7.25” x 9.875”

2 album reviews BandWagon VIVIAN PG. 4 Magazine A.M. PleAsure ASsassins PG. 5 andy sydow PG. 6 BandWagMag

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VALERIE VAMPOLA the fate of festival future music education goes NATE WILDE PG. 12 LAURA GIAGOS onlinePG. 10 PG. 16

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3 VIVIAN The Warped Glimmer

Laura Giagos and puts the seat back for the BandWagon Magazine listener. It’s a warm envelope to rest in but exciting enough not to put you to sleep. VIVIAN’s Tim Massa and Alana Rolfe came out of big changes leading up to quarantine: Massa went through a divorce and their other band Stella Luce ended after ten years. Suddenly, they began cranking out songs. “There’s a sense of urgency but an overwhelming sense of loss,” says Rolfe, “It’s so confusing it makes your head want to split in half.”

Covid-19 has changed much “In the last two years I really of what we love about music – got into home recording and some possibly forever – but the beat production,” Massa says. “I indomitable spirit of musicians was working on some stuff as continues to persevere. Fort Stella Luce was winding down Collins-based dream pop duo and Alana took an interest in John MichaelLandon (Estuary is a strong first step into this new collaborating. I was all-over that VIVIAN are such creators, Recording Facility, Austin) to world of music. The bones are releasing their debut full length because everything I was doing handle the rest. That polish shines very much lacked vocals and that there for something special and album The Warped Glimmer, through on “Tick Tock Talk” and while already well into producing top melody she provides,” he said. it’ll be exciting to see what they “Break” where we get a taste of a follow-up. do next. After recording at home, Massa’s and Rolfe’s pop side. Spacy in all the right ways and Massa and Rolfe needed outside Listen to The Warped saturated in the tell tale signs of perspective, recruiting producer While there are moments art-rock gone pop, The Warped Chris Beeble (The Blasting that feel like a band still finding Glimmer and support VIVIAN at Glimmer turns on cruise control Room) to mix half the album and their voice, The Warped Glimmer vivianmusicco.com

4 A.M. Pleasure Assassins Careless Laughter

Laura Giagos years,” says Meyer. “Then we BandWagon Magazine focused on touring, so we held a regular lineup of players for a couple years, but I’ve always kind of been the centrifuge,” he stated. Careless Laughter is a quick run at just sixteen minutes, but it moves well and new listeners will definitely be attracted to the freedom of the whole thing. And while Meyer is comfortable walking the awkward line between punk and post-punk, there’s a surprising amount of With their fifteenth, yes exploration happening in the fifteenth, release Careless record’s relatively breif play-time. Laughter, A.M. Pleasure Assassins Moxt notably, there’s a cover of remind us there’s a whole scene a Bevin Luna song, a fellow Fort of bands in Northern Colorado Collins musician. who – wait for it – refuse to give Amazingly, even with fifteen a shit. They remind us that making legit releases under their belt, music is supposed to be fun. It’s not all A.M. Pleasure Assassins about putting yourself out there, music is properly out there yet. because just like A.M. Pleasure But Meyer is currently working Assassins, the audience – wait for on remastering much of the back it – also doesn’t give a shit. catalogue for a big release down Carefree and meandering, the road. Careless Laughter is a post-punk “We have a lot of early romp through the head of band- material we’ve stopped sharing,” leader Jared Meyer. Mixed and says Meyer. “We are currently re- engineered by Meyer, then sent mastering it all to breathe some over to Fort Collins studio staple much needed life into some great The Blasting Room for mastering, old basement recordings.” the EP has a tasteful finish to it that doesn’t detract from the DIY Meyer and crew bring a lot energy of A.M. Pleasure Assassins’ of heart to Careless Laughter, music in the raw. and while it’s not perfect, it’s not meant to be. It’s fun – and I’ll take Beginning with Meyer and his fun over perfect any day. friend Mitch Keller in 2010, the band has gone through a lot of Listen to and support A.M. phases. “We had a rotating cast Pleasure Assassins at: of collaborators for the first few ampa.bandcamp.com 5 Andy Sydow Wicked Dreams

