Westword Music Showcase 2005

Me than some no-talent asshole who has a record deal!

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Imagine Denzel with dreadlocks.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Touring and causing mayhem in every city!

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we're affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan

RUBBER PLANET
NOMINATED IN POP
9 P.M., LA RUMBA

Website: www.rubberplanet.net

Personnel:

Silver (lead vox/bass); Vitamin G (guitar); Brice (guitar); Leo7 (drums).

Native or transplant?

Silver and Vitamin G are natives; Brice and Leo 7 are transplants.

What's in a name?

A catchy phrase. Wouldn't life be fun bouncing around on a rubber planet?

When did you form/start performing?

At first, Rubber Planet started performing acoustically in 1999.

Releases/discography:

Just Visiting; Fun With Rubber; Out There; Lovejones; currently recording...

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Fun, good times, rock and roll. People say we sound like: Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick. We like these bands, so we think that's cool.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We will air on Altitude TV starting June 30.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

All the demos we get, which we check out in our va when we're on the road.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

Silver and Leo 7 are golf masters, Brice is a mortgage broker, and Vitamin G is in online sales.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Play more music.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Dealing with music and less BS.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Vitamin G: Jeff Daniels; Leo: Erik Estrada from CHIPS; Silver: Prince; Brice: Robert Downey Jr.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Better off than in the last five.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we pump out some halfhearted pop bullshit just to try to get laid. The truth is we never get laid.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

Silver and Vitamin G have been together since high school.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Elliott Smith, just because Jack Johnson uses the same guitar rhythm for every song.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer is just too much fun.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

I haven't heard of Z-trip, but I just checked it on the web, and he gets my vote.

Football or foosball?

Football. We are old-school Americans.

Parting shot?

"MTV is to music as KFC is to chicken." -- Lewis Black

RACHEL SIMRING
NOMINATED IN SINGER/SONGWRITER
5 P.M., SERENGETI DOWNSTAIRS

Website: www.rachelsplaypen.com

Personnel:

Rachel's Playpen: I was voted as a solo act, but I DO have three beloved bandmembers who usually accompany me: Danny G, Brad Weaver and David Derby.

Native or transplant?

I am a transplant, though i don't have transplants.

What's in a name?

This probably doesn't apply, since I was nominated by my full, real name. I do know, however, that "Rachel" means "little lamb." Baa, baa.

When did you form/start performing?

My mom said I was singing to an audience of neighbors as early as four, swinging on the swingset in our Florida neighborhood -- but I really started officially singing in this kind of outfit back in college, many a year ago.

Releases/discography:

Rachel and Andy: So Much Left to Say; Rachel's Playpen: Everything That Was.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

My songwriting style is like Sheryl Crow's, though I long to be able to write a song like Bob Schneider. Vocally, I'm often compared to Johnette Napolitano from Concrete Blonde.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Thoroughly getting rid of all the negative people in my life, who disguised themselves as friends. I even have a song about doing just that called "Black Cloud."

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

The Beatles, Johnette Napolitano, Prince...so many more. Mostly those who play numerous instruments or have mastered the art of singing and songwriting. On a local level, I am impacted and amazed by John Common and a more inconspicuous guy named Dave Shapiro.

How do you pay the bills? What is your day job?

I have my own business of bringing an elementary Spanish program to schools in the metro Denver area. This music stuff is merely a hobby for me, which is good, 'cause it keeps me from being competitive, insecure and unrealistic about it. It is not how I make my living, nor is it a factor in determining my self-worth.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Have a much bigger house. And in that house, I'd play more music (because I wouldn't have to teach as much), and I'd have more dogs, more time to spend with friends and family, and I'd definitely have many, many more shoes.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

On a beach in California with my boyfriend.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Me, of course. Everyone always tells me I should have been an actress. Either that, or Angie Harmon, though she'd have to gain some serious weight to even remotely look like me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Married, with a couple of kids, living in a modest Denver home, still teaching Spanish and making music on the side.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

People who are wrapped up in this music scene tend to erroneously think that everybody is the same way. While music is definitely important to me, I strictly do this as a hobby. I have much bigger fish to fry than to worry about getting into so-and-so venue or losing sleep over getting or not getting a certain gig.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

All of my clothes are arranged in my closet by color. I have a file for almost everything. Things around me have to be lined up neatly or I'll obsess about it until I straighten them out, and I have got to wash my feet in the tub before I climb into bed at night.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Elliott Smith.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Neither.

