Category: The Rundown

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Danae Simone: Soul In The Summer

If you have kept your ear to Colorado’s urban  music scene these past few months, the name Danae Simone should ring a bell. Colorado artists consistently state that, “This summer will be my summer”, but their actions never live up to their words. On the flip side, Danae Simone took the high road, letting her talent speak for itself. The songstress has elevated her vocal abilities to levels higher than her critics thought they could go.

Early on in her musical career, Danae sounded beautiful yet timid. Like a person who had all the tools to succeed, but was afraid to capture the dream that was right in front of their face. Her voice crackled and fluctuated, unsure of what notes she needed to hit in order to perfect her sound.

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Originally going by Danae Avery, she sounded like a bright eyed youngster, innocent, and ready to conquer everything the world threw at her. Her melodies about romance, enjoying life, and having a great time, were catchy and appealed to a younger demographic. They were songs young people could vibe to when school let out. However, those early songs did not have the same lasting effect that some of her fellow peers in the Denver music scene had achieved.

Determined to prove her worth, she began developing her voice in 2012 more than ever before. Working with a vocal coach to expand her singing abilities and help strengthen her vocal cords, she eventually became more serious about her craft. Danae would drop a feature here and there but for the most part she remained rather silent on the music scene for some time.

Then something happened in her personal life. Betrayal and hurt from family members, college wasn’t going as she had hoped, and the love of her life (or so she thought) broke her heart. All of these events, virtually happening  in unison, took Danae to places she never thought she could go emotionally.

When a hero is faced with a difficult obstacle, they can either lay down and accept defeat or rise up and fight.  Danae Chose to fight, and battle her adversities through her music.

When 2014  hit, listeners witnessed a new and improved Danae. No longer going by Danae Avery, the songstress now went by the name Danae Simone. She set out to prove to the masses that she became better and to show her critics that her musical abilities had improved exponentially. On her song “No Good”, she gave listeners chills. It was her ballad to her secret lover about how she wanted to leave her current relationship for the flame she has had a private affair with. In the song, gone was the voice of the young girl who just wanted people to hear her music. What arrived was a woman who demanded respect, and who wanted people to know that her story could relate to anyone. She thus began advancing her claim of becoming one of the best young vocalists in the state.

When summer 2014 arrived, Simone came in with a new focus, domination. First teaming up with Colorado emcee Trayce Chapman, for the sensual song “Moan”.

Another track she lends her talent to is, “F**k That N*gga”, by A’Dula. An ode to young ladies not waste their time with males who truly aren’t worth the headache. These two songs set Simone up to be a hit maker in the Summer of 2014. The most interesting observation is that Danae has remained very humble despite her relentless work ethic and increasing popularity.

She also lends her vocals to the likes of KL Tha General, Wes Dawg, and Ray Reed just to name a few.

As Winter is fast approaching, Simone is prepping to release her debut mixtape No Good, which will undoubtedly ease her fans demand for more music. Listeners will finally get a chance to delve into her story through her music. You can expect her to deliver ballads that’ll speak to your soul, and cadences that will open up dreams and possibilities that one can’t even fathom. Considering the features she has been handing out lately, the guest appearances on her first full length project will be something to look forward to.

Danae Simone has the potential to truly be a force if she continues on the road she has been placed on. She can also be a role model to many young women in her same position. She is far from being the A-typical R & B singer, yet she embraces her beauty and plays it into her personality, which will ultimately contribute to her success as an artist.

Simone is a breath of fresh air, she exalts substance in a genre that desperately needs it. She deserves everything that she has coming her way. Not intent on jumping the gun, she is taking her time, and putting soul in the summer.

 

Connect with Danae Simone: @DuhthatsNae

 

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Blind Man Deaf Boy; Liked by Bald Man Fat Idiot

By Jonathon Winkler

With the whole resurgence of the punk folk thingy going on and all its annoying predictability, Blind Man Deaf Boy is one that stands out among the crowd of this current outdated popular genre littered with ironically mustached front men (remember when mustaches were “real” and “tough”? That was way better than ironic mustaches that currently every jackass has grown on their shitty, herpes infested, upper lip.) 

The most shocking of all about BMDB is that they hail from your very own Denver!  With a sound similar to Gogol Bordello, Animal Collective, some vocals that sound somewhat like Modest Mouse (especially the song “Whiplash”), and the unified crowd-singing that is most notable in shitty Celtic groups like The Pogues, “Dropkick Murphy”, this is a band not to be missed.

