Month: April 2020

Features, Print

With A Little Help From My Friends: Resources & Relief For Musicians During The Pandemic

April 30, 2020

In 2013 and 2017, Chris “K” Kresge had what he called “crazy ass idea” to raise a million dollars for the musicians affected by natural disasters and community devastation, now called Rocky Mountain Music Relief.

With live music shut down due to DOVID-19, every week, RMMR updates a spreadsheet that points musicians and music industry professionals to grants and resources.

A slew of financial resources are available to musicians, but there’s more. The Music Minds Matter organization provides a platform for mental first aid as well via free, weekly online meet-ups.

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Features, Print

Redefining The Industry: Could Live Streaming be the Woodstock of the COVID Era?

April 29, 2020

Coronavirus continues to devastate bar and club owners, restaurants and musicians, but there may be a bright spot: the power of streaming live concerts. Some are even making good money at it.

“We’ve learned how to use the tools of social media better now. We are using them rather than just placing facades online,” said Tim Coons of Giants & Pilgrims.
“If I can make $100 sitting on my couch, that redefines the industry for me,” said Brandon Harris of NoCo Band Meat & Potatoes.

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Features, Print

All Together Now: The Burroughs’ Bands Give Back Initiative

April 3, 2020

“The arts are a mental lifeline for kids in the public school system,” says Mary Claxton, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and singer for Trashcat and the Burroughs. “Everyone deserves to express themselves and have joy throughout the school day. It’s not a privilege.”

Her band The Burroughs have launched the Bands Give Back Initiative, engaging students in music education while raising funds, constructing instrument storage and more for the Greeley, Evans School District 6.

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Music, Print, Reviews

Album Review: Space Force – EP 1

April 2, 2020

Space Force does not play smooth jazz. Their true genre, Jazz fusion, is easily mistaken for commercial artists like Kenny G (you know, your dentist office’s official soundtrack) but it deserves more credit. The 6-piece Fort Collins outfit debut their record Space Force: EP 1, and it celebrates what jazz fusion really is: a melting pot of rock, jazz and funk.

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