Exclusive Music Video Premiere | One Flew West "Come Together"

Local up-and-comers One Flew West bring fans into the studio with them to pay homage to the greats in their brand new music video, exclusively debuting with Ultra5280. Shot during a recording session at The Keep in Denver, this footage gives fans an intimate way to experience the band’s rendition of The Beatles classic, “Come Together”. Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jeff Kanan, this track captures the raw energy that fans love from One Flew West’s robust live performances. Vocals from frontman Linden Jackson lead the listener with power and intent, while tightly focused shots from videographer Lucas Flores guides viewers through various perspectives of the session. Certainly a refreshing take on your typical “in the studio” release, this video is the third in a string of One Flew West’s one-of-a-kind music videos. While staying true to the tune’s form, the addition of harmonies and trumpet brings refreshing style to the classic.

We’re unsure when we’ll hear more from the group’s recent studio time, but you can satiate your One Flew West fix at their upcoming show at the Fox Theatre in Boulder this Saturday, July 16th (supporting acts: Longest Day of the Year and Whiskey Autumn). Tickets are still available for now, but don’t miss out on a fun night full of local music. Tickets: http://foxtheatre.com

Music | Plume Varia Music Video Release "Slumber/Altar"

Plume Varia are on a mission. It's normal for bands to release new music in some sort of consistent manner, but this lovely ambient duo from Denver are working hard to release new music in creative, artistic ways instead of the good ol' SoundCloud or iTunes link. This month they bring to us two songs, "Slumber" and "Altar", being released together in an incredibly unique music video that was filmed and recorded live, all in one take. Vocalist Cherie Cobbs took the time to answer some questions for us about this unique new experiment, so go ahead, turn on the video, jam out, and read along into to depths of this one-of-a-kind experiment. 

for this interview, questions from Ultra5280 will be labeled with "MC" for editor Maddie Casey, and answers will be noted with "PV" for Cherie Cobbs of Plume Varia.

 MC: Not many bands chose to do live music videos, yet yours seems to capture your songs beautifully. Do you feel like your choice to use live audio with your video was worth the difficulty of mixing and working with it? 
PV: We have long wanted to make a video but struggled to identify an approach that would result in something authentic and honest. This year we are focused on quarterly 2-song releases and thought that for our Spring release - if we found the right director/visual artist we could create a live performance video that answered both the need to present an artistic view of a snapshot in time, while our music was being offered up exactly as it would be at a live show. This project presented a unique challenge in that we had to solve for the difficulties you encounter when attempting to capture live audio. Once those logistics were worked through, we were able to meet with our director and got the recording done within a couple of hours. The concept of recording both songs straight through in a single take is also a challenge of course, in that if you make a mistake, you have to start all over. In the end the process was definitely worth the effort because we believe the video is great representation of what we do.

MC: You have been releasing a lot of concept work recently, which we love. What made you choose to pair these particular two songs together for this project? Is there any kind of artistic statement/significance behind the duality of this video compared to the songs being performed? 
PV: We are obsessed with finding balance in duality.  On a surface level this release represents one of our oldest songs (Altar) paired with our newest song (Slumber).  On a deeper level the messaging and theme of both songs is very similar.  These are songs that explore the conclusion of romantic relationships.  With Slumber, you have brief, concise phrases while the message of Altar is drowned in a lot of superfluous language... The concept of duality was present in this music video as well.  Our director worked tirelessly to weave the straight-forward performance footage with the alternate, darker concept footage. 
The balance between the surreal footage and the straight-forward footage could be easily be considered symbolic; on some level there is a distinction between what one see's and what one feels.  There is a lot of movement in this video even though we were standing in the same spot for 10 minutes.  One could argue that where your feet are need not indicate where your thoughts are, and in this way the video speaks to the dizzied effect of love, conflict and change.  The overall effect conveys peace, duress, calm and chaos.

