Our Top Ten Must See Acts For The UMS 2021

Our favorite weekend of the year is upon us and we are celebrating our tenth year covering this amazing festival. The Underground Music Showcase is set to return to the streets of South Broadway this weekend and we have made our annual list of who to see. So without further adieu we present our “Ten Must See Acts”.

ERIN STEREO | OASIS STAGE AT IMPORT MECHANICS | FRIDAY 6:00-7:00 PM

We have had the pleasure of seeing Erin Stereo on various occasions throughout the years and there hasn’t been an empty dance floor needless to say. She commands and is in full control of her sets and is able to adapt on the drop of a dime. Let’s get this UMS started off right on Friday with her amazing set.

Citra

CITRA | STONEY’S CANTINA | FRIDAY 10:50-11:40 PM

Our favorite Denver rock act returns to melt your face. We always love when bands play early in the festival because it sets the bar for other bands that weekend to top what this four-piece brings. It’s going to get loud, it’s going to get rowdy, and it’s going to be an all out party. Be prepared.

The Grand Alliance (Photo: Anthony Maes)

The Grand Alliance | Showcase Stage at The Goodwill | Saturday 2:40-3:30 PM

The cat is out of the bag as The Grand Alliance has landed and is setting the pace for what is our early favorite for “Band of The Year”. Mixing elements of funk, hip hop, r&b, with a twist of afro-funk the band combines three Denver locals (who each have their own amazing solo projects) to give us an intergalactic dancer party. We suggest dressing up in your favorite space garb for this one, you never know what will go down.

NEOMA | SHOWCASE STAGE AT THE GOODWILL | SATURDAY 3:50-4:40 PM

It’s been a whirlwind couple years for Neoma, the Ecuadorian outfit has cemented their place in Denver as one of the most exciting live bands to see in the last couple years. Led by songstress who also goes by the name Neoma, she manages to capture the audience with a unique ability to sing in English and in Spanish rarely seen in pop music (think Selena meets Rosalia). Their set will leave you falling in love and appreciating every note from their infectious dance set.

POUT HOUSE | THE HORNET | SATURDAY 7:40-8:30 PM

Garage Rock isn’t dead yet. Just ask the members of Pout House who deliver a sound that is hard to compare with any other band. Utilizing their affection for early garage acts such as The Strokes, The White Stripes and to top it off throw in a hint of Blondie and The Velvet Underground. If you are seeking a sound reminiscent be sure to check out their set Saturday night to get your evening started for the late night heavy-hitters.

ADIEL MITCHELL | COCHINO TACO | SATURDAY 10:00-10:50 PM

Adiel Mitchell put on one of the most electric performances of UMS 2019, and now the prodigal son Is back for more. Wit a more polished set and mature sound, Mitchell has been honing his skills during the pandemic to give us what is set to be another epic performance. Fresh off an opening set for Bishop Briggs, Adiel Mitchell is going to turn your Saturday night into an unforgettable evening.

IZCALLI | STONEY’S CANTINA | SATURDAY 12:20-1:10 AM

At this point we can safely say IZCALLI are UMS veterans. Over the years we have had the pleasure of seeing this amazing Spanish rock outfit bring some of the most memorable live performances we have had to chance to cover. Not much has changed as the band continues to give us a mix of music the way it was supposed to be played….in all languages. The band has established itself as the festivals late night headliners and you will see why on Saturday night.

LEVI DOUBLE U | OASIS STAGE AT IMPORT MECHANICS | SUNDAY 5:00-6:00 PM

Producer/DJ/Drummer/…….we can literally go on. Levi Double U wears many hats among the Denver music scene, but it has been his DJ sets that have elevated him to one of the elites among the city’s best. With a love of house music, Levi Double U can spark a dance floor at the drop of a beat setting off a dance party that even you want to participate in. Look for Levi Double U to continue to set forth a blaze among the scene amongst his different projects.

