February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com6

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February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com8

My Body Sings Electric - Interviewby Tim Wengertwenger@coloradomusicbuzz.comBeing an independent musician is less about being a rock star than it is about being a tool to sell cover charges, beerand whatever else a venue is hawking, and the good bands understand that they have to sweat their way to the top.Indie and alternative rock and different takes on the genres have been blowing up the Denver music scene the past fewyears, and My Body Sings Electric has sweated their asses off to keep a step ahead of the pack.The band won 93.3’s Hometown for the Holidays in December, after watching Churchill take the prize lastyear. Not only do they get the bragging rights, but $1000 cash and recording time at The Blasting Room in FortCollins as well. “We’ve actually been involved in the Hometown for the Holidays contest for three straight years,” saysfront man, Brandon Whalen. “The first year, we were a pretty fresh face on the scene and people kind of thoughtwe came out of nowhere, but luckily we’ve been able to sustain a presence in the top three the following two years.”The contest is a prestigious one in the scene, and the band knew that if they wanted to win, they had to be all-in fromthe promo side as well as the music side. “We bought Twitter ads, paid to promote posts on our personal and bandFacebook pages, and reached out to our email list several times,” said Whalen. We even text messaged our friends andfamily. It was like, ‘This year we’re going to do everything we can to improve our chances.’ After we heard Churchill’ssong “Change” last year, we knew they had won. We really pushed the signups last year knowing we had an uphillbattle. This year, we took no chances when it came to getting friends and family to signup for 93.3 music surveys. We pulled out all the stops and probably annoyed a lot of people in the week of thecontest.”Now that they have won, the guys want to increase their touring and continue to grow outside the Mile High City, as well as release some new music. “We’re going to record two new EPs and releasethem over the next 18 months or so,” said Whalen. “We’re still writing and scheduling things, but we’re going to try to put out the best new music we possibly can and hopefully good things flow fromthere.”If you are new to the band, their hybrid style of modern/alternative rock subgenres reflects the raw talent that the band brings to the table. Certain songs might be labeled pop-punk if there weren’t asmany intricate layers to the music. Others could fall into the trendy radio rock category, but the lyrics have too much actual meaning; although, that seems to be what has attracted thousands of fans totheir music since their formation in 2007.My Body Sings Electric has gone from a newborn band, building their following by playing all-ages shows at local youth groups to a band that packs theatre-level shows. And their success over the lastcouple of years has come at the cost of the R & R and casual nights out partying that most of us take for granted. They are an independent act that handles their management duties by themselves, withWhalen taking the reins. “If you have a Friday or Saturday off with no show, and you aren’t out handing out flyers for your show the next weekend, you don’t care enough,” said Whalen.For these guys, working their way into the expanding spotlight that has been cast upon the alternative rock scene in Denver was a given from the time they started the band. They are there not becauseanybody else told them they were good enough but because they always knew they deserved to be playing with the big dawgs. “When we see a band playing a bigger show than us, we get jealous andwe have to figure out why we’re not playing that show,” said Whalen.It was that drive that brought the band together in the first place. They evolved into their current state after founding membersNick Crawford, Jeff Fedel,Kalen Bigg andDennis Dejnowskiplayed a show with then band Mnemonic at the Gothic Theatre with Whalen’s former band. “I remember meeting the guys in Mnemonic out back and thinking, ‘This band is going to suck,’” saysWhalen. “Then I saw them sound check and thought, ‘Holy shit! These guys are awesome, but their singer just doesn’t fit.’ We kicked it after the show at Nick’s house and partied a little bit. It was thefirst time I had met another Denver band that I really, really got along with.”Whalen admits that he secretly wanted to play with the Mnemonic guys after that night, and jumped on the opportunity when it arose. “Later on that summer, I saw Mnemonic post a MySpace messageonline that their singer had quit the band. I instantly texted Jeff and Nick and told them I wanted to try out,” he says. “After one practice it felt pretty right.”The band’s album Changing Color was recorded at Interlace Audio in Portland, Oregon. “What really got us interested in recording [there] was their previous work,” says Whalen. “They haverecorded awesome albums from bands like Dance Gavin Dance, Fear Before, and Closure in Moscow, so we knew they could do great work. It was time for us to make a real album ata great studio, and Interlace was the perfect place.”Last summer, the guys took home a Westword Music Showcase award in the progressive-rock category, and have been rocking the airwaves around the state since the release of their debutalbum. With the enthusiasm and motivation that drives My Body Sings Electric, they just might be the next fish that jumps over the dam from the flooding Denver scene to an eager national audienceon the other side. “We like to think that with the small amount of success we’ve experienced so far, we can act as a resource for other bands trying to improve and grow,” says Whalen. “Of course ourgoal is to grow into being a national act, but there isn’t another place in the world that we would rather call home.”

Holly Lovellby Jenn CohenJCohen@coloradomusicbuzz.comBorn and raised in the Denver, Holly Lovell moved to Australia at age 12 with her family. She quickly realized that surfing and tanning were not her thing,so she taught herself how to play guitar, and tried her hand at songwriting instead. It turned out to be the better option. At age 18, after graduating fromhigh school, she returned to Denver to pursue her passion of music. Having spent the last few years developing her song writing and building a firmfoundation playing shows on both sides of the Pacific, the time had come for her to take action on publishable work.This past year, Lovell has spent many hours in and out of studio under the production and engineering skills of Ben Wysocki (the Fray), and JoeRichmond (Churchill). The product is a solid work that reflects both Lovell’s depth of lyric and song structure, and the wonderful ability of Wysocki toshowcase it. Alongside Lovell, the EP features the widely versatile musical abilities of Wysocki himself, Dave Welsh (also of the Fray), Tyler Rimaand Mike Morter (Churchill). The work that has come forth is a beautiful EP that will hold the listener and become a mainstay on the playlist. Lovellhas entitled this debut work The Illusions EP, inspired by a lyric in one of the five tracks, “The Illusion of Honesty.”“I tend to write a lot of my music about experiences I watch other people have to go through,” says Lovell. “I try to get in their head space and write inthe first person. After being complimented on how ‘honest and vulnerable’ my songwriting was, I started to wonder if I was somehow deceiving people,making them believe I had lived these tales, when really I am the type of person who would sooner jump into an icy lake in January than agree to tell you what I’m really ‘feeling.’ So that’s what thesesongs are, in a way, an illusion of my honesty. Stories that aren’t really my own, but I wear them like a patchwork quilt, and tell them in honor of those who have truly lived them.”

Lovell’s EP, will be available at her release party at The Walnut Room on Friday, February 15, where Stephanie Dorman and Dan Craig will join her. The event is 21+, doors are at 7pm,show starts at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now at thewalnutroom.com for $7 and go up to $10 on the night of the show.The EP will also be available through iTunes and online: hollylovell.com

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Inside Reel Big Fishby Tim WengerTWenger@coloradomusicbuzz.comphoto credit: Richard Harbaugh

SoCal ska legends Reel Big Fish came through the Gothic Theatre on January 10, part ofa world tour supporting their new record Candy Coated Fury.Front man and guitarist Aaron Barrett’s quirky song writing, on top of the band’s humorous, ifsometimes a bit over-the-top stage presence, have served to define the personality of the band,a very appropriate personality for the third-wave ska they are famous for. Their single “Sell-Out” helped project them into the ears of a mainstream audience in 1997, and they have sinceestablished themselves as one of the long-running staples of third wave ska.Barrett and trombonistDan Regan talked about their new album, tour life, and their favorite tourpastime, before the band took the stage at the Gothic.“This is our first album in a long time that people actually say they liked it right away,” says Barrett.“Usually we put out an album and everyone hates it for the first couple years, then a few start tocome around. This one they like right away, which worries me.”Reel Big Fish have put out eight full-length albums, including the record Fame, Fortune, andFornication, an album of cover songs. They have figured out what works for their band in thestudio. “I think we’re working a lot faster, on this record especially,” says Regan.“I think we’ve figured out the concentrated formula of how to make it work,” says Barrett. “I like theway we did it this time because we made some demos, and instead of going into the loud practiceroom, I went in with the guitar and played the skeleton of the song, and brought everybody in oneat a time so they could concentrate on making their part to it. I was a little bit different than usual.”Although ska music doesn’t have the mainstream popularity that it did in the late mid to late ’90s,Reel Big Fish have been able to stay at the forefront of their genre, and have not faded from theview of their longtime fans. “We’re very lucky, I would say, because it’s not that much different, [thanin ’98)]” says Barrett. “Actually, we play more places now than we did in ’98. And everywhere weplay, the shows are about the same size.”“The scene is pretty strong everywhere, it’s kind of a united thing,” says Regan. “There was a lot ofexcitement and energy back in ’97,’98. Our music was on the radio and TV. Nowadays, we’ve beendoing it so long, we don’t really look up.”Many members have come and gone from the group over the years. The group has alwaysreplaced the player, even if they couldn’t replace the personality. “The last two people who left theband left because they had kids and they didn’t want to ever leave them,” says Barrett. “We’ve hadsubs play for different people a lot, so it’s never been like ‘Oh my god somebody left, what are wegonna do?’ You deal with it, you find somebody that can do the job. It might not be the same personor the same personality, but you make it work, cuz we don’t want to stop playing.”Barrett’s lyrics are often pretty depressing and self-loathing. “That’s just how I am,” he says. “I havea bad attitude; very depressive. But at the same time I’m really silly, I like to joke around and laugh.That’s what comes out in the music--really silly, wacky songs with really depressing lyrics.”“We’ve never had a bad show in Denver,” says Barrett. A reason for that may be that, like the titleof their most popular song suggests, the guys love good beer and fit right in here in the Mile HighCity. Finding good brew is at the top of their priority list when they roll into a town. “We’re excitedto have a couple good beers when we get to each town,” says Regan. “It’s an adventure. We golooking for beer, and drink a lot of beer.”The group has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. “We’re just excited to have a job, and beable to go out on tour with our friends,” says Regan.