Nate Wilde lands in Colorado which he BandWagon Magazine “calls home,” full of “beauty, adventure, and a different kind of tone.” The album then takes a turn into the sincere love song “Still My Girl.” Here Sydow bares his soul, yet keeps the mood a little tongue-in-cheek as he describes the ideal relationship he’s so fortunate to have found. Much like Neil Young did on Are You Passionate?, his collaborative album with Booker T. and The current state of things the M.G.’s, Sydow combines is difficult for everyone, and elements of Americana and the music industry is certainly classic R&B to create a timeless no exception. The mere idea ballad. of throwing an album release Finally, the record’s closer party or touring to support is the chill, quasi-love song new material simply does not “Feel Like Gold.” With elements exist. However, local artists of early folk-rock a la Buffalo are still consistently grinding Springfield or Gram Parsons, and releasing new material. paired with a guitar solo that Colorado’s Andy Sydow has brings to mind Trey Anastasio or made this dark time a little Jimmy Herring of Widespread brighter with his latest EP Panic, the song puts us in a Wicked Dreams. weed-reeking Red Rocks show The record kicks off with the rife with dancing hippies – title track, an alt-country story which frankly speaking, is an about nation-wide travel and atmosphere we could all use going through the motions, while right now. deep down the storyteller longs Wicked Dreams is available for true purpose. Reminiscent now at andysydow.com and in style of early Wilco and Ryan although a physical release Adams, it’s highlighted with show is impossible, the hour- a slide guitar solo that might plus live video he made to appear in one of Derek Trucks’ celebrate the release is still dreams. After rambling through available to enjoy at facebook. several states, the protagonist com/andysydowmusic 6 7 8 9 Art The Music District helps emerging musicians develop and share their skills and passions with the local community and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about the resources we will be offering online going forward. Business We offer workshops, panels, and consultations to help support musicians and music-based businesses in building sustainable careers. Check our blog and social media for resources, opportunities for consultations, and more. Community We may be practicing social distancing right now, but you can still share your passion, support your scene, and find your place in music online through our website and social media channels.

