Loud&Clear Magazine - No. 8

LOUD & CLEAR LOUD & CLEAR

ALAN WESTMAN @artbyalanwestman

Mia SANCHEZ

INDULGE | SPOTLIGHT

MODEL: MIA SANCHEZ @_the_mia_sanch_ // PHOTOGRAPHER: ALDRIAN ALFONSO @ar1photography

5 FACTS 5

MARGARITO MONTOYA // ANDREW ORTEGA @aperture.ortega

JANNETTE OROZCO @djannetteo // SEVENTHLETTER HARRISON @seventhlens_85

jannette oroZco

1. I’m a first generation Mexican-American.

2. I’ve had an aspiration to make my family proud my whole life, now I also want to be an example to my daughter of what it takes to pursue a passion.

3. I purchased my first camera to help with my mental health during Covid, never expecting it to go into portrait photography.

4. It’s my first year of portrait photography.

5. Photography may seem like it’s a solo job but most do not see the people beside the photographer. I haven’t been able to continue without the help and encouragement from my crew, my mentor and friend Greg Harrison at Seventh Lens Images as well as my sister and friends who have all stepped in as lighting crew or subjects for my projects.

Mom // photographer

Photos of Jannette Orozco by SEVENTHLETTER HARRISON @seventhlens_85

Photos by Jannette Orozco: Edward Faust (Top), Kristyn Cordova (Middle) Caitlyn Garcia (Bottom)

MARGARITO MONTOYA @margarito.basslife MARGARITO MONTOYA // ANDREW ORTEGA @aperture.ortega

margarito montoya

FAMILY MAN // bassist

1. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth & the Life and that no one will see the Father except through Him. My faith is based on evidence in the fields of biology, history, archeology, & even astronomy that support the biblical story of creation. I do not have enough faith to be atheist when such evidence shows the extraordinary unlikliness of Darwins theory of evolution.

2. I love America, but I hate the government. The philosophies this country were founded on have shaped the U.S. into a world leader in just over 200 years. Unfortunately, political corruption has nearly rotted those ideas to a point of socioeconomic & cultural collapse. As a country we

are receding into segregation in the name of “optics” rather than doing the hard work of self improvement, both individually & collectively.

3. I am FIERCELY protective of my wife & children. I have learned this by embarrassing myself over the years many times standing up for each of them in different situations.

4. I still look up to my Dad. He’s s a stoic man who only shows emotion when he laughs. His wisdom has benefited me throughout my life & all my siblings, & all of our children as well. When I was young I thought everyone had a dad like mine, but

as I got older I began to see how truly rare of a person he is.

5. My all time favorite piece of music is Beethovens 5th symphony. The raw passion of this classic makes it a whirlwind of emotion. This piece swings from power & fury, to joy & inspiration, to a gentle sweet sadness, back to a crescendo of mad genius! I love it. Listening to it inspires me to be more technical with my bass playing; to get to a point of natural precision so that I will know I have reached the highest ability that I could possibly achieve as a musician.

After Hours

Photographer: ALDRIAN ALFONSO @ar1photography

10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

@longbow_guitars

Model: Katarina Monet @katarina_monet

Photographer: Justin Jackrabbit @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc

Sarah Mount Sarah Mount

PROFESSIONAL SAXOPHONIST

Loud&Clear caught up with SARAH MOUNT, Performing Artist, Creative, Musicians Union Founder and Educator based in Denver, Colorado.

21 SARAH MOUNT @saxxy_sarah // CHARLA HARVEY @ charlaharveyphotography

SARAH MOUNT @saxxy_sarah // ANDREW WYATT @andrewwyattphoto

When did you first get into music?

While I didn’t start playing an instrument until I was 9 years old, I like to think I’ve been into music since always. My dad was a very accomplished bluegrass bass player in his life, and I’ve been exposed to music since before I was even born.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I’m convinced that being a career musician is and was always destined to be, but the catalyst in this pursuit is very unique. It all started with a horrific accident where, as a pedestrian, I was struck and nearly killed by a truck in Aspen in 2011 while I was selling art at a festival. In my months of mending from shoulder and neck injuries, and a pretty serious traumatic brain injury, I found myself rediscovering my passion for music. It started as a method of healing recommended by doctors to help my brain, and blossomed into my current livelihood.some of the most special moments for me where I can help someone in their healing process.

How has your music evolved since you first got started?

This is a difficult question to answer! It’s hard to take an objective perspective on this, but my personal taste in music is always evolving, and I believe it is reflected in my playing as well. For example, at the moment I have a real affinity for world indie music, and I find a lot of inspiration while listening that I use for my own playing. I’m always looking to be a better player than I was yesterday, and that’s all I can really ask for.

Do you write with other artists?

Absolutely, and always! Whether it’s a session job where I record some parts for a song, or writing horn lines for a project the process is 100% collaborative.

What projects/bands are you currently involved with?

This number is ever changing, but at any given time I am closely involved with about twelve bands or so including my own solo projects. Currently, I am working hard with my band Sarah Mount & the Rushmores, my electronic duo with my best friend Sam Goodman, and my love and fellow saxophonist Daniel Steigleder to name a few.

