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6 September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

two different parallel universes in the middle of “Michael has been the primary source of our a forest reminiscent of the game Slender. music,” states Adams. “He’s good at mining the musical process.” The grounds were filled with the minimalistic, yet incredibly powerful street-blues sound of “It’s not all me,” adds Kirkpatrick. “Brian and Grant Sabin, whose sound reverberated off Brad step in with their songs--both are more the hills, and Tango Red Tapestry, a very than capable vocalists and song writers.” talented band from Denver; looking a bit like I attended a gig at the Golden Hotel, and Television, less driven by hard drugs, but with will attest to the talent of these lads; a great the same presence. The rest of the lineup for live sound, the guys trading off vocal duties, Friday included the funky and fun Lipstick incredible harmonization, and an appreciative Voodoo, the mysterious and enigmatic audience all added up to a nice evening of sounding Hydrogen Skyline and the never music on the patio. Kirkpatrick’s deep vocal Time Traveler’s Circus disappointing, Silent Still. quality is a rare treat, reminiscent of Gordon by Kingmi Baby The Holler! Offering Lightfoot, if you can remember that far back, [email protected] Of course, music wasn’t the only thing going Something to Music man I’m getting old. on. The fire eater was extremely entertaining, On Aug. 17, I ventured into the woods just although I couldn’t tell if he was drinking before Lovers of All Ages Between 2005 and present, the crew has beyond Colorado Springs to find the Time so he could blow the fire around, or to build up by Charlie Sullivan released four albums: Exclamation, Round Travelers Circus, a fantastic steam-punk event the courage to put scalding hot fire in his mouth. [email protected] Trip, Road To Gemini, and Gratitude. All of hosted on the Happy Ass Ranch. Despite being Other activities, such as body painting and the albums are tight with standout songs such a total pain in the ass to find, attending the Time fortune telling, helped to add to the mystique Northern Colorado’s The Holler! is one of those as “Wildwood,” “Come Back Home,” “Climb,” Travelers Circus was worth the drive. From the and surrealism of this event. The whole thing bands you’re going to have to take a chance and “Gratitude.” The band crafts songs that moment I set foot on the grounds, what I saw seemed like a gypsy camp up in the mountains on. The crew has a powerful punchy Americana tell stories, “All of the songs are like little mini what was, undoubtedly, a labor of love put on of Colorado. sound with no boundaries; heavy on bluegrass journeys,” states Evans. “They’re accessible by Cleo Katra and Vagabond Misfits. and folk with a little rock for flavor. Michael and not overly complicated.” The Time Travelers Circus is a gem. While it Kirkpatrick (vocals, mandolin) founded the The fusion of the modern festival-style stage seemed small, there was an obvious amount band 10 years ago as an acoustic outlet for his The outfit wants to get back in the studio and and food carts, with a good number of crust- of love put into it, and everyone seemed happy music. What a journey he’s been on in that time; follow up their 2011 release Gratitude with punk Victorian looking campers, came together to be there. I, for one, hope that this happens four albums, and the band was voted the Best some new material. They’ll also continue to put to bring a certain cool factor. Everything was again next year, and hopefully, it’s a lot easier Blue Grass Band by the Fort Collins Musicians’ out their feelers for other regions in the country, raw, yet elegant, in typical steam-punk fashion. to find next time. Association Peer Awards in 2010 and 2011. “We Love our Colorado base,” says Kirkpatrick. A mix of modern and robotic Victorian, stuck The band was strictly an acoustic act for the first “We also like taking it on the road. We’ve played somewhere between two different times from four years, and stepped it up, “We had no bass Seattle, Boise, Austin, and other cities to very you were detained, what the legal struggle or drums in the beginning,” says Kirkpatrick, receptive crowds.” ahead looks like, and how you’re spending “just the guitar and mandolin. I love acoustic your days now. music, the mobility of it. The bass and drums The bands favorite gig is coming up, it’s really helped give us a fuller sound.” an annual show they do in the Fort Collins LEE: My experience in ICE was uncomfortable, area called The Holler!Ween Festival. It’s frustrating, humiliating and stressful. But above “I feel acoustic music is more accessible with an a fall show, and this year will mark the 10th all, it was an eye-opening experience that has audience right away,” relays Kirkpatrick. “We’re anniversary. taught me so much about life here in the United not as loud as most bands, but our music is States as an undocumented alien that I thought powerful and people respond well to it.” Online: TheHollerMusic.com I could afford to neglect. Some of the people The talented troupe is rounded out by Brian I’ve met inside the ICE, and their stories, make “It seems like bluegrass people have more mine much less relevant and important in Adams (acoustic guitar, vocals), Brad Poto Josh Lee-Interview comparison. It’s tragic to witness the deportation (bass, vocals), and newest member Garrett great stories to tell than other musicians.”- Dan by Jenn Cohen of my 18-year old cellmate from Evans (drums), who compliment Kirkpatrick Fogelberg [email protected] nicely. For anyone who didn’t know the musical I”’ve witnessed many sad stories brilliance that is Josh Lee, June 4, 2012, while I was incarcerated, and I most likely changed that. Lee was detained feel blessed and humbled to have CMB: Your thoughts about the benefit happens if the act discontinues?” It would be by Immigration at the ICE detention facility shared those sad moments with concert and petition, as well as Free Josh a real easy way for the government to find and in Aurora, with his relationship to national some of the poorest souls I’ve ever Lee T-shirts. deport these individuals who have voluntarily met. . . “ submitted their information to the government. security in question. The Denver music scene LEE: My first reaction was, “holy hell, I have But as I’ve mentioned before, it’s a step. promptly rallied behind Lee with a benefit Honduras, whom I stayed up with until 2 AM awesome friends.” I remember trying to explain concert, a petition for his release, and “Free talking about how he desperately does not want what was going on to a few of my friends that I CMB: Any shout outs to people who have Josh Lee” T-shirts, to aid in his legal fees. Lee to go back to his narcotics-trafficking family had made in the detention facility, and realizing supported/continue to support you, and was subsequently released, but his future in in Honduras. I’ve seen fathers with mouths that they all had a look on their faces as if to anything else that you feel like talking the United States is far from secure. CMB had to feed waiting back home, and grandpas tell me, “Dude, you’ve been dreaming.” It was about? the opportunity to ask this modest, humble, facing deportation with no clue as to what very comforting to know that I have so many Midas of a man some questions about his they would do back in their homeland, which people that care. I appreciate everyone that LEE: Everrryyyyyyone. I’m very blessed experience. they haven’t set foot in the last 30 years. And was involved with the concert, petition, and to have so many great friends and family there were people like me, people who have those handsome lookin’ T-shirts. that support me that I couldn’t even begin to CMB: Did you know about the outpouring of been brought up here, educated here, and had mention all their names without taking up the support from the Denver community while completely been assimilated to the American CMB: Do you think Obama’s Undocumented entire magazine... :) you were incarcerated? culture... individuals that are just as American Youth Deportation act will benefit you? as any other, with the only difference being that LEE: Although it took me a few days to receive our parents decided to come to the states a few LEE: I certainly hope that it would benefit me, CMB: It seems the music community was the news, I was very well informed about the years after we were born. although we’ve got some legal hurdles to get drawn even closer together in light of YOU. support and the effort that was being made by through before I can reap the benefits of the How does that affect you? the Denver community while I was incarcerated, I’ve witnessed many sad stories while I was act. I don’t exactly have a clean record, and I and I felt very supported and loved. I was incarcerated, and I feel blessed and humbled believe the relief is only granted to aliens with LEE: Nonsense. The Denver music scene has contemplating an immediate deportation on to have shared those sad moments with some a squeaky clean criminal record. However, always been close together and supportive, my first day, but after everything I heard about of the poorest souls I’ve ever met. As stressful it does benefit people like my sister (who regardless of my detainment. I just got to be the outpouring of support, it made me realize as this experience has been for me, I wouldn’t has been a tremendous help throughout this on the receiving end of that camaraderie, and that this is my home and my country, and that I have had it any other way. whole mess). I think it’s a good step towards was lucky enough to witness how amazing our couldn’t possibly leave without at least putting solving the issues of the undocumented youth music scene is. They would’ve done this for up a good fight. As far as my future court hearings, I cannot in America. But it’s no perfect solution by any any one of us. I’m just fortunate enough to be disclose due to legal issues, except that I’m still means. The act only offers temporary (2 years) caught up in the issue that is a popular topic at CMB: IF you feel comfortable talking about in removal proceedings and that I’m still facing relief to undocumented aliens who voluntarily the moment in this country to receive this much your time spent in ICE, please give us a deportation. come forward and become documented by the attention. feel for what you went through, how long states, which brings up a question of, “What 8 September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

were played by Gotye himself. Upon the rocks in the background were images of each one of his music videos for his songs, all of which were even crazier than the instruments he played on stage (I honestly didn’t even have a name for one that was partially piano, and partially a flute that he produced in the middle of his set). Each video was stranger and more obscure than the next, one of which is still fairly vivid in my mind. The video depicted an elephant of sorts walking through a city with a bird on its shoulder, and Gotye at Red Rocks as the video progressed I gathered that the Counting Crows at Red back into his song, “A Long December”. They Amphitheater elephant is slowly losing its mind. In the end, finished their set as they started with another by Wendy Villalobos the elephant is eaten, or perhaps beaten down Rocks August and Everything After favorite “Rain [email protected] by a red leopard that had been haunting him by Darren McCarthy King”. through the entire video. [email protected] Gotye has a lot going for him. His song The thunderous applause brought Counting “Somebody that I Used to Know” was No.1 By the end of it, I was more confused than Adam Duritz of Counting Crows interacted Crows back to the stage quickly and they on the Billboard charts for an unprecedented anything, yet the music for the song was so with the crowd early as he introduced the first started the encore with another cover song amount of time, his CD, Making Mirrors, was catchy and so rhythmic I hardly paid attention three bands in the Outlaw Roadshow. Many called “The Ballad of El Goodo” from their latest to my confusion for long. Gotye is known for nd one of the best reviewed albums of 2011, he’s fans arrived at Red Rocks on August 2 with album. Duritz invited all three of the opening Australian, and he was able to score a life- his whimsical, if not haunting and peculiar rain jackets but the dark clouds left as the first bands on stage and together they sang “You changing experience by performing on the melodies, but I