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Denver

BandWagon Magazine has covered Denver in 426 stories since 2012, including 156 features, 143 reviews and 72 photo galleries.

426 stories · Page 12 of 22

Photo for “Album Review: Kid Astronaut & Psychologic – Kenopsia”

MusicAlbum Review: Kid Astronaut & Psychologic – KenopsiaPervasive feelings of extreme unknown lurk in the consciousness of most citizens on planet earth these days, which is why the similarly intangible music, soundscapes and dark, thrilling emotions on the concept EP Kenopsia hit so hard. A brilliant and concise collaboration between Denver-based R&B hip-hop vocalist Kid Astronaut and producer Psychologic, the record’s pop sensibilities are balanced by an epic, dystopian sense of drama and purpose.Kevin Johnston · Oct 12, 2020

Man in a yellow cap and black graphic tee leans on a rooftop ledge beside a white French bulldog in a red shirt.

FeaturesSomething To Vibe To: Black Pegasus Is On A Whole Different Frequency‘Pandemic Proof’ by Black Pegasus obviously speaks to the current times. The world has been drowning in the COVID-19 pandemic since March, subsequently bringing the music industry to its knees. “I’m doing my best to adapt,” says Black Pegasus. “It’s pretty tricky, but I’ve always been a hustler and an innovator so I’m not worried.” He’s also vocal about important socio-political issues and is wary, yet hopeful for the future. “I really believe in the current movement for social justice and equality,” he says. “I also believe that the movement has been infiltrated by corporations and political agendas.”Kyle Eustice · Oct 2, 2020

Four men in black shirts and hoodies pose in a bright white studio, shot from above, with no instruments visible.

MusicAlbum Review: NOT A TOY – Not A ToyGaudy for the sake of it, NOT A TOY’s self-titled release is as bombastic as it is fearless. Coincidently signed to Fearless Records, the former Fort Collins (and formerly named Shatterproof), Denver band is hitting an incredible new level. NOT A TOY is one of the most prolific recording projects to come out of Colorado in a while.Laura Giagos · Sep 30, 2020

Four men pose on a dirt path in front of red sandstone rock formations, wearing hats, button-up shirts, and a blazer.

MusicAlbum Review: Royce DeZorzi & The New Freedom MovementRoyce DeZorzi & The New Freedom Movement have a pocket groove, play elongated solos, and do a great job of building energy collectively. But what really stands out about their debut album is not the notes they play, but how they want the listeners to hear them: every track on the album is a first take recorded live, directly to tape.Valerie Vampola · Sep 24, 2020

A bearded man in a wide-brim hat and dark jacket stands before glowing red and blue neon signs.

MusicAlbum Review: Bison Bone – Find Your Way OutBison Bone is a little bit country, a little bit rock & roll, and fully led by the boisterous singer/songwriter Courtney Whitehead.Cole Peterson · Sep 23, 2020

Smiling bearded man with curly hair in a cactus-print shirt, in front of a brick wall with purple LAUGH neon sign.

FeaturesHungry for Humor: Comedy Fort Takes the Place of Hodi’s HalfNoteDavid Rodriguez’ first comedy set, more than five years ago, was at Hodi’s Half Note, the beloved FoCo rock club which recently announced its closing. He believes it’s fitting, then, that he will open Comedy Fort in the Hodi’s building, probably sometime in January. “When this opportunity came about, it just felt perfect,” Rodriguez said.Dan England · Sep 15, 2020

105.5 The Colorado Sound's Featured ArtistsThe Colorado Sound’s My5 – August 2020BandWagon Magazine · Aug 10, 2020

A performer in a dark beanie and zip-up jacket sings into a microphone under red stage lighting.

FeaturesCan We Just Live? Devin Tremell Speaks Out with Hip Hop as a Tool of InfluenceDevin Tremell insisted to the crowd of hundreds looking up at him from the Lincoln Park gazebo in Greeley that he was just a regular Black dude.Dan England · Aug 3, 2020

Promo collage for 105.5 The Colorado Sound showing musicians, a vintage microphone, and a man in a cowboy hat.

105.5 The Colorado Sound's Featured ArtistsThe Colorado Sound’s My5 – July 2020BandWagon Magazine · Jul 16, 2020

Man in a black t-shirt singing into a mic against a yellow background, with a drum kit at lower left.

FeaturesDrum As You Are: Eric Riley Throws Down The Beat As A Black Musician In MetalEven with all the fun Eric Riley has thrashing onstage with his longtime friend Nate Valdez, there is always that one drunk person who has to point it out: a black guy in a metal band!Valerie Vampola · Jul 4, 2020

FeaturesHayden Farr: Love and the March of an Angry IntrovertUntil recently, the pandemic, and our directive to stay put, wasn’t all that hard for Hayden Farr, baritone sax player for The Burroughs and Trash Cat.Dan England · Jul 3, 2020

Black-and-white photo of a crowd in an ornate theater, with one person raising an arm toward a bright stage.