ELEKTRIC ANIMALS | HI-DIVE | SUNDAY 7:40-8:30 PM

We are going to be honest here, we had never heard of Elektric Animals until an email reached our inbox back in July of 2020. We featured a song called “Reckless” that just blew our mind. We were the midst of the heyday of the pandemic so music was our only vice we could really enjoy. The band has grown on us and has become a regular on our playlist here at the office. This will be our first time seeing them live and we cannot wait. If you like rock music at its core you won’t want to miss this set.

VYNYL | STONEY’S CANTINA | SUNDAY 11:10-12:00 AM

One of Denver’s best pop acts will end our UMS this year. VYNYL gives us feel good rock that portrays their penchant for the love of music they have adopted as their own. With infectious riffs and heart felt lyrics, the band gives us our own version of what rock should sound like. We are excited to see these guys play as it has been way too long and we are craving some feel good music to end our fest this year.

UMS 2019: The Best of The Best (Top Performances)

UMS 2019: Denver shines as Two Parts unites it whole

Words by Jocelyn Rockhold

The Underground Music Showcase is obviously not so underground anymore—it seems like everyone in Denver was at the city’s best music festival. Part of this is due to the festival takeover of Two Parts, a local boutique event company. While this is only the company’s second year heading the festival, the increase in quality marketing, spatial planning, and vendor partnerships is obvious. The festival continues to evolve and we can only wait to see what comes of it the next few years.

While some of the smaller venues ran into issues of having huge lines and overwhelmingly hot temperatures, barriers were well-placed, the schedule was thought out, and artists were selected strategically.

Here are the top shows from the weekend.

FRIDAY

Texas emcee Deezie Brown shines. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Deezie Brown @ Odyssey Stage

Hailing from the Lone Star State, Brown brought his amazing lyrical prowess to the UMS for his third straight year. This year the emcee brought a more polished sound and showmanship on the tails of his recently released debut album Judith, which has been been playing on our rotation all year. The confidence of a Kanye West with the lyrical mastery of Kendrick Lamar, Brown showed us why he is one of hip hop’s hidden gems. In a few years we will be talking about how we saw him at this little festival called the UMS.

Deezie Brown is Deezie Brown, Aldo aka Groove Remote and Dany aka Educacion

BLACK MOUNTAIN @ SHOWCASE STAGE

While stereotypes of Canada portray it as a polite, mild population, the country is full of vast wilderness, miles and miles of utter isolation, and weather that can be bitterly cold and dark. Black Mountain, from Vancouver, encapsulates the Canadian dark side that people rarely think about with a fervent, thunderous rumble.

Beginning with ominous chants leading up to a fiery video screen, a blood red “BLACK MOUNTAIN” shown in simple font, the 5-piece brought some dark, psychedelic masterpieces to the showcase stage. With a flaming background, Black Mountain launched into a set full of stoner, space rock goodness, relying on the music to speak for themselves rather than attempting to make small talk throughout the set.

Black Mountain utilized the video screen in perhaps the most apt way for the entire festival—the video screen complimented everything that the band stood for and created a foreboding presence that surely lasted in many minds for the rest of the weekend. Performing songs such as “Florian Saucer Attack” and “Space to Bakersfield,” Black Mountain brought one of the most impressive performances of the weekend.

Black Mountain is Stephen McBean, Arjan Miranda, Rachel Fannan, Adam Bulgasem and Jeremy Schmidt.

The Velveteers played to a packed 3 Kings. (Photo Credt: Kate Rose)

THE VELVETEERS @ 3 KINGS TAVERN

The Velveteers are much different from when we first saw them 4 or 5 years ago. Then, they were an emerging outfit from Boulder, a brother and sister two-piece that obviously had raw talent—now, they have fully grown into who they are meant to be, and that is a trio of full-blown, heavy, experienced rockers.

With Demi Demitro, front woman and guitarist, and both John Demitro and Adrian Pottersmith on the drums (you read that right—two drummers), the band mixed in both newer songs and older ones that we’ve been a fan of from the get go, such as “Just Like the Weather.” Tossing waxed letters into the

crowd, Demi had full control of the stage, shredding a guitar-driven frenzy, leaping from the drum kit and writhing on the ground with an electrified intensity. The three members clearly have an appreciation for each other, based on both familial and artistic connection.