I am also working with a number of agencies for special events, namely Mannequin Entertainment who keeps me extremely busy.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I love the question because it is so easy to let some of the not-soideal aspects of this industry get to you as a musician. I am driven by passion and joy. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the looks on the faces of those in a crowd dancing along to your original music, and equally as satisfying playing everyone’s favorite cover songs at a wedding knowing everyone there will treasure these moments for years to come. It’s a privilege to both make a living as a creative, and carrying these moments and memories around.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I firmly believe my strong work ethic is what gives me an upper hand for the last decade. Being consistent, reliable, grateful, appreciative,

Loud&Clear caught up with Sarah Mount, a Performing Artist, a Creative, Musicians Union Founder and Educator based in Denver, Colorado.

SARAH MOUNT AND THE RUSHMORES @sarahmountandtherushmores

“

I firmly believe my strong work ethic is what gives me an upper hand for the last decade. Being consistent, reliable, grateful, appreciative, caring, and having respect for the job, my bandmates, my audience, my client is what sets me apart.” –Sarah Mount

caring, and having respect for the job, my bandmates, my audience, my client is what sets me apart.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? Other than the endless energy this vocation requires, I would say my biggest challenge is on the technical side of music. Music theory, fast and hard passages, sight reading, and some of these skill sets are very tricky. By the time I feel as if I have mastered one thing, I have also discovered about five others that need the same amount of work. I love this challenge of both mastering something, and simultaneously finding that I will always find something that needs to be mastered.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

While I don’t necessarily agree with this concept, I do understand what it’s about, which is substance and intent. It is not a coincidence that the most impactful, and profound art is typically created by someone who has had to endure a lot of adversity. Anguish can be used to fuel some very beautiful things if used correspondingly.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business? The internet has changed so much it’s hard to discuss all of the ways, but my favorite impact has to do with reach. My music has been to more countries than I’ll ever be able to visit myself in my lifetime, and I think that is just about the coolest thing ever.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

Some of my least favorite aspects of the music industry are issues surrounding low payout from streaming services, competition with AI music, poor mental health, rampant and widely accepted drug addictions, gigs getting cancelled, getting ripped off by labels and mangers, expensive tours, predatory behaviors in a male-dominated field, and extreme schedule expectations.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists, maybe even celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.

I have been lucky enough to share the stage big players like Joel Cummins from Umphrey’s McGee or Allen Aucoin from the Disco Biscuits to name a few, but one of my favorite stories is when I got to perform for Tyra Banks about four years ago.

I was playing a hip-hop show with a former project at a local venue Ophelia’s opening up for legendary Kool Keith, and in walks this very beautiful, tall, unassuming woman who finds her seat in a dark corner. We all immediately noticed, and had a great debate amongst the band with the notion of ‘is it really?’. Her face and stature was a dead giveaway, but she was dressed down and we asked ourselves what would Tyra Banks be doing in Denver on a Sunday anyway. After going back and forth in the green room for the better part of an hour there was enough doubt to write it off. Turns

out our suspicions were confirmed when Kool Keith gave Tyra a shout out on stage for coming out to see him.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Kind of Blue, by Miles Davis

This album has gotten me through a lot in life, and I fall in love with something new every time I listen even after all these years. This is arguably my top desert island pick.

Little Ghost, by Moonchild

This band is just one that speaks directly to my heart, and I’m absolutely in love with all their albums. Really enables me to get in touch with my own sense of wholesome adoration.

Choose Your Weapon, by Hiatus Kaiyote

Similar to Moonchild, this band really speaking to my emotional side, but also brings such a unique sense of complexity and musicality that I have yet to find elsewhere.

Mama’s Gun, by Erykah Badu

The lyrical content, and the way it’s deliberately delivered is so beautifully sincere. I find a lot of reliability, and intensity in her music.

Evil Empire, by Rage Against the Machine

Another one chosen for brave, unrefined, loud lyrical content speaking out against the injustices of the world. Many of the issues we still struggle with to this day. The anger and courage is real, and has helped shape my own endeavors against the wrongdoings in my own community.

What is the best advice you have received?

Be resilient, and don’t take anything personal. Even things that are meant to be taken personal. Most people don’t even like themselves. What’s next for you?

Forging ahead playing gigs, writing and recording music, teaching the youth, and living out my dream come true one day at a time!

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

I’m very active on social media, and keep it up to date. Please follow me through these links:

Facebook: @denversaxophonist

Instagram: @saxxy_sarah

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2vTJ2Fq02dv7xHEgEoKud0?si=jWLDecAwThu7iT5MUBlcog

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QcYvreu9qFJHrQ4suZucS?si=-GAbn65TR1KznSeQdymJAA

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QcYvreu9qFJHrQ4suZucS?si=-GAbn65TR1KznSeQdymJAA

Tell us something about you that no one knows.

I once acted as an extra in a ski movie called Yearbook by Matchstick Productions in 2004.

