After playing in a few bands in Michigan, bassist Jeremy “Squirmz” Robins and singer Nick Kjolhede moved to Denver in 2006. Five years later, the pair formed the Cutthroat Drifters with guitarist Dave Myers through Craigslist. After going through a number of drummers since then, the band recruited scene veteran…
This past year saw quite a few interesting things happen in the jam-band world, with some bands announcing hiatuses while others had their songs sung at NFL games. While people enjoy heckling jam-band fans, there is no doubt that they are great at making things happen and making people laugh…
PUBLIC ENEMY at SUMMIT MUSIC HALL | 12/21/13 One of the most powerful moments of Public Enemy’s set came when Chuck D told us they were reaching back to It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back for the next song. It was hard to say what was…
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND at BOULDER THEATER | 12/27/13 Yonder Mountain String Band is a fast-paced act that manages to blow your mind with its excellent technicality while toying with your emotions with heartfelt lyrics. Together the four members work in musical harmony, with animated lead singer and mandolin player…
Jello Biafra has made an unmistakable and enduring impact both punk and counterculture internationally. The iconoclast grew up in Boulder and moved to San Francisco in the late ’70s, where he formed the Dead Kennedys and established the Alternative Tentacles imprint. As an outspoken critic of the more unsavory aspects…
So much metal. So little time. Three decades into extreme metal’s history, bands are still finding ways to squeeze something fresh out of its carcass. Unfortunately, most people, even metal fans, don’t have the bandwidth to accommodate it all and a few big albums can clog up the works pretty…
A year after opening the 1UP in LoDo, owner Jourdan Adler took over the former home of Pete’s Monkey Bar in the summer of 2012 and put his second arcade-themed bar, the 2UP, in that space. Last April, Adler secured the space next door, which once housed Kitty’s East for…
SAT | PURITY RING (DJ SET) at CASSELMAN’S | 12/21/13 A Canadian duo made up of Corin Roddick and Megan James, Purity Ring has made a name for itself with syncopated rhythms and dreamy, pop-oriented soundscapes. James, who designs and stitches the clothes that the pair wear on stage, lays…
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,…
Great news for Swallow Hill. After its efforts to open up a satellite campus in Lowry this past spring stalled due to a deed restriction that had been attached to the land, the organization has announced plans to open up a new facility at 7653 E. 1st Place, in the…
Although there were a ton of great EDM albums this past year, and we’ve already given you a rundown of our ten favorites, there were even more songs. These are the tunes that grabbed us the most this year. You’ll notice that a few also appear on our best albums…
It was another big year for EDM, with some memorable people, places and moments. And there were a slew of chart-topping releases from producers, massive releases whether you dig the harder styles of four-on-the-floor big-room bangers or the soft trance melodies. There were a lot of hot releases in 2013,…
SPELLS (due this Friday, December 20, at 3 Kings Tavern) got together when Chuck Coffey and Rob Burleson, two longtime veterans of the scene, realized they shared a mutual love of East Bay pop-punk and San Diego noise rock. When the pair decided to form a band, they enlisted Ben…
It’s always baffling to us when we hear somebody bemoan the fact that there’s no music being released these days that’s worth listening to. There’s actually quite a bit, if you ask us. Guess it sort of depends on your perspective — or at least how much time you have…
While electronic dance music has always thrived in one form or another, in 2012 it stormed into the mainstream, and in 2013 it continued to thrive. You can still hear its influence everywhere. Countless musicians have worked elements of EDM into their sound, and seemingly every company have wanted in…
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…