American PowerMetal on the Rise:Locals VacantThrone Opening forLegendary Sabatonby AxePower metal is a genre notably dominated by non-USA artists and fanbases, although Americanacts like Iced Earth, Kamelot, and Symphony X are at the top of their game, andhousehold names internationally. Whereas acts like Blind Guardian might garner thousandsof times more attention from international audiences than they do in the states, that doesn’t stopthem from visiting their fans on this side of the pond, and Denver is a staple. Last June saw atour by classic Italian group Rhapsody, for which locals Vacant Throne opened, and thismonth, Vacant Throne are honored to perform with another major player, Sweden’s Sabaton.Vacant Throne debuted in early 2011, and haven’t slowed for a moment. They’ve already releasedan album about the genocide of the Aztecs, Fall of the Feathered King, and are hard at workon a two-disc Arthurian-themed follow-up. They’ve earned dedicated followers around Denver withtheatrically ornate shows, and were recently confirmed for June’sWarriors of Metal Fest inOhio; an outdoor, underground metal festival.Writer/lead guitarist Josh Mortensen cares deeply about Vacant Throne’s role inthe intensifying American scene, and the group makes strides to collaborate with otherunderground artists (notably the unique Disforia, who will also open for Sabaton on theirside of the hill in Utah). “Last year saw the release of many albums by relatively unknown USpower metal bands like Judicator, Omega Reign, Phantom-X, and Axehammer,”Mortensen declares. “If only power metal fans would hear about these bands, they could bestanding alongside the famous European bands like Helloween, Gamma Ray, Sabaton,and Hammerfall.... It doesn’t take long for a US power metal band to shoot throughthe roof. Look at Florida’s Seven Kingdoms, who recently toured with Blind Guardianand just now landed the opening act for Finland’s Stratovarius on their European tour.”Mortensen and Vacant Throne walk their talk, passionately networking with bands nationwide andtaking strides to positively represent the American power metal community. It is this ambitiousnessthat has landed them gigs with well-established touring acts twice already, and their excellent writingand electrifying riffs defnitely don’t hurt. Denver has been earning notice in the metal universe foryears, and with more and more solid contenders like Vacant Throne emerging along the Front Range,there’s no limit to the potential for local artists to join the ranks of the greats on international radar.Everywhere, the new uprising of American power metal is reflecting well on its traditional and powermetal ancestry, producing more amazing projects every year. Vacant Throne consistently delivera great concert experience, like the legends before them, and with Denver being the final night ofSabaton’sAmerican tour, they can likewise be expected to go all out for the fans. Catch them February16 atMoe’s Original BBQ in Englewood, 3295 S. Broadway, near the Gothic. Presales are $15at vacantthrone.com, or if you’d rather live dangerously and risk the show selling out, $18 at the door.Crown the Empireby Max GiffinMGiffin@coloradomusicbuzz.comphoto courtesy of FacebookThree days into theTakeAction TourwithTheUsedand We Came As Romans, melodic metalcore bandCrown the Empire played the Summit Music Hall inDenver, much to the delight of their newly acquired fanbase. Crown the Empire is a band new to the scene,signing to Rise Records just last year. In November,they released their first full-length album, The Fallout,which instantly ignited their career.The Fallout is catchy and theatrical. Vocalist AndrewLeo feels one of their strengths lie in “big booming choruses and a lot of stringed instruments.”The theatrical sound sets them apart from other post-hardcore bands giving their music adynamic flair. Crown The Empire’s goal is to “reach out to a broad fan base ” according toDavid Escamilla, the band’s second vocalist. Escamilla shares that the album “definitelyexceeded [their] expectations… [They] had no idea it would do as good as it did.” Not only wasthe reception from the fans strong, The Fallout peaked on Billboard Heatseekers at #1- a hugeaccomplishment for a little band out of Texas.At the show, Crown The Empire seemed just as excited as the fans. Before this tour they hadn’thad opportunities to play larger venues like the Summit. Their youthful energy showed when theytook the stage. The band played their heart out. Music so heavily enhanced with electronic soundsand orchestra instruments is usually hard to recreate live, but Crown The Empire’s set was as richas their recordings. Denver fans jumped along, yelling the words as if the band was headlining.The devotion of the fans and the band’s success can be attributed not only to their musical talent,but the band’s use of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. “They’re the only reasonwe can even say we have a career right now. Brandon Hoover (guitarist) actually takes itupon himself to respond to every fan that ever speaks to him. He’s on there all day,” says Leo.Crown the Empire strongly feels this fan-to-band connection has led them to where they are, andsay that fans continuously come up to them at shows because of it. While they’re getting bigger,they make it a point to talk to everybody.

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Live Music at the TrailsideSaloonby AxePacking several high-intensity metal acts into amodest bar venuemust be likebuildingexplosives.Swinging Noose Productions maintainsa diverse but distinct niche in bands. Rangingfrom core to technical death and complementarysubgenres, their regular event Live Musicat Trailside brings this wild showmanshipto an intimate atmosphere, with none of thepretentiousness of urban bar venues. Withfriendly staff and great deals ($4.50 draft ShockTop – large, of course – $4.50 Beam, $5 Patrón), Trailside is an ideal neighborhood hangout.A glance around suggests that it wears many faces, with pool tables tightly compressed to theback of the floor during concerts. The stage is a tiny, low-corner setup, like theMarquis. There’svirtually no division between audience and performer, and the result is an immersive auditoryexperience that’s usually only achieved by sitting in on a band practice.

The January 12 show was of six-act average length. The opener was Hollow, their soundcheck foreshadowing flavors of funk. This subgenre seems to engender some of the most visuallyentertaining instrumentalists (recent @Cheers Battle finalists, Pressure Point, come tomind), and the song “Denial” was especially animated. Hollow was a solid opener, and warrantsheadlining slots. FromWithin the Trench had a bit of a slow start, but ultimately delivered anengaging deathcore act. It couldn’t have been easy to fit a six-piece onto that stage, including theunusual pair of dedicated vocalists, but they managed a great follow up. For having been establisheda year and a half, the band displays serious promise and great stage presence, and can hopefullybe expected to challenge themselves more on their songwriting and technicality as they progress.Next was Unreasonable Human, whose members and fans radiate a taste for thrash. Their soundwas sometimes less speedy than one might expect, but the crowd’s reaction (quite a pit) was aclear indicator that their songs are plenty catalyzing without needing constant tempo tricks. Foronly having been established a year, their comfort and fluidity onstage is admirable – they weredefinitely a memorable act.Dissonance in Design have freshly reemerged from lineup changes, but they hardly seemed awarethey had no bassist, and their pair of guitarists spun the same melodically intense prog-riffs thatfans crave from this notorious group. Next, After Dark delivered their melodic death metal soundsexceptionally well (also with two competitively capable guitarists), ultimately pulling off an equallyimpressive set, and laying a great foundation for the eclectic and ever-enjoyable headliners,Xenocarnage.Small-time shows in Denver generally can be relied upon to expose one to interesting new bands,but few events, recurring or isolated, can compare to Live Music at Trailside’s cost-benefit ratio.The cover for these regular shows is only $5, and the bar’s atmosphere alone is worth a Saturdaynight. Hop on over to the southeast corner of 104th and Colorado Boulevard any weekend for astrong dose of worthwhile underground heavy metal.Online: facebook.com/trailsidesaloon

Abi Robins-One WomanWonderby Wendy VillalobosIn recent years, Denver has become a city towatch when it comes to hot, and young newartists springing out of virtually nowhere,to become mainstream wonders acrossthe nation. In other words, Denver knowswhat’s up, and people are taking notice.Though there are many young musicians outthere with the same drive and goals, manydo not work themselves to death (almost literally), like Abi Robins. Robins moved to Denveronly three years ago, and has already started to create a buzz. Grabbing spots in the DenverPost’s Underground Music Festival, and playing various music hot-spots all around the303, Robins has proven to be a thriving, and possibly exhausted (in the greatest way possible),musician.

Although it’s been three years since her last album, Robins’ new CD, Such a Mess, was worththe wait. “My song writing process hasn’t changed, but I have. We are never the same; and it’s sogreat, yet awesomely scary.” The experiences that Robins has gone through have helped shapethe album, from the art on the front, to the theme of the songs. “This is my life. I’m young, and it’sok, and I’m going to get through things. I wanted to write songs that spoke about that those sametopics on a universal level, because we all are such a mess sometimes.”While she wrote the album, she was able to have her grandmother’s art studio in Arkansas all toherself and become inspired. Her grandmother, who is a gifted artist, had many pieces of art out,and being surrounded and submerged in that world created an “energy” says Robins. “Any art hasa lot of power,” and indeed that phrase is true on all accounts.Robins is currently busy getting ready for an album release party on February 27, as well as a Mid-Western tour spanning three weeks after the release party. She will also be participating in SXSWin Austin on this trip, an exciting and fantastic opportunity for exposure. Robins also has a BandCamp where new and old fans alike can find a merch store, pre-order a digital copy of the song,and more. For now, Robins has a lot on her plate and is ready for the adventure, and this is simplythe beginning. Who knows, she may be inspired to write a new album on her upcoming journey.Until then, I’ll be out in front of the Hi-Dive on February 27, jamming out to some sweet beats.Online: abirobins.com