find him more the better band, Field Report, opened up the night. Next, Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” before finishing the night coveted stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater in musician for these traits he handles very well. Tender Mercies played an amazing set on their with “Hanging Around”. Morrison,CO. He did Red Rocks the honor with his stage first night of the tour and Kasey Anderson and performance, sounding better than he did in his the Honkies followed them by wrapping up the It’s been nearly twenty years since Counting Red Rocks Amphitheater is hands down the digital recording for “Making Mirrors.” opening acts. Crows released their first album and they still most beautiful concert venue in Colorado continue to produce amazing music today, Proudly boasting some of the biggest names in I have trekked to a number of concerts over Counting Crows opened up by playing Duritz’s vocals are just as strong and full of modern day music history, like the Beatles and the years, and there have been few musicians “Round Here” from their first album August emotion as ever and his songs are still popular U2, the amphitheater is a worthy, and noted that have been able to carry themselves so well and Everything After. They played “Untitled among the young and old. event setting for great seats, acoustics, and is and sounded phenomenally better on stage (Love Song)” from a collection of covers they pleasantly aesthetic for all patrons who attend like Gotye and his band did at Red Rocks. His released in early 2012 called Underwater Online: countingcrows.com a concert there. craft and his dedication as a musician truly Sunshine. Next they played “I Wish I was a Girl” resonated between the two towering rocks of kaseyanderson.com and “Colorblind” from This Desert Life before Gotye was more than prepared to bring the the amphitheater. Only good things are going another cover called “Meet on the Ledge”. energy on stage as he stormed Red Rocks to come from Gotye as he continues on his Midway through their set they played one of with his cool, eccentric music and even cooler journey as a musician, and the brilliance and their most loved songs, “Mr. Jones”, before voice. I was pleasantly impressed and musically his view of the world is yet another lens I enjoy covering one of Anderson’s songs called “Like sated as the night went on. Gotye and his band looking through. His visions and his messages Teenage Gravity”. Duritz followed beautifully by played some of my favorites like “We’ll Be are sent to me through his music, and I feel like going solo on the piano and singing the cover Watching You,” and “Eyes Wide Open,” with the world is calling my name when it happens. “Look at Miss Ohio” and then bringing the band wild synthesizers and drums, most of which Online: gotye.com

venues, Red Rocks, it also holds a sweet piece Offspring to play Fillmore of history for the band. K says, “One of the Sept. 27 early shows we had, just before Smash came by Jenn Cohen out, we did a tour with Pennywise on the east [email protected] coast. They flew back from New York, and we decided to do shows on the way back, because that combined a good mix of dreamy tunes, to The Offspring starts the second leg of their we couldn’t afford to fly home from there. The My Morning Jacket intense rock tunes, that captivated the hearts summer tour on Aug. 30, and will be hitting the last show was in Denver, and it drew about a by Anthony Lee Fillmore on September 27. Band members thousand people, there were people outside [email protected] of true rock fans. Front man, Jim James, exercised his powerful voice, seemingly not Dexter Holland (lead vocals and guitar), clamoring to get in. That was the first time we needing a microphone. The band also did some Noodles (guitar), Greg K (bass) and as of had a show like that, that was big, and where it magnificent covers, Elton John’s “Rocket 2007, Pete Parada (drums), have added a seemed like we were actually a real band.” Trombone Shorty and Band of Horses new CD to their lengthy discography, spanning opened for My Morning Jacket, who Man,” Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone,” and “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS, of course, putting their approximately 30 years. Check out Offspring at the Fillmore on performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on September 27, with Neon Trees and Dead August 3, 2012. Trombone Shorty opened the personal “flavor” into the songs. During the set, the band invited Ben Bridwell from Band of On tour to support their latest CD, Days Go Sara. K said to make sure everyone gets there show and fueled the enthusiastic crowd with By, Greg K explains that they stay relevant early to check out Dead Sara. “We played the their sophisticated jazz funky tunes. Followed Horse to cover “Wonderful (The Way I Feel).” The harmony between Bridwell and James by, “Sticking to our old sound, but adding new Sunset Festival, and they were awesome.” by Band of Horses who, despite the windy and elements every time. Dexter writes all the songs, overcast weather, did not disappoint, playing were phenomenal, melodic, and powerful. and he gets to the point where he doesn’t want their emotional crowd favorite, “No One’s to keep rehashing the same thing. So, trying to Online: offspring.com Gonna Love You.” The band played seven more songs after the encore—no sign of slowing down. My Morning come up with fresh ideas, but not stray from our sound, which we’ve had for years, gets a little Starting their set with “Rollin’ Back,” My Morning Jacket led the Red Rocks crowd through the night with their amazing talent and immense more challenging. We want to make sure every Jacket performed variety of songs from their song is as good as it can be.” discography. Ranging from their 1999 debut energy. album Tennessee Fire to the most recent Not only is Colorado home to one of their favorite Circuital, My Morning Jacket had a long set list Online: mymorningjacket.com 10 September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com Fort Collins included Local Friday, where only local Colorado bands played between 5 and 7:15. Odell’s, one of Fort Collins’ favorite local breweries, partnered with the Lyric Cinema Café, Fort Collins’ favorite local movie theater, to create a new beer called the Honey Baron. The Honey Baron was only available during the festival at the Lyric, and created a crowd that spilled out of the lobby and out onto the patio. The music from the festival was broadcasted live on KRFC 88.9FM Community Radio, which could also be found online. Bohemian Nights at New Over 90 bands were featured during the eighth DeVotchKa at New West “Everything is Illuminated”, a “Gears of War 2” West Fest in Fort Collins annual Bohemian Nights festival. Each night trailer, and the score for “Little Miss Sunshine”, by Hannah Lintner included a national headlining act located on Fest [email protected] by Hannah Lintner which was later nominated for a 2006 Grammy Mountain Stage. Michael Franti & Spearhead, Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack. The a band with a wide range of genres, brought out [email protected] Bohemian Nights at New West Fest is an band also played at the Bonnaroo Music a raving crowd on Friday night. Saturday night Festival in 2006. annual urban street festival in Fort Collins included Alison Krauss, the proud owner of six DeVotchKa, based out of Denver, played the that completely owns the weekend August 10- Mountain stage on Sunday afternoon. The Grammy Awards, playing with Union Station DeVotchKa combines a gypsy punk feel with 12. A number of streets were completely shut featuring Jerry Douglas. Locals packed in four piece multi-instrumental ensemble has down to make room for the stages, along with quite a following in Fort Collins; the entire area an indie cabaret folk vibe. Their music takes tight to experience the collaborative project of a simple, melodic approach that allows the the overwhelming crowds that poured into the the five musicians. was packed before the band had even sound downtown area to experience the festival. The checked. DeVotchKa, a name taken from the listener to get lost in the complex combinations that DeVotchKa creates with their great Bohemian Foundation provides six stages Gipsy Kings closed the weekend by seven on Russian word meaning ‘girl,’ is made up of a located throughout downtown that houses group of multitalented musicians. Nick Urata instrumental variety. Urata’s graceful croon Sunday with an hour and a half set of Spanish combines elegantly with the band’s tribal- continuous shows over the three-day period. music tinged with a dash of pop. The group, sings and plays the theremin (an electronic Not only did the festival contain over 25 hours music instrument created in Russia), piano, orchestral sound. The group has an uncanny who began as a gypsy band who traveled ability to connect with the audience from stage. of live music, but it also provided opportunities throughout France playing weddings, festivals, trumpet, and bouzouki (an instrument similar to for over 250 local art, craft, and food businesses the lute with a Greek orgin). Tom Hagerman It was apparent that the audience was entranced and the streets, felt at home with the passionate in listening to the eloquently orchestrated songs with booths located throughout the streets. fans of Fort Collins. plays violin, accordion, and piano. Jeanie Schroder sings and plays the double bass, by the wide range of connected movements in the crowd. The audience was filled with a wide Kids Music Adventure was another fun Online: bohemiannights.org flute, and sousaphone (a type of tuba typically aspect of Bohemian Nights. The free kids’ area used un marching bands). Shawn King adds range of ages; families, couples, and dedicated allowed children to experiment with music by percussion and trumpet. followers gathered together to experience the letting them to try out new instruments in a Colorado band. structured environment. The celebration of local The band has been featured in an array of media, including the trailer for the film Online: devotchka.net Michael Franti and Spearhead by Rhapsody Berg RBerg@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com Michael Franti started Spearhead in 1994 and has been constantly writing upbeat, uplifting songs drawing influence from all over the place including funk, reggae, hip hop and The Great American Taxi songs. While Great American Taxi should not rock. On the first day be confused with a jam band, they still brought of New West Fest at New West Fest out a large number of men with untamed hair they headlined the by Hannah Lintner and pretty girls in hippie skirts. Everyone was Mountain Avenue [email protected] able to lose themselves completely in the stage with the show music by committing to dancing freely without simulcast on the Great American Taxi played in Old Town fear of judgment. Beach balls bobbed around Library park stage Square on the final day ofNew West Fest. The the crowd of Fort Collins residents enjoying the (due to technical band consists of Vince Herman on guitar and band, along with their favorite local brew. difficulties it was Music” off his 2006 release by the same title. mandolin, Chad Staehly on keys, Jim Lewin Other notable songs played included “Rude not simulcast on the Linden Street stage as on guitar, Chris Sheldon on drums, and Brian Great American Taxi is on their sixth year of scheduled). The show started at 8:30 but the Boyz,” “Sound of Sunshine,” and “Yell Fire.” Adams on bass. All members contribute to During the show, he noted that people from all producing music, and recently released their stage area was completely packed by 8:15. forming the band’s vocals. Herman, who also newest album, Paradise Lost, in 2011. The over the world were sending their best wishes plays as Leftover Salmon’s front man, leads that Colorado would recover well after all the twelve songs focus on the subject of America After a name change prompted by a split with the group in creating a great live show. The in the new millennium. Capitol Records, Michael Franti & Spearhead fires and shortly after, it began to rain. Many Americana band shares similar features with fans were brought on stage, and there was released Stay Human on the newly formed Boo bands such as Little Feat, Los Lobos, and Online: greatamericantaxi.com Boo Wax record label in 2001. Although Franti even a surprise proposal. He played his encore the Grateful Dead. had an avid underground following, it would of “Say Hey” and “Long Ride Home” then be another eight years before he garnered Franti and guitarist Jay Bowman wandered The combination of rock mixed with a tad of mainstream radio success with the cheery hook around the crowd for half an hour signing twang allows the band to appeal to a wide range laden “Say Hey (I love you)”. In a strange twist autographs, taking pictures, and generally of people. Great American Taxi brought out a of fate, Franti was being wheeled into surgery personifying the nice-guy spirit of his music. passionate audience ready to fully experience for a ruptured appendix when he found out that the band. The audience was easily caught up “Say Hey” had hit the Billboard top 20. Online: michaelfranti.com in the high energy music. Everyone danced with enthusiastic energy, and even sang along The show opened with “Everyone Deserves with a number of the band’s more popular