10 His memorable harpsichord riff on “Golden Brown” Ron: Weekdays 6am - 10am is a perfect example of what he brought to the band. Benji: Weekdays 7pm - 10pm Stranglers.net 1. Strings & Stories, For The Bluebird – We were 4. Manu Dibango - The BBC remembers Manu heartbroken when the yearly fundraiser for Future Dibango thusly: “Whether it was Congolese rumba 1. Ozark – I’m late to the party on this one but, it’s Arts Festival had to cancel. Now they have an online in the 1950s, disco in the 1970s or hip-hop in the been some of the best binge-watching TV I’ve en- fest with more than 16 performers (Wes Schultz is 1990s, his contribution to the development of mod- joyed during the pandemic. With everything from one!) FAFColorado.org ern music cannot be overstated.” The influential sax- sex, drugs, rock n’ roll, and outstanding acting from ophonist, who brought modern African music to the 2. Colorado Sound Music Meetings – Have you Jason Bateman, Laura Linney and a whole group of ears of the world is best known for his catchy song, characters, you can’t help but root for them despite heard? Our monthly Music Meetings are virtual! “Soul Makossa”. ManuDiBango.net Now anyone from anywhere can join us in curating their many flaws. netflix.com the Colorado Sound. ColoradoSound.org 5. Matthew Seligman (Soft Boys, Thompson 2. John Craigie – Craigie is new on the Colorado Twins, Thomas Dolby, noted session musician) Sound but has been performing for years, releasing 6 3. Fontaines D.C. – “Who says new music doesn’t You’ve gotta have a groove and Matthew Seligman have a bite? This punk band outta Dublin has only studio albums. A modern-day troubadour in the spirit provided it in the early years of New Wave. His bass of Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, his songs been together for 3 years. But their sound will make can be heard on the original of “Video Killed The Ra- you feel you’re in CBGBs in 1979! FontainesDC.com are sweet and intelligent mixed with melodies that dio Star” by Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club. Start will have you singing all day. johncraigiemusic.com 4. Top 20 of 2020 – Each month this year, the there and then check out one of his many session Colorado Sound is looking for you to tell us your performances on David Bowie’s “Absolute Begin- 3. Jaime Wyatt – Wyatt is keeping the spirit of Out- favorite “______”. We’ll have a different subject ners”. wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Seligman law country alive. Frequently asking audiences for each month then count down your Top 20 at the end a show of hands on how many of them have “done of the month! For June: what’s your favorite movie something illegal,” she’s no stranger to trouble. The soundtrack album? Tell us at ColoradoSound.org hardships and heartaches of her past creates a re- Stacy: Weekdays 3pm - 7pm freshing vulnerability in her music. If you like your 5. You Asked For It – Is there a song you want ev- Honky Tonk with a healthy blend of tears and beers, eryone to hear? Maybe it’s never been played on the Wyatt is the artist you’ve been dreaming of. jaimewy- radio? Each weekday morning around 9:45 I play 1. The Allergies – “Felony/Rile ‘Em Up” - The att.com specific listener requests! Submit here: Colorado- UK duo DJ Moneyshot and Rackabeat create some of Sound.org/you-asked the funkiest, sample drenched tunes out there. If you 4. Jason Isbell: Reunions – With all of us hunker- need a pick me up/home dance party, start with this ing down at home, musicians have found themselves new 7’ and work your way back through their catalog. with lot of time on their hands. The result has been TheAllergies.co.uk a healthy shot of music at a pretty steady pace. Not Margot: Weekdays 10am - 3pm surprisingly, many of the songs deal with the pan- 2. X – Alphabetland – Everything you could hope demic and the isolation surrounding it. At this point for from the LA punk icons X. 35 years since the orig- we’ve heard from Death Cab for Cutie, Jeff Beck, As of this writing, we’ve lost 80,000+ Americans inal lineup released an album and they haven’t lost a Mike Campbell and more. Joe Ely recorded an entire to COVID-19. Included in these grievous losses are step! Alphabetland’s release was originally set to co- album on the topic, and Walter Martin came up with some wonderful musicians. This month, I chose 5 incide with their 40th-anniversary tour which would my favorite: “Quarantine Boogie” waltermartinmusic. songs, each by a different musician we’ve lost to have started last month. XTheBand.com com COVID-19. 3. The Arrested Development Documentary 5. Al Fresco Dining – Something about enjoying 1. John Prine - With such a vast, influential body of Project – If you’ve never heard of or watched the a meal outside makes me happy. With the arrival of work, it’s truly hard to narrow it down to just one. So Mitchell Hurwitz sitcom Arrested Development, Spring and Summer right around the corner, I may my choice comes from his last major label album of watch this documentary about the greatest show no- not have another meal inside until October. Aside original songs, Tree Of Forgiveness. Listen to “The body watched. arresteddevelopment.fandom.com. from unexpected hail and thunderstorms, Colorado Lonesome Friends Of Science.” Only John Prine may just be the perfect place for outdoor eats. could make the idea of planet Pluto being demoted 4. Arrested Development – Now that you’ve and the largest cast iron statue in the world into such watched the documentary, dig in! This 2003 series a charming song. www.JohnPrine.com has an amazing cast: Portia de Rossi, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Ron Howard, coupled with incredibly 2. Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne, talented writers and an irreverent shooting style. Fox TUNE IN TO Ivy, Fever High) - The catalog of songs and contri- killed off this Emmy winning show in three seasons; butions to the arts he leaves behind is large: The title I highly recommend binge-watching them all! netflix. song for the movie That Thing You Do, music for The com Manchurian Candidate and many more films, all the music used in the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and 5.Matt And Kim Podcast - If you’re expecting 105.5 FM I haven’t even scratched the surface regarding his Nobel Laureate caliber conversation, this is not the bands. Check out the Fountains Of Wayne song “Ra- podcast for you. But if you’re stoked to hear this quar- diation Vibe.” FountainsOfWayne.com antined couple’s stream of conscious banter then THE COLORADO SOUND. jump in. They cover the important issues of today like 3. Dave Greenfield (The Stranglers) - When you zombies, using scratchy toilet paper and becoming think of the early years of Punk, you likely think of the furries. linktr.ee/themattandkimpodcast loud, raw sound of bands like the Sex Pistols. But the AIRING ALL ALONG THE early years of Punk also had bands like The Stran- glers, who incorporated keyboards. Dave Greenfield FRONT RANGE! made that difference in the sound of The Stranglers.