A.Ivy the dame -(Chicktape Preview &Artist Introduction)by Darnell TeagueDTeague@coloradomusicbuzz.comA.Ivy loves music and that’s the bottom line.She doesn’t follow rules when it comes tocreating.A.Ivy does what the hell she wants! Forher, it’s more about capturing the raw feelings,thoughts and ideas. The beauty comes whenothers find pieces of themselves in the Damesmusic; A.Ivy lives for that, and feel free to singalong with her! This is not her dream it is herreality. Ivy raps. Ivy sings. Ivy writes. In the

words of A.Ivy “I GO!” and she hopes to inspireself-confidence. She represents for thewomen who stand for somethingpositive, even when there is somuch negative in life. Ivy would explainher sound as a vibrant, fem-tastic blast of colorand flamboyant personality, with a splash ofsass and lip gloss, painted nails, and satinlace. HiGh hEEL music is her label ANDher way of life. It’s a PiNk PLANET and she’sthe girly-girl advocate of it! Any questions? Beon the look out for her lead song “Pusha” fromher next project “The CHI x TAPE Vol.3,”coming 3.29.2013.Online: reverbnation.com/aivythedame#!

by Jenn CohenDenver’s loyal music fans have long known about the hidden gem, “a band called Churchill,” for many years. Perhaps youstumbled upon Churchill years ago when they opened for a better-known band, or maybe you’ve been a loyal friend or familymember, doing your part to support them. Either way, Denver has followed this quintet, watching like proud parents as their fanbase steadily increased, hoping someone would notice this goldmine of talent, and usher them to the big stages.Comprised of Tim Bruns (vocals, guitar), Bethany Kelly (vocals and keys), Mike Morter (mandolin, guitar), TylerRima (bass), and Joe Richmond (drums), Churchill has consistently played the Denver circuit for almost three years. Theirsongs are steeped with relatable, unapologeticallycandid lyrics, and catchy melodies that stay with you,long after the songs stop playing.

Churchill has had a steady rise to their status as anationally recognized band. In December 2009, thequintet placed third in KTCL’s Hometown for theHolidays (voted on by Colorado listeners). In 2011,they self-released their full-length album,Happy/Sad. In 2012, they signed with A&M/Octone, and released the EP, Change. You mightknow them best for their title track, “Change,” whichstarted the proverbial ball rolling on the nationalrecognition they deserve. As of this interview, they were#41 on Alternative Albums on iTunes.The bulk of the band grew up within four miles of eachother, some singing together in church on Sundaymornings, and some going to the same college.After perhaps a serendipitous move “for a girl,” Rimatransplanted to Colorado from Wisconsin, and metMorter and Bruns at a Wing Stop. “He said he hadgear,” says Bruns, “so we said, ‘Cool.’”Combining their various styles of singer/songwriter,country/bluegrass, and classical, with a taste of rock,Churchill has a sound that appeals to all appreciations.Like a lot of bands, Churchill worked hard, traveleda lot, and started at the bottom. “Our first show here(Meadowlark), we brought people out; we called,literally, everyone we knew, family.” So what shotthis band into the iTunes “Free Song of the Week” inJanuary 2013? “I think a lot of the success we’ve hadis because of being in the right place at the right time,”says Bruns. “When we started the band, it was like aLumineers type thing, and right before we have asong, the Lumineers blow up, and Mumford andSons. I think bands like that kind of changed alternativemusic and paved the way for us, which is nice.”“From my perspective, from having worked with a lot ofother bands,” adds Richmond, “I think the songwritinghas a lot to do with it. I think our sound is unique enoughthat people pay attention. It’s not what everyone else isdoing. Once we found out how we all worked together,you pair that with really great songs, and it’s just thatsimple, to me. Like you said, a lot of bands tour; we’vedefinitely had a lot of help, but I think it just comes downto us finding our niche sound-wise and having greatsongs.” Adds Kelly, “The Denver music scene definitelyhas community. There’s no way we could be doinganything that we’re doing without what [Meese, theFray, 93.3 and all the KTCL guys] did.”“[You need] people who believe in what you’re doing,”says Richmond. “Calling and emailing everybody like,‘Please let us play.’” Adds Bruns, “You play that firstshow, and you meet another band that likes you enoughto put you on another bill with them. Having people likeJonathan Bitz. He was the first guy who was really pumped to have us come play. He was the first guy who really believed inwhat we were doing, and the first guy to interview us.”

You’d be hard pressed to get a consistent answer concerning the origin of the band’s name; and really, does it matter? Good musicis good music, no matter what the musicians call themselves. The story behind the name today is, “It was a working title untilwe came up with something better,” according to Bruns, who added, “Where’s Mike when you need him? He always comes up

with a good story—a different story every time.” Mike,by the way, was out of the country, getting engaged.Congratulations, Mike!While the band credits Bruns for most of thesongwriting, they all agree that the songs wouldn’twork without all of them. Says Richmond, “There wasa really good review of one of our shows in Boston.It said something about how—and I’ve always feltthis way about the band—if any one of us weren’t init, or didn’t add our part, it wouldn’t be what we are.Like, you can’t just plug in any mandolin player, orany bass player. Even when we do recordings, we doit in stages, and it never feels right until it’s all of ustogether.”Churchill’s solid interpersonal chemistry is evident attheir shows, and at the diner where this interview tookplace. Throughout our conversation, this harmonyallowed them to easily lapse into several ‘comfort-conversations,’ whether it was about the Broncos,stories from tour, or early memories in the recordingstudio. They are a chosen family, not a family youfeel obligated to, and they genuinely seem to enjoyeach other’s company. They even held up a pictureof the absent Morter on Kelly’s phone for their groupphoto.Since the band’s inception, they have seen twomarriages (Bruns and Kelly--not to each other), andan engagement (Morter’s), played at Red RocksAmphitheatre, and played at venues where only10 people showed up. “Detroit was probably theworst one, in terms of attendance,” says Richmond.“But I talked to people who were like, ‘We came fromCanada.’ This kid made his mom drive him 200 milesto see the show, so it’s cool to be able to meet with thefans.” Adds Bruns, “The reason why we all do this isto play music, and so [at low-attendance shows] wefeed off of each other, as opposed to feeding off of anaudience. At least we’re playing music.”Exciting things are happening in the world of Churchill.Look for the official video for “Change,” soon. “We justgot the final edit, and it will be out in the next coupleweeks,” says Kelly. “You can find it online, and this isone that they’re going to try and put on MTV. Andwe’re officially playing SXSW, an official showcase.”Also, adds Bruns, “We’re bringing Nate Meese outon tour with us; he’s going to tour with us the wholetour.”Each band member contributes a different strength tofuse together the unique Churchill sound. Bruns andKelly amicably share the mic, each bringing a diverseemotive value to their songs. Look for a new album,which they hope to drop by this summer, and checkout their live show—their biggest headliner to date—on March 3, 2010, at the Ogden.A few days after our interview, not only was their videoreleased, Billboard Music Magazine had this to sayabout our little gem. ““Change” is the sort of brilliantlysimple chunk of alternative rock that becomes frozenin a listener’s memory after a single spin.” AddedEsquire Magazine, “This might just be the best pop-radio hit to feature mandolin since “Losing My Religion”by REM.“We’re a band called Churchill.” A band that could, did,and is. And they’re just getting started.

stats/quotesChurchill is a Denver-basedindie folk-rock band formedin 2008 by Tim Burns (guitar/vox) and Mike Morter (man-dolin/guitar). They expand-ed to include Bethany Kel-ly (piano/vox), Joe Richmond(drums), and Tyler Rima (bass)in 2009 before releasingtheir debut LP Happy Sad in2011, and signed to A&M/Octone in 2012.The lead single & title-trackfrom their 2012 Change EPis now top-15 at Alternativeradio and #6 at Triple-A, asthe band continues to tourand preps for the releaseof their forthcoming new al-bum in Spring 2013.“Change” is the sort of bril-liantly simple chunk of al-ternative rock that becomesfrozen in a listener’s memoryafter a single spin.” “...MikeMorter’s mandolin whittlingis the song’s real prize, cre-ating a conversation withKelly’s voice by answeringher cries with unexpectedpizzazz.”

Music Artists to Watch in2013: “Because somethingis in the water in Denver, yetthis year’s Lumineers don’tactually sound much likeThe Lumineers. And becausethis might just be the bestpop-radio hit to feature man-dolin since “Losing My Reli-gion.”

Featured as iTunes “SingleOf The Week” (12/28 - 1/7)445,000 downloads

Churchill has recentlyopened for Passion Pit, Alt-J, Of Monsters & Men, Fun.,and Blondfire among othersduring recent promotionaltour dates. Their currentheadlining tour will contin-ue through this winter andinto Spring.

Pictured:crowd-shotfrom theirJan. 18thshow atMain StreetArmory inRochester.

February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com18

Jai Harris – Interviewby Darnell Teague and Shattara CamachoDteague@coloradomusicbuzz.comCMB had the honor of interviewing Denver’s own visionary, “Jack-ie of all trades,” Jai Harris. Learnmore about his gifted woman, and then check out her new compilation release, DisconnectedVol. 1.CMB: Where are you from and where did you grow up?Jai Harris: I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A neighborhood calledPark Hill.CMB: When did you realize you had a talent for words?Jai Harris: When I was 7 years old I wrote my first poem. When I was afreshman in college, I entered a poetry contest and got second place. I enjoyedthe performance and went on to join a slam team, to the Apollo and perform forlegends.CMB: Who inspires you?Jai Harris: My grandmother inspires my creative expression, drive, and hardwork. She made me very creative and I always wanted to make her proud, soI’ve always had a very strong work ethic. Losing her has been the hardest thingI’ve ever dealt with, but she prepared me to be great, and I have to live up to thatfor her. In 2007 I also lost my little brother, Damien “Yung Marq” Harris; he wasa rapper in Atlanta, GA. He was killed in a murder/ suicide while trying to help aco-worker. He was only 17 years old and had 3-month old baby at the time. Tolose the people I loved so much, so fast, and so unexpected, made me realizethat every day is a blessing. We must seize it because when we are gone howwill they remember us? What will be our legacy? We can be here today and gonetomorrow so Live Your Dream!!CMB: How would you classify your poetry/hip-hop?Jai Harris: I thinkmy flow/delivery is different from a lot of poets. [It’s] very hip hop.But I stay true to lyricism and the art that is poetry. However, unlike a lot of poets,I am not very metaphorical; I want children, elders, Ivy League graduates, andhigh school dropouts to understand my poetry. But I also love music; especiallyold school music, so to combine classic samples and my style of poetry has beena rewarding experience. I pay homage to my ancestors and elders, and I am veryinspired by them. I know they work through me and that is conveyed in my work.I think my poetry brings a realness that is rooted in the origins of hip-hop. It is thatraw story telling at its finest. So my poetry with DJ Vudu Spellz’s amazing beatsmakes my poetry extraordinarily unique.CMB: What’s a major turn off for you in the CO poetry/hip-hop scenenow?Jai Harris: My major turn off is that the hip-hop scene is over-saturated withmediocre music and videos. People are so busy trying to figure out the nextartist’s formula, they don’t realize they could be putting that energy into creatingtheir own formula, as the other artists have. We live in a city full of Mr. and Mrs.