Maybe I am talking Blind Man Deaf Boy up a bit too much here, I don’t know. They refer to themselves as “folk violence”, and I can only assume that is because they perform acts of violence towards their folks, which is a terrible and totally unforgivable act. That was a terrible and unforgivable joke, I am sorry. Anyways, the build ups of this “folk violent” band are good and the fast-paced parts reminds me more of great hardcore riffs than punk ones for some reason (more abrasive?). I don’t even know what I am talking about and can’t believe you are still reading this pretentious review.  The only noticeable annoying thing about BMDB is the political/moral preaching in songs like “unite” running through it; which steers up eerie images of everyone holding hands and singing and getting along…yuck.  However, if you pretend that when the band yells “unite”, you think “kill everyone”, it all of sudden becomes a way better song.  This band is worth listening to, but the real question is can these guys drink and party because that is what music is really all about!?  We’ll see… Their next show will be April 2nd  at The Marquis Theater and if the place doesn’t burn down, I don’t get laid, or I don’t piss myself from drinking too much; I will blame these guys and they will forever be labelled as posers in my book…

http://blindmandeafboy.bandcamp.com/

www.facebook.com/BMDBdenver

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Talent Among Us

There is an inescapable smile that invades my face when I see Champ and Hammer, the members of T.A.U. (Talent Among Us). I have a feeling I’m not the only one they effect that way. Something about these guys is so radiant and contagious. When they’re in a room it fills with positive energy. Obviously this vibrancy transcends into their music. All I have to do is press play on one of their songs, and that familiar smile comes around again.

T.A.U. is a dynamic and energetic duo – Champ and Hammer play off of each other’s style so smoothly. After watching them perform there was no doubt in my mind that they have what it takes to make it. My opinion has been co-signed by several others.

Champ plays the role of charming crooner – appealing to the ladies in the crowd with his soulful and seductive vocals. In the next instance, he’s spitting out lines that the fellas can relate to. Then there’s Hammer who epitomizes calm, cool, and collected. The spitter of the two; Hammer owns a quiet confidence, and when united with his raspy tone attention is commanded.

The Mile High City can proudly claim T.A.U.. Born and bred in Denver, Champ and Hammer have been friends since middle school. As a result their flavors congeal on stage making for a seamless performance. T.A.U. has been brewing for years but evolved into a more serious effort when they decided to launch a joint project in 2011, aptly titled “Talent Among Us”.  The title’s undeniable ring morphed into the group’s name. Champ and Hammer found it depictive of their world, their fellow artists, and of course their collaboration. The track dedicated to their name, “T.A.U.” is a feel good banger. The lighthearted and carefree vibe transports me to breezy summer afternoons when there isn’t a worry in the world.

To make good music an artist must pour in a heavy dose of time, energy, and honesty. Sometimes the long hours and hard work don’t garner the recognition they deserve, which Champ and Hammer concur is the most frustrating aspect of making music. However, for T.A.U. the hindrances never outweigh the reward of knowing their product made even one person smile and reflect. As Hammer said, “I want my music to give people goose bumps. I want them to listen to a record and feel obligated to share it with a friend. As long as they are feeling any emotions, I know I am doing my job.”

As you listen to T.A.U it becomes apparent that music is much more than a job. Over Outkast’s “Prototype” beat, their song “Survival” is a proclamation of music being a reward within itself. ”Survival” personifies music as the ideal partner. Hammer flatters harmonies with romantic lyrics, and Champ caresses the melody with sensual vocals. With each of them taking their turn ravishing the song, the result is spell-binding music that leaves you craving more. That’s the mark of quality music – it turns us into addicts always looking for another hit.

Luckily for us, T.A.U. doesn’t have any shortage of supplies; keeping us from withdrawal.  Soundcloud hosts a collection of their product and you can find them under Talent Among Us. I encourage everyone to go get a sample. Then, because I know you’ll be itching for more, find them on Facebook under Talent Among Us and stay updated on their upcoming performances and new endeavors.  The duo will be making some appearances around the metro area soon, lend them your ear and you’ll find your face being invaded by an inescapable smile.

http://talentamongus.co/

https://www.facebook.com/TalentAmongUs

http://twitter.com/TalentAmongUs

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A Colorado Operation

          You can always recognize passionate people. Particularly when you have the opportunity to witness them working within their passion. They are the individuals others are magnetically drawn to. They illuminate rooms with their energy. They walk around with a purpose and a confidence, and everyone wonders; how can I get that? They are the ones with that elusive “it” factor. Spend one moment with the duo Colorado Operations, and their passion will excite you, warm you, and wow you.