Football or foosball?

Neither. Baseball's where it's at.

SPIV
NOMINATED IN POP
4 P.M., LA RUMBA Website: www.spiv.org (We’ll get the .com as soon as we turn a profit.)

Personnel:

Chris Barber (lead vocals and guitar); Ryan Hensen (guitar); Brad Barber (drums); Paul Lanier (bass).

Native or transplants?

Transplants.

What’s in a name?

A Spiv is a British slang for “one who uses their wits to avoid a real job.”

When did you form/start performing?

Spiv formed in 1997. I’ve been performing since I was eight.

Releases/discography:

Seedy Release (1997); By Definition (1999); Junior (2000); Everybody’s a Rock Star Tonight (2001); Don’tcha Know (2003).

Who or what do you think you sound like?

I thought I sang like the guy from the Killers, until I heard the Killers. Then I had to change it up so people didn’t think I was lifting their act. Other people say Blur, Weezer, Big Star, Paul McCartney and Cheap Trick with Queen overtones.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Our drummer recently underwent brain surgery and survived.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Jesus Christ Superstar, Physical Graffiti (Led Zeppelin); The Who Box Set, Elvis’s Sun Sessions, U2’s Under a Blood Red Sky, Spinal Tap’s “Black Album”; Queen’s Flash Gordon soundtrack, and 99.5 FM/The Mountain’s Homegrown series!!!

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Ludwig Van Beethoven, Elvis, Joe Strummer, Johnny Cash, the Who, Neil Diamond, Monet, Van Gogh, Ray Davies, the Smiths.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

I am an ordained reverend (churchofrockandroll.com), and I recently started www.colfaxavenue.com with my wife, Anistacia.

Finish this sentence: If I didn’t have to worry about money, I’d . . .

Help as many people as I could to do what brings them happiness.

Finish this sentence: I’d rather be . . .

Making whoopee.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Nicolas Cage.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In the mirror.

What’s the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we’re a band.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

The band’s tour van, the Stevie Ray Van, is on its third engine and has over 500,000 miles on the body.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Elliott. No contest.

Weezer or Winger?

Ween.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

ZZZZZZZ . . .

Football or foosball?

Football.

Parting shot?

We don’t do drive-bys.

STARFUZZ
NOMINATED IN POP
7 P.M., ACOMA CENTER

Website: www.starfuzzband.com

Personnel:

Josh Skelton, Ryan Countryman, Jared Schiltz and Curtis Durham.

Native or transplant?

Jared was born and raised in Ft. Collins; Ryan came to Denver from Chicago when he was a wee tyke; Curtis is originally from Miami, Florida; and Josh came out from Indiana.

What's in a name?

Starfuzz...it's much better than Stellar Lint.

When did you form/start performing?

Josh and Ryan got together in January 2004; Jared and Curtis came on the following April. We decided to record an album before playing out, so we didn't start playing out regularly until October 2004.

Releases/discography:

You Are Food.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Someone once said Remy Zero with John Vanderslice singing. We'd have to agree with that. Also, you'll hear influences of Radiohead, Pavement, Jeff Buckley, the Beatles, and guitar work that evokes late-'60s classic rock. Jared says, "We sound like a square wave with a couple of the harmonics removed."