11 11 to the need to avoid a second wave, Hamling said, even as she hated her deci- sion. Friday Fest has attracted thousands to the 9th Street plaza to drink out- side, carry their “go-cups” around and enjoy listening to a live band every Friday night during the summer since 2012. It was, as Hamling put it, her Even after she was the sick- will be able to gather in large baby, and it was just as respon- est she’d been in her life, Ali- groups by August. But that sible for reshaping Downtown son Hamling still cried after seems unlikely, and Hamling, Greeley as a fun place to shop, she essentially canceled the director of experience for eat and drink as are the new Friday Fest in Downtown the Downtown Development hot-spots like the rooftop patio Greeley. Authority in Greeley, won’t take at Luna’s Tacos and Tequilla or the Nerd Store. It’s more officially “post- many chances after she was poned” because, hey, who hospitalized with pneumonia But this summer, downtown knows, maybe people for a couple of weeks. That hap- will be quiet, as will the arenas, pened just before the coronavi- parks and places where mass- rus began sweeping across es of music the country, and her doc- lovers tors now believe she had it. Live music “pales in com- parison”

1212 congregate. The Blues Jam festi- The Greeley Creative District and “I’m thinking, optimistically, we val postponed its lineup until next the DDA will livestream Friday Fest, can have music in July,” said Ely year, as did the Greeley Stampede, with interviews, recordings of the Corliss, owner of the Moxi, who se- though that lineup will probably groups and shots of downtown, all cured some government loans to be different than the one that was of it hosted by Hamling. And the keep him afloat for now, “and pes- supposed to play this year. Bohemi- Blues Jam will feature Erica Brown, simistically the end of 2020. No one an Nights canceled as well, as did the Cast Iron Queens and the Grace really knows.” just about every gathering you can Kuch band playing in isolation City venues that offered enter- think of that involves live music and booths at Bricker’s aforementioned tainment, such as the Lincoln Cen- crowds larger than a dozen people. Mighty Fine Productions studio. ter, the Rialto or the Union Colony “I still have work on the calendar,” The Stampede also hopes to Civic Center, have to follow guide- said Colin Bricker, whose studio, livestream a bit. In September, the lines but are hopeful for the fall. Mighty Fine Productions, does the organization will put on three virtual “We’re not at any official sound for the many live festivals rodeos sanctioned by the Profes- and concerts that gave Colorado as sional Rodeo Cowboys Association decision points for the fall much of an identity as its mountains and broadcast nationwide by The semester,” and breweries. “But I find it hard to Cowboy Channel network. There’s said Jason Everson, imagine pulling off any live music also some hope that folks can be in cultural affairs manager for the city. this summer. There’s just no way to the stands, although no one knows “We are keeping in contact with do that. yet if that will be possible. other regional theaters. The city is “Even if, somehow, we Still, the music lineup can’t hap- monitoring and responding to the could do it, a lot of the pen, and the rodeo is offering tick- changing conditions of the evolving festivals I do are pretty et refunds as a result. Part of the COVID-19 situation.” 2020 lineup could carry over into Even the Mishawaka, the popular slim margins for the pre- next year, but most of it will like- outdoor arena up the Poudre Can- senters,” Bricker said. ly change, said Justin Watada, the yon, canceled its summer lineup Stampede’s general manager. “They’re doing it more out of a but held out hope that it could host labor of love. So even if they are The Bohemian Foundation can- some form of live music with a few down, say, 25 percent, that could celed its NewWestFest even tables outside. kill it. Most people are taking a year though the popular three-day event “I would LOVE to do that with lo- off and hoping to do it next year.” usually takes place in August. The cal musicians,” Mishawaka owner festival will schedule a new lineup But WAIT! That’s not all. If you Danielle Grant said, “just to have an when it returns August 13-15, 2021. don’t mind sitting by your computer, opportunity for people to play. We part of Greeley’s summer festival Smaller venues canceled most of will develop that plan as one of our season may in fact, still be on. their summer lineups as well, even scenarios.” as some hold out hope.

