Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, blues artist Mr. David Booker discusses his blues and roots sound, being a radio DJ in the ’80s, and his old bands.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, hip-hop group Def Knock discusses safe and responsible hip-hop, gentrification, and the influx of new acts.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, indie-punk band Hooper discusses writing music in Englewood, earlier and shorter sets, and music accessibility.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, electronic duo E V P discusses gentrification and sexism, emo and pop influences, and goth nights at the Church.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, House DJ Freddy Rule discusses the importance of mentors, guest list entitlement issues, and dark, heavy bass lines.

Hip-hop artist Reason the Citizen discusses self-reflection in his music, moving to Denver, and sharing his successes and failures in his music with fans.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, brass band Guerrilla Fanfare discusses inclusivity, large instrument accessibility, and audience participation.

Experimental art-pop band the Milk Blossoms talk about Denver’s musical diversity, seeing new bands, and the rapid growth of the city.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, hip-hop duo Rare Byrd$ discuss “being from” Denver, the Titwrench Collective, and the members’ mothers’ support.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, indie folk band Avenhart talks Denver’s high cost of living, the lack of diversity in the music scene and why the band plays bluegrass instruments but doesn’t consider itself to be a bluegrass act.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, funk rock band Float Like A Buffalo discuss writing music in nature, local venues, and Showcase after parties.

Grayson County Burn Ban answers the Westword Music Showcase questionnaire.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, Latin band Quemando discuss Latin influences, the need for more Denver venues, and how the group is building a unique sound.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, brass band Gora Gora Orkestar discusses local music diversity, the influx of brass bands, and celebrating local acts.

Darkwave artist Kate Warner of Mirror Fears discusses the emotions her music evokes and Denver’s influence on her sound.

A desire to entertain drives Denver’s Shane Franklin.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, electronic artist Poppet discuss collaboration, better artist diversity and representation, and the joys of new fans.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, the members of Latin psych band Don Chicharrón discuss Spanish and English acts sharing billing, gender disparity and local support.

Ahead of the Westword Music Showcase, multi-instrumentalist DJ Felix Fast4ward discusses improvised live sets and the freedom to be weird and experiment.

Latin rock band iZCALLi talks about the local scenes and bands such as The Epilogues and The Photo Atlas.

The singer-songwriter talks about Denver’s geographic beauty surrounding Denver, listening rooms and honky-tonks.

Rock-and-roll band CITRA talks about the open-mindedness of Denver, live performances, and the need for more bassoons.