Me Too. Rather then supporting and showing love to people that are really puttingin work, they’re sitting back saying, ‘I can do that too,’ or ‘I can do it better,’ whichcould very well be true, but put some time and effort into your craft before you tryto subliminally compete with others.CMB: Where do you see poetry/hip-hop in the next 5 years and where doyou want to be within it?Jai Harris: I think in the next five years, Colorado will be a truly credible place formusic and music lovers to seek music. I think there are so many talented artistsin Colorado that if our scene was more supportive and collaborative, we couldreally make big moves on the music and entertainment industry. All the reallyhard workers are starting to break into the game, and it won’t be long before westart to see that on a larger scale. I feel that being in Colorado we have to workharder then people in places like LA and NY. But unlike the North and South wecome from a very mixed and integrated area, so we know how to interact andappeal to all different types of people. I think that is going to give us an upperhard. The genuine artists in the state kind of march to the beat of their own drum.I can’t speak for everyone, but I will be making a lot of moves in both film andpoetry. I plan to travel the world, but no matter where I go, they will always knowthat I was raised in Denver.CMB: What should your fans know about you?Jai Harris: My fans should know that I am always going to be real and true in thisindustry. I will not compromise who I am. But please understand that who I am,is a lot of things. I don’t want to be boxed in or categorized by what people thinkI should be, look like, sound like, wear, etc. I want people to open their mindsenough to understand that. My arts saved my life growing up, I’m simply tryingto do the same for others, by any means possible. If I could give some advice,I would say don’t wait for anyone else. If you think about doing something, DOIT! You never know whom you can inspire and motivate. Our art creates moreinspiration for each other’s art, and we must continue to inspire one another. Butstay true to your art. Don’t spend your time trying to figure out other people’sformula for success, create your own formula. The only thing that can stop youfrom manifesting your dreams is you.CMB: Who’s your biggest fan?Jai Harris: I think I am probably my biggest. I mean I’m not very cocky and I willalways remain humble, but I like to hear my own voice sometimes. When I’mdriving I will turn off the radio and just spit poems until I reach my destination. Iknow that these are gifts from my ancestors and God so it makes me feel blessedto hear what I’ve created. Outside of me, I’d vaguely say my family and friends.CMB: What element do you bring to CO? How do you plan to put CO onthe map?Jai Harris: I am a filmmaker, poet, event coordinator, graphic designer, and radiopersonality. I’ve often been referred to as “JACKie of ALL TRADES.” I’ve alwaysbeen very creative. So I bring a lot of elements. But as far as “putting Coloradoon the map,” Colorado has been on the map. Since the Charlie Parkers andBillie Holidays, days. Don’t ever think they don’t know about us, we just needto make ourselves memorable. We need more proper exposure and more localsupport. But as soon as an artist from Colorado gets a buzz outside of the state,the people who once didn’t support soon will. Just the way of the land I guess.CMB: What’s your favorite memory growing up in Colorado?Jai Harris: Colorado is beautiful; it is my peace, my serenity, it keeps me sane.I’ve been a lot of places but at the end of the day, Colorado is probably whereI will always end up. I have so many favorite moments growing up here. Askids, we actually played outside, had firecracker wars, vegetable wars, climbedtrees, and lived off the land. We were so blessed. We could be creative; we werealways surrounded by colors, seasons, good times and bad. I never take thisplace for granted, it taught me so much.CMB: What’s your favorite era in Hip-Hop?Jai Harris: I’m an ’80s baby, so Tupac, NWA, Aaliyah and TLC (Left Eye). Theyare all telling stories, only with music and different delivery. I remember the affectthese artists had on me as a youth, and I understood their power. They mademe realize that I was not alone in the things I was going through physically andemotionally. I knew that I had stories to share and I wanted to have that sameaffect on others. I wanted to inspire. At that moment, a poet was born. Since then,Lupe, Jay Z, Nas, Common, and Kanye West have made a huge impact on myart. The most significant right now is Kid Cudi. I remember it being so differentthat I didn’t know if I hated it or loved it but it caught my attention. When I reallylistened to it, I realized he was simply staying true to his art and himself. Notcompromising for what rap or hip-hop “should” sound like. That was a huge pushfor me because I could easily adapt my poetry to rap, but stylistically I wouldn’t bestaying true to myself. I can be different and the people will accept it.Online: jaiharris.com

February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 19

The Manager’s Cornerby Chris DanielsI’ve managed my own band since the 1980sand despite the amazing change in technology,success in the music business is built aroundfour tried and true elements: great music, reallyhard work, and timing (often mistaken for luck).The other key element is getting the help youneed to make that luck happen. These daysthat help is everywhere. The book I wrote formy UCD class on artist management is called“DIY: You’re Not in it Alone” and that is exactlywhat you need to understand.“Get your money for nothing and your chicksfor free,” was the line in Mark Knopfler’shit song. But the reality, as of a new study thatwas just released by Northwestern School ofLaw is that only 12% of money that the averageworking musician/artist makes is now comingfrom the sale of songs and recorded music.This is a HUGE switch from 1995 when roughly60% of artist revenue came from the sale of

Photo Atlasby Tim WengerTWenger@coloradomusicbuzz.comphoto credit: SvetJPhotograpyPopular Denver indie/alt rockers the PhotoAtlas are dropping a new album entitledStuck in a Honey Trap on February 8 atthe Hi Dive. Recorded at Silo Sound inAurora, the record is the best Denver hasseen so far in this young year, and the bandsin our scene will be hard pressed to put out acompetitive match to what the Photo Atlas didwith the record (for CMB’s review, see the A-Sides section).“It’s been a long process,” says front manAlanAndrews. “We’ve been working on it the lastcouple years, and touring a lot in between hasbeen the problem. We kinda took the last fouror five months, and were like ‘We gotta do this,we can’t keep touring on the records we hadbefore.’”This is the first record with the group for currentdrummer Josh Taylor, and drums werethe selling point for Silo Sound. “They have areal big, nice drum room,” says Andrews. “I’ma real stickler about how the drums sound.”Jeff Kanan and Nick Sullivan pushedthe guys in the right direction with the record.“They know about the history of our band andknow what we wanted to do.”

Since their inception in2005, the group has putout two records prior toStuck in a HoneyTrap. Their first full-length, No, Not Me,Never, landed them abrief stint withMerrifieldRecords, and theytoured extensively behindthe album. 2009 saw theguys on stage over 200times. In support of thenew record, they will behitting the road just afterthe album is out, touringthrough the mid west, west coast, and thenheading down to South by Southwest inAustin, TX.The guys made a video for the song “MemoryLike a Sinking Ship” which can be seen onYouTube by searching for the Photo Atlas.For those who aren’t familiar with the band’srich history, they formed in California, andfound their way to the 303 when their guitaristmade the decision to move to Denver. Theybegan hanging out at the Hi Dive, meetingpeople in the scene, and putting their musicout, to the point now where they, through broadtouring and constant playing around town, havebecome an integral and respected part of thelocal rock scene. They have fans all around thecountry, and like most bands with any kind oflongevity, they are driven by the memories thatplaying music creates.“What’s kept us going is how much fun it is,”says Andrews. “I’ve always figured as soon asthe fun runs out then it’s time to call it quits.We’re just trying to have fun, and trying to getout there and get people to have fun with us.”Pick up the album on Spotify, iTunes, or grab aphysical copy at a show.Online: facebook.com/thephotoatlas

