Music | SHOW ALERT: Red Bull Sound Select Presents: Cloud Nothings, In The Whale, and The Epilogues | January 21 | Hi-Dive

View fullsize

This is going to be a hell of a show and we can't wait to check it out. As always The UMS curated lineups bringing some amazing bands.

Hot off the heels of our two-night extravaganza in December, Red Bull Sound Select -- an artist development program that works with the best curators in local music scenes to bring fans unique shows -– is proud to announce our first Denver show of 2016 in partnership with The UMS.

On January 21st, Cleveland hell-raisers Cloud Nothings headlines a show at Hi-Dive with Red Bull Sound Select acts In The Whale and The Epilogues performing in support. The show is 18+ and are only $3 with RSVP below: http://win.gs/JanDen

In The Whale https://www.redbullsoundselect.com/artists/InTheWhale

The Epilogues: https://www.redbullsoundselect.com/artists/TheEpilogues

Do yourself a solid and go back and check out Cloud Nothings most recent Here And Nowhere Else as well as their split record No Life for Me with Wavves. If you like quality American rock music, they’ve got exactly what you’re looking for. Not to be outdone, both of the Sound Select acts are worthy of your attention on a “I saw them before they broke big” level and will provide a great party. Not familiar? Listen to their music below:

Music | Plum EP Release and Review | Light Years, Dark Years

View fullsize

Denver local boys have just released their new EP Light Years, Dark Years and will be celebrating with a release party December 11th at The Hi-Dive. You can find more information here. We were able to get our hands on the EP a few days early and wanted to chime in with our review. The five track EP hits us with a mix of fuzz guitars and a true throwback to the days of The Doors and modern day version psych rock masters Tame Impala. The three piece conjours up sounds you would think could only be pulled off by a traditional five piece. We have had a few chances to see these guys live and we have always been in a situation where we are transcended (without the use of recreational drugs) into a time in which music had no boundaries and could be expressed via carefully orchestrated lyrics and freedom to express one's self. On this EP we are felt with a sense of a combination of blues influenced tracks such as the title track of the EP name "Light Years, Dark Years", a riff reminiscent of that of early Black Keys material. The next track “Cosmic Vice”, takes us on a trippy ride with it’s opening wallowing guitars. Vocalist haunting voice carries us over and commands full attention to the point of having us break into a hippie dance when all is said and done. Our favorite track on the EP, "Drip", is a well orchestrated example of all three members complementing each other for a track that just makes you want to bop your head up and down (maybe even through in some air guitar). On "Love is in the Air" you get a no holds barred, straight in your face rock and roll gem, with hints of some Black Rebel Motorcycle Club mixed in, the one track on the EP that seemed more rock than the others, an infectious chorus that lays into some easy to sing along lyrics. The EP is a gem that will keep us warm and fuzzy for the upcoming winter months and we suggest you pick it up. Be sure to join us this Friday as we present the EP release at Hi-Dive. 

-Robert Castro

View fullsize

Music | Red Bull Sound Select Denver Presents: Twin Peaks, Ned Garthe Explosion and Plum | May 14, 2015 | Hi-Dive

Another edition of the Red Bull Sound Select concert series is about to take place this coming Thursday at the Hi-Dive with an awesome trio of bands including Twin Peaks and local favorites Ned Garthe Explosion and Plum. We know what you are asking how do I get tickets to such a prestigious event? Will it's pretty simple all you have to do is RSVP HERE and it will only cost you a whopping 3 bucks. We had a chance to chat it up with the members of Plum recently and get their take on influences and what the band has in store for the coming months.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Plum

U5280: You describe your sound as psychedelic rock and roll. Who are some of your influences?

Plum: We take bits and pieces from the aesthetic of basically any band who falls under our definition of psychedelic or rock and roll, but along with that we take away some of the characteristics of the first wave of “Pop” music in the 60’s and 70’s.

U5280: Where did the name Plum come from?

Plum: We were struggling to come up with a name so we decided to take a trip together. We turned off all the lights and covered every crack in the room until we couldn’t tell if our eyes were opened or closed. We played our demos and it just seemed obvious.