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We played a show with Denver's very own The Fray at the Gothic Theatre to a sold-out crowd; we were invited to play the People's Fair this year; our album was chosen as one of the top ten local albums by the Denver Post and one of 2004's best by Westword; and we're nominated for best pop band in the 2005 Westword Music Showcase -- all this before we've racked up a year's worth of playing.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

The Bends (Radiohead); Grace (Jeff Buckley); Revolver (The Beatles); Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Wilco); Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Flaming Lips); and, most important, the Wiggles' Cold Spaghetti Western.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Beatles, '60s classic rock, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Weezer, Pavement, MMW, Porcupine Tree, the Pixies, the Smiths, the Shins, Beck, Smashing Pumpkins, Pink Floyd, Rogue Wave, early- U2, early- REM, and the Doors (but not necessarily in that order).

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

Three of us actually work together making stuff that goes into space, while one of us teaches kids how to play Green Day songs on the guitar.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Burn $100 bills with our swell Starfuzz matches. That, or we'd build our own studio, and our jobs five days a week would be to go there and make music.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Reading some choice articles by Dave Herrera in Westword. Ha ha, just kidding. Wait! No, we're not kidding!

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Luke Perry would play Jared; Jason Priestley would play Ryan; and Josh and Curtis would be played by Shannen Doherty and Tori Spelling, respectively.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Recording our fourth or fifth album. Creating music is such a joy, and hopefully we will stick together and do it for years to come.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we are all married to the girls in the Hot House. We asked them to marry us, but they said, "Sorry boys, we are married to the game."

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

We built our on-stage band sign out of two old Lite-Brites.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Winston Smith, actually.

Weezer or Winger?

Did you really just ask that question?

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

ZZ Top?

Football or foosball?

Either one, if we try to play, it's more like fool's ball.

Parting shot?

Camera pans from a shot of the mountains with the sun just setting behind the peaks. The sky is a brilliant pink-orange, and wisps of purple clouds frame the shot...to...the guys of Starfuzz standing on top of an old white and orange VW Microbus, striking ninja poses and grimacing menacingly. Fade to black.

STORYTYME
NOMINATED IN JAM/BLUEGRASS/IMPROV

Website: www.Storytymeband.com

Personnel:

Pete Lewis, Tony Lewis, Phil Lewis.

Native or transplant?

Transplants from Lake Tahoe, NV.

What's in a name?

A name should capture the overall vibe of the music and give some insight into what the band is all about: Storytyme is all about bringing people together and sharing jokes, stories, tall tales about life. Our lyrics tell stories of places we have been, people we've met and the adventures along the way.

When did you form/start performing?

We have been playing together since we were little kids. About five years ago, we decided to make our music the central focus of our lives and go for it full force.

Releases/discography:

Full of Sheet; Songs From the Burl Bar; Comin' In Hot.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Sublime, Primus, the Grateful Dead, Yes.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We have a sponsorship with Boulder Beer, which has led to many different promotional opportunities, including national distribution of our CD sampler in Hazed & Infused twelve-packs.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

40 Oz. to Freedom (Sublime); Back in Black (AC/DC): Californication (Red Hot Chili Peppers); The Wall (Pink Floyd); Led Zeppelin II (Led Zeppelin); Europe '72 (Grateful Dead); Sultans of Swing (Dire Staits); the "White Album" (the Beatles).

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Sublime, Primus, Violent Femmes, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, the Doors, Grateful Dead, J.J. Cale, Hendrix, Dire Straits.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Writing crazy music and playing all over the world.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

There are not many misconceptions that I can think of. We tell people that we are brothers, and sometimes people think we mean "brothers" as in "bros" or just good friends, and not actually brothers with the same last name.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

Our entire family is Welsh. Our parents were the first of both their families to immigrate to America.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Jack Johnson.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Z-Trip.

Football or foosball?

Foosbal, foo.

Parting shot?

Comin' in hot with the kickin' chicken.

