Daughters, Gouge Away, and HIDE | The Gothic Theater | March 5, 2018
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
“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.
Kiana Ledé Making A Splash In The R&B Scene
Kiana Ledé is R&B’s most relatable, youthful female artist. “I want people to feel like they are heard and understood. I want to make extreme versions of everything. If you’re going through a breakup, when you’re talking about an ex, it almost doesn’t feel like there’s a silver lining. It’s more like ‘this sucks. I don’t know what to do.’ You're in this sad, confusing state and sometimes you just want to feel a certain way. Sometimes you should just feel that way.”
If this is a lesson on being in your feelings, then Ledé’s 2018 EP “Selfless” is the handbook. “Take It All” is reminiscent of India Arie: guitar riffs, soulful and gospel like, it’s a tale of heartbreak and hurt. Then there’s dark and brooding “Wicked Games” a bop sure to make you wail every lyric at the top of your lungs. Breakout single “Ex” has been getting major play on the Denver airwaves. Lede describes her first time hearing it on the radio:
“I was freaking out. I didn’t know what to say or what to think. I didn’t believe it was happening.”
It’s no shock, Ledé’s career shows no signs of slowing down. Back in October she opened for pop star Jessie J. Now she’s teaming up with songstress Ella Mai for a national tour.
“The difference between this tour and the one with Jessie J is my mental state. I’m a lot more prepared for this tour. I know a little bit more about what I’m doing.”
Being honest and vulnerable with her fans takes top priority during her shows and in her craft. “I’m not a good liar. I’ll always be an open book,” Lede says when asked about what she wants fans to take away from her music. “This is all I can be.”
Ledé being her truest self, is what has made her the heartfelt storyteller she is now and it looks like she’ll continue in the same theme of love and relationships, mental health, and overcoming struggle. Her next move move is approaching quickly, a full length album set for release in late spring. “[Fans] can expect a little more selfishness. My life has shifted on focusing on my own shit and myself. I was going through another breakup, so they can expect a little more maturity.”
We’re ready for Kiana to not hold back. Prepare yourself for a performance as dynamic as her songwriting.
-Demi Harvey
First Listen and Interview With Plastic Daggers
We had a chance to listen to the new Plastic Daggers album and catch up with the band to discuss some of the work that went into their newest EP. The album comes at you fast and hard utilizing each of the duo’s strengths to capture the brilliant essence of pure rock and roll at its finest. Plastic Daggers are cementing their way as one of the pure rock and roll acts in Denver with this EP. The full EP drops tomorrow and the band is celebrating with a release show this Saturday at Lost Lake!
1. What was the main inspiration behind the new album?
We’ve all had those days that we felt like just we couldn’t deal. A shitty day at work, a difficult relationship, or just struggling to process the outrage we’re all feeling on a broader level, it’s easy to get sucked down into the mire and sometimes it feels like there’s no way out. “Stitches” EP is inspired by those days. The songs on this album definitely have a darker, at times even bleak, vibe and represent a moment in time for us while making this record. For us, this record was a way to fight our way out of that darkness; to explore those feelings of frustration and discontent in our music and serve as an outlet for that aggression. We’re stoked that it’s finally here and excited to share that same outlet with anyone that needs it!
2. How does the process of coming up with a new song happen?
Every song comes about in its own way. Sometimes Jordan will bang out some crazy beat and that will be the basis for the rhythmic hook of a song. Other times it’s a lyric or a riff that’s the catalyst. It’s different every time! The biggest challenge for us, like many bands or artists is knowing when to call a song or project finished. For us, the songs tend to evolve a bit each time we play them and being able to say, “Yeah that one’s finished,” and move on is never easy! The next time you hear these songs live, they’ll likely have evolved slightly from what’s on this EP, but that’s just the nature of it.
3. Your new EP Stitches is about to drop, what was the biggest difficulty or challenge in putting it out?
For this record, we wrote and recorded the songs ourselves in our garage over a 2 week period. We wanted to do as much as we could ourselves on this one. Tracking and mixing everything ourselves came with it’s own challenges. It was quite the learning experience but in the end so much more rewarding.
4. As a duo, do you take inspiration from other duos in the industry if so who?
When we moved to Denver in 2012 one of the first shows we went to was In The Whale at Hi-Dive. That was right after they came out with their “Cake” EP. The crazy live energy and huge sound they were able to make as a two-piece was hugely instrumental in us saying, “Hey, maybe we can do this thing too!”
5. What instruments do you each play?
Jordan plays the drums and Keaton plays the bass. We both yell into microphones.
6. How has Sailor Records helped you grow as a band, and do you recommend bands sign to a label?
Being a part of Sailor Records has been nothing but a great experience for us. We’ve gotten to play SXSW as an official artist, shared the stage with some incredibly talented bands, and made loads of lifelong friendships as a result of SR’s support. In the last few years, Sailor has really grown to become one of the best repositories for all kinds of heavy music in Denver. Muscle Beach, It’s Just Bugs, FATHERS, The Munsens, Abrams, Greenbeard, the list goes on and on... All the bands slay so hard and it’s beyond inspiring and humbling to share a label with them!
Plastic Daggers (Photo Credit: Scott Colby)
7. Finally what can Denver expect from you this record?
Raw, loud and aggressive. We focused less on the melodic elements and more on replicating the energy of our live shows. There’s a mix of straight forward, fast paced, punk stuff and more noisy bluesy riff based songs more reminiscent of our last EP. It’ll be available Fri. 2/22 everywhere you consume your tunes and you can pre-order the vinyl on our Bandcamp or pick one up at our release show on Sat. 2/23 at Lost Lake.
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.
Adiel Mitchell | JUNGLE EP Review
Adiel Mitchell emerging from the Jungle of Hobby Lobby. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Adiel Mitchell just released his newest EP titled Jungle and we have been vibin’ to it in the office for about a week now. The three song EP captures a different side of Mitchell than we are used to hearing yet he still maintains that unique sound we fell in love with from his previous EP About Last Night.
"Following About Last Night, I really wanted to create a small package of songs that I just wanted to party with," he said. "I felt like ALN was a real groovy project with deep lyrics but packaged with a signature pop vibe but I wanted to broaden those horizons and really follow where my inspirations and influences were taking me...Every song has its own story on how it came together and how it affects me. I purposely stepped out of my box to take some risks and see how truly free I could expose my artistry."
On this EP Mitchell is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone and prove the versatility he has in his arsenal as he rips through the three song EP with no abandonment. The lead song aptly sharing the same title as the EP “Jungle” , has Mitchell storm out the gate with a lyrical bombardment accompanied by a devastating drum beat that has us singing the chorus with ferocity (strange flex for us mild mannered music snobs), the song transitions into a slower soulful beat in which Mitchell demonstrates his expertise in being able to flip the switch at the drop of a dime. Easily our favorite track on the EP.
Jungle (photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The second single “Stuck on You” takes Mitchell back to his roots as he belts the chorus to what we can only imagine slow dancing with our significant partner in a rather sensual manner. Turn up the 808 on this one and sit back as you indulge in some of his finest work.
The last track “Ugh (There She Go)” is a classical take on a simple yet successful formula for what a radio hit should be. It has all the elements from an infectious beat, to a classic hook that we can repeat over and over. Mitchell continues to grow in front of our eyes and with this EP he proves that he has plenty of tools in his belt to succeed in the game. It’s time the world to take notice! Production credits on JUNGLE are provided by Levi Double U.