Donna Missal dances in her light at the Marquis Theater | March 16th, 2024

Photo / Juli Yanai (@jbelle.photo)

A crowd begins to form and people cheer as Melbourne-born and L.A. based artist, Banoffee (instagram – @banoffeemusic) plays an eclectic mix of music that’s been dubbed as “mutant pop” that has an underground feel to it. Their music is vulnerable in its own unique way, pairing honest yet subtle lyrics with upbeat dance mixes. 

Songs like “Tapioca Cheeks” are a playful take on the genuine feelings of fear that often accompany falling in love as you find yourself falling deeper and losing control. Lines like, “Tears roll down your face, freckles look like taro bubble tea,” and “Cos I’m scared too, everything, everything you say makes you love me more,” come together in a soft pop mix that lets you dance out your feelings under the lights.

And that’s exactly what Banoffee does, taking the stage and unabashedly dancing around in their own quirky style, giving the audience permission to have fun and feel. It’s the perfect opening dance session as Banoffee hypes up the crowd, loosening their grips and senses before the main act. And Banoffee lies on the ground, breathing heavily from giving it their all in a full-bodied performance as the crowd cheers. Then they introduce the main act, Donna Missal (instagram – @donnamissal), before quietly slipping backstage. 

For a period of time, the room is filled with chatter among the ambient background music that signals a transition between shows. People talk amongst themselves, excitedly awaiting Donna Missal, and small tidbits of their conversations can be overheard. 

“She’s fantastic!” I hear someone say, and the anticipation is high. 

The bassist and drummer begin setting up, checking sound and making sure everything is plugged in correctly. More and more people flow into the theater, filling any empty spaces that were left. Finally, from the black curtains behind the stage, Donna Missal emerges. The crowd erupts in cheers, and she reciprocates in charm and charisma as she graces the stage. Her presence is electric, and her vocals reverberate through the room. 

Missal has a rare ability to command the stage and she can change the atmosphere according to her desired outcome, oscillating between softer, vulnerable performances and powerful vocals that blow you away. At times she’s a little cheeky and isn’t afraid to engage with individual audience members. But most of all, she’s having fun and taking us all along with her for the ride, dancing freely without inhibition. 

It’s crazy to think that just an hour ago, I was speaking to Missal in a room backstage, barely big enough to fit a couch, coffee table and mini fridge and now she’s commanding an entire room. Yet it’s no surprise, given her ability to be so vulnerable both on and off the stage. Missal is a force to be reckoned with, but her power comes from a genuine place rooted in deep transformation. 

From the moment I met her, she was an absolute ray of light. 

I walk through the backstage area, going into our conversation with the intention of simply getting to know Missal and have the most human experience possible. And as soon I knock on the dressing room door, she bursts out with a hug and the enthusiasm you’d expect from someone who’s meeting an old friend. It’s refreshing in a time where people can portray a certain persona online but be completely different in person, and I’m immediately excited to soak in everything she has to tell me. 

We talk a little about the altitude and how it’s been affecting her — carrying out a show is already physically demanding, but Colorado tends to hit performers even harder for this very reason. I reassure her that most performers grapple with this, and we begin talking about the vulnerability of performing a show. 

Missal tells me that she’s glad the stage is compact, because she tends to go a little wild with her performances and it’s something she can’t restrain herself from doing. She describes it like blacking out and entering an alternate space, “I hear this a lot with people who play, that they can’t remember what happened when they get off. I think it’s just transcendent and you’re like, tapping into something. It’s a different state of being than like, you know, talking with you or talking with my friends.” 

We continue on this track of discussing how vulnerable performances are, and she tells me she’s not logically processing it all until watching a performance afterward. “When I’m watching a performance, that’s one of the first things I’m noticing, like, this is such a level of vulnerability that’s abnormal in our day to day life and I think that’s what makes it so important to people.” 

She goes on to describe it in the best way I’ve ever heard stating, “I just did a VIP event and we were talking about how it’s like church. You know, a church of the misfit people or people who need a space to commune and feel vulnerable feelings in the presence of other people. There’s nothing like that. Crying in your room and dancing alone on your bed is like one thing [or like scream-singing in your car], but doing it around lots of other people doing the exact same thing—there’s a totally different kind of energy to that kind of vulnerability where it’s on display, but it’s also so accepted by everybody else that surrounds you while you’re all sharing this communal vulnerability. It’s so special.” 

Just listening to her speak, her sentences perfectly articulate the spiritual aspect of why concerts and performance spaces in general leave us feeling so awe-struck. And this is what Missal is really about, artistry in its purest form and its capacity to move people. 