STRING CHEESE INCIDENT
NOMINATED IN JAM/BLUEGRASS/IMPROV Website: www.stringcheeseincident.com

Personnel:

Keith Moseley, Michael Travis, Michael Kang, Billy Nershi, Kyle Hollingsworth and Jason Hann.

Native or transplant?

We were not born here, but we all met here and consider Colorado our home.

When did you form/start performing?

1993, Telluride/Crested Butte.

Releases/discography:

Born on the Wrong Planet (1996); A String Cheese Incident (1997); ’Round the Wheel (1998); Carnival ’99 (2000); Outside Inside (2001); On the Road series [too many to list individually] (2002-2005); Untying the Not (2003); One Step Closer (2005).

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Our recent studio album.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

We are lucky to be able to make music for a living.

THE SWAYBACK
NOMINATED IN ROCK
6 P.M., ACOMA CENTER

Website: www.theswayback.com

Personnel:

Eric, Bill and Martijn.

Native or transplant?

Holland, Illinois and California.

What's in a name?

Curves and pops.

When did you form/start performing?

With this lineup, eight months ago.

Releases/discography:

Split 7", the Swayback/the Willowz; The Swayback (self-titled full-length); V/A PS2 Compilation; V/A Radio 1190 Local Shakedown 2; V/A Underground Screams; V/A Taste of Colorado.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Bio-rhythms speaking -- it kinda changes.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Bought van, toured, got put on wax.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Sound of Perseverence (Death), Are You Experienced? (Jimi Hendrix), Redline (Trans AM), Radio-Activity (Kraftwerk).

EDDIE TURNER
NOMINATED IN BLUES
6:15 P.M., SERENGETI DOWNSTAIRS

Website: www.eddiedevilboy.com

Personnel: Eddie Turner (vocals/guitar); Kenny Passarelli (keys); Anna Givens (vocals); David Givens (guitar); Jim Trujillo (bass); Dan Barnett (drums).

Native or transplant?

Transplants.

What's in a name?

My parents gave it to me, so...

When did you form/start performing?

March 2005.

Releases/discography:

Rise.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Confused here.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

That I did this.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Most of them.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Most of them.

How do you pay the bills?

With money.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Not worry about money.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Doing what I'm doing.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Ramblin' Jack Elliot.

Weezer or Winger?

Wings.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Mighty Mouse.

Football or foosball?

Manchester United.

Parting shot?

Bang!

TYFOID MARY
NOMINATED IN METAL/AGGRO

Website: www.tyfoidmary.com

Personnel:

Jerry Harper (vocals); Igor Panasewicz (bass); Dugan (drums); Scott "Slippy" Siedl.

Native or transplant?

Natives -- there's no place like home.

What's in a name?

We will spread like Tyfoid fever.

When did you form/start performing?

We formed in 2001.

Releases/discography:

Symptoms (2001); Nu Strain (2002); Quarantine (2004).

Who or what do you think you sound like?

I'll be original and say Tyfoid Mary. Our management thinks we sound like Drowning Pool meets Nickelback meets Disturbed.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We were just signed to Omni Entertainment, a Dallas-based Entertainment Management Firm, and Mustang Agency, a national booking company. We played Dallas Music Fest 2005 at the historic Trees in Deep Ellum, and have been touring throughout the Midwest and Southern states. We were just sponsored by Lucky 13 Tattoo and Piercing here in Denver, as well as Rockstar Energy Drink!

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Too many to name them all. As musicians, we love to hear well-produced albums, but if I might be selfish for a minute -- we listen to our own albums on the road, and it gives us new ideas and pumps us up and gives us confidence right before a show in a town we have never played before. It reminds us of who we are and what we are there to do.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

It's so hard to just name one... Fuck. I think music inspires us. On the road, we listen to everything from John Mayer to Jackyl. We love music and nothing else.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

Jerry: new construction plumbing/school; Igor: works at Wild Oats; Slippy: shuffles lots of paperwork estimating floor costs; Dugan: Who knows this week?! He'll find something.