September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 11

Mile High Hip Hop The Word on the Scene, From the Inside showcases another heavy-hitting artist, F.T. Da Future, with the songs “Loud Pack,” produced by Lowkey which delivers bars full of vigor and moxie that takes you on a ride thru the Colorado Medical Marijuana Scene, and showcases Colorado as being the heavy-weight champion of Green. The track “Futuristic Swag” ft. Shadow Monster, Produced by: DJ Rusko takes you into a hip-hop, dubstep mix of sounds that for sure takes you into the skywalking mind of a #JediLife member. With other productions and features from Mr. Best Speaks Out CMB: When did you first start DJing? Sellsbeats, and D-Re’ll of Coldest In It/On1 by Darnell Teague & Jonathan McNaughton HGMG - The Block Ent. And Hyp-Hop Sells of On1 Ent., the unity [email protected] Mr. Best: I first started DJing back in 1997, but Report 3 that the #JediLife shows in support of each it was in ’96 when I started collecting records. by Darnell Teague and Jonathan Mcnaughton other’s solo projects keeps the quality of the CMB: What makes Mr. Best a good DJ? It took a while to compile enough relative party [email protected] music at the highest rate we have ever seen records to DJ a whole night. In ’97, I was getting come out of Colorado. HGMG continues the an hour here and there at parties in the Philly With an opening money haymaker “I’m Back” dominating trend of the #JediLife crew, while Mr. Best: Honestly, this is really a three-part area where I grew up. sets the tone for the HGMG (Heavy Ghetto its release Block Report 3 surely can be called answer. A) I am on time and never late for my Music Group) project the Block Report 3, #ClassicMusic. We are sure the Block Report sets. Primarily because I love hanging out with with artist 1P and Shadow Monster who also 3 will carry the #JediLife campaign into the the crowd prior to going on! B) I’m great at CMB: What’s your biggest musical produced tracks 3,6,11,12,13. P.Sky headlining accolade? fall/winter of 2012 for the #JediLife. Be on the reading rooms and understanding the people the track “I’m Back” gives you lyrical and gritty lookout for Solo Projects from Shadow Monster, in those rooms. C) My music knowledge, and sound mixed with a heavy influenced Southern 1P and F.T. Da Future. the many years spent working on the art/craft Mr. Best: My biggest musical accolade would beat. Produced by: Purps Beats, a nice blend of DJing are really what set me apart from other have to be the handful of official remixes I’ve of sound. Online: sendspace.com/file/1d7tz5 DJs out there now. produced alongside my production partner, DJ Spider. I’ve also been fortunate enough to HGMG of the #JediLife Hip-Hop Crew CMB: What Is your Definition of Hip Hop? showcase my skills at some of the most high profile private, corporate, and celebrity events in the United States and Canada. Mr. Best: To me, hip-hop is the expression of ones-self through beats and rhymes. While I prefer spinning big house sets, I’m hip-hop CMB: What does 2012 and the future hold fan through and through, and that will never for Mr. Best? change. Mr. Best: 2012 is about growing and moving CMB: What inspires you to DJ? forward in my career of music, with DJing and music production being the main focus. I’m headlining some of the best rooms in the Mr. Best: Music and people inspire me to DJ, United States right now and spinning monthly but the energy resulting from the two coming in Hollywood, Chicago, San Diego, Atlantic City together keeps me motivated to be a better and New York. As of now, the future is looking DJ. bright and I can’t wait to be back in Denver!

beats while reggae/jam guitar riffs Theophilus London: fill in the spaces. Originality seemed to ooze Remolding Electronic through his stage presence, modish clothes, and eccentric mannerisms, portraying himself Hip-Hop as the guy at the party you want to talk to. La Coka Nostra-CD by Brett Harker Review [email protected] King F.O.E. - J.U.N.K. and by Seth Wood To put Theophilus London’s [email protected] “These kids paid money to have a sweet sound into words is like J.U.N.K.I.E.S. experience,” explained Theophilus to his crew emptying your clothes out by Darnell Teague and Jonathan Mcnaughton Have you ever listened to an album that made before commencing the chant of his hit song [email protected] you feel that you just got slapped in the face? “I Stand Alone.” A skinny MC from Brooklyn, of the dryer by cradling the If not, you should check out La Coka Nostra’s Theophilus bounced onto stage with skin tight bundle to your torso The hip-hop anthem “Foo” ft. Ras Kass, is just latest release, Masters of the Dark Arts, and jeans, a black blazer, and a heavy gold chain Theophilus demonstrated a genuine relationship one of the many head banging songs off of its harsh themes of greed, drugs, violence only a microphone could complement. Aside J.U.N.K and J.U.N.K.I.E.S, the new album from with the crowd that I have seldom witnessed. and religion; the very ruggedness of the album from the usual DJ, an animated bass player During the hour-long performance, he interacted King F.O.E. This album has a large range of comes with such force that it really makes a and tranquil guitarist accompanied him. As a variety when it comes to the beats, which were so frequently that there was an unspoken listener feel that they’re being assaulted by the roaring funk rhythm sounded, the chicly dressed camaraderie amongst the show-goers by the all produced by Yonnas Abraham and Nathan emcees. New Yorker waltzed up to the rose-wrapped Reid. The production goes from heavy-hitting final song. Theopholis took song requests, microphone stand and waited for his cue. He gave high-fives, pulled people on stage, and street anthems, to mellow make-you-think rap. Masters is the group’s second release, and opened his mouth, triggered a vocal effect with The song “Hand Basket” has an ominous feel dove into the crowd, all the while dancing about though they lost their most popular member, his shiny new Jordans, and vanquished any with his posse of goony misfits. By the end of to it that is combined with crisp lyrics, making it Everlast/Whitey Ford, they seem to have tranquility that was still lingering. an all-around good song. All the songs on J.UN. the concert the venue was in chaos; the bass progressed well. Emcees Ill Bill and Slaine player was running through the crowd shirtless, K and J.U.N.K.I.E.S were written by Yonnas have very different styles, but make a lot of To put Theophilus London’s sound into words Abraham and Bobby Rogers. girls were dancing on stage, Theophilus was sense together (like all good rap duo’s). DJ is like emptying your clothes out of the dryer by rolling around as if on fire, and the crowd was Lethal (formerly of House of Pain) is also cradling the bundle to your torso; you can never in a party-induced pandemonium. The album, as a whole, is definitely not an a complementary addition, as he gives the get the whole load because your underwear album to be slept on. King F.O.E. also has other group an old-school sound with his turn-table and socks keep slipping out of your grasp. Online: theophiluslondon.net music ventures that he is working on as well as scratching and multiple samples. It’s a very You just can’t explain his genre without leaving upcoming concert dates. nice, almost-throw-back album. something out. With that being said, his musical style resembles a distorted Kanye West and Online: blkhrts.com Online: lacokanostra.com new-school Marvin Gaye frolicking to House 14 September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com pop songs, all with a pad from a modern techno song gleaming behind it. Their range of influences vary, but one thing does not, and that’s the bass. Whether heavy and grungy, or smooth and funky, Justice knows how to program a bass line, and their signature sound design has earned them a spot as some of the best producers in France. On this night, their set consisted of both old and new songs, opening with the first tracks off of their debut and critically acclaimed album Justice and Rusko at Cross. From there, they managed to sneak Skylab 2012 Preview Red Rocks in a few remixes, but the duo mostly stuck to by Corey Blecha When you have by Corey Blecha original numbers, something that I have really [email protected] performers like Borgore Photos Credit: Cameron Hoffman come to appreciate in a good DJ. It’s one [email protected] thing to be good at mixing, but when you can The 18th annual Skylab Music Festival will take and Andy C, there’s no incorporate nearly all original material into your place September 22 this year at the Denver telling where the night Justice made their return to Denver after four mix, with perfect transitions no less, you are Coliseum. Put on by Triad Dragons, Skylab years, to Red Rocks Amphitheater. After blowing on another level, and Justice has been raising has consistently hosted some of the hottest could go the sound system at their last performance with the bar since their inception. One of the most names in dance music, and this year’s line-up funky, earth-shattering bass, the French duo spectacular parts of their live show is their continues a roll of top-notch headliners, with some of his set. were ready to make up for it with this show. The lighting rig, and after seeing clips of their stellar the likes of Porter Robinson and Downlink Rounding out a solid line-up is one of EDM’s night got off to a great start with a soulful set set at Ultra Music Festival this spring, I was making their way to Denver. most recent superstars, Porter Robinson, from Boombox, who were a perfect fit for the really looking forward to seeing it in person. As who is taking the scene by storm with his early, daylight crowd on the rocks. Their music soon as the show began, it was clear that it was You can always expect a lot from the Triad moombahton and dubstep productions. You blends guitars, synthesizers, and groove boxes going to be one of the best stage productions I Dragons crew, and this year will be no have probably heard some of the tunes off his into an electronic soup that balances organic had ever seen. With towers of speakers stacked exception, with plans to make it the biggest and highly-regarded Spitfire EP, and his aggressive sounds and digital technology perfectly. Each on each side of a custom DJ booth, complete best Skylab yet! It will kick off at 7pm, and you take on nearly every genre displays his savvy performance they seem to have improved in with flashing lights and moving animations, can expect a full night of music and madness! for music production with each new release. some way, and this set proved to be one of their alongside numerous moving spotlights, Justice When you have performers like Borgore and most refined sets to date. has created a truly exciting audio/visual Andy C, there’s no telling where the night The theme this year is “Blackout,” so the experience that is not easily duplicated. could go; but I can tell you one thing, this one is promoters are encouraging attendees to wear Next up on the bill was Rusko, replacing going to get crazy! Hailing from Israel, Borgore as much black as possible to create a dark Passion Pit, who had cancelled their At their last show in Denver, the duo ended their has created quite a stir in the dubstep scene, and moody environment, perfect for the crew’s performance just months out, and the eager set by blowing the sound system at Red Rocks, with his outlandish antics and controversial over-the-top light rigs and stage production. Denver crowd went crazy as he took the stage not once, but twice, and I was really hoping collaborations (See: Miley Cyrus). Whether for his second Denver show in recent months. they