Victoria and Napolean Price have an easy interation. Anyone can recognize their comfortability with each other, in conversation or in performance. There is no rivalry, rather they move fluidly as a unit. When their chanting out lines together, there is a cohesion that groups work for years to build. Perhaps, that is because they’ve had literally a lifetime to cultivate it. Not only are the two Buffalo, New York natives group mates, they are siblings. Family first is the motto with Co-Op. Music is their passion, but their relationship as brother and sister is their priority. If music were to ever compromise that relationship, family would win out-hands down. Somehow though, I don’t think that is an obstacle they will ever have to face. Although the pair admits their strong wills cause heads to occassionally butt; mutual respect and a deep-rooted musical connection always realign them. When they grace the stage there is no discord, it is their harmony that shines through.

Victoria a.k.a Queen V a.k.a Rebel Queen possesses such a strong presence. Queen V is a down to earth concoction of humor, intelligence, individuality, style, and grace. All of those elements transcend to the stage when she steps on, along with an undeniable ferocity. She has the fierceness of a hungry artist and the composure of a seasoned performer. The Rebel Queen is blatantly unique, but if I had to draw any comparison it would be to Lauryn Hill. Pause for a moment and let that sink in. Lauryn is arguably the most raw female MC to ever hold a microphone. Rarely does an artist come along with her kind of precision, articulation, and delivery. However, Victoria Price exhibits all those qualities in potent levels.

There is a sweet humility yet mischeviously confident air to Napolean or “Po” as he is sometimes called. On and off the stage he exudes a playful yet refined demeanor. Lyrically he is energetic and witty, and contributes a charismatic electricity to Colorado Operations’ music. As he recites his verses there is a contagious vibrance he spreads to the audience. I c0uldn’t resist getting on my feet and shouting out to their Colorado anthem “C-O” along with him, just to share in a bit of that hype. That ability is what seperates average rappers from exceptional ones. Napolean’s relatability and infectious energy, defines him as an exceptional artist.

Colorado Operations has a charming quality about them. They’re so laid-back, anyone could leave a conversation with the two feeling like you’ve known them for years. Musically, they’re so passionate you can’t help but to respect, appreciate, and endorse what their doing. Of course, that determined grind is driving them into several other endeavors. You can expect a future collaboration with local fashion designers; that will emblazon t-shirts with various Colorado Operations’ logos (they’re looking dope).  On July 26th,Co-Op is set to have a mixtape release party for “The Real”  at the Hi-Dive in Denver. Be there. I guarantee you’ll leave with Colorado Operations on your brain, and their mixtape in your CD player. In the meantime, check them out on Facebook: Co-Op (Colorado Operations), and get a sample of some of their music at:  http://callmequeen.bandcamp.com/album/the-real

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Heal My Heart Cope

On a frigid January evening, with the purple shadows of the Rocky Mountains encompassing me; I entered a small basement in Breckenridge. Anticipation overcame me as my ears eagerly waited to devour the tones of Citizen Cope. There were no seats in the little room and I had the privilege of standing right next to the mic. I was so close, when Cope took his rightful place behind the microphone, acoustic guitar in tow; I could feel the energy vibrating off of him. It seemed fitting that he was so high on a cocktail of who knows what drugs. His music is like a narcotic, the hard ones, that addict you after the first hit. I’m not the only one he effects this way, when his gritty raw melodies wafted out into the crowd…there was not one person who didn’t become entranced. With Citizen, you can tell music is honestly his most powerful dependence. The vice that has helped him endure the stories he depicts. Tales of pain, enlightenment, love, sorrow, exuberance, and depression. Tales that are to vibrantly real to be myths. You’ve probably heard Cope before without knowing. He’s not an artist cut from the mainstream cloth(hence why Cope records and produces for his own label, Rainwater Recordings) but many of his songs have drifted into pop culture’s arena. “Let the Drummer Kick”, seems to be the song that received the most recognition, having been featured on several soundtracks and even commercials. However, Cope’s aresnal is loaded with musical artillery. “Sideways” knocked me off my feet, my family found it during a dark period when we were attempting to cope with the loss of a family member. Nothing, resonated more with me in those dim moments than that song. His voice, was the physical representation of the pain we felt. The heartache he conveyed, carried the healing I was seeking. Through that song, I felt understood; without even having to speak. That was the beginning of my dependence on Citizen Cope, now deeply ingrained in me. Now, I go to Cope when I’m sad, when I’m frustrated, when I’m in need of liberation; and he converses with me. I take my emotions to him and he funnels my feelings through the siphon that is his penetrating vocal power. Never, has there been a time I didn’t leave Citizen Cope feeling better than when I came to him. It’s the kind of unlimited understanding that is reliable, Cope’s lyrical versatility has a malleability able to maintain relevance. So no matter how your feeling, Citizen has the tune to match your mood, and soothe whatever ails you. I suggest you plan a meeting with him soon, and I’m sure it won’t take long for you to develop the same kind of dependence on his musical medicine as I have.