Boldtype has been a staple in the Denver punk scene for nearly a decade. The band, which formed in 2002, has seen numerous members come and go through the years but has managed to keep its sound and punk-rock ideals intact. Clearly influenced by '90s punk acts like Millencolin and Face to Face, Boldtype may be proof that the key to musical longevity is simply playing the music you love — fast, loud and with as many friends as possible. With the forthcoming release of its new album, Uneasy Days, and fresh off a stint with Guttermouth, Boldtype is thriving. We recently caught up with the bandmembers, who told us, among other things, that no matter where they travel, Denver's punk scene is the only place for them.
Westword: You recently did a tour with Guttermouth. How did you go about getting on that tour, and how was it?
Drew Hutchison: Guttermouth? Fuck those guys! Ben Davis from Soda Jerk recommended us, so we sent a few songs and a video we did from the Westword Music Showcase. We also played with a band named SLAB from California and befriended their bass player, Justin, who is now in Guttermouth. Mike let him stay at his house, and Justin told Guttermouth that we were "legit." So there you go, up-and-coming bands: Whore out your couches, fridges and showers, and let the chips fall where they may.
Guttermouth has a reputation for being pretty wild — any crazy stories from the road, or does their reputation precede them?
Mike Waterhouse: The thing about those guys is that none of it is fake. They are as crazy hanging out as they are on the stage. We learned volumes from them and are very grateful and humbled they took us out.
Jef Dew: They taught us some new "ways of the road" and survival tips — like when the bar in SLC is sold out of liquor, be careful just how hard you try to convince the bartender to find you something to drink. It just might be [Guttermouth vocalist ] Mark Adkins's piss.
From the beginning of the band to now, what has changed about the Denver punk scene?
JD: It has definitely grown a shitload. The bands have become increasingly better and more talented. It's been great to grow through the years with other locals who have become some of our favorites.
Manny Lopez: There are some old-school names that come to mind — Gina Go Faster, Reno Divorce, King Rat, Dr. Neptune, etc. But right now, the scene in Denver is going nuts. Off the top of my head, we love watching Trees, All Out Helter, St. Fall Apart, and we just saw Elway the other weekend at 3 Kings.
Have the members of Boldtype ever considered relocating to another city?
DH: Hell, no! Denver is where we play, and Denver is where we'll stay! Is that cliché or lame to say? Fuck it — it's the truth. We'll travel anywhere to play, anytime, but Denver will always be home.
