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!

Lights All Night Celebrating It's 12th Year

Lights All Night, Texas' renowned New Year's Eve electronic music festival, is gearing up for its 12th edition, promising an unforgettable experience that transcends the boundaries of sound and spectacle. Presented by Disco Donnie Presents, this iconic event is set to unfold on December 30th and 31st at Dallas Market Hall, and the lineup is nothing short of monumental.

Headlining this electrifying celebration is none other than the Grammy-winning maestro Skrillex, joined by the dynamic duo NGHTMRE b2b Diesel, the infectious beats of Chris Lake, the trailblazing J. Worra, the bass-heavy Subtronics, and a lineup that reads like a who's who of electronic music.

From the mesmerizing melodies of Luttrell to the adrenaline-fueled sets of Sullivan King, Lights All Night 2023 caters to a diverse array of tastes. Fans can expect an exceptional menu of bass-heavy beats featuring Champagne Drip, Apashe, Grabbitz, Jantsen, and PEEKABOO, among others.

For aficionados of deep and melodic house, Lights All Night promises an immersive journey with talents like Luttrell, Marsh, and the acclaimed duo SULTAN + SHEPARD. Renowned artists Chris Lorenzo, AC Slater, and AYYBO will bring their distinctive blend of bass-infused house music, ensuring an experience that resonates with every beat.

Adding to the excitement, Lights All Night proudly showcases rising stars like Ky William, Austeria, and Bexxie, offering a glimpse into the future of electronic music. Disco Donnie, the mastermind behind the festival, expresses his enthusiasm, promising a year that surpasses all expectations.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

Pre-Show Primer : 'Life' on the Road; Q & A with Here Come The Mummies

We’re in for a funky Friday night at the Gothic Theatre this week with Here Come The Mummies. The eight-piece band bring their brand of ‘terrifying funk from beyond the grave’ through Colorado - and it got us thinking. What is life on the road like for a band full of 5,000 year-old Egyptian Mummies? Among other myths, some claim that Here Come The Mummies are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians, but manage to keep their identities with this project ‘under wraps.’ No matter who they are - they’ve promised to bring the mayhem, and melt faces in the process.

So, what’s life like on the road for a band full of reincarnated Egyptian Mummies? Mummy Cass & Midnight Mummy helped paint the picture.

How is ‘life’ on the road?

Mummy Cass: It’s like we’re crates of turnips in a refrigerator truck. Lots of being carted around, lots of being shaken up. Then, as turnips often do, we put on a massive funk-rock alien close-encounter every night.

Midnight: Rock out, veg out, rock out, veg out. Rinse and repeat.

How well do your coffins travel on tour?

Mummy Cass: Our original sarcophaguses stay put at The Crypt. They are super heavy. Anyway, we’ve got more plush accommodations now that we’re drawing breath again.

(With MTV’s ‘Cribs’ in mind) Take us through your tour bus.

Mummy Cass: Well, Spaz might be in the front lounge gulping down enough coffee to kill an alpaca, or at night, just enough beer to paralyze a chiwawa. The TV will be on HGTV and no one will change the channel for some reason. Midnight and Dr. Yo will are probably recording on their laptops. Highlander and The Pole will be staring at HGTV, eating “granola.” Back in the bunk area it will be frigid to the point you need a winter hat. HPOD will still be asleep at 5PM. He’ll eat breakfast after the show. Important “business meetings” will be happening in the back lounge, where HGTV will also be on for some reason.

Going back to 1500 BCE, average lifespan in Ancient Egypt was only age 34 for men and age 30 for women. How do you all keep thriving after all these years?

Mummy Cass: That might be the upside of being cursed to wander the Earth forever in search of the perfect riff, not growing old. Plus playing music every night is good for the soul. We were expecting flying cars by now, though.

Midnight: Cheap thermal suits, too. What’s up Modernity?

Tombs are typically dark, cold places. Is it a tough adjustment to be on stage in a hot, sweaty dance party environment with constant flashing lights?

Mummy Cass: Uh, yes it is. Sometimes, it feels like the lights are shining on the back of the inside of your skull.

Midnight: I feel like the lights are in my head, shining out.

Fairly common artist riders include things like La Croix, assortments of local beers, hummus and assorted chips and dips, after-show pizza’s and so much more. What are some of the items on the rider for a band full of mummies?

Mummy Cass: That, and peach cobbler, vanilla pudding, poached salmon, chicken cacciatore, veggie dogs, deli meat, tacos… Salad. Taco-salad. You name it. Sewing kits. Oil paintings from the renaissance. Relish.

Midnight: Fries, roasted potatoes, shish kabobs, baguettes, assorted mustards, Champagne, chocolate covered ants, rosé, port, amarone, chicken nuggets, White Castle. What isn’t on it? That’d be the shorter list.