Since being dropped by her label, she’s had a reckoning with placing statistical constraints on her art and isn’t concerned about the numbers as much as growing and evolving as an artist. “I want to keep changing and [I think] that’s so important to the human experience. And I just want to be a vessel of my genuine human experience, which is full of growth and exploration and curiosity. And I just get to do that now in a way that doesn’t hold as much concern for whether these CEOs understand what I’m trying to do. And so I think the whole thing has kind of developed to not reflect that ideology. And that’s probably why it feels the most free to me, and I hope that the experience for the people watching and witnessing and being a part of it is also that this is the most genuine it’s been.” 

Her general attitude toward life and artistry is liberated—free from the constraints of corporate interest. And although Missal stated that she never felt pushed to be a certain way by any label, she’s just become a lot less concerned with what’s going to sell and that reflects in her music. 

Her newest work, “Revel” is a dance pop album that explores different aspects of the human experience, in all its darkness and light. The album is at times slow and on the melancholy side, with songs like “Paranoia” that divulge about life in L.A., and songs like “Flicker” that are a rush of euphoria wrapped in a danceable beat. Among the list of tracks are also songs like “I Saw God”, that capture the inexplicable and esoteric experience of being alive. Overall, Missal’s music is an ode to the multidimensionality of life in all of its complexities. 

And she doesn’t plan to stop creating and relaying her unique lens of the world anytime soon. As we talk about what was the driving force of her continuing to pursue music despite any obstacles she states, “I just can’t stop. Yeah, like I don’t wanna do anything else. I want to help others imagine who they are and the possibilities of what they are and who they are, and I wanna challenge people’s ideas [mostly] about themselves because that’s what I’m trying to do for myself.” 

Missal goes on to say that she feels that creating music and art and creating that space for others is her job; something she would do with or without an audience and whether it makes money or not. Furthermore, she’s excited that she’s moved out of L.A. and the city in general to write music in a different atmosphere and be part of an era of artists shaking up the music industry. 

And as Missal continues to seek truth in her experience through music and art, it’s clear that there are many people (myself included) who look forward to seeing how she continues to capture the essence of the human spirit. 

As our conversation concludes, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the time and energy we shared.

mehro | Summit Music Hall | March 13th, 2024

Photo — Juli Yanai (@jbelle.photo)

DENVER, CO — On Tuesday, March 13th, Summit Music Hall was buzzing with energy as a crowd gathered for mehro’s 2024 “Reason To Live” tour, featuring special guest King Isis. mehro (pronounced “marrow”) is a Los Angeles native who began writing their own music as a young adult. The singer has gone on to release several albums and EPs with a distinct sound and penchant for writing lyrics that cut to the core of matters. 

Their Denver set featured music from mehro’s latest album, “Dark Corners and Alchemy”, an indie album that’s equally playful as it is vulnerable. The artist also played a range of songs from their catalog including their latest release, “Ketamine”, a soft indie track that bleeds true to mehro’s track record of producing songs that lyrically and sonically condense emotional experiences in a captivating manner. 

The show was held at an intimate venue, and mehro’s capacity to engage in an intentional way with the audience struck fans. From the start of the show, they brought an energy of care and chose to start the show with a breathing exercise, and periodically checked in with the audience by sharing the vulnerabilities behind their music and pulling the crowd in with fun quips. 

The set was enigmatic with fun twists and turns, from sweet moments shared between audience and band members to explosive performances with special sneak-peeks of unreleased songs. 

Even after stepping off the stage, mehro maintained their thoughtful composure and took time to engage with each fan, showing genuine interest. And from the interactions between the show and after, it’s evident that mehro’s fans feel a strong affinity to their conscientiousness as an artist and individual. 

mehro is definitely an artist to watch in 2024, and we look forward to seeing them continue to evolve as an artist and person.

-Words and Images: Juli Yanai

"Underground at the Showcase," Youth-Produced Official Podcast of the Underground Music Showcase Announces A Second Season

Dive deep into the Denver music scene with season two of "Underground at the Showcase," the official youth-produced podcast of the Underground Music Showcase (UMS). New episodes launch on January 30th on all podcast streaming platforms.

Season 2 Highlights:

  • Inside scoop: Hear candid conversations with top local artists who rocked UMS 2023, including Destino, Corsicana, Dandu, Horse Bitch, The White Moms, LOBO LARA, Fruta Brutal, iZCALLi, Grace Devine, Rootbeer Richie & The Reveille, Fuya Fuya, and Dead Boyfriend.

  • Capturing the energy: Recorded live at the iconic HR Meininger Company during UMS 2023, bringing the festival energy to your ears.

  • Empowering youth: This project is powered by Youth on Record (YOR), UMS co-owner and provider of a year-round podcasting internship program for young creatives (18-24).