The Demitros and Pottersmith clearly have much more in store for the world. This band is one that we have grown with, and we can’t wait to see them grow further as they tour the UK later this year.

The Velveteers is Demi Demitro, John Demitro, and Adrian Pottersmith.

Levi Double U throwing down in the 303 Magazine Green Room at UMS. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The Green Room @ 3 Kings Tavern

An afterparty after a party. As rumors floated about a secret “Green Room” after party our spider senses were triggered. You had to sign up for an email list to get a code to enter the exclusive party, as boujee as we are sometimes, we were all over it. The good folks at 303 Magazine turned the 3 Kings basement into a green filled room with some amazing DJ’s to usher in the late night fans.

With shrubbery adorning the cavernous basement DJ’s such as Levi Double U and Motion Trap played amazing sets that had the crowds dancing up a storm.

Other notable sets: Wildermiss, Leikeli47, Covenhoven, Colfax Speed Queen, Izcalli

SATURDAY

Chicano Batman slaying their set. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

CHICANO BATMAN @ SHOWCASE STAGE

One of the more eclectic and genre-bending groups of the night, Chicano Batman also happened to be the best dressed. The funky, soulful group was effortlessly cool in blazers and skinny pants, garnering one of the largest crowds of the festival.

Chicano Batman certainly had one of the most interesting mixtures of styles of the weekend as well. Playing hits such as “Freedom is Free” and “Black Lipstick,” the band showed off its prowess as masters of indie pop, romanticism, and Tropicalia, a 1960’s artistic movement stemming from Brazil. Chicano Batman, with its unique sound and suave style, simply had a swagger that was unmatched by anyone else at the festival.

Chicano Batman is Eduardo Arenas, Carlos Arévalo, Bardo Martinez, and Gabriel Villa.


LAST CALL ROMANCE @ SKYLARK LOUNGE

To begin, Last Call Romance was a lucky encounter—after stumbling into Skylark Lounge looking for water, we were pleasantly greeted by the swingiest, most energetic group of the night. While our stay was brief, the impression left by the group lasted much longer. Despite everyone’s aching feet from an already long day, Last Call Romance had just the right amount of spirit to get everyone dancing.

tLast Call Romance’s complete comfortableness with each other lends itself to an environment that encourages the crowd to be wholly engaged. The genre of Rockabilly-Swing may be a turn off for some, but don’t let it deter you from seeing this enthusiastic, boogying group next time they hit the stage in Denver.

Last Call Romance is Chris Winters and Emily Winters, with various members on upright bass, lead guitar, saxophone and drums.


YASI @ HI-DIVE (SECRET SET)

YaSi has some big Stevie Nicks energy—and we aren’t just saying that because of her stylistic, hip-hop version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Visions.” Yasi gives off the impression that she knows exactly what you need to fix your life, and that includes some good old self-reflection.

YaSi, a first-generation Iranian-American rapper, knows how to have fun but also how to keep it real. Speaking of her experience of being in Iran when the Muslim ban was announced under Trump, she elaborated on how despite her and her family’s unique challenges, she was still here and she was going to do a damn good job of doing her own thing.

Backed by a hype-man DJ and an incredibly talented drummer relaying YaSi’s oh-so-essential beats, YaSi proved that yes, she’s a girl, and yes, she’s learning and having fun just like the rest of us. We promise— listen to “Issues” and you won’t regret it.

Yasi is also known as Yasman Azimi.