DANIEL STEIGLEDER @danielsteigledermusic +

SARAH MOUNT @saxxy_sarah // ALAN WESTMAN @artbyalanwestman

SARAH MOUNT @saxxy_sarah

Doc Fischbach INDIE SPOTLIGHT

Surviving years of toxic relationships, addiction, abuse and mental health struggles is enough to force one into refuge. Fortunately for Doc Fischbach, he found solace among the scenic mountains near Denver, Colorado, but also in the pursuit of making music. Doc’s relationship with nature sits parallel to his love of music, with both of these outlets being places where he can discover unblemished happiness. Upon some soul searching and personal discovery, he eventually found his voice and subsequently his life’s purpose. Dubbing his songs as “self-help” music, Doc seeks to offer a voice to the voiceless. Through his captivating brand of Pop, he sets off to offer the notion that perfection lies in our imperfections. Notably, Doc Fischbach does not use gendered pronouns in his music. As a gay man, he knows too well how it feels to be marginalized and would never wish for any of his fans to feel excluded. His lifelong relationship with ADHD and mental health, alongside his past troubles have made Doc feel invisible at times. However, with music making him feel more seen than ever, he is now on a mission to let anyone else that is struggling know that there is still light even in the bleakest of times. Doc Fischbach has since amassed a large back catalogue of unreleased original material, as well as a handful of singles he has self-released in 2020 and 2021. Fans can expect more of Doc’s emotionally-charged music to arrive next year, with his next release forthcoming November 4th 2022.

https://www.docfischbach.com

DOC FISCHBACH @docfischbach // JULI ANNA @juliannaphotography

This Empty House

“This Empty House” is about the pain and emptiness one feels after love unravels. It’s kind of like when you are moving out of a place where you had so many special moments, but now you are just left with the memories.” Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2CfDjmKQnHN06rQ97uxLq7?si=b293fc618095450a Website: www.docfischbach.com Social Media: @docfischbach

Darcy Nelson Music

www.darcynelsonmusic.com @darcynelsonmusic New Single: “Bad” An Experimental Country Single

On Friday, October 7th, independent singer-songwriter Darcy Nelson released “Bad,” her debut motion picture soundtrack for the Black Western film, OUTLAWZ. A project celebrating the power and mystique of complex women, this experimental country single is streaming on all streaming platforms.

Photo by @luckykphotography

new mexico

EDWARD FAUST @faust_edward // JANNETTE OROZCO @djannetteo

new mexico

KRISTYN CORDOVA @kristyn_brielle // JUSTIN JACKRABBIT @blackjackeabbit_studio.llc

NIGERIA

PholaPreye

PHOLA PREYE @phola_preye // FRANK LENZ @callmelenz

new mexico

CAITLIN GARCIA @caitysweeeets // JANNETTE OROZCO @djannetteo

Follow Author Russ Ray @eat.travel.type.colorado

SERVICE INDUSTRY CHRISTMAS

by Author Russ Ray

I spent 7 years in the service industry, mostly in Boulder as a bartender or as an assistant manager. It was the 1980sthe Golden Age of restaurant development. Frank Day had put together Concept Restaurants which conceived Old Chicago’s and the Chophouse. Other restaurant owners had to keep up with Frank or shut their doors.

Boulder became the epicenter of good restaurants like the Cork and Clever, Bananas, the Harvest, Pelican Pete’s, and Oasis. There were great bars, too. The kind of bars Tom Waits would be proud to be seen in: Chief’s, the West End, Tom’s Tavern, Tom Horn’s, and J.J. McCabes.

My crew and I worked long hours and many a holiday. Even though we worked holidays, we weren’t denied holidays. We had our own. We had service industry celebrations. Restaurant staffs and only the really cool, select customers and regulars were invited. The parties started late and lasted all night.

No offense to grandma’s holiday dinners, but the food was out of this world. It was the beginning of the epoch of celebrity chefs. A service industry Christmas party was a chef’s time to shine.

In the 80s the music was better. Christmas carols were sung by George Michael and Chrissie Hinde, not Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby (but there was always room for Nat King Cole in the tape deck).

Before there was Daveco there was the fantastic Liquor Mart. A world of exotic liquors, liqueurs, and wines made their way to the table. Off duty sommeliers made sure of that.

The crowd was louder, happier, and sexier than at grandma’s dinner. They were college students making ends meet waiting tables or young professional career foodies letting off steam after bringing an endless stream of food and drinks to an impatient and demanding public.

I fell in love more than a couple times while working in bars and restaurants. It was in the service industry where I met my first wife. She was a cocktail waitress, I was a bartender. We were both students at CU. We were young and we were certain we understood what “death do us part” meant.

I’ll never forget the faces of my service industry co-workers I met in the Charco Broiler in Fort Collins, and in Boulder at Goldini’s (formerly the Timber Tavern), the Hungry Farmer, and the Mezzanine in the Hotel Boulderado and in Maui at the Mana Kai in Kihei and Bettinos in Lahaina.

In my memory there is a collage made up of line cooks, waiters, managers, hosts, bartenders and, of course, the true characters - the dishwashers. I made life long friends while in the service industry. You know who you are - I love each and every one of you.

Merry Christmas.