wouldn’t repeat the feat, no matter how you love him or hate him, his live show is Online: skylabcolorado.com Although he didn’t change his set much from “rockstar” it was when they broke the system one of the most unique around, and you are his last stint in town, Rusko’s high-energy stage with bass, and shattered their keyboards on the guaranteed at least a few surprises, so if you presence and aggressive productions revved stage at their prior performance. Luckily for us, happen to make it out to the event, check out the crowd up for the night’s headliner, and the the sound system held up, and Justice showed main focus of the evening, Justice. once again why they have earned a spot festivals that we’ve been doing, where the barrier is atop the international EDM scene and gained so far away from the stage, you just feel like you have Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay make millions of fans over the years with their unique no interaction and it’s a little uncomfortable, you feel up the duo, and they have taken the French- take on dance music and stunning live show. like you’re on display instead of all part of the same disco sound to a new level with their micro As fans trickled down the hill, the talk was all goal. [Essentially], it’s always all about the crowd. sampling and funky bass synthesis. Combining about Justice, and in a scene that has recently You can have any sort of strange environment, but fractal samples that are nearly undetectable become more and more saturated, with artists if the crowd goes nuts, it’s always a great time, no to the average listener, Justice manages all starting to “sound the same,” it was clear matter what. It isn’t how wonderful the stage sounds, to cohesively blend riffs taken from music that the duo had made an impact on Denver’s or how big the PA system is, or even how many spanning multiple genres and generations. keen electronic music crowd. AWOLNATION Speaks people are there, it’s all about the interaction and the You may hear an ‘80s guitar riff sampled onto by Jenn Cohen intimacy, the closer the better.” a beat consisting of snippets of three different Online: redrocksonline.com [email protected] One of Bruno’s most memorable shows was in will have driven all the way across the country With two shows coming up at the Summit Music Hall Poland. “We played a show in Poland, and 50% of for the night! in September, as well as possibly making a short film the PA system was out, so it was hard for people to about the shows, AWOLNATION’s front man, Aaron hear. It started raining, and we played on, and people The show will start at 7:30, so get there early Bruno, talked with CMB about his favorite show, and went even crazier. It was a moment I’ll never forget. It to catch Emancipator’s violin-driven beats and how the crowds can make or break a show. wasn’t the hugest show we’ve ever played, but it was EOTO’s non-stop improv marathon before the a good amount of people, and just the elements that headliners take the stage for two sets! Lotus AWOLNATION’S last show in Colorado was, added up, and the accidents or imperfections made has been around for years now, and their KTCL’s Kegs and Eggs. “It was really fun, people it that much more relatable and one of a kind.” consistent touring schedule and never-ending were just smashed already, by the time we played, innovation have taken them to the top of the and I didn’t have a chance to drink, so it was nice Bruno does all the songwriting, so I asked him if there Jamtronica scene, headlining festivals around to be the only sober person in the room. I felt like I was a song that was hard to create. He says, “The Lotus, EOTO, and the country alongside other genre mainstays, had super powers because everyone else was just songs that are the most difficult are the songs I don’t such as STS9 and the Disco Biscuits. hammered.” complete, and no one ends up hearing. Important Emancipator to Hit Red songs that people don’t get to hear. Some songs take Rocks Led by Mike Rempel’s fluttery and soaring With at least one of the shows selling out almost longer to complete, like “Nights of Shame,” which is by Corey Blecha guitar leads, and backed by Chuck Morris and immediately, Bruno says, “Colorado is so beautiful, a 12 and a half-minute song. But considering what it [email protected] Mike Greenfield’s spot-on drum section, Lotus and the shows go nuts every time we’re there, so ended up becoming, I don’t feel like it took that long. can sometimes jam upwards of 20 minutes we’re looking forward to it for sure. To play two shows Anytime there’s a song where I sort of hit a wall, I One of Denver’s most beloved jam bands, without breaking a sweat, and seeing them in one city blows my mind, so I’m just psyched about just go away from it and work on something else that Lotus, will be making a stop in Denver to function as a well-polished musical machine has it. Denver wins, if not the number one, definitely the feels more natural. Then, by the time I go back to it, play at Red Rocks on September 8, and they always been one of my favorite experiences. If top three very best cities for us.” I seem to know what to do.” will be bringing special guests EOTO and you are unfamiliar with the band, it’s about time Emancipator! All the performers have strong you check them out! For more information on The band prefers being close with the crowd. “We ties to Colorado, so the masses will be out the show, check out Red Rocks website for all don’t feel like we’re on the stage, and everybody is Read more of this article at early, tie-dye in full effect, and the typical Lower the details! below us, it doesn’t ever feel like that; in fact, anytime ColoradoMusicBuzz.com South lot party will surely start early as the there’s a stage that we play where the stage is too sounds of Grateful Dead and Phish echo out Online: redrocksonline.com high, I feel really disconnected. At some of the bigger of beat up car stereo systems, some of which September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 15

METAL MAX in and out of the pit enjoying the nonstop music. Band after band lit up the room each receiving the full appreciation of the crowd. Appearing after melodic metalcore band For the Fallen Dreams, Attila marked the halfway point of the show. The band played a strong set featuring many crowd favorites such as “Outlawed,” “Sex, Drugs & Violence,” “Nothing Left To Say,” and “Lights Out.” Attila hails from Atlanta, Georgia and is best known for their loud and relentless party metal. Front man Chris “Fronz” Fronzak has an incredible stage presence, making sure to walk the whole stage, making eye contact, and reaching out to let fans touch his hands. Attila’s thrash roots and raw sound makes them one of the more classic metal bands on the tour. Attila doesn’t utilize any clean vocals or melodic elements; instead they focus on brutal screams and sweet riffs. In stark contrast, I See Stars, pioneers of the budding electronicore (also known as Electric Hardcore Music, a term coined by the band) genre played a fun and upbeat set immediately after Attila with a high emphasis on visual effects such as lasers and smoke with the lights All Stars Tour completely darkened. Scream It Like You Mean We Came as Romans headlined the night letting by Rhapsody Beg the show out early at around 10pm. Despite the Photo Credit: Max Giffin When headliners Suicide Silence took to the It Tour disappointment of not seeing Attack Attack!, [email protected] stage, mayhem quickly ensued. Fans pushed by Max Giffin fans gave We Came As Romans a warm [email protected] hard against the rail to avoid being trampled in welcome and got into their set as if they were Every year Colorado metal fans wait excitedly the circle pit that vocalist Mitch Lucker actively planned to headline all along. The night came for one of the summer’s most anticipated encouraged. Lucker, before the kick-in of the The Scream It Like You Mean It Tour features to a close with their set, and fans left seeming alternative tours, The All Stars Tour. This year, one of this summer’s largest metal and song “F**k Everything” off Suicide Silence’s pretty pleased by the performance. All Stars hit Denver hard at the Summit Music 2011 release The Black Crown, requested post hardcore line-ups. In fact, the tour is so Hall on August 11. The 2012 lineup features monumental, that this year it was broken up that everyone put their middle fingers in the On August 1, the second half of Scream It many heavy hitters of the hardcore scene such air and scream the chorus with him. The crowd into two parts to maximize the amount of music Like You Mean It played in Denver at the as Betraying the Martyrs, Obey the Brave, fans could enjoy. immediately responded with the utmost vigor, Summit Music Hall. This half was more of the the Word Alive, Winds of Plague, Dance and the room was flooded with the voices of traditional metal bands, and seemed to pull a Gavin Dance, Make Me Famous, Ice Nine On July 31, the first half of the tour played the pumped up kids. After the band left the smaller crowd. Oceano, Volumes, Impending Kills, For the Fallen Dreams, Stray From the stage there were overwhelming cries of “one Boulder, Colorado at the Boulder Theatre. Doom, and the Acacia Strain are all much Path, Attila, A Skylit Drive, I See Stars and This half of the tour was the more progressive more song” from the crowd. After the relentless heavier than the bands who played the night Stick to Your Guns; as well as Denver based demands, they came back and performed a side, headlined by Attack Attack!, a band before in Boulder, on the other end of the tour. Forty Fathoms who won the opening slot in often referred to as ‘crabcore’. Unfortunately cover of The Deftones’ “Engine no. 9” but not This being said, some more melodic bands a battle of the bands in early July. Headliner before selecting two members of the crowd to though, Boulder didn’t get the chance to see such as Like Moths to Flames and Hands Suicide Silence made a triumphant return Attack Attack! after their bus broke down in Salt have a spontaneous rap battle, with the winner Like Houses were still featured in the line up, after last playing in January of this year at the getting free Suicide Silence merch. Lake City and they became stranded. This was and may have a smaller fan base but possibly a Summit. a huge disappointment to the fans, but other more enthusiastic group of loyalists. Online: theallstarstour.com bands on the tour such as Woe, Is Me and We With the lengthy line up of the All Stars Tour, Came As Romans took it as an opportunity to doors opened at 1pm. Forty Fathoms warmed step up and play a show that would still shake This half of the up the stage and kicked off the start of the all- the roof. tour was the more day show. Fans came prepared to spend all day Woe, Is Me is a band from Atlanta, Georgia that blends electronica, clean vocals, and progressive side, and charismatic while talking screaming into a post hardcore and melodic to the crowd in a down-to-earth strain of metal. The band has played Colorado headlined by Attack manner as if he and the audience several times over the course of the last two Attack! were old friends going way back. years, always arriving with different members After playing crowd favorite “Nerve do to the bands seemingly ever-changing line The show began at around 5pm and didn’t end Endings,” they debuted an untitled up. until after 11. All night, the crowd took advantage new song. They ended the set of the heavy music and used it to release pent strong with “Humannequin.” Their tour manager, Mitch Brown, took a up angst. This was most seen during the moment to state that he strongly feels that the Acacia Strain’s headlining set at the end of the My Ticket Home is made up of members they have now are solid and that ex night where vocalist Vincent Bennett shared vocalist Nick Giumenti, Marshall band mates Ben Farris and Michael Bohn his intense feelings towards life, past lovers, My Ticket Home at the Giumenti on drums, Luke Fletcher will be the last members to leave Woe, Is Me. and religion. He talked endlessly about his on bass, Derek Blevins on guitar and vocals, The band has quite a growing presence in their Marquis Theatre and Matt Gallucci on guitar. The band was overpowering anger and rage that he releases by Rhapsody Berg scene and is quickly becoming very well known through his music. In addition, Bennett shared formed out of Columbus in 2008 and quickly and loved. with the crowd that they would be releasing a [email protected] gained attention in their hometown, becoming new album in upcoming months that