Finish this sentence: If we didn't have to worry about money...

We'd be touring the country for the next six months supporting a brand-new album.

Finish this sentence: We'd rather be...

Signed to Bieler Bro. Records and quitting our lame-ass day jobs.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Jerry: I don't think Hollywood actors come in my size! Igor: myself. Slippy: I can't think of anyone...maybe Fabio -- just kidding; Dugan: Chris Kattan.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Somewhere over the rainbow -- who fucking knows? We will always play music!

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

Dugan: Most things were a misconception about our Tyfoid Mary. Here is a shortened list: That Tyfoid Mary is spelled T-Y-P-H-O-I-D. Venues always spelled our name wrong. Jerry: That I was trying to fill Vince's [Stott, the band's former lead singer, who passed] shoes. He was an awesome vocalist, but my style reflected MY style. I was going in a different direction. Some of Vince's songs were recorded so the fans could have one last parting gift from Vince: his love for music. Slippy: That we think we are "KINGS" of the local scene. No, Rogue already claimed that.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

Igor only eats all-natural food, only takes herbal supplements. On the road he keeps us VERY healthy with all-natural medicines and vitamins. Believe it or not, he is a real life "witch doctor." See him at Wild Oats if you ever need anything! For real!

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Both awesome musicians. R.I.P., Elliott.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Jay-Z would kick Z-Trip's ass!

Football or foosball?

Football!

Parting shot?

Yes, the news is true. Slippy decided to disband Tyfoid Mary. Years of great music from Tyfoid Mary... We have to thank every single Tyfoid Mary fan and all who supported us until the end. We would still like to win this award as a parting tribute and solidify our spot as a part in history of the Denver music scene. This award means a lot. If you ever were a fan of Tyfoid Mary, please show your support. We would like to dedicate this award to Vince's family! He will always be missed!

UNDER THE DRONE
NOMINATED IN METAL/AGGRO
5 P.M., TWO AM

Website: underthedrone.com

Personnel:

Justin Delz (lead guitar); Mike Harper (drums); Ben Gunn (vocals, guitar); Dave Harper (bass).

Native or transplant?

We are all natives.

What's in a name?

Heavy grooves.

When did you form/start performing?

2003.

Releases/discography:

Under the Drone (A five-song demo, 2004); Keep It Shred (our debut full-length is due July 15, 2005).

Who or what do you think you sound like?

A mix of hard rock, riff rock, hardcore and punk.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Two nights at the Viper Room in L.A., playing with Nebula, playing with Drunk Horse.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Elephant Riders (Clutch); Deliverance (COC); And the Circus Leaves Town (Kyuss); Downward Is Heavenward (Hum).

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Hendrix, Slayer, Elvis, Mike Patton, Tool, Kyuss and Pink Floyd.

How do you pay the bills? What is your day job?

Justin: woodworker, cabinetmaker, luthier; Ben: tattoo artist, artist; Dave: banker; Mike: painter/artist.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Shred all day.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Shredding.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years older.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we're not from Denver.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

Our band van is called "the gray ghost."

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Jack Johnson.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

ZZ Top.

Football or foosball?

Football.

Parting shot?

Keep it shred.

VAUX
NOMINATED IN PUNK/HARDCORE

Website: www.vauxrock.com

Personnel:

Ryder E. Robison (bass); Adam Tymn (guitar); Greg Daniels (guitar); Quentin Smith (vocals); Joe McChan (drums); and Christopher Sorensen (guitar).

Native or transplant?

The band began in Denver in '97. We each came from different parts of the country and met in college in Denver and formed the band there.

What's in a name?

If you haven't heard the story yet, we had to change our name mid-tour one year due to legal issues. We used to be called Eiffel, back in the day. Changed it to VAUX after a Morissey record, Vauxhall and I. We figured it was a solid sounding name that didn't have any direct ties to anything idiotic, like most band names have. And for the record, it's pronounced like "Vox."