This podcast emerged as a UMS project stewarded by YOR, who became a co-owner of the festival in March 2022. YOR runs a year-round podcasting internship program, teaching young creatives ages 18-24 skills in storytelling, production, interviewing, and more. Underground at the Showcase is a project undertaken by these talented youth podcasters, who are being prepared for work in the growing podcast industry.

"The Underground at the Showcase podcast was an experience of a lifetime,” YOR intern Xavier Gauthier said. “It was so much fun getting to research and interview upcoming musicians from all over the world and local to Denver. We spoke with artists from all walks of life and each one brought an extremely unique energy and perspective to the table. Even now, I follow all the artists and bands on social media and streaming services to keep up with their latest projects. I hope to be featured on the podcast in the future, but until then I'm truly excited to even be a part of the process to create something so profound. It's an inspiration to hear the challenges and journeys these artists took to get to where they are today. I'll always take away the advice and knowledge given to us by such hardworking and passionate musicians we interviewed."

YOR’s Youth Success Manager David Ladon is the executive producer of Generation Collaboration and supports all podcast interns as they learn the professional skills required to thrive in the audio arts and entertainment industry. 

“I love that we are able to create this container of Underground at the Showcase, and then hand it over to the hosts and producers to make it their own,” Ladon said. “You definitely see their personalities shape the conversations. They are all musicians and you can see how they bring their own artistic lens to the conversations. In particular, the partnership between UMS and Youth on Record creates this unique opportunity for our interns to get professional experience while building their creative portfolio. One of the highlights for me this season is having Genevieve from Dead Boyfriend on the show. She was a podcasting intern at Youth on Record and hosted Season 1 of the podcast. We were just thrilled that she returned for season 2 as a guest. Also, the hip-hop trio The White Moms performed live, which was so much fun, and a first for this show.”

Listeners of Underground at the Showcase will hear candid conversations about songwriting, motivation, community, identity, mental health, and more. 

In their featured episode, Miguel Avina from iZCALLi opened up about the ways the trio has come into their own over the last fifteen years.

“At the beginning, we were just a Mexican band,” Avina said. “And anywhere we’d play, we’d be the Mexican band, and we’d be playing Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos…and even at the UMS were like the Mexican band…we owned that. We thought we were the best Mexican band…one day we just realized, hey, we don’t have to be ‘the Mexican band.’ We can be a great Denver band, and just be a band, and to keep expanding that idea that we don’t have to limit ourselves with that label…We still play those Cinco de Mayo shows and Dia de los Muertos, but it doesn’t define us anymore.” 

You can find this podcast on all major platforms, including SpotifyApple PodcastsOvercast, and Amazon Music.  

About Youth on Record:

At Youth on Record, we believe that all young people, including those who are at-risk and written off, have the ability to turn their lives around. We are committed to ensuring that the youth we serve graduate from high school and are ready to enter the workforce, and transition to college or enter advanced technical training and careers. 

Our programs empower thousands of teens in some of Denver’s most vulnerable communities to make life choices that positively impact their future by teaching them to develop the coping tools, inspiration, and wherewithal to succeed in today’s world and to become leaders of tomorrow.  

Underground at the Showcase is one of those crucial programs. Not only is it a way to plug program graduates into careers, but it presents an opportunity for current students to learn critical technical skills and prepare them to enter the creative industry. 


Kilby Block Party 2023 Review: A Celebration of Music

The vibrant scene of Kilby came alive on a sunny Friday afternoon as music enthusiasts and art appreciators gathered for the eagerly awaited Kilby Block Party 2023. This annual celebration of creativity and community proved to be a resounding success, surpassing all expectations. Taking over the grounds of the Utah State Fair Park for three days the weather gods blessed us with amazing weather (except a few last minute showers on day three that delayed the headlining set by Pavement).


The air was electric with anticipation as attendees wandered through the lively fairgrounds, immersing themselves in a sensory feast of sights and sounds. The festival organizers had curated an impressive lineup that catered to diverse musical tastes, offering an eclectic mix of genres that kept the crowd energized from start to finish. From hometown boys The Backseat Lovers to legendary Garage rockers The Strokes. From the infectious beats of hip-hop sensations Run The Jewels to the ethereal melodies of indie bands such as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, every performance shone with raw talent and passion. The stage transformed into a melting pot of sounds, captivating listeners and leaving them hungry for more.


Yet, Kilby Block Party was not just about the music. This incomparable event also showcased the city's thriving art scene, with a kaleidoscope of visual artists proudly displaying their creations throughout the festival grounds. Marvelous murals, imaginative installations, and thought-provoking sculptures provided a visual feast that stimulated the senses and ignited conversations among attendees.


