Author: Evan Taylor

I book and manage bands, write, do research, play guitar, and frequently attend concerts.
Posted on

20 Colorado Bands You Need To Know

Denver, Colorado is no doubt the largest music hub along the Front Range, but now with tons of music pouring out of every corner of the state, Colorado as a whole is on the radar of talent buyers and record label executives across the country. With the multitude of bands popping up around town, we wanted to give you a little direction when it comes to finding new music from the box state. Below (in no specific order), are a few Colorado bands we think you should know AND Support.

 

A Band In Pictures

Latest Project: Who Killed The Dinosaurs

Twitter: @ABandinPictures

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/abandinpictures

Notable Song: “Recess”

Why you need to know him: Chances are that if you dont know who these guys are yet than you aren’t into the Denver music scene. They have been building a reputation around town as a noise-filled concoction of heavy delays, cathedral style reverb, groovy guitar harmonies, and soaring vocals. Think Radiohead mating with Deerhunter while having an affair with Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective. Hands down my favorite Denver band right now..

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Dirty Few

Latest Project: Get Loose Have Fun

Twitter: n/a

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Few/141686952614269

Notable song: “You Want Me”

Why you need to know them: These guys party hard and rock even harder. Their shows generally involve lots of drinking, illegal fireworks, mosh pits, and more drinking. What more needs to be said?

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

In The Whale

Latest Project: Nate

Twitter: @InTheWhale

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/inthewhale

Notable song: “Heels”

Why you need to know them: These dudes are a no frills, in your face, two-piece rock and roll band. If Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby it would be In the Whale. Heavy, distorted, loud, and occasionally on the brink of metal, old school rock and roll.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Inner Oceans

Latest Project: n/a

Twitter: @InnerOceans

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/Inneroceans

Notable song: “Ready Your Ghost”
Why you need to know them: A band that all of Denver seems to be talking about lately, Inner Oceans only have three released songs but have already played SXSW and Red Rocks. Their sound is full of ambient synthesizers, dream pop vocals and guitar licks that put this band in a league of their own.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

South Of France

Latest Project: Another Boring Sunrise

Twitter: @s_o_f_music

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/southoffrance

Notable song: “Tribeca”

Why you need to know them: Colorado’s indie-pop scene has been transformed by the happy-go-lucky music of South of France. The way Jeff Cormack and Kelly Lueke battle for lead vocalist keeps every song interesting and new. If you like sad music this band isn’t for you, but if you enjoy life and whimsical tunes than you need to check this band out.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Sunboy

Latest Project: n/a

Twitter: @sunboy_tw

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/snby.net

Notable song: “Highway Screamin'”

Why you need to know them: Only one year in the making, Sunboy burst onto the Denver scene sprinting, having already played some of the best venues in town with plans to keep that streak going. The music is full of psychedelic synthesizers, soaring vocals, enchanting sound effects, and glistening electric guitars. In my opinion, they are Denver’s own Tame Impala so expect big things from these guys.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Wild High

Latest Project: SDREAMS

Twitter: n/a

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/WildHighBand

Notable song: “Tidal”

Why you need to know them: A four-piece rock & roll band, Wild High holds nothing back as they smack you in the face with crunchy guitars riffs, trippy vocals, and incredible bass lines. It’s astounding to see how well composed and together these guys are on stage when you factor in that they have only had their current lineup for one year.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Codec

Latest Project: Horizontime

Twitter: @CodecBand

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/codecband

Notable song: “Sunlight”

Why you need to know them: Something about Codec brings back childhood memories and visions of the future all in one riff. Road trips through the mountains and images of a post-armageddon Earth are what come to mind. They guys are what “music evoking thought” is all about.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Ark Life

Latest Project: The Dream of You & Me

Twitter: @ArkLifeMusic

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/ArkLifeMusic

Notable song: “What You Want To”

Why you need to know them: Ark Life has been blowing up in the CO music scene as of late, and for good reason. They bring a new refreshing sound, full of catchy tunes and soulful vocals.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Rachel And The Kings

Latest Project: Tonic

Twitter: @rat_kings

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/RachelandTheKings

Notable song: “Not Giving Up”

Why you need to know them: Progression is the key to success, and Rachel & the Kings have managed to maintain their momentum throughout the past few years. Back in 2012 they won Ford’s Gimme The Gig contest which afforded them the opportunity to record with Grammy winning producer Don Was.