When did you form/start performing?

In 1997, Quentin, Joe, Adam and myself got together and started playing. Then we took a short break and added Chris, then added Greg, and we started to really become what we are today. We've never gone through lineup changes after all this time, which is unheard of for most bands.

Releases/discography:

On Life; Living; There Must Be Some Way to Stop Them; Plague Music; along with a couple of compilations.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

I'd rather quote my close friend Sam Shipley of the L.A. Hourly to describe our sound: "Blank translucence, a bridge between apathy and pure genius. It's production was a process of explosive manifestations that lasted for short bursts of volatile critical mass and the subtle lingering of lost love. These palpitations reflect a career of struggle and unrelenting success."

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Definitely recording a very important record with some impressive musicians and a ridiculous producer (Jackknife Lee) and insane mixer (Dave Sardy).

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

I know my records are different from most of the other guys, but a couple that we all agree on would be Ink & Dagger, The Fine Art of Original Sin; Radiohead, OK Computer; Unbroken, Life.Love.Regret. ; and a hell of a lot of British bands' records, too.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Fugazi was a huge influence on me personally because the music that they wrote just felt like it mattered so much to them, that it mattered to me. And the way they ran their business always and still impresses me. If you can't do it yourself, why the fuck do it all? I just chose to hire people after we'd been doing it all along. So get ready for a new era of VAUX.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

I work for the man -- and I'm the man. VAUX is, in fact, a corporate entity, and I am partners with five other fellows, and we each eat gold-bar sandwiches for lunch and lobster dinners each night. Except Greg -- he's a vegetarian.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Keep doing what I'm doing now -- except I'd have more music equipment and a couple more paintbrushes.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Me. I'm doing just fine, man.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Considering I get mistaken for every brown-haired actor under the fucking sun, I don't know; I don't care, as long as people still respected me. That's all I give a fuck about.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Jesus, these questions sound like a job interview!

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we hate Denver. Whoever started that shit should get slapped across the teeth like the idiot that they are.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

We don't party.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Dead singers are better singers (aka Elliott Smith).

Weezer or Winger?

Winger, dude! He's from Colorado and never wrote as shitty a song as that new Weezer single. Ouch.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Jay-Z.

Football or foosball?

Joe will tear your your arm off at foosball.

Parting shot?

I only played golf once, and I lost nine balls and broke one club. Viva la Denver!

JILL WATKINS
NOMINATED IN BLUES
8:45 P.M., SERENGETI DOWNSTAIRS

Website: www.jillwatkins.com

Personnel:

Jill Watkins (vocals/trumpet); John Ragan (guitar); Chris-Dax (bass/acoustic guitar); Walt Sorrentino (percussion).

Native or transplant?

John and Chris-Dax are natives, Jill is from Minnesota, and Walt is from Chicago -- hence his blue influence.

What's in a name?

Well, the Jill Watkins Band isn't really about any one person.

Formed:

December, 2002.

Releases/discography:

Just One Good Man.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Susan Tedeschi or Janis Joplin.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

Opening for Chris Duarte in March; playing the Colorado Performing Arts Festival; recently signed to play the Empire Blues Festival in August; the Belvedere Blues Festival in September; and being nominated in the Blues Category for the Westword Music Showcase Awards!!

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Alligator Records 20-year and 25-year anniversary collections; Aretha Franklin's greatest hits.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Aretha Franklin, Etta James, BB King, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Janis Joplin, Erica Brown, Jennifer Lane and Tempa Singer.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

Jill works for CU-Boulder as a human-resources liaison; John is the assessor for the City and County of Boulder; Walt is an assessor for the City of Denver; Chris-Dax is a paralegal.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Go on tour.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Naked.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Molly Ringwald...but she'd have to get some implants.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Working the day jobs, playing music for more outdoor festivals, larger venues, corporate parties.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

Now that we have our CD with ten originals (and two live cover tunes), we have been labeled an "original band." We are still mostly a cover band, with 80 percent covers and 20 percent originals, but all the tunes will have folks dancing and make for a great evening!