MC: For someone who's never seen Plume Varia but who watches this video, what would you want to say about your live show compared to this live video? 
PV: In our live performances we strive to represent a broad range of emotions through sound variations and instrumentation... This video is a great introduction to what we do but in each performance we try to stretch, we try to engage, we try to make an audience stop and consider.  Our hope is that we make even one connection where a listener finds themselves in a moment that sounds beautiful, that feels like the truth and that makes them want to hear more.

MC: How did you come to find and work with your director Lisa Kingsbury?
PV: We had the good fortune to meet and work with Lisa for a previous project where she created original visual artistry to be used for projections at one of our shows last year.  When we decided to attempt a live music video, we reached out again to explain the idea. We met Lisa and her partner, Alex Clem in early February to record the video.  Lisa and Alex are thoughtful, intelligent artists who shared their ideas, inspiration (drawings) as well as the technical prowess with cameras, lighting, design and a very unique editing approach to deliver on our hope.  In the end, we are thrilled with the result and admire and respect Lisa greatly and look forward to partnering again soon.

MC: What can we expect next from Plume Varia?
PV: Our goal for 2015 is to continue to release new music.  We hope to have a summer release available late June/early July. We've met so many talented local musicians that it seems likely we may solicit some to join us on a future release. We would also like to branch out regionally a bit, as well as plan out some mini-tours before years end.  
In the immediate sense however, we are looking forward to Friday, March 20th when we will join some of our local favorites - Snake Rattle Rattle Snake and Pale Sun at Hi-Dive in Denver.

Music | Lola Black, Smackfactor, Scarlight | Dickens Opera House | March 6, 2015

What a great way to kick off the weekend with a night filled with hard rock, punk, and thrash up in Longmont Colorado. Denver-based band Lola Black went up north and showed the state’s northerners why they are rising to the next level. There was a strong sense of energy at the historic Dickens Opera House as everyone was in party mode and ready for the weekend.

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photo credit: Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

Starting off the evening was Denver band Scarlight. A hard rock sound with vocal harmonies mixed in with some screams, this group of young musicians gave their all and had a great time as they were often seen smiling with each other and chatting with the crowd in between songs. Their sound has enough bite to not only get your attention, but keep you enthralled as they take you through their catalog, including 2014 EP Gliding Over All. They’re certainly a fun, young band to keep your eye on.

Next came Longmont’s “hometown heroes” Smackfactor. With the exception of the lead vocalist Payden Browning, the rest of the band resides in this northern Colorado town. I was excited to see these guys perform again: their sound is visceral and heavy, and their live performances are definitely something to be seen. Barefoot bassist James Boyd has a very animated and entertaining persona onstage. He mentioned to me before they went on that he puts himself into the same mental state one would be in if they were entering a brawl. As he stomped and growled through their set, it was clear that he was “in the zone”. Both guitarists John Palmer and Shawn Wolf shred on harmonies and put down their heavy right hands to produce the king of chugging riffs that remind me why I love metal. Vocalist Payden has a great range of screaming that cuts through the room and demands your attention. Drummer Loren Honstein’s drum kit it something to be reckoned as well, as his enormous kit can be described as beautiful as easily as it can be called punishing. Loren thrashed on his kit effortlessly as the drum pummeled the crowd. These guys know what they’re doing and their performance should not be missed by true fans of metal.

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photo credit: Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

Headliner Lola Black, fronted by their vocalist of the same name, came ready to rock. Their hard rock/punk sound is very catchy and heavy. The crowd was primed for Lola and crew thanks to their opening acts; fans felt right at home. Wasting no time, the band burst into their performance the minute they hit the stage. Bassist Yosh Yoshikawa (a phenomenal shredder on the seven string) is a true showman: thrashing, stomping and interacting with the crowd like a seasoned veteran. Drummer Ryan Oakes tight, punchy drums were on point all night long. The groups three guitarists Paige O’Meara, Scott Kennedy and Chris Dellinger all have their own sound yet blend awesomely as to not sound muddy. You can easily see the fun they have on stage together.