Attendees reveled in the vibrant energy of the festival, connecting with old friends and forging new connections within the Kilby community. Delicious aromas wafted from food trucks, offering an array of mouthwatering culinary delights that satisfied the appetites of hungry attendees. Local artisans and entrepreneurs showcased their wares, adding to the festive ambiance and providing an opportunity to support the local economy.


The curation of the Kilby Block Party 2023 was flawless, with meticulous attention to detail ensuring a seamless experience for all. From the friendly staff to the well-organized layout, every aspect of the festival contributed to its overwhelming success. The organizers created an atmosphere of inclusivity, where everyone felt welcome, making Kilby Block Party a true celebration of the community's diversity and spirit.
As the sun set over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the festivities, the Kilby Block Party 2023 drew to a close. The party-goers dispersed, still buzzing with excitement, their hearts and minds filled with memories of an extraordinary day. Kilby Block Party had once again proven itself as a haven for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and community seekers, leaving a lasting impression that will linger until the next year's highly anticipated edition.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

First Listen: Pink Fuzz - Ain't No Friend

Pink Fuzz is a brother/sister led three-piece out of Denver made up of singer/guitarist John Demitro, singer/bassist LuLu Demitro, and drummer Forrest Raup. Growing up and playing music together since grade school, Pink Fuzz came to fruition at the end of 2017. Quickly picking up steam and wanting to expand out of Denver, Pink Fuzz started touring extensively. Creating a DIY circuit throughout the country, they’ve built a grassroots fanbase that has anxiously been awaiting new releases. Finally, 4 years after their newest release, the band is putting us on track for new singles leading up to what will be their strongest body of work they’ve produced yet. The first single drops on January 5th followed by their headlining show on January13th at The Bluebird.

We got our hands on the single “Ain’t No Friend” and it is nothing short of pure unfiltered rock and roll. The song starts fast with intense drumming and screeching guitars reminiscent of early 80’ metal rock anthems. Not surprising for the band as they have been dishing out hard rocking singles for a few years now. This one seems more polished and a little harder than anything we have heard from them. A guitar maestro (and probably best guitar shredder in Denver, fight us) John Dimitro lets loose on this one with no holds barred, emitting fuzzed driven articulated chords, which brings the song to life. Joining in on the shennanigans on bass is the talented LuLu Demitro that brings a solid bridge and pleasant aestetic and clarity to the song. The backbone of the song is brought by the drumming sound of Forrest Raup who lays down the foundation for the song, he brings a rapid based blast beat often compared to early sounds of punk bands in the past. The song maintains consistency throughout and stands out above the rest. Self produced/Self recorded. Mixed by Mike Fahey of Starbird Sound Studios. Mastered by Chad Cuttill of Aura Mastering Agency. Artwork by Elias Armao of Rare Form 

The song is available on all streaming platforms on Friday. January 5th and will playing a headlining show on January 13th at The Bluebird.

The band kickoffs a mini-tour starting Friday:

Upcoming Shows:

1/5 - Sherbino - Ridgway, CO.

1/6 - The Alibi - Telluride, CO.

1/13 - Bluebird Theater headline - Denver, CO. 

1/18 - Goldenlight Cantina - Amarillo, TX.

1/19 - Which House - Denton, TX.

1/20 - Farout Lounge - Austin, TX.

1/25 - Kirby’s - Wichita, KS.

1/26 - The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS.

1/27 - Auntie Mae’s - Manhattan, KS. 

3/20 -3/24 - Treefort fest - Boise, ID.

Photo Credit: Hannie Rie

Decadence Dazzles Denver With Yet Another Stacked Lineup

Decadence returns for its eleventh year of world-class, show-stopping acts stacking Denver’s Colorado Convention Center from the street to the top of that Blue Bear. As always Global Dance, Denver-based event production company, does not disappoint.

For years Decadence has delivered on its claim of, “America's biggest electronic New Years celebration. The event spans December 30th and 31st, offering artists across the Bass and Dance sub-genres of Electronic Dance Music.

This year is no different bringing an even spread across bass and dance. The heavy hitters and veterans of sub-sounds Grammy-winning Skrillex, Illenium, Zeds Dead, Subtronics, as well as the newer acts Ganja White Night, Of The Trees, Mersiv, and DEATHPACT will be in attendance.

The senior class of dance artists of this two-night soiree include Steve Aoki, Cosmic Gate, Fisher, Galantis, as well as the freshman and sophomore classes Sofi Tukker, John Summit, Two Friends, and Malaa, among others.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased here. Check the Decadence website for venue and travel information, rules of what you can bring in, and with no doubt, there will be folks who don’t bring a jacket but there is a coat check, so don’t sacrifice your health for the fit and bring your jacket!