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

In the 2.5 years we've been together, we haven't had one fight. According to Jill, "This band is the longest and healthiest relationship I've ever had! Hell with dating!"

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Jack Johnson.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Who?

Football or foosball?

Football!!

Parting shot?

If you like Madeline Kahn, Mae West, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt or Susan Tedeschi, you'll love Jill Watkins.

WHITE GIRL LUST
NOMINATED IN DJ: DANCE -- CLUB/NON-TRADITIONAL
5 P.M., OUTDOOR STAGE

Website: www.whitegirllust.com (under construction, check in two months).

Personnel:

Clay Meador and Eric Kozak.

Native or transplant?

OG transplanets from Topeka, KS. Too bad being white trash is so 2003.

What's in a name?

Because of the way that the media depicts women in popular culture, or we are just two smartasses who want a catchy name. You decide.

When did you form/start performing?

2004.

Releases/discography:

Two underground mix CDs that were only distributed by us personally to beautiful people. If you don't have one, you're ugly. If you're ugly and you have one, give it back.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Kinda like a jerk since the last comment. We sound like electronic musicians who are bored silly with electronic music.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

The wonderful folks at Westword keep giving us great press. Apparently we throw the best underground parties in Denver. Speaking of which, we have a weekly Friday night at the Milk Bar in Serengeti; it's a great place to meet your future wife. We also have a fully licensed mix CD coming out soon of all our own edits/ remixes.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

See below artist albums except that crappy Gnome song Bowie did in the '60s.

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Eric: Talking Heads, Bowie, Eno, the Stooges, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Pixies, Beatles; Clay: Alberto Giacometti, Isamu Noguchi, Barnett Newman, Magdelina Abaconowicz, Egon Schiele, Mark Rothko, Richard Serra and Trever Moon. Eric: And you can hear them all on our mix CDs.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

Oddly enough, Clay works with children, so please understand that we are just kidding. Clay really needs his job. Eric works at the tortilla plant at 11th and Sante Fe with DJ Fury and Eric from Swayback. Check us on the web at www.thefirmgraphics.com.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Be buying and selling your ass.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Begging for change.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Michael Jackson and Macaulay Culkin era 1993.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Clay: 2010. Eric: Dying lonely in an alley because everyone hates me after this questionnaire.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we actually lust after white women, and that we are a real band.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

We aren't really misogynistic at all, just starved for attention.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

We hate Elliott Smith; I wish he'd kill himself.

Weezer or Winger?

The '90s are the new '80s, so pull out the flannel and put away the coke.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

It's like choosing between chocolate or vanilla ice cream. They are both so tasty.

Parting shot?

Hopefully, not a bullet to the head from a disgruntled Westword reader.

VICTORIA WOODWORTH
NOMINATED IN SINGER/SONGWRITER
5 P.M., SCOOTER JOE'S

Website: www.theheros.com

Personnel:

Victoria Woodworth and the Heros: Victoria Woodworth (acoustic guitar/vocals); Bobby Genser (lead guitar/vocals); Steve Schneider (bass); Skippy Reid (drums/meditations/medications/mediations).

Native or transplant?

Trannies.

What's in a name?

It is my love letter to the band for not quitting or firing me.

When did you form/start performing?

As a solo artist, I was formed at birth. I did take guitar lessons at thirteen -- though you'd never know it by my playing. We have been tormenting each other as a band for almost four years.

Releases/discography:

Faultline, City and Western, Greetings from Sheboygan (in production).