FeaturesBand Together: National Independent Venue Association Saves Our Stages“There was no one to speak for us,” Stephen Chilton said. “Everyone was talking about the big events and festivals, and no one was talking about the mid-size venues and clubs.” Chilton heads the National Independent Venue Association which is fighting to #SaveOurStages in the fallout of coronavirus repercussions. “What is the most unsafe thing right now? It’s mass gatherings, and we produce mass gatherings,” he said. In two months time, more than 1,600 have joined NIVA, but it still pales in comparison to the thousands in the restaurant industry.Dan England · Jun 3, 2020

105.5 The Colorado Sound's Featured ArtistsThe Colorado Sound’s My5 – May 2020A stunning bootleg recording method from the 70’s revived by The National, life during quarantine – 40 year old albums and the best time-killing websites, Radiohead’s Ed Obrien goes solo, Coloradans climbing the deadliest cliffs, Lucinda Williams bringin’ it, and a Nicholas Cage movie that’s … actually, pretty underrated! Lots of goodies to check out in this month’s My5 from the Colorado Sound. Dig in!BandWagon Magazine · May 15, 2020

Abstract mirrored pattern of black zebra-like stripes over red, orange, purple, and blue watercolor tones.

MusicAlbum Review: JuiceBox – JuiceBox EPJuiceBox emerges from the ashes of Colorado funk outfit Moves at Midnight to produce retro, funky sounds reminiscent of times before most of us were even sipping on Capri Suns. They combine funk, rock, and R&B with strong horn lines under a 70’s aesthetic umbrella, curating a collection of fun jams for bouncing while they search for Soul with a capital S.Valerie Vampola · May 5, 2020

Two halftone arms reach toward each other against red and gray backgrounds, each marked with a red cross.

FeaturesWith A Little Help From My Friends: Resources & Relief For Musicians During The PandemicIn 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.Valerie Vampola · Apr 30, 2020

105.5 The Colorado Sound's Featured ArtistsThe Colorado Sound’s My5 – April 2020What to do under quarantine? The Colorado Sound’s My5 has some of the best albums and shows to “quarentine to” and upcoming releases to get you stoked. But they’ve also got tips on how YOU can make life for others in your community a little easier during this global pandemic.BandWagon Magazine · Apr 15, 2020

Photo for “All Together Now: The Burroughs’ Bands Give Back Initiative”

FeaturesAll Together Now: The Burroughs’ Bands Give Back Initiative“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.Valerie Vampola · Apr 3, 2020

A giant coronavirus model hovers above a microphone on an empty stage lit by blue and red spotlights and haze.

FeaturesNoCo Music NoGo: COVID-19’s Massive Impact On Colorado’s Music Industry“It’s pretty easy to see how unprepared everyone was,” said Brian Claxton – a touring drummer and music educator based in Greeley, Colorado. Music venues, restaurants and bars across the globe and in Colorado have been ordered to close due to coronavirus precautions, essentially cutting off the lifeblood of the music industry. But the ramifications go deeper, from the 50th anniversary of the huge UNC Jazz Festival delaying one year to smaller bands such as Float Like A Buffalo cancelling their shoestring budget tours. “I think it will take a year to recover, not just in the economy but in the entertainment industry here,” Moxi Theater Ely Corliss said, “and that’s if we resume in April. If this goes until May 11 or so, it’ll be catastrophic for the Moxi and (his restaurant) Luna’s both.”Dan England and Valerie Vampola · Mar 25, 2020

Bald man with glasses and a goatee in a pink paisley jacket rests his chin on his hands on a pink fur rug.

FeaturesOut Of The Perils: Old Man Saxon“This is like some horror movie shit.” Old Man Saxon is looking back on one of the scariest moments during the 13 months he was living in his 2001 Ford Explorer Sport while trying to “make it” in Los Angeles.Kyle Eustice · Mar 24, 2020

Bearded man in a maroon shirt sits by a wooden upright piano in a living room with a lamp and abstract painting.

FeaturesMax Barcelow: The Fragile Big Time and Saying YesMax Barcelow’s life as a professional musician in Fort Collins has had plenty of twists and turns. Drumming for prolific folk artist Gregory Alan Isakov, he’s played Red Rocks, in Europe, with the Colorado Symphony and attended this year’s Grammy ceremony on January 26 at The Staples Center, long dubbed “Kobe’s House,” on the day of Kobe Bryant’s death. An evening torn between celebrating music and hastily trying to address and honor Bryant, Barcelow witnessed the pomp and grandeur of the Grammy’s while being reminded of how no one can escape life’s fragility – even with success and money. “It’s funny how death just brings it all back home,” Barcelow said.Laura Giagos · Mar 17, 2020