Lead vocalist Lola Black was in great form as her powerful voice did not falter even once. Very thankful for the great crowd and their enthusiasm, there was plenty of playful banter between Lola and the crowd, as well as her bandmates. Lola and the guys clearly know how to let the fans know that they are appreciated and respected. 

This was a great night for live music by all of the bands as each one clearly brought their ‘A’ game. No fan left the venue without a smile plastered across their face at the end of the night. A great way to start the weekend for sure.

- Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE LOLA BLACK SHOW HERE

Covenhoven | Exclusive Video Premiere

Colorado's token mountain man, Joel van Horne is at it again. We know him for his rustic, down home music and sweet demeanor. Where his previous releases prompt memories of growing up in the woods and weekend getaways in the mountains with friends. Yet, there is something different and symphonic about his latest debut. Joel's voice coupled with the myriad of instruments creates something new and totally unique to anything we've heard form Van Horne before. "Missing Parts" is wholesome, emotion provoking and raw. We are able to see a side of Covenhoven that's been hidden in the caves of the Rocky Mountains for the past decade. This video or new side of Van Horne is not to be missed.

So stay tuned because their newest video, "Missing Parts" is just one part of an episode of "Now Playing" that will air at 10 pm this Saturday (Feb. 21) on CPT 12 in Colorado.

Hometown For The Holidays, Episode 2

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Tomorrow is it. They day local bands have been waiting and waiting for. At some point during tomorrow night's Not So Silent Night, the staff of KTCL will announce this year's Top Eleven contestants for 2014's Hometown For the Holidays (HTFTH) competition. We've been trying to help you all get acquainted a little early with some potential contenders for this year's show, and today our final installment before the real games begin features Denver based group Wiredogs. 

Originally hitting the scene with the daring name The Hate, Wiredogs changed their name quickly and quietly after their inception in the summer of 2013. They first submitted for Hometown For The Holidays last year, and made it into the Top Eleven with their track "Suicide Queen". Sadly, the band didn't make it into last year's Top Three, but they're back at it again this year, hoping that the glory of being crowned champions might finally be theirs. I chatted briefly with lead singer Dan Aid about what it's like being involved in this competition, the bands progress in the last year, and their brand new record, Kill The Artist Hype The Trash which will be released early next year. 
(In the following interview, questions from Ultra5280 will be marked with "MC" indicating Maddie Casey, and answers from Wiredogs will be marked with "DA" indicating Dan Aid)

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MC: Hey Dan! Today we're talking a bit about Hometown For The Holidays. How many years have the Wiredogs participated in Hometown? What Keeps you coming back? 
DA: Last year was Wiredogs' first time participating in Hometown For the Holidays. We submitted again this year because it's an amazing opportunity to have your music heard by some of the biggest musical proponents in this state, and it has the potential to give you airtime on one of the biggest radio stations in the world, AND it gives you the opportunity to (possibly) play one of the largest venues in Colorado. 

MC: HTFTH sees hundreds of submissions from across the state, and has a proven track record with helping break local artists on a national scene. What benefits do you feel like a band gains from participating in an event like this? 
DA: You gain exposure. Getting anyone to listen to what you're doing these days when every fucking kid with a laptop is flooding the internet with their "creative" whatever-the-fuck is really difficult. Hometown gives you a chance to get heard and get feedback on what you're doing musically. Also, If you make top 10, KTCL plays your song for a week during prime air time, and if I'm remembering correctly, they have something like 200,000 listeners at any one time... Then if you win the whole contest, you get to play the next Not So Silent night, which is always a sold out show at 1st Bank Center. 

MC: Last year your band placed in the Top Eleven, what did you learn from that experience? Did you take any of that to heart thinking about this years submission? 
DA: I think we just submitted what we were most proud of and what resonated with us. We don't play a style of music that is very popular on radio right now, but we do play music and record songs that are honest, and thoughtful, and created with purpose. Hopefully that comes through to the listeners and the judges, regardless of perceived genre.