13 14 15 She collaborated with Marsh to provide affordable practice tools that students and professionals can use outside of rehearsal time. The virtual choir videos even opened doors for the students to maintain the tradition of singing songs for graduation.

Private teacher and owner of Loveland Academy of Music, Karen Suedmeier, does her best to ensure the musical community at the school stays strong by moving private lessons and group classes online. Loveland Academy of Music has offered online lessons since 2013, but only had a few lessons per allowing week before March of 2020. After musicians stay-at-home orders were put into to collaborate place, teachers could maintain a with their friends, bandmates, source of income while students could have consistent social anice Vlachos hopes to create or favorite artists from home. But interactions through music lessons. lifelong lovers of music. She putting together a collaboration practices this daily as the of 15-plus people requires a lot of Jchoral director at Fairview High time, a hefty budget, or in this case, School in Boulder. But when music a supportive community. educators across the nation were Families donated money to offset told they had to teach online, costs of video editing and mastering, Vlachos knew she couldn’t stay true and local friends of the vocal music to her philosophies through just 30 community like arranger Kerry minutes of theory worksheets and Marsh and Stephen Ross of Face history lessons. Vocal Band turned the student’s So she asked her students what phone recordings into beautifully “Most [families] were grateful they wanted to do. mastered videos. While out on a for us moving online because it helped them maintain a sense “The first thing the students walk, Vlachos’ phone pinged with a of normalcy,” said Suedmeier. wanted to do was connect with link to the final video of the virtual each other, so we met up on Zoom,” performance, wherein she heard The academy faced some Vlachos said in a phone interview for her students make music together frustrations with maintaining and BandWagon. for the first time in over a month. It recruiting enrollment, mostly due stopped her in her tracks. to the financial situations of families, They wanted their community but Suedmeier is proud of the “I hadn’t heard their voices since back, and in a time of stay-at-home extra steps they took. They initiated March 12th, and I had to stop walking orders and social distancing, music practice competitions and awarded because I couldn’t see (them),” said educators like Vlachos wanted to prizes in personalized challenges to Vlachos. make that possible. motivate students, as well as offered The students still wanted to Making music from a distance free online group activities and makmusic and decided to try a “virtual gave Vlachos ideas on ways she Zoom concerts. She even receives choir.” Virtual ensembles, including can improve ensemble practice feedback from parents, who indicate choirs, are a huge trend worldwide, and give more to her students. how much more involved they are 16 becoming in their students’ lessons “I noticed there were a ton families move to different cities. One as they listen to etudes playing in of repeats, so I started of my favorite online meetings is the background and can hear the collecting those notes. hosting weekly master classes with concepts instructors are teaching. I’m writing a packet, or a my best University of Northern A few months ago, online lessons method book, that covers Colorado friends who reside in wouldn’t have crossed most those topics, like scales and California. We can demonstrate people’s minds as an effective arpeggios. And now I have a what we’ve been working on and way to learn music, but Suedmeier nice PDF I can quickly send provide constructive critiques in a and the community at Loveland them and talk about it,” trusting space, rather than defaulting Academy of Music now see that it’s said Ruby. to social media for feedback. an equally viable option. He doesn’t feel the online lessons As Janice Vlachos put it, “there’s have impacted a change in student “I’m excited about the option of good days and bad days,” just like progress, but students like Nick professionals taking lessons during there were in pre-virus times. Not Larson miss the personal connection their lunch break” Suedemier gave all learning environments have the with Ruby during their lessons. as an example. “It opens up a lot same impact online as they do in With a family at home, finding more possibilities, like the flexibility person, but stepping outside the uninterrupted time for lessons and of teaching on snow days.” box allows educators to become the practice is a little more difficult. students in improving their teaching, “The real difference is the while students are the glue that relationship I have with Lance, and keeps their community together. being in his room motivates me. I have to come out of my shell more when I’m in someone else’s space. Guitarist Lance Ruby has taught It’s hard to focus when it’s in your online Skype lessons since he house,” said Larson. moved to Colorado from Utah in 2017. Now with all of his gigs canceled, he can continue to teach from his Fort Collins home and maintain financial stability. Moving everything online awarded him the opportunity to refine his teaching in On a personal note, as a private creative ways: Ruby created a two- teacher and a life-long music learner camera set up allowing him to keep myself, music education in the days his face on camera, but also zoom in of social distancing gave me the on his guitar technique. In the past, idea to connect with my own music his students always left their lessons communities too. Online lessons let with a page of notes, but now with me teach students in other states access to notes digitally, he noticed and allow for consistency when common themes.