Other notable sets: Wheelchair Sports Camp, Turrvy Organ, Tyto Alba, Whiskey Autumn, Zach Maxwell, Oxeye Daisy

SUNDAY

Kyle Emerson one of the standout acts at UMS. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

KYLE EMERSON @SHOWCASE STAGE

Kyle Emerson and his band seem to be an introspective bunch. While drummer Mark Anderson seemed to be the source of most light-hearted stage banter, Emerson and his band, rather than relying on any witty set talk or flashy lights, are simply extraordinary musicians and that is what makes this band great. It’s obvious that all members of the band, including guitarist Miles Eichner and bassist Daniel Vollmar, have honed the technical aspects of their instruments. After all, they each have many years of experience—Emerson has had a hand in past musical projects such as Plum, and Eichner and Vollmar played together in now defunct Shady Elders. Vollmar and Emerson even played together 11 years ago in a church youth group.

Emerson’s set consisted of some songs off his EP Dorothy Alice such as “Goddamn Low” and some newer pieces such as “I Can Change.” Songs such as the latter really show off some of the artist’s best songwriting ability and leaves the audience with some questions themselves—can we actually change? If we can, how do we do it? If we do change, who are we doing it for?

Kyle Emerson is supported by Miles Eichner, Daniel Vollmar, and Mark Anderson.

Collin Johnson of Flaural. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

FLAURAL @ SHOWCASE STAGE

Flaural at this point has joined UMS royalty—the band even had a moniker slice at Pie Hole UMS weekend. Despite the heat on Sunday, Flaural was nothing but cool, each of them donning a pair of sunglasses and the confidence of a band who is well, constantly touring. We were lucky enough to catch them in town during UMS.

One of the most unique aspects of Flaural is its modern shoegaze twist—while clearly taking influence from shoegaze’s archetypical walls of noisy, overwhelming sound, the band uses enough psychedelic While the band mostly played songs off its new album, Postponement, the crowd favorite was obviously “Nonnie,” a song from Flaural’s EP Over Imaginary Cigarettes.

Flaural is Noah Pfaff, Collin Johnson, Nick Berlin, and Connor Birch.

Adiel Mitchell takes his performance outside at the Irish Rover (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Adiel Mitchell @ Irish Rover

Every year we see a breakout performance at UMS that has us in awe. In all the years we have covered this festival we have never seen anybody take the performance outside the venue, Mitchell carried his outside to a gathering crowd as he serenade them for a brief moment. Still a newcomer to the scene he is slowly etching his way to being one of the best live performers in Denver. The kid has all the tools to take it to the next level, this is just the beginning for Mitchell as he continues to take the world by storm.

Adiel Mitchell is Adiel Mitchell and Levi Double U

Earth Gang from Atlanta, Georgia leaving their mark. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Earth Gang @ Odyssey Stage

Th party didn’t let up Sunday night as Atlanta duo- Earth Gang took to the stage to close out the Odyssey Stage. The rappers Olu (aka Johnny Venus) and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot) set the stage on fire as they brought out their much hypes set to the masses. Recently signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records the duo emits comparisons to groups such as Outkast, Goddie Mob, and The Pharcyde. At one point during their set they probably had about 15-20 people on stage dancing with them making for an amazing spectacle.

Other notables sets: Rad Dudes, Vic N’ The Narwals, Cheap Perfume, Jackie Mendoza, Bud Bronson & The Good Timers, Tuxedo

Overall, UMS 2019 was an utter success. Despite the newness of Two Parts’ ownership, the festival ran without a hitch. We are certain that UMS can only go up from here.

Crowds gather at one of the three main stages at UMS. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Photo Gallery: Robert Castro

Colfax Speed Queen - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

LVDY - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Motion Trap - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

The Odyssey Stage - Kate Rose

Slow Caves - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Sophie Meiers - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

The Velveteers - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Cheap Perfume - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Flaural - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Jackie Mendoza - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Rad Dudes - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Y La Bamba - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Zebroids - Photo Credit: Kate Rose

Various Artist - Photo Credit: Aly McClaran

Ten "Must See" Acts At This Year's Westword Music Showcase

Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

This year the Westword Music Showcase is celebrating 25 years, an amazing accomplishment. Luckily we have been able to cover this festival for about half of that time. Each year while our staff is narrowing down their schedules we come across a few acts that you must see. Bands that have caught our attention and doing amazing things in the local and national scene. (In no particular order). If you haven’t purchased your tickets today is the last day before they go up in price. Use code: ULTRA5280 for your discounts.