MC: You guys are getting ready to release a new record early next year - what can fans expect from Kill The Artist Hype The Trash?
DA: Kill The Artist Hype The Trash is agressive and honest. The whole record, from writing, to demoing, to recording, happened at a time in this band when there was a ton of transition going on. Stefan moved to Chicago, I ended a relationship and moved, Mark started a relationship, and we struggled as a band to find our relationship with each other and with the music. I think that struggle comes through on the album in some pretty weird, but profound ways. This wasn't an easy record to make. It was really personal. But I think the vulnerability of that time was captured, and I think it will resonate with listeners.

MC: We cannot wait to hear it! Finally, our locals only question - what is your bands favorite pre or post-show snack?
DA: Marquis Pizza! Mosh With It!

MC: Amen! My sentiments exactly.

Check out the bands last EP, Resistance, available on Spotify just below, and be sure to watch for our upcoming feature on their new album next month. 

Jessica Lea Mayfield | Interview | See Her June, 12th @ The Hi Dive

This weekend we had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Jessica Lea Mayfield. With her new album, “Make My Head Sing...”’s recent release and her upcoming concert in Denver it was the perfect time for us to catch up. Jessica’s new album dips into her darker side, with a focus on instrumentals it comes across a little less “well behaved” from her previous records. I was not expecting such a sweet and welcoming voice on the phone, but when Jessica answered I pictured her curled up with her pup sipping a cup of tea looking out over the hills of her small hometown in Ohio. We had the chance to go over tattoos, random drunk kisses, and her artistic inspiration. Be sure to catch her Thursday June, 12th at the Hi Dive on South Broadway!

Q: When was the first time that you realized that you wanted to get into the industry?

A: “Well I’ve basically been doing this my whole life. I grew up playing music with my parents. I think I was 7 or 8 when I realized that i was gonna do this forever.”

Q: Which artists have influenced you the most?

A: “Elliott Smith, I ended up naming my dog after him. I have a tattoo on my wrist, that says Elliott in red.”

Q: “Make My Head Sing...” is a little more sharp and little less cutesy than your last album. It really gets down to the bones of the music and transfers story telling with lyrics to the guitar. What prompted this change in style?

A: “Well I kinda had a lot of down time recently and I used it to figure some things out. I wanted to be sure that this was something that I wanted to get into. I had this lull and I purchased this baritone guitar in Louisville, Kentucky and after that the album just kinda wrote itself. It was just a different way for me to express myself.”

Q: I can see how the guitar influenced your work, but I wouldn’t give it all the credit for your most recent album. Where do you like to write and create?

A: “I guess it really depends, I love being at my house and writing. It’s my own personal space. It’s a really intimate thing for me, to write and make music. I like making a lot of noises and seeing what fits. When I’m out on the road I will write down different lyrics and ideas, then I just can’t wait to get home and experiment.” 

Q: What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you while performing?

A: “I’ve probably seen it all, people are just weird. I’ve had someone try to grab me and kiss me. People are just so weird!” 

Q: Isn’t your husband the bass guitarist? How does he feel about the drunken admirers?

A: “When this drunk guy grabbed me and tried to kiss me, my husband had to push him away. But since then, I’ve realized that my audience has actually gotten more polite. In between songs people will yell things like, “You’re doing a great job!” and “I love your shoes!”. It's been fun.” 

Q: So where do you see your music taking you in the future?

A: “There’s really no end goal in something like this, I’ve never had a “real” job. I just want to be able to sustain and have enough money for people food and dog food and tour.”

Q: Anything you want to tell Denver before your trip to the Mile High City?

A: “Not really, I love Denver, it’s a really cool town and I’m just excited to be back.”

Well, we are all excited to have you Jessica! Be sure to check out her album, “Make My Head Sing...” it is available now on iTunes and Spotify. 

-McClain