Marquis Theater, Denver
BEST OF THE WEST 4 ~ PRELIM #14 feat. Places, Robby Schechter & the Motion Detectors, Adison Harvest, Robert Harrison and the Outsiders, Aaron Hart, Fri 2/22, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver
Sumerian Records Battle Of The Bands, Mon, 3/4, Marquis Theater, Denver
Hannah Georgas w/Desert Noises, Sarah Slaton, Fri, 2/22, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO Colorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present: Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Chayne Clouds w/ #GSS, Strip The Stars and Driftin Suns, Sat 2/23 , Lava Room, Central City CO
Wake Owl, Mon, 3/4, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO The Lovely Bad Things w/Denny and the Jets, Tue, 3/5, Doors 8:30 PM • Hi-Dive, Denver CO The Air I Breathe & Capture The Crown with Famous Last Words / This Romantic Tragedy / Forty Fathoms / Ice Nine Kills, Tue, 3/5, Marquis Theater, Denver
Andy Hackbarth Album Release, Kyle James Hauser, Sat, 2/23, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO
Ivan & Aloysha w/The Lone Bellow, Dana Falconberry, Wed, 3/6, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO
MTHDS w/P-Nuckle, Kingman Brewster, Vox De Ville, V.O.C.A.B. w/ Dings n Cos, Sat 2/23, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver CO
Radio 1190 Presents: Psychic Ills w/Blues Control, FÖLLAKZOID, Thur, 3/7, Doors 8:30 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO
February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
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