What does an off day look like for the band?

Mummy Cass: Throwing all that stuff up.

Who are some of the bands you’re currently listening to, or bands that you hope to collaborate with, whether on tour or in studio?

Mummy Cass: Perpetual Groove, who will be out with us this Fall; Saxsquatch, Dopapod, Big Sam, Steven Lewis’ Big Band of Fun, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Galactic, lots more.. plus all the greats of the past who we influenced.

Midnight: that’s true.

Funksters Here Come The Mummies are live in concert at the Gothic Theatre Friday, September 8, 2023 as a part of their Harmonic Gravity Tour with special guests Perpetual Groove. Tickets and info are available at gothictheatre.com. Here Come The Mummies are made up of Mummy Cass (guitar, vocals), Eddie Mummy (drums, vocals), K.W. TuT (bass, vocals), Spaz (keys, vocals), The Pole! (bass), Midnight Mummy (bari & tenor sax, keys, percussion, talk box, vocals), Dr. Yo (sax, vocal, tambo), Highlander (tenor sax), “H-Pod” (High Priest of Death) (trumpet).

Taylor Swift Brings Her " The Eras Tour" To Denver

Taylor Swift performs in Denver during The Eras Tour (Photo: Robert Castro)

We had the pleasure of attending Taylor Swift's highly anticipated Eras Tour this weekend at Empower Field (night one of two) in Denver, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience. Swift's ability to transform her performances into a captivating visual and auditory journey is nothing short of remarkable.

As the lights dimmed and the display screen showed a countdown, the crowd erupted with deafening cheers. Swift emerged on stage in a blaze of light and energy, ready to take us all on a nostalgic trip through her most iconic eras.

The stage setup was an absolute work of art, flawlessly designed to reflect the essence of each era she would take us through. From dreamy forrest, to colorful clouds and more.

The concert kicked off with tracks from Swift's country-pop era, reminding us of her humble beginnings. From her heartfelt ballads to her lively anthems, she effortlessly transported us back in time. The crowd eagerly sang along to beloved hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong with Me," their energy filling the arena.

Theatrics abound as Taylor Swift belts out the hits. (Photo: Robert Castro)

Then came the transition into Swift's pop era, and the atmosphere shifted with the stunning visual effects and vibrant stage designs. The choreography was on point, and Swift's vocals were as impeccable as ever. She brought a fresh twist to her familiar tunes, leaving the audience in awe. Highlights of the pop era included electrifying performances of "Shake It Off," "Bad Blood," and "Blank Space." The energy was infectious, and it was impossible not to dance along.

But the true standout of the evening was Swift's latest era, marked by her fearless exploration of diverse musical styles. The stage transformed into a spectacle of colors and theatrical elements, bringing her hits like "Lover," "Cardigan," and "Willow" to life. The crowd was captivated by Swift's raw emotion and vulnerable performances. It felt as though we were witnessing an artist in her prime, confidently embracing her growth and evolution.

Throughout the concert, Taylor Swift didn't simply perform her songs; she told a story. She shared anecdotes about her journey, offering insight into the creative process behind her music. This personal touch created a deep connection between Swift and her audience, making the experience even more intimate.

In addition to the incredible visuals and flawless vocals, Swift's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the show, from the carefully chosen set. As the sequin dressed crowd exited the stadium, you could feel a buzz that continued with sing-a-longs as the masses exited into the night knowing they had got a chance to experience one of the best tours to ever come to Denver.

Words and Images: Robert Castro

The 2023 Underground Music Showcase Lineup Announcement

The lineup for this years Underground Music Showcase has arrived. The annual gathering of music is set to take place once again along South Broadway to the tune of some of the best local and national acts. Our favorite weekend of the year boasts headliners Jamila Woods, Emmit Fenn, Crumb and more. Tickets are available now by clicking link below.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Gorillaz Solidify Their Mark As The Best Visual Band In The World

Damon Albarn of Gorillaz (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

On the heels of a new album on the horizon, Damon Albarn and friends made a stop in Denver last week to a sold-out Ball Arena. The virtual band known as Gorillaz spanned their catalog of albums to play many familiar songs and a slew of newer material to keep everybody happy. From their initial debut in 1998 Albarn has mastered the art of collaboration often having guests perform on the albums. From the early days of “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.” to newer material featuring guests like Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and Thudercat, the albums always fill the spectrum of innovation and visual appeal. Flanked by a live band and an array of complimenting visuals the band gave fans an audible and visual experience that synced both elements in perfect unity. Albarn and company continue to be innovative musicians with a unique approach to blend genres across multiple levels. Hard to think that this band started off as virtual interpretations of themselves are now selling out arenas across the world with no end to stop anytime soon. Check out our photo gallery below.