will be the top unsigned band in Ohio in 2009. They Woe, Is Me plans to celebrate this growth by Ohio based hardcore band My Ticket Home are a tight-knit group with the Giumenti brothers feature, “no dubstep, no singing, no electronica, tore up the Marquis Theatre in Denver, July headlining their first tour this fall withSECRETS only more anger.” and Fletcher having attended the same high (also an opener on the SILYMI Tour) and 22, along with headliner I Set My Friends on school. Starting off the set with “Fear Complex,” Fire and Japanese band, Fact. Also appearing French band Chunk! No, Captain Chunk. The Online: screamitlikeyoumeanit.com one of the heavier, darker songs off their new Talk Your [S]#?! Tour will be passing through was the Color Morale, an Illinois band also album To Create A Cure. After a more traditional Denver on November 24 at the Marquis signed to Rise Records, as well as Our Last metalcore sound with “Desertion” from 2010’s Theatre for all the fans who weren’t able to Night. Opportunity To Be, they transitioned to a more make it out to Boulder this July. Inside word melodic sound with the song “Atlas.” The song’s says that the band will feature an entirely new The Color Morale, excited to have finally made catchy chorus was interspersed with Giumenti’s set list for the tour and will be playing some new it to Denver after transportation troubles on angsty roar, creating a wonderful contrast. songs. Certainly, it will be an event to catch. many previous tours, played an enthusiastic set. Front man Garret Rapp was engaging Online: mytickethomeband.com September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 23 A-sides The Good and Honest Reviews Bryyn-In Shapes Flobots- The Circle The Swayback- Number Station- by Sal Christ in the Square Double Four Time With My 1,000 Ft. Photo Credit: Bryyn by Tim Wenger by Tim Wenger Lucifer SChrist@ TWenger@ TWenger@ by Tim Wenger ColoradoMusicBuzz. ColoradoMusicBuzz. ColoradoMusicBuzz. TWenger@ com com com ColoradoMusicBuzz. com With guitar strumming One of the biggest The Swayback keep as delicate as butter- names to come their mellow alt-rock If you are looking for yellow threads of out of Denver in sound alive with their a record that will have wheat fi ngered under an-hour-before-dusk hued recent years, Flobots, have fi nally released new LP Double Four Time. The band leans heavily you slightly bobbing your head while at the same sky, Switzerland-anchored American expat, the follow up to 2010’s Survival Story. The on William Murphy and Adam Tymn for a guitar- time uttering an amused WTF?!, then Number Bryyn, fashions together a cozy collection of album gets right to work where the band left driven sound that epitomizes the current state of the Station’s new record With My 1,000 Ft. Lucifer indie acoustic auditory baubles on his newest off, with stunning social commentary laid over Denver rock scene. is a disc you need to pick up. Kate Whysner release, In Shapes. catchy instrumentation. The title track, “The offers up some mystic vocals with a voice that Circle in the Square,” starts the record off by The title track “Double Four Time” is the best song sounds like what Courtney Love might have These are the tunes that travel to Anywhere and labeling themselves and those that follow their on the record, hooking the listener with James sounded like without all the pills, booze and Nowhere, circa Anytime--familiar, warm, and message as exactly what they are, the circle in Brown-like funktifi ed vocals from front man Eric cigarettes. The band lays down some trippy emotive with every note tick and vocal infl ection. the square. Halborg, with guitar riffs following suit. The 12-song guitar riffs and overdubs to compliment, and tie Reminiscent of cotton soft-folk, meditative as a album fl ows from start to fi nish with the smoothness it all together with an infectious rhythm section lullaby, and decorated with haunted but cutesy Flobots showcase their trademark viola-driven, of a composed river fl owing through a bustling city, keeping a mellow beat. pop of Sufjan Stevens, every track is a three- light alternative/hip-hop hybrid in its most serving as an unruffl ed haven for those fortunate prong conversation between the singer and evolved state throughout the record. Jonny enough to stumble upon it. “Mojave,” the tenth song, One thing that can be said about Number Station his muse, and the eavesdropping audience 5 and Brer Rabbit have been writing mature is another strong track displaying Halborg’s vocal is that they defi nitely follow their own lead. for whom interpretation of every stanza is like and relevant lyrics throughout the career of talent. The music is entertaining, slightly humorous, reading a secret diary. the band, but with this latest release, they and hard to turn off. This record should work seek to awaken the mind of the listener at one The Swayback has been together for a decade out pretty good for the band, which is good “What I Hope” is a deeper toned tune and of the most crucial times for our country and now, and their music is refl ective of the seasoned because “Nothing succeeds like success,” immediately tethers itself to the ear with a humanity as a whole. “#Occupy War” and “Stop musicians that make up the group. They have a bit of Whysner says on “No One Writing Letters.” steady seesaw beat, until a startling electronic The Apocalypse” are perfect presentations by a college-radio rock sound present to coincide with Sounds like the quote of the year to me. zip-zip-zip intrudes in the second half of the a band that is known for so much more than a light dose of trippy Cure-esque guitar that makes song. “Fractals” and “Rounder than an Orange” their music, but continue to hold their reputation this a diffi cult album to turn off. Catch them live at Online: reverbnation.com/numberstation fl ick about with happy swagger, paving the path together with some of the most original music Higher Ground Music Festival August 24-26 in front of them, and the chummy feel of the coming out of a state fl ooded with musicians. prior leaves the listener with some aural deja Online: theswayback.com vu. A lullaby in theory (if not lyrically), or at Online: fl obots.com, fl obots.org least a soundtrack for the streaking stars in a Charlotte Sass- summer night to glide along to, “Giraffe” fl oats Lighter Things Swing Hero weightless on a twilight pond with gauzy female by Tim Wenger by Tim Wenger TWenger@ TWenger@ backup vocals, a trickling string line that a banjo Lucid Index- might have rendered, and soothing piano. ColoradoMusicBuzz. ColoradoMusicBuzz. Reverberating com com Thought In Shapes is an album for seasons of all time, by Joel Center Denver singer-songwriter Marshall Gallagher with Bryyn’s plaintive voice and room-in-the- JCenter@ heart lyrics, ameliorating to both the hardest, Charlotte Sass let’s her has been a busy ColoradoMusicBuzz. singing do the talking. man. He has been coldest, softest, and sunniest of days. Whether com it’s the tiny town of Vulliens, where Bryyn lives, Sitting serenely on top of her elegant piano playing, the on stage performing deliberate time she takes to deliver her lyrics perfectly with 3OH!3, My Body Sings Electric, and his or the likes of a force less tangible, something It is fairly uncommon has most certainly dotted his music with that portrays the relaxation she wants the listener to take former group Solar Bear, that helped put him for an artist to produce from the music. on the musical map here in Denver. He also magic that is frisson--something that everyone pure originality from the very beginning, needs more of. recently released an EP as Swing Hero, a solo infl uenced by neither monetary gain nor Her vocal is vibrantly soothing, and fl ow nicely over project that showcases Gallagher returning to popular demand. Lucid Index’s premier album, Online: bryyn.com the music in the background. “One Open Moment” his mellower roots. Reverberating Thought, not only meets those has features guitar as the main holder of the listener’s Ode to the standards, but also exceeds them in a way that ear behind Sass. Track three, “Not Alone,” kicks off The self-titled debut brings the sound of Marionette- leaves one speechless and awestruck. with a drum intro. The song that stood out the most traditional emo music alive, the guitar is never Sleepless Dreaming was “Come Back To Me,” which showcases Jeremy overly distorted and the emphasis remains Although there is a surplus of electronic Wendelin’s mastery of the saxophone. Sass’s main on Gallagher’s comforting voice throughout. by Tim Wenger music today, much of it is exceedingly similar, TWenger@ band is made up of guitarist Dave Preston, violinist At times he appears to be pleading, at others ColoradoMusicBuzz. and hardly invokes any true emotion in the Mindy Gosswiller, bassist Jim Ruberto and drummer elucidating, but always honest and to the point com listener. As beautiful, calming songs such as Jon Powers. with rich guitar riffs confi rming his dialogue, the “A Soft Feeling” and dark, off-putting songs like emo take on light alternative the way it always Ode to the “Kingdom of Fear” prove, this is simply not the Sass’s music is not going to fl ood the dance fl oor with should have been. Marionette: An case with Lucid Index. His unique sound will frenzied excitement. What it will do, however, is present uncommon name, and even more uncommon arise faith from any musical mind in today’s the fi ne-tuned talent not only of Sass herself, but also of Online: facebook.com/swinghero music. Julia Brochay’s singing reminds me (sometimes despairingly bland) electronic the band behind her. of a fairytale princess stuck inside a tower scene. awaiting her savior, and the music that she Online: charlottesass.com and Christian Lowsley create follows suit. While some persons with questionable motives Their latest release, Sleepless Dreaming, is a seek out to exploit the electronic scene with leisurely trip through Brochay’s mind, with the only profi t in mind, producer Taylor Fitzke – classically trained Lowsley at the wheel of the mastermind behind the stage name Lucid Index ship. – is all about the music. Reverberating Thought is available for ANY price, including free. Want a Review? The composition throughout the record is strangely awesome, always seeming to match Online: Lucidindex.bandcamp.com the lyrics and showcasing nothing, if not raw, Send 2 copies to: musical mastery. It comes together somewhere between jazz, pop, and light rock, demonstrating Colorado Music Buzz the group’s ability to ignore conventional genre lines to fi nd a sound uniquely their own. PO Box 2739 Online: odetothemarionette.com Litt leton, CO 80161

September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 29 A-sides The Good and Honest Reviews Angry Hand of God Anthony Ruptak Brave Song Circle: Sean Renner: by Tim Wenger – C’est La Vie Reciprocity EP Seven Days TWenger@ by Mac MacKillop by Stephan Hume by Stephan Hume ColoradoMusicBuzz. MMackillop@ SHume@ SHume@ com ColoradoMusicBuzz. ColoradoMusicBuzz. ColoradoMusicBuzz. com com com When told about a band called Angry After hibernating You are not going I didn’t know what Hand of God, it is for the winter with a to head bang to this to think about this almost impossible to guitar in the back of a EP. I have enjoyed one when I first not immediately think brutal, punishing death hatchback camper, Anthony Ruptak emerged listening with more of a head bob. It’s a listened. The sounds and instrumentation are metal. But metal influences are only a small from the mountains to record the EP C’est La gentle, rich package of folk, pop, and passion. unconventional to say the least. But that is piece of the band’s diverse musical pie, and Vie. The album draws from the lyrically driven Recorded at Spin & Swirl Studios in Littleton, what gives Seven Days its complete charm. they prefer to put the cherry on top of the stoner acoustic roots of folk music, but refuses to sit Dustin Morris and Lauren Gale deliver It got its name from the fact that he had only rock slice instead. comfortably within the strictures of folk or any you honesty that puts you right in their inner that much time to write and record the whole other genre. Ruptak combines precise finger song circle. Their instruments are many, and thing. And a lot of the sounds came from friends picking melodies with bare and expressive their voices are as pleasing as they are well and family who submitted them to him before Their new album, Revelations vocals for a raw and unprocessed sound. matched. Brave Song Circle as a band name undertaking the recording! Sean’s voice is