First Listen: Whiskey Autumn-Monochrome Actress

March 18, 2019

Whiskey Autumn (Photo Credit: Sierra Voss)

Whiskey Autumn for the past couple of years has been flying under the radar in the Denver music scene and are finally garnering some much needed respect. On this track the band captures a much more dance friendly vibe playing to the strengths of Laut’s unique voice all while delivering production that will have us clapping in unison at their next performance which is on April 12th at Lost Lake.

Monochrome Actress” is the third single from Whiskey Autumn’s upcoming album, Modern Doubt. The first, “Birds That Flew,” premiered with 303 Magazine, followed by the premiere of “Let’s Go Sailing Instead” on CPR’s OpenAir. After a buzzworthy set at UMS 2018 and extensive touring throughout the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, Whiskey Autumn was named one of “13 Local Musicians to Watch Out For In 2019” by 303 Magazine.

Produced by band members Greg Laut and Jason Paton, “Monochrome Actress” is a dreamy electro pop tune which builds off the foundation of Whiskey Autumn’s previous EP, Ice Cream In The Sun. The song was mixed by Chris Scott (OptycNerd, Young The Giant) and mastered by Jim Wilson (David Byrne, Neko Case, The Yawpers). The track was written by frontman Greg Laut and features an old Hollywood film noir sample, dancey synth lines, jangly surf guitar, and falsetto vocals. The track juxtaposes classic Hollywood’s outward appearance of glitz and glamour with the grim realities of attempting to succeed within the entertainment industry.

Says Laut, “‘Monochrome Actress’ was written after watching a slew of classic films from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Movies have always been a great source of inspiration for me and it was fun to tap into an old Hollywood vibe for this song while meditating on the dark realities of showbiz.”

Synesthesia Presents: Whiskey Autumn Album Release Show at Lost Lake Lounge with The Milk Blossoms, OptycNerd, and a Motion Trap DJ Set

Friday April 12th, 2019

Doors - 8pm / Show - 9pm

Advance Tickets - $10

Day of Show Tickets - $15

Ticket Link - https://www.lost-lake.com/event/1837954-whiskey-autumn-album-release-denver/

SXSW Unplugged: Volume 3

March 18, 2019

Welcome to SXSW Unplugged, this is the third volume in this project and we had a chance to work with some amazing artist this year. This project started a couple years ago in Denver and has carried over to SXSW for the last few years. Our aim has always been to capture the artist in their intimate and casual setting. Thank you to Haelos, Madge, Cautious Clay, Japanese Breakfast, White Denim, Cuco, Taylor Janzen, Leikeli47, and of course Nardwuar.

HAELOS

Japanese Breakfast

White Denim

MADGE

LEIKELI47

TAYLOR JANZEN

CUCO

CAUTIOUS CLAY

NARDWUAR

New Headliners Announced For Westword Music Showcase!!! Tickets On Sale Now!

March 14, 2019

Westword Music Showcase presented by Breckenridge Brewery, is announcing two more co-headliners - CHVRCHES and Jai Wolf - joining previously announced co-headliners, JAUZ and Bishop Briggs! Plus announcing supporting National acts, The Knocks, Two Feet and The Wrecks - joining Crooked Colours, lovelytheband and Shaed.

This lineup is the biggest we've had in all of our 25 years of Music Showcase and we're letting *you* know first.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

About the Westword Music Showcase:

The Westword Music Showcase returns to the Golden Triangle on Saturday, June 29, 2019! For our 25th Westword Music Showcase, we’re cranking up the volume with national headliners JAUZ, Bishop Briggs, Crooked Colours, lovelytheband, SHAED + more to be announced, as well as more local bands than you can hear in a day, performing at venues throughout the neighborhood.

The Westword Music Showcase, the city’s largest single-day festival celebrating the music scene, will run from noon to 10 p.m. on June 29; tickets are on sale now! In honor of our 25th Westword Music Showcase celebrating local music in the Mile High, we’re selling the first 2,500 general admission tickets for just $25 each! A general admission ticket includes access to all participating venues, both outdoor stages and our merchandise village. The VIP experience includes access to all Showcase venues, a VIP entrance to the outdoor area, special viewing spaces by the two main stages, and a VIP lounge with VIP restrooms (VIP tickets are 21+ only).

Daughters, Gouge Away, and HIDE | The Gothic Theater | March 5, 2018

March 7, 2019

Photo Credit: Austin Voldseth

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

February 28, 2019

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.

“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

February 26, 2019

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