Bailey Elora | 2:30-3:05 | 100% De Agave

Bailey is starting to put her stamp on the Denver music scene with a breakout year in 2019 so far. The singer-songwriter will touch your heart and evoke all the feels of a live performance. Look for her to be a household name in the up-coming year.

Adiel Mitchell | 2:30-3:05 | #VYBE Stage

2019 has been an amazing year for Adiel Mitchell and he is just getting started. With a slew of festivals on the horizon Mitchell brings his own unique sound to the masses. Evoking the persona of Bruno Mars while maintaining the cool of Khalid, Mitchell is set to breakout into one of Denver’s most versatile performers.

Corsicana | 4:10-4:45 | The Church

One of our favorite bands we have been listening to this year is Corsicana. The band is riding the wave of their recently released album and has our stamp of approval. Lead by lead singer Ben Pisano, the band pulls you into a world that evokes the feels of the song truly making a connection with the masterful songwriting.

Yasi | 12:25-12:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage

Ahhh fresh off the cover of this week’s Westword Magazine, YaSi has been having herself quite a year. The sultry singer has been traveling the country playing gigs in New York, Chicago, and Houston and returns to get things started off on the Breck Brew Main Stage. Her current single “Issues” has been on repeat for us and is sure to conjure up mutual feelings between her and her audience.

CITRA | 7:30-8:05 | The Church

While those of you who prefer your drinks stiff, make sure to catch CITRA headlining The Church. The rock band has become the staple band in the Denver rock scene the last few years and brings one of the better live sets of any band. Make sure you have your Jack & Coke ready!

SHAED | 1:20-1:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage

Electro-pop darlings SHAED is ready to shine on the main stage. Hailing from our nations capital the band is led by singer Chelsea Lee and rounded out by siblings Spencer and Max Ernst. If you are fans of Bishop Briggs or Marian Hill, you will enjoy their mid-day set at Westword.

The Hollow | 6:40-7:15 | The Church

What can we say about The Hollow? A band that has come into its own the latter part of the last few years along with CITRA has been hailed as one of the best rock acts to grace the Mile High. If you like your music hard, fast, and raw, The Hollow is for you. P.S……Bring your ear plugs.

Optycnerd | 1:40-2:15 | The Church

Optynerd is set to take their act on the road next month but before they do make sure you check out the duo of Chris Kimmel and Chris Scott. Their music just makes you want to dance, even though if you don’t know how. Catchy beats and feel good lyrics makes this band a must see. Come cool off from the treacherous heat indoors for a wild set.

Plastic Daggers | 5:00-5:35 | Bar Standard

We had a chance to see these guys not long ago at Lost Lake and our ears are still ringing. Plastic Daggers consists of Keaton Kidder and Jordan Palmer. The duo has been making music for the last few years cementing themselves as one of the better live acts in our city. Three things, it’s going to be loud, it’s going to raw, and just like your favorite beer.. it’s going to be unfiltered. Get some!!!

CHVRCHES | 7:20-8:35 | White Claw Stage

I mean it CHVRCHES…..

Must See DJ’s

Hexkitten

Polyphoni

Erin Stereo

DJ Bedz

Always gotta give love to our city’s best DJ’s who week in and week out provide us the soundtracks to our weekend shenanigans.

Justin Johnson's Dream Is Grind Is Putting Denver Hip Hop and R&B On The Map

Denver native Justin Johnson and his artist and entertainment company Dream Is Grind, is taking over Denver’s hip-hop and R&B scene!

Johnson lived a double life growing up as a beat maker and football player. He took off for Philadelphia for football, but had many run-ins with Philly’s rap heavy-hitters during that time.