very From Rock Bottom, hits like The album accomplishes the difficult task of is appropriate as they bravely tackle delivering accessible, and his approach to songwriting Blue Cheer ran onstage delivering both energetic romps and intimate deep concepts through their original music. makes me imagine Radiohead is somewhere ballads with a high level of passion and feeling. The track “Made Up Of Love” is laden with in his periphery. The sounds are complex, during a Queens of the Stone The instrumental focus remains centered hypnotic repetition about love that is simple but the music simple, which means you can Age show. on the acoustic guitar but isn’t afraid to draw and refreshing. Their live show sound quality steer your attention in a million directions while support from a full band. In particular, the title is impressively identical to this recording. Get a staying grounded in a bed of sonic warmth. In Brian Kennedy’s bass lines hit as hard as track, “C’est La Vie,” uses drums and organ hold of this disc…and did I mention it comes in a world of single song downloads, albums like the guitar, and Ezana Negash’s vocals are, to drive the song with the even cadence of a a hand-sewn canvas bag? Well, it does. these are still worth listening to in their entirety. at times, taunting enough to make the listener dedicated wanderer. Aggressive at times, and Kudos! think twice about what he is hearing. Most of poignant at others, this EP is uninhibited and Online: bravesongcircle.com the time though, his voice lands right next to highly satisfying. Online: seanrenner.com Mark Pilloud’s guitar riffs to solidify a sound Nothing Short of that isn’t heard nearly enough in the Mile High C’est La Vie was recorded at Baccetti Music Pure- Underneath City. Productions. Digital downloads and CDs come the Palm Trees packaged with hand drawn art by Ruptak. by John Christen Online: facebook.com/angryhandofgod JChristen@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. Online: anthonyruptak.bandcamp.com com Blag’ard: Fresh Nothing Short of Candy Pure’s dynamic by Tim Wenger The Symbols- A CD second full-length studio album, Underneath the TWenger@ Starcar Sunday by Tim Wenger Palm Trees, blends body moving beats, smooth ColoradoMusicBuzz. by Tim Wenger TWenger@ guitar rifts, and reggae dubs flawlessly. NSOP com TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. consists of three talented individuals intent ColoradoMusicBuzz. com on producing powerful, creative, inspirational North Carolina duo com vibes. Blag’ard could hit The Symbols put it big at the Hi-Dive Starcar Sunday out music as quickly Showing great depth and range, NSOP, here in the Mile High City. Their new record, takes a genre of and efficiently as transitions from the heavily laced reggae Fresh Candy, is the third full length release music that’s already Smoky Bear puts out of “Influence,” to the incense burning, from the group. It showcases strong elements hot in Denver, and forest fires, and their new cd, aptly titled A CD, thought provoking, “Paradise” and “Bleep It.” of indie rock but is focused solely on guitar, makes it even hotter by putting the vocal duties showcases keyboards and overdubs slightly “Chupucabra” and “So Fine” are a pairing of vocals, and drums (the only instruments used in the hands of Carla Weikel and Dayna more prominently, at the right times, than some high energy, in your face, adrenaline-fueling by the band). Adam Brinson’s drums stand out Geiger. Their take on pop-infused indie rock of their previous work. The music is melodically punk thrash offerings. “Burn” and the title track, in the music just as strongly as Joe Taylor’s is about as straight forward as it comes, with charming, and guitarist Jasco continues to “Underneath the Palm Trees” are groovy, full guitar riffs, both mixing together harmonically raw emotion seeping from each song on their showcase his seasoned blues-esque style with of island vibes. “NorthWinds” comes straight to provide steady, contagious music behind debut album. solid lead parts throughout the record. out the treasure chest of tranquil sounds and Taylor’s bucolic voice. melodies. Ryan Miller, Brian A.C., and Billy Small “Shake it Again” is the most danceable song The record is at times a bit slow, but seemingly provide solid instrumentation underneath the on the disc, if you have seen the group perform Underneath the Palm Trees resonates with appropriate for their mellow-rock style that vocals, with Miller stepping up to the plate before this song will paint a strong mental the traditions and expansion of reggae beach hooks listeners with catchy, original lyricism and throwing down a heartfelt guitar solo to picture of the band’s energetic live sets. The music, following in the footsteps of Sublime and instrumentation. The group is reminiscent annunciate Weikel and Geiger’s voices when rest of the album is a bit more mellow, relaxing and Slightly Stoopid. Having performed of 90’s rock interlaced with the melodious side necessary. and very easy on the ears. The Symbols with such acts as: the Voodoo Glow Skulls, of classic rock bands. The record, which will be always have been an eargasm for the guitar- Agent Orange, and Event Horizon, NSOP is available everywhere October 9, would make Starcar might be one of the most harmonic savvy, and continue to rely on Jasco to define definitely a band on the upswing. the perfect soundtrack to a cross country road bands in the scene, and not just vocally. The their overall sound. trip. guitar riffs shine through with concord authority Online: facebook.com/nothingshortofpure just when you start to think the song is a little The Symbols are the perfect band to wind down Online: blagard.com slow. to after a stressful day, or to put yourself in the right mindset for a night of dancing. Mer Sal Online: facebook.com/starcarsunday wants to “sing the world a song”, and the world better be ready because The Symbols show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Want a Review? Online: thesymbols.net Send 2 copies to: Colorado Music Buzz PO Box 2739 Littleton, CO 80161

20 September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com spotlights the music as well as artist/band bios, Current Show Listings: interviews, news on upcoming appearances, and in studio performances. Sundays and mornings feature our top interns discussing the scene and playing new tracks. Kelly Decker was in the education system for over 13 years before she felt the bug to be Mondays 5-9 pm: Power Hour (or four) with in the spotlight. Modeling in NYC and doing Aaron Saye commercials and tv made her long to be on air. Tuesdays 5-9 pm- Kickin’ It Country with From there, she decided to change her life and Kelly Decker move to the gorgeous state of Colora do, where she continued working in the Wednesdays 6-8 pm- MUSIC BUZZ LIVE entertainment industry, and is now breaking RADIO with Moose into the broadcasting industry and taking it by by Brett Finn and Tim Wenger beginning to change in the Colorado mountains storm. Growing up in a family of country music Thursdays 5-10 pm- Denver Metal Madness [email protected] and things are finally starting to wind down here lovers, it was was inevitable she would host a with Justin and Dakota at MHU, we have turned our full attention to country music radio show. “Kickin’ it Kountry” This has been the most memorable summer the station and what we can do to keep things airs Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm. Fridays noon-1 pm- Power Hour with Finn in a long time. Our schedules were packed fresh for our listeners. Be sure to tune in to 1-5 pm- Roxy Lee Heart 5-9 pm- The Icing full of festivals, events, and promos and we milehighunderground.com daily. In addition to the country show, we are updating on the Cake- new music review. were fortunate enough to be a part of a lot of our music library and adding a bunch of new the amazing shows that took place over the Our show of the month this month is Kickin’ it artists into rotation this month so be sure to Saturdays 10 am-2 pm- Mile High Hip Hop last few months (Higher Ground, White Flag Country with Kelly Decker. The show features check out all the new local tunes. If you’re band with Cloud 9. 2-4 pm- MUSIC BUZZ LIVE Raised, and the bartending flair competition at the music of UNSIGNED country artists wants to be considered for rotation, submit your RADIO with Moose 10 pm-6 am- Electronica Lodo’s to name a few). Now that the leaves are locally and from all over the nation. The show music at milehighunderground.com. directed by DJ Nola It encourages me to do what’s right in my life. going all day/ When I close my eyes, and leave Music is life.” - Ryan my mind to drift/Beats and rhythms drift through the emptiness/ Music has saved my life/ Music “What has come of mainstream/ Where the has saved my soul/ On the day I can’t go on/ I talent I hear/ Comes from sipping on lean/ let the beats and rhythms flow/ And from the That’s why I’m looking underground/For the darkness that I feel/ Liberation springs, takes soul/ That we’ve misplaced/ Music is more than roots, and sets me free. / There is no abyss I We asked our students to answer the following words/ More than sound/ More than talent/ It an cannot escape/ With my mp3, my laptop, and What Music Means to Me question for this edition of the magazine, and unimaginable/ Mind opening experience/ From the feelings in me.” - GG Third Way Students have been quite moved by their thoughtful, rock n roll to/ Classical. But the most talent/ We mature, and poetic responses. We hope you rarely see/ We rarely hear/ So open your mind Youth On Record, a program of Flobots.org, Share Their Thoughts will be just as touched by their responses below. to all/ The experiences music holds/ Let it live in teaches music production and lyric writing in by Nathan Schmit Thanks Colorado Music Buzz Magazine you, live in the beat/ It’ll take you high.” - MMM residential treatment centers across Denver [email protected] for your consistent support, and the many and beyond, as a means of supporting their opportunities that you continue to offer to the “Music is like a door, it gives me a passage specific treatment goals. It is truly amazing Recently, Flobots.org began programming young people we work with. of escape in difficult times, which is why I am what many young people will do and say when at Third Way Center in Lowry, and like all glad to be a part of Youth on Record. Music given the opportunity. the youth that we work with, the students at What does music mean to you? is a way to express myself in a positive way. About Flobots.org Third Way have inspired us to no end. In just “Music makes me feel alive because I love it. I have always dreamed of being a rock star two weeks, these amazing young people It just has a strong feeling that calms you down or a rapper. Now I have a chance to become Founded in 2007 by the internationally known have learned and demonstrated the music if you’re angry, or whatever you are feeling. my dream. It’s funny ‘cause my sister is in the Denver based hip-hop collective Flobots, production skills of wave editing, arrangement, Music brings happiness to my life, like a coping same program as myself. It has kept us out of Flobots.org connects underserved youth basic mixing, and how to launch samples in skill. Music is another way for me to get away trouble because we can express ourselves in a across Colorado with music and empowerment real time (which is essentially performing live from this world and be in the next one. It’s just positive way, and we can be something in life education. Led by a network of professional in a classroom setting, or one step shy of a great way to enjoy life.” - MM where people realize you can come up from musicians, artists and educators, Flobots.org performing in public.) Out of respect for their “Music…it’s usually about a person’s life. anything in life.” - HZG programs are designed to harness the power efforts and the community we are building with That’s what I like about music. It makes me of music and those who love it. them, we offered our students a chance to be feel powerful and great. I learn a lot from music ”Music is made to inspire/ Music is made to quoted in CMB. and what I think the music I listen to is about. save/ Music is something that can keep you

