Traditionally, lyrics have been the most important element of rap music, and while the most talented producers may not be as recognizable as the most famous rappers, they are becoming just as in-demand for their beats. In rap’s earliest days, the MC was secondary to the DJ. The increased focus…
In his new column, award-winning goofball Shea Serrano, whose recent exploits include Bun B’s Rapper Coloring and Activity Book, writes about his life and times. This game is very simple: Look at the pictures and guess what Kanye West song each one represents. Boom. That’s it. That’s all. You’re done…
Music is life — or at least it is for us. When we’re not writing about it, we’re thinking about it, talking about it or listening to it. These are the things that were in heavy rotation for us this week. What are you listening to? What should we be…
DeVotchKa is for lovers. So is Valentine’s Day. An absolutely ideal pairing, the two have been making beautiful music together for years, and the former just announced its plans for the latter. This Valentine’s Day, Nick Urata and company will bring their sultry sounds to the Mercury Cafe for a…
Oh, what a year it’s been for rap. Kanye reached new levels of originality, and kinda went off the deep end at the same time, Kendrick put every other relevant rapper on call, and Eminem came storming back. Although this past year was one that focused, in general, on the…
Odesza is a production duo from Washington State that set out to make electronic music that isn’t necessarily following in the traditional EDM mold. Inspired by indie rock but utilizing software in writing and production, Odesza’s music recalls the early era of M83. Last year, Odesza released its debut album,…
“Big” Jon Platt has been promoted to president of Warner/Chapell Music. Before earning his new position, the Montbello-bred music mogul, who got his start deejaying parties locally and has been a revered figure in the music industry for nearly two decades, was president of creative for Warner/Chappell. And prior to…
Okay, so this is just, well, magical. While some are a little sore with Sports Illustrated for picking Peyton Manning for Sportsman of the Year — you know, that whole Sports Illustrated cover jinx and all — this clip of Bootsy Collins singing the praises of PFM, from SI’s little…
Electro pioneer Gary Numan will be at the Gothic Theatre on Friday, April 4, as part of his 2014 North American tour in support of his latest effort, Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind), released last October on his own Machine Music imprint. Big Black Delta and Roman Remains are…
Every Christmas for the past four years, Kissing Party has released a song in honor of the holiday, but this year, the band has put together an entire EP. Cheekily titled Winter in the Pub, the digital platter, which contains past songs along with two new ones, can be downloaded…
For those of us who require bass-boosted, skull-numbing amplification in our ears, it’s hard to find just the right set of headphones. The same over-the-top proclivities apply to all aspects of our musical experience, be it the visual aspect, the clothes we wear, or even the bags we tote around…
Lorde, one of the hottest new pop acts to emerge in the past year, with a number-one single in “Royals,” a tune that garnered four Grammy nominations, is making her way to Denver for a show at the Fillmore Auditorium on Saturday, March 22, as part of the native New…
Welcome back to In the Mix, our brand-new feature in which we spotlight new dance tracks and mixes from some of the hottest Colorado producers and DJs. This week, we’ve got some early Christmas presents for you from Big Gigantic, Option4, WindMind and Vinnie Maniscalco. Sit back, chug some spiked…
FRI | ONEREPUBLIC’S DENVER ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS at OGDEN | 12/20 Over the last few years OneRepublic has made its acoustic Christmas shows an annual event that helps local charities. This year’s show, which also features Gungor, is a benefit for Colorado flood relief. VIP ticket includes ticket to the show,…
Exhumed (due at Denver Black Sky this Saturday, December 14, at the Gothic Theatre) started in San Jose, California when Matt Harvey, the band’s sole original member, was just fifteen years old. Rather than following the trends of the genre at the time, Exhumed has remained faithful to the older…
The Head and the Heart (due tonight at the Ogden Theatre) came together when its members met while playing open-mic nights at a pub in the Old Ballard section of Seattle and decided to join forces. The band writes earnest, hushed, folk-inflected pop songs that recall Déjà Vu-period Crosby, Stills,…
With Porn and Chicken, DJs Dom Brown and Orville Kline have created the wildest and easily the most unique dance party in the country. Birthed in Chicago, a city that’s home to some of best house music going, Porn and Chicken has become a household name from the Windy City…
SAT | DENVER BLACK SKY at GOTHIC THEATRE | 12/14/13 December is a leaner month than usual for the number of metal shows. But quality more than makes up for quantity thanks to Denver Black Sky. This absolute must-see metal festival is being curated by Sherwood Webber, who, in addition…
SAT | MIM0SA at FILLMORE AUDITORIUM | 12/14/13 There is no doubt about it: MiM0SA is trill as fuck. Bringing a gangsta attitude to dance music, maestro Tigran Mimosa weaves in and out of his own original cuts, while dripping heavy bass onto some hardcore rap. His studio tracks ooze…
Phish fans have ample reason to be excited. Not only does the band have a new record on tap, Wingsuit, the songs from which the group introduced during the second set of its annual Halloween show, but the guys are hitting the road individually. Trey Anastasio already announced a two-night…
Female vocalists and EDM go together like 1000-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets in a five-star hotel. It’s an ideal pairing. What’s more, the sweet, sweet vocals many of these ladies offer up are often times what makes the songs stand out. It’s certainly the part of the tune that gets…
If you’re a metal fan, clear your calendar, because Denver Black Sky is a must-see. A brutal “boutique” metal fest at the Gothic Theatre this Saturday, December 14, it’s made up of killer death metal, thrash and grindcore bands, easily one of the best lineups in recent memory. Easy to…