CDs and publishing, (roughly 10 years after the“Brothers In Arms” track hit MTV).What that means for DIY artists, is that wehave to become much smarter about revenuesources and using them all. If you are anindependent artist, you’ve seen the crowdingof the ‘live performance’ marketplace like neverbefore. EVERYBODY is out gigging becausethat is, literally, the last money oasis in thedesert. Between freelance performance anda ‘regular gig’ performance (like playing for apit band or a weekly jazz gig at a restaurant),musicians are gaining almost half their livingby playing gigs, (46%) according to the sameNorthwestern study.So how are working musicians making up therest? By teaching (30%), session gigs (15%),merch, and “other” jobs - like writing charts etc.And what this means is that you HAVE to getsmart about your revenue sources, and treatthem with respect (the venues and festivals youwork for), plus ‘mine’ for as many new sourcesas you can for added income.Here are two examples of revenue streamsthat most musicians are not tapping: (1) Yourperforming rights organization (PRO) has got asection on its website for registering the songsyouWROTE and play at the gigs you performedso you can pick up some PROmoney. You needa few things in place – you need to be affiliatedwith a PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC), and youneed to have set up a publishing company (or

be signed to one) that is affiliated to the samePRO as you are. Then it is simple. You go tothe site of your PRO (I’m BMI and so is mypublishing company) and log in (I’m assumingyou have registered your songs with yourPRO). Then I go to the “BMI Live” section of thewebsite and log in the date, venue, number ofpeople, whether a cover charge was collected,phone, address (of the venue), and the songs Iplayed in my set.It takes about 5 to 10 minutes per gig, but hereis the payoff: I just received my first checksfor me as a songwriter (and my publishingcompany) for about $400 for 30 gigs I did($200 for me and $200 for my publishingcompany). Now, if you play the average ToadTavern, Little Bear, Swallow Hill,Larimer Lounge gig, you are probablymaking somewhere between $50 and $200 pernight/per musician (that is assuming you havemade it to a professional level). Those checksequal, roughly, playing four gigs –or “money fornothing” – or just a little registering effort; asfar as the chicks, I don’t know about you, but Ifind that there is no such thing as a free date …male or female.Example 2: Take some time to researchyour merch offerings. It means making afew mistakes, so start out small. Don’t order100 black t-shirts because you are getting agreat deal. Order just enough to start figuringout what people WANT and what SIZE your

audience is. If you are a young EDM DJ, yourcrowd is probably skinny and they drink a ton ofwater because of the ecstasy. Ok, ok, maybeit is just because they are dancing their assoff, but watch what they like--water bottles andskinny medium t-shirts? Whereas, a blues bandwith a 30-to-50-year-old crowd wants lightersfor the break in the parking lot and bigger shirtsizes. Also, really, really important, get yourselfa cellphone credit card reader. It’s easy andcheap and you will double your sales whenyour fans can put it on plastic.As I survey my students (and I have almost 300this term at CU), I’m sad to say that the majoritybelieves that the value of online-recordedmusic is next to nothing, and this is the reality.If you have been selling CDs at your gigs youhave seen that number drop, while things likevinyl has shot up in sales. (Which brings up aninteresting point. Why are we willing to pay $14for an LP and yet we all stream those samesongs on Spotify for next to nothing? Whydoes the LP version of the song have value andthe digital version have next to none?) But thereal point is, you must augment your incomestreams with new revenue sources. The futurefor the average working musician is not clear,but if we get smart and become savvy at thesenew tools, we can all bring great things to ourfans (LPs and great merch – killer shows withgreat songs) and begin to replace some of thelost revenue from the sale of digital songs andmasters with new revenue streams.

Revolutionary Figures inMusicby Nathan SchmitNSchmit@coloradomusicbuzz.comThis month, students were asked who theyconsidered revolutionary in music. And whileour discussion in class focused on people whohave helped shape music as a medium (DukeEllington, Dj Kool Herc, Miles Davis,and Lee Scratch Perry), the studentswere impressed by what certain artists said,rather than the instrumentation. The followingare the responses from students at the ThirdWay Center, Lowry:“Bob Dylan is an extremely revolutionaryfigure in music. His lyrics are so poetic, and hespeaks his metaphors as if they are an art form.Bob’s music has helped me through some ofthe most difficult times in my life and he is stillappreciated today. Bob’s music has incrediblevibes, and he is all about fairness and equalityamong the people of the world.”Galaxy“Chris Webby, because he talks aboutchanging this world from being destroyed byus humans; and for all of us to work togetheras a team to fix this world so it doesn’t getdestroyed.”MB17“I like 2 Pac because all of his music isREAL. What he raps about makes sense tomy everyday life and the struggles I’ve beenthrough growing up.” Infection“…Eminem, because he says what he feelsand says what other people wouldn’t say.” DjDopie“Someone that has inspired me is CarrieUnderwood because she writes songs

about real-life situations, like people who havelost someone and the other parent is a drunk.”MizzUnderstood“My revolutionary figure in music is the Usedbecause they are rockin’and they havemeaningand feeling and they are cool.” Tigress“…Nirvana, because it fits me and helps methrough hard times, and shows me that somelives are harder than mine.” Dj SuperfluffYouthOnRecord, a program ofFlobots.org, teaches music production and lyric writingin residential treatment centers across Denverand beyond, as a means of supporting theirspecific treatment goals. It is truly amazingwhat many young people will do and say whengiven the opportunity.About Flobots.orgFounded in 2007 by the internationally knownDenver based hip-hop collective Flobots,Flobots.org connects underserved youthacross Colorado with music and empowermenteducation. Led by a network of professionalmusicians, artists and educators, Flobots.org programs are designed to harness thepower of music and those who love it.

February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com20

Too Late for Tomorrowby Jenn CohenThe latest effort from Too Late forTomorrow is their self-titled, 6-track,debut EP. Consisting of Tim Wenger(vocals, guitar), Josh Cordova(drums, vocals), and Greg Bell (bass,vocals), the local punk band jumpstartstheir album with the guitar-heavy “What’sto Gain,” and doesn’t relent as it carriesyou through the rhythmically solid EP.My favorite tracks, the ska-flavored“Catalyst,” and “So Long,” a track aboutsaying sayonara to a toxic relationship,provide a solid first half, before roundingthe album out with the catchy chorus on“Lines and Lies,” and ending with “I GuessI was Your Jimmy Cooper.” Formed inearly 2011, these guys are making somenoise around Denver. Catch them onMarch 22 @ Herman’s Hideaway.Online: toolatefortomorrow.bandcamp.com

Jai Harris - DisconnectedVol. 1by Darnell TeagueThe unique personality of Jai Harrishas produced a mixture of poetry overhip-hop beats that only a highly elevatedmind could create.Disconnected Vol.1 is unlike anything we’ve heard before.The Denver native is not only a poet,she is the “JACKie of all Trades.” Fromfilm making to radio personality, shesimply does it all. Grammy nominatedproducer Vudu Spellz producedthe Disconnected compilation. Thesounds of hip-hop with Harris’s poetryare a dream come true for a hip-hopheads, and poetry enthusiasts. Thetrack “Rolling Stone,” with a feature fromChampion SoundKilla Black ofFoodchain goes through a vivid tale ofa relationship through a daughter eyes.With other features from Hustle Man& Ontoneyo on the track “Messin MeAround.” We get to hear Harris drop barson this track; it’s an easy transition frompoet to MC for Harris as she displaysmoxie in her bars.Online: jaiharris.com

The Photo Atlas - Stuck in aHoneytrapby Tim WengerThe Photo Atlas have beenscratching their way to the top ofDenver’s eclectic music scene for overhalf a decade, and their new recordStuck in a Honey Trap is going toput them, feet first, at the summit, withan oversized flag to stick deeply intothe core. From the opening track “TheGlass Crashed,” the band delivers theirfast-time signatures layered with intricateindie rock guitar riffs and hard-hittingdrum beats.Their sound is the epitome of what ishappening in Denver right now: upbeatindie rock with a dash of hipster flare,appealing not only to the South BroadwayPBR-drinking party crowd, but to anyonewho has not fallen into the black hole ofEDM and still appreciates actual notesplayed by actual musicians. The guitarwork on songs like “Swear I’m Innocent”and “Tell Me Again” have a hint of poppunk, with Alan Andrews high-flyingvoice giving the music a modern, freshedge. The music is incredibly intricatefor a rock band, and the great productiononly brings the talent out more.This is the first great record to come outof Denver in 2013.Online: thephotoatlas.com

Glass Delirium: DiamondLullabiesby Charlie SullivanGlass Delirium’s new release,Diamond Lullabies, hit the streetsin November, and what a stellarsophomore effort it is. The crew’s firstalbum, Thanks to a Monster’sMany Hands, showed us a band withconsiderable potential. The new releaseshowcases a band fulfilling that potentialand coming into its own. The outfit hasstayed true to their alternative hard rockroots, producing a well-rounded album.Never over powering to the sonic palateof the listener, the mix is clean, clear, andcrisp. Michelle Huerd’s vocals soaron “Over the Ice” and “ConsequentialHalo” (a track just waiting for anarena audience). Pat Anderson’s(new member and still with SwitchPin) drums give the crew’s music acohesive power solidifying the sound.The remainders of the band, ScottUhl (guitar), Aeon Cruz (bass), DavidNewell (keyboards), are in fine form.The attention to detail on all of the tracksis refreshing. The release is a fantasticpiece of work from a group of talentedlocal individuals. I look forward to thenext release.Online: glassdelirium.com

Scarlet Canary - DistortedRealityby Tim WengerGreeley’s Scarlet Canary strike hardwith their new EP Distorted Reality.Hannah Haze’s melodic vocal linesflow well on top of a mainstream metal/rock sound. The songs are somewhatangry, although Haze’s voice does notcome across as hostile. The tracksalso have an emotional feel to them,highlighted by dual guitar work thatpersonifies the band’s hard rock sound.“Mark of the Beast” stood out to me asthe most radio-friendly and enjoyabletrack on the disc. The song is fast; thedrums give it a bit of a punk rock feel,with solid guitar work and bit of screamingfrom Haze. The record has a sound thatcan appeal to rock fans of many differenttastes; their music would fit well onmodern rock or heavy rock radio.Online: facebook.com/scarletcanary

Fierce Bad Rabbit-TheMaestro and the Elephantby Tim WengerBand members Chris Anderson,Alana Rolfe, Dayton Hicks,and Max Barcelow display theirunquestioned talent in their new songs.The band’s second full-length album,The Maestro and the Elephant,illuminates the obvious growth that themusicians have made. In this new album,Fierce Bad Rabbit effectively maintainstheir pop folk aura while still managingto develop new aspects in their music.While the songs give the impressionof being more composed, the bandexplores a wide range of independentmusical styles. “When All You Got IsWorry…Let Go” is particularly upbeat,as whistling tunes contribute to anincredibly playful focus in the pop rocksong. The band experiments with a moresouthern folk element in “Better Days,” asimplistic song focusing on an elegantblend of harmonies. “Time Machine,”which was introduced to the public at theband’s set during New West Fest,embodies FBR’s classic act of entrancingtheir audience with passion. Absolutelystriking lyricism and an effective balanceof energy contributes to the brilliance ofThe Maestro and the Elephant.Online: fiercebad.com

Burntwoodby Tim WengerRedemption is a common theme forBurntwood, who have droppedtheir take on ambient rock--theirmusic painting pictures of reality‘from the other side.’ The albumfeatures slightly distorted guitarwork underneath Jason Koski’ssomewhat scratchy but enjoyablevocals. The album reeks of lonelinessat times, which accentuates itsambient feel; picture the days (beforethe Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act) ofa single guy up on stage in a smoke-filled room, singing his heart out toa bar full of brokenhearted fools.Burntwood throws basic drum beatsinto the mix, throwing in that tasteof soul-soothing rock and roll thatmakes the music that much moreaberrant.