Music is a language. Literally, it is just like any instrument came from you! language can be overwhelming. But you have Tips For The Young other language in the world. You can speak to remember that learning to read is all about Musician Vol. 17 it by playing it. You can hear others speak it Submerse yourself in it. making agreements. Any given line or shape by Stephan Hume by watching a performance. You can have a has a meaning behind it. If you learn to agree [email protected] conversation with it by jamming with others. You By going to a nice concert you are simply with that meaning, you have learned to read it. can feel emotion and meaning from it by closing witnessing others who are speaking the I recommend that every young musician start your eyes or listening to lyrics. You can do just language. If you are a beginner, it is much reading music as young as possible. If it seems about anything with the language of music that like going to a different country that speaks a hard, just be patient with it. you would with the language you use to order different language. You may not know how to your next meal. So what does all this mean to speak it, but you can understand how it feels. Eventually, you can read any kind of music and the world? What are some tips to help us to Chances are, if you stick around long enough then you are really speaking the language. Just begin speaking this amazing language? you will pick up words and phrases the same remember to feel music above anything else. way. In fact, if you live in another country long Just like it isn’t fun to read a phone book front Start speaking it right away. enough, you will speak their language because to back, you may find it much more entertaining you submersed yourself in it. If you pick up a to read a book about a topic you like. SO find At Band Dynamics, we have a lot of students guitar and start messing around and hang out the music you like, find it written, and start who come to us for music lessons. Every single with people who can play for a long time, you reading that first. Maybe someday we will have one of these students is speaking the language will be able to start playing too. It’s really that a musical conversation together…you never of music in one way or another. People come simple! know! to these lessons as beginners, intermediate players, and even quite advanced. But either Learn how to read it. way, they are all speaking music. Pick up an instrument if you never have before, and make Black dots. Little tiny black dots on lines noise with it. It may seem like you don’t know with all sorts of funky shapes, symbols, and what you are doing, but you don’t have to numbers. The written language of music is know anything to make noise. Focus on how quite beautiful to look at. If it intimidates you, it amazing it is that the sounds coming from that is because often times looking at a brand new September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 21 Post Where it all happens. . . it means to take care of their own careers in The disadvantage that CD Baby has from songwriters who perform their music in public. If music, and many really don’t know where to somebody like TuneCore is that CD Baby does you register your songs, gigs, and set lists with start. So in an effort to help new readers of the charge a per- download fee plus the set up fee. BMI Live, you can start collecting performance Manager’s Corner, and new musicians to the The advantages that I think CD Baby brings to royalties from BMI – who collects them from scene, I want to take a quick moment and recap the table are pretty good: 1) They sell physical the venues you play – it expands your revenue the basic idea of DIY – “Decide It Yourself” and CDs as well as getting your music on iTunes, stream. really strongly encourage all the new young Amazon and all the others, (they do not sell it artists to get as much help as you can. Help is to retail/record stores around the country), but Example Three: Last but not least, your fan out there. Here are three quick examples, two they will carry the CD so that you can sell it from base that you are building on Facebook and of which I have talked about in earlier articles. their (and your) website. 2) Their accounting is Twitter and your website are not only good for But I want to re-stress this … there are people, better than most of the others. You may not helping you fund your music projects through companies, and partners out there that really care or want to know that you got $.0025 cents things like Kickstarter, but they also would can help advance your career and help you get per stream on Spotify, but they will tell you and LOVE to help because they believe in your your music to new ears and fans. some others will not. 3) They can help you with music; you just have to ask, “Hey Y’all, we are The Manager’s Corner both UPC and ISRC codes for your music. If working on our website and really need photos by Chris Daniels Example One: These days DIY artists are you don’t know what those are I encourage you from our last three gigs. Please, any of you that [email protected] putting out their own CD and music via to look it up on the web. 4) They will help you took a really great photo of the band send it to Internet and hoping to market that music as set up a website, plus they have all kinds of www,myebsite.com and if we use your photo I’ve managed my own band since the 1980s, best they can. Sadly, many have little or no marketing help. Again, TuneCore and others for the new record we will give you free tickets and despite the amazing change in technology, idea, other than getting the music recorded, all have great services too, but what you need to the next 3 shows.” See how easy it is to get success in the music business is built around about how to distribute and market it. This is to understand is that these aggregators are your fans to be part of your team? You just have four tried and true elements: great music, really where aggregators like TuneCore, IODA/The partners; they serve as team members helping to ask, and trust me, they do want to help. They hard work and timing (often mistaken for luck). Orchard and CD Baby come in. There are a you reach a bigger audience. believe in your music and they want to be a part The other key element is getting the help you number of these that get your music to iTunes, of helping make you successful. need to make that luck happen. These days, Amazon, and Spotify, and other online outlets, Example Two: As a DIY artist, you NEED to get that help is everywhere. The book I wrote for but what you may not know is that most of these your publishing poop in a group. That means There is much, much more to this – which is my University of Colorado Denver class on companies act a little differently – and some will that you need to (1) join a PRO (Performing why I teach it at the University of Colorado, but artist management is called “DIY: You’re Not in ‘partner’ with you – offering all kinds of amazing Rights Society) as a songwriter, (2) form a you are not alone. There is help and partners it Alone” and that is exactly what you need to help marketing your music. Each has its strong publishing company and affiliate that company and fans and skilled people out there who love understand. points, and I could easily write about any one of with the same PRO you are in, (3) upload your music and who want to help young artists get them, but to make this short I’m going to pick songs to that PRO and use the new features ahead. Take advantage of every one of those As school starts, I find that I have a number of one, CD Baby. that they offer to help songwriters market their opportunities you can as you build your story. new students who are just getting hip to what music. For example, BMI now has BMI Live for

Is it the talent? Is it the music? Is it that suddenly sometimes children with people they barely just some girl working in the coffee shop, but everyone in the room is dreaming about the know. she’s not! She has followed in the footsteps sweaty drummer, the singer holding and of Madonna with her outrageous stage antics pouring her soul into that rather phallic looking “Oh but it’s not about sex, it’s about the and wild costumes, and has hoards of “little mike, or the lips on the horn player? Ever notice music.” monsters” that follow her and worship her, how fast some piano players can move their ready to chew off her meat dress. fingers? How about that fiddle player? Is it the Having talent, and especially musical talent, magic of creating the music and the attention is alluring. Even when you’re not playing, This is what makes rockers so much more of everyone in the room that make musicians people can smell it on you. The longer you’re appealing than actors, and models. Most so sexy? Oh Yeah! It’s the whole combination in the game and the more famous you are, the musicians had to have some talent, grit, and Between The Covers: that creates fans, explodes into hot encounters stronger the sexual pull becomes. Take a look drive to get noticed. Musicians who play an Slide On Over Here with strangers, gets your photo on the web, and at some of the long term rockers like Iggy Pop, actual instrument, sweat on stage to the delight by Torch pushes you the musician into the limelight of Bono, Jagger, none of them would be very of all are the sexiest of all! [email protected] fame, even if only for a moment. interesting if they were everyday Joe worker, but it is the music that makes them sexy. There Music taps into the primal instincts that light up Why are musicians so sexy? Well let me tell Musicians say things like, “Getting on stage are so many kinds of sexy that apply when our desire to celebrate life! you, I was watching this guy play slide guitar, is such a high,” they eat up the energy and looking at musicians, like: ugly sexy, dangerous and suddenly he transformed into a new adoration. When they step on the stage it lends sexy, lonely sexy, angry sexy, psycho sexy, musical sex toy with that shiny glass slide to instant mystique, power, and the possibility nerdy sexy, dirty sexy, it is a literal pheromone vibrating up and down the neck of the guitar, of getting laid. The flip side is, of course, that festival! It all works for women too. Lady Gaga slides come in metal too, and different shapes most musicians struggle with fidelity, have is not the perfect glamor girl, she could be and sizes. Hmm. (smile, blink, blink) multiple partners, relationships, marriages and Colbie Caillat There is not another performing artist that I can a mix from her newer ones as well. “I Never by Wendy Villalobos think of that sounds as refreshing and calming Told You” off of Breakthrough followed shortly, [email protected] as Colbie Calliat. The performance at the putting a spin on the original sound of the song Fillmore was nothing short of enjoyable, and her and making it a little livelier and upbeat than stage presence matched the excitement that fans are accustomed to hearing. could be felt in the audience. Various different age groups were seated on the main floor, and The new version was a great way to understand it was a pleasant surprise to be seated next to this California born artist’s personality, just as a group of younger boys who came to the show the audience experienced during “Brighter than to listen to the melodious stylings of Ms. Caillat the Sun,” one of the bounciest summer songs (though no doubt they were actually there to see that Ms. Caillat has produced. The entire show a pretty face). The show, which was supported was beautifully pieced together, as the band by Gavin DeGraw, was a feel-good time with and the smooth sound of Caillat’s voice meshed tunes that made people stand up and dance well and weaved in and out of the speakers like around. Caillat’s set also matched the mood, as the tides of the ocean. Caillat truly holds her there was a beautiful backdrop depicting falling eternal summer mentality to heart, enveloping green leaves and highlighted by twinkling blue her fans with delicious beats, and an overall lights, sunflowers sprouting from her mic at warm invite into her world. The down-to-earth the front of the stage, and giant globe lights singer seemed at ease on the stage, and the hanging from the rafters in the theater. appeal of her songs surely made those who had come there just for their girlfriends big fans Colbie Caillat is known for her easy-going once the show ended. The show concluded vocals and sweet, low-key melodies, and she with “Bubbly,” a song posted on Myspace that brought it all to the audience in Denver when became a sensation. Leaving the Fillmore felt she was here. She played “Realize,” one of her like I had just left a relaxing day at the beach, first songs from the album Coco, throwing in and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. 22 September 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com WE GOT TO HIGHER GROUND!