Free Music Player for Myspace at ReverbNation.com

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

The Epilouges

Latest Project: Cinematics

Twitter: @theepilogues

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/theepiloguesband

Notable song: “Hunting Season”

Why you need to know them: It doesn’t matter whether the Epilogues are on stage or on vinyl, their sound is practically flawless. When you see their name on the marquee, you know it’s going to be a show you won’t forget. These dudes rock!

Free music player widget at ReverbNation.com

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

You Me & Apollo

Latest Project: Sweet Honey

Twitter: @youmeandapollo

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/YouMeandApollo

Notable song: “Before I Die”

Why you need to know them: Hitting play on one of You Me & Apollo’s songs for the first time will have you scouring through their music catalog looking for more hits.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Chemistry Club

Latest Project: Danger (EP)

Twitter: @chemclubmusic

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/chemistryclubmusic

Notable song: “Navigator”

Why you need to know them: When these guys are playing on your campus, you don’t just pass them by. You stop, your body starts moving to the rhythm, and you forget you’re running  late to class. Just one more song!

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Navy

Latest Project: Spirit Groove

Twitter: @navytheband

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/navytheband

Notable song: “Dangerous Love”

Why you need to know them: You might know Navy’s drummer from his former collective, Churchill. Regardless of whether you do or don’t, this new contingent, made up of  Dan Craig, Joe Richmond, and Nathan Meese know how to rock a damn crowd. Their stage presence demands every patrons full and undivided attention from every ounce of their consciousness. Seeing them live is a must.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Mosey West

Latest Project: Bermuda

Twitter: @moseywest

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/moseywest

Notable song: “Old Stone”

Why you need to know them: Putting a fresh face on the folk rock movement that surged a couple years back, this three-piece band from Fort Collins can hang with the best of ‘em. You have to be crazy not to enjoy a slide guitar, gravely vocals, and walking bass lines. For best results, listen to this band while drinking whiskey and smoking cigarettes on a porch.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Speedwolf

Latest Project: Ride With Death

Twitter: n/a

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/speedwolf303

Notable song: “Denver666”

Why you need to know them: Everybody needs a little metal music in their life, regardless of if they know it or not and there is no better metal band in all of Colorado than Speedwolf. They have one of the most energy-packed live shows I have ever witnessed and never fail to deliver anything short of a spectacular live performance. With only one album out, they have already toured across America and Europe and show no signs of slowing down. Their sound is a true modern day resurgence of 70s and early 80s metal music.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Rubedo

Latest Project: Love Is The Answer

Twitter: @rubedomusic

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/rubedomusic

Notable song: “My Oh My”

Why you need to know them: An experimental rock-pop group based in Denver, guided by the cosmos, mentored by the Mars Volta’s very own Isaiah Owens; these guys are far from normal but their left-field approach to making music is nothing short of spectacular.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Shady Elders

Latest Project: No Favors (EP)

Twitter: @shadyelders

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/shadyelders

Notable song: “Summer Song”

Why you need to know them: Bringing a refreshing feeling back to the Mile High City with their swelling guitar melodies and airy vocals, Shady Elders are making sure shoegaze is alive and well in Denver. Fox Rodemich’s singing paralyzes you and puts you in a dream like state while vibrato soaked guitars swirl around your brain. Think Beach House but less psychedelic and happier.

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

Rumours Follow

Latest Project: Rumours Follow

Twitter: @RumoursFollow

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/RumoursFollow

Notable song: “Tonight”

Why you need to know them: Rumours Follow just might be that next breakaway band out of Colorado. When you listen to their music, it’s impossible to conjure thoughts of how any single song could have be better than what it is. These guys are either perfectionists or magicians.

Free music player widget at ReverbNation.com

[divider top=”” bottom=””][/divider]

 

??????

Latest Project: ?????????

Twitter: ????????????

Fan Page: ?????????????

Notable song: ?????????????

Why you need to know them: ?????????????????

 

 

We’ll be adding the last band to this list at the end of the month. Who do you think it should be? Who do people need to know?

Posted on

Standout CO Artists From SXSW 2014

 

Hillary Hand

 

Playing as a solo/duo act from Colorado Springs, Hillary Hand was featured in four unofficial showcases this year at SXSW, including shows at the 512, Shanga-Li, and the Chuggin’ Monkey. This year was the first time the group has had the opportunity to travel to Austin for the festival but they played with such ease and confidence that it seemed like Austin was a second home. Hillary’s soaring vocals are reminiscent of Adele’s 21 album, with traces of Fiona Apple. Coupled with her lyrics of love and loves’ lost and Hillary Hand is impossible to ignore. Two of her showcases featured a drummer/guitar player that brought an elegant edge to the sound; filling out shallow parts of each song and setting a rhythm to dance along to. Hillary Hand is a must-see so keep an eye out for shows around Denver this Spring.