U5280: You guys have currently been riding a wave with a rather short catalog, has that been a challenge and what should we expect on Thursday?

Plum: What we’ve released and our performances are two different things. Don’t be fooled by the pace of our releases, we’ve still got a lot up our sleeves.

U5280: You recently released “Behind Your Man” in March, what kind of response have you received from the single?

Plum: We had a great time cutting that number and still love playing it.  After we release something though, you have to let it go, let it carry it’s own weight from there. The second it’s out there; we’ve already begun on the next endeavor.

U5280: Describe your live show for anybody who hasn’t seen it?

Plum: We would prefer the audience to come to their own conclusion, rather than us setting parameters for the experience.

U5280: What is in store the rest of the year for Plum?

Plum: We don’t want to say too much and spoil any of it… expect big things.

U5280: If you had a chance to tour with any band (any generation) who would that be?

Plum: Stillwater.

Ticket Giveaway: Sarah & the Meanies w/ La Marche and Crl Crrll

We are proud to be sponsoring this awesome show this Wednesday, January 22. This will be our first Midweek Soul Mixup and we have a great lineup.  We want to send one lucky winner and their guests to come check out some awesome talent. All you have to do is "Like" us on our Facebook Page and comment "I want to win" for your chance.

EVENT PAGE

Sarah & The Meanies

Hands off the ground and buried in a lifetime of musical obsession, Meanies front-woman, Sarah Angela,  has roots that run wide.  You might reference the styles of  Otis Redding, Citizen Cope, or Sia; but despite some of her influences, she's got her own unique sound.  One thing's for sure, she sings bigger and louder than her five foot frame would have you assume.

Sarah Angela (better known as S.A.) is a Pacific NorthWest transplant and just as her lifestyle is that of a rolling stone, so have her songs portrayed a pattern of revolving relationships & independent journeys.  Angela spent the beginning of the 2000's honing in her sound across the country.  Having spent time in Seattle, Portland, the Dirty South, and now Colorado,  S.A.'s unique music has become a melting pot of the sounds across America.  Life, love, anger, and desire are all themes described in her honest lyrics, as experienced through moving from city to city.  Her style has matured thus so into an urban, slightly southern, and painfully earnest soulful sound. She is, in fact, a song bird who never wants to be caged, and never wants to be classified. 

2013 has brought the formation of 'Sarah & The Meanies", which kicked off the year with a feature at Austin's South by Southwest, a headlining gig at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the release of their music video 'Slam Pam Suno' (Directed by Drai Lloyd).  The video premiered on the jumbotron of 1st Bank Arena and was invited to join the "Best Music Video" category at the Starz Film Festival, in company with MGMT and Nine Inch Nails.   

Onward bound, The Meanies have just wrapped a recording session at The Blasting Room.  The studio is known for churning out hits from acts like Rise Against, The Gaslight Anthem, Lydia, The Flobots, Less Than Jake, + more.  The new single "DOWN DEEP DOWN", produced by Jason Livermore & Bill Stevenson (Black Flag/The Descendants) is a powerhouse rock anthem that will surely leave you thirsty for more. 

La Marche

La Marche is a Los Angeles-based acoustic rhythm and blues group with a foundation in the heartfelt, soulful vocal melodies and songwriting of Meredith LaMarche.
 
Meredith, who is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of becoming a solo artist. She immediately started working with the well-known Sean G, a producer hailing from D.C., and together they created a sound that was indescribeable. The percussion and vocal harmonies became the main component of their music and once they added the funky grooves of acoustic guitarist Dallen Jimenez the trio, LaMarche, was born. 

LaMarche, (whose members are Meredith LaMarche, Sean Gilmer and Dallen Jimenez) came onto the competitive LA music scene in 2013 and quickly garnered a steady following on the West Coast and beyond. Their first live acoustic EP entitled "Headin' To The Desert" is just the first taste of what listeners can expect from a future full-length album, set to be recorded amidst a busy touring schedule.
 
Their original music is a real convergence of a modern hip-hop groove and early delta blues. This groups' timeless music will captivate all music lovers for years to come. 