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Sweet as Tupelo Honey, but we can sting like the bee.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We figured out a way to pay for the rest of the next CD; we played the City Park Festival of the Arts and the People's Fair in the last two weeks; I, personally, opened for the Detroit Cobras at the Lion's Lair wearing overalls and no lipstick (this is a huge deal, I assure you).

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

After the Gold Rush and Zuma (Neil Young); New York Tendaberry, Christmas, The Beads of Sweat (Laura Nyro), Easter (Patti Smith); Wrecking Ball (Emmylou Harris); anything by Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell (together or apart).

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Besides everyone mentioned above, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Patsy Cline, and Gilbert and Sullivan.

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

I answer the phone at the Children's Hospital blood-donor center; Bobby has his own business, something about nose tubes; Steve is in information technology for The Borg; Skippy manages a seedy apartment house to finance his therapy.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Help orphans, have 53 vintage guitars and great-looking teeth.

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Swimming.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Juliette Lewis.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Even more wrinkled and opinionated than now.

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That we wear underwear and don't care about the money.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

I fell out of a car onto my head when I was three. Everyone in the band has their own cordless drill.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Elliott.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer. I was in a band in the late '70s that actually bought an old truck from the Wingers (they were called the Wingers then -- funny, huh?). We took it out on the road, and it immediately blew up.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

I don't know. I'm pretty ignorant about pop culture when you get right down to it.

Football or foosball?

Paintball.

Parting shot?

I been hungry just a little too long, quiet just a little too long, lovin you a little too long to be that proud.

YO, FLACO!
NOMINATED IN HIP-HOP GROUP
8:30 P.M., SERENGETI UPSTAIRS

Website: www.yoflaco.com

Personnel:

Adam Bartczak (trombone); Brandon Martin (guitar); Ethan Raczka (saxophone); Matt Piazza (keyboard); Mike Stone (bass); Nate Graham (MC); Neil McIntyre (MC); Seth Murphy (drums); Steve Jones (trumpet).

Native or transplant?

It's a mixture of both.

What's in a name?

The literal translation of Yo, Flaco! is "I, Skinny" in Spanish. But it's also a slang term for "What's the skinny?" or "Yo, skinny!"

When did you form/start performing?

Yo, Flaco! formed in 1997 with a somewhat different lineup. We had a female singer up front (for about a year) instead of the two MCs we now have. Our current lineup and style of music has evolved as the members have freely written whatever they want and have pulled inspiration from all genres of music, not just one.

Releases /discography:

Yo, Flaco!; Skeptimistic; Goin' at It; Bring the Battle On; and The Skinny.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Yo, Flaco! combines a blend of deep, funky grooves, introspective lyrics and live shows grounded in crowd participation and improvisation. Following in the footsteps of such innovators as Tribe Called Quest, Jazzmatazz and the Roots, Yo, Flaco! is a forward-thinking group that moves hip-hop ahead while still remaining accessible to lovers of all kinds of music.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We are sponsored by Budweiser's National "Bud True Music Live" program. Yo, Flaco! was recently asked to perform live at the annual New York Marathon in November! It's a huge honor to be asked, and we're really psyched, as we've been asked to play on one of the final two stages at Columbus Circle or the finish line in Central Park. Yo, Flaco! will also be playing at two prestigious festivals this year, the Midwest Music Summit in July and the SouthPark Music Festival in September.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Anything by Stevie Wonder, Tribe Called Quest, the Roots, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Dizzy, Coltrane, Ozomatli and hundreds more! I could go on and on...

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Stevie Wonder, Tribe Called Quest, the Roots, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Dizzy, Coltrane, Ozomatli and hundreds more! I could go on on...

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

The bandmembers do everything from working in restaurants to the VA hospital to painting houses to musical side gigs -- all of which helps to pay the bills.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Play music all day, tour whenever and wherever we wanted, too, not be rushed or concerned about money in the studio. It would give us a lot more freedom, that's for sure!

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Sitting on a beautiful beach.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?