 

Rose Quartz

 

Formally know as FLASH/LIGHTS, Rose Quartz made their way down to Austin with a few of their friends from Holy Underground. This was the first year that Holy Underground has had the pleasure of hosting an official SXSW showcase and they rocked the Speakeasy Kabaret. Ethan and Alex, the two members of Rose Quartz, lay down an electro-drum beat, get the crowd moving and wowed every audience they played for. The unforgettable combination of Alex’s electro-pop beats combined with Ethan’s luscious vocal melodies make it impossible to stand still. With a sound akin to the likes of Cut Copy and Holy Ghost!, it’s no wonder that every concert hall they played was packed to capacity. Catch them live here in Denver either at Snowball or at the Bluebird opening for !!!.

 

Welcome to the D.O.P.E. Game

 

Representing the ever growing Denver HipHop crew Welcome to the D.O.P.E. Game, Turner Jackson, Hustle Man and Tommy Brown performed together in a short but energetic set at the AllHipHop.com official showcase. The set opened with Turner Jackson and Hustle Man’s collaboration “Drink These Shots” off of Jackson’s Black Electric Love album. As the first track faded out Tommy Brown stormed the stage, winning the crowd over with his rapid delivery. The rest of the set consisted of alternating solo verses, ending with a rousing back-and-forth chant of “Welcome to the D.O.P.E. Game!” led by Turner Jackson. The three man set was one of the highlights in a long night of hip hop which wrapped up with an appearance from ASAP Rocky. Seeing the way these three interacted on stage, we can only hope they do another collaborative set in Denver soon.

 

 

Posted on

Holy Underground Is Proving Their Potential

 

The Denver based artist development agency, Holy Underground, is having no problem in keeping up with the demand for new music. In the past few months, they have thrown an official CMJ Music Marathon Showcase in New York with the likes of Hockey and Shy Girls, have added two new amazing artists to the roster: Brothertiger (out of New York) and Inner Oceans, and are about to announce 2 more new artist signings to their HUG Records imprint in the coming months.  Considering the agency is already home to locally renowned acts such as In The Whale, FLASH/LIGHTS, and RUMTUM as well as national acts out of California: Real Magic and StaG, it’s safe to  say that Holy Underground is absolutely killing it.

Holy Underground functions as a one-stop shop for many of their artists since they do artist management, booking, and have their own record label, HUG Records. What else could a band need? Well how about showcase spots at the 2014 SXSW? Four artists from the roster, Brothertiger, FLASH/LIGHTS, StaG and Inner Oceans will be playing for the masses this year, & showing the industry what Denver has to offer. I have no doubt that each group will uphold their reputation. Add on top of that – appearances at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho and it’s clear that Holy Underground’s artists are making some big moves on the national scale.

Considering most of the artists on the Holy Underground roster are from the indie/electronic genre, the firm doesn’t have too much local competition. The Vinefield Agency is another Denver staple that has signed multiple artists in the past year but they tend to deal with clients from the Indie / Alternative Rock scene. Unless someone is crazy enough to take on Holy Underground and their remarkable reputation, I see this company as one that will keep growing to become home to some of the best indie/electronic artists from around the U.S..

 

Posted on

A Band In Pictures: Recess (Single Review)

 

Up-and-coming indie rockers, A Band In Pictures, released their first full-length LP, Who Killed the Dinosaurs, at their sold out New Years Eve show at the Larimer Lounge. Well over a year in the making, their album was funded by the bands very gracious fans through a successful Kickstarter campaign. The first song on the album and the official single “Recess” is one of my personal favorites from the band to date and one that I can see getting the band some serious exposure.

The song starts out with Connor Birch’s very recognizable synth-line, reminiscent of late Animal Collective, that, along with the bass, played by Emerson Murphy, is the driving force behind the entire tune. Jake Supple, lead singer, takes the song to beautiful places with his melodious vocals and self-identifiable shrieks. His voice, drenched in reverb, reminds me a lot of Bradford Cox from Deerhunter. Add on top of this delay-heavy electric guitar from Noah Pfaff and complex, for the genre, drums from Nick Berlin and in my opinion you get one of the best songs to come out of Denver in the past year.

To clear up any confusion you might have, as of this month, the band changed their name slightly from Abandin Pictures to A Band In Pictures. I assume they were tired of explaining how to spell it. To check out more from these talented young guns, you can buy their new album at Twist and Shout and online in due time.