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson

“Beanie Sigel, Meek Mill, Jay-Z would be on our campus…That’s when I really fell in love with music and hip-hop because I was seeing the game right there. It changed my whole outlook. Meek Mill would be on my campus freestyling,” Johnson recounts.

Upon his homecoming nearly ten years later, he connected with producers and started making music with local artists. He hustled while working an unfulfilling full-time gig that didn’t drive him creatively or emotionally, “How I created my production company Dream Is Grind was out of depression honestly. I was going through a huge breakup. I was working in cooperate America. When you go through hard times and obstacles you really start to think about yourself. So I thought to myself ‘lemme go start my own business.’”

Dream Is Grind took off from there.

“My first artist that I managed was Lo-Pez, who happened to be Timberland’s nephew. The universe is crazy on how it connects you.” Justin elaborates on those first stages on building his company, “As far as the business aspect goes, I had to learn. [Attend] workshops. I had to put myself in the game. My focus was learning how to manage artists and building a studio from the ground up. Two years later I executive produced Lo-Pez’ first album W.I.P (Work In Progress).”

After this major project, Johnson and his company had established credibility within the local scene that got him some attention nationally. Dream Is Grind was contacted by a talent buyer out of Seattle to promote the Jacquees concert in 2018; which was later cancelled. The upset didn’t stop Dream Is Grind’s momentum as they went on to take two up-and-coming artists under their wing: Jay Triiiple & Chyreco.

Kush Groove, Dream Is Grind’s newest endeavor, is an urban focused live performance party thrown at Meadowlark celebrates its first anniversary this year. Dream Is Grind is celebrating by throwing a showcase of Denver’s musical talent at Ophelia’s.

Johnson talks about how the event came to fruition, “I saw a lot of division in the music culture out here. It’s very clique-y and not supportive. There are really good artists and I believe in Denver. So I wanted to produce a showcase that shows off Denver artists. We wanted to show people how to work together. It doesn’t matter what race you are or what background you have. I’m hoping that it’s entertainment it’s fun it’s networking. It’s a platform that’s the glue of these bridges that we have created.” The night features a diverse lineup of Denver artists: Soul singer Zach Maxwell, and R&B crooner Napalm, as well as additional performances by Adiel Mitchell, Mandy Groves and Yasi, DJ sets by KDJ Above and Destiny Shynelle.

What does Johnson hope people take away from his events and Dream Is Grind?

“Those people work hard. They believe in themselves. They care about Denver.”

Catch Kush Groove’s first anniversary celebration Thursday February 28th at 8pm at Ophelia’s.

DIG Flyer 1 year anniversary.jpg

5 Denver Artists To Watch Out For In 2019

We are excited to see what Denver local bands have in store for us in 2019. We have handpicked these bands because we feel they are ready to make a huge impact on the scene. Some have new albums on the way while others are ready to show Denver what they have been missing. We feel these five artist have earned our respect and it’s time Denver put their stamp of approval on them.

Tyto Alba

Tyto Alba has been honing their skills for a couple years now and we feel like 2019 will make them a household name in Denver. With a new album set to drop in 2019 (I have had a chance to hear it, be ready to be blown away) and a few more shows we have nothing but high hopes for this band in 2019. The band possess a unique sound not found anywhere else, led by the angelic vocals of Melanie Steinway the band conjures up comparisons of bands such as Japanese Breakfast, Mitski, and Beach House. Look for them to make a big splash in 2019.

A mesmerizing synthesis of shoegaze, dream-pop and indie. Lush guitars and heartfelt vocals roller coaster from subdued whispers to frenzied howls. A hypnotic blend of moody and catchy.

Nikki Giron

Local Singer/Songwriter and Alto Saxophonist Nikki Giron is releasing her debut EP ‘Heart Behind Bars’ on March 1st, 2019. Nikki Giron has been known for her ‘oldies’ influence upon not only her music, but her style as well. Nikki is a woman who will hit your vintage nostalgia making you feel as if you should be in a speakeasy in the 1920s. Upon first listen we were captured by her sultry voice and soulful sound. The nostalgia elements are all there and we encourage you all to come see her live on February 28th at Lost Lake.