18 July 2012 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

The Down-Low from Up High

We have the makings of a festival! take on such a monumental task. The Things overheard at the Higher Ground Music quality of musicianship that was displayed Festival . . . The inaugural Higher Ground Music all weekend was second to none and I Festival was a smashing success! If you would put our talent and scene up against Q “What’s your pig’s name?” A “Sausage; and made it you know the non-stop music any in the country. We and the rest of the over there is my llama, her name is Dolly.” was laced with amazing talent throughout attendees were awarded with inspiring the 29 hours of performance. Forty Four collection of talent that gave me a feeling “Who put the avocado on the wall?” bands gave it everything they had in an of true accomplishment. There are many inspiring representation of what our local other concerts and festivals you can attend “Was that the first time you’ve ever licked music scene has to offer. The scenery was but where else can you witness every someone’s eyeball?” beautiful and the back drop of our double moment of stellar performance? We decker VIP Reserve Casino Hotel Stage brought forty four bands and an audience “I can’t feel my face.” was breathtaking. Top that off with warm together in a communal setting that had dry August weather all weekend and me in a state of perpetual bliss. On many “The last shot I took was at 5a.m.” (Heard at campground jam sessions until the wee occasion I was moved to near tears within 9a.m.) hours of the morning and we couldn’t the beauty of moment. This is why we do have asked for a better beginning. what we do and attempt to support a local “Who’re the guys passed out in the truck?” music scene that is so good. We don’t take Nestled in the historic mining town of credit for the scene but we are so proud But the best thing overheard at the inaugural It was summer time, the mountain backdrop Central City CO and bordered by a turn to cover it and be a part of it for the last Higher Ground Music Festival? The music! was perfect and the Colorado micro brew and of the century cemetery the setting for seven years and moving forward we are so The 44 bands that came up, conquered, and sweet tea vodka were flowing fluently through a Higher Ground is what we hoped it would excited to see what the future of Colorado gave us great feedback about how we can crowd frantic for their festival fixation. be…. Perfect. The residence and local Music holds for all of us! make it even better next year, and telling us government officials welcomed us with they hope they’ll be asked back for 2013! Thank Overall, there wasn’t much to complain about open arms and supported our concept We are already working on the 2013 you to everyone who showed up to support our up at Higher Ground, except for the plethora from the start. It was a first for the city and Higher Ground Music Festival and for local music scene! of musically minded in the Mile high who although we all had concerns about the those of you that attended we plan to apparently didn’t catch wind of the epicness camping facilities, traffic, parking, noise make many additions that will be fan -Jenn Cohen going down up there and stayed home. volume and security the event went off friendly and make your experience even without a hitch. We had Three VIP Areas, better next year. For those of you that From my perspective behind the Strainwise Food Trucks, a General Store, Vendors and missed out on the fun this year you can stage (and wherever I happened to be frantically a Llama… expect a weekend of great local music and running to, clipboard in one hand, drink in the camping in a beautiful pristine setting. We other), things flowed pretty well throughout the Many moments stood out for me also plan to add a couple National Acts to festival. The bands were on top of it, they all throughout the weekend and as band after the mix so stay tuned! Oh… and Get To actually listened to me when I told them when band arrived it was plain to see that our HIGHER GROUND! and where to load in and out and what time vision was coming to a reality. From the they needed to be onstage for sound check. I first Friday set by Too Late For Tomorrow If you missed it this year’s lineup featured only had to yell a couple times. to the last performance by Fierce Bad performances from… PLACES, The Photo Rabbit on Sunday the atmosphere was Atlas, Fierce Bad Rabbit, MTHDS, Kinetix, Saturday night was certainly one for the record magnetic. We put our emcee, Brett Fin Bop Skizzum, The Royal Heist, Sam Lee, If I break it down fairly, the Higher Ground books. If a single person (musician, crew, or fan) of MileHighUnderground.com to work! Eldren, Caleb Slade, Input, The Epilogues, music festival was a mixed bag. At the end of could have blown under a .15 on a breathalyzer Our schedule was tight and as each band Post Paradise, The Swayback, iZCALLi, the day, it’s bordering on unreasonable to really I would have been surprised. By the time I was readied for their performance it was Wheelchair Sports Camp, James and the complain about a music festival in the Colorado on the bus to the after party, the level of people’s his responsibility to let the fans know Devil, The Hate, Red Stinger, Regret Night, mountains in August. So let’s start with the voices and the general flow of conversation to walk the couple hundred feet to the Caramel Carmela, Nautical Mile, DELLA, ‘feel-goods’. had certainly reached the “belligerent” mark on neighboring stage. With mic in hand and Hearts In Space, Rubedo, Too Late For the drunk-o-meter. Being the last band to play with his stretched voice ringing through Tomorrow, Gang Forward, You Me and The sound was fantastic across the board. directly before this happened, The Epilogues the festival grounds the masses followed Apollo, Kill Paradise, T Shirts 4 Tomorrow, The on-site treatment of artists and patrons must have seen some pretty funny stuff from his call to arms in a flow of humanity that Flashbulb Fires, Five Day Rhetoric, Foolish was as professional and pleasant as could their viewpoint on the stage. In the late night could best be described as a school of fish Ways, Musuji, No More Excuses, The Foot, be expected. The camping was well placed, hours, we experienced avocado’s being searching for their next meal. It was an Ashtree, In The Whale, Kyle Coy, Red Fox convenient, creative and appropriately loose. hucked, flags being relocated and seats being awesome sight for us to see and proof Run, The Say So and Talisker Skye. The local lineup was exceptional. I’m sure moved. Next year, we might need a bloody that the layout of the festival grounds that I said several times over the course of the mary bar at the festival on Sunday morning. would work quite nicely. Thank you to -Chris Murphy weekend that if this ‘whole thing’ was done in you fans that logged a mile or two over Denver, we’d have been able to drag out at As a whole, the inaugural Higher Ground Music the weekend between our sponsored least a couple thousand attendees. Festival was a testament to the Denver area Strainwise and Reserve Casino Hotel music scene’s ability to keep their shit together Stages. We hope you had fun! I thought Higher Ground Music Festival was put Now the caveat: There were not, not even close and get onstage no matter how drunk, tired, or together really well for it being the first year. It to, a couple thousand attendees. From poor covered in dirt and mountain bugs they might If you’re reading this I’m sure you follow went off without any issues at all, which is crazy, attendance all other problems could be traced. be. Just another reason why I’m proud to local music and musicians and understand considering it was the first year. Everyone The mood felt forced at the best of times and represent the 303. why the Colorado Music Buzz team would worked hard and as a group and that made it downright mutinous at others. run smoothly. MileHighUnderground.com was Higher Ground was not a “if at once you don’t -Tim Wenger awesome and I had a good time hangin’ with succeed…” sort of situation. This was a “shoot all of the bands. I thought the bands that were for the moon…” situation. It was a fantastic picked were all a great fit, and it was a nice mix idea that was not fully executed; 60% of a of music. The sponsors and venders were rad damned awesome completed thought. And in Higher Ground was a great experience that and a lot of fun to hang out with too. (Especially the vein of old platitudes and Quincy Jones will definitely be a nostalgic page in our band’s the Deep Eddy Vodka people.) Haha. I have songs, the best thing that can be said for the scrapbook. Between all the great music being nothing really bad to say about HGMF at all. I Colorado Music Buzz staff at Higher Ground played by people we get to call friends, the just think location was a big part of the turnout. was that there was not one utterance of “It’s awesome food, and the many complimentary It was actually the perfect location for camping my party...” They met poor attendance with beverages, it was an absolute blast. This though, and not too far from the city. Next year grace, discontentedness with cheerfulness event was a true testament to how tight knit I think it would be cool to have some of the and criticism with humility. Between a few of a community the local Denver music scene bigger, local electronica acts to mix it up a little great performances, good company and the is and thanks cannot be said enough to the bit, since that’s so big in Colorado right now. As overwhelming positivity from the staff, I can staff of Colorado Music Buzz for putting this a whole, Caramel Carmela had an awesome comfortably say that my weekend kicked on. We look forward to seeing how this event time at Higher Ground Music Festival and sufficient ass. progresses in the years to come and know that would love to be a part of it for years to come! with time this could turn into something huge. -Sam Lee -Sha Gipson, Bassist/Vocalist @ Caramel -The Say So Carmela 19