17 18 19 BAND TOGETHER National Independent Venues Association Unites To Save Our Stages by DAN ENGLAND

There once was a time — say, Rebel Lounge in Phoenix and right now? It’s mass gatherings,” six weeks ago — when music works as a promoter as well, Chilton said, “and we produce venue owners were comfort- “and it immediately became mass gatherings. A lot of restau- able working on their own. Then clear we were in a deep crisis.” rants never touch their capacity. the coronavirus became a hit, We hope for sold-out crowds. Chilton now spends a lot of his so to speak, the level of which We have a lot of bodies togeth- time as the Vice President and has not been seen since Michael er.” Jackson’s “Thriller.” co-founder of the National Inde- pendent Venues Association. He Venues also rely on each other “We began right after the first brought venue owners together to book artists who can string to- week of March, at after the first round of govern- gether enough dates to make a a weekly virtual ment relief went to corporations tour worthwhile. When the virus town hall for and restaurants (among other hit and artists canceled shows, venues to talk businesses) instead of venues. they canceled shows across the to each oth- whole country. er,” said Ste- “There was no one to speak for phen Chilton, us,” Chilton said. “Everyone was “We need months of lead time,” who owns talking about the big events and Chilton said. “We need artists the festivals, and no one was talking willing to go on the road. A pizza ven- about the mid-size venues and shop can open in Denver with no ue clubs.” concern about what’s going on in L.A. but artists need to book Venues are in a unique situa- dates to make it work.” tion, Chilton said, with a need for specific help. Restaurant as- Federal assistance needs to sociations, with thousands of be amended, he said, to offer members, were already in DC long-term relief, including lon- working on a plan when the first ger-term loans and loans that are wave, which included payment forgivable with easier standards. protection loans, came out. But “The programs were specifically what they wanted doesn’t work designed to get you through April for venues. and May,” Chilton said. “We won’t “What is the most unsafe thing be open in June.” 20 BAND TOGETHER National Independent Venues Association Unites To Save Our Stages #SAVEOURSTAGES

What’s worse is venues take up dustry. Chilton doesn’t begrudge hopeful or not, “that changes space, and they have to pay for restaurants, but he wishes ven- every hour,” he said. Still, it does that space up front in rent, with ues got more credit for how they please him to see venue owners high insurance rates and other support restaurants and other banding together as they never costs that, say, hair salons don’t businesses. have before. have, he said. “We are huge economic multi- “I do think if we don’t get help, “We are asking for money to be pliers,” he said. “But we get the it’s because it wasn’t possible,” set aside so that only we can ac- smallest piece of that pie with Chilton said. “We’ve done every- cess it, and we can take it for as the smallest margins.” long as we need to be closed,” thing we can do.” he said. “We are closed to pro- Without Federal help, more tect the public good, and we than 90 percent of NIVA mem- need the public to protect us for bers said they could not last an- FOR MORE INFORMATION that.” other six months, Chilton said. AND TO TELL YOUR Venues may have to be closed, LEGISLATION TO In two months time, more than with high overheads and zero SAVE INDEPENDENT 1,600 have joined, and while that revenue, for twelve. MUSIC VENUES GO TO number makes Chilton happy, it SAVEOURSTAGES.COM still pales in comparison to the The response from Washing- OR NIVASSOC.ORG thousands in the restaurant in- ton was good, but whether he’s 21 22 23 24