CRL CRRLL

Colorado native Carl Carrell brings fresh vocals to the scene; a smooth blend of soul and experimental sound inspired by Sci-Fi and bad break ups it is a unique, progressive sound. Imagine if Lenny Kravitz and Prince had a love child; Carl’s voice would be the child prodigy from this conception.

Carl has kept himself busy over years with a number of side projects, his latest being CRL CRRLL. The sound embodies an upbeat tempo, honing in on electronic beats, polished vocals with a little funk; an appreciation for the organic soulfulness that doesn’t flourish as much these days. With a unique approach to his sound Carrell brings a freshness and aura of hope that is lacking in today’s music scene. 

Slow Cub | Interview and Tour Info

View fullsize

Photo credit: Ben Corrigan​

We recently had a chance to catch up with Charles Watson of the lovely duo of Slow Club, who will be opening up for Mumford and Sons at Red Rocks tomorrow and headlining their own show at Hi-Dive on Wednesday night.  We are also be giving away of guest spots for the Hi-Dive show on Twitter later on today so be sure and follow us here.

​The beloved Brits are touring the United States with their countrymen, and playing songs off their critically acclaimed album Paradise, released late 2011 on Moshi Moshi Records. They also recently caused a stir when Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe played a feature role in the video for their single "Beginners"

U5280: Let’s talk about the new album Paradise, where did the name for the title originate from?

SC: The name is taken from the secret track at the end of the album. We both thought the song summed up the record pretty well.

U5280: Growing up in England and listening to the music scene there, who were and still are some of your biggest influences?

SC: Rebecca is influenced by lots of R n B records. I guess Leonard Cohen has been the most constant influence for me. I don't think the English music scene has really shaped our sound. We probably listened to more American music as teenagers.

U5280: How has social networking played a role into how you communicate with your fans? It seems like it can be a hit or miss with a lot of bands.

SC: For a long time I didn't get involved with social networking but since doing it I can see its merits. I like to stalk my favourite bands.

U5280: How long did it take for you guys to put together Paradise, what did that process look like, and what would you say were the biggest challenges? 

SC: It took about a year in total. There were lots of challenges in the shape of using new instruments. We really didn't want to make an album that sounded the same as the first so we spent a lot of time trying to experiment.

U5280: For this upcoming tour you will be opening up for Mumford and Sons, how did that come about and what are your thoughts on playing here at Red Rocks?

SC: It's a pleasure to open for Mumford & Sons. We have known the guys for quite a while now and it's very exciting to see how they've grown. Red Rocks is going to be incredible. I haven't stopped googling pictures of it since we found out.

U5280: I’m guessing you guys get this next question a lot, but how in the hell did you guys get Mr. Harry Potter himself Daniel Radcliffe to be in the video for Beginners? (check out video below)

SC: We found out he was a fan of the band when he chose us to interview for his guest editorial of Time Out London. After that we thought maybe he might like the idea of being in our video.

U5280: Finally what can the people of Colorado look to expect from Slow Club as you will be playing here two nights this week?

SC: We will playing some new material that we will be releasing later in the year. There might be nudity.

​Having built a burgeoning following on the success of their much-loved debut full-length Yeah So, Slow Club's sophomore album Paradise was a further step forward in song craft and lyrical maturity. Among much other praise, the album received nods from Under The Radar (8 of 10) who featured the band in their year end issue, The New York Times, Rolling Stone who labeled them a "Band To Watch", and Pitchfork who write that "the duo has evolved from being among the best of an indie pop field overcrowded with cutesy duos to carving out a distinct niche for itself that opens up further opportunities for creative growth."

Watch videos for the singles "Where I'm Waking," "Two Cousins" and "The Dog"

Castro

Knoxville band Royal Bangs at the Hi-Dive 11/18: Review

Bear Hands deserves equal recognition, a unique blend of The Police and Modest Mouse, they are quite talented as well. Although their sound was different from the Royal Bangs, they complimented each other and owned their time slot.  Touring with bands like MGMT and Vampire Weekend, I will definitely be looking forward to the next time I see them perform.

Amanda