The Midnight Groove EP byMyke Charles and Spoke inWordzby Jonathan McNaughton & DarnellTeagueThe Midnight Groove EP is thefirst collaborative album from MykeCharles and Spoke in Wordz,and with this EP, the ferocious tandemdisplays the potential of the two Emcees.Sometimes the sound that two artistsexert while creating music togetherignites a spark that manifests into goodmusic. These two definitely feed of eachother lyrically, and their chemistry isexhibited throughout this EP. On the titletrack of the album, the twosome hit youwith a feel-good sound that has moresubstance than the usual formula that isused in hip-hop music. On the track “MissFly, ” the duo shows their softer side, anddescribes their desire for companionshipwith a nice female. The EP only has 6tracks so I don’t want to spoil the rest ofthe album, but the album is fire. If you arelooking for music that gets back to theessence of hip-hop then The MidnightGroove EP is the album for you.Online: spokeinwordz.candcamp.com

Knuckles McGee -Reviewby Darnell TeagueWe start this story with how KnucklesMcGee was introduced to music by hisfather, a well-known guitarist within thecommunity of Cookeville, TN. Whencoming from nothing, McGee learnedto channel his life frustration into andthrough his music. He started makingmusic at the age of eight; fine tuning hisskills as a singer and guitarist, performingin rock bands, and winning several rapbattles. McGee represents the conflictwithin him, and describes his music as atestimonial to his life and the things he’sseen. The self-titled 8-track album has analternative hip-hop sound that showcaseshis lyrical skills, distrust of authority,and musical inspirations from suchartist like Big L, Eminem (The SlimShady Eminem), and Method Man.“Ol’ Country Road” is by far a favoriteoff the project. The visuals the wordspaint images of dirt roads in Tennessee,struggling through the feeling of love lost;it’s a song that a people will feel. Thealternative blend of Knuckles McGee isworth checking out.

F.T Purple Magic MajestyPreviewby Jonathan McNaughton & DarnellTeaguePurple Magic Majesty is the firstmixtape release of 2013 from F.T, amember of the #JediLife Squad. Setto drop on February 19, this album F.Tdisplays his lyrical talent and makes hisentry into the Colorado music scene.His southern sound and slight pimp-likemannerisms give F.T a unique sound thatshould play well for his longevity in themusic industry. On the track “Hyp HopRocka” featuring Hyp Hop Sells, F.Thits you with a smooth sound mixed withinsightful lyrics containing his feelings ofwhat he brings to hip hop. F.T shows hisversatility on the track “Tonight,” wherehis style shifts to more of a Chicago styleflow reminiscent to mid-‘90sDo or Die.F.T uses various instrumental soundsthroughout the album, and displayshis knowledge and appreciation for themusical art form that is known as hip-hop.Purple Magic Majesty as an albumenthuses the hip hop fan that is lookingfor that laid back, smooth music.Online: spokeinwordz.candcamp.com

February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com24

Cheers Battle of theBands Winnerby Tim WengerTWenger@coloradomusicbuzz.comThe @Cheers Battle of the Bandshas come to a close, with an unlikelywinner pocketing $10,000. The ConflictBetween, who were not scheduled to play inthe final round until the day of, ended up witha nice Christmas bonus and a clean financialslate, at least as far as the band is concerned.The competition kicked off in October, withmultiple rounds pitting the winners of each showagainst each other, leading up to the final onDecember 21. One of the bands scheduled toperform in the finals dropped off for unforeseencircumstances the day of the show, and theConflict Between was called in to take theirspot, having the highest judging scores fromprevious rounds.“We were just finishing up a CD, and werewondering where we were going to get themoney to pay for it,” says front man JerimiahRamos. The band has just completed

recording their debut album, and was able touse the funds from the competition to pay forit. “It was just crazy how it came, we were ableto just write a check, finish that cd, and thenwe just split the rest five ways. It gave us someextra holiday money.”“I was humbled and surprised that we made itto the final round,” Ramos says. “We’re new, sowe don’t draw a big crowd right now. I’m prettyconfident in how we are as a band and our liveshow. When it came to those final rounds, wewere just worried about the draw. If it was alljudges, we felt good.”“I went to a few different shows, and the bandsI saw in the finals were who I expected to bethere,” says Ramos. “Overall, we felt like it wasrun very well. @Cheers and Masterminddid a good job of promoting themselves.”Their album, recorded at LaunchPadStudios, is scheduled for released at theend of March. “John Connor recordedand produced it, just kind of walked us hand inhand considering it’s our first album, put a lot ofsweat into that thing.”The Conflict Between is a Christian rock band,but they don’t want that to scare anyone away.“How we came together has a big backgroundin [church],” says Ramos. “I think it’s importantfor people to know that, we’re not shy about it,but the way we go about it and how we live ourlives, [the music] doesn’t come off religious orjudgmental,” Ramos says. “Our angle is, ‘Hey,we’re no different, we’re the same as everybody,we just have a belief that may be different.”“I think it’s going to be a big year for us,”Ramos says. The group is looking to expandout to some other regional markets aroundColorado this year, and just shared the stagewith Random Hero on January 25.Online: facebook.com/pages/The-Conflict-Between

Cirque Side of the MoonMOTH Poetic Circus is proud to presentTHE CIRQUE SIDE OF THE MOON,a Voodoo Mardi-Gras Masquerade. A wildMardi Gras party infusing DJs, live music, andcontemporary circus!The theme of this year’s party will be THECIRQUE SIDE OF THE MOON. 2013 will markthe 40th anniversary ofPink Floyd’s timelessalbum Dark Side of the Moon. The albumwill be played live in its entirety byWish WeWere Floyd, and will be fully choreographedwith elite level modern circus artists. includingworld-class aerialists, acrobats, dancers, fire,burlesque, trapeze, and contortionists.THE CIRQUE SIDE OF THE MOON, the story:2013 will mark the 40th anniversary of PinkFloyd’s timeless album Dark Side of the

Moon. Recorded in 1973, Dark Side of theMoon has stayed on top of the Billboard TOP200 Albums Chart for over 14 years, making itone of the top five selling albums of all time.This interpretation is our homage to the albumon this historic anniversary. In our version, wefollow the life of a man working to fit in, whoultimately goes crazy trying. He fights the evilsof consumerism and capitalism, and meets theangel of death. He learns to breathe and hearhis own heartbeat, and watches love happenand fall apart. In the end, he becomes theheartbeat, the breath, the money, the pain, thetime, and of course death. We, the audience, theband, the performers, become him. The albumwill be played live in its entirety byWish WeWere Floyd, and will be fully choreographedwith elite level modern circus artists. Circusartists will include aerialists, acrobats, dancers,fire, and burlesque.Voodoo and Mardi Gras appear to intersectsince gatherings in Congo Square in 1884were forcibly ended, and then remerged asprocessions. Traditional voodoo costumesand décor reminiscent of death will warnthe audience to live their lives freely, full oflife and expression, or death may loom. Thiswill be an event of irreverent self-expression,dance, music, lights, voodoo and excess. Theaudience is invited to participate and dress inVoodoo Mardi Gras attire, beads welcome, ofcourse!This event will be an “annual” Mardi Gras Partythat will take place this year on February 8, 2013at Casselman’s Bar & Venue, with world-renowned Lance Herbstrong performinglive electro dub sounds, along withDJ DanniG, DJ Fubari, and DJ Walt White.Tickets: mothpoeticcircus.com, casselmans.comholdmyticket.com/checkout/event/124828Portions of the proceeds benefit ColoradoCreative (ColoradoCreative.org) andConscious Alliance (consciousalliance.org).

Head Injuries - Interviewby Jenn CohenJCohen@coloradomusicbuzz.comAnother great punk band from Fort Collins . ..what’s in the water up there? I recently sawHead Injuries, comprised of Jared Russell(vocals, guitar), Zack Hill (guitar, vocals),Conner Hampton (bass), and Jer Wood(drums). Russell was kind enough to take sometime to answer a few questions.CMB: Let’s start with how you allmet, and when you got started.JR: We started Head Injuries in October of 2011because we’re not good at anything else. Howwe met, that’s actually a funny question. I metour guitarist, Zack, in 6th grade, and I just hatedthat guy. I called him a poser punk cause that’swhat you do in middle school. But time passed,and he asked me to play in his band, so I did. Itwasn’t until 8th grade that we met Jer, who wejust knew instantly was going to be our friend.Then, about six years, a few lost virginities, anda couple bands later, we started Head Injuries.I met Conner at the local skatepark. He had aBlack Flag shirt on, and I asked if he playedbass. Before I knew it, we we’re having practiceand he was living on my couch.”