Adiel Mitchell

Fresh off his EP release ‘Jungle’ Adiel Mitchell is already turning heads in his early career. First featured live during our Seven Year Anniversary party last year, Mitchell has been in the lab cooking up some new music and expanding his repertoire as a musician adding newer elements to his already praise worthy sound. Looks like 2019 will be the year Adiel Mitchell sets his footprint in the Denver music scene, expect to see this name a lot more. Word on the street is he has a special collab in the works with one of our favorite duos Optycnerd, stay tuned for more.

Oxeye Daisy

Storming out of the gates in 2017 Oxeye Daisy caught our eye with their dream like sound reminiscent of one of our all time favorite bands The Cranberries. They describe themselves as The Cranberries on acid, if they are serving that up, we will take two orders to go please. Led by lead singer Lela Roy and rounding out the band with an all star ensemble, the band is ready to make a huge impact in 2019. The band has one album to their credit and we expect to see a lot more in the coming year. A fun band to catch live make sure you come out on February 16th as they will be performing on a stellar bill featuring Tyto Alba and Pout House.

The Trujillo Company

One of the bands that landed on our radar in late 2018 was the dynamic duo of The Trujillo Company. With a no holds barred approach to rock, the band relies on heavy influences from bands such as Soundgarden, Audioslave and Stone Temple Pilots. The band is set to release their first full length album this year and we cannot wait to get our hands on it. Looking to see these guys cement themselves in our vibrant scene in 2019.

Denver rock and roll outfit, The Trujillo Company is making their own mark on the flourishing music scene in Colorado. Sharing the same love of music and same last name, Mike and Leny Trujillo combined forces to create a two-piece powerhouse driven by powerful backbeats and heavy riffs. The duo has been proving themselves with their energetic live shows and massive hooks since arriving on the scene in early 2018. 

Denver's Best Kept Secret: Adiel Mitchell Is Just Getting Started

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Adiel Lee Mitchell is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, music producer, and actor based out of Aurora, CO. He drops his second solo project, About Last Night  on February 15th, 2018. 

The release comes almost two years after the singer/songwriter's departure from the bubblegum pop internet phenomenon, Two Worlds (which currently has over 81K subscribers, 5.5M views on YouTube, and over 22M streams on Spotify). In 2017 he released the experimental, chill-wave "Two:Thirty EP" where he explored the smoother sounds of R&B. This year, he raises the stakes on  the "About Last Night" EP, enlisting the production genius of DMD the Producer and Davey Remix to develop a sound that manages to exist in both a contemporary Pop and nostalgic 90s Hip Hop/ R&B musical space. 
 
As a band, Two Worlds released countless covers and originals on YouTube as well as video collaborations with other major YouTubers (like Tyler Ward, Eppic, Lindsay Sterling, etc.) to create a hefty internet following. Their debut EP, Playtime, peaked at number 11 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.  

Shortly after, as a band, Two Worlds was selected to appear on  VH1 and Universal Music Group's Republic Records’ unprecedented 24-hour livestream event “Make A Band Famous” where they were personally coached by Gym Class Heroes frontman, Travie McCoy, into the competition’s final rounds.  The event revamped Two Worlds’ love for original music and their success lit a fire under Adiel’s intention to pursue a career in the industry as an artist. Playtime was over.

After parting ways with his bandmate in 2016, Adiel began his pursuit of a solo music career.  In 2017 he released the self-produced Two:Thirty EP where he explored his songwriting skills and the sultry sounds of Pop/R&B. In 2018, the much anticipated About Last Night EP, features the hit songs, “Black Dress” and “2nd Chances”.

Adiel Lee Mitchell is a supernova and he’s winning the music industry over with his irresistible charm and raw, uncorrupted talent.  In the same musical vein as pop music superstars like Bruno Mars and Miguel, his music is infectious as it is introspective. Once you've taken a sip of his musical wit, you won't easily forget it..