CMB: How’d you come up with thename?JR: Well when we started the band, we werebrainstorming with a few ideas for names thatwere just terrible, and then Head Injuries cameup and we didn’t hate it! We weren’t quite soldon it though until our buddy Brandon’s bandplayed a show with Weezer. He mentionedus to their bassist, Mikey Welsh, and that verynight he died; that’s gotta mean something,right? But, I guess to answer your questionwe have a lot of skateboarding influence in ourmusic and the name fits right in.”CMB: How has the Colorado musicscene treated you so far?JR: We have only been playing in this bandfor a little over a year now, and everyone hasbeen amazing to us. We have played in manybands before this, but this is by far the most funwe have ever had. We have had an incredibleamount of help and promotion from our goodfriends A Place to Stay out of Fort Collins, andeveryone that has been in the punk rock scenefor 20+ years has been more than willing tohelp us get a leg up. We have been workingso hard at this, and it seems like everyone iscatching on.”CMB: You mentioned somepretty impressive names on yourFacebook page that you’ve shared

the stage with.JR: “Well, it’s hard to say for all of us, but wehave gotten lucky enough to share the stagewith Teenage Bottlerocket several timesand that has meant a lot to us. When I was 13 Isaw TBR at a small venue in Fort Collins calledThe Starlight at the time. They were a blast, andone of the many bands that have influenced us.So becoming friends with them and getting toplay on the same stage is always a good time.And I guess opening for Descendents andgetting to sing “I Wanna be a Bear” with themwasn’t too bad either . . .”CMB: What do you guys havecoming up?JR: We are releasing our first album, self-titled,on February 9, 2013. It will be on iTunes, but ifpeople can find a way to steal it, all the better!We will be playing an album-release show inour hometown of Fort Collins, CO, on February16 at The Art Lab, and everyone that gets ingets a free copy of the album SO BE THERE!!Their songs “Greatest Felony” and “Deadbeat”are available online.Online: facebook.com/headinjuries

February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 25

Cervantes 10th Anniversaryby Joel CenterJCenter@coloradomusicbuzz.comCervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom has been a staple in the Colorado music scene fornearly ten years now, and on January 18 and 19, they plan to throw a celebration of that fact.Cervantes and its complimentary venue The Other Side (formerly Quixote’s) have, sincetheir conception, been a priceless asset to the Denver music scene. Formerly owned by anenthusiastic deadhead named Jay Bianchi, the door-to-door venues earned a reputation asone of the hottest places in town to see some live jam bands. The bar was stocked, the rules werelax, and everyone in attendance was guaranteed a great time.Years of raucous success had taken itstoll on Cervantes and Quixotes; furniturehad become torn and unbelievably putrid,the sound system picked up the habitof releasing gut- wrenching whines andmoans that no speaker should ever haveto endure, and the deadheadatmospherewas losing relativity amongst the youth. At the beginning of 2010, Bianchi sold the venues toScottMorrill and Duncan Goodman who completely revamped the place. A new, modern soundsystem was put in, most of the ratty old furniture was thrown away and replaced, the psychedelicwalls were exchanged for a more minimalist style, the name Quixote’s was tossed in favor of TheOther Side, and suddenly a new genre could be heard pumping out of the property most nights ofthe week: Electronica.Since the change in ownership, Cervantes has earned back its former reputation as one of thehottest places to be in Denver. They have ebbed and flowed with the electronica craze withuncanny intuition and just the right amount of professionalism. Now, just because they are one ofthe first venues to come out of the mouth of your typical electronica fanatic doesn’t mean they don’tstill book a decent variety of musical styles. Almost as if to prove this to the critics, they booked aband for their tenth anniversary weekend that has been an integral part of not only the Cervantesscene, but the Colorado music scene: the Motet.The Motet has been around since before Cervantes, and has taken the stage there dozens oftimes. As they prepare to do so again this weekend, they will have some surprises to unleashon their fans. On Friday the 18th, the Will Bernard Trio will be opening with Will Bernardhimself sitting in with the Motet on the guitar. On Saturday the 19th, Chicago’s groovy funkadellicZeppelin cover bandAfroZep will be opening the night, and the Motet will be welcoming backtheir old tenor sax player gone superstar,Big Gigantic’sDominic Lalli. Even if you’ve neverexperienced everything Cervantes has to offer, there is no better time to start than this weekend’stenth anniversary show. Events like these always sell out in advance, so get your ticket stat!

Fierce Bad Rabbit-Reviewby Hannah LintnerHLintner@coloradomusicbuzz.comFierce Bad Rabbit released their newalbum, The Maestro and the Elephant,on New Year’s Eve at Hodi’s Half Note.Before the show, the band celebratedtheir success with friends and family at theOpiate Gallery in Fort Collins. Followingan array of heartfelt toasts, the entire band,along with talented album artist SusannaDominguez, signed a large print of thealbum art to be auctioned off later at the show.The album, completed in September, relied onthe support of many dedicated fans. With theassistance of 165 donors, the band’s Kickstartercampaign exceeded their goal of $10,000required to finish producing the album.Colorado artists Dear Rabbit andPep*Squad joined in the celebration of theNew Year, the success of friends, and FortCollins’ collective love for local music. DearRabbit, a solo project belonging to artistRenceLiam, uses trumpet, guitar, and accordion inhis experimental, avant-garde folk songs. Theconstant switching of instruments contributes toa grand sense of movement onstage. The songsbuild up slowly, demanding the audience’scaptive attention. The gypsy punk old-fashionedblues are perfect late-night drunken ballads. Inabsolute contrast to Dear Rabbit’s singularity,Pep*Squad formed a crowd upon the stage.Donning neon shades, lots of sparkles, anddark sunglasses, Fort Collins artists came

together to produce a project unlike most.Bassist Brett Schreiber gathered togetherErin McGraw to play guitar, Sean Speerfor drums, and Cody Witsken, who playsthe keys.Devon Parker andAlana Rolfeadded vocals and tambourine. Schreiber,Speer, and Rolfe also play together in the localband Stella Luce. After a hiatus of over ayear, the band brought back their purely fun,dance-pop music. Absolutely impossible not tomove to, Pep*Squad’s high energy contributesto a fantastically fun live show.Band members Chris Anderson, AlanaRolfe, Dayton Hicks, and MaxBarcelow display their unquestionedtalent in their new songs. The band’s secondfull-length album, The Maestro and theElephant, illuminates the obvious growth thatthe musicians have made. In this new album,Fierce Bad Rabbit effectively maintains theirpop folk aura while still managing to developnew aspects in their music. While the songsgive the impression of being more composed,the band explores a wide range of independentmusical styles. “When All You Got Is Worry…Let Go” is particularly upbeat, as whistlingtunes contribute to an incredibly playful focus inthe pop rock song. The band experiments witha more southern folk element in “Better Days,”a simplistic song focusing on an elegant blendof harmonies. “Time Machine,” which wasintroduced to the public at the band’s set duringNew West Fest, embodies FBR’s classicact of entrancing their audience with passion.Absolutely striking lyricism and an effectivebalance of energy contributes to the brillianceof The Maestro and the Elephant.

WinterWonderGrassCRAZY MOUNTAIN BREWERY TO HOST BLUEGRASS AND BREW EVENTThe first annual WinterWonderGrass festival is coming to the Vail Valley on February 16and 17, 2013. Mixing the finest ingredients of the Colorado lifestyle and delivering a batch to ourglobal winter audience and local music enthusiasts. Lively regional, national, and local bluegrass,craft beers, warm BBQ and local food will surround locals and Vail’s experience-seeking guests ina Winter Wonderland. This intimate gathering will focus on sustainability, community business, andsupport of the arts. Crazy Mountain Brewery plays host to this year’s festival, offering thebackdrop of the beautiful New York Mountain Range.

The festival will be hosting different local Colorado breweries for beer tastings, a main stage andacoustic side stage for the bluegrass jams, and local food vendors, brands and businesses.The first headlining act has been announced as the Infamous StringDusters who arecurrently making waves on the bluegrass scene around the country. Additional artists include;Grant Farm (acoustic),MilkDrive,Drunken Hearts,State Bridge All Stars,OloraBrothers, Old Town Pickers, and She Said String Band. A full list of confirmed actswill follow, as well as two more headliners who will be announced in the next two weeks. The finalWinterWonderGrass lineup will total over 15 bands and 7 breweries over 2 days.Ticket prices are kicking off for a limited time with a discounted price of $50 for a two-day festivalin celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vail Mountain. Once the discounted tickets are sold out, theticket price will have another round of limited sales at $62 to appreciate the year that Vail Mountainwas opened in 1962.The advanced festival ticket price will include a two-day ticket as well as beer tastings and acommemorative festival beer mug.Online:winterwondergrass.com

February 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com 31

Glossary, w/The Maykit, the Lollygags, Wed, 2/6, Doors 8:30 PM •21 and over • Hi-Dive, DenverLeghounds, w/ Leung & The Wreck, North Side Tragedy, Slanted Jack,Wed 2/06 , Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, This event is 21 andover, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverEnslaved with Pallbearer / Royal Thunder / Ancient Vvisdom, Wed,Feb 6th Marquis Theater, DenverBENEFIT CONCERT for the African Community Center of Denver: featRobby Schechter & the Motion Detectors w/Technicolor Tone Factory,The Beer Truck Trio, Grooved Shoulder, Thur 2/07, Doors: 7:00 pm /Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverBroadway Calls & Red City Radio with Silver Snakes / St. Fall Apart,Thur, 2/7, Marquis Theater, DenverVance Romance and the Bluebirds w/Nomad Scientist, Sunsquabi, DjDioxin, Crashopper, Thu, 2/7 Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COColorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present:Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Bop Skizzum, Straight OuttaLuck and Bound By Karma, Fri 2/8, Lava Room, Central City COIllegal Pete’s, Twist & Shout and Radio 1190 Present: The Photo AtlasCD Release w/The Epilogues, In the Whale, New Lungs, Fri, 2/8,Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COThe Growlers with Bad Weather California / Dirty Few, Fri, 2/8,Marquis Theater, DenverBEST OF THE WEST 4 ~ PRELIM #12 feat. Monoco, Clara Finn, TheCampfire Vendetta, Portobello Road, Davey & Kit, Fri 2/08, Doors:7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverGraveyard w/The Shrine, Fri, 2/8, Show 9:00 PM • All Ages • TheGothic Theatre, EnglewoodColorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present:Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Qbala, Ashfield, and EZ andRolphy, Sat 2/9, Lava Room, Central City COAEG Presents: An Evening with Emilie Autumn, Sat, 2/9, Show 8:00PM • All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, EnglewoodTour De Force: Raashan Ahmad with Coolzey / 3Two / An Hobbes,Sat, 2/9, Marquis Theater, DenverValentine’s Date Night!!! Feat. Hazel Miller Band w/Chris Daniels & theKings, The Humbuckers, Sat 2/09, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 7:30 pm,Herman’s Hideaway, Denver COHoly Underground and Radio 1190 Present: Flashlights, South ofFrance, Shady Elders, Sat, 2/9, Doors 9:00 PM • 18 and over •Hi-Dive, Denver COTwin Peaks w/School Knights, Wild High, Sun, 2/10, Doors 8:30PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COIllegal Pete’s, Twist & Shout and Radio 1190 Present: Ty Segallw/Thee Dang Dangs, Tue, 2/12 Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over •Hi-Dive, Denver COFuel/Friends Blog presents: Night Beds, Wed, 2/13, Doors 8:30PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COJahni Denver’s Hip Hop Wednesday! w/ JAHNI DENVER, RawBee,Turner Jackson, Hyp-Hop Sells, Cay La Vie, CollieRAD, King Muse,J.ILL, Unspoken Records, DJ Stretch Wed 2/13, Doors: 7:00 pm /Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver COHerman’s Hideaway Valentines Day Soiree! Feat. DJ Cavem, w/Wandering Monks, LAMA Live, Travellers Music, Sid Madrid, ElusiveThu 2/14, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway,Denver COThe Rouge with Take to the Oars / War Over Water, Thur, 2/14,Marquis Theater, DenverIllegal Pete’s Presents: Bonnie and the Beard’s “MasqueradeCarnival” w/the Raven and the Writing Desk, Champagne Charlie,Thur, 2/14, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COColorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present:Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Lama Live, Medic and FujitaScale, Fri 2/15, Lava Room, Central City CO

Illegal Pete’s and Radio 1190 Presents: Snake Rattle Rattle Snakew/Prism Waves, Pale Sun, Fri, 2/15, Doors 9:00 PM • 21 andover • Hi-Dive, Denver COTurisas w/ Firewind / Stolen Babies, Fri, 2/15 , Marquis Theater,DenverBEST OF THE WEST 4 ~ PRELIM #13 feat. Whiskey Tango, Jamesand the Devil, Thief River, We’s Us, Vine Street Vibes, Fri 2/15,Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, Denver COColorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present:Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Brittany Devens, The EchoChamber and Lionized, Sat 2/16, Lava Room, Central City COMOTH CD RELEASE PARTY!! NEW ALBUM “ENDLESSLY INMOTION” feat. MOTH, Iconocaust, Dead For Denver, Cattleist, OneShot One Kill, Sat 2/16, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’sHideaway, Denver COBingo Players w/ Aviva, Sat, 2/16, Show 9:00 PM • The GothicTheatre, EnglewoodMod Sun & Cisco Adler : Road Trippin’ Tour, Sat 2/16, MarquisTheater, DenverRowboat Album Release w/the Big Get Even, Hollow Talk, Sat, 2/16,Doors 9:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COOllie’s Barbershop Presents: Reno Divorce w/A Mouthful of Thunder,Sleeping Weather, Sun, 2/17, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over •Hi-Dive, Denver COOff! w/ Negative Approach / Bad Antics, Sun, Feb 2/17, MarquisTheater, DenverWicked Winterfest, Sun, 2/17, Show 11:00 AM • All Ages • TheGothic Theatre, EnglewoodFree if You Were Born in February! Mark Mann’s 1st Annual FebruaryBirthdays Bash, Mon, 2/18, Doors 7:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COWednesday 13 w/ Calabrese / Cold Blue Rebels, Tue, 2/19, MarquisTheater, DenverTerror & Bane with Backtrack / Code Orange Kids / Cruel Hand, Wed,2/20, Marquis Theater, DenverExtra Koll w/Time, Church Fire, Maudlin Magpie, Dash Render, Wed2/20, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverRadio 1190 Presents: The Ruby Suns w/Tommy Metzl, Wed, 2/20Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COIllegal Pete’s Presents: Sweet Tooth Meat Tooth = Gold Tooth “ A SockHop Benefit”, Thur, 2/21, Doors 8:30 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive,Denver COFlint Forehead, w/S-Train, Will Kilduff & Friends (frmly: Hot CheezeSoup), The Jacob Cade Project, Thu 2/21, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show:7:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverRival Sons w/ Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Thur, 2/21, MarquisTheater, DenverColorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present:Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Portobello Road, The SoundJunkies and Nikki Z Band, Fri 2/22, Lava Room, Central City CO10 Years with Young Guns / Inelements, Fri, 2/22, Marquis Theater,DenverBEST OF THE WEST 4 ~ PRELIM #14 feat. Places, Robby Schechter& the Motion Detectors, Adison Harvest, Robert Harrison and theOutsiders, Aaron Hart, Fri 2/22, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm,Herman’s Hideaway, DenverHannah Georgas w/Desert Noises, Sarah Slaton, Fri, 2/22, Doors8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COColorado Music Buzz Magazine and Reserve Casino Hotel Present:Bandwagon 4 Battle of the Bands, feat. Chayne Clouds w/ #GSS,Strip The Stars and Driftin Suns, Sat 2/23 , Lava Room, Central CityCOAndy Hackbarth Album Release, Kyle James Hauser, Sat, 2/23,Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COMTHDS w/P-Nuckle, Kingman Brewster, Vox De Ville, V.O.C.A.B. w/Dings n Cos, Sat 2/23, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’sHideaway, Denver CO

Coupstick (VIDEO RELEASE) w/Sudden Uproar, Glen The Robot,Adverse To The End, Sat, February 23, Show 9:00 PM • AllAges • The Gothic Theatre, EnglewoodNatty Vibes with Green River Vibe / In Due Time, Sat, 2/23, MarquisTheater, DenverHour 13 w/Hot Apostles, Red Tide Rising, Burn The Gallows,Model Citizen, Torked, Sun 2/24, Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 6:30 pm,Herman’s Hideaway, Denver COthe Reckless Nights - “the Return of Rick!”, Sun, 2/24, Doors 8:30PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COMoody Mondays w/ Guest DJs Vin Camparetto and Josh Stratton(playing 70s punk), Mon, 2/25 • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COMaserati w/Doubters, The Echo Chamber, Tue, 2/26, Doors 8:30PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COUNIQUE & THE MIDWEST FAMILY PRESENT: THE OFFICIAL420 UP IN SMOKE FUNDRAISER! Feat. Lex Luana, w/T-Ballin &D-Money, ClutchTime, Jb (Elite), Emmett Collins, Mr Churchill, E &D-Man (fypa), K-Money, Sepremo (Fetti Gang), Tue 2/26, Doors: 7:00pm / Show: 8:00 pm, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverThe Ready Set & Outasight, Tue, 2/26, Marquis Theater, DenverFRESH & PAID ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS: feat. Ras Kass,Hosted By: DJ Woogie Fresh, GeedUp, ThaNumberTwo, Nasa-VictorySmoke, Tre-Substance Abuse, Royal Blue, Mr Verbal, 420 Preck,Wed 2/27, Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 8:30 pm, Herman’s Hideaway,DenverAbi Robins “Album Release Party” w/Brave Song Circle, Sean Renner,Wed, 2/27, Doors 8:00 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CORadio 1190 Presents: BRONCHO w/ Hindershot, The Blind Pets,Thur, 2/28, Doors 8:30 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CODENVER HEAVY METAL SOCIETY PRESENTS “BEAST FEAST”feat. Black Lambw/ The Xiphoid Process, legion of death, CarnivorousGreed, Wyvern Spire, Thu 2/28Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm,Herman’s Hideaway, DenverAim2MIss Album Release Show with Anaveil, Thur, 2/28, MarquisTheater, DenverDefile The Pure w/The Blackouts, Wanker, Ryan Chrys & Friends (ofDemon Funkies), Quadrosonic, Fri 3/01, Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 7:30pm, Herman’s Hideaway, DenverItchy-O and Munly & the Lupercalians with Special Guests, Fri, 3/1,Marquis Theater, DenverSpeedwolf w/Warhawk, Dirty Few, Fri, 3/1, Doors 9:00 PM • 21 andover • Hi-Dive, Denver COBlack Lamb w/Throttlebomb (CD Release), Red Stinger, Sat, 3/2,Doors 9:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver COThe Summer Set with We Are the In Crowd / Go Radio, Sat, 3/2,Marquis Theater, Denver88.5 FM / 1390 AM KGNU presents: Israel Vibration w/Ras MarcusBenjamin and The Nyabinghi Warriors, Sat, 3/2, Show 9:00 PM •All Ages • The Gothic Theatre, EnglewoodSecondhand Serenade with Alex Goot, Sun , 3/3, Marquis Theater,DenverSumerian Records Battle Of The Bands, Mon, 3/4, Marquis Theater,DenverWake Owl, Mon, 3/4, Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive,Denver COThe Lovely Bad Things w/Denny and the Jets, Tue, 3/5, Doors 8:30PM • Hi-Dive, Denver COThe Air I Breathe & Capture The Crown with Famous Last Words /This Romantic Tragedy / Forty Fathoms / Ice Nine Kills, Tue, 3/5,Marquis Theater, DenverIvan & Aloysha w/The Lone Bellow, Dana Falconberry, Wed, 3/6,Doors 8:00 PM • 21 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CORadio 1190 Presents: Psychic Ills w/Blues Control, FÖLLAKZOID,Thur, 3/7, Doors 8:30 PM • 18 and over • Hi-Dive, Denver CO